We decided to head up into the heart of the Central Plateau for a look at the Great Lakes, and I have to say, it is a completely different world up there. The landscape is raw and rugged, with low-lying scrub and rocky outcrops that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another country entirely.
As we approached Miena, I noticed what I thought was just a bit of low cloud or a patch of thick fog rolling across the road. It wasn't until the white flakes started drifting past the windows that Lisa and I realised we were actually driving through a light flurry of snow. It was a beautiful surprise and certainly made these last few days of our trip feel extra special.
Looking out over the water, the scale of the place is just incredible. The blue of the lake stretches out toward the distant mountains, and the air has a sharpness to it that really lets you know you're up in the highlands.
By the time we reached the township, the cold had well and truly set in. We spotted the Miena Hotel, and I didn't need any convincing to pull over. It’s a sturdy-looking place with a bright red roof that you can’t miss against the highland sky.
We went inside to escape the wind and warm our bones. Lisa and I shared a light lunch of hot soup, which was exactly what the doctor ordered before we began our trek back down the mountain. There is something very comforting about sitting in a quiet hotel with a warm bowl of soup while the snow falls softly outside. It was the perfect way to experience the high country before heading back to the warmer elevations.
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