Tags
Beechworth, bike rie, feeligns, fun, history, memories, ned kelly, people, reconnection, relaxation, sharing, train travel, Travel
They say that commencing a holiday is a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. As your journey begins, the usual routines and responsibilities are left behind, creating space for relaxation, exploration, and new experiences. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby destination or a flight to a far-off land, the start of this holiday brings a sense of freedom and possibility. Packing bags, planning itineraries, and setting out on the adventure all contribute to the thrill of breaking away from the everyday grind. Even for just a short trip away! For us, for five days we are out and away. Not a long time but a time to reconnect, to establish separate ourselves from work, to depart totally from the normal grind, to embark on a three-day bike ride, but importantly to create ‘us’ time. Well, that was our plan anyway!
Marc went to Melbourne for a long weekend prior to this week away to embark on a cardiovascular ultrasound course and I stayed behind at home. I mean, what was I going to do while he was at the course? Our dog and other commitments meant that I would stay home, do the boring things of cleaning house, and ultimately meet up with him on the Monday!
That was the interesting first step. Normally our trips are taken together and even though it was only a simple domestic destination – driving to the airport on my own, sitting in the plane on my own (listening to the rather large gentlemen beside me snore the entire two hours) and then finding my way alone onto a double-decker Skybus through the heart of Melbourne to the train station we were leaving from … well this was quite different. (The funny part of the bus trip was that when I asked someone how many stops there were, and she replied, “One”, just the one stop where I was going! Oops, embarrassment plus!) To be honest, embarking on a solo travel adventure, even just the first part of the journey felt quite strange. I had no one to talk to or share a joke with … rather bizarre, but yes, easily achieved and accomplished successfully. Just a unique way to start our trip!
And of course there was the reconnection with Marc again. I know, me always the romantic. Even three days apart was enough for me to miss him and with our first embrace, that physical distance that had separated us melted away and was replaced by the warmth and comfort of his presence. Conversations flowed effortlessly as we shared stories and laughter of our short-term separation, and we walked our way hand in hand to the hotel for our first night “away”.
There is nothing like a rural train trip. The train, with its vintage carriages and gentle rhythm, really does invite you to relax and let go of the hustle and bustle of urban living. The landscape slowly unfolds through the window, revealing landscapes and fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The pace of the train mirrors the unhurried lifestyle of the countryside, allowing you to savour each moment, a nostalgic journey that reconnects you with the simpler pleasures of life. And boarding the train at Southern Cross Station to Wangaratta, very early Monday morning, that is what we did! Being rocked gently on this train combined with the winding roads of the added bus trip to Beechworth, stress dissolved we arrived at our destination.
Beechworth is famous for its perfectly preserved 19th century streetscapes, especially its collection of heritage-listed government buildings that make up the Historic Precinct. But it is the most known for its connection to Ned Kelly, the famous Australian Bushranger. It was here in 1870 Ned, aged 16, stood trial on a minor charge and served six months at Beechworth Gaol. Over the years, all four members of the Kelly Gang had spent time in Beechworth Gaol, Ned for a total of two years. Ten years later, Ned appeared in the Beechworth Courthouse on 6 August 1880 on a charge of murder. The politics and the social injustices of the time plus the company he had kept as a young teenager had brought him to his Waterloo, a shootout with police at Glenrowan and finally, his trial for murder. The result, he was committed to stand trial and with an all-Protestant jury, was convicted in Melbourne’s Supreme Court trial and subsequently hung. Beechworth has of course since then been cashing in on Ned Kelly stories but very tastefully done! Not to mention the glorious colours of Autumn that we don’t see at home. A most interesting historic day!
Tomorrow begins the bike ride from Beechworth to Harrietville! Ah but a few wineries along the way! Hmmmm I am sure that will be enjoyable history as well!