Friday, November 28, 2014

28 November - ScooterBob Starts His Adventure "Down Under"

A warm welcome to all those following ScooterBob's travels, from sunny Australia.
My name is Theo van der Meulen and as an enthusiastic motorcyclist and blogger (Check out Australian Motorcycle Diaries here)I enjoyed my occasional (virtual) contact with BobSkoot over the past few years. I'm pretty certain I read all of his blogs and last year followed his trek across North America with great interest. A few weeks ago, when I learned of his untimely passing and the plan to have ScooterBob undertake the travels Bob would have enjoyed, I expressed an interest in hosting ScooterBob down under in Australia. Well, last week my post lady delivered him to the front door in his little black travel case, and today, on a brilliant sunny Australian spring day I took Scooter Bob on his first Australian adventure to the old gold mining town of Walhalla. This 'ghost' town is located in the mountains to the north of my house and has been a frequent motorcycle destination for me and any visitors who ride with me. Our first stop was the Tyers lookout which provides a good overview of the Latrobe Valley where I live.

This spot provides a great view of the rural landscape dotted with the occasional large power stations.


Walhalla was a major gold producer over a period spanning the 1870's to around 1910. This photo shows the vault where all the gold was stored prior to transport to Melbourne.


The value of gold stored in this vault, in today's money is about $1.4 billion dollars. Today, this town which once had a population exceeding 4,000 now has a mere handful of inhabitants who maintain a small but vibrant range of tourist activities including visits to one of the old gold mines.


One of the few intact reminders of the glory days is Windsor House, once owned by a rich merchant which is now restored and is operated as a B&B.


While much is gone, much remains and a number of dedicated residents have, over the past few years restored some of the key buildings. There are reminders of 'the old days' wherever you look.


My adventures with Scooter Bob will continue for a few more weeks until is time to pass him onto the next of Bob Leong's friends. My rides will go the places I think Bob would have enjoyed. Although I never met him, I think I got to know him a little through his blogs and I know for certain I would have like him a lot.

Total distance 130 km.

10 comments:

  1. I am sure somewhere Bob is watching this and smiling. Thank you, Theo for hosting ScooterBob.

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  2. Theo I love those photos and the old advertising posters. Anything that features bacon is a personal favorite.

    It's also nice to know that it's springtime somewhere, that there are blue skies and sunshine.

    Looking forward to the continuing adventures of ScooterBob.

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  3. Good Report! That little scooter is sure getting around.

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  4. A real adventure. Where in Australia is this!

    I like the posters as well, are they wooden or metal?

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    1. Hi, Walhalla is located in the Gippsland Region of Victoria, Australia which is located in the South East of Australia. The advertising posters are made of metal and quite large.

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  5. Theo I am sure Bob is enjoying this, thanks for showing ScooterBob around your fair country!

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  6. This is close to Australia as I have gone. The scooter I mean. You live in a great place. High on my list of desirable places

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  7. Oh scooterbob is nearly here. I like that first photo of him with the power stations in the back ground.

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  8. Wow! What a great adventure "down under"! Very interesting location and all that sunshine too!

    I know that Bob is smiling all the while...:=)

    Rock on ScooterBob!

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  9. This ride and your excellent re-cap would have pleased Bob immensely. Thanks for showing our pal around!

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