Video of our Alfresco Area

This is a short video of our alfresco area where in summer we set up the tables for guests to have their breakfast. It is also a lovely area in the afternoon to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the peace and tranquility of the forest.

Rails for Trails walk, southern end

Took Bella for a walk along the southern end of the old railway track that has been converted to a cycling/walking trail. This section starts at Gnarawary Rd and goes through magnificent forest including this stretch of karri trees. 

Yesterday I took Bella to the rapids in the Margaret River. It is less than 2 km away and if the wind is in the right direction, you can here the roar of the rapids from our house.

Rails for Trails walk

Walking with Bella on the southern Rails for Trails section that starts at Boodjidup Road. It goes through beautiful forest and sections of bogs as well as grass tree pockets. The trail carries on south through a working farm which is also interesting.

Wanneroo Hash visits Loaring Place B&B

 A group from the Wanneroo Hash House Harriers visited on the weekend. We took them for some walks, tastings and lunches in the region.

 We visited the Ellensbrook Homestead that fortunately was saved by firefighters during the November 2011 fire that devestated Margaret River. The house was built in 1857 and has been restored (http://www.margaretrivervista.com/ellensbrookhomestead.html). 

This is the walk to the Meekadarabie Falls. The fire has killed many trees but they many suckering from the bases and will re-grow. The boardwalk around the falls was burnt but is being rebuilt and will re-open shortly.

Margaret River has lots of walks laid out for visitors. There are thee walks from the Carters Road car park and this walk is called The Pines. It goes through along the Rails to Trails path for a while then through a majestic old pine plantation with magnificent pine trees but also lots of really tall karri and marri.

 

First orchid for the season

The first Bunny Orchid has appeared. We had 12mm of rain and this was obviously enough of an indication for it to flower. Bunny Orchids are always the first orchids to appear but they only last about 3 weeks, then there is a gap before the other orchids start to flower.

Lost Ducklings

Yesterday I heard a commotion in the forest behind us. There was quacking and cheeping and crows. I saw a crow fly off with a ducking in its beak and managed to chase the other one away. The ducklings then walked past my feet, across the lawn and down the side of the house. As they got to the front of the house Mum and Dad duck came around and they all met up again with much ado.

The two crows were still trying to attack them so I had to chase them away as they walked along our firebreak, heading towards the creek, about 1km away. I had to leave them as they left our property. I hope they made it ok.  These are wood ducks that nest in hollows in the trees on the property behind us. The ducklings drop down and then have to make their way to the water.

6 well camouflaged ducklings coming out of the forest.

Heading in the right direction. They wait for each other as they go.

Mum and Dad Duck reunited with their children. Unfortunately at least one has already been taken by the crows. Bella was very good and did not chase them.

Margaret River walk to 10 Mile Dam

Went for a walk along the Margaret River towards the 10 Mile Dam. Very still section then there are waterfalls.

First Caledinia orchids for 2011

First cowslip orchid for the year. Quite a lot are now suddenly popping up.

First spider orchid seen this year. This was on the Leavesley's block that was burnt last summer.

First Caledinia orchids for 2011

First cowslip orchid for the year. Quite a lot are now suddenly popping up.

First spider orchid seen this year. This was on the Leavesley's block that was burnt last summer.

Margaret River walk to 10 Mile Dam

Went for a walk along the Margaret River towards the 10 Mile Dam. Very still section then there are waterfalls.

Lost Ducklings

Yesterday I heard a commotion in the forest behind us. There was quacking and cheeping and crows. I saw a crow fly off with a ducking in its beak and managed to chase the other one away. The ducklings then walked past my feet, across the lawn and down the side of the house. As they got to the front of the house Mum and Dad duck came around and they all met up again with much ado.

The two crows were still trying to attack them so I had to chase them away as they walked along our firebreak, heading towards the creek, about 1km away. I had to leave them as they left our property. I hope they made it ok.  These are wood ducks that nest in hollows in the trees on the property behind us. The ducklings drop down and then have to make their way to the water.

6 well camouflaged ducklings coming out of the forest.

Heading in the right direction. They wait for each other as they go.

Mum and Dad Duck reunited with their children. Unfortunately at least one has already been taken by the crows. Bella was very good and did not chase them.

Meekadarabee Falls, Ellensbrook Homestead

There is a 30 minute walk to two grottos along the Ellenbrook River at the Ellenbrook Homestead.  The bush is absolutely beautiful and the grottos quite enchanting.



Beginning of the walk with the homestead in the background.

Kangaroos on the lawn

A kangaroo family dropped by this morning for a feed and a drink. Their joey was in the bushes to the right and was too shy to come out. The big male had quite a long drink. They would really like to get to the grape vines but I have bird wire all around them now so they are protected. We have 4 bird baths around the house that are used all the time by the fly catchers and honey eaters that are in the forest.

Rainbow Birds have returned

Spring is in full swing, with our Scarlet Robins building a nest and the arrival of the Rainbow Birds (AKA Bee Eaters). These birds winter in northern Australia and Indonesia, returning each Spring to nest in sandy open banks on the sides of the Margaret River. They make burrows in the sand and nest in the bottom of them, flying out and in at speed so that predators can't see the nest.

Rattlebeaks and Giant Spiders

The bush is coming alive with orchids. I've just seen my first Rattlebeak Orchid and there are lots of Giant Spider Orchids, as well as a new all white spider orchid.

The Farmers Market and Lions Market are on this morning so heading out to those.

Wildlife

The Margaret River region is renowned for beautiful landscapes featuring unique flora. Loaring Place has a variety of beautiful flowers in the peaceful bush surrounding the Bed and Breakfast - nature on your doorstep.