Throwback Thursday | Mt Stirling, 8th Oct '16

It's been close to a month since I last arrived back home. Now that life's beginning to settle down a lot better, I've been spending the past few days looking through my photos and reminiscing the times I spent in Melbourne. I've always wished I could be a skilled photographer, I'm sure I've mentioned before that photographs bring back so much more than just memories. A photograph brings back the feelings and emotions that you experienced and felt at that present moment. Which is why they are always so precious to me.

Today I'd like to share about the time my friends and I decided to hike up Mt Stirling. We'd been discussing going on an overnight/camping/road trip for the longest time (that being a year) but we kept on putting it off. Part of it had to do with the fact that we couldn't find an appropriate date that catered us all (especially when two out of the five were working adults), but really it's also because no one took any action until we finally set our minds to it.

And so after the graduation of one and her departure back to her mainland i.e. Malaysia, the remaining four of us finally decided it was enough of bumming around and time to make the necessary reservations.

We came to the decision to conquer Mt Stirling thanks to Derrick. He'd actually gone hiking up the mountain during winter that same year, but due to the weather was unable to enjoy and take as many pictures as he'd have liked from the summit. Also, Nam was no stranger to the mountain as she spent an entire year during high school up there. Don't ask, but her high school had this really cool one year programme where 15 year olds spend their time up in the mountains organising trails and the likes. Sounds nomadic, but her stories were so enjoyable to listen to. All it took was a photo of how the view looked like from the summit and I was sold.

Does this not entice you?!

We drove up to the base of the mountain courtesy of Dinithi our driver who was very willing to take us there. The entire journey to the base took about two hours or so. We took slightly longer than that because we had a few pitstops along the way.

Prior to the trip Derrick made a whole list of things for us to purchase. Namely items essential for hiking like boots, flashlights and etc. I didn't want to spend money unnecessarily so apart from food and disposable underwear I didn't purchase anything mentioned. Which may not have been a very good idea because the mountains were covered in snow thanks to the heavy rainfall the night before and I was geared up in my Dr Martens. Not exactly ideal for plummeting through the ice... I made it though since I ended up walking in my friends' footprints hahaha!

My trusty sherpa stick which I brought back home for safekeeping hahaha

I love hiking, and the one thing I will miss the most from Melbourne is the abundance of opportunities to enjoy mother nature at it's best. It was such a good workout, and although it was tiring it was a lot more enjoyable thanks to my friends. Come to think of it, I've no idea what we talked about throughout the entire hike. How we managed to pass time by is a wonder on hindsight.

We took close to four hours to reach the summit of the peak. This of course was inclusive of all the times I plopped down on the snow to cool myself down because the intensity of the sun's rays was burning into my soul. I'm pretty sure I lost 80% of my energy to the sun. But here's a hack, sitting with your ass in the snow really helps to cool your entire body down. I did this several times, much to the annoyance of Derrick :P

But boy oh boy when we did make it to the top... It was breathtaking. I'll let the pictures do the talking from here on :)

All these photos were taken by Derrick of course (it explains why he's missing in them), and he captured the mood and the moments so well. It expresses my exact feelings towards the experience, melancholic, romantic and wonderment.

I've always loved the outdoors because it reminds me of how tiny and vulnerable I am in comparison to the greatness of God's creations. I was happy to have had another opportunity to soak in the beauty of mother nature and life, and to be privileged enough to do so.

The journey back down to the base took slightly less than two hours since we took another route. We were accompanied by some very lovely deer on our drive down to the caravan park which we had made arrangements for. Spent a cosy night chit-chatting over instant noodles and drinks, talking about politics, love and life. Headed out the next morning to make our way back to the city.

In all, it was a short getaway that felt like a whole week. The memories stay fresh in my head, and I hope that in future I'll receive the opportunity to go on a similar trip with my friends (including dear Pei Yi who was already back in Malaysia) again.

Thank you for the memories wolf pack ♡

xx.

Photo credits: @derrickkoo_photo

Sunday Brunches

Each time someone asks me what I love about Melbourne, it's impossible that the word "brunch" doesn't turn up. In fact, I'd like to think that Melburnians know how to appreciate a good hearty brunch! There are tons of brunch spots located around Melbourne, and I only wish I had the ability to drive myself around to visit the brunch spots located further out from the city. That, and maybe a never ending supply of money to finance my expenditure on all the delicious food!!

I love the weekends, but I especially love them during the transition from winter to spring :) The weather is just about to reach a lovely temperature with just the right amount of sun and wind, and the sight of families walking around the city just brings a lot of warmth in my heart :)

It's not very often I get to roam around the city in such beautiful weather. I wish I had more opportunities to do so, but work beckons each time mother nature decides to shower us with love.

Fortunately for me, today was an exception. I headed out with a few girlfriends to a brunch spot called 'The Kettle Black'. If there's one brunch spot I've always wanted to try, it'd be 'Top Paddock'. I've so often seen friends share pictures of their ricotta pancakes and it's made me crave for them so so much. The Kettle Black is the sister store of Top Paddock, and the menu is rather similar although my friends praised it for a better ambience.

We arrived the store at 2pm, and had to wait in line for about twenty to thirty minutes for our turn. It's not uncommon to be in the waiting line when it comes to brunches in Melbourne. Rather, our waiting time isn't considered very long as compared to other brunch spots I've been to before. It tends to get really crowded between 12pm to 2pm, as most people are out at that time for lunch. Also, most cafes close at about 3pm. 

Mocha that I ordered - as usual. 

I headed there with a strong determination to purchase and try my long awaited ricotta pancakes. Alas, upon my arrival I realised that there were simply too many mouth-watering options to choose from!! I simply couldn't decide. 

King Island Crayfish in an Ash Roll with native coastal spinach, lime and yuzu mayonnaise

I ended up purchasing the King Island Crayfish because I heard that it was a popular dish. This is the first time I've had crayfish in a burger form, and I have to say it was delicious. The crayfish was really tender and complimented well with the spinach and the sour taste from the yuzu mayo. I certainly don't regret purchasing this, my tummy was very well satisfied after this meal :) 

Here were the meals my friends ordered:

Hotcakes with house-made ricotta, blueberries, pure maple, double berries and seed

Chili scrambled eggs with air-dried flinders island wallaby, feta and leaves

Robbins Island Wagyu Skirt Steak with house-made mustard, seasonal fruit relish and leaves on the kettle black bun

I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone who passes by Melbourne. The ambience was lovely and it was such a cozy little house that was decorated really nicely :) 

I apologise if the pictures aren't very great / lack of pictures, I'm still pretty new to blogging and it took a lot of effort to remember to have these photos taken! 

I've also just ordered for a replacement battery charger for my camera, so hooray for that!! Better quality photos in future hopefully :) There are so many things I'm dying to share and upload but I can't seem to achieve the same effect I'm after with the iPhone camera. So excited to have my camera ready to snap away! Hee :)

Till next time, xx.