The Race That Stops A Nation

The Race That Stops A Nation

It is popularly billed as The Race That Stops A Nation.  The entire country virtually is at a standstill as the most prestigious horse race in Australia takes place at Flemington Racing Course.  The Melbourne Cup is held every first Tuesday of November and it is a public holiday throughout the State of Victoria and some other parts of Australia.  In parts where it is not a holiday, office work and  services in commercial stores stop for awhile as the major race is run at 3pm.           Starting in 1851 with premier racehorse Archer winning the first ever Melbourne Cup, this sports and social event is keenly awaited,  what with all the glitter and glamour that go with it.  At least 27 thoroughbreds, acclaimed in their own right, fight it out for  the almost $ 3.3 million cash prize and the much coveted Cup.             The Cup, valued at $125,000,  is made of 34 pieces of gold said to have been hammered for 200 hours.  Trainer and jockey of the winning horse get a replica of this gold cup. Of the $3.3 million cash prize, 85% goes to the horse owner,  10% to the trainer and the jockey pockets the remaining 5%.             This race is watched live by almost 130,000 racing buffs at Flemington and millions more on television around the world.  At the Flemington, spectators wear their best with matching fashionable hats. There is that festive mood with champagne and other first class wines overflowing.  You see racegoers drinking at the parking lot and at the stands.  And you see also some spectators stumbling and falling for having one drink too many.              What else do you expect from a nation of horse racing lovers and fine wine drinkers?  It is part and parcel of the yearly racing event and the celebration that follows. Come on, join the fun. And place your bets now !!!! - Konted The much-coveted Gold Cup Parade of entries Flemington has a capacity of more than 130,000 spectators Line up of jockeys Olivia Newton John is a special guest Two horses pulling away Melbourne City Proper in background Jam-packed crowd Jockeying for position at the bend Leading the way Close race among thoroughbreds Good mounting Outstanding favorites Emirates Airlines is one of the major sponsors Well-trained jockeys and horses Nearing the finish line Melbourne Cup winner Bart Cummings - one of the best trainers in the world Spectators in colorful attires Cheering for their picked horse Beauties galore Beautiful celebrity joining fashion parade More celebrities Men in colorful suits Spring flowers Champagne overflows during the race One of the best dressed racegoers Celebrities in their best dress with fashionable hats More beauties Unique attires Champagne stand at the carpark Celebrity watches the race Australian Olivia Newton John performs for the crowd More shots Melbourne Cup stamp Fashionable hat Take note of the beautiful hats One drink too many Australians gather in a designated house to watch the Melbourne Cup on screen Betting station Monitoring the outcome Results of a preliminary race How they finished Aerial view of Flemington Racecourse *pics from google

Williamstown: My Kind of Town

View of Melbourne City proper from Williamstown

Williamstown:  My Kind of Town

              It has that rustic charm, that quaint look that tells of its historic past. I quickly and easily fell in love with the place.  And kept coming back.  To while away the time.  To feel the gentle but sometimes harsh wind from Hobsons Bay.  Williamstown is a quiet maritime village popular among local travelers as well as foreign tourists.

              The moment my son Alex parked the car at Nelson Place, I immediately reached for my digicam.  You would not allow this kind of photo shooting opportunity to pass by. The place reminds visitors of 19th century Victoria with its classical architectural design. There are several restos and cafes housed in what used to be an old hotel.

           Right across is the Commonwealth Reserve with benches scattered in various locations where one gets a good view of Melbourne's skyline and the countless boats and yachts moored at Gem Pier.  With Maximus in tow, I walked the concrete jetty and took successive shots of a vintage naval ship, HMAS Castlemaine.  It is permanently docked there as a maritime museum.

            And the clicking continued.  At boats and yachts of different designs neatly fastened as their anchors are down.  No oil slicks.  Nothing messy.  Picture-perfect arrangement.  And at the right side of Commonwealth Reserve is a Tourist Information booth where one can get and read manuals and flyers on the major tourist spots of Australia.  I took one and read about Williamstown.  

             While munching Fish and Chips which Alex bought at a nearby store, I learned that Williamstown was, in the early days, the major seaport of the State of Victoria.  It was the principal loading and unloading wharf of goods from commercial sea vessels.  The original plan was to make Williamstown the main settlement area instead of Melbourne proper.  The development was focused on Williamstown.  But what changed this was the lack of fresh water supply at that time in Williamstown.  Thus, the focus was shifted to Melbourne instead.

           Walking the main and side streets, I saw a tennis court, an old church, a school and some retail stores or shops. And a boat making yard.  You don't hear that much noise as you would in the city.  But as I was crossing Syme St., a group of big bikers parked by the side of the reserve.  They were in their late 40's.  And some were women riders. Watching the group as they dismounted from their Harley- Davidsons,  I took shots of them and decided to sit at a wooden bench.  

             Gazing from time to time at Hobsons Bay, the wind started blowing strong.  I reached for my brown jacket as a flock of seagulls encircled around bits and pieces of bread thrown by Maximus.  The sun was about to set.  Time to head back to Caroline Springs.  And be back again another day.

-Konted

Cluster of restaurants facing Hobsons Bay

Nelson Place

A view of Nelson Place

Commonwealth Reserve

Pelicans Landing Resto provides a good view of the bay and the City Proper

Boats tied at Gems Pier

Owners inspecting their vessels

Brown boat firmly fastened

Maximus's Choice

Boat owner disembarks

Yacht for hire

Ferry boat takes you from Williamstown to the City in 1 hr.

Shot taken from Commonwealth Reserve

Grandson and guide Maximus

Near HMAS Castlemaine

Clear waters of Hobsons Bay

In background is Westgate Bridge leading to the City Proper

Holy Trinity Church (Anglican)

They build boats here since 1898

There's a bistro here serving good food and drinks

Tennis star Mark Philippoussis is from Williamstown

Williamstown School

Female Harley Davidson riders

Big Harley

At Commonwealth Reserve

Don't fail to try their fish and chips

Dillinger type car

Williamstown beach is only a few minutes away from Nelson Place

Wide and sandy beach at Williamstown

Tent of Maximus

Maximus and his shovel

Summer crowd

Sun, Sea and Sand

Famous Williamstown Pavilion

The Rotunda Resto gives a clear ocean view

Breakwaters at North Williamstown

Maximus trying to break away from the group

Windy Williamstown (North)

Cargo ship quietly passes by

Clean and safe playground by the sea

The road bend at Point Gellibrand

Joggers' favorite place

James Bond's girl

Another cargo ship sails to far destination

Animal-friendly district

Nice Dog

* 4 pics from file