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Sunday, September 28, 2008

The Grampians

I know this isn't the Alphabet Blogging format I started last post, but I just wanted to share with you some photos of our trip to the Grampians that we just returned from. We had a great time, the weather was (mostly) wonderful, and it is such an amazing place.

I have uploaded around 40 photos for you to have a look at. Blogger takes too long to upload photos, in my opinion, so this is the link where you can (hopefully) view these photos ... here. Please let me know if this link doesn't work.

Here's a brief outline of what we got up to during the week ...

Day 1 ... just a lazy one, walked into town, back to the campground, spent the afternoon chatting and eating and drinking ... then it rained !!

Day 2 ... a busy, energetic one !!! Firstly we went to Silverband Falls ... a leisurely stroll through the bush, to a beautiful waterfall that just disappears into the rocks. Then we went to Boroka Lookout, with magnificent views over the valley. Then to Lake Wartook ... a water reservoir, which I think provides some drinking / irrigation water for the district. Then off to McKenzie Falls ... last time we were there, we just took the upper walk to the lookout. This time, I was talked into taking the scenic route to the bottom of the falls. OMG ... the stairs ... around 260 of them, and they are steep ... boy are they steep !! Going down was OK, bit scary !! But ... coming up ... OMG, was that hard work, I thought I was going to die !!! My legs were shaky, and my chest was heaving (I think it's time I got myself fit !!). However, the hard work was worth it (I think !!) ... the falls are amazing, and I feel like I really achieved something (apart from nearly killing myself!!). Next, off to Reids Lookout ... not much walking there, but another stunning view !! Then back to the campground to rest and recouperate !!

Day 3 ... We decided to take it easy, and just do some driving around. Firstly the Gap Winery (we sampled and bought some wine ... yummy), then the Halls Gap Wildlife Park, then a Lavendar Farm. We took a dirt track back to the main road, then went to the Halls Gap pub for lunch. Afterward we decided we needed to walk off lunch, and headed up to Venus Baths ... oops, my mother slipped and fell in !! No damage done, other than to her ego (I'm sure she must be sore, but won't admit it) !!

Day 4 ... Another lazy one (for the girls, at least!!) ... the men played 9 holes of golf, and we ladies stayed back at camp ... drinking and relaxing. When the guys returned, we played footy, darts, and all manner of other stuff ... a fun day !!

Day 5 ... Back to Reids Lookout, and then off to The Balconies ... a leisurely walk to an amazing lookout, and interesting rock formations. Then we headed off to Zumsteins Historical Reserve for a bit of a look-see. Then the Heatherlie Quarry, where much of the bluestone type rock was mined, and still is for a few important city buildings. Lots of historical stuff here ... very interesting. Then we went to town, had some lunch and icecreams. Nice finish to a lovely day.

Day 6 ... A brief drive into Halls Gap, to the Information Centre and Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Then back to camp to watch the AFL Grand Final ... yay, my footy team won ... Go Hawks. Overnight the weather turned ultra-windy, and a bit of rain ... oh well.

Day 7 ... that's today ... packed up and came home. A great week's holiday ... we are already booked in for the same time next year ... can't wait.

Anyway, we are off again the day after tomorrow, for a week at Bonnie Doon. I will post more soon.

See ya ....

Take care,

11 comments:

Merle said...

Dear Connie ~~ Sounds like you all had a wonderful time and I know you will at Bonnie Doon. Glad your footy team won, I was barracking for them. Geelong had a turn lst year. It was a great game.
See you when you get home again. Take great care, Love, Merle.

Puss-in-Boots said...

Hi Connie, sounds like a dream holiday. Oh dear, your poor mum...an unscheduled swim. Hope it wasn't too cold.

Anyway, it's good to see you back again.

Peter said...

G'day Connie, the Grampians lived up to their usual high standard by the sound of it, great photos, I've gotta say though I found facebook slower than blogger to upload photos.
I had to use their uploader as I couldn't load the photos without it.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Wonderful photos, Connie. Those ducks are gorgeous, whatever variety they are! All the scenery is lovely, especially the Falls.

I can't get over how much Chicky has grown! Hard to believe we've been blogging together for almost 3 years now. Time is moving on and people are growing older. ;o)

You're into your Spring there and we're moving into Fall here. In a couple of weeks we'll have frost and cooler weather. I'm more than ready for it!

Hope y'all have a great time at Bonnie Doon. :o)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Connie, that was excellently described.

Carole Burant said...

Hi Connie:-)

I so enjoyed looking at your pictures...I love those falls! How delightful those kangaroos are and I can't believe you can feed them like that. They are not something you see around here and even rare to have one in our zoos! Sounds like it was a fun time for all of you and the scenery looks breathtaking!! xoxo

kdoll aka *~Puzzle~* said...

It sounds like you have a very good time. It sounds like a lovely place. I may have to go there some time.

Cecil said...

Connie... Glad you stopped by my blog.. a few weeks ago! I've been really busy.. a lot going on... I am ready for a vacation! Sounds like you all had a great time.. Good to hear from you..Hugs.. Cecil

Jeanette said...

Hi Connie, Sounds like your having a great time. I watched the GF but who didnt! great win by Hawthorn Im a Tiger Supported but barracked for Hawks Saturday..Love all your Photo's specially the wildlife.. Take great care Continue to enjoy your holiday at Bonnie Doone.

Devil Mood said...

It sounds as if I wasn't the only one on holiday, you're always going places ;)
The Grampians is a curious name and I'm glad you had a great time!

Saur♥Kraut said...

How nice~ I relaxed a little just reading this!