We are currently staying in inner city Melbourne, house sitting for friends for two weeks. We’ve spent time here before and loved it, pretending we are inner city dwellers, using public transport and shopping for our meals at the Queen Victoria Markets.

Today we caught a train to Belgrave in order to catch the famous Puffing Billy. Note Mick’s carry bag, it’s actually filled with fruit. Trust me!

We arrived early and were able to spend a very pleasant hour in the township of Belgrave, where we enjoyed a great coffee each and Mick a huge scone. I even loaned Mick one of my scarves for the day, but he really didn’t need it.

I found an excellent shop and bought myself a new coat. My current favourite coat, purchased in a Melbourne op shop for $15 more than ten years ago, needed to be replaced. I was surprised I found a swap in this little village.

This is a “before” shot showing the car we would be travelling in. I’d booked us on the Wine and Dine tour. While we waited to be boarded along the red carpet (a one metre square of old red carpet), I changed into my new coat and Mick took a photo of me with this fellow.

The majority of the folk were travelling in open carriages.

But Mick was pretty happy to be where he was.

The views were amazing as well.

We stopped in between the second and final course of our lunch to stretch our legs at Lakeside.

Mick took the opportunity to get up close to the steam engine.

We did a lot of sitting and eating today, but we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Being Sunday, our trips on the public transport were free. One advantage for being old. 🤣