Monday, January 31, 2011

Along the Glenelg Highway



Leaving home and freshly mown lawns is always hard but the Western districts of Victoria were particularly beautiful. My friends who live near Cavendish have a large garden at their 'Wakefield Park' farm. It is open to the public so has to be kept 'up to the mark' all the time. There is always some  new project under way. They have standards to which I can only aspire!

A lovely feature of the garden is the grandchildrens' trees. Each one has a different variety and they
are all very interested in watching them grow and develop into lovely specimens.

The very old eucalypts  add a backdrop to the garden.


Walking around their garden at dusk after a long drive was both envirogating and inspiring. People only learn what is relevnt at the time and is of interest to them. I absolutely wanted to know the names and growing behaviours of endless roses and shrubs. Good teachers do not thwart learning. A glass of wine probably gave her patience. How lovely to drive away early the following morning enthused and relaxed.

I had seriously considered flying to Mt. Gambier, as particularly the drive home after teaching is a long haul. As I dislike flying avoiding two flights was a good option and catching up with old friends should never be postponed.






The filtered light reminded me of the stream garden at the Getty Centre in L.A.


This 'feature' was created ten years ago to celebrate 30 year of marriage.


Simple yet charming.

The Glenelg highway from Ballarat to South Australia via Hamilton is full of interest and stunning views. Gradually the Grampians come into view after an hour and a half's drive from Ballarat.


Casterton and Coleraine both nestle in valleys. It was nice to see the dams full of water without serious flooding and the ground had tinges of green. Normally, at this time of year, the grass has burnt off to a brown colour under the unrelenting sun.


From stud sheep farmers in Cavendish to Mt. Gambier where friends have a developing flock of Dorpers (disapproved of by many sheep farmers). These are sheep that originated in South Africa and were first brought to Australia in 1996. They shed their wool so do not have to be sheared or treated for fly strike. They originated from Dorset Horn rams bred over  Backheaded Persian ewes. The white Dorpers were out of white Van Roy sheep.


Each to his own!

Monday, January 10, 2011

King Island visitor


These breeding pigs are unaware of their idyllic lives. They live on yoghurt (their favourite is the chocolate flavour) and live in an acre of scrub land.


The fishermen, on the other hand, have very busy lives. These men are going out to their boat on a Friday evening with work still to be done.




Photographs do not express the senses of smell and touch. We were extremely lucky for the five days I was on the island. The weather was warm and a little humid and the winds were mild. I have taught in the past where I have had to shelter behind a horse float to teach.  The harbours were like mill ponds. No hideously enormous waves but still the intoxicating salty sea smells.


The boathouse, between the fishing boat and the lighthouse, was burnt down a couple of years ago. It has now been rebuilt (with wheelchair access) and is 'the restaurant without food'. Anyone can use the boathouse which is quite charming. Nothing nicer than an early morning cup of tea looking out on the returning fishermen or a 'bring your own' barbeque at night.


King Island is full of  ship wrecks. Still the most serious loss in Australian waters was the wreck of the Cataraqui in 1845 where over 400 lives were lost and only 9 people survived.  An accident that did not need to happen. The captain wanted to anchor for the night in a bad storm. His crew were anxious to finish the long journey from England and called him a coward. So he sailed on- to destruction on a desolate and dangerous shore.


The ship took a long time to disintegrate and brave passengers and crew tried to  hang on to parts of the ship but ended up drowning as the parts submerged.


Such an unusual sight to see this domestic goose with a 'wild thing' black baby. (to her left)

Arthur is a very well known personality on the island. At 14 he is hail and hearty on his diet of kangaroo and herbs.


King Island is wonderful to visit. When driving around everone gives a 'hello' salute with the right index finger (if the car is tricky to steer) or all the right hand fingers if not! People who do not 'salute' are either snobs or tourists. I love the richness of the simple and down to earth life mixed with internationally recognised crays, beef, kelp, cheese, cream and, of course, yoghurt. Teaching riders and horses with talent is an added bonus.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011