Graham and Edith 2011 Trip: Day 43

We woke up this morning to a beautiful blue sky, but when we stuck our heads out of the van it was freezing cold. After our shower we cooked egg and bacon in the camp kitchen for breakfast then we set out on our days activity, and what a busy day it was.

We went to to the Mammoth Cave - At 500 metres long and 30 metres deep, there are many spectacular formations including the Mammoth shawl and the “Karri Forest” flowstone which resembles the unique Karri trees of the region. As you can imagine there are lots of steps (I think about 300 in all that you have to climb throughout this cave). In this cave you are given an MP3 player which acts as your guide throughout. The formations in the cave were amazing.

Then onto the Lake Cave - well we thought the Mammoth Cave was incredible - this one was even more so. After descending 350 steps we entered the cave. The cave has a small lake throughout and the formations are reflected in the water, it looks like a lost city. The water is only 30 cm deep but the reflections look like they go on forever. One of the formations in this cave is known as the "Suspended Table" - a massive calcite, weighing in excess of 5 tonnes, which seems to hang precariously from the ceiling. Then after finishing our tour we had to climb the 350 steps to get out of the place.

After this we drove the tourist route through to Augusta - we drove through a beautiful Karri forrest, at one point as we came round a bend the view took our breath away. The sun was reflected through the trees and the site was incredible. On the way to Augusta we stopped off at Hamelin Bay - a beautiful inlet. In Augusta we sat by the Blackwood River and had afternoon tea. There is a great caravan park here - looks straight out over the river.

Now onto Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on the Australian Mainland and where ythe Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Again we climbed about 300 steps to get to the top of the lighthouse - but when you get out on the platform at the top it is well worth it. The views were incredible. The guide we had here in the lighthouse was very informative - pointing out where the two Oceans meet and explaining the history of the lighthouse. Most of the steel used here was imported from England. It was a a beautiful clear afternoon and there were about four whales frolicking in the ocean.

We then drove back to the caravan park arriving here at about 5-45 pm. What a long day. We then went out with Betty and David into Margaret River to a restaurant which is owned by a friend of theirs for dinner. It was an Indian Buffet - very nice indeed. Needless to say we are both tired tonight and ready for our bed.

All in all it has been a very full day. We have probably ascending and descending over 1400 steps. We will probably have very sore legs tomorrow. It has been a great day. Unfortunately I
don't think the camera will do justice to the incredible sites in the caves.