A Stop at Erskine Falls

While traveling the Great Ocean Road with the Keys, we stopped for a short hike at Erskine Falls near Lorne. We hadn't been here before, but I'd highly recommend it as a stop along the drive. It's a great place to see bright green plants, including huge ferns, and a big waterfall without much walking.

Straw Falls

We did hike a little further than the general viewing area near Erskine Falls and found Straw Falls. To get there, Zack and I took the more exciting path across the log. I even Tebowed on it. Zack and his dad climbed halfway up the rocks here, and then we headed back to the car to continue our Great Ocean Road trip. You can see many more pictures on my Shutterfly page (link in the top corner of the blog). This quick stop was worth it-check out Erskine Falls if you get the chance!

Erskine Falls from above.

Great Ocean Road with the Keys

On the first weekend the Keys were here, we took them down the Great Ocean Road. Here are some of the highlights...

Taking pictures in front of the beautiful views (Eagle Rock).

Spotting an echidna.

Checking out Split Point Lighthouse.

Seeing a blue tongued lizard.

Viewing tons of koalas on Cape Otway Road.

Staying the night across from Lorne Beach.

Admiring the Twelve Apostles.

Hooray for the Great Ocean Road!

Belated Christmas Dinner with a View

The Keys at Sails on the Bay.

In late January, as a belated Christmas present, we took Zack's parents out to dinner at Sails on the Bay, a beachside restaurant in the nearby suburb of Elwood. We also celebrated my birthday a few days early. We had some good food and a great view of the beautiful sunset that night!

View out the window at Sails on the Bay.

More Keys in Australia

For a couple of weeks in January, we weren't the only Keys in Australia! Zack's dad and stepmom came to visit and go to the Australian Open, and we had fun showing them around our new home. The picture to the left is the welcome table I had ready for them at our place when they arrived. You can see their personalized Cokes. I also made an Aussie themed dinner with kangaroo kebobs, lamb cutlets, chips with sour cream and chili sauce, salad, rolls, and vanilla slice for dessert. Yummy.

On one of the weekends, we headed out to the Yarra Valley region to visit some wineries. Instead of doing the major big ones, we hit up some of the smaller ones in Seville. It was nice to get personalized attention and not fight the crowds, and we enjoyed a platter of cheese and meats in the sunshine after our wine tasting at Seville Estate.

Zack's dad and Vickie posing with the Wine Dogs book-open to a page that looks like Molly!

This dog lives at the winery, and she's featured in a book of other winery dogs. I had fun playing with her and practicing taking pictures with my new lens (a Christmas present from the Keys-thanks!).

Lots more blog posts to come...check back daily!