From Tall Tree Country to No Tree Country

D&T&Max on Busselton beach
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We've spent the past coupledays in Tall Tree Country, the far southwest of WA, amongst beautiful Karri forests and the equally stimulating Tingle Trees.  We did a tram ride in Pemberton, where we learned all about the forest management practices of burning back the undergrowth so the smoke can germinate the seeds of the Karri trees.  Also saw some gorgeous furniture at a woodworking shop, but don't have quite $4000 to spare for a dining table!  On tram tour, it was explained to us that the Pemberton sawmill was started primarily to make railroad ties (or sleepers as they are called here), and that the railroad was primarily built to haul timber to the sawmill.  Hmmm... sounds a bit dodgy to me...

Max in the mirror
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The wildflowers are everywhere and quite extravagant.  Orchids are a dime a dozen, and sometimes you get whole ditches full of Calla Lillies!  We've lots of pictures, don't worry but no time to upload today.

Attractions like this were all closed in North America long ago due to lawsuits

Both T&D (not Max) alternately climbed the Bicentennial Tree in Pemby.  Imagine a very large Karri tree with rebar 'rungs' sticking out of the trunk in spirals up 200 feet or so to some platforms at the top where you can view the treetops around for 40km or so.  We both neraly peed ourselves from fear during the climbs, but we did it!  Attractions like this were all closed in North America long ago due to lawsuits, I'm sure!

Evil lizard king
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Today, it's a 400km drive down to Esperance, and then about the same tomorrow up to Kalgoorlie where we have our friends Carena and Craig to stay with.  Yay, a non-motel!  We've actually stayed in some pretty nice places so far, but we're definitely looking forward to staying with friends!

Cheerio,

D&T&m