7th December 09
Its a month now since we came to Castlemaine, Victoria. We arrived in the early spring and found classic English style country gardens in full bloom, especially roses, and soaring temperatures . When the heavy rains came last week there was much relief, it gave the ‘dams’ a chance to refill and helped to allay fears of bush fires especially after the serious ones of last summer.
This is Sarah and James' house, where we are staying, which dates from 1930's and is within close walking distance to the main street, yet also close to bush land with walking tracks.
Main street Castlemaine
Castlemaine and surrounding towns, was settled after the 1851 goldrush and still has many Victorian and Edwardian houses with ornate metalwork supporting wooden verandas. Old shop signs and advertisements still remain. It still has the air of a country town being 120 kilometres inland from Melbourne.
We are close to the bush and as I write, I am listening to the sound of the bright red rosella as it eats the cherries in the garden. Yesterday I saw the tail of what was possibly a possum or an antechinus as it ran up the loquat bush to eat them. Hope to get a better look next time. (We did and it was a black rat)
typical local house
This is a blue tongued lizard which lives under the wooden board walk near the front door.
There are not supposed to be snakes in the garden but just before we arrived a brown snake was run over outside our house! Very rare event I am assured! The other poisonous creature to be careful about is the red backed spider which was hanging around the compost heap but has now been despatched. At least I know what to look out for now. And wearing gloves is essential when gardening! But gardening is irresistible in these Mediterranean temperatures. There are peaches,apricots and vines in the garden and I have been helping with planting chillies, peppers, melons and tomatoes amongst other vegetables.
We have the use of their Ute, to explore and for going sight seeing. First we had to dust off the Huntsman spider and then climb cautiously in. (James happily drives around with his crew of spiders on board).
A few weeks ago we went down to the Hanging Rock Reserve to help with the annual Koala count. Total found = 2. Our group didnt find any although the reserve thinks there ar about 12. Afterwards we went to look at this very sleepy one. It was a very hot day so there was even less activity than usual.
Out and about
Local winery on wine tasting weekend for 'Budburst' festival, lots of wine tasting, eating and live music.
Charlie in the bush
Christmas decor in Shepparton Victoria - with cows!
Castlemaine local Christmas lights at private residence (part of). Most people dont do this much!
