October 27, 2003
Walpole
Rainy day. Pretty annoying. After going to Leeuwin lighthouse where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet (about 8km from Augusta), I went back south to visit Jewel Cave (A$15.5) where I was greeted by the guide with a 'Your country is Germany, right?'...errr absolutely not, sorry, it's France.
It really puzzles me this Germany think. I have been listening my voice as I left a message in a mobile phone a few days ago, and there is absolutely no doubt that I have a French accent (despite all my efforts) so I fail to realize why so many people think I'm from Germany. It looks like they all expect French to speak with a real thick French accent.
Anyway, Jewel Cave was entertaining but a step down compared to Ngilgi Cave. After that I went to 'visit' Hamelin Bay which is known for Stingray feeding. It's really a hole, so I was there about 2 minutes before heading to Walpole.
While on the road, despite the showers, I visited Beedelup Falls,which is absolutely striking for being all but...striking (basically it is a fall like you can find it anywhere where water flows...), I have been driving inside Warren National Park to look at the giant Karri Trees and stopped at the Bicentennial Tree (75m high, I did not climb it as it was slippery due to the rain and falling from 75m with no one around is probably not a good idea) and the Marianne North Tree (named because this English Lady did a painting of it around 1880).
Strangely, I have the feeling that most of the 'tourist spots' around where a desperate attempt to create attractions to develop tourism and the countryside. Some are really all but 'normal'.
As it was raining constantly, I decided to stop at Walpole a small town about 100km West to Albanyand I'm now staying at Walpole Backpackers. I have to have better weather tomorrow to enjoy the trees around.
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