G’day, All, from cool and cloudy Melbourne!
To catch up! When last we blogged, we were extolling the virtues of Kangaroo Island…only problem was internet access – where we had to drive 45 minutes one way to the “big” town of Kingscote to log in … Well…decided on Friday to enjoy the day and NOT make the drive, so did a catch-up posting last night when we got to Melbourne.
First thing in the morning we headed to Seal Bay to do the boardwalk and tour on the beach of the Australian sea lions. They were WONDERFUL! The beach is a wonderful refuge for them, with a wide beach area and lots of sand dunes where the sea lions can go if/when it gets cold. Most of the little guys are about 5-6 months old now, and their moms are going out to sea to find food for three day stretches, leaving the little ones alone to look after themselves! Several were playing in the surf with friends, and occasionally a sea lion would come in – and immediately go to sleep on the beach! R likes their life style too, but figures that he has more in common with a koala.
From Seal Bay we headed to Kelly Hill Caves, and the tour there. I was a bit apprehensive that I would have a problem being in a cave again, but fortunately, all was well – which was good, because the goofy gal who gave the tour 1) talked about the earthquake they had several weeks ago, and 2) turned out ALL the lights so we could see how dark it was! (Answer: Very. A Brit on the tour told her friends just to wait a minute and their eyes would adapt … hmmm…) The cave was fine, but was a dry cave (means it’s not still growing) and not nearly as spectacular as the caves we saw in Western Australia.
From the caves, we decided to head back to the cottage for lunch … and never left! Used up some wonderful tomatoes that we’d bought in Adelaide for a sliced tomato with parmesan cheese salad. Then, figuring that we’d seen everything that was a “must see” we decided to take the rest of the afternoon off – and had a perfectly lovely time, drinking wine, reading, and taking naps! Where did the time go?? And how neat is that?? We did take a drive down to the beach at sunset; just spectacular! Then back for left-over beef tips over rice for dinner. We’ve actually managed to use almost all of the food we bought, which is good! Did leave one onion and some garlic, as well as the remaining parmesan cheese…and donated the spice collection to the inventory already in the cottage.
The wallabies came up to check out the front yard – they are so incredibly cute! Wish we could have taken pictures of them, but it was too dark and we didn’t want to startle them by using the flash. Also the possum. Possums in OZ are SO much cuter than American possums! Lovely, long FURRY tails; cute eyes and ears. The resident possum here is so tame that he comes up on the porch looking for food! Glad that the caretakers left us “official” food to feed them, so we wouldn’t give them scraps or bread. Would hate to damage their digestive systems!
Fairly early to bed, as we needed to be up and out by 6:45 a.m. to make the ferry at Penneshaw. Of course we were up by 4:45 … what is wrong with us, I wonder? Got the house cleaned up and ready to go by 6:15. We actually drove for over 45 minutes before we even SAW another vehicle! R wondered aloud if the island had had been evacuated the evening before, and no one bothered to tell us! Seemed like it; REALLY deserted! Made it first (surprise!) to the ferry, with LOTS of time to spare before check-in. Did the cliff walk in Penneshaw, but all the penguins were already out to sea for the day, and the flies were FEROCIOUS! Decided to risk the 9 mile (45 minute) crossing without Kwells, as it was fairly calm and we had a LONG way to drive. Crossing was good – some porpoises followed us for a bit; looked like they were having fun! And we started off on the mainland right about 9:30 a.m.
It’s a LONG drive from Port Jervis to Melbourne…we’d been told anywhere from 8 – 10 hours, and it worked out to be almost exactly 9 hours for us. We followed the coast around a bit, working our way to one of the main highways. LOTS of “schoolies” haunting the beach town of Victor Harbour; they were EVERYWHERE, and it looked like some of them were camping out in a park – small pup tents all over the place! As we were driving from Penneshaw to Duke’s Highway (to Melbourne), we needed to cross the Murray River and – SURPRISE! NO bridge! Ferry only!! Didn’t know how long we would have to wait, so headed up river a bit to Jervois, hoping for a bridge – but guess what? NO bridge there either! This time we decided to wait for the ferry – which actually arrived just a minute or two later. Turns out the ferry is on a cable, and just goes back and forth, taking a maximum of about 6 cars each trip! No kidding!! So across the Murray, and then hitting the main highway to Melbourne.
Stopped at Keith for lunch … and, while they had a lovely cricket pitch (R is currently watching a one-day match, NSW vs. the Tasmanian Tigers) the restaurants were few and far between. Decided on the Morning Loaf Bakery, and I ordered a hamburger PLAIN (vs. “the Lot”) and R ordered a plain steak sandwich. Well…remind me to avoid country hamburgers in future…it came with tomatoes, cheese, lettuce and, of course, the ubiquitous beetroot … can only wonder what “the Lot” would have included!! Obviously a frozen patty; ugh! Give me McDonald’s anyday! We also had chips – which were GREAT, but R was asked if he wanted regular salt or “chicken” salt on them…hmmm…They did have Magnum Classic’s though, so my meal was salvaged!
Back on our way, and R drove for the next several hours. Of all the roads we’ve been on to this point, almost all of them, even the cross-country major roads, are two lanes only, one each way, with periodic passing lanes worked in. The scenery was absolutely incredible – very dry, and lots of farm land, but some beautiful areas of trees. The closer we got to Melbourne, the more beautiful things became – especially once we got near the Grampions National Park and into Ballerat. Oh! The Giant Koala! This is truly an amazing country! And, freeway!! How neat!
This being election day, we started getting return results about 5 p.m. – anxious to get to the hotel so we could watch on TV!
We got into downtown Melbourne about 7, and R provided brilliant directions to get us right to our hotel’s front door! We’re staying at The Windsor, one of the oldest hotels in town – big, grand, just beautiful, and wonderfully located right across from the Parliament building; fully refurbished back in the 1970’s. Pulled up in front of the hotel; lots of traffic; two wedding receptions going on inside. Fortunately, the valet offered to take the car from there (Yea!!) so we took what we could and headed into the hotel, the valet promising to bring our bags up later. Checked in, and found we’ve been upgraded to a Deluxe Room – 344. It’s lovely! HUGE room; high ceiling; marble bathroom; huge walk-in closet with mini-bar. Starting settling in, but where was the luggage? R actually had to make one trip downstairs, and two phone calls, but eventually, it was located and brought up. Our friend Joan Mould called right after we’d arrived, and we’ve been invited to their daughter’s house tonight for a BBQ! It will be great to see them!
By this time, however, we were firmly ensconced in front of the TV – watching John Howard and his Liberal Coalition go down to defeat. We had barely any idea who was being interviewed, or where certain places were, but all very interesting nonetheless. Realized that this is the second national election we’ve been privy to – France in the spring being the first! And an interesting thing – here in Australia, if you DON’T vote, you get fined! What a concept! Does make for big voter turnout!
So, needing food, we ordered from room service – and it was GREAT! I ordered chicken tikka masala; very spicy, came with rice and pappadum and chutney. R had a fabulous steak with fries and salad. A lovely ending to a great day! I was asleep by 10; not sure what time R turned in, but when I woke up about 6 and looked out the window, there were 4 hot air balloons going overhead! Wow!! What a place!
We went out about 8 a.m. looking for breakfast; not wanting to pay $30 AUD each for breakfast here. It being Sunday, many things were closed, but we found a Pancake House, and had a terrific breakfast of pancakes and bacon. (Interesting note: It was actually cheaper to order a breakfast with pancakes, eggs and bacon and say “hold the eggs” than to order items separately!) Then back to the hotel to change, as it was a bit cool for shorts. Purchased a Sunday Saver pass for $2.50 AUD for transport all day on all trams, buses and metro. Took the free City Circular Tram all the way around, enjoying the tourist commentary. Got off near the Victoria Market, and headed there first – and found some wonderful t-shirts! Wandered around – saw some lovely meat stalls, and R enjoyed looking at the fish. Again, we would have LOVED to have this market with a kitchen handy, but looks like we’re done cooking for this trip! Oh well!!
Took the t-shirts back to the hotel and once again headed out, this time for lunch at St. Kilda, which is on the beach. Got off at Luna Park, and decided on the Vineyard for lunch. Wild place! Think we were by far the oldest people there – and probably the only ones without piercings or tattoos!! LOTS of young people! Had bruschetta with tomatoes and three dips – guacamole, hummous and capsicum (red pepper) with bread, along with glasses of sauvignon blanc. Really good, and it was fun. Decided to head back to town for a nap before meeting Joan and Jeremy at 4:30. Took FOREVER getting home on the tram – think EVERYONE wanted to head in to town right then, and there are hoards of Christmas shoppers everywhere!
Joan picked us up at the hotel at 4:30 and took us on a lovely scenic ride through town. Stopped first at their place – really lovely home in the suburb of Richmond – VERY close to town center! From there we headed to Yarra River Park – with thousands of grey-headed flying foxes (fruit bats)! They were everywhere – and as it was late afternoon, they were starting to wake up, as they head off each night at dusk; very active colony; really neat! (Although VERY pesky flies!) From there we went to their daughter Helen’s house, also in Richmond. It’s a beautiful place – and Helen and Tom are expecting their first child at the end of March! SO nice to be able to spend some time visiting; a truly lovely evening! Dinner was grilled lamb with roast potatoes and a lovely salad, followed by ice cream and fresh fruit for dessert – YUMMY! Also, lots of Australian wine for those drinkers in the crowd … just took ibuprofen as a preventative … we’ve got a long way to go tomorrow!
Take care; more later!
Love,
m
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