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........