Margy STRESSES as Russ ONLY JUST MAKES IT!! Sailing Sunrise, a journey of discovery. Ep43

Busselton is our first stop after rounding the Capes of Leeuwin and Naturaliste and the first time we can relax after the potentially difficult passages. We explore the Busselton, Margaret River and Pemberton areas nearby by car and enjoy the craft beers, wines and local food. At Pemberton we drive the Heartbreak Trail through massive Kauri and Mauri trees. Here, Russ climbs the Bicentennial Tree, which is 200 feet tall and is the highest tree in the southern hemisphere that can be climbed. It was used as a fire lookout in days gone by. He climbs up with his GoPro in his right hand, leaving only one hand to hang on. Margy is so stressed below that she distracts herself by wandering around the various trails nearby and photographing the inquisitive birds that are no doubt picking up bits of food left by visitors. We also visit Leeuwin Estate vineyard for a wine tasting that is beyond wonderful and have lunch at another winery called Swings and Roundabouts. After 5 days of enjoying south west Western Australia, we sail north to Bunbury and explore the town by push bike, riding along the coastline and through wetlands and admiring the extensive waterside developments that enable everyone to enjoy the waterfront.Then we move on to Mandurah and anchor in the river right next to the iconic Cicerello’s fish and chips shop and again enjoy walking and riding along the waterfront paths. We also cycle to the Mandurah wetlands and appreciate the protection that the wetlands provide for so many marine animals and birds. To avoid some big weather we sail north to Fremantle and meet Jason at Fremantle Yacht Club and he helps us tie up at our first fixed wharf and orients us in our new surroundings. Fremantle is perfect for exploring by bike because of their foresight in converting the path beside the train tracks to walk and cycle path. We spend hours discovering beautiful new streets and magnificent preserved limestone houses and commercial buildings by foot and by bike. We take our bikes on the train to Perth to ride to the Kings Park Botanical Gardens and are blown away by the displays of massive WA flowering gum trees and endangered endemic plants. What foresight to build a garden in such a magnificent setting on the hill overlooking the Swan River and the Swan Brewery Company building.