2012 Around Australia: Day 107 30th May 2012

Day 107 Wednesday 30^th May 2012.

Casually got up this morning after Vania and I played a few games of compulsory Sudoku. Headed out around 9.30AM. Went to local attractions near campsite (i.e. approx... 40-50k’s from campsite). Greens pool, Elephant Rock and Mad Fish Bay. We borrowed some snorkel gear from Vania’s brother Lester but unfortunately we did not have it with us. Greens pool would have been absolutely fantastic to do some snorkelling. Mind you it would have been a bit cold.

Hawk eyes (Vania) spotted a pod of whales about 200-300 metres offshore in Mad Fish Bay. I reckon there were at least 3. We spent about 30-40 minutes in awe. Vania was like a little kid. It was lovely to see her relax and enjoy the simple things in life. After this we visited a honey winery and a toffee place and let the proprietors know we spotted whales. They were extremely excited as they could then tell all their customers.

Headed off to the tree top walk and the Valley of the Giants. This part of WA has Karri, Tingle and Jarrah tree forests. These magnificent trees grow to about 60-80 metres tall and are up to 400 years old. I managed to get 2 “senior” concession tickets for the tree top walk. I suggested to Vania that she look like a senior. Well once we started walking the steel structure she certainly looked the part. The tree top walk reached a height of 40 metres. You could feel the structure moving under your feet and I must admit it was a bit “spooky”. The “Otway Fly” in the Otway Ranges was higher, longer and more spectacular.

Before we headed back to our campsite we visited “Circular Pools”. This was a series of rocks with fresh water flowing into 2 deep ponds. Headed back to campsite. Vania had a “coolish” shower in the campground and I was preparing to BBQ some meat for tea. After 107 days I’m starting to not burn Vania’s meat. Vania likes it rare-medium whilst I like it medium-well done.

Vania and I need to sit down tonight and work out what we are going to do in terms of going further east to Esperance and the Arid Dry National Park or start heading north. We are meeting Vania’s brother Lester and sister in law Annie in Busselton on Friday. Staying in Busselton with them for 3-4 days in a chalet to celebrate Lester’s 50^th birthday.

Greens Pool. Great spot to do some snorkling.

Greens Pool, again

This is closer to "Elephant Rock"

Reflecting before moving inbetween 2 huge rocks that are only 3 feet apart.

View from "Elephant Rocks".

Another view from "E;ephant Rocks".

Vicious dog at toffee shop! Just about "licked" us to death!

This structure is 600 metres long and the maximum height is 40 metres. One person died whilst construting the structure in 1969.

One of the many large "Tingle" trees - Grandma Tingle

Many of the "tingle" trees have "burnt" out basis and yet they are still alive. The leaves get their nurishment from a thin layer just under the bark.