Enjoyed a bowl of chips and gravy at The Staff pub in Port Fairy, VIC.  Can't remember the beer I started on, but ended with Guinness.  I was hopping in the pub.  The bartenders were awesome and kept the beer, etc. flowing.  Could have used the Friday Uglies crowd from Lacombe.  Slept well.

Great Ocean Road from Lorne, VIC to Port Fairy, VIC.  2nd and 3rd last photos from the 12 Apostles.  It was a magical ride on a motorcycle.  Wished I could have shared it with Sweetness, Stinky, Monkey Man, The Chameleon, Velvet, Mrs. Velvet, Bidgie, Big Larry, The Velvet's offspring, and Big Larry's offspring, etc.  Not sure everyone would have appreciated the bike ride, but certainly the scenery.  I think Big Larry and I should rent a bike with a sidecar and do our own version of K-roc and Big Larry's DownUnder Adventure.  Big Larry any suggested titles?  Any suggestions from the other loved family members?

 

On the road to Torquay and Lorne.  While in Torquay did some shopping at the RipCurl store.  Stopped off at Bells Beach the site of the world's longest running surfing competition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bells_Beach,_Victoria).  Had a lovely walk around Lorne, VIC along the beach and pier and encountered a flock of cockatoos.  The last photo is the Great Ocean Road where I am going tomorrow.  

Last morning at the McLean's.  Bike is all loaded and ready to go.  Henry showed me how to do a mono!  The mono is a wheelie.  So far no monos performed or attempted by me, especially involuntary ones!  I am off to do the Great Ocean Road.  Thank you to Mark, Bron, and Henry for a wonderful few weeks.  It was a great time; we shared some laughs, enjoyed good food and beverages and marveled in all the area has to offer.

Great last few days with the McLean's in Stawell.  Took Henry up to the gold mine to see the shift change.  Managed to get there just as one of the big dump trucks came up from underground.  Utes also came up and the drivers all waved and some tooted their horns.  Happy to be above ground!  Mark's technician Roe tapped some Yabbies (kind of like crayfish, or mini lobsters) and shouted me a few.  Boiled them up and had them with white vinegar as well as mayo and Worcestershire sauce.  Not bad!  Thanks Roe!  All in all it was a good last night.  Had several beers as selected by Mark as well as some home brews from Mark and Roe.  Very tasty!

 

Weekend of October 13 and 14.  Picked up the motorcycle in Ballan and then had a wet muddy, but absolutely fantastic ride Bron's parents place outside of Ballarat.  Took the back way and did some hills and nice curves through the trees.  Visited a waterfall where Henry and I had our picture taken.  Bron's Mom and Dad were great.  Went for a great walk on some of Bron's Dad's land.  Very beautiful and interesting.  Headed off to Daylesford, VIC and had lunch.  Then toured around Daylesford before heading to the Chocolate Mill outside of Daylesford.  Had a yummy red chili hot chocolate.  A nice combination of sweet, hot and chocolate.  Had a few chocolates too!  Henry, Bron and I enjoying the afternoon.  Thanks for the picture Mark.  Then a 2 hour ride back to Stawell via the backroads.  It was an excellent day!

Out for a walk in the State Forest on the outskirts of Stawell.  Peaceful place, good to contemplate life, the universe and everything.  This little fellow was crossing the road, stubby tailed lizard I think.

Lovely outing in the Grampians area.  Visited an old quarry site, aboriginal painting site, and stopped to watch a group or emus.  

Enjoying my stay in Australia.  My motorcycle journey begins soon.  I think I will model it after Russell Coight's all aussie adventures.  Enjoy.  Check out russell coight all aussie adventures episodes on YouTube!

Out for walk in the Victoria State forest by Stawell with Mark and Henry.  Henry was enjoying his icy pop and doing a few "Monos", which are wheelies.  Great trail and company.

View of Grampians in the far background and a lovely canola field.  Near Horsham, Victoria.