Photos
The National Carillon, on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. Music was being played on it this morning, although I didn’t recognise the tune. It wasn’t Tubular Bells, though.
State election coming up in a couple of weeks. My parents, who have recently signed up as paid members of the Labor party, has put up a yard sign for the Labor candidate, who is the current minster for their district. Best of luck to her re-election. #mbnov
One thing is certain: humans are fallible. They forget, or do not follow through sometimes. So if you find yourself at a crossing with someone else, don’t feel bad about pushing the button yourself. #mbnov
The consensus seems to be that it’s preening time. #mbnov
Cape Shank, Vic. Taken today. A feast for the eyes and ears (and maybe a tasting for the other senses as well). #mbnov
Day Trip: Macedon And Trentham
I had the pleasure of taking the day off today and going for a few walks around Macedon and Trentham. Being someone that’s really into keeping with a routine, I try to do these walks at least once a year. It’s been somewhat delayed this year, due to work commitments, but with the public holiday tomorrow, I thought I was a perfect time to get outside and do them before summer rolls around.
Below are some photos of each of the walk.
Macedon
The first walk was along the borders of the Macedon Regional Park, following a self-plotted course, more-or-less, along the Bendigo railway line. It’s a little difficult at times, maybe bordering on dangerous (and possibly not super legal either), so I’d probably wouldn’t recommend this. But since it follows the rail line pretty much the entire time, it’s a good opportunity to catch up on some train spotting.
I realised today that it’s been 10 years since I first walk this particular trail. I’m wondering if it might be time to retire it. As nice as it is, there are certain aspects of it that are getting a little tiresome. Plus it’s always boggy, even during the height of summer, meaning that you’ll usually get your socks wet and your pants dirty when you walk it. Even so, walking it is always a pleasure.
Trentham
Following a brief lunch in Kynteon, it was time for the second walk: The Domino Trail in Trentham. This is a rail trail that travels through some really nice forest. Last time I did this, more than a year ago, the path was closed as a severe storm brought down a number of trees and I was unable to do the entire path. Fortunately the trees were cleared and the path reopened.
I caught the rain a few times and much of the track was quite boggy given the decent amount of rain we’ve received, but overall, it was a nice day out.
Rail work beginning in earnest. A large work train carrying ballast and track sections has pulled in:
They had to close the road and pedestrian level crossing. I thought it was because they were doing work on them, but it’s probably because they’re blocked by this train:
More track works going on, this time involving this pile of ballast in some way.
Tried something different for lunch today: a halloumi cheese pocket. The ingredients were halloumi cheese and pastry, so not a particularly large lunch. Was still quite nice though.
Speed bocce with friends today. Congrats to Jules for winning the 2022-23 season, breaking a three-way tie at the end.
North-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Vic, Australia at 8:20 am.
Waiting with my coffee at the rail crossing for the train to pull into the station. Going to the cafe involves crossing the rail line, which can be a little busy during the morning peak.
Homeward bound.
Birds in the hand.
Back in Canberra with Ivy and Archie, my sister’s cockatiels. 🦜
Spotted this morning as I was walking to breakfast. 🦆
Dinner at The Mint. This is my table, which is the same table I sat at last time I was here, in January 2020. Feels like a bit of a bookend in a way.
Along the boundary of Melbourne Port.
At least one photo will be taken at this event (well technically the setup of the event).
Rail works.
