Jim's Jeep

Jim and Mary Lou taking thier restored Jeep out for a spin

RAGBRAI pre ride

While me and my lucky suitcase (not lost once yet!) arrived on schedule in Iowa my bike did not, which created a little nervousness given the week long RAGBRAI ride was coming up. But it arrived ok the next day and I was able to reassemble it with only a slightly buckled front wheel.

Out first ride was a 40 km round trip along the High Trestle Trail from Woodward to Slater. It was only about 37oC with 90% humidity so easy peasy. The highlight was the 13 storey High Trestle Bridge that crosses the Des Moines River.

High Trestle Trail bridge

Aunt Joan and Uncle Vern enjoying the view

The steel beam artwork along the bridge represents a coal mine, which was common in this area

Electric blue lighting along the bridge at night

Footy

First time to the football this year and we were out in the stands with the plebs. The last few times I've been was for work and we had box seats but those good old corporate days are over.

Poor Hawthorne supporters, Sam and Hamish and my fellow Collingwood fan, Janine, waiting for the big game to start

The banners go up, players run through and the 85,000 strong crowd cheers them on

Our seats aren't that bad Sam!

Who won? Collingwood, of course!

Lillydale to Warburton rail trail

Training can get a bit boring at times so when Bonnie suggested doing the 40 km Lillydale to Warburton rail trail I was up for the change of scenery. The bike path winds through the bush and past farms with deer, llamas, emu and even an ostrich. It was a grey, wet day but we managed to dodge most of the rain except when Sam and her family met us for lunch. Somehow it always rains when we're away with them.

Beginning of the trail at Lillydale

Coffee stop in the bush

Half way lunch stop at the old Woori Yallock station

The gang at the finish in Warburton

End of the working year

Well its almost Christmas and the end of another year. Our work broke up for the Xmas break yesterday and we celebrated a successful year with a BBQ down by the river.

Some of us took the opportunity to arrive to work by less conventional means

Hanging out around the barbie

A little bit of Aussie Rules and frisbee out on the oval

I couldn't resist and while I didn't get wet, my entry and exit on and off the boat could do with some work

Melbourne Cup Camping at the Prom

I love the Melbourne Cup long weekend. I look forward to it all winter long as it says, not long now, summer, Christmas holidays and the new year are just around the corner. Plus it breaks the 5 month dry spell between public holidays. This year we planned a camping/hiking trip to Wilson's Promontory National Park, which is a 3 hr drive SE of Melbourne. While the weather wasn't the best (lots of rain), we managed to keep relatively dry and tried to make the most of our time away.

Bush Walking
Sam and I at the Telegraph Saddle Car park, trying to decide which hike to go on

Bonnie sitting at the top of Mt Oberon (above) and the view of Tidal River and beaches below

Bonnie enjoying the natural surroundings

Bonnie leading the way to Little Oberon Bay (in the background below)

Telegraph Track leading back to camp with Mt Oberon in the background. Last year there were severe bush fires through Wilson's Prom burning a large part of the bush. The burnt remains were quite a contrast to the new growth coming through

BeachesHamish, Bella, Andrew and Sam enjoying the cold waters around the Prom

Wildlife

These tunnels in the bushes form part of the wombat "Super Highway" that surrounded our campsite. Our resident wombat (see below) came out most nights foraging in the grass. But beware they don't mind having a snoop inside your tent if they smell some tasty treats.

We also saw a couple of wallabies and some possums, one of which liked scaring me in the ladies toilets. We also had some close calls with snakes, though Bonnie and I had no idea they were there at the time. Another couple of hikers pointed out that I had sat about 10 feet away from a Copperhead and that we had walked right past a couple of tiger snakes. Stupid city chicks.

Around the Bay in a Day 2010

Bonnie and I on the 210 km Around the Bay in a Day bike ride. This photo must have been taken early on in the day as I managed to smile for the camera. It was a miserable day for it, cold, wet and windy but we made it.

The steep climb up Oliver's Hill with the bay in the background. Just 50 km down and still so far to go.

The finish line!