On Our Own - almost!

We took Stu and Pam to the airport on Friday and changed cars as Ieuan and I do not need a big 4WD for the next 3 weeks. We then headed off across country to Healesville. Damian had said it was a straight forward journey of about 90 mins. Hmmm!!! Straight-forward to Australians is a little bit different to ours but we made it here in 2 hours with a stop at a 'Bottle Shop' to stock up on supplies.
N and D now live in Chum Creek - a little way out of Healesville. This time Charlotte was not shy with us at all. She has had a little bit of trouble with Ieuan's name (doesn't everyone) and has somehow translated it to 'Carolion'. This is now his new nickname) We sat out on their balcony which is at least 2 metres wide around 3 sides of the house, and drank wine and beer. Damian reverted immediately to the role he had when they were living with us - he cooked a curry whilst Nerae and I sat and talked and drank wine. They have a fabulous house / bungalow with a small swimming pool and lovely grounds. I couldn't get over the number of parrots, cockatoos and other unusual birds(for us) that were just flying around the garden. Nerae and I went to the shop for a few forgotten ingredients and a kangaroo obligingly hopped out in front of the car.
Saturday it poured rain all day but they insisted on taking us out into the mountains along tracks we would never have found, to visit some beautiful waterfalls. We went to the township of Maryville which had been completely destroyed by the fires of February 2009. It was good to see the community getting back on it's feet with many places already rebuilt.
Later at the top of one of the highest local hills, we experienced almost sleety rain - something we had not expected to come across in Oz!
Sunday started wet but gradually cleared up so we went into Melbourne again. Had coffee in Pellegrinis, lunch in China Town, walked the lanes and saw many unusual shops, had huge ice-cream overlooking the flooded Yarra river and ended up in a pub with a roof garden that Nerae used to frequent as a student. On the way back, Damian drove past 'Ramsey Street' so that I could see where Neighbours is filmed.(It had to be done!)
Monday we went to the local Sanctuary and spent a very enjoyable few hours with animals. The best part of the day for Ieuan though was the visit to the Winnery where Damian works and where he was able to taste many very good wines as well as have the tour of the vineyard and the cellars - all for nothing. The day ended with a fabulous BBQ on the verandah.
Tuesday - rest day. Both Damian and Nerae working so we were left to our own devises. Explored Healesville and bought ingredients for thai curry which Ieuan is cooking for everyone. It is overcast and very muggy.