I know, I know, I haven't updated everyone in ages, but well frankly, we have been having way too much fun and haven't had any time to stop and blog. I have been keeping a list of short points written down so I can do a mega update and remember to include everything. So...... here goes.
Portland, Vic.
We took a drive out to Cape Bridgewater, about 20 minutes away from Portland so that we could go and see the largest seal colony in Victoria - approximately 650 seals. When we got to Cape Bridgewater however, we discovered that to see those said seals we had to walk about 45 minutes up and down 45 degree tracks to reach them and as it was raining at the time the four to one vote was not to do it. Instead we drove a little further around the coast to have a look at the blowholes (which weren't blowing) and the petrified forest (which wasn't particularly amazing). Bit of a let down. On our return journey the rain had eased off somewhat so I decided that I would do the seal walk with E, as she was soooooo desperate to see the seals. R took T and C down to the beach for a hot chocolate to wait out the hour and a half that E and I would be gone. Oh my goodness, I really thought I was going to die this time. I was red in the face, puffing like a steam train, not able to talk and certainly not stopping half way up a hill for a drink, coz there is no way I would have gotten started again.
We finally made it to the highest point of the walk, which happened to also be the highest cliff on the Victorian coast at 130 meters above sea level. After about 55 minutes we finally made it to the viewing platform - and would you believe not one of the 650 seals could be seen!!!! None, nil, zero!!! I had just walked nearly an hour at heart attack level for NOTHING!!! Poor E was so disappointed, and to match the disappointment the rain started again on our way back meaning that I no longer had my walking stick as I had to actually use it as an umbrella. We eventually got back to the car exhausted, wet and very disappointed.
After that we headed a few km's further out to have a look at the Bridgewater lakes area and have a climb around in the limestone caves on the side of the road. Fortunately this placated E and the earlier disappointment was forgotten.
Later that afternoon we made a visit to the information centre and kindly asked them to let the local seals know of our disappointment. The staff were very surprised at our story of woe as they had never before heard of there being NO seals visable at any other time.
So, as Portland is an industrial town there wasn't much more to be seen, but we did do a drive around the port area so R could see how things worked there.
The next day saw us moving along towards Warrnambool. We had a couple of short stops along the way. The first being the giant slide at Yambuk. We started to think we had taken a wrong turn as we followed the signs towards the slide as the road was narrowing and getting rougher and bumpier. All of a sudden we found ourselves IN a caravan park as the road ended. Ummm?? We were then directed to drive straight through the park and around the corner to where the slide revealed itself. The kids were so excited. It was a huge slide, but unfortunately for them, it was wet and not so slippery. There was a magnificent view from the top platform though. While the boys played on the playground, E and I went for a walk along the beach, and found ourselves tracking emu prints. Can't say I have ever come across emu prints on a beach before!
Next stop was a brief stretch of the legs stop in Port Fairy as we had been advised that we just HAD to have a look around there. I'm so glad we did. It is such a gorgeous town. Reminds me of a fairy tale village. Cute little cottages, sail boats tied up on the pier. So much history. I would have loved to spend a bit longer there looking around.
To be continued.......
No comments:
Post a Comment