3rd October, 2012 - Pemberton to Albany



Pemberton



It was exactly 8.45am when we left Pemberton - a comfortable time for us; we can't seem to improve on it.  The rain was drumming on the caravan roof when we went to bed but it would have taken more than that to keep the Hopes awake - we slept like babies (no jokes about second childhood, please!)

We drove away in a mixture of sunshine & showers & the road was actually steaming at one point, as the hot sun evaporated the rain water.  The grass was emerald green & the lakes were full to overflowing.  We passed lush pasture, thick forest & some lovely wineries - it was a verdant landscape.  We were 223km from Albany & it promised to be an enjoyable drive.  A kangaroo hopped across the road infront of us - the first one we'd been that close to.  It was a very undulating route, necessitating numerous gear changes as we drove "up hill & down dale".

Occasionally, the smell of eucalyptus wafted through the car, clearing the head & refreshing the air.  It recalled childhood memories, when the oil was used to relieve our colds.  Sunlight filtered through the forest creating the urge to record it with a camera or an artist's palette.  Giant trees towered above us on either side, awesome & magnificent.  How fortunate that they had escaped the axe.

At Walpole, we noticed a sign to the Valley of the Giants & the Tree Top Walk, which we'd done with Gillian & Tony a few years ago.  We were travelling parallel to the coast & caught glimpses of the ocean through the trees.  Then, we were in cattle country again, where more lucky animals were grazing on the lush green hills (no wonder the steaks are so juicy!)  How different from earlier regions we'd visited, where animals were forced to roam far & wide in search of food.

The area obviously catered for tourists, as more & more signs appeared, advertising holiday cottages, wineries, cheese factories, honey, tea rooms, a pottery & even a toffee factory.  I was hoping for a quilting shop, but no luck, as yet.  Denmark seemed an appealing town but we didn't stop, being only 51km from Albany.

The "Albany Gardens Caravan Park" was spacious & pleasant but the weather left a lot to be desired - it rained & became quite cold!  Having settled in at the Park, we set off for the shops as our cupboards were bare & we needed to stock up with food.  Albany appears to be large place - I hope the weather will improve so that we can have a good look around.