Victoria countryside, odds and ends

Would you believe that separately two parts of my family dined here? This is the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, at the base of the Grampians. Chris and his family specifically came here for the famous multi course dinner that books far in advance. (think Herb farm) I stopped in the bistro for lunch just passing through. But it was an amazing lunch, so I am sure the dinner is really something. Totally non-descript place in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.

Grampian’s National Park

The trail in the Grampians up to the Pinnacle. Easy to see where the trail really is, huh?

He is just for perspective and scale. Right. He was also young, athletic and very French. And, of course, passed me by while I was huffing and puffing.

Pretty cool trail

so, yes I did get to the top and I went out there. And pretty immediately went back. Nice that I got this bird to pose for me.. Oh, BTW, the Frenchman was long gone by the time I got there.

Another shot of this great trail

I have no idea what this was, but it sure was big. Due to mining, you see just giant equipment moving down the back roads here.

One of the most interesting old bridges I have ever seen. Dates from 1864 and still totally in use.

So Australian………

Do not even ask me about my gas or lack of gas escapades, but this is one of the places that I could have used some fuel, but I think I am too late?

Giant tree ferns. The old growth forests of Australia are so fascinating as almost all of the truly native plants are from the dinosaur age and before, essentially unchanged. This is a result of Australia breaking away and becoming its own separate land mass.

Quite a surprise for me, the supposed Redwood expert, but if they are correct, it was taller than any known redwood. This is just a sign along a country road in the middle of nowhere. I believe this as I had seen some eucalyptus in Tasmania that were almost as tall as a redwood and this is fairly close as the crow flies. Sadly, we will never know for sure as someone felt the need to cut it down.

Unfortunately not a great shot of a great National Park, Wilson’s Promontory. A large peninsula jutting out into the Southern ocean, less than a day’s drive from Melbourne. Probably 90% wilderness park, very nicely done.

The view from the B&B I found near Wilson’s Prom. Sanctuary at Waratah. Amazing hostess. She washed and ironed my jeans, did a full breakfast each day including fresh baked bread and everything was from her garden.