Day at the Zoo!

One of the very best places I've visited so far.... The Zoo! I've never been to a Zoo before, the closest I've got was a farm and there's no cheetahs in those things. We drove for an hour to Werribee, about halfway between Geelong and Melbourne, and had the most sunshiney weather to wander round and see some brilliant creatures.

There were Vervet Monkeys (not Velvet monkeys as I'd originally thought...)

....Cheetahs (we were really lucky to see one this close, we happened to walk past at feeding time but they usually take the meat and run off with it to eat in private. We were literally feet away from all the bone-crunching action...)












....Meercats (who are very cheeky and love to pose)

..... Hippopotamuses (who look cute but just have the most amazing power behind them when you see them up close. You wouldn't want one of these things charging at you....)

......Little beasties like crocs and snakes.....

......Lions (sleeping instead of prowling)

....Emus (that were taller than me - if I felt threatened I had to stand on tiptoes and hold my hand in the air so I showed I was superior. Thankfully that wasn't needed, they seemed completely happy to wander around us)....

....And of course, kangaroos. Seeing one of these so close was like a mythical legend had come to life. I'd heard about them and seen pictures all my life but to really see a proper kangaroo, one of the national and stereotypical symbols of Australia was insane!

We missed the Safari bus trip round the reserve to see zebras and things but will definitely be going again so it's something to look forward too! Also had the typical tourist-type photo taken whilst I was there...

Victoria x

Uneven ground. Rapid water. Falling trees. Snakes.

Well this week we went Bush Walking! After driving along the Great Ocean Road for an hour we arrived at Lorne, the location of a lovely beach, the start of the Bush Walk and the very beautiful Erksine Falls, a 30foot waterfall. There was a sign that advised only experienced bush walkers pass that point but we hardly saw it as we set off and rambled on for a few hours deeper into the Bush, where there was no path except for ones you made yourself - this meant crossing fast-flowing rivers and clambering over fallen trees to keep on going. Was immensely fun and a little bit scary at times....

                                                                                                                                                               

The beach at Lorne was perfect and we reverted to childhood, getting down on our hands and knees to make a big sandcastle. Children looked on enviously as two adults carved out a moat and added 4 turrets to our sandy masterpiece. Small but evident satisfaction was gotten from the waves that filled the moat but failed to crumble the foundations of the castle. It was a well spent half an hour. 

We also decided to have a poke about in the rock pools further on down the beach. A few crabs made good their escape as I tried to catch one but I eventually cornered one of the littler beasts and made it pose for a photo. It didn't like it that much, was a bit snappy with me (Sorry, bad joke...). Some red and black sea anemones tried to close up around my finger as I gave them a gentle prod and some mini-shrimp things tickled my feet as I tip-toed through the pools - I really was just going round accidentally annoying the wildlife.

Victoria x

The beautiful, the rare and my very first duck-billed platypus.....

Sadly not the real thing, and apparently this is as close as I'm ever going to get to one of these gorgeous creatures. But I'm secretly determined to prove all Australians wrong (I am a woman and British, ergo I must be right at all times) and catch a glimpse of one of them when the chances are apparently very, very small.....unless I camp by the right river day in day out. Well if that's what it takes.....

Victoria x

What a load of bollards....

I'm always interested in things that make me go "huh" with an appreciative look. Upon arriving in Geelong and having a look around the Bay for the first time (to me it's a beach - it has sand and water and an ice cream man. That's a beach. But I'm informed it's actually part of Corio Bay which forms the larger Port Phillip Bay) I kept seeing 6foot tall wooden posts all done up in various painted outfits....

I like to think that these next ones are about to launch into God Save the Queen...

The next is my personal favourite. Sad clown. I've got a pillowcase I've slept on since I was a baby (yes I've brought it to Oz with me) with a story on it about a sad clown who loses her necklace. It's so sweet and I love it, which is probably why I love this bollard best. 

The next I believe is a bollard of Eddie Izzard....

They're called bollards with around 100 of them scattered along the waterfront for a mile or two, and they were designed by Melbourne artist Jan Mitchell and depict the peoples of Australia from different cultures and Geelongs history. Whilst I'm here I'm going to get a picture of each one, just because I can. Can't be many people who have done that! Enjoy!

Victoria x

The grass is always greener....

There once was a young man from Oz,
Who left his own country because
He found it much better
In a country much wetter,
called Britain, and Greater it was.
  
            **********

There was a girl from the UK,
who's life was to change in a way,
where things were more fun
In a land full of Sun,
with the Aussie who'd led her astray.

Victoria x