Mount Macedon Part 2

With Phyllis almost competently at the wheel, we headed on the direct route to the Organ Pipes National Park. We missed the turn towards the airport and City Link and so had to journey on to the Western Ring Road. I doubt it added much time and perhaps $10 was saved in road tolls charged by the usurious company that runs private roads in Australia.

Phyllis did make one grave driving mistake. In spite of the projected image on the windscreen that shows you the presence of cars either side of you, and an orange indicating light on each side mirror, he started to move into a left lane when there was a car there. From the passenger seat I saw the orange light on the mirror and as raised my voice, at the same time he saw the car. He had moved for too far left for my liking, and in spite of me asking why he did so, I don't really know.

We stopped at the Organ Pipes National Park and even though it was our football grand final day, it was surprisingly busy, but mostly by Indian immigrants who would not be so interested in Australian Rules Football. This is Jackson Creek, flowing past the base of the geological formation. 

I did not walk down the steep hill because I would need to walk back up the steep hill, and it is very steep, although the path has been asphalted since the last time we visited. The photo above and below were taken by Phyllis.

I spent the time above admiring the scenery. What was very degraded farmland, full of pest weeds and foreign plants, along with non native animals, became a national park and has been restored to native bushland and grasses, and the pest animal species are constantly monitored and dealt with. Bang, bang, Mr Fox and Mrs Rabbit. There are marvellous volunteers who help, and many who have since died who got the project off the ground. 

Here we are at Mount Macedon township and it was as gorgeous as I remembered from the photos I posted in Part 1. I will suggest, and from what my research tells me, per capita, this is the most wealthy area in rural Victoria. 

I needed coffee and Phyllis made a reverse parallel park in the main street, as a family were loading stuffs into their car in front. The man must have noticed the L plates on my car and told Phyllis, he did a better job parking that he did himself. Phyllis was quite chuffed, of course. Kind offhand words of praise go down well. Coffee was taken at The Trading Post, which is I think is the place commented by Roentare in Part 1. 

I thought these flat grasses were interesting. 

Wattles, that is Acacias, are in full bloom. 

In the early days of the State of Victoria there were three trig points, and this one at Mount Macedon was one of them. I should look up the other two. Yes, I should. Note the spooks equipment peeking from the left of the tower. 

The equipment to the left looks like phone coverage equipment. The equipment to the right looks like spook equipment to me. 

We needed nourishment. Phyllis had made some to eat. Beef, pork or chicken. Take your pick. I ate two. Kosov ate four. I have noticed he has put on weight over the last year, but then so have I. This is a photo resembling what we ate.

There's a lad I know in the centre.

The views really are spectacular..

The tea rooms were closed for renovations. But there was a food van that supplied me with a double espresso and them with a can of soft drink to share. 

So that is wrap to a very enjoyable day, and we were home before 3.