8itchyfeet

It’s a long way from Portland to King’s Canyon

Published on May 13, 2014November 4, 2018 by 8itchyfeet2 Comments

It’s a long way from Portland, VIC to King’s Canyon, NT. A really long way. 2200 km rolls off the tongue easy enough and to be sure Dad’s Pajero eats up the miles like there’s nothing to it. But it’s still a really long way.

The World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves were our first stop on route, 220 kilometers up the road. We spent two nights gathered round a camp fire dreaming of warmer climes and delving into the underground where all manner of creature had fallen to their doom, their bodies entombed for us to come and enjoy as fossilized remains. Continue reading “It’s a long way from Portland to King’s Canyon” →

The Piglet Highway

Published on May 2, 2014November 3, 2018 by 8itchyfeetLeave a comment

‘Pack up the kids. We’re off to see the Sow and Piglets!’

What? You haven’t heard of the Sow and Piglets, those iconic rocky ocean sentinels standing guard along the Great Ocean Road. Thousands flock to see them every year, though judging by the number of signs on the Great Ocean Road reminding you to ‘drive on the left in Australia’ most, presumably, are foreigners.

I don’t know why, but apparently the Sow and Piglets just didn’t work for people, so they renamed them the Twelve Apostles, which is curious given there was only ever nine of the great rocky stacks. But you can’t have the Nine Apostles can you. Which three would you leave out? So the Twelve Apostles it is, although one fell down and now there are only eight. So it is the eight, Twelve Apostles. Got it! Good. Lets move on. Continue reading “The Piglet Highway” →

Faces of Melbourne

Published on April 27, 2014November 3, 2018 by 8itchyfeet4 Comments

‘It’s a Picasso! A Picasso!’ Well I never. The things you find in a big city.

‘A what?’ said Amy and Oliver.

‘A painting worth squillions’! I said.

‘Huh.’

Huh indeed. Fancy that. I didn’t expect to see a Picasso when I woke up that morning. A tram yes. Tall buildings, sure. The Yarra River, of course. But a funny looking face (the weeping woman) painted by Pablo Picasso, nope didn’t expect that. What a pleasant surprise. As were the Monet’s, Cezanne’s and Turner’s in Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria. That name confuses me though. National Gallery of Victoria… nope I don’t get it. Continue reading “Faces of Melbourne” →