DANDENONG RANGES

Cold, moist, grey winters Sunday in Melbourne. We're waiting for Mick and Mel, or 'MIlk' as they are reluctantly referred to as from time to time. Salt of the earth as they are, they've driven over from the foothills of the mountains to save our weary simple minds from the utter confusion of Sunday public transport. For a days driving in the Dandenong mountains, old stomping ground, close to where they both grew up east of the city.

So refreshing to finally see some mountains on the horizon, getting out for coffee and tasting for a first time in too long fresh country air, filled with wood smoke from the hillside chalet homes, reminding both of us instantly of Holtsfield in the winter. The mountains are scattered with Sunday tourist hotspots, tea and scone rooms selling Devonshire tea and cream, rustic single glazed cafes, condensation covering windows that provide a view to a lake in the basin of the valley. Beautiful, helping us feel closer to home than we have in the past four months.

Getting back to nature with some local inhabitants . .

I have never lost so many games of pool, still good beer, log fire and views of the mountains compensated somewhat for the shame . .

And back to our beloved Pinacle, the first Pub we ever came to back in February on Jaimie's birthday, recommended and invited by Milk, now our local, not two minutes form our house, and the best veggie burgers ever!

Awesome day!!!