Western Australia Week 7 Part 2

Pemberton
November 4th 2009
Wednesday - Day 45

We took today fairly casually and didn’t push the go button much. Admittedly I took a walk up through the town around 8ish to the lane behind the Fine Furniture Gallery where I spotted a red eared finch last time. Unfortunately it wasn’t about but the walk was a good heart starter.
Near the van there is a bridge that leads through a school camp and into a hill. I tried it mid morning and as luck would have it I stumbled onto some more red winged wrens on my return. This time they sat still in the open, allowing for a better exposure.

After a light lunch we visited the fine furniture gallery and had a coffee at the café there. The owners stopped to talk about photography on seeing my camera and lens and told us that they are about to sell up and start a photographic studio. We talked about processing photos on canvas and things. I hope they do well and that there is a future in it for them.

We drove to Big Brook Dam but came across the kids from the camp learning to raft. A frustrated teacher was chastising them about the need to stay in the canoes. “I‘ve already got two in the water to save! I can’t handle four or five as well!!” He was losing it big time, his voice drifting across the lake towards us as we left.

A red eared finch appeared on cue, just as I returned from another late afternoon stroll. By the time I collected my camera it was gone. It was a definite sighting however, bird number 150 for the trip and fittingly a sought after sighting.

Glenda made some banana chocolate chip muffins which she shared with a couple nearby (without Cain and Ryan around she had to share them with someone).

At 6 p.m. I took the training at the Pemberton Goju Ryu Karate Club which trains in the sports centre next to the caravan park. Two brown belts normally run the class which had a number of juniors. We covered the Okinawan warm up and some simple tuite (old style or koryu) techniques before looking at their Kata. I did an Iaido demonstration which they hadn’t seen. They were very appreciative and I think they enjoyed something new to their normal training.

At 8.30 p.m. we tuned to SBS to watch a documentary on “The Samurai”, a Japanese children’s series run in the 1960s. This program influenced me tremendously as a child and got me into martial arts. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane but to listen to those interviewed who were also there put some new perspectives on it for me.
Bird sightings: Red eared finch, 150 birds 5 new birds

Pemberton
November 5th 2009
Thursday - Day 46

The Karri Forest Explorer was a self conducted drive around the district taking in sites of significance as well as the growing wine estates. The day was muggy and reached about 26 degrees. Glenda packed some sandwiches for lunch to have somewhere on the way.

Beedleup Falls

A radio broadcast could be tuned into along the way and it told of the struggle to save the forest from logging in the 1970s. We stopped at various spots and took lots of shots to try and capture the feeling of these huge trees.
The three tree species grow together but in some parts one species might dominate. At various times in history one would be in flavour or suddenly fall from grace and the others were felled.
Glenda took photos of typical examples of each species albeit the leaf and fruit should be considered 1) Jarrah, 2) Marri, 3) Karri

The roads were mainly unsealed and we descended down Heart Break Trail to the river for lunch at Warren Campsite.
Inevitably our drive brought us to the Bicentennial Tree, a fire watch platform attached to the top of a 60 meter karri tree. We were here five years ago and today was to give closure to something that happened back then.

In Search of Noel
To set the scene for today’s adventure the following extract from our 2004 diary needs to be read:
“Week 12–Wednesday, 15th September 2004
Pemberton.

……… The drive took us into more thick karri trees with the “Bicentennial Tree” the main attraction. It was, unfortunately another “must climb” job, so an Irishman and I headed up to the applause of our two partners.
Like at the Gloucester Tree, I immediately felt my fear and a touch of vertigo after a short distance so the climb was not pleasant. Fortunately the Irish lad was also suffering but neither of us was going to admit defeat. This was a great example of misplaced National pride.
This tree was about 10 meters taller (than the Glouster Tree) and had a few platforms at varying heights. It was a much more challenging climb, particularly when my Irish climbing mate pointed out how thin the trunk was becoming after 50 plus meters. “Reassuring observation, mate!”
I got him back though, for I pointed out to him when we were secure on the top platform that he needn’t be concerned about the trunk as it had disappeared and it was below us and that we were somehow attached to the very top of the tree. We could feel the tree swaying. We both sank to the floor in unison; synchronised swimmers couldn’t have done it better! A mutual agreement that a long stay up there wasn’t a necessity was spontaneously reached.
I left the Irishman sitting on the floor at the top and headed down. On landing his spouse looked at me puzzled and asked in a beautiful Irish brogue; “Where’s Noel?”
She turned her head skyward and bellowed “Noel! When are you coming down?”
A pensive reply fluttered down, “I’ll…I’ll be down directly…” As we drove away he was still up there.”

Today’s climb was no different, my physical fear of heights making the climb the challenge, not the exertion itself. A Welshman climbed in front of me to the first platform which was about 20 meters up. He was satisfied with that but I pushed on. The last 15 meters is basically a tower that has been built on the tree top, the trunk becoming narrower until the top limbs end below one of the four platforms within the tower. There is a noticeable sway as you get higher and climbers are warned not to attempt the ascent if it is at all windy or they have self doubts.
I reached the top and took some quick shots before heading back down. My mission was complete; Noel was not still up there.

We visited the cascades which were a series of small drops on a peaceful brook before heading back to the van. I was tired and Glenda had booked in to get a trim at the local hairdresser. She came back surprised that it cost $40 for the trim compared to $20 back home. Not bad for 20 minutes work.

An older guy next door stopped by for a beer and a chat and had us both laughing. Then a young bloke from Geelong ventured by and talked about his trip around the block. He’d been made redundant by Ford and was making the most of his redundancy package. Both had good yarns to tell.

Pemberton – Windy Harbour
November 6th 2009
Friday - Day 47
We had no firm destination other than to explore the national parks to the south. A farewell to our neighbours who had booked for 13 nights at Pemberton and we moved on.

Northcliffe had an information centre and I chatted to a guy who I was told printed photos onto canvas. His name was Graeme and he showed me his production room next to the info centre. All in all his work was quite impressive and reasonably priced. All I required was a suitable photo.

Eventually we decided to give Windy Harbour a go and drove the 27 kms from Northcliffe just before midday. Fortunately there was hardly a breeze but the trees are a tell tale sign that strong south westerlies are common. The harbour is more a bay with very soft sand. There are no freehold places; all the little “shanties” are leased. Flies were an immediate problem so heavy use of Aerogard was needed.

There was no one around when we pulled up so we set ourselves up in the first of ten powered sites. Because the power is drawn from solar batteries we cannot have any heating elements on or the power fails. We found this out the hard way before a fill-in caretaker dropped by for a yarn. He was called out several times during the afternoon to use his grader to pull cars and boat trailers through the sand and off the beach.

We drove through the D’Entrecasteaux National Park and took in some beautiful spots including Point D’Entrecasteaux. The views were great as were the physical features carved out of the limestone by the wind and rain.

Late afternoon I ventured to the beach and caught a small flock of waders. Initially I recognised two out of the three species present. With migrating waders it is always difficult as they don’t have their distinctive breeding plumage and tend to have the same drab colouring. My photos showed a few larger ones with black legs that had no hind toes. They were therefore sanderlings, a first sighting for me. The bird and I were both dancing!

Just before dusk I drove to Sunset Lookout but the angle of the sun and the clouds were not conducive to any sort of photo. I sat on the cliff listening to the sound track of “Once Upon a Time in America” before heading back to the van fast to the accompaniment of the music of Buddy Guy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Glenda was producing her magic in the form of chilli chicken pasta. It was a peaceful night although the wind has picked up and tomorrow’s weather could be anything.
Bird Sightings: Red necked stint, Ruddy turnstone, Sanderling, 153 birds 6 new birds

Windy Harbour - Manjimup
November 7th 2009
Saturday - Day 48

Wimmbrel

A quick walk to the beach just before 8 a.m. saw a number of 4x4’s taking boats to the sea. A couple of ladies from Pemberton told me of a baby whale that was beached and put down by rangers a week ago. The thought of a huge carcass attracting ocean going scavengers was enough to set me off at a jog.

About halfway to the point the rain started and stayed with me for the 3 – 4 kms that it took to find the place. Apparently the rangers had buried the remains in the sand hills behind the beach. They did an excellent job for I found nothing.
We decided to pack up and drive to Manjimup for a few days before heading back south east. I have a training organised with Klaus Mueller of the W.A. Goju Karate Kai group so a stay here is in order.

The dear old lady at the Info Centre was quite helpful when I asked her where I might see some local birds; “Why they’re everywhere, dear. Just sit still somewhere and perhaps drop some crumbs…” I nearly took her out with a right cross. Thank God I can keep my cool and a straight face!

Glenda bought two huge 500g punnets of large strawberries for $2.50 each. These were delicious and cheap so we dined on them for afternoon tea.
Manjimup is a small town but a main road and centre for all kinds of human endeavour. We’ll explore the surrounds over the next few days and hopefully have some down time.
Bird Sightings: whimbrel, musk duck, 155 birds 6 new birds

Manjimup
November 8th 2009
Sunday - Day 49

We slept in til 9.30! We turned in 12 hours before so a good rest must have been in order. My thighs are aching from the climb last Thursday so some light exercise is in order.

The manageress, Marissa dropped by just after I’d finished my shower with a plate of scones, jam and cream. What a great gesture! Talking to her husband Jeff later and I complemented them on the small touches they were doing to the park. He told me of the state it was in when they first took over, the persuasion of some permanents to move and the general clean and tidy up. I can thoroughly recommend the Warren Way Caravan Park at Manjimup.

We drove to the Diamond Jubilee tree, another climbable lookout but decided not to given the soreness in my thighs and training tomorrow night. We watched a few youngsters climb up and it was gratifying to see them slow down after a short way up. We opted for a 400 metre circuit walk and noticed the wildflowers looking just past their peak. We’ve been very lucky with wildflowers this trip.

Other places we saw were Fonty’s Pool which had a very green and well manicured caravan park for next time plus an old church on the eastern side of town. A King Jarrah tree gave us another 600 metre walk and for the first time I’m getting just a bit forested out. On the way back we stopped to look at a great crested grebe nesting in a large dam. Interestingly, we note that the dams all over are all full to the brim. Hope it’s like this in Victoria.

Tonight we responded to an invitation to all campers to a roast dinner at the kiosk for $12.50 each. It’s about time I cooked so this was my token gesture. Two elderly ladies were there, one from Germany many years ago. We engaged in some thoughtful discussion about post WW2 and living in Australia. Another couple, Peter and Dawn from NSW also engaged us with some tales about their travels. They put their gold Honda on the Indian Pacific Railway and will drive back across the Nullarbor. It was a good meal and enjoyable company.
We’re both missing our kids at the moment but we’ll see them in four weeks which is manageable. Heck! The way time is flying four weeks is nothing!

Bird Sightings: Brown falcon, Great crested grebe, 157 birds 6 new birds

Western Australia Week 7

Snottygobble Loop
November 2nd 2009
Week 7
Monday - Day 43

It was a very peaceful night with just us camping in this attractive spot. My only concern is the lack of wildlife which is a bit sparse despite the Baudin cockatoos.

Glenda finished off some washing in the hand machine and hung it on a make shift line across the camping area. It should be enough to deter any would be campers….

I drove into Pemberton briefly and visited the caravan park that we stayed in last time. A few improvements have been made but not enough to ruin it as we recalled it fondly from five years ago.

Next was a drive down to the Donnelly River boat launch, arriving as a small group of tourists were about to take off for a $55 cruise. The skipper invited me to join the group but I declined graciously.

The rest of the day was kick back and read, solve Sudoku puzzles and collect wood. Our camp fire turned out terrific and provided a fitting end to our stay in this great area.
Bird Sightings: Red winged fairy wren, 149 birds 5 new birds

Snottygobble Loop - Pemberton
November 3rd 2009
Tuesday - Day 44

We were in need of a shower! Two days in the bush with mild exertion i.e. collecting logs for the fire made washing a priority. As a result we were packed up and on the road by 9.30 a.m.

A lone Baudin’s cockatoo landed just as we were about to leave. I tossed up whether or not to try for a photograph and tails won, enabling me a photo which once again showed the extended long beak of the species. Pemberton soon appeared in a cleared valley amongst tall forests. The Karri trees are the dominant ones here and are majestically tall.

We chose a caravan site near the creek but more in the middle of the small park, number 112 for future reference. Immediately a couple of western ringnecks flew over to introduce themselves and scunge for food. A few seeds later and we suddenly found ourselves mobbed by very cheeky birds that sought out the package of seeds rather than the handouts.

After lunch we drove to the Gloucester Tree, a well known attraction as it is open to the public to climb. Once used by the fire department for spotting fires, it was named after the Duke of Gloucester who was visiting Pemberton at the time of its construction. We didn’t have time for me to climb it today but we spent time photographing some of the birds that have become tourist dependent. I agree with the environmentalists who worry about the effect humans have on feeding wild animals but there is something so special in having a wild parrot fly onto your hand or walk across your shoulder to get at some food.

Back at the van it was a great shower and general maintenance / washing time. Despite being on holidays these things have to be done.

I drove back to the Gloucester Tree around 4.30 p.m. to find a red winged fairy wren to photograph. They were very present five years ago and despite not seeing them earlier I was determined. I did a slow fox trot around the 400 metre walk and sure enough, there they were waiting for me back near the start. I managed one shot which captures the jizz of this bird but I still find differentiating it from the variegated wren and the blue breasted wren a bit tricky.

Glenda spotted a bandicoot around 5.30 p.m. and we alerted the camp to its presence. Everyone was appreciative except maybe the old Dutch guy whose site was where the beast was sighted. He wasn’t interested and sat trying to read as about a dozen tourists swarmed his space with their cameras flashing. I almost felt sorry for him.

Tonight it was email catch up and Photoshop therapy. We’re so fortunate to have been able to embrace the digital age and use computer programs to our advantage. The whole travel, photograph, write about and edit thing makes these experiences live more than just visiting and moving on.

A family of wood ducks walked by our van site later in the afternoon. A gaggle of babies (yes, the wood duck is actually a maned goose hence gaggle of geese) were shepherded along by the proud parents.

We’re happy to be back here and tonight is reminiscing to an extent. We’re both missing our kids at the moment but we’ll see them in four weeks which is manageable. Heck! The way time is flying four weeks will be here in no time.

Western Australia Week 6

Workers Pool - Dunsborough
October 26th 2009
Week 6
Monday - Day 36

We survived a muggy night but it was a very quiet one as no other campers were here in this five site free park. I took a short walk to try to photograph some red tails but was forced back to the van by bush mites. My ankles and lower legs have taken a swathing.

We packed up as quickly as we could and headed off to Dunsborough. It was only 60 kms away so we arrived with plenty of time to find a decent park. We settled on the Four Seasons and appear to be the only tourist caravan here with the exception of a camper trailer which might be empty. We gave the caravan it’s first of four stages of washing (one side per day) and caught up on the dishes and clothes washing as Monday’s dictate.

Glenda is feeling exhausted so is having an uncharacteristic nap this afternoon. The heat in the bush yesterday with the relentless insects has taken a toll on both of us.

The beach is across a busy main road that links Dunsborough with Busselton. A long line of church camps, nine in all have taken up advantage with the beach front and we had to giggle as every Christian sect from Seventh Day Adventists to United Scriptures (?!) had a camp there, as did the scouts of course. The beach itself is quite flat and stretches in both directions with no headland or cliffs until Busselton to the north and Dunsborough to the south. Expensive looking houses take up much of the beach frontage across from our park with a sign saying, “no thru road” and “no turnaround”, prominently discouraging beach goers.

We are in the Cape Naturaliste area and already the arum lilies that caught our attention last time have sprung up all over the place. We’ll head there tomorrow and look for red tailed tropic birds at Sugarloaf Rock. Tomorrow night it’s Iaido, Karate and Kobudo at the Busselton Goju Ryu Karate Club.

Dunsborough (Cape Naturaliste)
October 27th 2009
Tuesday - Day 37

Rain fell consistently from around 3 a.m. It was another warm night but the overcast sky kept us in a bit later than normal. We both agreed that the hot showers and clean amenities are a real luxury after five of the last seven nights in free camps.
Cape Leeuwin – Naturaliste N.P. was our first stop. A lot of people were here doing the tourist thing which surprised us. We opted out of the lighthouse tour and did the 40 minute cliff loop. A recent fire has destroyed much of the vegetation but the trees are returning.

Having a 180 degree view of endless ocean, this time the Indian stretching to Africa was inspiring. We noted a small boat chasing a lone whale a long way out.

Next stop was Sugar Loaf Rock. Only silver gulls appeared to be nesting, no red tailed tropic birds at all until Summer it seems. Still it was a good seascape as we remembered it.

A quick drive down to Yallingup followed and a look at another area being developed as an exclusive spot. There seems to be new estates popping up everywhere along this coast. The buildings seemed to blend into the cliff face if that’s possible with human dwellings. Their views were enviable.

We returned around midday for a light lunch before Glenda headed off to Busselton for some shopping come free time. I rested in preparation for tonight’s training.

Training began at 6 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Hall. A small group of five of us were dressed for Iaido while another half dozen wore Karate gi with no insignia. I began with the Iaido group and Rick, a 3rd Dan ran the class. All nice people but the time went quickly. It was good to work out with my sword but I’m quite rusty.

At 7 p.m. I joined the Karate group and Craig Crampton, 3rd Dan handed much of the informal session to me.
This was unexpected but enjoyable. We worked through some basic principles of balance and stepping and I showed some techniques typical of the Shorin Ryu style of Karate. Some comparison of Kata and time was up. It’s always nice to meet people from different parts of the country who share similar interests and are open to sharing new ideas. I hope to meet up with them again.
Bird Sightings: Painted button quail, 146 birds 5 new birds

Dunsborough (Busselton)
October 28th 2009
Wednesday - Day 38

It rained for most of the morning, making walking a bad option. We drove to Busselton to do some shopping and check the Information Centre. Some good bird watching spots are suggested but in the rain it’ll be water birds (no pun intended). Due to the rain we were caravan bound for the morning but Glenda used the time to make a banana cake to use up some ripe bananas and a choc cherry self saucing pudding, plus a loaf of bread in the bread maker.

After lunch the sun came out for a while so we drove to a wetlands and bird hide about 10 kms north of Busselton. Windy conditions did not make for a good trip but a family of regent parrots on the walk to the hide was unexpected. Most of the arum lilies have past their peak but we managed to find a few to photograph. I’d guess that for arum lilies growing wild the best time to view their blooms would be August / September.

A look at a patchwork and quilting shop was on the agenda so I took in a newsagency as the rain was not far away. Nothing inspiring so I’m settling in to some of the books we’ve brought along on the trip.
Bird Sightings: Regent parrot, 147 birds 5 new birds

Dunsborough (Busselton)
October 29th 2009
Thursday - Day 39

We vacuumed the car and caravan and generally gave everything a spring clean. Some shopping for groceries and a look at some camping shops took up the middle of the day. I dropped in to see Craig to say goodbye as the training in Dunsborough tonight has been cancelled.
Late afternoon we drove to Dunsborough and on to Eagle Bay. We worked our way back to Meeup, stopping in at a number of small beaches. These were all nicely set within the coastal scrub which hasn’t been cleared too much. Because the sun was out, the water was blue and the white sand and red rocks made for great vistas.
Tomorrow we head to Hamlin Bay and sting ray feeding. Sounds fascinating.

Dunsborough – Hamlin Bay
October 30th 2009
Friday - Day 40

It was good to get going this morning after another restless night. Too many things on our minds to settle down unfortunately. “On the Road Again” is a song that I’m sure strikes a chord with many a traveller.

The best route south we felt was the Caves Drive which avoided the Margaret River wine region. Or so we thought. From the moment we left Dunsborough the odd winery would appear and the frequency of them only increased as we headed south. Fortunately great self control was in good supply and we didn’t stop once on our move south through tall trees with varying undergrowth from thick and seemingly impenetrable to low ferns.

Hamlyn Bay was soon reached and we settled on one night as the girl informed us that a large group of motor cross enthusiasts were coming in tomorrow. Too much noise I expect, they wouldn’t be able to help themselves.

The bay was once a hustling port for the timber trade which eventually lost its worth as the marri trees became less desirable than the jarrah wood. Consequently the old jetty rotted away and only the tips of long rotten pylons remain. Hamlyn Island lies out in the bay and the presence of “friendly” sting rays are all that attracts tourists today. Despite that we found it quite a pleasant place.

I must admit that I lost it big time as we tried to back in to a site away from where the girl said she had booked tomorrow’s guests. A sloping site together with soft sand and low trees did not make a good formula for parking. We eventually set ourselves up but late afternoon I admitted I was wrong and we moved a few meters to enable a more even and level set up. Backing a van is not usually a concern but we are both aware that it can bring out the worst in the driver. Me.

We drove down to Augusta to the lighthouse and water wheel.

The rusted water wheel once brought water to the lighthouse keeper but has been encrusted for many years and remains now a rustic icon. A $5 charge to cross the lighthouse grounds to view the convergence of the Southern Ocean with the Indian Ocean turned us off. It was free five years ago.

We moved up to Alexander Bridge Camping Ground on the Blackwood River to see if a stay tomorrow night might be viable. Alas most places were taken on this quiet spot. Nevertheless we stayed long enough to enjoy Glenda’s egg salad at a picnic spot within the camp grounds.

Back at the van we met two young guys from Switzerland who were travelling around for three weeks. Unfortunately tomorrow’s group have started to arrive and are in the onsite units near us. They’ve turned out to be very noisy so it’ll be a long night we expect.

I enjoyed walking the beach taking photos, especially shots of the rock parrots which are extremely tame as are the red wattlebirds. I walked to the cliff top to photograph the sunset which is always a humbling experience. Tonight we enjoyed roast lamb toasted sandwiches courtesy of Glenda’s frozen meat preparations for this trip.

Bird Sightings: Hoary headed grebe, 148 birds 5 new birds

Hamlin Bay
October 31st 2009
Saturday - Day 41

The neighbours quietened down around 10 p.m. which was fine and we slept in till after 7.30 a.m. This morning was overcast but not too cold so we caught up on dishes etc outside the van. I reviewed some of the photos from yesterday and on a closer look at the red wattle bird at right I’m convinced he rides for the Banditos motor cycle gang.

A lot of people were dropping in to the beach to look around this morning. The rock parrots seemed unperturbed and about a dozen were grazing next to the main pathway once again.

Around 11 o’clock I started on the coast walk south towards Cozy Corner. Once over the headland a strong south westerly wind hit along a beach with very soft sand. I trudged the km or so around the bay but saw little save a washed up sea dragon.
As a kid during summer holidays at Portland I’d always wanted to find a sea horse after seeing one that my mother had found. Fifty years later and I finally achieved that childhood dream.

The cloudy skies made for a deep green ocean which lightened over sand. If it weren’t for the windy conditions I’d have probably pushed on further although Cosy Corner was more than twice as far as I’d thought.

On the way back an osprey flew over with a small fish in its talons.Typically my camera was in its bag on my back so I missed a could have been shot. When I returned to the van I found that Glenda had used the hand washer to good effect and also had some spaghetti on the go for lunch.

We drove around the coast to Cozy Corner for a look but found no camping spots. On consulting our books we found another bay by the same name close to Albany which we might look at on our way back east.

Petrol was a bit light on so we pushed on to Augusta to buy some water for the next few days bush camp and to top up with fuel. A side trip to Molloy Island was disappointing in that it was a residential area and a not so inviting punt operating hourly for the locals.

Back at the van our neighbours are gearing up literally for Halloween. Adults and kids all dressed as witches and the like. Hopefully there’ll be no trick or treating tonight. We watched a Jacques Cousteau video on the Amazon before an early night.

Hamlin Bay – Snottygobble Loop
November 1st 2009
Sunday - Day 42

Despite the Halloween Party going on at the main camping area we managed a good night’s sleep. Some weren’t so lucky. During the night a large peppermint gum came down, crushing a camper across the centre between the two bed ends. The occupants were a family of four, the wife very pregnant, the husband and two young children.

Miraculously no one was injured. I joined a group of onlookers but couldn’t bring myself to photograph the devastation with the family and their friends there. Guess I’d never have made a war time journalist. It was a clear reminder to never camp below a gum tree, no matter what the wind conditions are like.

So, on to Snottygobble Loop. No, it wasn’t the name that attracted us, just its close proximity to a river and not so far from Pemberton. Why would you name a camp like this? I couldn’t fathom it, the closest association I had was a name my brother used to tease me with at primary school or there about (it’s okay Wayne, I’m long over it!). The ranger eventually dropped by and told me that it was named after the plant that features here, hence the photo. Draw your own conclusions!

We are in a National Park that is known for its Jarrah and Marri trees. The ranger pointed the two species out so I can spot a Marri tree easily. Jarrah and Karri trees are a bit similar to me at the moment. Our spot has nine individual sites but we’ve opted for the group camp area which has rain water, a reasonable toilet and concrete fire place. No other campers are about because it’s Sunday and work tomorrow. Just our luck to have a school group arrive in the morning!

Not many birds around and apparently not too many mammals here according to the ranger. The brook nearby leads to a large river, the Donnelly that runs 12 kms to the sea. It’s all good if you’re into fishing. Just before dusk some white tailed black cockatoos arrived to feast on the marri gum nuts high in the canopy. I took some photos and yes, the long bills proved they were Baudin’s black cockatoos.