We have been plagued by the Redback tour bus everywhere we’ve been, even to the top of the 60 ft bi-centennial tree, and we began to think that the only way to get away from them was to climb a mountain. So we did!

We headed for the stirling ranges and after setting up our little dome home in the N.P campsite, ignoring all the warning signs that the climb would be hard, set a fast pace along the pebbly trail of Mt. Toolbrunup. It soon became apparent that it actually WAS hard work climbing a mountain, but we persevered like slightly lame mountain goats as we clambered over the screes. Along the way we breathed in the pure air and the untainted alpine plant aromas and somehow the image of Heidi and her Grandfather kept popping into my head. Eventually, after a million “nearly there”s we emerged at the top and stood a staggering 1052M above sea level gawking at the spectacular undulating scenery and feeling very special.

The way down was almost harder than the way up because as we picked our way through the scree, our legs began turning to jelly from bracing our legs against gravity and the inevitable arse-slide. All pain was forgotten once we reached the bottom though with our heads and chests swelling with self-satisfaction.

That night we were faced with many more insects than previously encountered including an inch long super-ant, but the most amazing thing was the spider with reflective eyes, which shone like a greenish LED when a light was shone directly on them. Once I had discovered this phenomenon I made the mistake of looking around our vicinity with my (very fetching) head torch. (yes you were right Em and Vic, it is highly useful even if it does make me look like a loon - thanks). I realised that there were quite a few little eyes hiding in the leaves which covered the floor and while I was initially terrified at this thought, I was soon distracted by being able to see one of these creatures in undergrowth about 4 metres away – in the PITCH DARK! Spectactular.