The Windy City

For the second time in two weeks, high winds have struck Victoria resulting in damage comparable to what one would expect from a category 1 cyclone (see this story on the first event). Living upon one of the highest points in Melbourne, such events are particularly exciting for us. It's a bit unnerving watching one's windows bulge inward, but no harm done. However, our BBQ cover did go on a short trip down the street over night, but we managed to locate it and bring it back home this morning.

Bright

Easter was spent in Bright, where we took up residence at the bustling Bright Accommodation Park. It was a busy weekend in Bright, with tourists flocking to the country town to enjoy everything it has to offer - largely scenic amenity and the occasional market. The beautiful days were balanced by the cold (and frequently rainy) nights, which led to one aborted BBQ where we were forced to seek food and shelter in the local pub. We took day trips to Mount Buffalo and Harrietville (including the Bungalow Spur toward Mt. Feathertop).

Photos here

Victoria Leads

Victoria has been in the spotlight as of late when it comes to taking on climate change. Recent initiatives include:

1) Opening of the Otway Project - the world’s largest research and carbon geosequestration demonstration project.

2) A $72 million increase in investment for the state's renewable energy projects.

3) A partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative to explore clean, renewable energy projects in the state.

Return to Wilson's Promontory

We were there in 2007, but this past weekend, we took advantage of the Labour Day holiday to take the Dittmer elders to Wilson's Promontory. The traffic getting out of Melbourne was wilder than anything we saw at the Prom, although we did have to contend with the usual assortment of precocious wombats, possums and seagulls.

We lounged on the beach at Tidal River, climbed Mt Bishop, met some nice Gippsland boys at the barbie, and caught what can only be described as a chick flick at the outdoor cinema (where the wombats come around at intermission to nibble on your shoelaces). The highlight was the opportunity to get out from behind the wheel of the Getz for a weekend and cruise around in the relative luxury of a Nissan X-Trail. The low point was the weather change that rolled in around 3am Monday morning, bringing hot northerly winds that turned an otherwise pleasant night into a sweltering, and at times hair-raising, ordeal.

Photos here.

Phillip Island 2008

Check out the write-up on last month's 10th annual Phillip Island Instructor's Gasshuku.

On the Banks of the Mighty Murray

What do Victorians do while Americans get all soft chowing down on Turkey for Thanksgiving? Well, if they're in JKA, they go and spent the weekend at the annual Mildura Gasshuku. The weather was more favourable than last year, with temperatures peaking at only 28 as opposed to 38 (but the flies were there again to torment us).

After struggling with last year's drive from Melbourne to Mildura, I opted to wing it this time around, trading a six hour drive for a one hour flight. This gave me the opportunity to see the great line in the sand from above, and by that I mean the line where dryland agriculture (or attempts at it) in northern Victoria stops and irrigated agriculture starts. The contrast is quite striking - one massive brown band snuggled up next to a lush green one (as long as the Murray keeps flowing).

Longshot

Take a good look. That's $20.40 - our payout from the final race of the Melbourne Cup. No, we didn't don silly frocks or join the 100,000 or so racing enthusiasts at Flemington. We just dropped $5 on five horses at the local TAB and headed across the street to the Swan to watch the outcome (actually, Julian made the picks while I ordered everyone drinks). Fortunately for us, the favourite, Master O'Reilly, didn't even show - instead "Efficient" made an impressive come from behind dash to take the Cup. I love an underdog.

You Must be Joking

Housing prices in Melbourne have become, in a word, stupid.

Bush Fair

Spent last weekend up at the annual Typo Station Bush Fair in central Victoria - 24 hours of fun in the sun (and the flies) supporting a worthy cause. As usual, we dragged along an international crowd of friends with us, just to bring a bit of diversity to the Bush (by the way - in case you're wondering, central Victoria is not a popular place with the brothers). A little wood cutting, the ol' sheath toss, some cowpat bingo, and late night drinking around the fire. What more could you ask for. And just to prove that country folks aren't uncivilized, if you felt the need, an espresso machine was on hand to satisfy any caffeine addictions (this is what I love about Australia - you might not have access to indoor plumbing, but you'll never have to go without a cappuccino).

A few photos here.