BRIGHT

Wednesday, 22^nd May 2019

One cherished Jezza

Sunrise over Kingston

Morning fog along the Ovens River

Local parrot

Hopeful magpie

Autumn in Bright

Leslie in Bright

Ovens River

Gingko leaves

More autumn colour

Peace Pole

Main street

Autumn reflections

Once again, it is the time of the year to commence our annual pilgrimage to warmer climes, which also means it must be Cameron’s birthday!

On Monday evening, it was time to say goodbye to Jezza, who is having a holiday with Jack and Aidan, before enjoying a wonderful dinner with our family.

Tuesday morning presented us with another fabulous sunrise before the final pack, haircut and shop.  We were hitched up and on the road by 11.00am, with a planned stop at Oatlands for a scallop pie lunch.  Unfortunately, our anticipation quickly turned to disappointment when there were no scallop pies available, but luckily the Ross Bakery came through!  The weather was beautiful for the drive to Devonport and we were able to spend an hour with Les’ sister before we boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for the long, boring voyage to Melbourne.  We had a smooth crossing and despite leaving late, were docked on time; we disembarked quickly at 6.30am and had reached the Hume Highway, heading north, by 6.45am.

It was very easy driving northwards, with light traffic, clear skies and no wind.  We stopped at the Wallan Services Centre to make breakfast, before changing drivers and continuing towards Glenrowan and another quick stop.  Shortly after that, we turned off the highway, passed through Milawa and then Myrtleford.  The autumn colours were lovely, especially as we were passing through grape and hop country.  We arrived at Bright shortly before lunch.

We are staying at the Big4 Bright for two nights – a lovely small park on the bank of the Ovens River.  We are probably two or three weeks too late for the best of the autumn leaves, but the town still looks quite spectacular.  We enjoyed a walk along the river bank and then back through the town, discovering a Beechworth Bakery (lunch tomorrow) and a wonderful Christmas Shop, with “Husband Parking” outside!

The weather today was superb, ranging from 8 to 12 degrees, however, the heater is certainly going now!