There are so many famous saying like “whatever is looted cannot be blotted”. Our son Shuvro’s friend Mahabub and his lovely wife Kolly after spending three memorable days with our family became so close to our heart that we were really not willing to let them go. But they were set to return to Brisbane by the early morning flight. Shuvro drove them to airport. I had a prescheduled very important work in Monash University. Rozy was due to have her last Echocardiograph after her post surgery check by surgeon done in the afternoon. God wanted it changed and we were all pleasantly surprised.
The flight of Mahbaub-Kolly was cancelled and they were offered to fly back next day which they gladly accepted. My works at Monsah University was deferred by a day and Rozy had all clear from the Surgeon after the test. So it was a great moment of relief and all joy for the family. We were under huge stress and anxiety before, during and after the serious open heart surgery requiring two valves replaced. We were all so relieved and delighted. We planned to make it a big day.
It was already 3:30PM when we got all safe green signals from the Surgeon Prof Christopher Godds. We made quick plan to visit Rhododendron Garden and Silvan park reserve. Though it was a bit late on the day and two early in the spring for full bloom of flowers we wanted to have a view of whatever bloomed. Let us first have a brief for the readers about the Garden and the Reserve.
National Rhododendron Gardens
One of the jewels of the Dandenong Ranges must be the iconic National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda. Although the name-sake touts the robust Rhododendron as its headline act, the 15,000 rhododendrons also share the stage with over 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 Camellias and 250,000 daffodils. Located only a short distance (500 metres) from the main township of Olinda, the 104 acre gardens offer a fantastic opportunity to see one of the region’s premier garden sites.
Within the grounds itself tourists will find a large ornamental lake, sensory gardens, deep fern gullies dotted with the mighty Mountain Ash, small rock gardens and paved access throughout the whole property. Many take a picnic lunch, observe the native birdlife and take a tour of the grounds.
Walking the length of the grounds, one will head past the Cherry Tree Grove that is in full bloom throughout the springtime and celebrated at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. As one heads past the grove, it is here that some of the most stunning scenery in the Dandenongs comes into view, stretching out across over the Valley. For those less likely to be able to walk the distance of the varying landscape, there is the Garden Explorer Shuttle bus that provides a guided tour of the park from a 20-seater bus. (Runs Sept- Nov) Internationally renowned, the gardens receive an average of 50,000 to 60,000 visitors annually; and with this Parks Victoria.
Visit to the Garden:
We could reach the garden almost at the time of closure of the day. However the lady let us take some photographs of the camellias. She suggested us visiting the gardens after three to four weeks when all flowers in full bloom will create majestic view.
We made a quick drive to Sivan dam reserve which can be visited even after five.
Silvan Reservoir:
The Silvan Reservoir is located in Silvan about 40 kilometres (25 mi) East of Melbourne, Victoria.
The reservoir's history dates back to 1914 when a severe drought forced Melbournians to search for a new water supply to handle their ever increasing needs. Construction took place between the years of 1926 and 1931. When it was finally completed it was 644 metres (2,113 ft) long, 219 metres (719 ft) wide, creating a reservoir that is 43 metres (141 ft) deep. Silvan Reservoir was officially opened on 7 July 1931. In 1983, extra work was needed, as the wall had started to show cracks and it was at this time that the picnic ground was added to the Silvan Reservoir Park.
Silvan is an off-stream storage reservoir, meaning that most of the water is sourced from other reservoirs as the actual catchment 9 square kilometres (3.5 sq mi) for Silvan is small. Water for Silvan is sourced from Upper Yarra, O'Shannassy and Thomson (via Upper Yarra) reservoirs. In turn, Silvan directly supplies many of Melbourne's eastern suburbs as well as other off-stream storage reservoirs including Cardinia and Greenvale.Silvan Reservoir has a capacity of 40,000 megalitres (1,400×106 cu ft).
Set in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is an easy drive from Melbourne and ideal for a great day out. Featuring landscaped picnic areas and open lawns surrounded by an impressive eucalypt forest, this park is perfect for a picnic or barbecue.
Visit to Silvan Dam:
To our great delight Rozy was in great mood and her spontaneous smiles and effervescent and lively self-returned having known after her. She and Koli enjoyed the natural beauty of the Silvan reserve and even had great fun of climbing trees and hanging on the branch like Coala Beers. The lovely green trees, flowers and birds .The magnificent view of the lake on the back drop of the setting sun was like heavenly bliss for us.
Dinner at Indian Restaurant 
We celebrated the occasion being treated to a sumptuous dinner at an Indian Restaurant Kahazana. Prawn Malai Curry, Butter Chicken, Garlic and Butter Nun , Mango lassie tasted all the more delicious with my family back in full spirit.
The memorable three days with a wonderful couple Mahabub and Kolly at a time of joy and relief more our family left behind so many nostalgic moments to reflect back upon for a long time. We all were so happy to have Rozy back with her loving best.
BDST: 1323 HRS, SEP 24, 2014
