2020 is almost over, and finally I can write about travel, instead of spoonvilles and window teddies. There is no orienteering, or overseas involved in this trip of course, but it’s memorable for being the first chance we’ve had to pack our bags and hit the road during 2020, even if only for 4 days.

We headed east through Gippsland’s rolling, still-green hills, past the coal mines and power stations of Morwell and Yallourn, on to the service towns of Traralgon and Sale (both much bigger than I remember – but it’s been many years since we came this way), through Bairnsdale, then a right turn immediately after crossing the Tambo River. We followed it for a few kilometres south as we made our way to Metung – a small village on a triangular peninsula.

We are at Tambo Bluff, on the east side of the triangle, overlooking Lake King and facing the setting sun. Hence the house we are staying in is called Sunsets365.  Metung is obviously developing, with many new houses, but it is still very quiet and peaceful; in fact I don’t think we’ve seen anyone at all since we arrived just before 5pm. 

After admiring the expansive views from our balcony, we dodged the ferocious-looking Guard Beagles downstairs, and headed to Lakes Entrance to shop for dinner. On return, the scenery beckoned, and camera in hand, I headed down the “100 Steps” directly across the road, down to the lakeshore. Ian went for a ride on one of the two mountain bikes that are at our disposal.  I counted the steps, and there are exactly 100!  They lead to a narrow beach made up of dense piles of pebbles and shells. I watched a flock of black swans gliding across the path of the setting sun, before making my way back up the hill.  We headed south to the point, where we stood on top of the bluff and watched a convention of pelicans, and more swans. On the walk back, the sun glowed golden against the silhouette of the pine trees. Glorious.

After watching the last of the sunset, we ate dinner and settled in for the evening.  The house is brand new and sparkling clean.  Sitting beside the complimentary champers and choccies, were two complimentary masks and a bottle of sanitiser – travel in the age of Covid! We have a huge TV with a bunch of streaming services; a very comfy bed with remote control blinds that we can open to enjoy the morning water views; and a very posh bathroom with twin basins and lots of wonderfully fragrant bits and pieces.  The house is small but very open and spacious. Oh, and it even has a telescope, for watching dolphins in the lake, or the night sky – we could see craters on the moon.  We each have a white leather couch with throw rugs and cushions to laze about on. Everything is just perfect.  Three days (two really) isn’t going to be anywhere near enough.