Since my last update we've had another couple of very enjoyable but very hot days in Yarrawonga. I have always enjoyed our Australian Summers - but as I have gotten older I look forward to our Winters as well. But I must say the last few days have really tested me. Poor old Yarrawonga have not had a day under 31c (87.8f) since Christmas. But we have had most days around 35c (95f) and on Thursday we had a day with 42c (107.6)!!!! My goodness it was hard to take especially being in our camper.
 |
| This was the temperature in the car when we returned after lunch!!! |
So to cope we took ourselves on a day long adventure in the airconditioned car. We travelled to the town Wangaratta.
Wangaratta is a city of almost 17,000 people in the northeast of Victoria about 230 km from Melbourne.
The original inhabitants of the area were the Pangerang Aborigines who spoke a Gunai language
. Many of the Pangerang were killed in the Gippsland massacres
. Major Thomas Mitchell
was the first European to visit the area, passing on his return to Sydney during his 1836 expedition he made a favourable report of its potential as grazing pasture.
We then headed of to the tiny village of El Dorado, which is home to the Smallest Pub in Victoria - Mc Evoy Tavern. Gold was found in the area during the 1850s. The town's population declined sharply after the area ceased to yield gold. The remains of an old gold dredge can still be seen today.
 |
| Remains of old Gold Dredge |
 |
| Smallest Pub in Victoria |
Then onto yet another pub! This one was called The Vine and has an old dirt basement that has a lot of old history of the region. But the main reason we went there was because the basement also has a tunnel that was supposedly once used by our famous Bush Ranger Ned Kelly, to hide out from the law. It's amazing - I am a born and bred Australian but there is so much about this beautiful country I don't know. But I am making that one of my missions for the rest of my life to learn more about why certain towns exist.
 |
| Lunch destination |
50C!!!! Yikes! It is interesting discovering those 'unknown' fact about our country/state/community. and it's been right under our nose all along.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those car rides in that heat!
Now that's HOT! I never experienced it being that hot while I was there, not even in the desert. I think the hottest it was while I was there was about 42, and that was plenty hot enough for this Canadian girl!
ReplyDeleteIt's sure interesting to read the history of where you're traveling to. I love that small pub, it looks like someones living room! Such rich history to enjoy, and you're doing just that... lucky duck! lol
Have a wonderful day Davine! Cheers.
Wow that's quite a contrast to what we're getting over here in the states :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, that is HOT! A cool trip in the car's a/c was a great idea! (I do that sometime here in Los Angeles too.)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to discover the history of a place. Safe travels and enjoy.
xo jj