Exploring the Burbs By Bike

After using the wifi at the most convenient Visitor Centre 150 metres form the apt, I gathered my backpack and returned to The Pedaler hire company that I had sussed out yesterday. Cool but lovely day. Helmeted and with the seat adjusted to my long legs, I was off! Riding a bike is THE way to explore a city. Admittedly Victoria only has a population of 350 000 and the roads are safe for cyclists. I say roads ' cause there is a serious lack of designated bicycle paths.

In fact, I have taken off my rose-coloured glasses and I can see why Victoria is behind Melbourne.

A. Beaches are great for diving but not ideal for a family day on the sand.

B. Serious lack of places to buy fresh produce conveniently for city and apartment dwellers.

C. No suburban off-road bicycle paths ( there are 3 rail trail-type facilities) This doesn't stop the locals and visitors from riding. They are all very aware of each other. Works well. I cycled on roads all day and felt safe. If the intersection was a doozy, I walked the pedestrian path!

So, I found the touristy Fishermen's Wharf, skirted the Beachside Drive, had lunch at a Corner Store, found a Chinese Cemetery,walked the gardens of Government House, got lost occasionally and had a great day. Also found the other side of lovely Victoria...a tent city right next to the legal precinct!!

Lorraine arrives tomorrow from her conference in snowy Reno, Nevada. 43 years ago we journeyed through Europe together. It's a bit special.

Looking a bit fat near Fishermen's Wharf

More bright wildflowers. Note the logs washed up on the beach

Peak hour Victoria style!

 

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Harbour View

My first major glitch...why didn't this photo upload?

A view of the harbour. Now that I have sent everything, I am going to find a bike to hire. K xx

I

 

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Beautiful Victoria

Yes, I am here! I won't bore you with all the details but suffice to say all flights connected despite the umpteen queues, walks between terminals and oh so strict security in the U.S. Totally understandable.

Then I had issues with my SIM card. Thought all of my communication plans were going to be thwarted. However with calls to Tony in Oz and the support number, it all came together this morning. Hooray. I set off on my stroll around Victoria in a positive frame of mind.

Ol

I had been warned by those who have travelled before me...but Victoria is seriously pretty. Wasn't our state of Victoria called The Garden State? Well, we are not a patch on this namesake. Even the wildflowers are striking. I don't need to go to the famous Burtchart Gardens. The streetscapes and household gardens are sufficient for me. How many times did I say to myself " look at that?"

So I basically walked from 11am to 6pm. Passed the lively port/harbour. Dropped into a gallery recommended by my hosts ( who saw me comfortably settled into my house exchange apartment). Had lunch and wandered the residential streets. Much of the architecture here reminds me of the San Francisco "Painted Ladies" or the houses of Vermont. Skirted the shoreline and explored a major parkland.

Ol

A most people-friendly town. Apparently it rates 3 rd behind Auckland and Melbourne as a Liveable City. It certainly reminds me of Melbourne.

Despite my weary legs, a wonderful start to my little adventure.

Now, because I haven't mastered all these blogging skills yet, I need to tell you about the photos ! Two of them are fairly obvious, but...the top is the view from my apartment and the cute house is where I had lunch.

 

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A Day At The Beach

Hi All.

I am such a Blogger dinosaur. Really have no idea what I am doing!! Things I want to change, I cannot. I cannot find the buttons for things I want to do!! However, I will persevere. The day is warm but overcast. The sea is choppy and murky green. I have Classic FM quietly in the background and it is definitely time for a coffee. Cheers Karyn

P

 

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