What we See on Our Walks

The following bits of graffiti are from under a bridge in Umbagong District Park.

Meanwhile the stepping stones are almost submerged beneath the water, and the path is overcome with thistles. 

We hiked up Condor Hill as our 40th trig. The start of the walk was easy-going enough, along a fire-trail, and then we had to bush bash through brambles and fallen tree trunks straight up to reach the summit. 

I wasn't planning on it, but okay...

Views from the top, where as you can see, there were lowering clouds surrounding us. It was hot and humid, hence the wild woman with crazy hair look.

There's no obvious trig as such, but we found bits of concrete and iron rusting about the place at the top of the hill, and we presume these once market the spot. 

Once back down it doesn't look so hard, even if I do make the terrain resemble a black-and-white horror film. 

Okay, so it was actually just a little bump, but it was very steep and tough going, honest!

In the evening as we walked back from the pub, the moon was putting on a light show through the clouds. It's not a great picture, but it made me think of one of my favourite Depeche Mode songs.

The moon is shining in the sky

Reminding me of so many other nights

But they're not like tonight. 

Purple Lady (and her mother) gave me some mint that had been growing wild in their garden. I love mint but have always managed not to be able to grow anyway, despite everyone else saying that it spreads everywhere like a weed. I was happy to receive the gift and it made a great contribution to a white wine spritzer while watching the women's tennis final at the Australian Open.

Sport & Leisure

If it's not cricket; it's tennis.

Melbourne weekend

We had a fabulous weekend in Melbourne catching up with friends, but first I got in a quick bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin.

So here we are in Melbourne, and the graffiti on our street is full of good advice. 

We were meeting The Mischievous Minx and the Great Galah who were there for her significant birthday present which was tickets to the Australian Open. Naturally, we met in a pub: Young & Jackson's to be precise. 

Recreating an old photo (it was with milk when she was a kid)

Hard to believe from the GG's face, but this was early in the evening

We took them to the BBL at the MCG to see the Melbourne Stars take on the Sydney Sixers. It was a beautiful evening and an enjoyable game. They soon got into the swing of it,with boundary drinks and smiles all round.

BBL at the MCG

 

The next morning we walked and tram-ed around the city, taking in the sights.

The Great Galah wanted us to take a photo of this street name - I can't imagine why...

Great Galah was also rather taken with this window display

There was a giant screen set up in Federation Square on which the tennis games were being shown. We sat in deck chairs and watched them for a bit. With doughnuts.

Flinders Street Station and Federation Square

Such a beautiful couple.

While they went back to the tennis, we headed to Moon Dog Brewery, where we escaped the heat (and it was very hot) and watched Andy Murray lose his final. It was tough, but we had beer to dull the pain.

Moon Dog in a shaft of light

A final breakfast next morning  by the Yarra before we had to drive home. It was a lovely weekend, and I will really miss these guys. Good friends are the best thing ever.