We have arrived in Peaceful Bay. They know
how to name their beaches in Western Australia; that is for sure. Jolmer is
turning 40.
He starts off his birthday with a snorkel,
accompanied by Laura, Jaap and Tim.
The usual singing, presents and decorations
follow, and we continue our travels towards Walpole.
From here we can take the
car to the Karri and Tingle forest in the Valley of the Giants. We are going to
do the very well advertised tree top walk. The weather is cloudy, rain is
predicted for later today and tomorrow, and for a couple of days to come.
That doesn’t stop us enjoying the tree top
walk: we have a good view and marvel over the sheer size of these trees. Now apparently the Karri’s have the better
root system of the two and have really sturdy wood. The Tingles, apart from
being pretty have little use. Their roots go about one meter deep, therefore
the base of the tree is wide for more balance and support. These trees however
due to fungus and parasites and other processes become hollow on the inside.
Not a lot of wood to harvest. We think that explains why they weren’t all cut
down in the previous century. Very characterful trees.
Because it is a special day I suggest the
children go abseiling from a 10meter platform. Jaap and Peter are keen and get
suited up, Tim is VERY keen and will also do this thing! Laura claims she does
not like heights –at all- and says she won’t go. Of course, as we thought she
would- she changes her mind after she sees her brothers have fun. She tells the
man to do all the things normally and not listen to anything silly she might
say in the heat of the moment, but when the time comes, she is focused and
determined and doing very well.
They all get a second turn, and we can tell
they feel very brave and unstoppable now. The boys start walking in some type
of tough-looking walk, with their harnesses and helmets. Great fun and a really
nice company. Also recommended.
The planned birthday cake with apples is
not such a success as I hoped. I should have followed a recipe. The dough had
way too much butter –which is nice if you want to snack on uncooked dough (my
favorite part of baking apple pies) –and the pattern over the top melts instead
of bakes. Taste is good though.
Jolmer and I argue about the moist
absorbing agent best to use. I always thought Dutch dry rusks –beschuit- but
Jolmer insists his mother always uses custard powder. I am sure there will be a
rematch not very far away. Better keep an eye on the ‘Bus-tucker’ blog!
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