down into timber country

And it was.  We spent the day at the showground and wandered the various exhibits including handcraft (of course), jams and pickles, floral displays and the vegetables.  Of course I had to go into the Wool pavilion, feel the various fleeces and then wander back there later when there was a spinning demonstration.  I had a lovely chat to Ann (a local Melanin (coloured) sheep breeder) and picked up some more hints on improving my spinning.  We watched the woodchop competition and applauded the young teen (about 16) as he persisted till he finished with each of his chops.  Was good to see the older more experienced axemen but especially to see the younger men continuing this age old craft at shows.  The sheep dog trials are always interesting and entertainment when you want to have a sit down (and enjoy an ice-cream) and this 123^rd annual Bridgetown show was no different.  The final effort by the dogs was to round up some geese, force them across a bridge and into their carry box ready for the trip home.  Much applause for a job well done was given at the end.  The rain stayed away although there were some threatening clouds overhead at various times and the day stayed quite cool (jeans and jumper all day).  The girls that did the Zumba demonstration were wiping perspiration from their brows however as they hardly stopped moving for 20 minutes.  We felt tired just watching them.  Along with the 4 female trick horse riders ‘girl power’ was certainly well represented.

The market on Sunday was quite small however we did pick up some local honey and fresh vegies as well as enjoy the walk along the river.  In the afternoon we went for a drive up to Greenbushes and called into the lookout over the open cut mine. 

This is considered the longest continually operated mine in WA.  It started as a tin mine in the 1800’s and has now changed to other various metals including Lithium.  I at least know that this is used for batteries however the other metals were words I have never heard of let alone know how to spell!  The drive back to Bridgetown took us through lovely forest country and we called into the Jarrah Park and enjoyed a picnic afternoon tea before a walk through the mighty trees.  Karri, Jarrah and Marri soared high into the air and gave us a taste of what is to come further into this south west timber area of WA.  There were still wildflowers to be seen hiding under parts of the tree canopy so we are still enjoying finding different plants to those seen up north.

Leaving Bridgetown we head to Manjimup and visited the Timber Park and Museum. 

What a great place to visit (and free).  The museum tells the story of those early forestry workers and the mill towns of the south west area of WA.  There are old pieces of machinery on display, a steam display that shows some of the engines used to power parts of the mill, old felling equipment including the first chainsaw and buildings of a timber village including the school, police station and gaol, doctor and a timber workers cottage. 

school hut

 We spent an easy 2 hours wandering around before walking up to the local bakery (yes did it again) and enjoyed a lunchtime treat.  Well we did walk a fair way!

Leaving Manjimup we headed to Pemberton in the tall timber country where we have checked in for a week.  We plan to do a day trip to Albany (to pick up our mail) and have a look around without staying there.  We have visited there previously so there is no great draw card calling us back whilst this timber country is so pretty and has so much to offer that we would rather enjoy the time here.

another family of 'campers' at the park