The Port of Echuca

We have spent a very nice 2 1/2 days here in the Port of Echuca. We have been awoken each morning to a chorus of Magpies with the odd screech from a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flying overhead. We have taken lovely walks together along the Murray on this path and not met another soul...except the abundant bird life.

Wattle is blooming everywhere as are other little sweet natives...

and I am not sure what this is but it was so delicate...

Yesterday we went for a rather 'frosty' cruise on a paddle steamer up the Murray on the "Pride of the Murray". These steamers used to ferry all manner of goods up and down the river all the way to Goolwa S.A. which is the mouth of the Murray and we are really excited to say "been there" lol.

 They are currently doing renovations to the Port. Here are some of the other Steamers on the river.

We saw so many of the River Red Gums just holding on precariously to the bank and I found it amazing they hadn't already toppled in. We were not sure if recent floods are responsible or not.

Of course you have to take a photo of the paddle wheel from on the boat...

We warmed up considerably after a wonderful lunch at the Echuca Hotel. Chicken and Mushroom Pot pie with vegies for Mr R. and Roast Pork with the lot for me (even cauli in yummy white sauce). After energy was restored and we had thawed out I set out to find a Patchwork Shop which seems to be the best kept secret in Victoria. After being directed over and over to a particular place whose hours didn't suit us I had almost given up when up a side street I espied South Fabrics and took a peek.
I had a nice chat with the lady on duty and came away with a couple of French General fat quarters...

and meterage of Double Chocolat for my hexie quilt borders.

Isn't it pretty. I am definitely having a 'red moment' lately with fabrics. I apologise if there is a lovely quilting shop other than this one here but I could not find it. Sorry!
Today we just poked around the lovely little shops and looked and admired the heritage buildings. Gary did some boy stuff like visit the Holden Museum which he enjoyed. We were disappointed to find the Beer Can shed closed today so that will have to wait for another visit. We had lunch here..

Thank goodness we are walking a lot because I am completely giving into my affection for Victoria's Coffee and Hot Chocolates (with marshmallows of course). We came home with a loaf of Dan Kelly's Damper...

Couldn't resist...we are having it with the lovely homemade vegie soup I put in the slow cooker this morning before we went out ( I hate cooking so I was very impressed with myself) so you see it is not all bad.
I thought I would leave you with a couple of piccies I have taken here. I have taken so many I won't bore you with them all....does anyone else loved gnarled old bark on trees or is my husband right and I just need seeing to by a professional...

Down by the river near where we have been staying.

This one is just so iconic of the landscape next to the river.

Some feathery down which has floated down from a ducks nest high in a tree and caught in the bushes below. Nothing sinsiter I checked out the nest (with resident duck I have to tell you) and it was full of fluffy, feathery down...the blue bin is protecting new native seedlings

I love this plant that seems to be in every ones gardens down here...love to know what it is????

Lastly some more wattle....yes boring I know but I love it.

That's it folks until where ever we land next time.
Blessings Michelle xx