We think we live in heaven. So close (90 minute drive) to the central business district of Melbourne, we have it all. In view is the enormity of Port Phillip Bay, the outline of the Mornington Peninsula (sort of like a birds view of Cape Cod) and Bass Straight (the ocean). Within the bay are almost pristine sandy beaches with shallow water for long distances and then the depths of the bay with amazing coral reefs. Above it all are the heights of Arthurs Seat, 900 feet above sea level from which you have unobstructed views to Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula which, with our peninsula, make up the "arms" surrounding Port Phillip Bay.
The fertile land mass of the Peninsula has allowed it to see thrive: a productive "vegetable bowl", over 100 Vineyards with tasting stations and restaurants, farms which raise goats, cows and sheep for cheese and meat production; sheep, alpacas and goats for fibre, and loads of nurseries for shrubs, plants and trees. The many state and national parks provide a variety of hiking or walking trails through trees, massive grass fields (kangaroos a pleanty) and cliff views over the many beach areas.
That's enough to give you a taste and here are some photos.
Congratulations on your web debut!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Your only brother,
Gino
Since I have not totally worked out the copy for the photos, I can tell you that the Beagle replica is a Cutty Sark (not sure of spelling) and an exact replica of the ship Charles Darwin used on his amazing voyage. It had been at sea for 3 months prior to it's entry to Port Phillip Bay. To get the shots, I waited with binoculars and camera at Chapman's Point, near the top of Arthurs Seat not far from where we live on the Mornington Peninsula. It had only the lower 2 sails un-furled. Passage through "The Heads" is challenging and dangerous...very rocky and narrow. The ship to its right, the Spirit of Tasmania, is the large ferry which travels back and forth to Tasmania daily. The channel is narrow and the Spirit it followed (patiently) the Beagle for over 30 minutes. When it finally got the chance, it "zoomed" past it. By then the Beagle had furled all its sails. I will post this photo shortly. Thanks for the encouragement. M-L
ReplyDeleteSorry that I have not answered your email yet. I have been sick.
ReplyDeleteAny how, sitting here with Rose and totally enjoying your blog and pictures. My view is not so spectacular but we do get to see deer, fox, hawks and plenty of North American gray squirrels. We are about 100 miles or two hours from the Atlantic Ocean and next to the great Chesapeake Bay.
Keep the blog active and throw in some choice gustatory delights.
Best,
Antoinette and Rose