Week 505 - Mount Barker, Western Australia

It has been a relatively short week this week.  Not because our days have been shorter, but because our blog was delayed last week.

The highlight of our week was an expedition up to the Granite Skywalk at the Porongurup National Park.  Having Rusti the dog, we had to plan our trip down to the last minute.  Being a National Park, Rusti was not allowed in, however, we left her on the bus for 2-1/2 hours in the carpark on the edge of the National Park.  

Granite Skywalk - Jo does her Edmund 
Hilary look perched atop the Skywalk

Bus well ventilated, we headed off into the pristine bush, steadily climbing 2.2 km to reach a dizzying height of just over 2000 feet.  The climb was arduous, difficult and on uneven  ground.  At the 1 km mark, our muscles were beginning to ache, we were out of breath because we were out of condition.  We rested regularly and plodded on towards the summit.  The last 30 feet catered for mountain climbers, not elderly bush walkers. Jo was at a disadvantage because of her short legs and found the rock climbing very difficult.

The last 15 feet was up a fireman's ladder onto a delicately perched sight seeing platform.  The views were magnificent in all directions.  The structure balanced around the granite, was intriguingly clever.

Balancing Rock

Framed views - The Stirling Ranges can be 
seen in the distance through the granite rocks. 

Kauri Tree - Hundreds and possibly 
thousands of years old 

Our difficult climb was well rewarded.  My photographs on this trip were a bit ordinary, so we have included a 'Youtube video link' from the WA Parks and Wildlife website - (copy this URL and paste into your browser) https://youtube/63SgKkMoaOc

Plantagenet District Hall - 
camp spot was behind this building

On our return to the carpark, Rusti was rested and we were knackered.  Our next stop Albany.

Comments

Russ & Sandra
2018-11-17

Well done guys, just added it on our bucket list, maybe one day we'll get over there

Helen
2018-11-17

Great achievement but not sure about “elderly bushwalkers” You’re still in your prime! Looks like you were well rewarded for your efforts as the photos are excellent!