20121214 VIC Kinglake, Launching Place
20121214 From Whittlesea we drove onto Kinglake, in which we were told many sad stories and the effect the disaster had on the community, especially the volunteer firefighters and emergency workers because of the relationship with many of the victims, I've got to tell you it was heart wrenching.
It was with in Kinglake that a vast majority of people lost their lives in the 2009 bush fires. With many of the homes rebuilt the only evidence remaining are the black stumps of the trees. It may be a beautiful forest, but it can have devastating effect, the fire destroyed over 2000 homes and 173 people lost their lives.
The higher we got the foggier it got so it was a slow but pretty drive through the mountains.
Arriving at Healesville to restock our supplies and check out the town before heading to Launching Place which is not far now.
Growth first occurred in Healesville due to a track being constructed through the area to the booming Woods Point goldfields, with the town being first surveyed in 1864. Farming and timber production were some of the first industries, while the arrival of the railway in 1889 transforming the town into a tourist destination and a place for holidaymakers.
The Grand Hotel
Walking through this town the old hotel certainly stands out although the reviews are not so good. When they say “Grand” I think they mean BIG, not fancy, because there isn’t a great deal of fanciness in this part of Healesville, that’s a bit harsh, but then again I didn’t eat their. However if you’re looking for a classic “old man” pub, and you’re a fan of Carlton draught then this place is for you as they don’t have any other beer on tap.
Before arriving at Brownies I text him to ask if we should park in the same spot as last time or is it full of shit, the text back was "full of shit" Des and I had a great laugh. On arriving we meet Mick one of Brownies mates whom we meet on our last visit in showed us where to park. Jud was home so we were meet with a warm welcome and we chatted on and Jud said we had great timing as there is a party happening tomorrow night for her and a few other girls birthdays, and the party begins. We just laid down for our afternoons nanny nap when Brownie turned up so out came the cans and the drinking began.
20121215 Party night so Jud and I decorated the shed and prepared the food then relaxed and waited for the time to roll on and everyone to arrive.
Men at work, organizing the wood for a U bute fire.
Bron tripping the light fantastic with Jude watching on.
Check out the smug look on Brownie on one of his many hot mobile, only this one works, what a ripper.
Stev, Brownies brother starting the fire, now that's how you get a fire going.
Now this lady, Linda was our entertainment for the night, man she loves to sing and she had a voice just like mine, beautiful.
The tails from Lynda would curl your hair; she has certainly lived a full life of many ups and downs. Her strong will has got her through every ordeal . You could wright a book on her experiences, what a wonderful woman. 
Don't ask, because I have no idea what these pair are up to, but they do look like they're having fun.
The Boogie Boogie Trios
He was a famous tambourine man from out Redlands way, who had a boogie style that no one else could play, but then along came the Bongo Man from Launching Place with a style of his own who matched up with Jud on the maracas who’s move they could not match.
He was a famous tambourine man from out Redlands way, who had a boogie style that no one else could play, but then along came the Bongo Man from Launching Place with a style of his own who matched up with Jud on the maracas who’s move they could not match.
Oooo! you could be right.
With eyes that sparkle like a sunrise,
"Kiss me Ketut"
Guy and Mick, Brownies mechanics working on his racing bike, with Des and Brownie in the back ground playing up. I'm starting to wonder about this pair.
The Bongo Man getting down, Ya! Check out those moves, go Brownie.
And the beat goes on, Jud and Brownie dancing the light fantastic.
By 3pm Des and I had enough and hit the sack but we had a great night and meet some lovely people.
16-12-2012 We eventually dragged ourselves out of bed and headed back down to the shed, with in no time the rest of the crew were up and into it once again, well! it took some of us a bit longer.
With the log still burning we decided to make the most of it and sat around reminiscing over a few more beers.
Check out this Motely Crew, Brownie and his two brothers Stev and Slim.
20-12-2012 Today is Jud's birthday, the house is out of water so Jud decides to go into town to do some washing only once there we drove around and around and couldn't find the laundry mat so we checked out some shops the left for the Chandon Winery.
Domaine Chardon
Now here’s a bit of trivia for you, the roses on the end of the vineyard rows are planted not for their pretty flowers but because both roses and vineyard vines are susceptible to the same diseases. Roses act as an early warning of mildew which is a fungal disease. If the mildew sets on the grapes the grapes will not grow properly and will eventually split the root. Now days they are planted to identify the red and white grapes for different wines.
The birthday girl orders a platter & Chardon Range Tasting wines. 
The platter was one of the yummiest I have ever had, the olives which I don't eat, artichoke which I have never had was to die for along with the marinated mushrooms and pickled onions, we cleaned the plate.
1. Vintage Brut 2009, 2. Vintage Brut Rose 2008, 3.Sparkling Pinot Shiraz & 4.Cuvee Riche. No 3 & 4 my favourite where Jud liked the dryer wines.
Every morning we were greeted by Jud's dogs at our door waiting for some attention.
21-12-2012 We decided it was time to leave, luckily Brownie came home for a quick coffee and we said our goodbye.
Thanks Brownie and Jud for a wonderful time once again, please say goodbye to everyone for us.
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