So, what’s the deal with this new website about Bright Victoria? I’m Ryan, the owner of this great little website. Although, as of today, this little site is completely live (and slightly buggy!), there is still much work to be done. And by that, I mean that there is a huge amount of work to be done. You see, I have been sitting on this idea for the better part of the past 4 months just waiting for the right time to launch it, trying to get the right format for this new website and blog (and much more to come soon!). I have even had one concept ready to launch, and stopped at the last minute because it just wasn’t right, and here I am today after this site has been unveiled to the public wondering where to go next…
You see, there is a very long story behind this idea. It starts back in Winter 2008 when me and my beautiful partner (she didn’t pay me to say that, I swear!!) were taking some photographs of this amazing lightning storm that we received whilst we were staying in the lovely cabins located at Harrietville Caravan Park. It had been a crazy trip too, we suffered two car breakdowns on the way to Harrietville, one in Benalla when the battery died, and another in Wangaratta when the alternator thought that “breaking down” was a new trend. So, as I was saying, we were taking these great photos, Sarah (my partner, you may get to know her soon as well!) had the SLR in hand getting photos, and I had the handy cam getting it all on film. Next thing we know, we hear alot of crashing and banging coming from what appeared to be down the Ovens River. Within 3 seconds, we hear “THUD! THUD! THUD!” followed by more thudding. In no uncertain terms (and a few cuss words I am sure!), I told Sarah to get inside “RIGHT NOW!”, where I closed all the windows, and prayed that my car windscreen wasn’t going to be shattered to pieces by the golf ball sized hailstones that were falling in large numbers from the sky.
Now, this didn’t last for very long, but having hiked the majority of the high country, and seen some of the worst weather that Australia has to offer, this really was just a reminder of not just how bad weather can turn in the blink of an eye, but of the diversity of this amazing area. Even though we had two breakdowns in one day, plus we were pelted with massive hailstones, we were having fun. This was just another unique aspect of this amazing little piece of Victoria.
Since then, I have run and operated a bunch of websites in completely separate niches, had some major successes, and some huge failures. However, in the back of my mind was always this small little place called Bright in Victoria. The gateway to the Victorian high country, home of my ancestors who started one of the earliest businesses in the area (the very caravan park that we visit religiously every year!), and home to the best accommodation, local produce, and plain and simple adventure. And this is where it comes down to having a passion. People can create a website based on anything these days, a website that sells a product, and a website that sells a person. This is a passion for me. I want you to know about Bright in Victoria, I want to hear your stories, I want to give you my tips on where to stay, what to see, and I want to hear your tips. This is “See Bright Victoria!”. (Not Sparta unfortunately….)
So, here I am waving the “See Bright Victoria!” flag, I would be more than happy to bring you along for the ride!
I have been coming to Bright Victoria since I was only very young, I have been hiking in bright, and have had the privilege of staying in some of the best accommodation in Bright as well. This is where I share my stories, in the hope that you also come and see Bright in Victoria some day. Remember to download our free e-book, Top Five Hikes In Bright, if you want to see some of the more remote and beautiful areas near Bright.
