Our destination was Apollo Bay on the GOR. As we left Melbourne city center on a Friday Morning we had the benefit of traveling counter-commute. Jay was an excellent navigator and lane coach -- "LEFT LANE!! LEFT LANE!!" Add intrepid to that navigator description. We breezed onto M1 and were quickly transorted through the more industry-dense area of Melbourne and onto Geelong about 50 km from Melbourne., Not much to see there so we pressed on finally taking a side trip at Airey's Inlet to see the lighthouse. It was tall, white and had a light at the top but still was quite a sight with the Australian coast in the background. Could've been short, grey and lightless and still have been an eye-catcher.
Further down the road we took a short side-trip to an area where there are koalas in their native environment for viewing. We knew we were in the right place because there were plenty of cars parked roadside and a few tour buses as well. After about a 5 km drive up and back down a dirt road, we found the little guys perched about 25 meters from the cafe concession stand. We were able to snap a bunch of up close and personal pics of the fuzzy guys and could even have reached out and touched one if we chose to. Though cuddly looking, they do have enormous bear-like claws and we chose to let the sleeping bear be.
The GOR is reminiscent of driving along Route 1 in CA north of SF. Not nearly as serpentine as the trip from Sausalito to Stinson Beach but similarly situated on the coast and offering multiple lookouts and quaint towns. Despite it being the long Labour Day weekend in Australia, traffic was minimal. We took advantage of many stopping opportunities to take in the views, breathe the fresh air, snap photos and just relish where we were.
We arrived in Apollo Bay early afternoon to find limited accommodations available. After some kine assistance at the visitor center in AB, we landed a spot at the Waterfront Motel right on the main street and within a 100 meters of the beach. Only problem was that the room was available for only one night. Our original plan was to stay two nights and just day trip from Apollo Bay. Turns out that was fortuitous since that would have inhibited our ability to take advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead on the GOR.
Shortly after check-in, I headed for the beach and finally got my feet wet in the waters of the Australian coast. Water was clear and about 65 but there were only about a dozen or two swimmers, surfers or walkers on the beach. Jay joined me a bit later and we sat doing crosswords and enjoying the view. Couldn't convince him yet to get his feet wet though. You know, the sand in the toes thing...
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The funny thing about sand in the toes is that there is nothing like it.... both good and bad. :)
went to the beach this weekend first trip of the year. Picture perfect.... bet the water was about 65 or so here as well. Only the tourists were swimming I am sure :)
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