Well having arrived here we were expecting some sunshine and warmth but unfortunately we had to prepare ourselves to be disappointed as the forecast was for a strong wind warning and a graziers alert for lambs and sheep. So that meant the temp was expected to drop to about 4 deg overnight. I suppose there is no real reason to talk about the weather as we can’t do anything about it. Its mid October and down here they are really copping it. Talk about global warming, I think they've got it around the wrong way! On the plus side of it all, is that they have had the rain which has eased the water restrictions and of course has helped the farmers.
Today we braved the climate and drove out to the Nyerimilang Heritage Park where we read we could experience the peace and tranquillity of the area, a one time gentleman’s holiday retreat and now a public park.
We enjoyed the views of the Gippsland Lakes and watched as the white-bellied sea eagles glided along the thermals of the cliff edge………………………….. The homestead now owned by the government was/is a gracious homestead of the 1920’s era and still portrays the wonderful life style that was enjoyed by the previous owners that once lived there.The home and the 5oo acres is now open for the public to enjoy with its tracks,walks and picnic grounds, of course, in the right weather………… The Gippsland Lakes is a very diverse region and a place that you could spend many weeks exploring.
We drove further on to Metung a small coastal village and a very popular summer tourist holiday area with its boats and holiday homes. We chatted to some of the local shop owners and had a good cup of coffee in one of the cafes. This part of the world is also home to the artist Max Nicolson whose work we admired in the local gallery. Unfortunately his studio which is nearby is only open on Sundays.
Our next port of call was Bairnsdale a much larger town and population. We had driven through here the other day but hadn’t stopped as we were keen to get to the caravan park and set up. We revisited here to have a look at St Marys, a Roman Catholic Church and the magnificent paintings that adorns the interior.
The ceilings and walls are painted in bold colours depicting an army of angels and religious figures. The man behind the artwork is Italian born Frank Floreani who was looking for work during the depression and was given artistic freedom to create the murals and something that hadn’t been seen before by many of the locals. Having visited many Cathedrals ,Churches etc in the UK and France this we agreed was amongst one of the best.
Having enjoyed a hot soup to warm us up we ventured down the main street to look at some of the historic buildings, before finding the car and making tracks back to our home.
With the wind picking up we battened down the bed awnings and ensured that everything outside had been secured and wouldn’t blow away in the wind gusts, before settling down in the dry and warmth hoping that when its time for us to pack up tomorrow morning that it wont be raining and not quite so windy.!
Looking at our map we have almost completed our circumnavigation of Australia. We started on May 29th and have travelled nearly 26000 km and spent almost $5000 on fuel! and has been worth every penny of it.
We should arrive home in Sydney by Friday 16th October.
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