Numurkah_Bright Holiday Oct 09

Numurkah_Bright Holiday Oct09

We headed off to Numurkah in Victoria on Friday leaving home at 7am as it is around 750km travel. After numerous stops (John hasn't done any long distance driving for a while and kept getting nicotine withdrawal) Stopping for lunch at Lake Boga we were a little concerned about our resort accommodation as Lake Boga was completely dry not a droplet of water to be seen, however, we did pass some more lakes which appeared to have a plentiful water supply. We eventually arrived at the Lakeside Country Club Resort about 4:30pm and after unloading and unpacking had a walk to the lake. Ok it has more water than Lake Boga but would hardly fill a swimming pool and canoeing was definitely out.

Next day we went to Cobram via a very nice winery, and checked out the Murray River, the level here was 2.5 meters and the sandy beach stretched quite a long way due to the low levels. A visit to the Big Strawberry and meandered back to the resort via some smaller places.

Day 3 and off to Shepparton and did a river walk (Goulburn River) and checked out the Mooving Art display in the park. We went on to a small town nearby which had a museum relating to the POW and Internment camps of the area during WW1 and WW2.

Day 4 we started the morning with Pancake Breakfast provided by the resort, the rain had set in for the day so decided to head to Echuca where there is an Historic Port with the old Paddle steamers and various tourist shops in the area. Travelling via Barmah Lakes where we did a walk around a section of the lake. Beautiful spot and fortunately the weather picked up enough to enjoy the setting.

Day 5 off to Bright - weather looking decidedly unpredictable. Only a 2 hour drive but we had booked to stay in a cabin at Bright to give us more time to see the area. Being a gold mining historical place John was in his element. Problem was so was the weather - sun at Wangaratta, rain and cold by the time we reached Bright but we decided to brave the Canyon Walk anyway. It stopped raining long enough to complete the 3k loop track and as we headed back to the car the hail came down along with thunder and lightning. Back to the cabin to dry out before heading into Bright for dinner at the local pub. Next day we went to Wandiligong 6km from Bright where the Chinese had panned the area for gold. As we pulled into the carpark the heavens opened, once it steadied we decided to do the Diggers walk which was suppose to take an hour (if only we could work out which was the track). After getting off track and bogged we eventually found our way back to the correct walking track and completed the loop when once again it poured with rain. Not to be deterred we wanted to do a walk on Mt Buffalo so headed off in the hope it would clear up. At the entrance to the National Park however we were turned round as we weren't carrying chains for the car and there was too much ice to drive without.

Ok we will go to Mt Hotham instead, no Park rangers to stop you that way!!! Good job John drives as I had my eyes closed several times and suggested slowing down as the rain and eventual snow came down. We travelled for several km up the mountain but eventually decided that it may be safer to return to base.

The next day we returned to Numurkah via Beechworth (where Ned Kelly bushranger tried and sentenced to death). Spent the morning running between the historic buildings and checking out displays (rain, rain and more rain).

Headed home Friday and pleased to see some dry weather again.