Mt Pilot & The Barambogie Ranges

The next morning Bill rose early as Bartley's Paddock called again. I stayed in bed and slept once more. A cup of tea and my book in the shade made for another perfect morning and after our morning treat in Chiltern we set off to explore a little further afield today. When we were here last year we never made to Mt Pilot so decided that we would go and see it this time.

Our fist stop was at Yeddonba, an Aboriginal site, at the foot of Mt Pilot. Here you will find a fascinating 45 min interpretive walk that introduces you to the traditional owners of the rocky outcrops, river flats and open plains of the area, as well as seeing some of their ancient Rock Art. For some reason I thought this walk would just be a 45 min loop on flat ground but before long we climbing those rocky outcrops and seeing some wonderful views. The rock art was very faded though and for the most part hardly visible. Still it is amazing to see sacred sites and learn abit about the people that called this place home many years ago.

Once back on the ground we left Yeddonba and drove up to Mt Pilot. From the carpark it is about a 300 metre climb to the summit where there is a fire tower. It certainly was worth the effort and from the very flat top you can see 360 deg views, looking across the Chiltern Valley, Mt Barnawartha, Mt Big Ben and on a clear day Mt Buffalo on the southern horizon. It was a very clear day when we were there and the views very great.

Once down on flat ground again we drove back to Chiltern for a quiet lunch in the park before we heading out to Lappins Dam & Green Hill Dam in the Mt Pilot National Park. From here we drove back to Rutherglen for some extra bits & pieces we couldn't find in Chiltern. I think the sign as we left said it all and having tasted the Port I have to agree. We drove back through the Chiltern Valley, lots of farm land and vineyards all looking very rural. Our next stop was Frog Hollow where not much was happening so we headed home from here and took a walk around the lake to finish our day of touring. With rain threatening the dark clouds kept the sunset hidden so we returned to our home in the park to cook those wonderful pies from Rutherglen. They really were good and the oven worked like a dream. A movie took care of the evening, watching it outside as the rain did not eventuate and soon after two very weary adventurers hit the sack.

Waking to another beautiful sunrise through the windows, Bill returned to Bartley's Paddock for a final time while I got another hours rest before starting to pack up for the long trip home. It was sad to say goodbye to our little friend who had enjoyed our portable bird bath but we finally had to empty the water and pack it away. Once ready to go we stopped for a final Coffee & Scone at the Mulberry Tree and soon after said goodbye to Chiltern. We had had a wonderful weekend and will certainly pop in again for another weekend some time.

Returning to work on Monday was not as much fun as leaving the previous Wednesday but it had to be done so we can get ready for the next adventure. A quiet weekend at home was next as Bill prepared to head interstate for the next few weeks. Lunch at the markets was yummy as always and after picking up some museli and vegies it was home for a quiet night. Next weekend will be anything but quiet as I return to Halls Gap with Mum for the Jazz Festival again. Can't wait.

until then..........