Australia 2009 - days 30 to 43 at The Great Ocean Road and The Grampians

Day 30.
After arriving in Melbourne we eat breakfast at a cafe and then shop in Paddy Pallin outdoor for a sun cover for Sofie's backpack. We then head directly out of town toward Wye river on the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

In these two photos one can see the coast seen traveling west from Melbourne toward Apollo bay.



























The lighthouse at Split point.




















We arrive at our lovely campsite set up camp and later that evening we take Sofie for a stroll along the beach to watch the sunset.

In this photo one can see mum pushing Sofie along the beach in her stroller.












The last rays of sun reflecting in water puddles on beach rocks.












Day 31.
A very windy and hot day begins and we both get warnings on our mobiles regarding bushfire danger. After checking with the campsite owners we feel it is safe enough to drive along the rest of the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 apostles (now reduced to 6).

We eat lunch at the main viewing area and in the following 4 photos one can see examples of the rocky outcrops known as the 'Apostles'.























































Day 32.
We leave Wye River and head to The Grampians. The GPS leads us through some short cuts on minor roads and this is a view of one of them. Notice the baggage next to Hans. We have so much gear that every nook in the car is filled with stuff.








Day 33.
After a very windy night we spend our time relaxing all morning. In the afternoon the weather clears so we drive to Mt. Hollow to scout out possible climbs.


In this video mum is seen caring Sofie in her new Deuter Kids Comfort II backpack. Sofie seemed to thoroughly enjoy seeing the world from so high up and quickly caught on to the fact that she could pull mums hair.

Day 34.
Sunny Day Valley at Mt. Hollow is an ideal spot to climb with a baby as the access is very easy and only 5 minutes. We thus head out to climb and Sofie gets to stay in her stroller the whole time.

In this photo Sofie is fast asleep and we are about to venture into the climbing area.














....... and still sleeping while mum and dad rig up. HOWEVER Sofie's sixth sense is quite intact and she quickly sensed that something exciting was brewing and woke up after about 10 minutes. She spent the whole time very happy in her stroller and watched on while we climbed.






A video of mum climbing and Sofie in her stroller.

Dad belaying at the top of the first route we climbed.



















Sofie's second climb!!
















Mum climbing.




















For more details of these climbs click here.

Later that afternoon the rock was in the sun so we decided to see some of the other sites. Our first stop is an easy walk to see the 'Balconies' from Reid lookout.

In this photo one can see the view from the carpark area.













Mum and Sofie walking toward Reid lookout.













A small gecko on the trail.














The view from the lookout. Notice dad sitting on the rock outcrop enjoying the view.












An interesting mushroom rock outcrop we noticed on the way back to the car. Lake Wartock is seen in the background.











Our next stop was Baroka lookout which also had some amazing views of the Grampians. In this photo mum and Sofie are standing in the foreground with the amazing view behind them.









The view, notice mum sitting on the rock outcrop on the right hand side of the photos.












It was hot that evening so we decided to hop into the pool with Sofie as we had heard the park had a baby pool. however, the water was not solar heated and was far too cold for a baby. Instead she got to dip her toes.
In this photo one can see dad holding Sofie just before her toe-dip.






Day 35.
We spend the day climbing shopping and writing.

In this photo one can see a black wallaby that spent ages watching us climb at Sunny Day Valley, Mt. Hollow main wall. For details of these climbs click here.

















Day 36.
After a very late night we decide to have an easy day and decide to walk at Mackenzie falls. It was a 1.5 hour return walk on good trails but the going was steep. This gave us a better chance to try out the new backpack.

In this photo Sofie is being carried by mum but she didn't fall asleep.












We then spotted a Rosella Parakeet on the trail.













Mackenzie falls.




















Then dad had a go ......














...... finally Sofie fell asleep.




















Day 37.
Today is the end of an Australian long weekend so the campsite was suddenly transformed as 90 % of the visitors departed. We all awoke tired and decided to spend the day by the pool.


In this video one can see Sofie by the pool, she is practicing many new sounds and in this video one can hear the newest sound.

Days 38 to 41.
On these four days our rhythm was more or less as follows due to high temperatures during the daylight hours: Mornings were spent beside the resort pool keeping cool, swimming, playing with Sofie, reading etc. Our afternoons were spent either doing short walks in the area to get Sofie used to her backpack or climbing. Below are a few photos of these days for details of these climbs check out dads blog by clicking here.

Mum doing and a late evening climb at 'The Watchtower' only 3 minutes from the resort!!



















Mum climbing at Sunnyvale valley, Mt. Hollow (day 38).















On day 39 we do a 2.5 km walk to 'The pinnacles' in this photo dad has climbed to the top of an interesting rock formation.............













...........dad hanging out on another rock formation.















Mum carrying Sofie in the backpack which she certainly enjoys.












Dad checking out the amazing view of Falls Gap, Grampians and surrounds.













Mum & Sofie doing the same from the official lookout which was far less exposed.















On the way back dad carried Sofie but this time she didn't fall asleep, we think all the steps made the ride too bumpy for her.



















The view of lake Wartock behind dad and Sofie.















Days 42 and 43.
It rained and stormed on both these days and temperatures suddenly dropped to below 10 degrees which really startled us. Dad had a cold so spent his time resting and Sofie & mum did some longer walks. The first to Boronia Peak which was 8 km all round and the second on Ryan’s circuit which was 6 km. Sofie slept on both walks which was really good.

Mum & Sofie setting out for Boronia peak in rainy conditions.















Boronia Peak.












A video from the summit.

Meanwhile Dad took this picture of a parrot in flight.



















Sofie is still fascinated by everything we eat and drink. She was thus determined to get a hold of dads paper cup after he had finished drinking his cappuccino. In this photo one can see Sofie imitating her dad.







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