Well sadly the snow has gone and the ski slopes are closed as we experience a record warm winter for the region.

Some say the snow may return (fingers crossed), but today being Sunday when we would be up skiing we looked to explore our back yard. We planned a leisurely 3km flat stroll to one of the worlds tallest wooden trestle bridges, but at brunch, an offer from Josie the outdoor ed teacher and her family we opted for more of a bolder/ rock climbing adventure up to the top of Baldie Mountain (spelling may be wrong on this one).

However, first I should tell you about brunch here at Brentwood – now I have done a fair few brunches in my time – Ormond College at Melbourne University, Trinity College, Sheridan and other hotels as well as Geelong Grammar so I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert. Well each of these institutions has been blown out of the water by what is on offer at Brentwood.  It has the most amazing variety of foods on offer and all beautifully presented and of restaurant quality. It is almost,and I do say almost worth no snow to be here on Sunday!

Anyway back to our bush bashing, rock scrambling adventure with Josie, her husband Ryan and kids Chohan (4yrs on Thursday -same day as Chloe!) and Ivar -2yrs. It took us about 1.5hrs to get to the top and an hour back down again. Super impressive efforts from Ryan who had an extra 20Kgs on his back and Chohan at age – almost 4.

Anyway I think the photos below speak for themselves. On one side of the hill – Shawnigan Lake, and on the other the ocean with Washington State, USA in the background. Oh and speaking of Shawnigan Lake (which is 5km from our house) and Washington State –  look who Shem bumped into while rowing on the lake yesterday!!! Small world

It was steep!

Shawnigan Lake Side….

Ocean Side..