First Melbourne then on to Sydney

A quiet weekend at home was called for after our trip to Yackandandah. We spent Saturday in the city stopping at Fed Square for a look at Disney's 'Dreams do come true' exhibition. This was held at ACMI and was a fun exhibition showing all the Walt Disney stories you know and love. Telling the Walt Disney story from the start it went on to take a look at Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog, right up to 2011 with the newest movie Tangled based on the story of Rapunzel. It was a lovely step back into childhood for a little while.

After lunch at the ACMI Cafe we wandered on to have a look at the newly finished MYER store. Over the last 3 years the renovation has been in progress and at last it has finished. Everything has been transferred to the one store now and the other old building has been sold and will be redeveloped. The last thing we heard was Hotel/apartments/shops. We'll have to wait and see. The new store is very impressive and I guess will continue to pull the shoppers in for a long while yet. After our 'big' quiet day we finished off with dinner downstairs and come home to watch a movie.

Sunday was another fine morning and we decided that we would catch a tram to St Kilda for brunch. Something we hadn't done for a long time. We found a new cafe and had a yummy brunch before we had a look at the Art Markets along the Esplanade. No shopping just looking. Our adventures kept us out until mid afternoon and then it was home to get ready for the week ahead.

The following week Bill was in Sydney and I flew up to join him on Friday for a Trade Show Dinner. We had a great night at the Crowne Plaza at Coogee. Dinner was fun with a progressive theme for the night. Each name tag had 3 numbers on it and you had to move tables for each course. A fun way to meet lots of people and escape from a boring neighbour if needed. Not that it was. We were staying in a apartment in Randwick and had decided that as we had 'done' Sydney a couple of years ago this time we would venture out and see some other parts of the state. We did look at going to the Blue Mountains but thought that would need a trip to itself so instead decided to go and see Audley Weir in the Royal National Park.

What a great day. The National Park covers a huge area and the road cutting through the middle of it is a tourist drive in itself. Audley Weir was a lovely place to visit with many picnic areas around the Hacking River and the weir. The Old Boat shed is still there now hiring canoes & mountain bikes for the many people who visit. We spent the day exploring lots of tracks and trails along the river. So many Kookaburras all sitting in trees over the picnic tables waiting for their chance for a free feed. We had lunch in a quiet sunny area and within a couple of minutes had 5 of them waiting in trees nearby. We had a wander along one of the tracks which was very popular with people on Mountain Bikes. Lady Carrington Dve is a great walk with lovely views of the river below. The 32 km walk was a bit much for us city slickers to contemplate in one day so we just strolled along for about 30 mins and then came back. It was fun and who knows we might even go further another time.

After exploring much of the area around the river we decided that we would continue on the Grand Pacific Dve to come out at the other end of the National Park. During the drive there were some side roads to the coast and we took one of these to an area called Gogerlys Point. This looks across the bay to Lilli Pilli & Willarong Point. It was a pretty little picnic spot with a table under a big tree and a great view across the bay. There was the remains of an old jetty and also the remains of old houses and boat sheds down near the water. It must have been a spectacular place for a house once upon a time. Just some stone foundations and some European Trees there now. We left there and drove on to Waterfall Creek where we had to make a decision to take shortcut home or continue on. We continued on and were we glad we did.

After a drive through the forest here we came out and around the corner to the most amazing view. The road runs along the coast from here to Coalcliff where there is the most amazing seacliff bridge. The road has been built like a bridge above the sea and hugging the cliff face. We stopped at Bald Hill for a look at the view and the wind here was so strong that it nearly blew us over. Getting a picture was a bit of a challenge for Bill but with dedication he managed to get lots for me to choose from. We arrived at Coalcliff and drove along this amazing road just as it was getting dark. We went over and back and then did it again this time to get some photo's from the other side. A real engineering feat the bridge was opened in 2005 as a safer option to the road that used to run along the base of the cliff. We finally had to stop playing and turned around to head home for the night. We had dinner in a nice little cafe in Randwick and then took ourselves home to the bed that calling me by then.

On Sunday we decided that we would go to the Zoo to see the Baby Elephants. Getting there early we spent lots of time watching the 3 little elephants playing with each other and their Mums. They are all different sizes with the newest little baby just 4 months old. So cute. The rest of the Zoo is very nice too and of course the views across the Harbour are amazing. The day was showery and during one heavy shower we sheltered just beside the elephants again. Here we had a treat as two of the babies decided that it would be fun to swim in the pool. They ran in and played and played finally being joined by two of their Mums and looked like they were having so much fun you couldn't help but smile. Once the rain stopped we had to leave the cute little babies and head to the airport for our flight home.

Only one more week at work and we are off to Darwin for 2 weeks in a campervan. Mmmm, I'll let you know how we get on.

until next time...........

Chiltern... a day in the bush...

We woke up to a glorious Sunday morning and after eating our breakfast on the porch we were ready to face the world again. We were off to Chiltern and the Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park. Our host, Dieter, gave us directions for a shortcut and we followed them to a T and a short while later were driving through another main street. Chiltern is another of the High Country villages and while smaller than the other two it is full of charm and history. Our first stop was at the Mulberry Tree tea rooms, previously the Bank of Australasia, where we had coffee and scones, again. I know but they are so yummy and fresh country scones with jam and cream are just something you cannot pass up. We did share. While here the lady who looked after us was talking to Bill about his camera, found out that we were going bush and hoping to find so birds to photograph so she rang her friend who told us where we should look. Armed with this knowledge and a local bird book we left there to begin our adventure. A day in the bush. Before we left we had a walk along the main street and another visit to the bakery to buy our sandwiches for lunch later in the day.

Our first stop was to Bartleys Block a cleared area in the National Park Previously the site of a brewery it is now being reclaimed by the forest and it is a haven for birds and other wildlife. The most prolific as we were to find out was the very large spiders hanging in HUGE webs all over the place. Local newsletters tell us they were Golden Orb & Hairy Garden Orb spiders. You could not walk in a straight line in any direction for more than a few steps before you were confronted by another of the creepy creatures. With Bill in front and me creeping along behind with a stick we managed to make our way around them all without incident. I can't say that I was thrilled by the experience but as long as I could see them and avoid them I could cope. I'm imagining the blood pressure might have been a touch high for the time we were in there. I hate spiders but was quite proud of myself that I stayed there and did not totally freak out. Bill might not agree with this last statement. Our time there was rewarded with some lovely pictures of a little Red Capped Robin, some little Fire tail Finches and we saw some Wallabies, an Echidna and so many butterflies. We are guessing that the recent very wet conditions are responsible for the huge butterfly and spider population explosion. I have never seen so many of both anywhere before.

Our next stop was at the Honeyeater Picnic Ground at the Cyanide Dam in the Mt Pilot National Park. We ate our sandwiches here and had a walk around the little dam. Lots of water, lots more spiders and a cute little grebe making the most of a lovely day in the water. From there we took a ride up to Skeleton Hill where you could see a great view over the quarry (not so lovely) to Chiltern and the valley below. Driving a little further up the track and then walking a bit further brought us to the top of the hill where we could see the town without the quarry and from the other side of the hill was the view to Mt Big Ben & Mt Stanley. Taking the 4WD route out we stopped to watch a family of Painted Button Quail on the track for quite a while. Such cute little things and not at all concerned about this big red car sitting on the track.

Making our way towards home our next stop was at the Yeddonba Aboriginal site. There are some rock art pictures here as well as being known as the home of a White Browed Scrub Wren. We had only just arrived when we noticed the very large, very black clouds approaching at speed and decided there and then that it was time to call a halt to our adventures that day. We made it to the car before the rain hit and drove back to Yackandandah the way we came. The same road now with the rain and the wind was very different to the tranquil road we had driven along in the morning. Racing the heavy rain we made it to our porch just before it hit and for the next half hour we sat with a cup of tea and watched the courtyard turn into a little stream.

We returned to the Star Hotel for dinner that night and joined what seemed like the whole town for 'Parmie Night'. 25 different types of Parmigiana. Who knew. I had the classic, Bill had the breakfast one and the Shiraz Durif helped wash it down. Can't wait to go back again just for dinner. After our day in the fresh air and sunshine I was asleep before I even saw my bed I think and the most amazing thing was I didn't even dream about the spiders!

Monday morning was fine again and after breakfast on the porch and a last walk around the gardens it was time to say goodbye again. We came home through Myrtleford, a nicer drive than the Hume Hwy but can't say we were too keen to hang around there. We drove through the King Valley trail from there coming through Millawa where we stopped at Millawa Mustard and Brown Brothers Winery for a quick visit. From there we continued on the Glenrowan where we stopped for lunch. A little town cashing in on it's one claim to fame. Ned Kelly. The whole town is themed and while it is quite cute we did not stay and play too long. We did have lunch in Dad & Dave's Billy Tearooms. Well, with a name like that we just had too didn't we. It was an experience you just had to have but I'm thinking once might be enough. The food was good though. A quick look at the museum/gift shop and then it was time to hit the road and make our way back into town.

We had a good run and arrived home around 4.30. Plenty of time to get the washing on and get ready for the week ahead. A four day week is much easier to face than a full one. We have had a great weekend. Loved another little corner of Victoria and again can't wait to go back and see more of it. For now it's time to say farewell again.

until next time........

Exploring Yackandandah and more...

The long weekend in March was the ideal opportunity to get out and about once again and find another little corner of Victoria to explore. We decided we would head to North East Victoria and see what we could find. With no idea of what to expect I jumped on the Internet to find us a bed for the weekend and what a little gem I found. Maple Grove B & B is just 5 mins from the main st in Yackandandah's making it an ideal base for a weekend of exploring. We drove up after work on Friday night joining the usual crush of traffic escaping the city and 3 1/2hrs later we were arriving at our destination.

Maple Grove B & B is a lovely place to stay. An old house has been renovated to provide 5 rooms & en suites. The Terrace where we were staying had it own entrance and a little self contained kitchen. On the porch a lovely bench seat facing a delightful garden was just the place to sit and reflect on the day's activities. The gardens surrounding the house are beautiful and with a dam and a path along the river it was a lovely place to wander. If there was a down side it was the tiny bathroom aka cupboard, but not enough to put me off visiting again.

After breakfast on Saturday we were ready to start exploring and we made the main street our first stop. Yackandandah is a pretty village nestled in the foothills of the Stanley State Forest. Once a busy Gold mining town it is now a home to many people who just love the heritage, history, arts & crafts lifestyle of the thriving community. A walk along the main street is a step back in time as you take a look at some of the 37 National Trust buildings. The Athenaeum, Court House, Post Office & the Bank Of Australia are just some of the old buildings which have been preserved and together with the lots of old photo's on display you can get a real feel for the history of the little town. The two hotels and the old stone bridge add to the heritage feel and of course no visit to a country town is complete without a visit to the local bakery & cake shop. We had coffee and scones at Sticky Tarts and what I can say but Yum!

Armed with some sandwiches for lunch we left the little township of Yackandandah and headed out into the state forest to see some of the natural attractions. The state forest is home to lots of birds and wildlife and kept us amused for an hour or two as we drove through the many forest drives. Lunch was enjoyed beside the river at one of the many camping areas and then a stop at Cohn's track where Billy Kohn worked a mining lease until he died in 1986. Here we looked for the remains of the hydraulic elevator which was used in conjunction with the sluicing activities. It took a while but we did find them and marveled at how they did things in the old days.

Coming through the state forest we found that we were very near to the tiny town of Stanley so a drive through was in order. A tiny township with a tiny pub and a cool store was all we found so we kept on going until we came in to Beechworth. Another historic village known as the "Elegant Dame' among the family of high country villages. A bigger town than neighbouring Yackandandah it still has a village feel with it's wide tree lined streets and shady verandahs. And of course the famous Beechworth Bakery which was celebrating it's 27th birthday so of course we had to help. A coffee and one of their famous Bee stings took care of a half hour in the sun. Leaving there our next stop was to take a look at the equally famous Sweet Shop. 3 rooms of all the lollies you can think of most from your childhood as well as some newly created concoctions. Of course we left with a coupe of samples. The chocolate frogs are just delicious. Our short visit did not do the town justice so it is another place we must return to.

With the evening closing in we decided we would return home for some quiet time in the garden before heading off to the Star Hotel for dinner that night. It seemed that we had made the right decision and dinner was worth waiting for our table. Bill's mixed grill and my hamburger were so big but wonderfully cooked and the local Shiraz Durif just the thing after a hard days touring. After we had made a dent in dinner it was time to head back to our little home to recuperate for the next day. Lots more places to discover.

until then.........

Hornets, Hornets & more Hornets

were on display last weekend at Avalon 2011. Yes, the International Airshow was on again and this year it was celebrating 90 years of the RAAF and 100 years of passenger flight. We left home early hoping to avoid the queue for a car park but discovered that many others had the same idea. Previous years had been overcast and last time in particular the crowd was down with the cold, wet weather. This year promised a fine weekend with blue sky and sunshine and the people came out in droves to take a look at the powerful aircraft.

The morning started with the RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet going through it's paces and from there on it was all go. Watching the newest Hornet was a thrill and the earplugs were a must have accessory as it showed us all what it can do. The speed and power are just awesome. It is hard to believe that a mere mortal, albeit a very highly trained one, is at the controls. From ultra modern technology we then stepped back in time to see a display of Veteran RAAF flying training aircraft. The Sopwith Pup, Tiger Moths, CT-4s, Winjeel Wirraway & Harvard Mustang were joined by the WWII Warbirds, The Spitfire, Sea Fury, Mustang, Kittyhawk and Boomerang all in perfect working order. These old planes make you watch in wonder at how far we have come during such a short time. Heritage Jets were represented by the Gloster Meteor, DH Vampire & CAC Sabre. The dedication in keeping all these old planes flying is just wonderful.


Another Military Fast Jet, this time from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the F-16C showed us all what it could do and wowed us with its might & power. The Singaporean announcer & the Pilot had a bit of fun with the microphone and entertained us all. Perhaps the Comedy show next stop. Another International highlight was the Italian Air Force Test and Evaluation Squadron in their C27J Spartan (pictured below). This was an amazing display of power and agility in such a large aircraft. To see something the size of a passenger jet looping the loop and barrel rolling just makes you watch in wonder. RNZAF was also represented with a Boeing 757. Another Military Fast Jet that took our breath away was the USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon. And the RAAF BAE Hawk 127 was not far behind in the power stakes either.

Helicopters were not overlooked either and we were dazzled with a display, almost ballet like, from the RAN AS350 Squirrels. Later in the day the Navy Helicopter RAN Seahawk showed us how to rescue people at sea and the Army joined in later with a couple of Blackhawks showing us how they help defend the troops.

A civilian formation team, The Southern Knights, put on a wonderful display in their Harvards. Very colourful and very well received by the 1000's of people watching them. And of course you can't have an airshow without the Precision Formation Aerobatics by the RAAF Roulette's in their PC-9s from the Central Flying School. These pilots are just amazing and watching them is an absolute treat. And so photogenic too. Bill was in his element with the camera working overtime.

To celebrate the 100 years of passenger flying we were treated to a flyby from Charlie Camilleri's DHA Drover, Stinson Reliant & Lockheed 12. The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society's Lockheed Super Constellation, Douglas DC-3 & Douglas C-47 joined them. Watching these old aircraft flying past must have brought back many memories to some of the older folk in the crowd.

Another highlight of the airshows is always the solo aerobatics and this year was no different with an amazing death defying display from Matt Hall in his MX Racer. Nikolai Timofeyev and Su-26M together with Kent Pietsch and his S1-A Cadet entertained us during the day as well. How these guys ever have the nerve to try their first stunt will always be a mystery to me. They do it so well though and we can only hope that they stay safe always.

From the roar of the engines we were treated to the sounds of silence again as Bob Carlton showed us what his Jet Powered Glider could do. A small jet engine on the top of the large glider is all that is used to take him high up in the air before he turns it off and just glides down & down like a feather in the breeze. An amazing display and one that had us all watching in silence.

Larger Military planes were represented by the C-130J Hercules and the Bomber USAF B 1B Lancer. To see what these planes can do once up in the air is just awe inspiring. How these giants can move as they do taking off and landing in such small areas something you must see to understand. One of our own RAAF C -17A Globemaster was called away that morning for active duty helping in the Qld flood areas so we did not see that one.


Also flying by us was the Lockheed Hudson, the Consolidated Catalina and the Lockheed Neptune for a display of Maritime Patrol Heritage planes. The Catalina one of only two left in flying condition.

More Military Formation Aerobatics from the RAAF F/A 18's from No 3 Squadron had the earplugs back in as they wowed the crowd with some amazing displays. The afternoon finished with the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet, - the classic Hornet, going through it's paces for one last time.

We left the fields with many others to repeat the car park crawl but it was well and truly worth the effort. A great day and once again we spent the whole time on the fields and didn't get to see the many other areas on display, maybe next time.

So with another weekend over, it's off to work again. Next stop Yackandandah for the long weekend.

until next time...........

Time out in Jamieson

After my big weekend with Mum and a busy few days back at work where better to recharge the batteries than our favourite little cottage at Jamieson. And no, it wasn't just all about me, Bill had been busy as well with 2 weeks of travelling. He was more than happy to take an early pass with me and try to beat the traffic out of the city. We were not alone though, this time we were sharing our little cottage with Astrid & Hans and looking forward to a fun weekend of rest & relaxation.

Our attempt to beat the traffic was not wholly successful. There was a huge storm forecast and many others had the same idea. We managed a good run for the first 20 mins and then hit traffic and very soon after the storm hit us. About 30 mins of slow crawling and very heavy rain before we broke free and from then on it was easy going. After stopping for a bite to eat at a Roadhouse along the way we decided not to obey the GPS and travel up the way we knew. We met Astrid & Hans a little while later in Mansfield where they had stopped for dinner in the Delatite Pub. We joined them for dessert and the 'bowls' of Hot Chocolate that Bill & Hans ordered had both us girls drooling. Certainly going back there again. Who said Pubs were all just beer & chips.

A quick catch up with Angie & Freddie before taking possession of our home for the weekend and from that moment on we were in 'chill out' mode. The bottle of Red might have helped but we had a great night chatting and listening to the rain from inside Camellia cottage. The rain continued to fall all night and Freddie told us the next morning that there had been 50mm overnight.

We woke to a grey sky and the showers continued for a little while but had cleared by mid morning. Being in total relaxation mode we had a slow start to the day and breakfast on the verandah was the way to go. Once dressed we had a wander around the property. The lake is full and the Jamieson river running fast & furious after the nights rain. We had already decided that we would lunch at Kinloch Winery, about 20 mins from Jamieson, so that was our next port of call. We spent a couple of hours over a great mixed platter, Smoked salmon bruschetta and a bottle of Kinloch bubbly. Of course you have to wine taste at a winery and we left with a few bottles to bring home as well. They might only be a small vineyard but they do have some lovely wines a few of which are in our wine rack now.

A drive to Kevington, about 10km's past the Jamieson turnoff to see the old Hotel on the Goulburn River completed our afternoon. The Poplar Kevington Hotel was built in 1862 as Garretts Beerhouse and is the last remaining hotel from the days of the gold boom. It is known affectionately by locals and visitors alike as the Kevy Pub or the Kevington Hilton. We stopped here and had a drink in the Riverside Bar before returning to Jamieson & Camellia cottage for another night of R & R. Astrid had brought a yummy Zucchini slice with them so we didn't even have to think about were to go for dinner. Late afternoon turned to evening with a cheese platter and a bottle of Red and before we knew it the sun had set and it was time for dinner. Not sure how we could eat any more but we managed. Maybe it was the second of bottle of red that helped to wash it down.

Sunday morning was fine and after another slow start breakfast was moved inside as without the cloud cover it was a little cooler. Before we knew it the time had come to say goodbye. We had a wonderful time sharing 'our' little piece of paradise with friends and hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

We decided that we would let the GPS bring us home and had a great day discovering some new places. Our first stop was Mansfield where we picked up a map and some local info and then we drove to Benalla via Lake Nillahcootie. The lake is situated on the Broken River in north-eastern Victoria, 36km south of Benalla. The name Nillahcootie is of Indian origin and apparently means ‘Blue House'. The dam was built in 1968 and the water stored is used for irrigation and stock supply. We had a look around the picnic grounds and boat ramp and then walked up to the dam wall for a closer look at the spillway which was overflowing, before leaving to drive on to Benalla. It is another beautiful place and good to see it full.

We had lunch at Benalla and then it was time for the 2 hour trip down the highway. A very easy straight run home and before long the bags were unpacked and the washing machine running. All good things must come to an end and it had been another good weekend.

Our week at work was another busy one and our last weekend was a little quieter. We met Suzanne & Bryce for lunch at the Red Star cafe in South Melbourne and had a lovely couple of hours catching up again. A wander around South Melbourne Market after lunch inspired me to pick up the makings of Sunday night's dinner. Chicken with apricot & macadamia stuffing. The rain arrived on Saturday evening so we decided that home was the best place to be that night. A couple of old movies on TV took care of that. Sunday's planned activites were put on the backburner when we woke to the rain still falling. Breakfast in St Kilda will have to wait for another day. A day in gave me a chance to catch up on the washing & other domestic duties. Bill got to prepare for another week of travel. Next week we will be out & about again.

until next time.............