More animals

This is a shingleback lizard. They seem to be prolific here in WA.

A vert pretty llama.

And an not so pretty one.

A kokaburra.

Treetowers in the Southern Forest

This is a photo of Nikki attempting the climb the Bicentennial Tree with the firetower at the top, at 75 metres up. Needless to say, I did not get very far, unlike Andrew who climbed right to the top. Unfortunately only one of us could have the camera - him.

The view from the ground up. Between 1937 - 1952, 8 lookout trees formed a network of fire watch points through the Southern Forest.
The tree towers were built to provide a way for foresters to keep a lookout for fires in the forest.

The Bicentennial tree is not one of the original tree towers but was built especially for the tourists in 1988 as part of the celebrations to commemorate 200 years of European settlement in Australia. The tree was chosen for its great height at and commanding views of the countryside around (now grown over a lot).

The tower at the top is 75 metres from the ground. The first rest platform is 25 metres up. There are 130 climbing rungs.

This is the view from the top of the tower taken by Andrew of the forest canopy. I am down on the ground looking up.

Another view of me on the ground. In high winds, the top tower swings 1.5 metres ineach direction

From Margaret River to Pemberton WA

This is a view of an unknown vineyard just after leaving Margaret River. The view of the dam through the wildflowers is magical.

The waterhole at Drafty's campground in the Warren National Park where we spent a night.

Max and Priscilla on the forest road. Note the very tall karri trees. More on that later.

View of the Warren River through the karri trees. The lovely misty feeling is typical of this area.

Margaret River to Cape Leeuwin

Vasse Felix vineyard at Margaret River. Vasse Felix has always been one of my favourite of the more expensive wines. I finally made it here to see the vineyard for myself. It consists of beautifully laid out grounds with a sculpture garden and huge acres of vines. There is a restaurant that is only open for lunch but it offers a very reasonable two course for $45 and three course for $55 as well as a la carte. I had not realised Vassde Felix is owned by the Holmes a Court family.

I was not allowed lunch but we bought a dozen of the reds, so you win some and you lose some.

The karri forrest. It is very beautiful driving through it. Many streets in London were paved from karri and it was the basis of a large timber industry in the late 1880s. Not sure if karri is the same as the NZ kauri.

The view towards Cape Leeuwin. The lighthouse is at the far left corner. It was opened in 1896.

The first Dutch ship came to the southwest of Australia in March 1662 and rounded this cape. Cape Leeuwin was so named by Matthew Flinders in 1801 at the commencement of the circumnavigation of Terra Australis.

The cape where the Indian Ocean and the South Western Ocean meet.

Southwest of WA

Busselton viewed from the jetty.

Canal rocks south of Dunsborough.

Wildflowers on the rocks.

Quininup Falls with lilies in the foreground.

Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough is a very picturesque coastal town on the south-western tip of Geographe Bay. The wealthy of Perth have their beach houses there and I can understand why. The views are wonderful and the town is situated on the banks of the sea. Walking along the foreshore is heavenly first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or just anytime.

It is on the front step of Leeuwin Naturaliste NP which has lovely walking trails, beaches and views, whales, dolphins and seals.

We played bridge in Busselton and we were invited to spend the night on these people's driveway in Dunsborough, some 28 kms to the north but instead we camped on the vacant lot next to the house. They are renting but is up for sale for $2m.

The walk along the foreshore of Dunsborough. See what I mean by anytime being lovely?

Not something you often see. A guy was barbecuing periwinkles for his breakfast. He picks them off the rocks just behind the barbecue.

Travelling south from Perth, WA

Lane Pool NP just 1 1/2 hours drive from Perth. Lovely spot to camp, picninc and spend time.

Relaxing in my hammock once again idling away the time.

This is Rashid at Ray's Mens Hairdressing salon in Busselton where I obtained a marvellous short haircut for $20. The lady at the gallery had great hair and I asked her where she got it cut. Rashid is from Morocco and we exchanged memories of his lovely country while he cut my hair. I told him I would put him on the blog to advertise his expertise.

The result. I like it really short for travelling. After having it cut we played bridge. Now we are off to Dunsborough.

The drive from Bunbury to Busselton is very nice.