As we headed towards Portland, the countryside became greener. Lush fields housing contended cows brought back memories of the Victoria we both once knew. Not the brown dustbowl we had recently encountered. The weather closed in but we managed to see some of the local sights. Bridgewater, 20 minutes from Portland is home to a very appealing white sand beach. Although raining we sat in the cafe and gazed out to sea. The road continued on to Cape Duquesne where walking tracks led to a blowhole and Petrified Forest on the cliff top. An urban myth was that a big sand dune blew over the trees, which then solidified and created the Petrified Forest. They are actually a natural phenomenon, created in such limestone areas as this. However, it was an eerie scene to view such a moonscape with turbines from the wind farm in the background.
Petrified Forest and me looking like a Teletubbie..
The blowhole was not blowing, but as I stared at the vast sea before me, I watched the many white caps forming on the waves. My Granny used to tell me the white caps were actually sea horses riding the waves. To this day, I still imagine such and possibly will never see otherwise.
The back road from Bridgewater to the main road to Nelson, our home for the night, is one of the prettiest drives so far. As the sun tried to break through grey clouds, we were the only ones on the road, and putted along at an easy pace. This region is part of the Limestone Coast, and it was not uncommon to see sinkholes and limestone caves right by the roadside.
Kangaroos sheltering from the rain- we had to shoo them to get under the tree instead
We awoke to Anzac Day, and more rain, but set off for Mt Gambier in South Australia. We have both been here before as kids, but it is still a must see. What other town has a brilliant blue lake, situated in an extinct volcano crater. Or, a sunken garden, as created in the Umpherston Sinkhole (a sinkhole is formed when the top of a limestone cave falls to the floor). Infact, you can dive through various caves that run underneath the whole town.
Umpherston Sinkhole, Mt Gambier
With the rain ever present, we planned our sightseeing between showers. However, in the one day we walked to the top of the Mt Shank crater and then the Centenary Tower. Both gave amazing views, but the ol' butt muscles are feeling it now.
Centenary Tower, Mt Gambier
It was exciting to be able to buy Victoria’s Sunday Herald Sun here- turning to the travel section, who should be on page 23, but a cute guy in his swimmers (AKA Dave). A story I had submitted had been published and a big photo of Dave accompanied it.
We made it to the top of Mt Shank
Blue Lake, Mt Gambier
As we continue towards Adelaide, we have taken the coastal route, soaking up the last of our ocean views. A comfort stop at Beachport was a true unexpected surprise. There is an air of sophistication about this seaside village. From the white sand beach and pure aquamarine sea to National Trust buildings, this town would be the perfect spot for some serious relaxation. We were both also very taken with the tiny 1800’s church. It was soooo cute, with only 3 little pews, tiny piano and cosy ambiance. Leaving town we took the Bowman Scenic Drive, which gave spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the Pool of Siloam. If only it had been a tad warmer we would have floated in this pool- being seven times saltier than the sea, you could easily float and read a book!
We have found ourselves camping at Robe for the night. The sun is trying her best to break through the rain, so we have camped by the beach of Guichen Bay. Robe is another delightful sea side town, with many historic buildings for us to explore.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment