Australia - Day 14 Road Trip (Continued)

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Today we started off with a quick look at Mount Gambier's Blue Lake. We were in luck, as the lake had already started its annual November turning to turquoise color. A very brisk morning air and bright sunshine added to the enjoyment of the views of this crater lake. Then we hit the road so we could take our time on the Great Ocean Road. We still had to drive a good distance to pick up the eastern end of it in Warrnambool, however, so we headed east on the Princes Highway, making a quick stop in Portland for fuel (our GPS sent us into a residential section in search of a non-existent gas station, but we did stumble upon quite a nice ocean view from the hilltop) and went into Port Fairy for a look-see at the farmer's market and the ocean. Finally got to Warrnambool but the road between there and Port Cambell was all inland. We were starting to feel a bit disappointed. But by Port Campbell we were enjoying spectacular seascapes and stopping at every lookout. Most of the lookouts required a good walk to the viewing points, so our journey was slowing down but our mood was improving. Twelve Apostles was the pinnacle of the ocean sites, with awe-inspiring tower formations formed by the eroding coastal bluffs. We were taking pictures of them into the sun, so the photos did not turn out as well as we hoped. From there the road went inland again, and up into the mountains where we encountered narrow, winding roads through lush forestation. The winding roads continued pretty much for about 50 miles or so, and it was getting to be early evening by the time we got to Apollo Bay where there was more coastal scenery. The roads were still winding, however (think Hwy. 1 near Monterrey) and we were tiring of driving and just wanting to get to Melbourne at this point. In retrospect we should have taken 2-3 days for this part of the trip so we could relax and enjoy the scenery more. As it was, we arrived at the B & B in Melbourne without too much difficulty at about 7:30 p.m. after 8 hours on the road, then walked around in search of a place to have dinner.

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Photos

Blue Lake
Mount Gambier

Blue Lake
Mount Gambier

Portland
View from where our GPS said there was a gas station.

Port Fairy
Local Farmer's Market

Port Fairy
Coastal Scene

Port Fairy
On the beach collecting seashells

Coastal Lookout
Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road
Near Port Campbell

Great Ocean Road
Another lookout point

Twelve Apostles
Great Ocean Road

Twelve Apostles
Westerly view from Great Ocean Road lookout point

Apollo Bay
Great Ocean Road