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.

Mount Macedon Part 1

Last Saturday, Phyllis drove myself and Kosov to Mount Macedon. I discovered Mount Macedon was not actually the mount of Mount Macedon. I had forgotten that there was a town of Mount Macedon. Along the way we stopped off at Organ Pipes National Park. 

Ray and I visited the Organ Pipes in about 2015. In 2013 we visited Mount Macedon and the mount itself.

Here are photos of our visit to Mount Macedon many years ago Part 2 will be of last Saturday's visit with Phyllis and Kosov. 

The memorial cross, large enough to be visible from many metres below on the road at the base of the mount. 

The walkway to the mount is very nice.

The cross up close. 

Evidence of the terrible bushfires ten years earlier. 

Oh, there is some spooks equipment up there.

Meanwhile back in the township of Mount Macedon there were terrific street scenes. 

Dinosaur Park visit

Kosov thought we were just going our for a driving lesson with Phyllis at the wheel. After about 10 kilometres of motorway driving, he said he was becoming suspicious about what was happening. 'Kosv, you will have to socialise!' 'No, Ondrewwwww. I don't want to.' 'Don't worry, you will enjoy being social this time.'

Oh dear, there had just been a shower of rain before we arrived less than an hour later and the potholed gravel carpark was a muddy mess. I was glad my car was already in need of a wash. I imagine the carpark is dusty in dry weather. That's my only criticism of the attraction, but asphalting would cost a fortune. At under $20, I thought it was a bargain.

Kosov had spotted the Dinosaur Park sign as we swung off the road. He was clearly excited to see the sign, and did not know what to expect.

Geese were pestering for food but we didn't buy a bag of appropriate food. Someone else did and I watched them. 

Kosov knew at least three quarters of the dinosaur names once he sighted them. I am not sure if this is a proper dinosaur. They were all well labelled with lots of useful information. Many dinosaur fossils were found in Australia. I also noted Mongolia, Netherlands and northern Africa. Truly though, I have minmal interest in dinosaurs. 

It seemed like dinosaurs, or some of them, had a cloaca, like a bird. That is waste and eggs come out of the same hole. 

"Kosov, these sounds that we are hearing from dinosaurs, how can scientists know what sound they made." 

"Ondrewwww, by fossils they can work out flesh and understand what sound they made by the shape of their throats."

We had some food and drink from the cafe. It was ok.

Some of the models had blinking eyes and moving trunks, as they 'breathed'. 

Most of the dinosaurs were animatronic but I think animated. 

I think there may be some children having nightmares after seeing the quite scary dinosaurs. 

The skies darkened and light rain began to fall. Hail suddenly fell, just as the little train, included in the price, we had boarded was ready to depart. The hail lasted less than a minute.

Amazingly a couple of minutes later, clouds disappeared and the sky turned blue. It was a very cold day though, about 12/53. I think the horn blowing is to sound activate the dinosaur movement. This clip is about 1.30, taken as we rode around  the park.