old growth forests

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December 13th 2012

Published: December 13th 2012

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Periclees

Tingle Tree has a huge base

I did not realize that such huge trees grew in Australia! In southern
Western Australia there are major national parks dedicated to preserving
these giant old growth eucalyptus trees which grow to 70 or 80 meters tall
and can compare with the Californian Redwoods. We toured forests of
tingle trees, jarrah trees and the karri trees. We walked on the Tree
Top Walk in Denmark which is an engineering marvel which takes us 40
meters high in the canopy of the tingle tree forest. We really felt one
with the birds up there!! It was very cool. Driving along these tree
lined roads brings that distinctive, peppery smell. Certainly one of the highlights of visiting this area was a visit to one of many furniture and art galleries. Jarrah wood is heavy and red, somewhat like mahogany. Tables made of this lovely wood are made to last 500 years. Anyone in the market for a family heirloom?
In Walpole we took the WOW eco boat
tour on the Nornalup Inlet. The guide, Gary Muir, is an enthusiastic
environmentalists who loves his town and his entire planet. He provided
good, informative entertainment for the whole 2 1/2 tour.
In Manjimup

Glouchester tree is a Karri tree

The rungs are there because there ia a forest fire look out cabin at the top. It is now a tourist attraction and forest fires are spotted by spotter airplanes.

we stayed with friends
again (Teachers exchangees from 1984). What a beautiful area with
rolling vineyards, green pastures and fruit tree orchards. I saw a
pomegranate tree (orchard) for the first time. The Pink Lady variety of
apple was bred and developed in the Manjimup Research station. The roses
that grow here would delight my rose growing cousin, Brad.

The birds continue to delight us!
We drove through the Margaret River
winery area and tasted wine...of course. The coast line just beyond
there is dramatic with the miles of white sand and huge surf. Many parts
of the area have converted their old railway lines to biking trails. We
always enjoy getting the bikes out and exploring that way.
Did I mention flies??? the sticky,
Australian variety? They are unbelievably annoying and cloying. YUK!!
A canadian fly would never land on a moving person. But these little
fellows don't mind a flicking head or a brush of the hand. They crawl
on the face, into your nose, get stuck under your glasses and need to be
physically pick off and thrown away! I know you re thinking that I am
exaggerating BUT I am not! We both

tree top walk

have those nets that we can wear
over our whole heads and I wear mine most days. Even Australians say
"yes, I should get one of those things." I can't imagine not having 3
or 4 in every pocket. Well, that is my rant for today. 😊 But we are
enjoying all else Australian. Our ambulance (Annie the ambo...as she
is called down here. Ozzies have a way of shortening every thing!) is doing us very well. Most days Angus does a little improvement to make her more "homey" or more energy efficient. All is good.
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