The Castlemaine Botanical Garden

We've had a lot of rainy cool days lately, but during a recent spot of sun, I visited the Botanical Garden here in Castlemaine. such a garden is a standard fixture in every town of any size in Australia. Just like the bowls club, veterinarian office, and place to wet your whistle, it is an iconic part of small town life here.

I'm not entirely sure who we have above. I believe it is some sort of Mallard-mix. He's missing the band around the neck. Ducks are quite promiscuous and there are variations that span the gamut.

South of Us

We picked a rainy day to have a drive south. There are no towns of consequence south of Huonville (which is north of us already). Just north of us is Franklin and next south is Geeveston. At least Geeveston has a grocer and pharmacy. South of that there is very little.

Pebbly Beach Arrival

Driving to Pebbly Beach took us through a marvelous forest of eucalypts. A truly special drive over a hill and down to the beach. And the hill completes the blockage of the cell signal and leaves you in place that is near, yet utterly isolated. The first thing we noticed upon arrival was the lawn full of kangaroo.

Colleges Crossing

 A short drive north of Ipswich is Chuwar and there we find Colleges Crossing. This is a nice park along the river where we can bird watch and stretch the our legs while walking Zoe. Many old friends to be seen here like the female wood duck above.

A Visit to Lake Apex

On the way to Ipswich, we left the Warrego Highway, the main expressway, for a while and stopped in Gatton again. We went to Lake Apex to see what was happening with the bird populations now that spring is a little closer. The Australian White Ibis are still out in force.