2012, October 8 - Pemberton to Manjimup

Trip Meter Reading Start –  7600

Trip Meter Reading Finish –  7720  (120 kms)

Accommodation
Camping on 3 acres at Ray Sutherland’s (Scotty’s accountant aka pilot) Ipsen Street, Manjimup (34 kms north of Pemberton)

Comments – Luke
Today we went to Pemberton and watched dad climb up the Glauster tree about 63 metres high it had 153 metal rods spiralling around and was used for watching out for fires.  After that we went to a cafe and had a hot chocolate and a muffin.  We then went to the Bicentennial tree which is another fire lookout but bigger and is 75 metres high.  After that we had a walk on a suspension bridge n ext to a waterfall.  We went for a walk in a Karri forrest and walked through a giant Karri tree after that we went to a winery then set up camp at our friend Scott’s friends house.

Comment – Mum and Dad
Millhouse Cafe - Early out of bed this morning, we missed the ranger to pay or camp fee for the night.  We followed the signs to Pemberton, some 10km south.  First stop was the Millhouse Cafe – what a great choice.  A quaint cottage in the main street which serves, tea, coffee and an array of cakes, breakfasts and lunches to die for.  This place is decked out old world charm and includes a beautiful fire place fitted out with leather lounges and dining tables for patrons to relax on.  We chose two serves of scones, jam and cream with coffees...OMG (for $20 it beats any Gloria Jeans).....The tourist office supplied us with the maps we needed of the area and suggestions of driving and walking routes to take that would best fill up our day.

Gloucester Tree - First port of call was the Gloucester tree, just 5 minutes from the main CBD.  You have to pay $11 to visit this area for the privilege of climbing the 65 metre high tree, which has 153 spiral rungs embedded in it.  A group of Asians went up first with ease; upon seeing this and information that Brother Bruce (my father) had climbed it back in 1978, was enough incentive for my man Mark to prove he was worthy as well (despite his dicky knee).  Up he went – good on him!!!!.  Luke, as brave as he wanted to be, didn’t take up the challenge, but as a parent, any small adolescents or kids under 14 could easily fall through the rungs – it wasn’t worth the risk.

Bi-Centennial Tree - We drove further south and then east into the Warren National Park to view the Bicentennnial tree which was 10 metres higher than the Gloucester tree – and folks this one is for free.  A bonus 25m platform is included to entice those who may want to experience a small climb. Not for the faint hearted, Mark took the challenge and made it to the very top....he was crapping himself (ok maybe not, but he did say he felt somewhat vulnerable and his knee was starting to ache)....well done Mark!!!!!

Beedelup Falls – A short drive north west we spent an hour walking through to the Beedeup falls and the Through tree.  The surrounding massive tall and thick girths of the trees felt like you were in Avatar or part of the Land of the Giants film production (or something like that); the flowers and waterways were stunning.  It’s places like these that make walking a truly pleasurable exercise.

It was 3.15pm and I was determined to make the 4pm deadline to the Lost Lake Winery to taste the sweetness of their Honey Merlot.  I saw a bottle on display at the tourist centre, and although, I am not much of a lover of red wine, the description was salivating and the recommendations of the staff ensured I would be in for something special.

So reminding Mark he needed to get a hurry along we drove north back toward Manjimup (back in the direction we had come from yesterday) to get a taste of the Honey Merlot......Sensational!  It was worth the effort.....I have found a lovely smooth red that I can enjoy...mmm.mmmm.

Now that it is 4 o’clock, I rang Mangimump Ray (who was totally not really expecting us today) who was more than happy to put us up at his place for a couple of days....Good on ya Ray!!!!