Adelaide to Perth Part 2: The South West

Mon 21st: Sunrise now unfortunately is about 5am but I pretend I'm still on SA time and make it out to see the sunrise above the sea. Totally worth it, especially with the kangaroo again. Later we walk the other way along the coast today from Hellfire bay via thistle bay back. It's stunning again with views out to the Recherche Archipelago. After a hot walk we're ready for the awesome swim.

 

By late afternoon the clouds are rolling in a bit and some of us head up Frenchmans Peak- a steep gradient up a rocky face but dry underfoot and easy by my English standards.

Tues 22nd: A last sunrise at the beach then driving back to Esperance and from there towards Albany which took most of the day. Late afternoon finds us in the Stirling ranges climbing a small mountain called Mt Hassell a lovely walk with great views.



The Firetree climb

Wed 23rd: We have a walk first thing at Castle rock in the Porongurup ranges, there's a granite outlook with a few handholds and then essentially a ladder to get up to the very top. Not the sort of thing you'd find unpoliced in the Uk. Next a visit to some rock formations The Gap and Natural Bridge near Frenchman's bay. Passing up the chance to fall onto the pounding surf which lashes the rocks we head on to the Tree Top walk near Walpole. Several suspension bridges amongst the tall Kauri and Tingle trees- serving to give an aerial appreciation of their height and protect their shallow roots from tramping feet. Beautiful but nerve wracking continues as the theme of the day as we isit one of the remaining fire look out trees; the Diamond tree near Pemberton. It's possible to climb the 50-odd metres to a platform in the crown of this solid old tree by way of the spikes spirally around the trunk. A hairy climb!

Thurs 24th: Today we head for the gastronomical delights of Margaret river and travel around a few wineries, cheese and chocolate shops and a brewery. Our last night sees us camping in Rapids conservation park next to a freshwater lake making for a wonderfully refreshing swim.

Fri 25th: Our last day and we spend the morning at Yallingup. Josh, an excellent aboriginal guide (half aboriginal, half of european descent) tells us much about the culture of his people, demonstrates how to make fire with a fire stick (!) and takes us down into the caves for a memoral didgeridoo rendition in a large cavern with natural acoustics. Lunch at Meelup Beach and then back to the urban chaos as we enter Perth.

Sat26th/Sun 27th: Laundry and a good scrub is needed. On the days we had showers water was limited so it's bliss to get properly clean. I spend a quiet day on Saturday and in the evening catch up with some of the group to watch the Australia day fireworks over the river in Perth. A great finale.

On Sunday it's time to leave this country which has been home for the last 1 year. A place of vast spaces, incredible and varied scenery, dangerous creatures, good times. Nostalgia in this case really is seeped in sunlight. With all my limbs thankfully intact and just a head full of memories and a tan as souvenirs I bid farewell.