Myaring Bridge

After the girls netball last weekend we set off over the border into Victoria. We are lucky to live so close that we can go interstate on a Saturday drive, and be home before stumps.

I love how each district in our amazing part of the world has it's own charm and unique features. One of the main things I take notice of is nature; trees, the colour of the dirt, the wildflowers. 

The natural scrub around the Dartmoor area is so romantic, so peaceful and reminds me of days past, when previous generations roamed the countryside. On days out just like ours.

Our first stop was a track by the Glenelg river, a track that led to the old Myaring Bridge.
The bridge was built by Mr Wilson in 1893 for 416 pounds, using redgum and stringybark from the surrounding area. It serviced the nearby Myaring Bridge mine which mined limestone and carbonates. The size of the uprights is astounding, a true feat of engineering back in the day.

We had a bbq in a clearning with the babbling sound of the river and kookaburras laughing amongst themselves, or at us. The girls were amused with their chastising laugh, filling the air with their own laughter. The track was fairly boggy at this time of year(and I can imagine crawling with snakes in summer) and doesn't have much space for a car to turn around further down the track, but from the clearing we parked in, it wasn't far to walk.

Brett brought along his metal detector and pans to try our luck, you never know. We didn't strike it rich, but they had fun as we stopped as several different rivers and creeks in the area. Izzy didn't want to head home, she wanted to stay and explore well into the night I suspect. A camping trip may be on the cards.

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A sojourn in Narrawong, Victoria

Isabel's gymnastics competitions have taken us to our capital city Adelaide, and now to the Victorian town of Portland. We live only an hour and a half from Portland, so it was a quick trip over the border. 

These photos were taken in the late afternoon, after we'd arrived on a Friday. Brett took the girls exploring while I settled all of the stuff into our cabin at the Narrawong Top Tourist park, 10 minutes from the township of Portland. Before they returned to the cabin, I got the chance to duck out on my own with camera, prior to catching up with them. 

The park is surrounded by the Surry River, which you can cross to play on the beach. It was the perfect place to pause, or for a longer stay for fishing, beachcombing or checking out the sights of Portland, of which there are many!

On the drive home after Isabel's gymnastics, I silently pondered the thought of escaping here on my own, for some fishing and relaxing. It'd be perfect.

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Peaking a rosebud- Life this week

This weekend I am sitting here, alone. Yip Yip! I've just picked a fragrant bunch of flowers, told an automated phone survey chick to fug off (after I've hung up of course), and am on my second glass of red. Yip Yip! 

Brett's taken the girls to the holiday house, with a mate and his girls, to get some more work done on the patio. Good luck with that boys. 

I have all day and a glorious night to myself. Don't hurry back now.

After being crook as a dog for the past couple of weeks, this morning I've been to the doctors, on order from my husband. I keep clear of the doctors like cats steer clear of dogs, and wasn't surprised when I was sent on my way with the advice that "it's a virus". The random locum did give me a script for a puffer, which has helped. At least my lungs stay inside my body for another day. 

Speaking of things leaving my body. I was worried I was at that stage where I could just about piss myself with the next cough. Turns out the two brands of cough medicine I had, cautioned a laxative effect, which had me nervous of peaking a rosebud at every cough. 

In other news, last weekend we took Isabel to her second gymnastic competition, in Portland Victoria. She improved on her first competition, receiving a first ribbon this time in parallel bars. So proud. 

We stayed at the Narrawong Top Tourist park, near Portland. It's a peaceful holiday spot surrounded by nature and the sea. 

Our cabin was pretty basic and all we needed for one night. The last time we stayed here was in our caravan when Isabel was about nine months old. Great to revisit when the kids are much older. 


 

Joining Karin down the rabbit hole

and Denyse

Lake Mountain ski resort, Victoria

It's been two weeks since we returned from our holiday in Healesville. Two weeks! Where is the time going?! The whole purpose of our holiday, was to head up to the Lake Mountain ski resort, about an hour away.

We were here two years ago, and it was just as much fun as last time. It makes for a fantastic day out in the snow, for the family. We love it.

Our neighours joined us on holiday this time, we enjoyed sharing the experience with them. They had a ball too.

The weather was a little rougher than our last time at Lake Mountain. It was the wind chill factor that got us, it was so cold. 

While we started out on the resort toboggan slopes, a staff member from the resort told us to head to Leadbeaters. It was a toboggan run that was protected from the wind, etter for littler kids. It was in a secluded spot amongst the trees and it was there we stayed, for the rest of the day.

When it started snowing, it was magical. Even though there was lots of noise from other people having lots of fun, it was so peaceful amongst those trees, with the snow softly coming down. I was in awe. It was the first time I had caught snow in my glove and could SEE actual snowflakes. 

As we made our way back to the resort to leave, it was obvious how protected we had been at Leadbeaters. There was a full on blizzard happening, we had chosen the right time to go.

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Port Fairy folkie 2014

Ginger and Tonic, 4 girls sing acapella with a difference

Good one Dad, perfect toy...NOT! It mysteriously went missing when we got back to the caravan. Sssshh, it's still in the cupboard under the fridge.

No there's not dirt on your screen, just Izzys head.

We had a right royal crack up at Summer on this one. She's a little goer and loved every minute, even holding up the line on her way up.

Street performers

One of the many buskers

More markets than you could poke a stick at, no, really, there was shiploads!