Tuesday 22 July 2014

Ballarat the Beautiful!

... as you all know by now, I am sure, I have a very dear Uncle and Aunt (my mother's brother and his wife) who live in Ballarat (a large town in country Victoria about 1 and 1/2 hours from Melbourne).  It is a charming town with a great goldrush history and we love going to stay with them for the weekend, usually because they spoil us so much - lol!  This weekend was no exception. (Warning: pic heavy!)

Here I am, all rugged up for a winter's walk, if you look hard enough you can see my aunt in the background.


Ducks on the pond....

...Later I went for a drive and there were swans on the road....



When I got back into my car, this swan would not let me pass.....



My Uncle is an excellent French cook and he made this special Beef Bourgignon pie for me, with the initials of his nickname for me on it - K M for Kaye Marmaduke (do not ask me why he calls me Marmaduke!)


It was delicious.....


Over dinner, my aunt showed us this fossil she found in England, many years ago.  It was officially tested and it is 80 million years old!  Can you imagine?  Can you see the shape of the sea urchin?


We were spoilt with a yummy dessert, made by my aunt, as well ... Apple Sponge with custard...


.... aha, the next day we went for a longer walk, through the Botanical Gardens and along the lake...



These next few photos are of Aboriginal poles - a good use of old telephone poles, I thought.








The gardens are so beautiful, even in winter....






I loved the sign on the gates...





A very cool water stop along the walking/running track around the lake....


Look at these fascinating mushrooms, my aunt and I thought that the one on the bottom left looked like a miniature swan, can you see it?



There are some very old, Heritage listed trees in these gardens....




Well, I am going to leave it here for now, or else I will never get this post finished, more to show and tell next post.

hugs,

18 comments:

Linda said...

Great photo's Kaye. Looks like you had a great time.

Linda

Margaret said...

Looks like a lovely visit! Yum on the food too.

Bea said...

Looks like a great visit - those were some great photos.

Barb said...

This was such an interesting post. It looks like a wonderful bit of time you spent with your family.

marly said...

That apple dish looks GOOD! Beautiful gardens too.

Frances said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time! I especially love those black swans-so pretty!

Anonymous said...

so glad you had a great day Kaye and boy that pie looks yummy and thankyou for sharing your lovely pics.xx

Melody said...

I love Ballarat, such a beautiful spot

cucki said...

Very beautiful place :)

marina said...

looks like a wonderful weekend with family.
great pics!

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Thank you for the beautiful pictures! Enjoy it!

KimM said...

Kaye - what a great time! You made me wish I was there with you enjoying all the gardens, the swans and - yes - your uncle's cooking - HA!
hugs
xxx

Vickie said...

What a wonderful time! A treat to see black swans this morning. :) I do see the miniature swan in the mushrooms. ;)

Parsley said...

Wonderful photos. I especially loved the black swans.

Brigitte said...

A great walk through Ballarat. And so interesting to see the aboriginal art on the old telephone poles.

Thoeria said...

Thanks for taking me along for your weekend Kaye :) Ummmm......so why *does* he call you Marmaduke?? :D The food .....yummmm!!!

Penny said...

What wonderful pictures! Those food pictures actually made my mouth water. :) Love those telephone poles ~ very interesting!

Sarah in Stitches said...

Looks like you had a beautiful trip! I love those poles. The designs are so creative :D

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