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John McLoughlin's avatar

Most enjoyable article. Another rainforest pocket in the Otways which is worth a visit is Melba Gully, not far from Laver's Hill. And somewhere near the western end of Turton's Track behind Apollo Bay is an ever-increasing stand of the competitor giant tree, the Californian Redwood. Someone from the government planted it as an experiment in the 1930's.

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Gideon Haigh's avatar

We drove Turton's Track in the 1970s and were so impressed by it that my mum bought a big horsehair fern for the back garden.

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Anthony James's avatar

Wonderful. And the surf, Gideon?

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Michael Saunders's avatar

Could have headed home via Camperdown to admire our Clocktower and Avenue of Elms ... and called in for a cuppa! Welcome anytime!

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Paul O'Gorman's avatar

What a fabulous piece on that part of the world Gideon

My brother-in-law used to have a house at Wye River where my wife and I used to go with our then 4 month old son Matthew

( he's now 39)

I loved all the weird and wonderful mementos you photographed as part of your story.

The only Momento I have of our time at Wye River is a video filmed by my wife of our son lying on the bed with me leaning over him saying "dad dad dad" as I was convinced that he had said "dad" about a week ago

He mumbled some noises none of which resembled "dad "

The video runs for 45 minutes ....!! Riveting viewing

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leigh hart's avatar

Just catching up after crossing the Nullabor.

Lots of memories dredged up by your dual piece. Can you still traverse Gibson steps to / from the beach? I wish I had some photos from when I was young and people could walk out freely along the skinniest, narrowest rock path to the little skull like top of the cliff end, just to the east of the Apostles lookout. They were braver than me. Did anybody ever fall off ? According to Google Maps it is called Castle Rock. I believe access is now barred to the very end of the outpost.

Sadly there are less Apostles now and London Bridge is no longer.

Loved the mailboxes. If you are in Northern Tasy there is a notable trail starting near Wilmot.

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Ian's avatar

Thanks Gideon - enjoyed reading your two instalments, and despite Pete's disparaging comments about your 'holiday slide show' enjoyed the photos too. Funny when we lived in Warrnambool I went to Timboon multiple times but don't recall having been observant regarding the array of letterboxes 🤭

I also walked the Great Ocean Road Walk a couple of times - an excellent multi day walk.

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Jan Gross's avatar

Reading with great pleasure Gregory Days book of poetry Southsightedness - poem Fighting the Seasons magnificent

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David Wilson (E. regnans)'s avatar

Ah confrere. This triggered memories of a post at The Almanac about chasing old growth E. regnans in the Otways. With a link to Dr John Flynn (of Royal Flying Doctor Service fame). Found it.

https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-bush-in-search-of-old-growth-mountain-ash-in-the-otways/

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Gideon Haigh's avatar

Cheers comrade. Loved your T. Rogers piece btw.

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Matt Wallace's avatar

Tis such an awesome and varied land and seascape

The last 2 winter's we’ve spent a collective 3 weeks trundling in and around the GOR- with a few days on Port Phillip Island (meh) and Wilson’s Prom (OMG) threaded in amongst

Look forward to our next GOR trip

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Jan Gross's avatar

Thanks Gideon - much nostalgia for my past travelling. days- Timboon dairy used to make some good cheeses- does it still?- - the meticulous care with which every member of Loch Ard passengers & crew is documented is very touching - & those wonderful ancient trees - this is also a part of the world where the great Gerald Murnane lived- did he mention a Murnanes Point named after an ancestor who lived here?

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Gideon Haigh's avatar

Goroke is Murnane country. What a great man he is.

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Jan Gross's avatar

Should win the Nobel Prize in Literature but I think it has passed him by👎

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Gideon Haigh's avatar

Nobody will write a better book on racing - and life - than Something For The Pain.

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Jan Gross's avatar

Many great books he has written & for which he deserves the Nobel - you are better equipped to push for this than I so please do 🙏

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