Jean writes:
We set out from Hastings in good time as the destination was Sale, 123 miles away. Not too bad, you might think, but we didn't want to take what we considered to be the direct, though less attractive, inland route, but the more scenic coastal route, which would add many miles to the journey.
Agriculture changed from vineyards and fruit to pasture, arable and dairy cattle, to sheep.
The whole drive was wonderful as far as bird spotting went, with the usual Common Mynas, Super Blue Wrens, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, a variety of gulls, swans and ducks, a bird of prey up high which we couldn't identify and many more.
Inverloch was another lovely stop-off where we had a snack lunch.
The best was still to come, though. Our aim had been to get to the East Gippsland coast in time to see Ninety Mile Beach. Well, it lives up to its name. To North, to South, ninety four miles of beautiful, unspoilt sandy beach. It is a spit, with sand dunes behind it, which separate the sea from a series of lakes.
The approach to Sale was interesting too, with many lakes, nature havens and a bird sanctuary.
Agriculture changed from vineyards and fruit to pasture, arable and dairy cattle, to sheep.
The whole drive was wonderful as far as bird spotting went, with the usual Common Mynas, Super Blue Wrens, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, a variety of gulls, swans and ducks, a bird of prey up high which we couldn't identify and many more.
First stop was unscheduled, when we saw an art/sculpture workshop signposted and bought some lovely small pieces of glassware that hopefully will make it home safely.
We stopped at Kilcunda West for coffee, other small towns being Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Walkerville, Welshpool, Foster and Yarram.
The coast at Kilcunda, as we descended to the beach, was fabulous and we only saw one other family group enjoying the sand, rocks, rock pools and sea birds.
We stopped at Kilcunda West for coffee, other small towns being Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Walkerville, Welshpool, Foster and Yarram.
The coast at Kilcunda, as we descended to the beach, was fabulous and we only saw one other family group enjoying the sand, rocks, rock pools and sea birds.
The rock pools contained interesting seaweed, shell fish and myriad other forms of life.
The best was still to come, though. Our aim had been to get to the East Gippsland coast in time to see Ninety Mile Beach. Well, it lives up to its name. To North, to South, ninety four miles of beautiful, unspoilt sandy beach. It is a spit, with sand dunes behind it, which separate the sea from a series of lakes.
We approached from Woodside and apart from a large Pacific Gull, a shag hanging out his wings to dry and a fisherman with four rods, there was just one other couple, very much in the distance. Spectacular.
We were incredibly lucky that the weather took a turn for the better today, with sun and warmth, so the sea has been beautifully blue with many different shades.
The approach to Sale was interesting too, with many lakes, nature havens and a bird sanctuary.
Dave writes:
Running scared
Hastings cricket and rugby clubs were just across the road from our motel so their grounds were ideal running circuits.
For company though I had half a dozen squawking gulls circling above me and outdoing Maria Sharapova.
Several times it seemed as if they might dive-bomb and in the end I cut short the run.
No medals but back in 2012 I was attacked in just such a way while walking through Canary Wharf in London.
However, a few hours later this morning I made my peace with various gulls on the rocks off Kilcunda.
Then by Inverloch and later on the most fabulous Ninety Mile Beach we were the greatest of buddies.
Running scared
Hastings cricket and rugby clubs were just across the road from our motel so their grounds were ideal running circuits.
For company though I had half a dozen squawking gulls circling above me and outdoing Maria Sharapova.
Several times it seemed as if they might dive-bomb and in the end I cut short the run.
No medals but back in 2012 I was attacked in just such a way while walking through Canary Wharf in London.
However, a few hours later this morning I made my peace with various gulls on the rocks off Kilcunda.
Then by Inverloch and later on the most fabulous Ninety Mile Beach we were the greatest of buddies.
It must be the running which makes them feel threatened -- setting them far apart from my fellow competitors in the famed Paddock Wood half-marathon, on March 29.
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