Blog 27 - 27th November to 3rd December 2013

Wednesday 27th November - rather than move on today, we decided to stay in Northam another day and take some time to have a look around town, and also to explore some of the nearby towns as well. So we drove into town and followed the heritage trail, stopping to look at each of the old buildings that were up to 150 years old - some magnificent places, and some could be turned into amazing homes. Then parked in the centre of town and went for a walk along the main street, stopping for a coffee. The next stop for the day was to the small town of Toodyay 27kms away. Again, lots of historic old buildings, but also a Coca Cola cafe where we had lunch and looked at all of the collection of Coke items - a massive display. From here we drove back to Northam via Irishtown and Dumbarton - just liked the names. Stopped into the shops to get some dinner things, and then Di did a new painting using pastels of a rosella. Had dinner with our neighbours in the camp kitchen.

Thursday - whilst I was packing the last few things into the Triton to move out, Di went for a walk around the caravan park to see all the birds - they have heaps of small aviaries and bird cages, with lots of different parrots etc. Once back in the car, we drove south to York - a lovely little town with more old buildings.

 

Did another walk along the main street, and then did a tour of the courthouse and jail cells which are heritage listed. Just down the road was the motor museum, where we also did a tour, seeing lots of awesome old cars.

Lunch in a cafe, and then drove further south to Beverley, where we found an art gallery in the disused railway station.

Talked to the resident artist for a fair while, and she showed us around. Then set up camp in the caravan park for the night. I went and joined the other campers for drinks late into the night.

Friday - from Beverley we continue until Brookton, which was so small we just continued through. The next town was Pingelly, where we stopped to stretch the legs and have a coffee. Then drove into Dryandra Woodland Recreation area, where we followed a track through the bush, and at points stopped and tuned in the radio to 100.0FM to listen to the history of the area. Then stopped at Congelin Dam for lunch, and was thinking of staying here the night, but the wind was blowing, and the rain started, so we continued to Narrogin. Had another walk around town, another coffee, and then went into an art gallery for a look. Stayed at the council caravan park for $10 unpowered, and cooked a roast dinner in the camp kitchen in the electric frypan - yummo.

Saturday - had lots of wind and rain overnight, but by morning it was a bit clearer. First stop was just across the road to Foxes Lair walking trails, where we went for a short walk around the breakaway. Then continued south again, through Highbury and Piesseville (like the name AND got photos of the sign) and then Wagin, before stopping at Katanning where we stopped for a walk and coffee. Had a quick look around, but then drove through to Cranbrook, stopping on the way beside the pink lake - caused by the carotene in the water.

Had lunch in town, and then decided to stay the night, where we took shelter in the camp kitchen again out of the wind.

Sunday - drove towards Mt Barker, where we had a quick drive through, stopped for fuel, and then headed west towards Manjimup. On the way we stopped in at Lake Muir, where there was a lookout point and bird watching area - only problem was that there was no water, but the photos still looked good.

Stopped in at the Diamond Tree Lookout, where a massive karri tree was used as a fire spotting facility, with a hut built on top. The only way to get up there was to climb a spiral staircase built of spikes coming from the trunk - a rather daunting task.

I got a bit over half way before my dislike of heights got the better of me - the view from the top is supposed to be really nice. Had lunch in Manjimup, and then drove 25kms out of town to a free camping spot called Greens Island. Before camp, we stopped in at the 4 Aces,

Glenoran Pool,

and One Tree Bridge for a look around. Got to camp to find a beautiful grassed spot surrounded by really tall trees, and individual camp sites each with tables/chairs and a firepit.

Collected some wood and got the fire going, as it was going to be another cold night.

Monday - left camp and drove back into Manjimup to see if our fridge could be fixed - it had stopped working on both 12V and 240V so was a bit of a problem. Walked around town while they were trying to find an answer. Back to check on progress, and they will need to order a part from Perth - will be here in the morning. We drive out to Fontys Pool for a look, before back to town for lunch in the park, and then to Timber Town. Nice park with lots of logging info and equipment, and also a great kids playground.

Looked around the old buildings, and then drove back out of town to Greens Island again to spend the night.

Tuesday - drove back into town to pickup the fridge - you can guess the rest - parts were not delivered, so not fixed. Decided to get it fixed in another town closer to Perth, so packed it back in the trailer and took off towards Wakely, and then on to Nannup via some dirt tracks and Willow Springs. Had a walk around town and a coffee, looking at all of the flowers. Then drove to Bridgetown, where we went to the info centre where we went through the jigsaw museum,

had some lunch down by the bridge,

and then made some calls to try to get the fridge fixed - lots of calls, but no joy. Decided to go back to Manjimup to hopefully get it fixed. Before we left, we went out to the Cidery for a tasting, and bought a 6-pack. Then a short walk through town, before back on the road to return to Manjimup where we stayed in town - showers were needed after several days. Spoke to Gina who was in the next town, so might try to catch up tomorrow.

A few more days before we finally arrive in Perth to pick up Emanuel and then drive north to explore the Pinnacles.

More soon.

Di and Hammo