Margaret River, Conto Spring, Gloucester Tree, and the hospitality of James and Lisa

After a few hours in the Yaris, we made it back down south to Margaret River for some wine tasting and camping. We found a beautiful secluded campsite about 22 km outside of Margaret River on Canebrake Rd. which we had almost completely to ourselves. It was a beautiful wooded area with parrots and very few bugs. The Margaret River also flowed through the campsite and provided a nice swim for us without any snakes or leeches.




On the drive to our camp site outside of Margaret River.












Our day of wine tasting was fantastic. I was a little worried we wouldn't get the best response from the wineries because we hadn't showered in about 3 days and we all looked a little road weary. No problems though as we started our wine tasting with some coffee tasting at Yahava. After some coffee we tasted the liqueurs they also make and the fun began with a super sweet group high five with our bartender. Selah was our designated "Skipper" so we didn't have to deny any of the free tastings we were offered.


















After Yahava we headed to another winery and were lead through the 12 wines they produced. Scott who lead us through the wine tasting was great, giving us great information and answering all of our questions. After two successful tastings we ended our trip at the chocolate factory and heading back to our campsite.






Tasting liqueurs at The Liqueur Factory.












The next morning we headed south to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and found a beautiful beach at Conto Spring. After some scouting from wave battered rocks we visited a deserted beach which looked beautiful from a distance with nice sand and large waves. As we walked closer we realized why it was deserted. The waves and rip tide were terrifying to even look at. Our judgement was sound and we headed to the more populated (about 20 people) and calmer Conto Spring. With a boogie board we found on the side of the road we boogie boarded and swam in an awesome cove. A very generous Australian, Jen, offered me her surfboard and I had my first attempt at surfing. After about 45 minutes I succeeded in getting up on my knees and only hitting myself in the head once with the surfboard. Even without standing it was great, and I'm looking forward to trying again.






Conto Spring Beach.
















Sunset at Conto Spring Beach.














The next day on the road trip was our last and we went further south through the Karri forests before heading north to visit the famous Gloucester Tree. Cara found this treasure in the Australian book and urged us to go only knowing it was a really big tree. We did not expect what we found. The Gloucester Tree is a 60 meter (~180 ft. for all you metric haters) tall tree used in the past as a look-out post for forest fires. Anyone is allowed to climb the tree unsupervised all the way to the top. We were all amazed because there was nothing holding anyone to the tree except their hands and feet. The tree had 3 feet long re-bar stuck into the tree spiralling all the way up to the top. The re-bar could play tricks on your eyes as you were climbing, and although it was great I for sure was not completely comfortable.

With the adrenaline subsiding from our climb we hopped back into the Yaris to make the last push back north to Perth and back to our sactuary of showers and good food, James and Lisa's home. After showers (it had been 5 days since our last) we had an amazing meal with lamb and chicken and corn and carrot salad. My current favorite meal of the trip. Many thanks to Lisa, James, Elizabeth, Georgina, and Charlotte.



















The incredible Karri forests...some of the oldest (300 y.o.) stands of trees left in Australia.








This afternoon we plan on heading to Fremantle for a quick visit before we see Selah off to the airport. Cara and I are in the process of planning our journey east to Adelaide and beyond. Pictures to come soon.

love,
Mike