Sunday, September 03, 2006

Great Ocean Road Adventure - Ch. 3

Sunday, September 03, 2006 – Port Campbell, Australia
This is becoming a familiar pattern. Grab the bottle of water and pop two ibuprofen. Once again wonder why I do this to myself. Briefly ponder whether or not am alcoholic. Decide not (is vacation, is time to let loose) and go back to sleep.


“Dad” (Duncan) wrangles us up and forces us in the car so that we can see some stuff and get back to Melbourne at a decent hour. Am bummed to hear that the weather and time make the forest canopy walk a no-go for this trip. Have absolutely no idea what it was, but it sounded very cool.
The weather is windy and rainy and am kicking self for not bringing a heavier jacket that is waterproof. However, this will not defeat the perfect weekend! When we arrive at the first lookout of the day, the temperature and rain fade away. No matter the weather, I could stay there all day.



I try to put my camera away and force myself to just appreciate the moment, but even for a non-photog like myself, the view makes it impossible. It’s simply too stunning go without snapping a shot at every turn. Each section of the coast offers something the one before didn’t.

And the waves…the waves are furious today. The water is alternately an indescribable blue and snowy white.





I feel sad as we head back toward Melbourne, but luckily the drive back is just as beautiful as the drive down. We go back a more direct route, across the countryside, which is equally as picturesque as the coast. I’m disappointed to be heading home, but this first trip has only whet my appetite for exploration – I know there will be more, and I know they are imminent.


This little diary of the journey in no way does it justice. Words can’t capture the moment and they can’t capture laughs and the general vibe of the trip. You’ll just have to trust me and hopefully try to get here to see it for yourself!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nik, the pictures are so amazing! I can't imagine what it's like to be there in person! I'm getting on a plane tomorrow and heading over :)

Andria said...

wow. beautiful! breath-taking. I hope to one day be able to experience it in person. Thanks for capturing your experiences for us all, though. it's definitely a treat to see, even in pictures and live vicariously through you! I'm just glad I don't get the sympathy hangovers, though, you can keep those!

ashley said...

This is awesome! You should look into a job as a travel writer. You're really entertaining. The photos are great. I'm sooo jealous. I just hung out in good ol' Wilmywood.

Niki said...

T - let me know when your flight arrives and I'll greet you with wine in hand!

I'm glad you guys aren't all bored by my pictures and stories - Ashley you have made my day. I've always secretly wanted to be a travel writer. : )

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful, and everything looks so beautiful!