Melbourne Holiday Day Six - Yarra Valley Part 1

Monday, 25th November 2013

Before leaving the house this morning, EC checked the website of the cherry farm we were to visit... and sadly the announcement on the site says that they had a busy weekend before so there will be no cherry picking for the day.  Ohh... but EC was quick to add that they'd be other berry farms in the vicinity which we could check out.  So, the day was still hopeful!  Besides, we had so much to look forward to and so much to do for the day! I'm totally excited!

It was a day off school for J&W so we left in two cars to Yarra Valley.  EC again prepared Milo for all of us.  The way she cares for us reminds me so much of my own mother, eventhough their age is two decades apart.  Just in case anyone of us got hungry on the way to our first destination, she packed chicken and beef pies for us to munch on in the car.  I love her for her thoughtfulness!

This post will be mainly pictures, as there were so many taken and pictures says a thousand words, or more!

Our first destination was... CityLife Church.  Kelvin and EC brought us to look-see their church.

City Life Church

Along the way...

Great weather for a day out

We stopped at Puffing Billy first but didn't get on the train because it'd take us a whole day, and a whole day free we have not.  So much on our itinerary so we stayed no longer than half an hour to admire the place and for William to answer nature's call amongst the old, tall trees... why not, huh?

Then we stopped by the National Rhododendron Gardens which wasn't too far a drive away.  We put on the GPS but that was mostly to warn us of any change in speed limit, as Kelvin led the way we had no problem with direction.

The kids had fun looking out for little stone beetles like these... keeps their attention on nature instead of feeling bored

Park of the gardens that we didn't walk through

Red rhododendron

A picture of mummy and princess with pretty flowers

White rhododendron... some flowers are starting to wilt, as they have passed their full blooms now that it's beginning of summer.  Flowers here in Melbourne in general, I notice, don't last as long and aren't as varied and many as those in the UK.  I may be wrong since I'm just a visitor, but that's just my observation

We didn't stay long here either... and a walk through the park could take a whole day.  It's definitely a nice place for a romantic walk or a picnic.  Definitely one of my favourite place to hang out if we do have a chance to be back.  But... like I said... many more places to go, so this trip would have to be only a sampler.  William, unfortunately, didn't like to leave as he was having a good time admiring the flowers, running around, taking in the fresh air, etc.

Third stop - Pie In The Sky

Interesting place to have a cuppa, and enjoy their multi-awards winning pies, and indulge in their sweet dessert.  Good company, or a good book will make the visit perfect!  As it is, we had good company in the presence of our good hosts... and part of the joy is to fight for the tab!

The two floors dining area.  Today's crowd was "good" as I was informed normally this place would be full house!

Kids get their own table, pies and ipads!

This, my friends... is their French Vanilla cake... superb, glorious, heavenly!!  DO NOT SHARE!!

Saw this huge dog with its owner just outside the shop.  I asked permission to have William's photo taken with the dog.  Forgot the breed.

And then, a stopover at the Tulip Farm which was in full bloom a few months back.  Now, there's no more tulips to look at, but it's ok...

To be continued