Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Monday, October 4, 2021
Friday, October 1, 2021
Monday, September 20, 2021
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Big Brook Dam at Pemberton
Built in 1986 to supplement the Pemberton town and Trout Hatchery water supply, the Big Brook Dam has a sealed 4km walk trail called Big Brook Dam Walk Track that follows the shores of the dam and Lucy was allowed too. We wandered the trail, enjoying the Karri forest and Warren Cyprus Trees. Met a couple of fishermen who had caught ... zilch
The birds were amazingly loud ... Nature at its best.
Honey, Honey? A Visit to Pemberton Honey
How lucky were we? We went out to Pemberton Honey and met Mikey who gave us the full run-down of honey making and the magic of bees. What a passionate person ... and incredibly knowledgable. We bought totally delicious Marri Honey - I can hardly stop tasting it!
I would absolutely recommend a visit.
Marri Honey - also known as Red Gum honey
Where the magic happens
Mikey shows me how the honey is extracted.
Hive Explanation by Mikey
Mikey's other role in life revolves around sustainability. The above photo shows the forest coverage of this area in 1829. Below you can see how much deforestation has occurred. In less than 200 years.
Back on the Road. Pemberton and Karris
Finally back on the road after a long and lovely stay in Busselton. Immediately fell in love with the Karri forests around Pemberton. I could live here ... even though it is raining and cold.
Sunday, September 12, 2021
A Tour of Jewel Cave
Entering Jewel Cave is a magical experience; a dazzling visual display of some of nature's finest and most meticulous work.
Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia; comprising three massive chambers. It is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia.
I went on a fully guided one-hour tour which showcased the breathtaking magnitude of the Cave system. We learned about towering crystal creations that have taken thousands of years to form, and intricate decorations stretching and suspended across the ceiling, like vines and dancing cobwebs.
I loved seeing the tap roots of a Karri Tree extending into the cave. (and the reason the cave was first discovered)
In the shop at the entrance there is a skeleton of a Thylacene which was found in the cave.
Given that I am a bit claustrophobic, I was proud to have gone quite deep into the earth. My favourite bit (NOT)... was when the tour guide turned all the lights out. It was total. TOTAL darkness.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse sits at the tip of a Peninsula where the Southern and Indian oceans meet. It is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia (as my knees will confirm). The climb to the viewing deck is 176 steps. I was lucky to experience the tour before the Lighthouse closes for restoration.
The light guards one of the busiest sea traffic routes on the Australian coast. In the days when most Australian-bound ships travelled via the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin was often the first Australian landfall.
To the Right: The Indian Ocean
To the Left: The Southern Ocean
Friday, September 10, 2021
Busselton. Rest and Restoration and a bit of Touristing
We spent 3 weeks in Busselton... partly because it was so restful and partly because both Sticky and I needed skin treatment for skin cancers so there was a bit of to and fro back to Perth for biopsies then choppsies then removal of stitches. Busselton provided the perfect spot for recuperation after each session...
We stopped at Castle Bay where the kids learn to surf. Loved this solitary statue.
Delicious Ice Creamery at Millers Ice Creamery at Cowaramup. They make it fresh and it tastes divine!
Our fearless visitors at the Caravan Park
Walking along the beach... Delightful weather
The Underwater Observatory - 8 meters under at Busselton Jetty. Well worth a visit.
The 1.8 km long Busselton Jetty.