Australia here we come!

21/8/12

We packed up in light rain this morning and the ducks came to give us a hand. We left Bridgetown and drove to Manjimup with rain following us all the way. We stopped at the Visitor Information Centre. Then we drove to the King Jarrah tree which is over 600 years old. Then it was back to town and the girls did some shopping and we had lunch in the vans as it was raining again. We left Manjimup and drove to Pemberton. Guess where we stopped first? Correct, and from there we went to the Pemberton Caravan Park and booked in. It was windy, cold and raining as we set up. When the work was completed we all took shelter in our caravans and did not emerge until morning.

22/8/12

It was cool this morning but it was not raining. We drove to the Gloucester Tree which is a huge Karri tree that was used as a bush fire observation tower. The tree is still alive but the top was cut off in 1947 by a fearless chap who climbed the tree with spikes. He selected a spot some 200 foot up the tree and proceeded to lop the top off with an axe. Then a platform was built up the top of the tree somehow and mad people would climb up and sit on the platform for hours on end looking for signs of a bush fire. After climbing the Gloucester Tree we drove back into town and had breakfast at the bakery. Then it was time to board the Pemberton Tramway tram for a ride through Karri and Marri forests while the driver Adam gave a running commentary about the interesting history of Pemberton and the different plants, animals and fish found in the area. The tram ride was very enjoyable and after it we went back to the caravan park for lunch. Then we drove to the Bi-Centennial Tree in the Warren National Park. Just like the Gloucester Tree, this one had the top cut off and a platform was built for fire observation. It is not as tall as the Gloucester tree but has three platforms at different heights. We climbed this one too. Then we drove to Beedelup National Park and saw the Beedelup Falls and walked along the suspension bridge. We then had a lovely drive through the forrest on some wonderful fire trails before eventually finding the bitumen road back to town.