The Great Ocean Road part 1

OK, here we go again! This is Fogg in his new wet suit and look at the size of the waves!!!! Actually these guys were pretty awesome and the waves were massive. This shot was taken off the coast at Port Fairy and the sea is the Southern Ocean. Port Fairy is a charming town full of wonderful early wooden buildings and situated both on the River Moyne and the Southern Ocean. We enjoyed our two night stay in a delightful cottage before heading off to this icon of Victoria, The Great Ocean Road. It does not start particularly auspiciously but once it meets the coast the views are amazing. These photos show the first half, so to speak, between Peterborough and Apollo Bay
where we are presently based. They are called The Grotto, London Bridge and the last two are the Twelve Apostles and the coast close by. A geologists delight and visually very exciting. The sea was relaltively calm but even so we could see clearly how it undercut the cliffs and how soon many of them would slide into the sea.

I will pass over to my surfing chum, Fogg, so farewell from me, Phileas.

As you can see, London Bridge is now without the bridge. In 1990 two people were out on the far sea edge and the whole of the centre span,
without any warning crashed into the sea leaving the two stranded. One can only imagine how scared they were. Eventually they were lifted off by helicopter. The photograph does not truly convey the size of the rocks or the tempestuous nature of the sea which was considerable even on the relativly quiet day we were here. Having seen this we proceeded with great care!
The next photo is of the 'Twelve Apostles' Actually according to some there are only seven, but I counted thirteen! Whatever the number they are truly impressive. However they are reducing in height by about two centimetres a year.
The cliff edges seem cut rather than eroded and the last photo conveys that quality. On our way to Apollo Bay where we are based for a couple of days we drove through some magnificent gum/beech forests. They are tall trees and create a wonderul cooling atmosphere.

We are exploring the second half of the Ocean Road tomorrow on our way to Melbourne and our next blog will reflect that.

So this is Fogg saying goodbye for now. Very best wishes to you all.