Bye-Bye Pemberton
 

This past weekend we bid adieu to one of our favorite spots in this massive state of Western Australia, the unassuming country town of Pemberton.

We stayed at Kangaroo Creek Chalets, nestled deep in the woods, surrounded by towering trees, serenaded by magpies and laughed at by kookaburras. As we were traveling with friends, we booked both chalets, which were nothing short of perfect. Jeanette and Brian were wonderful hosts and made us feel completely at home.

We did plenty of eating, including a fabulous Good Friday dinner at Foragers and lunches at Jarrah Jack's, Silkwood Winery and Hidden River. All were lovely. We sampled the goods at Lost Lake, Salitage and Mountford and visited the Gold 'n Grape Gallery.

We worked off a few calories by walking around Big Brook Dam and tackling the 10.6 km Heartbreak trail, as well as a few short walks in Gloucester Nat'l Park. We visited all three climbing trees, my other half deciding that he just had to climb the 52 meter Diamond Tree one last time, although we'd both earned bragging rights for climbing all three several years ago (which was plenty for me).

I have fond memories of D'Entrecasteaux National Park, so we made of point of driving down there to see how it looked following the Northcliffe-Windy Harbour fire, which I'm told burnt some 100,000 hectares. Sobering, yet hopeful, as the regrowth is well underway.

The guys played a round of golf at Manjimup, surprised at the honesty payment system and the quality of the golf course.

It was a beautiful weekend all the way around, and I think I can safely say that a good time was had by all. It was the perfect way to wind down our time here in WA and prepare for the moving chaos to come.

Some photos:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/melnq8...7651833015182/

Aahh Mel, we're going to miss you. I hope you know how much we've appreciated all the great insights you've given us into our own country.

I know you're not gone yet, but I do want to wish you & Bill all the very best. I'm just sorry we didn't get to meet. Another time, another place, perhaps.

Mel

Like Bokhara, I really appreciate the insights you give us to our own country.

I'm sorry you didn't make it over here to show us Sydney!

Best of luck to you and Bill.

Thank you ladies. It's been fun.

I am another who have enjoyed reading your insights into Australia. hope you continue in your next venue.

Thank you for all your excellent trip reports and in particular the way you have described your experiences in Australia.
As a former West Aussie I really enjoy reading about the places you have visited and your photos from the WA beaches make me homesick for a place I left 42 years ago.

Your European and in particular Swiss excursions I simply marvel at as you manage the cold and snow with such enthusiasm and energy.

All the best for the move and I look forward to your descriptions of travels in other places.

Mahalo northie and love_travel_Aus!

Plenty of cold and snow ahead, but first we have to get through our second summer. I have a feeling that our 2015 will be remembered as the year of the eternal summer, and you all know how much I enjoy summer:)

Thanks for reminding me that I must garner up some enthusiasm and energy to finish that last Swiss trip report love_travel!

LOVED the pix--especially the kookaburras!!!

Thanks for sharing, Melnq8!

Lee Ann

Good luck Mel and thanks again for all the WA help. See you in New England sometime?
Ralph

You just might Ralph, thanks.

As an Australian, I also enjoyed your insights into our country.

The many New Zealand reports provide some great templates for those planning. Thanks.

I hate the cold, so will probably never go to Switzerland, but I enjoyed those trip reports too.
You write entertaining dialogue, and take fantastic photos.

I do hope you keep up the reporting of your journeys, I have no doubt you'll keep travelling.

Thanks, and best of everything to you with the move.

Thanks everyone!

sartoric - my travel days certainly aren't behind me, and I'll be floating around on the boards somewhere. Most likely right here.

Switzerland has summer too:)