Sledding in a Rainforest

Where can one build a snowman, ride a toboggan, and gaze in wonder at the flora and fauna of a beautiful rainforest, all in the month of August?  We discovered the answer today in a delightful adventure when we drove up to Mount Donna Buang, located about 80 km from Melbourne. 

I wrote in an earlier post about meeting Crystal Keller, who moved here with her family from Orlando three years ago.  She and her husband Kent invited us to join them in a family outing to play in the snow this weekend, and we gratefully accepted. 

I have confessed before to not knowing much about Australia before the subject first came up last November.  I had some vague notion of an outback in the middle of the continent with a few beautiful beaches on the coast, but certainly nothing like the scenery we enjoyed today.  One of my first impressions of Melbourne last February was of unexpected greenery, and that impression grew even greater today as we headed northeast into the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Our first stop was in the lovely town of Warburton where we inquired about toboggan hire and consumed a picnic lunch by the Yarra River. 

 

 

James riding a wombat:

Although the temperature had decreased since we left the city, it was still hard to believe there would be snow when we reached the summit of Mount Donna Buang, about a thirty minute drive from Warburton.  We began the trek upward, unprepared for the trees and vegetation in store for us.

 
 

We did find snow, sleds for hire, and a good sized hill for sledding.

 

 

Sophie heading down the hill:

Kent and Crystal

 

 

Mountain Ash, also known as Stringy Bark:

 

 

Tantalizing glimpses of the Yarra Valley on the way down the mountain:

Back down in the valley:

  We finished the evening with take out fish and chips, as well as plans to return to Mount Donna Buang.

Comments

[Amy Smith]

Thank God for such a day of enjoying new friends and the majesty of his creation: the juxtaposition of splendid greenery and pastured animals beside this gorgeous snow-covered mountain. I am glad for your special day and being able to experience it with you vicariously. Have a blessed Lord's Day!

[Shanda]

I have teary eyes....from reading about your wonderful day and seeing your happy face. I'm so thankful that you were able to meet these new friends. Looks like a perfect outdoorsy day....the best of enjoying God's beautiful world, laughing w/family and friends, and playing in the snow.
I'm hoping that our computer gets fixed today. Rich leaves Monday and won't be back until Friday----he'll be on the west coast for a business trip.
The Queen Anne's lace are flowering everywhere here. I remember a couple years ago, taking a picture of Katie and Grace together and they were both holding a stem in their hands.