Margaret River to Albany 385 km

Weather forecast, showers clearing and a cool 10 degrees when we set off. This was the day to change into weatherproof, winter leathers. As we left the roads were slippery and caution was needed, add to this the morning sun and the progress was made, slow and steady.

The first stop was Pemberton for refuelling and to climb the Gloucester tree.I was bet $5 that I couldn’t climb the 60 metres. It wasn’t easy, I got up about half way and wondered wether I should turn back. After a little rest, I decided to continue on up. The steel reo was thrust into the truck of this magnificent tree in the 30’s and a platform constructed as a fire lookout, they were very solid and were reassuring to step onto.

There is not much to stop you from falling, except for your own hands. There is a mesh surrounding, but if you lost you grip you would certainly fall to a painful and probably terminal conclusion.

The view from the platform

This area is in the heart of Timber country, some of the most amazing old growth forest abound. On the roadside there are these 40 metre giants standing to mark your way.