Sat 21 Sept To the elevated walkway in the Valley of the Giants. Eucalyptus Jacksonii, called Tingles, presumed to be after mis-hearing the noongar word for "red." They've been around since the dinosaurs and are now confined to this 600 hectare area, which has over a metre of rainfall, sandy soil, and moderate seasons. They have shallow roots, so need a buttress, and end up very wide. When fires come through the outside bark and the centre of the Tingles burns b...

Thurs 12 Sept Out to Gracetown Beach - the rain had stopped by the time we got there. Site of a cliff collapse where 9 parents and children were crushed while watching a surfing competition between the 2 local primary schools. Gracie's General was the only store. Very surfy and modern tastes. Girl in the process of painting a surf mural. She was supposed to be a "good little surfer" herself. Great range of home-made pies plus GF slices. Wine-tasting at Felix Va...

Next Thurs 12 Sept Out to Gracetown Beach - the rain had stopped by the time we got there. Site of a cliff collapse where 9 parents and children were crushed while watching a surfing competition between the 2 local primary schools. Gracie's General was the only store. Very surfy and modern tastes. Girl in the process of painting a surf mural. She was supposed to be a "good little surfer" herself. Great range of home-made pies plus GF slices. Wine-tasting at Fe...

Mon 9 Sept Did a circuit out to Canal Rocks and Yallingup. That area gets good swells and there were reasonable numbers of surfers out. A lot of big vineyards out that way, still part of the Margaret River wine region. Had a drink for Ken. Tues 8 Sept Moving Day. Morning Tea at Cowanarup. Couldn't find the hidden calf signs on the cow markings. Where's Molly? Checked into Marg. Only have 10 van parks, and 4 of them are ensuite, so our 1st experience of e...

Sat 7 Sept Beach constitutional, Busselton, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, shown around by Aaron, a local Cape Nat lad with almost facial hair. There were only 2 of us. There were multiple whales sounding and splashing off the Cape. Right, Humpback and one monstrous splashing way out the back that could have been a Blue. Aaron talked us into doing the Sugarloaf while we were out this far, and it was well worthwhile. Though we didn't see any red-tailed whatsits, w...