Sun, 14th Jan, 2024 Janet & Geoff’s place, Smiths Gully, Vic (Mason Falls)

 Erica has been gone 10 months now, time has gone quickly.

We had closed up the camper so it was only 14 inside where the forecast was for 11. Geoff’s horse, Fig, is near us. When he went in for something Fig came over and nudged him - he wants a massage. When they first got him he didn’t like being touched but then they got someone in to massage him and now he wants to be rubbed all the time. It was so funny watching Fig’s head and mouth as Geoff rubbed along his spine area and the faces he pulled you could see he was enjoying it, moving when he wanted another spot. Geoff stopped and walked away then Fig came over on the other side wanting another rub.

They loaded Janet’s horse and headed off early for to her horse riding event.

We had a quiet morning with me catching up on my blog and Steve reading.

The sky cleared but there is still a cold wind. I went for a walk and got a brighter photo of the paddock with Kinglake in the background on the ‘blue’ mountain. Another lake name that isn’t associated with a lake. It’s a town - named after British historian Alexander William Lake.

They have lots of huge aloe vera and other succulents growing here.

After lunch Geoff & Janet returned. We had a cuppa then headed up to Kinglake to check out Masons Falls. Glad Geoff is driving his car. Sign said not suitable for caravans etc - I agree. Narrow and windy road up the mountain.

Into the Kinglake National Park and found a park. Lots of people out exploring and using the picnic facilities but sadly some people are too lazy to take their rubbish with them!! We are just doing the falls walk and the Lyrebird track today.

Followed the path along to Masons Falls. Nice falls except all the trees are growing up and blocking the view!! Zoomed in on each section.

Looking down the valley. The dead white trunks stand out now the greenery is coming back.

Interesting rocks with the straight sides.

Some more info.

We walked back along the track and down to a smaller cascade.

Turned onto the Lyrebird loop and found some info about a timber mill that was here in the 1920s. No sign of anything but trees here now.

Fortunately for the environment but not for us following the board’s information, we couldn’t locate the tree mentioned.

Wow that’s a steep tramway. Can't see any evidence of it now.

Steve said ‘this is where they get coppers logs from - just break away the outside and you have a nice round pole!’

There are certainly some tall trees here.

Back down the road then around to Mt Sugarloaf (550m) - at least we don’t have to climb to the summit, you can drive. Geoff said their place is 230m in elevation to compare with here. There is a walking track along the ridge. We went along the track for a bit. Only a couple of spots to peer through the trees to see the view though. Lots of fallen timber - good for animals etc but just more fuel for the next big fire.

Pretty purple berries.

Back to the car - found another view spot.

Further along we can look across to the city but it is very hazy. You can just make out the highrises - like Atlantis through the mist.

Headed back then turned off to check out a Temple - huge. No signs on the fence.

Passed a sign warning of animals and it showed a panther. Steve had read about the Black Panthers seen around here. Geoff and Janet have seen one dart across the road elsewhere. They were the mascot for the Americans here during the war and of course some got left behind and are living in the bush.

Snapped this mural as we headed back through Kinglake.

I cooked dinner tonight for us all. It wasn’t as cold as the forecast so it was a very pleasant day and great sightseeing.