BLOG #4 FEB.MARCH

FEB.MARCH.11.
BLOG # 4
On our return from the East on 15th Feb. It was back to our rig at Wattle Grove. During our time away Perth experienced devastating bush fires. Wattle Grove was right in the middle of two fires and because we were in a very dense tree area, Don, the caretaker at the camp moved our rig away from trees, to be on the safe side. Of course we were worried due to the fact there was very strong winds and the fires were moving fast. A drop in the winds and change of direction was on our side.
After a few days we headed off to Freemantle, only 45mins. away, but a chance to see the coastal town south of Perth. They have a good free bus service in Freemantle which is great, as there was a boat show happening at the time and a bit difficult for parking we decided to use it. The buses come along every 10mins. I had a great feed of chilli mussels down at the boat harbour from a fresh seafood outlet. D’Arcy just loves his seafood chowder which was excellent. A visit to the Maritime Museum well worth it. Housing Australia 11, our America’s Cup winner in 1983. A stroll around the boat show gives you all sorts of perspectives and one we came across was a portable ocean swimming pool. Just drop it off the back of your boat and you can swim safely anywhere. Check out the photo.
22nd Feb. Departed early and stopped for breakfast at a rest area along the way. Approx. 200klms south at Donnybrook it was time for morning tea. A further 132klms and we arrived at our destination, Pemberton, where we stayed at the Pemberton Caravan Park for 3 nights. An unknown fact is that there are more wine grapes grown in the Pemberton area than the Margaret River wine region and apart from wine grapes, the area grows the most avocados in Australia. There are many very large Karri trees in the area. The Gloucester Tree has 153 rungs up to the viewing platform 60m above. Used in the early days for fire spotting it now is a good viewing spot across the region. To take a drive along the tourist trail was very beautiful country viewing. During our excursion came across some backpackers who were having a problem with their vehicle and asked for help, as per photo of D’Arcy helping out. They couldn’t thank him enough. Also experienced the tourist tram ride, with open windows, going through the Karri forests and over 7 railway bridges with commentary from the driver on the history of the rail line.
After experiencing really good roads in WA, it was a bit of shock to our next destination, Walpole, 128klms. The locals say it is the worst part in WA. A bit narrow and very bad shoulders. Rest Point Holiday Village situated at the junction of the Walpole & Nornalup Inlets and in the centre of the Walpole Nornalup National Park was our choice. With an 18hole golf course at the back door (although we don’t play golf yet) and scenic walks through the national park. A week was needed in Walpole. A visit to the Valley of the Giants was a must. Located 14klms from town the immense trees are not to be missed. The unique red Tingle trees found there can reach a height of 70mtrs, while their girths can attain a circumference of 20mtrs. at ground level. Hence the name “Giants”. The Tree Top Walk, where you are 40mtrs above the ground, gives you a different perspective of looking down on these giants, while the ground walk gives you a closer look at the grove of veteran Tingle trees, one you can actually walk through the hollowed out butt.
Another nice experience was meeting a lovely couple and their dog. We invited them over for a drink with us one evening although we did know a little about them. Carol & Glenn who are both deaf along with their dog, Ned, also deaf. Carol could not speak but did sign language (or wrote things down),with Glenn, who could lip read and related conversation to Carol. They had requested from the vet that if a dog came along that was deaf they wanted it, so they have had him 4 years from a pup. He is a blue healer and can also read their signs. He got excited when he thought he was going for a walk, through their signs. A beautiful experience. It is amazing how you can actually communicate when the need arises. Will keep in touch through email or sms.
Till next post........