With 5 days up our sleeve before the Maldon Workshop started we decided to slowly plod our way down to Victoria via backroads and out of the way places rather than race down the highway.
We camped behind the pub in the little town of Goolma, where the publican spun us a great tale about his favorite dog staring down a possum – neither would give in and they both died without ever moving.
This is the possum
…and this is the dog
Foggy morning behind the pub
We wound our way down onto the Murray River before heading across to Maldon. Great to see the river with so much water and the country in such good condition.
Julienne, the workshop coordinator in Maldon, arranged for us to stay in this fantastic little farm house – complete with chooks and a veggie garden.
Maldon is a beautiful little town protected by a heritage listing to preserve the unchanged character of the place.
The 5 day workshop was a lot of fun. We met some fantastic people and really enjoyed the quiet little country town.
Melbourne was in the middle of the Spanish Festival in Brunswick and the Polish Festival in the City, so there was a lot happening.
After a few days in Melbourne we took off towards the Snowy Mountains via the Sale Wetlands…
…a spectacular series of swamps, creeks and billabongs just out of town – made even more dramatic by the approaching storm clouds.
From Sale we drove up towards the Snowy River and took the long windy track down to McKillop Bridge.
The mountains were magnificent and the road signs basic.
MacKillop Bridge across the Snowy River. First built in 1935 and washed away a few days before it was due to open.
Mmmm – Jindabyne Steak, 4 minutes each side, Yum.
Above Charlotte Pass there were still patches of snow on the ground.
Snow Gums
Thredbo River
Platypus in one of the small creeks.
Stormy night up near Kiandra
Creek on the Long Plain Road
Home via Washpool NP.
Tags: Kiandra, Long Plain Road, Maldon, Maldon Workshop, Melbourne, nature, outdoors, Sale Wetlands, snow gums, Snowy Mountains, storm clouds


























December 9, 2012 at 5:34 pm |
Looks like you both enjoyed the trip, lovely photos John.
December 9, 2012 at 5:35 pm |
Looks like you both enjoyed your trip, lovely photos John.
December 9, 2012 at 10:35 pm |
Hey John, Be sure to let me know if you come to the UK for some workshops! Cheers Sue
December 10, 2012 at 3:26 am |
Fantastic diary–laughed hard a possum and dog!
December 10, 2012 at 5:52 am |
beautiful pictures……
December 10, 2012 at 9:13 am |
felt like I was along for the trip. beautiful photos. reminded me of the days we lived in Australia. lovely. thanks for posting!
December 11, 2012 at 1:12 am |
First off- that is a badass vehicle you are mobbing around in. Second, that dog carcass is hideous! Great photos!
December 11, 2012 at 4:31 pm |
Hi John, Thank you for your newsletter every month. I just love looking at both your amazing photo’s and paintings. I am in the market for a new camera and wonder if you would be good enough to tell me what make and model camera you use to get such stunning results. Thank you in anticipation Kind regards, Chris Thompson – Sydney
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2012 05:14:08 +0000 To: chrissydney@hotmail.com
January 8, 2013 at 9:18 am |
Hi Chris,
Most of the images on my blog are taken with a Pentax K20D. I recently bought a Sony NEX 5n for when I cant lug a large SLR around and find I am using the sony all the time now. It is a great little camera
Cheers
John
December 15, 2012 at 4:26 pm |
Just love your paintings and waiting to hear when your workshops are being held in early 2013 in currumbin please