The Grampians and a funky B&B

I'm just now getting caught up on my blogging due to a serious lack of internet availability on the South Coast of Australia.  But what Oz lacks in technology, it makes up for in grand vistas, untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife.

We left the coast to check out the Victoria mountain range known as The Grampians.  They are a sandstone mountain range that offer endless hiking trails showcasing impressive views across the range/valley plus waterfalls, unique fauna and of course birds!  We had blustery, damp weather during our visit so didn't have great light for pictures, but we were grateful for the moisture to assist with keeping the fires at bay.  This area has not had any fires impact it directly and the local cabins seemed to be doing well with No Vacancy signs posted nearly everywhere. 
These famous rocky outcroppings of this range.

It was good to see reservoirs that had water in them!

 It is interesting to hear how the fires have impacted the local inn keepers depending on their proximity to the fires in the SE of the country.  Some areas are prospering as tourists divert to different locales unaffected by the damage.  Others seem to be suffering as overall, tourism has dropped due to the travel advisories posted by some countries during the huge fire outbreak.  We ended up in a B&B about 30 miles inland due to the lack of rooms along the coast.  How lucky are we to have been destined to stay in this lovely residence called the Heytesbury House.  This 14 room house served as the home, office and hospital for country doctors starting in the last 1800's. 
Filled with charm & surrounded with beautiful gardens.

Nicely decorated in period appropriate furnishings

Off we go to do the Great Ocean Drive of SE Australia.  We were excited to experience this amazing coast but were not ready for the over run of tourists we found.  We visited one of the most beautiful and heavily "touristed" areas of Aussie on the holiday weekend of Australia Day.  This day is the equivalent of our 4th of July.  There were people absolutely everywhere and we felt a bit shell shocked given the isolation we've been experiencing for the past three months.  But the coastline is beyond incredible.  Check out our next post for some amazing pictures!

PS - did you know that range free eggs are all the rage?  Aussies love to let their chooks (chickens) poke around uncaged and antibiotic free.  (Reminds us of our childhoods)  Eggs are for sale along most roadsides with a dozen eggs costing $3 US using the honor system.

Living the dream in Aussie.

Cheryl & Dan






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