Around Australia 2014 – Page 2

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” →

Farewell to Van Dieman’s Land

Published on April 21, 2014November 3, 2018 by 8itchyfeetLeave a comment

Freycinet was wonderful, but permanent accommodation was hard to come by. With a little time up our sleeve we went kickin’ down the cobblestones not quite sure which way to go. We landed in Campbell Town 80 or so kilometres inland from the coast. There was a babbling brook, ducks a paddling, a great big paddock with a sign indicating RV’s were welcome and the sun was shining. ‘This’ll do’ we said and pulled up stumps.

It was tough after that. We had to feed the ducks, have a cuppa, walk over to the swings and swing for a while and then read some more of Amy and Oliver’s latest book. Emma felt like making something and so added a few rows to Amy’s crochet blanket. This left Amy to teach me how to ‘pearl’ as part of my ongoing tuition in knitting. I also snuck off, between rows, to look at some more of that old convict stuff. Emma would have been interested I’m sure, but Amy and Oliver are getting a little hesitant when it comes to ‘more old stuff’. Continue reading “Farewell to Van Dieman’s Land” →