Little Wandering Wren …. chats!

I'd like to say I've had a lifetime messing about in boats, but I haven't. So it sure was nice having Steve Ross, of Riptide Charters to design our perfect boating escape on the Mornington Peninsula.  Blairgowrie Marina - Photo credit S Johnson We weren't asking for much. I have international visitors staying, so the brief was to take us out for a few hours, show us some sights, a bit of wildlife and a few dolphins!  What we got, was an unforgettable morning cruising on the stunning Port Phillip Bay. We loved the history, the birds and seals galore, with the opportunity to take some great photos! The Blairgowrie Marina is a great place to start and play that game "when I'm rich and famous I'll buy that yacht there", and oh, how the other half live, as our own private chartered boat is ready and waiting. We clamber aboard and off we sail.  RipTide Charters vessel Photo credit S Johnson First stop is the picturesque...

Here's the Crazy Poodle  with his shaggy winter coat left long to survive an outdoor Aussie winter. It's been chilly this week. I scraped frost off the car windscreen on Wednesday which is virtually unheard of here in Melbourne. Mutt's happy to have been out for a decent walk, after a week where we were all office-bound, and he didn't get the attention he thought he deserved! His elephant friends were found in the grounds  at Merricks General Wine Store on the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula. Good things come in little packages! We had walked from Red Hill South to Merricks Station Ground  along the disused Rail Trail.  It's a peaceful 6.5 km stroll  past vineyards and pony paddocks  through the pine trees and forests. We love this walk as it offers a different side of the Mornington Peninsula than our usual beach walks.  It was great to arrive at the Merricks General Wine Store in time for a cuppa and cake. They have r...

Surf's up! We're slap-bang in the middle of Winter here as these windswept birds on Sorrento surf beach show... Hold on tight, Summer's coming! Infact, Brisbane, Queensland had their hottest winter day for 70 years  yesterday. The Sunshine Coast, only a two-hour flight away,  enjoyed 31 degrees Celsius - 87 °F Beam me UP  Scottie!  Here in Melbourne ' the cold wind doth blow'  and although we have not had snow,  our Alpine area, only a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is having a fabulous snow season.  As they say, every cloud has a snowy lining, or something like that! It seems like my family and friends in Europe are at last enjoying (sweltering?) with a bit of a heat-wave. But where ever you are, I hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Linking with thanks to Eileen at Saturday's Critters  and Darren at Photalife Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Five thoughts on Sorrento, Victoria 1. I first went to Sorrento thirty years ago just after finishing school, but it was Sorrento, Italy!  I never imagined all those years ago, that not only would I be living in Australia, but I would be back again enjoying summers in Sorrento.  Both Sorrentos are coastal towns, one facing the Bay of Naples, the other on Port Phillip Bay. Sorrento, Victoria was named after the southern Italien town, which explains why you can find a great pizza in Sorrento! 2. One of our favourite things to do with visitors is the Sorrento-Portsea Artist Trail. It is no surprise to anyone who has been to Sorrento that it has been a favourite spot for many famous Australian Artists. In this walk, you can view the original painting whilst looking at the original inspiration being painted.  3. The Sorrento foreshore is a popular place to hang out in the summer because of the gentle, sheltered waters against a backdrop of lawn...

The Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Show is held annually  on the Mornington Peninsula at Easter it gives a glimpse into country life in Victoria. Easter Bilby's for sale Grand Parade of prize winning bulls Winners - lining them up! Minne Mouse attends the Grand Parade, behind the working dogs Red Hill Show - Cake decorating and flower competition My favourites  - the Lamas! Today's post is part of my April A to Z challenge Wandering Victoria! Shhhhhh, LET'S GET WORDLESS!!

End of Summer surfboard sale Rye Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula Autumn leaves arriving... Muddy paws! linking with Wordless Wednesday

My Sunday Photo I love Australian beaches  just look at it!  The vast expanse of golden sand  and only an occasional surfer. Rye Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula You need to be an experienced surfer to tackle this surf, to avoid the rips and rocks,  and not to mention the odd shark lurking about. Happy Hols! Linking with Sally at Blue Monday Wordless Wednesday With Image-in-ing  and at My Sunday Photo Thanks Darren!

Just sharing a few of my favourites... Shhhh, let's get wordless... Linking with the following Wordless Wednesday Thursday Favorite Things Fabulous Friday Thank you Maria for inviting me to link with Fabulous Friday I did not make the Office it is my favourite place on the Mornington Penninsula, Vic but it would be very easy to recreate your own "office" somewhere special to you. I hope this inspires you. With thanks to all the wonderful hosts. Thank you in advance for your comments  which I love to read.  I will always try to return the visit! If you are not on Google+ you can always contact me via my e-mail link on the sidebar 

(For GYB 2015 click here ) It's our Australia Day weekend where we celebrate our National Day. We managed to winkle our American guests away from Melbourne Park tennis for a quick trip  to the Mornington Peninsula and some well deserved rest and relaxation. A gentle sea breeze was perfect for our  impromptu flag raising ceremony . Which unlike at Parliament House,  involved Mr Wren  with a pair of pliers,  as the salt air had wedged the clips shut! The next thing we do is kick off our shoes  and head to the water for some ocean therapy... We did have a laugh at the 'lost in translation ' moment  hearing shoes  called "thongs." Flip flops to me... 'What the...?'  cry the Americans The surfers in our group had driven ahead but had been disappointed not to catch any good waves only a good dunkin'! Still the wild waters make for some good photos Here is our favourite, Rye ocean...