4 Stray Katz: Vistas, Vines and Vertical Climbs.

The next part of our travels with the Crellin family was spent at some of the most picturesque places in SW WA, the Southern Forests and the wineries and beaches of the Margaret River region.

On the way from Parry's Beach we stopped off at the Giant Tingle Tree whilst Dave, Bec and kids enjoyed the views on the Valley of the Giants tree top walk (which we had done a few months ago). The Giant Tingle Tree has a girth of 24 metres and is the largest living eucalypt in the world. It was very impressive.

Once we reached Manjimup, and Fonty's Pool caravan park, we headed straight for the inviting waters of the pool, which was originally a farming dam that was created into a public pool in 1925 by the ingenious owner of the land, Archi Fontanini. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the hazy sky (from faming burn offs) really brought out the vivid colours of the autumn leaves. The next day the weather had certainly changed and the warmth of the previous day was just a memory. Thankfully the rain held off long enough to allow Dave and Bec to climb Diamond Tree. After succumbing to temptation at the Fine Woodcraft Gallery in Pemberton (where both families got magnificent chopping boards) we checked out Gloucester Tree. In between the drizzle and the steady stream of tourists Dave, Daniel and I climbed to the top whilst Bec and the kids watched the brightly coloured lorikeets. We didn't stay long at the top as we could clearly see more storm clouds approaching. After enjoying a huge play at the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park we headed home for a hot shower, a delicious pasta dinner and damper on the campfire. We certainly made the most of our day and half in the area.

The next day we managed to fit in even more:

- pack up and drive to Margaret River Region

- a visit to the Margaret River Dairy Company (the smoked cheddar was INCREDIBLE)

- a look at the Margaret River Providore where Bec and I tasted some mind blowing chocolate liqueur (and promptly bought a bottle each)

- lunch at Cheeky Monkeys Brewery, indulging in huge pork ribs and beer whilst the kids went wild in the playground

- a stop at the beautiful Laurence Winery. The building was so impressive and the wine equally so. Bec and I tasted the range whilst the kids enjoyed the playground and the boys admired the gorgeous lawns and gardens. We all had to visit the incredible bathrooms, each individual bathroom was bigger than our van, with artwork, music, wood panels and cabinets. Emilia said she felt like a princess going to the toilet there!

- when we finally arrived at Yallingup we were did a quick set up then headed into Busselton Jetty. Whilst the boys fished for squid we all watches the sun setting over the ocean. It was freezing so we left the boys on the windy jetty and headed back to the foreshore. We were lucky enough to meet some tourists with a drone camera who showed the kids how it worked. They were very impressed.

- we all collapsed into bed that night, exhausted but happy after a great day.

Over the next few days at Yallingup we:

- enjoyed the great adventure playground on the foreshore.

- celebrated Emilia's 5th birthday (another blog post coming)

- swam and built sand castles on the beach.

- ate delicious crayfish that Dave and Daniel caught.

- watched the colourful sunset from the grassy foreshore

- enjoyed a few beers at the great pub whilst the kids made the most of the surrounding gardens.

On Friday morning we said a sad goodbye to Dave, Bec, Xavier and Madi. We have had a wonderful 2.5 weeks with them. We spent another 2 nights at Yallingup getting prepared for a stint in the remote Steep Point (the most westerly place in mainland Aus). We left this morning for a big day driving to get us about halfway there.

The Giant Tingle Tree on the way

Inside the Giant Tingle Tree.

Farmer burn offs created a smoke haze that gave the sky a very eerie look.

Fonty's Pool and the sun behind the smoke haze.

Enjoying a float in Fonty's Pool.

Daniel threw Bec on a tyre and pushed her out into the middle - she used her thongs to paddle back and managed to stay dry.

Enjoying the great Timber and Heritage Park in Manjimup.

Relaxing in one of the beautiful trees of the Southern Forests.

Dave and Bec climbing Diamond Tree.

On the top of Gloucester Tree - there was a break in the drizzle (and the tourists) so we hightailed it up. I was still catching my breath for this photo.