Category: Vic

Places, Vic12 Comments

Summer’s Last Hurrah

Itching for Hitching

The late summer weather in Melbourne has been superb this year. Warm sunny days that just make you say “Ah”. A few Saturdays back we parked the car at the western end of the Yarra River and just strolled the south bank of the river until lunch beckoned. Over a glass of wine and a plate of tapas we marvelled at just how much our city has evolved in our own lifetimes. How an industrial river flanked by factories and wharves has emerged like a butterfly to become a bright and colourful city. The factories have been replaced with office … Continue reading Summer’s Last Hurrah

The Pubs, Vic8 Comments

Gastro Pubs

Itching for Hitching

We were in the north of Western Australia and chatting with friends that we’d met on the road. They were from Perth and were talking longingly of visiting Melbourne. “Oh”, we cry with delight “We must take you to a gastro pub.” Our new friends stare at us in shock and horror. Melburnians are indeed proud of their Gastro pubs. Tired old hotels are given a makeover and a top chef is employed to produce high quality gastronomic meals. Fine food is served in a pleasant and somewhat refined atmosphere and patrons will happily travel across town just to judge … Continue reading Gastro Pubs

Vic, Wildlife10 Comments

Pink elephants? Never!

Itching for Hitching

Our mate El Prado and his dear lady Elle spent a few days at the Jamieson Caravan Park recently. One evening they walked across town to a little restaurant called Mingo’s for dinner, which they tell us is well worth the visit. After an evening of most pleasant inebriation they left the restaurant for the stroll home in the warm evening air. Suddenly a large pig of about 250 – 300kg loomed out of the dark with a certain attraction for our mate El Prado. Much oinking, snuffling and nudging ensued before they reached the safety of their caravan, their … Continue reading Pink elephants? Never!

Flora, Quotes, Vic11 Comments

Green Hoods

Itching for Hitching

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome indescribably magnificent world in itself.” – Henry Miller We were fortunate to have a ‘colony’ of these tiny Green Hood orchids in the back garden of our last house and each year I would eagerly await the appearance of their little heads. I remember being out in the garden taking this photo when a botanical artist friend from Tasmania phoned. I could hear Woody answer the phone with “Oh, she’s lying  in the garden photographing flowers.” Which I’d have to say was … Continue reading Green Hoods