Hi again
As promised I am starting a series of posts showing some of the amazing places we have been blessed to visit right across Australia. And often in these places we have met some equally amazing people.
In March, 2007 we took delivery of our brand new Trakmaster caravan in Melbourne. Before heading west and getting too far away from Melbourne, we decided to do a short trip to Wilson's Promontory and hopefully 'shake out' any problems with the van. Wilson's Promontory (the Prom) is the southern most point of the Australian mainland.
This caravan was the first, and only van we have owned. So back in 2007, we were very much learners at this caravaning game. On the way to the Prom, we stopped for a break. Upon entering the van we discovered that the fridge door had not been locked. While driving, the door had come opened and a bottle of fish sauce had fallen out of the fridge door and onto the floor. Somewhere along the way, the lid had come off. Rolling back and forth, the bottle had spread its contents - far and wide. Hmmm. What an 'interesting' mess greeted us! We have never made that mistake again.
Below - The new caravaners, all set to leave Melbourne. We still have this caravan. Since this photo was taken, we have travelled through all states and territories of Australia, including Tasmania and as much as possible on less used roads.
Below - Looking out over Bass Straight from Mt Oberon. We were a bit younger back then.
While in Melbourne we bought a couple of kayaks so were keen to try them out on some of the waterways at the Prom. Kayaks are great for quietly getting up close to wildlife.
There are many very pleasant walks at the Prom. Below is one of them - our 'three legged' photographer catching the photo below - the tripod camera.
We quickly found out that the rain in this part of Australia is cold - not at all like in northern Australia. Below some rain drops after a rain shower.
A friendly kookaburra allowed me to get up close.
Initially, Nancy was a bit nervous with the kayaks - especially the getting in and out parts ....... and not having an unplanned swim. However, she quickly became very comfortable and with that the enjoyment levels rose significantly. Much of this is due to a very friendly stranger we met at Lake Lilydale on the eastern side of Melbourne. As it turned out, he was a very experienced kayaker (18 x Murray Marathons plus, plus) who freely gave us an hour of his time providing some great instruction on the use of a kayak.
A pleasant paddle out into the bay - however only on a fair weather day.
A colourful Crimson Rosella looks on.
This wombat wandered through the camp grounds right passed our caravan while we were sitting out enjoying an evening - not at all concerned by humans - obviously a frequent visitor to the camp grounds.
Paddling with a waterbird and the paperbark in the background.
Light on the needles .......
Again, enjoying some amazing elevated views of Bass Strait.
After leaving Wilson's Promontory we headed west and caught the ferry across the southern part from Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff near Geelong. The entry to Port Phillip is in the distant centre of the photo below. A little over 150 years before, some of Bryan's ancestors sailed through those heads, having left the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland many months earlier. The period leading up to their departure was traumatic and their voyage was far from comfortable. They made it to the new country. Those who are familiar with the Great Ocean Road will be aware of the many shipwrecks along this coastline - more about this in the next post.
The next blog post will cover our visits with some old MAF friends and the amazing coastal scenery on the Great Ocean Road.
Until then, take care and travel well.
Bryan and Nancy
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