It was a beautiful morning, warm sunshine, ideal for breakfast outside, it was the first time we have really been able to enjoy this treat. The site looked really lovely in the sunshine, there was evidence of its farming origin in the animal pens and the converted barns which are very attractive this morning. There are also some amazing boulders amongst the trees, these are obviously very old pieces of its geological past.
Today we are to explore the valley of the giants, amazing trees over forty metres high and many of them very old . To begin with we took the walkway into the tree tops, forty metres up into the canapy of the trees and still nor as high as the tops of the trees. These giant trees are magnificent structures, so many amazing shapes and an artists pallet of colours; so many greens and browns changing with the light. We were on a massive walk way which in itself was a fantastic piece of engineering, build up into the trees but not attached to any of he trees simply free standing and spanning six hundred metres of forest. The design was very clever as it was quite inconspicuous amongst the trees and yet so easily accessible. Quite some time was spent observing and photographing the trees, An amazing experience.
Next we tackled the Ancient Empire, a walk at ground level amongst the oldest trees of the National Park. Again amazing colours and structures giving real character to these really old trees, some over four hundred years old. This was an amazing and fascinating way to spend a morning.
After a lunch stop more exploring; firstly Peaceful Bay, very pretty with some interesting rock formations but sadly didn't live up to its name as tractors and cars kept rushing past towing boats out of the bay followed by some rather loud and silly children. Almost felt that we were intruding on their private beach.
Next the 'town' of Walpole, just a high street with a garage, a cafe, a pharmacy and a supermarket. Looked quite pretty though, and we were able to shop for our dinner!
Then to find our home for tonight the Coal mine Beach camping ground. Right on a small, quite attractive beach, but very busy as there is to be a 'Regatta in the trees' here this weekend.why?
Because the beach is fringed by trees I suppose! Still, tomorrow we move on again.