On Friday, Anthony and Nicole picked me up for our planned tree top walk. We went back to their place for dinner and a chat. Melissa, one of Nicole’s cousins was also there. We didn’t get up to much though, as we all had to be in bed early enough to get up at 5:30am the following day.

I got up surprisingly easy on Saturday morning; I’m known for being a very heavy sleeper. We had a light breakfast, then piled into the car and headed for the Great Ocean Road.

From Sunbury, the Great Ocean Road is a fair way - we must’ve spent 3 hours in the car before we reached Erskine Falls. Erskine Falls is a small waterfall an hour or so from Apollo Bay, and it’s an awesome sight.

The path to the waterfall was a rather steep descent, my legs were trembling with fatigue and I wondered how I could possibly make it back up to the car. The waterfall was definitely worth it, though. We spent a small amount of time admiring the waterfall and the rock pools before making our way up to the car.

My legs burned with effort, and my heart was pumping like you wouldn’t believe. But I made it back to the car, eventually… As I type this, the muscles in my legs are still sore.

Next stop was Apollo Bay, which would lead us to the Otway Tree Top walk further inland. We stretched our legs in Apollo Bay, had some lunch and ice cream, asked for directions, then it was back into the car for a few more hours.

Once we got to the Otway Forest, after initially missing the turn off, we were in for quite a treat. Like the Erskine Falls, there was a warning about snakes being present. You’ve got to love Australia! Where else can you find such lethal wildlife? Sharks, snakes, jellyfish, spiders and the Blue Ring octopus. I should be in tourism.

Entering the Otway Forest was surreal. There was a path to follow, yet we were surrounded by dense vegetation, it was truly unbelievable. The canopy provided a cool environment and shielded us from Saturday’s harsh sun.

Eventually we got to the metal bridges that would lead 35 metres up into the tree tops (although not above them, the trees were massive!). It was such a humbling experience being among vegetation that was older than I am, and that would easily outlive me.

The highlight of the Tree Top Walk would be the tower near the end, climbing the stairs we were 50 metres above the ground overlooking the forest. I can’t say it enough, it was spectacular.

On our way home, we went past a town called Colac, where we drove past a very distraught woman (and police) in nothing but her underwear. She was clearly hysterical. Something very terrible must have happened to that woman, but I do not know what.

Anthony had clocked up over 500km of driving in the one day. Insane.

Sore, and sleep deprived, we all made our way home. I really needed the company of my friends, and am grateful for it. The Tree Top Walk was just icing on the cake.