My First Snow.

The weather forecast last night said that there was a potential for light snow at heights above 600m for today. A relatively short distance from where are now based is Mount Macedon, height 1000m, so we decided to head for the hills.

The weather didn’t look too much like it would provide snow, but we arrived at Mount Macedon after:

• A short detour when I missed the turnoff to the Calder Highway that would take us north, in the direction of Bendigo. I managed to get on the Calder Highway, but heading to Melbourne, and the dreaded Tollway. A short trip through some back streets and then back onto the outbound lanes of the Calder Highway and we finally heading in the right direction.
• Lunch at Gisborne. We found a great cafe that had some gluten free vegetable fritatas with salad or chips for lunch. A quick walk around part of the town then it was on to Mount Macedon.

The skies didn’t look too promising as far as providing snow, but right on cue, just after we got out the car we saw some snow flakes drifting to the ground. They didn’t hang around long but at least I saw my first snow, EVER!

We managed to get a photo with some snowflakes on Joy’s jacket before they melted.

Can you see them?

To help you out I have indicated a couple of snowflakes with arrows. You might even be able to see more.

The next photo shows snowflakes falling. Once again you have to look hard, and you might just be able to see the white streaks as the snow falls from left to right.

You may need to click the photo to enlarge it to see the trails made by the snow as it falls.

The Camels Hump

The highest point in the Macedon Regional Park is not actually Mount Macedon, but The Camels Hump, a rocky volcanic outcrop that is about 10m higher.

After a short 10 minute walk, up quite a steep path, there is a lookout that provides breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Set among the Snow Gums that exist in this cold, windy and wet environment, the lookout also has a plate pointing  out the directions to nearby locations, including another well know rocky outcrop, Hanging Rock.

The walk also takes you past many different birds and interesting understorey plants, mosses and fungi.

 The Return Journey

Rather than retrace the path that we took to get to Mount Macedon we chose the alternative route through Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh to return to Werribee South. The chocolate box pictures that we could have taken on this particular drive were also quite inspiring, especially as this winter has provided plenty of water that is still lying around in the paddocks, which are also still a bright green. Along with the bright yellow of the wattle trees and the canola crops the scenery is brilliant.

But First

A short stopover at Salt Creek on the Coorong.

We will be making the move in the next couple of days to head off to the next House Sitting assignment in Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, Victoria. That will give us the ideal opportunity to drive the Great Ocean Road, and iconic destination for all Grey Nomads.

We will be taking this first trip on the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide to Geelong. That allows us to have a stop over at Salt Creek, a very small community in the middle of the Coorong.

And the real reason for making this little side trip is to enjoy the hospitality at the RoadHouse, where we have previously (on at least 2 occasions) enjoyed the Coorong Mullet and Steak Sandwich from the menu. We also want to check out if we are given the usual  Apricot Jam sachets with the bread and butter that goes with the meal!

These photos are from previous trips to Salt Creek.