So here we are - off on further travels on the "really excellent adventure" of Swanny and Kaysie in the campervan through Western Australia.

Towards the South-West of Western Australia you will see the delightful towns of Pemberton and Denmark. Denmark is a lovely town and can boast an absolutely magnificent beach which is unfortunately being overtaken by what the locals - and having seen them I have to agree with the name - 'ferals' who just wish to surf and live off social security.

Gloucester Tree - This tree is the highest fire lookout tree in the world. By climbing its 153 rungs to a height of more than 60 metres, you are rewarded with a commanding view of the surrounding forests. Visitors are welcomed to climb the tree (at your own risk) - the rest of us shall just take photographs of your climb! Thank you very much!!

Travel 13 km east along the South Coast Highway, past Nornalup to the Valley of The Giants and you find yourself in "Karri Country".

Forests of karri, marri, jarra and tingle clothe a beautiful a varied landscape. The tall karri forest rises from the well-watered country between the towns of Manjimup and Walpole. (Even for an Australian, we found the place-names so very unusual in Western Australia - apparently any town ending in the letters 'up' means it has water - having been taken from the Aboriginal dialect).

We walked through the forest of red tingles on a protective boardwalk (suitable for wheelchair access) that has been installed in the heaviest traffic area. The boardwalk meanders around (and sometimes through) the old trees; with many lovely spots to sit and reflect on the special nature of the tingle forest. Kay and Swanny, being a bit more adventurous and also needing the exercise, then took the more difficult walk back to the car park - and saw beautiful little blue wrens and other native birds of the area.

Beginning at the Tingle Shelter, you can walk along a steel-truss walkway leading over a deep, red tingle gully. No suspension bridge structure for the faint of heart here! This is a walkway which rises, with no steps, on a gentle grade suitable for children, wheelchairs and the elderly. At its highest point the 600-metre loop structure is about 40 metres above the forest floor.

It was in the Valley Of The Giants that Kay was impressed and intrigued enough that she overcame her fear of heights and just had to experience the feeling of walking on top of a forest. (On the promise that Swanny wouldn't jump up and down whilst she was crossing each strut).

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Camping in the forest - There are a number of camping grounds within the forest areas around here and you will have basic facilities such as bush toilets (a WC boasting a toilet seat and what is referred to as a "long drop"), fireplaces and tables. However if you are seeking more creature comforts, there are a number of privately operated caravan parks and campgrounds at Pemberton, Walpole and Nornalup.

Things you should note if you are camping at sites without facilities, there is a basic "code of ethics" (and this applies to most 'natural' areas in Australia):

• Try to bring your own firewood. It is illegal to gather firewood in national parks.
• Don't light fires on hot windy days (during a number months of the year there are fire bans - a portable fuel stove is suggested).
• Camp in existing cleared ares - don't clear a new area for your tent.
• Dig a pit toilet and always make sure it is at least 400 metres from a river or stream.
• Whatever you bring in - TAKE HOME (this includes vegetable peelings - they are not native to the area).

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After Kaysie was so brave doing the tree-top walk and us both working up an excellent appetite, the girl indulged Swanny and agreed to a visit to the Lavender and Berry Farm at Pemberton. Blue wrens, wildlife and pure indulgence of a 'Devonshire Tea' (tea, scones, jam and cream) all in the one locale.

Swanny did think she had died and gone to Heaven!! (Mind you, Jack was not impressed at all - he had spent most of the day in the campervan whilst we walked, soared in the tree-tops and ate scones). He told us we owed him BIG TIME.

There are so many wonderful places to visit around this area - the forests, trout farms, wineries (which I must admit I found a wee bit overpriced compared to the wonderful wineries we have here in South Australia).