Apr 30th: A Bit of Down Time

Day 27 (Day 2 in Australia)

After a hectic month in New Zealand, we are having a quiet day. Phil, Carolyn and Sophia all have to work until mid afternoon so this morning was a chance to catch up on laundry and have a stroll around their neighbourhood of Glen Iris, about 6 miles from the city centre. 

Glen Iris is a charming suburb of Melbourne with an eclectic mix of colonial and modern housing. The current trend is, apparently, to demolish old places and build new. There is plenty of evidence of that as we take the short walk to a local coffee shop.

Traditional

Exactly opposite the first house

Next to the second house

A couple of houses along 

Doer-upper or puller-downer?
There was a car in the drive

When Phil got home from work he took us on another walk, an 8km route that is his usual exercise run. The Aussies, like the Kiwis, certainly put money and effort in to recreational facilities. So much is provided by the local council for residents to use. And for free!

Electric barbecue in a public park
Free to use!

Aussie rules footie pitch
One of 3 seen on our short walk (plus rugby & ‘soccer’)

Bike repair station
With spanners , air, etc

Nice walks through parks on your doorstep

When we got home, Phil cooked us all roast lamb etc. with another nice bottle of Penfolds Shiraz to accompany it. 

The evening ended with a competitive round of Heardle, which became a Lines/Henderson tradition when they were with us last summer/autumn. 

After almost 17,000 steps today* it is time for bed. Julie and I are borrowing Carolyn’s car for the next 2 days to drive The Great Ocean Road and see The 12 Apostles.

* Did I say it was to be a quiet day? We’ve walked over 125 miles in April. Here’s the proof…



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