I just love some of the Australian place names and this one is no exception. This would probably not be the case if one was prone to stuttering a little, which might lead to asking directions to
Yackand-and-and-and-andah
Happily there are no other places in the vicinity beginning “Yack…” and with very few roads to choose from, following the road signs simply by looking for somewhere that begins with “Yack…” in blissful silence is a doddle. This was where we headed on our first solo excursion of our 2017 visit so we were quietly confident.
We both had reasons to want a Yackand-and-and-and-andah [whoops] reprise. In 2017 Francine had been taken by a cleverly arranged collection of old, empty picture frames in an equally old wooden cart positioned outside a gallery. For one into the more abstract/arty genre of photography, they were an irresistible subject and a second go was called for.
Sadly, the passing years have not be kind and, though the frames are still artfully arranged, the colours were dreadfully faded losing much of their charm, much to Francine’s disappointment. Here’s an impression of what they looked like six years earlier.
For my own part, this was where I had completed my collection (females to go with earlier males) of Austroargiolestes icteromelas (Common Flatwing). [Anyone having trouble with Yackand-and-and-and-andah, might be advised to avoid attempting that 12-syllable name.] These had been in Commissioner’s Creek. Since our latest visit was at a very different time of year, I wanted another look.
Austroargiolestes icteromelas [steady] were there none. However, my efforts were rewarded with another splendid new species for my collection, a male Synthemis eustalacta (Swamp Tigertail). The creek also gave me my second look at Austrogomphus guerini (Yellow-striped Hunter) which I had first seen below Woolshed Falls.
Like many old gold mining towns, Yackandandah [got it] has arcaded streets to shield pedestrians and coffee drinkers from the sun. We wandered up one side of the main street then down the other before our lunch bell sounded and we needed refreshment. A pub menu beckoned.
Franco is a fan of a decent hamburger. Now, here’s the thing; Australia has a love affair with beetroot such that nearly all hamburgers come with beetroot included. I was aware of this and I quite like beetroot. Here, though, a second ingredient reared its ugly head – pineapple. Pineapple, in a hamburger!? I think not. Pineapple in a hamburger is akin that another gastronomic abomination, usual tagged “Hawaiian” or some such – pineapple on a pizza. Ye Gods, Italians would probably turn in their grave. I ordered a hamburger sans pineapple and all was well. Could’ve done with a bit more beetroot, actually. 😀
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