QUINNINUP

"WELGNOME"

SUNDAY 29.12.2013: Visited the local Quinninup Tavern which is conveniently situated some 100 metres up the road from the caravan park. The tavern was originally built as the Mill Worker's Social Club. The pack in total went to the tavern and we enjoyed a bottle of bubbly in the beer garden, albeit feeling very much like 'non-locals', with totally inappropriate dogs! On our return we stopped at the Bush Gnome Garden, yes the Gnome Garden. Would have to say it is one of the largest collection of gnomes that we have ever seen - not that we have seen many!

 

 



CARAVAN PARK DUMP POINT - R-U-S-T-I-C!

QUINNINUP - POPULATION: 160

FRI 27 - SAT 28.12.2013: Continuing on the Leyland's quest for cooler weather and a quiet environment, we have landed at the ideal place - Quinninup Eco Tourist Park. From every single perspective the word that comes to mind is rustic - love it! On arrival you are greeted by ENO, the in-house 18 month old emu that Carole had to physically assist out of the way so that we could park. Exited the motorhome for Madison and Shayden to toilet and waited for their response to Eno. At their height all they could see were Eno's legs so we assume they thought they were looking at more tall timbers so no reaction - still haven't had one! 

ENO

Nestled amongst tall Karri trees, Quinninup is approximately twenty minutes from Manjimup and Pemberton. The history dates back to the early 1800's. The 1920's saw land released for farming and in 1947, the timber company Millars established a mill, housing, shop, post office and workers social club. The mill was sold and disbanded in 1982, and Karri Lake was conceived. The original settlement was taken up by people eager to pursue a lifestyle in harmony with forested surroundings. Unfortunately there are only relics of the mills remaining.

Around 6.00pm each evening the local kangaroos join Eno for feed time - so good to see the National Coat of Arms all together in the same field at the one time!

WALPOLE

WEDNESDAY 25 - THURSDAY 26.12.2013:

 MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DOWNTOWN WALPOLE!

Carole, Sybil, Madison and Shayden would like to wish you every happiness at Christmas and a healthy 2014. To our blog followers in the USA, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Malaysia, Ukraine, China and of course, Australia thank you for keeping track of our 'misadventures'.

Christmas as always was thoroughly enjoyed. Started with the Walpole Fire Brigade drive by and lolly drop - very reminiscent of LTP, followed by the all important Madison and Shayden gift giving. Shayden had a lovely time with his Christmas stocking (after 7 years he finally understands the process), but Madison had trouble dealing with the FLIES! Had a beautiful lunch, then finished off the day at the in-house 'Walpole Happy Hour'.

 

 

 

 

BACK ROW: L TO R: KEN, MARG, JIM, WAL, SHERYL (MADISON), CAROLE (SHAYDEN)
SEATED: L TO R: ANN, CAROL, JOHN

WALPOLE

TUESDAY 24.12.2013:

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

WALPOLE

GARY MUIR

MORNING TEA OVERLOOKING
NORNALUP INLET

MONDAY 23.12.2013: Ivan (the Walpole hairdresser), suggested that if we did nothing else whilst in Walpole we had to book a cruise with the legendary Gary Muir and the WOW Cruise. The cruises have been operating on the wilderness waters of Walpole for over 100 years. The cruise is through the Walpole Nornalup Inlets Marine Park to Western Australia's first designated Wilderness zone - the Nuyts Wilderness Peninsular. It is a two and a half hour cruise and Gary does not stop 'entertaining' - to say he has a passion for his work does not even come close to explaining his commitment. Had a great time with morning tea provided. Walked across the wilderness track to a secluded beach on the Southern Ocean. It was not a long walk, but it was up and down sand dunes - we started at the back of the pack and once we saw the group turning to make their way back we hightailed it up the beach to ensure we returned before the boat left! Certainly tested the non-existent calf muscles!

TOP OF THE HILL!



ROCKY HEAD

Much to Sybil's delight Santa came out to the boat on his jet ski and delivered Christmas lollies. On the return trip we passed our neighbours Wal and Jim out fishing for 'our' evening meal - too kind!

 

WALPOLE

WAL & SHERYL

SUNDAY 22.12.2013: Went fishing at the caravan park jetty and whilst we were able to churn through our bait all we had to show for our trouble were Trumpeters - nuisance fish! Fortunately for us our neighbours Sheryl and Lawrie (Wal), were far more successful and kindly provided us with two feeds of fish.

 

In the spirit of Christmas we set off to the local Carols by Candlelight "Colours of Christmas" held at the Ficifolia Community Garden Amphitheatre. Circle of Song and Walpole Primary School Choir were to perform. "Please bring chair, rug, torch & voices to get into the spirit of Christmas!" The backpack was filled with nibbles, wine, rugs and in hindsight sufficient for us to live off for a month! Parked Poodle Palace outside the venue and suitably dressed in Christmas gear we made our entrance - think we were the only non-locals in attendance. Needless to say the nibbles and wine did not see the light of day, but the jumpers and rug did - interesting night!

 

WALPOLE

FRI 20 - SAT 21.12.2013: Off to the "Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire". This world famous attraction provides a unique way to explore the forest at different levels. After reaching the height of 40 metres above the ground (no climbing involved), the walk gradually descends to ground level to complete the loop. There are wheelchairs available if required - we considered it, but argued too much over the 'pusher' and 'pushee' roles!

It is difficult to actually capture the height of the trees and denseness of the forest below - the rainforest environment ensures that both flora and fauna flourish. The forests in the main are Red Tingle (Eucalyptus jacksonii), growing up to 75m tall and 20m in girth, with very shallow root systems. They are immediately recognisable by their large hollowed out bases. These hollows are created by a combination of fire, fungal and insect attack removing the dead wood from the centre of the tree. Also, the Karri Oak (Allocasuarina decussata), reminiscent of pine needles, the long greenish needles of the Karri Oak are actually slender, jointed branchlets. These trees grow up to 15m tall and are almost entirely confined to the Karri forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ancient Empire features a grove of uniquely shaped veteran tingle trees.

'BURLS' - CAUSED BY INSECT,
MITE, BACTERIAL OR FUNGAL
ATTACK



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'GRANDMA TINGLE'
ESTIMATED 400 YEARS OLD
THE BURLS AND GNARLED BARK
GIVE IT AN ALMOST HUMAN
CHARACTER - A FEMALE,
GRANDMOTHERLY CHARACTER

 

 

 



WALPOLE - POPULATION: 500

PLUS THE RESIDENT 'KOOKIES' & A FAMILY
OF 4 'MAGGIES' ON THE GROUND!

MON 16 - THURS 19.12.2013: We have settled in the for the Christmas period at bustling Walpole. As per usual, the aim was to locate an area we had hoped few people would want to frequent at this time of year. Apparently after December 27 the area and Rest Point Holiday Village tends to fill. Fortunately we have good neighbours, a good size area between vans, good grassy plot for puddle play and the caravan park is situated on the banks of the Walpole Inlet which means fishin' - all is good in the world! One minor hiccup, we have had two days of rain.

Walpole was gazetted as a township in 1933 and for many years timber milling was the main industry. Walpole-Normalup National Park now covers 18,000 hectares and virtually encircles the town.

Spent the morning in 'town' having Christmas hair cuts and after chatting to Ivan (the hairdresser), about all things gardening he kindly offered us herbs and beans from his own garden. If you need a haircut when in Walpole we would highly recommend Ivan, "The Big Hair Shop" 9840 1777. Visited the Information Centre and booked two activities, then headed for Thurlby - the Herb Farm. "Indulge in the peaceful ambience of the surrounding herb garden and native bushland - shop for  unusual gifts and enjoy culinary delights in the Café" - we did all of the above!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT HAPPY!

Carole spent a great deal of time determining the ideal place to spend the festive season, with weather conditions also playing a part in the decision. The aim was to avoid the heat that this time of year can bring. May have gone a little overboard - Madison having had her Christmas cut then required a blanket!
 

DENMARK - POPULATION: 2,732

THUR 12 - SUN 15.12.2013: Last night a local family kindly allowed us to camp out in the backyard of their farm. Having had such an "exciting" two days we were thankful to have a tea break. We made our way back to the mobile office at the Rest Area overlooking Albany and continued with a few more necessary phone calls.

THE OFFICE VIEW!

Next port of call was Denmark. It is amazing how dramatically the scenery can change throughout WA - the drive felt like a return to Tasmania, with large wooded areas aligning the narrow roads. Probably should mention that the area is known for its "Tall Timbers".



Feeling somewhat emotionally deflated it was time to turn the day round and what better way than at Ducketts' Mill Cellar Door and the Denmark Farmhouse Cheese Factory - all housed at the same venue. Plate of antipasto, bottle of bubbly, beautiful view and we were back on track!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



DUCKETTS' MILL VIEW



Stayed for two nights at West Denmark Area and then two at West Walpole rest Area.