First Class

This morning my other half got his wish for a train trip and we boarded the "Overland" Steam Train built in 1919. It was a very crisp morning and a wee bit breezy on the platform I can tell you. Thank goodness for my old trusty blue coat. It is starting to become my uniform for Victoria...

We boarded at the lovely Heritage Maldon Railway Station for a round trip to Castlemaine and we decided to treat

ourselves and travel first class so that we could truly appreciate the beautiful First Class Sleeping Car.

The beautiful old sleeping compartments with their warm carved timbers, vintage lighting and press tin wash basins were so special. I wouldn't have liked to have slept on the bunks though as I think they would have been a tad hard. No innersprings in those days.....we also got to have a bit of bubbly to add to the atmosphere...

I was feeling decidely warmer and cheerier by the next glass...very civilised way to travel I thought. Cheers!

On the way back we opted to sit in the "Salon" which has vintage cane seating and the doors have lovely stained glass panels...not to mention the gorgeous pressed ceilings.

Throughout the train in those scalloped alcoves were old black and white photographs of places of interest around Victoria...the only thing that jaded my return trip was this very unfortunate person in terrible headwear that remained on the outside balcony taking photos of every step of the return journey and sniffing in the train smoke pretending he knew me....most embarrassing!!! I simply ignored him.

What can I say he has steam trains in his blood and I should be used to it by now....some lady had the affrontery to mention to him about another great train ride at Daylesford...oh my! It was however a wonderful experience and well worth the trip. The volunteers are so dedicated, friendly and just amazing. I love people who are passionate about the things they care about and share it with others..we have met quite a few just lately. Lots of wonderful things from our history would be lost without them.
After our train ride we set out for our 'mission destination' for this year's trip and that was the beautiful Grampians National Park. It was a lovely drive up through Maryborough, Avoca, Ararat and Stawell. This rocky outcrop is the very great view from our campsite.

Some of the locals were very friendly and popped in to say welcome...

As we are able to have our very own campfire on our site we did just that.

Nothing like a BBQ dinner and a warm fire....
We are really looking forward to exploring this beautiful region in the coming days.
Catch you later.
Blessings Michelle xxx

Bendigo Part 2

This is I am afraid folks a veeeryyy!!! long post so be warned. We had some sunshine today...YAY! Bendigo has a Vintage talking Tramway and work shop tour which we opted to take a ride on this morning...

We got the opportunity to see Buildings, majestic...

The heritage Shamrock Hotel which hosted many famous Artists and guests...to the more humble..

Just look at that lace ironwork and it was quite restrained compared to others. We really enjoyed the tour and a learnt a great deal about the town. It is a real credit to all the workers and volunteers.
One of my Yoga sisters is of Chinese heritage and comes from this neck of the woods and told me about the Golden Dragon Museum in which her family is represented so I was keen to visit. This is the entrance to the towns' Chinese Precinct

Then on to the Museum.

The museum houses "Loong" the oldest surviving (5 clawed) imperial Dragon in the world today. He first appeared in 1901 to welcome the Duke & Duchess of York to Melbourne by the Victorian Chinese for the opening of the Nations first parliment. He is 29 metres long although originally was 60 metres long. His replacement "Sun Loong" is also present in the musuem. It is an amazing place documenting the Chinese contribution to the town and areas around Bendigo and I did find my friends ancestors which I can't wait to talk to her about. The second gallery is full of amazing artefacts....the silk embroidery was exquisite.

There were many pieces of beautifully carved pieces of furniture, screens, pots and the piece that blew us away was this chariot carved entirely from Serpentine Jade completewith very tall jade axes. Around the roof line hung a myriad of jade beads. The whole thing weighed 2.2 tons. Absolutely stunning!

The photo does not do it justice as flash photography is forbidden but it was the most gorgeous green (naturally) lol. We had a wonderful lunch after our visit and then ventured out into the Chinese garden and temple.

There were ornamental cherry trees just budding. It must be a picture in Spring.

The temple was beautiful and we lit Joss sticks to give thanks for our family and also my friends ancestors without whom I wouldn't have met such a sweet person.

Outside, still within the precinct there are some amazing sculptures and I just loved these two.

It has flower heads atop steel stems...this one of course reminds me of a Lotus flower...

There is a lovely park nearby. I think it is called Rosalind Park, apologies if I am wrong. We decided to walk off our delicious Lemon Chicken and Beef and Vegetable stirfry we had eaten for lunch. Although none of the plants were in bloom some did grace us with their beauty...

and this gorgeous gal...

Atop a hill in the park we discovered this amazing sculpture entiltled "Peter stares into the vast unknown" The Artist is Matt Calvert and it is made from steel and laminated toughed glass.

Being a "Peter Rabbit" fan just had to have a shot of him...this is a close up of what he is made of. Amazing!

Gary espied some sort of mining structure...We found out you could climb to the top which we did and it is known as the Poppet Head Lookout. You can see the whole surrounding area with a 360 degrees outlook. Around the bottom are mosiacs created by all different members of the community. There a large ones and lots of little ones..a couple caught my eye.

and being a 'frosty friendly' type of person couldn't resist this little fellow.

The overall effect of the mosaics is really wonderful.

On the way down the hill we found this lovely fountain.

Behind the park is a beautiful building which turned out to be a school and Gary was really struck by the fact that it was Camp Hill state school....he did his schooling at the Brisbane school of the same name...

His school however does not look this grand. As we made our way back to the car remarking how such a seemingly simple little walk had produced such lovely and interesting things and vistas we came upon a set of gates with this plaque...

So being a "good Mother" ( my kids may tell you differently lol) we ventured into a beautiful lush little pocket of almost tropical feeling gardens complete with a little waterfall...

It was so tranquil...

and such a sweet unexpected little discovery....a real gem. Perfect finish to a lovely day.
So folks we are two very tired but happy tourists tonight and the consensus of opinion is "Bendigo" you are a grand little old town....we love you!

Blessings Michelle xxx

Bendigo Part 1

As Bendigo is only a quick drive down the highway from Echuca we arrived and set up with plenty of time to investigate our surroundings. On our way into the town centre I espied a sign directing us to this.

Having been a studio potter for well over 10 years and a mud slinger from way back just had to have a look see. We also have a marvellous Bendigo Pottery Bread Crock we received as a wedding present way back when ( it has risen considerably in price as a vintage piece NB Children of ours) I digress...it was wonderful to see the resident potter doing his thing and I have to admit to having little flutters watching that clay evolve into a beautiful piece before our eyes...several keepsake pieces are coming home with us. When you order a hot chocolate here what else would it come to the table in but a piece of Bendigo Pottery of course!

We were asked if we would like a photo together next to a selection of gorgeous pots and the huge brick kiln....made my old kiln look like a matchbox.

Note to self: Always change out of travel clothes before sightseeing and having a photo taken LOL!
It was so well worth a visit. I loved it. There is something special about a piece of earth shaped and persuaded  in to a work of art by the hand of a potter. They also have an Antiques & Collectables centre attached and I was very generous in my support of some of the stall holders...I'll share when I get home as they are all wrapped for safety.

When we awoke this morning we did question our sanity in leaving our blue skies and warm T-shirt weather in Queensland as it was not only freezing but bucketing down with rain. Still we fortified ourselves with a hearty breakfast, rugged up and set out for Castlemaine and Maldon. One of the main reasons this trip came about. We ran out of time last year to visit the Grampians and these two heritage towns and promised ourselves a return trip. The main reason I wanted to visit Castlemaine was to visit this place.

"Habadash" is a purveyor of Vintage buttons, notions, linens, laces, ribbons, jewelry and other gorgeousness....it is the most delicious store if you are a lover of Vintage wares.

These are my little bundle of purchases...

Mr R. had made his way back from the railway station in the pouring rain so sustenance was in order and found at Apple Annie's Cafe Bakery just across the street.

The 'best' Brownie with fresh cream and raspberry coolee...yum! Two vegie pasties were purchased for dinner this evening but after lunch in Maldon as well not sure we can fit them in.
I managed to discover in Castlemaine the wonderful patchwork shop Threadbear Quilts...beautiful shop with gorgeous Applique quilts and all manner of gorgeous fabrics and yes I did buy a few little samples.
Off to Maldon and what a sweet little town. Mr R. made enquiries about a steam train ride for Sunday and as usually happens he got talking to a gentleman who had been involved in restoring this train carriage to it's former glory...

Apparently it had been almost gutted by a fire and  then as usually happens we got invited on board to check out the interior...which is hosting a wedding tomorrow.

A beautiful bar...

and very comfy leather arm chairs made from up in good old Queensland. All fitted out true to it's original time period.

Mr R. managed to get a few more train shots...( I am only included 2 of the many)

and...

I am sure there will be more train photos Sunday lol
This is the main street of Maldon...

Beautiful little shops and lots of lovely homes....I just love all the wrought iron work on them...This is an iconic Aussie advertisement.

After a very soggy day and I must say we did try very hard to keep the enjoyment levels up we made our way home....we really are hoping for better weather tomorrow.
However something cheery that we don't see often at home....beautiful happy daffodils everywhere....love them.

I'll be back with Part 2 tomorrow if you are up for it.
Blessings Michelle xxx