Buchan Caves Reserve Visitor Centre and Ticket Office, Victoria, Australia
The bed was a dream, sooo comfortable. I awoke to see a glimmer in the sky and thought I might catch a sunrise. I haven’t seen one for too long. On went my big oversized cardigan and out I went to the side of the cabin. YES I made it and it was special. So next was a hot shower. The water was certainly hot but the shower head was positioned for a tall man and almost totally missed me. Hard to try and put on body wash while holding the shower head in the other hand. Breakfast followed and then I thought I would go and see the bird feeding outside reception.
Once outside I met the large rooster I had seen wandering around freely. Before I could wonder if he was safe to be close to, he was joined by his co - horts. They thought I might have something for them to eat, but I had nothing. Then I realised the the little grey and beige ball of feathers was also a rooster and he wasn’t safe to be around. Off I went to reception followed by my new friends. No wild birds were waiting to be fed, so I got some of the bird seed and fed the tame birds.
Of course the “little” rooster had to have the last word and chased me away pecking at my ankles.
Time to head out. I checked with the cruise company and yes they were running the trip today. Be at the dock at 12.30. So my first destination was Metung via a place called Nungurner. Found the turnoff which was a little further away than I thought. The country was rural and although you couldn’t see them , I assumed by the number of letter boxes on the road side that there were many holiday homes here. Not quite Metung but close. Reached Nungurner but there was nothing there but a road going to Nungurner jetty. So that’s where I went. It was lovely. Found out later that Nungurner was settled by about 6 really large farms, back in the day. It was before roads were nearby and all their produce had to leave by ship hence the importance of the jetty.
Now heading on to Metung, but another small stop at Chinaman’s Creek. Just a mile or so from Metung it was settled by Chinamen who quit the goldfields and started up fish farming and market gardening, where they made a reasonable living feeding those who refused to leave the goldfields because today just might be the day…blah blah blah.
There is a walkway from Chinaman’s Creek along the water front to Metung. I headed inland to reappear at water’s edge in the village. The village of 1000 persons rely on the tourist trade for a living. It is a place where the “rich and famous” flock to. The surrounding hills are becoming filled with McMansions , along with the new Hot Springs. I didn’t feel like testing these out.
Time to head back to the cottage for a quick lunch and to recharge my phone. Well from being the only one booked the number had swelled to over 30. The sky was cloudless but there was a brisk cold breeze. We would be cruising to Metung and back in between 4 islands and checking out the wildlife on the way. It would take 3 hours. Unfortunately it was slightly out of season to see dolphins, but seals were possible along with various bird species. I sat up top with several others who weren’t afraid to deal with the “breeze”. Actually heading west the breeze wasn’t too bad, but when we turned around, even I went downstairs. Not seeing dolphins took way some of the magic but overall it was good. Photos will tell the story.
I was looking forward to fish and chips for dinner. But although I found 4 shops, none of them were open at 4.30. I didn’t want to come back later, so I lit the wood fire, changed into my PJ’s, poured a glass of wine and made an ad hoc grazing platter with the few things I had brought with me. Did me fine. I was going to go to the fish co-op in the morning and watch the catch being unloaded. But evidently no trawlers are due in tomorrow. Well, I’ll think of something.
Maureen
2023-05-11
That was a lovely day and such great photos! You certainly covered some countryside. Loved the way you finished your day, looked so relaxing and cosy, and lovely to have such a cosy comfortable bed. Have a drive along the river, there is a lovely little cafe along there that we always visit for a coffee on our walk.enjoy. Enjoy your day.😀
Michele
2023-05-11
Well some lovely photos. Your accomodation looks nice and cosy. Look forward to reading about tomorrow’s adventures. I bought some fish home they day we left from the co-op and some scallops. Absolutely beautiful. Stay safe xxx
gayle
2023-05-11
This trip is sounding great keep enjoying, the weather in Croydon looking good so hoping for the same at Lakes.
Glenda
2023-05-12
Glad you could get on the boat looks like you had a great day, very early start. Cabin looks nice & cosy. Another adventure today.
Jan
2023-05-12
Great blog and photos, looks like a really beautiful day and a relaxing evening.