Dalyston – Melbourne
We had another big day ahead of us today, heading back into Melbourne but this time by car. This meant Paul was awake early, but we managed to stretch out the lay in til 815am, it was then all stations go.
Breakfast done, van tidied, car packed and then the van moved and we were ready to make a move at 915am ready for the 2 hour 20 min and 164km journey to Tullamarine.. The initial part of the journey followed what we had driven on Saturday, but then it was onto the M1 with the GPS dictating our route to avoid the tolls.
I enjoyed the initial cruise time, doing some work on the iPad. We had the radio tuned to Smooth FM, a VERY easy listening station. While the tunes were inoffensive, they did almost send us to sleep. However, when the Christmas songs came on we were jolted awake, seriously? It isn’t even December 1st.
We moved off the M1 and entered Toorak, I was taking more notice of the drive, with Paul beginning to stress over directions and tram lines. The traffic had built up substantially and we needed to be on the ball and ready for our turns.
We made our way along the south bank of the Yarra as the MCG and the other sporting venues came into view before revealing the city skyline. I recognised some of the south bank architecture as we scooted among the glass and steel jungle.
We eventually returned to the M1, missing the tunnel and toll section and making our way over the tall and long West Gate Bridge. From this point, we had a further 35km until we would reach our airport hotel.
This last section was easy sailing and we arrived at Ciloms Airport hotel at 1135am, in desperate need to get out and stretch and use the loo. We weren’t sure if we would be able to book in, seeing check in was the usual 2pm, but after enquiringly with the front office staff, we were given keys to room 116 10 mins later, yay.
After living in the van for almost 11 months, this was a spot of luxury; queen bed, a bath and a tv tuned into the local stations, heaven. We dumped our bags, unpacked and repackaged a few things and then relaxed. Paul enjoyed a shower while I checked for internet, a good strong signal, you beauty.
At 1215pm we left the hotel to head to Reservoir where Hawker Brewery is located. The route took us past an oval where footy players were jogging around. As it turned out it was The Essendon Bombers training and we would see more letter on the news.
At 1245 we arrived at the brewery, after passing through a very Italian looking area. The factory unit was quite nondescript, but this hid a huge operation. We met Maz, who started the brewery three years ago after leaving Lebanon. He was a no BS kind of bloke.
We were shown around the brewery, watching cans filling with beer and being boxed up, climbing stairs to look into the inner workings of kettles and wandering among the gigantic tanks. We then returned to the boardroom to continue to chat and to sample a couple of beers. Even I indulged in a glass of 11% stout. With not much in the belly it left me a little fuzzy.
After finishing up, we wound our way through the streets before stopping at a shopping centre for a kebab and a few needed bits and then heading back to our room where we ate our lunch while channel surfing.
We spent the warm afternoon hanging in the room, keeping ourselves amused with Internet and TV. By 6, I was in need of a walk, so we took the opportunity to head in the direction of the long term airport parking, this would save an anxiety in the morning. It was only a 15 min journey by foot and once we were satisfied we knew where to head, we made our way back to the hotel.
As the walk had been shorter than anticipated, we continued following the path into the suburb and past the various homes, many looking like wreckers. We completed a square, walking by the Bombers training facility and then back to our room. We didn’t stay long, opting to head to the bistro for a meal.
Once we were fed, we returned to the room for the last evening. I got on the net catching up on posts and photos while Paul watched tv and rang Jaden. I enjoyed a wonderful shower and then it was back to sit on the bed, chill out with a hot chocolate before turning out the light.
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