In the middle of the Aussie bush, there is a little place called Gnomesville. There is no infrastructure, apart from a couple of picnic tables. There is no signage explaining how this place came to be. It has not been created, started or promoted by anyone in particular. It just is. A little place where gnomes seem to live and breed at an incredible rate.
Little clusters of gnomes spread far and wide.
As it was quite a drive to visit Gnomesville, we talked in the car about a list of gnomes we would search for. K suggested a gnome sitting on a toilet - and she found one.
Lots of little shelters are scattered about - from sheds, to doll houses. Some have been left by a particular family, sporting group, community group or some other association of people. Others could possibly have been erected by the gnomes themselves.
A thirsty Gnome.
Although the label looks like this 'MCG' may have started with the Hawks, some West Coast Eagles gnomes have since joined the game and possibly some umpires as well.
K has fun deciding which paths to follow and acting as the 'leader' for the day.
A few gnomes have been lovingly hand painted. This couple stand out amongst the many store bought individuals.
The gnomes continue along a long path through the forest - well past the picnic table in the backgound.
You have to keep an eye up as well - gnomes appear hanging from the trees, in the bushes and tree stumps and everywhere in between.
A gnome with a wheelbarrow and one with a lawn mower were both on our 'list'. We found them both together, sitting on a stump.
A gnome with stars - on the list.
The gnomes have started spreading over the fence and into the bush/paddock. I wonder what the owner of this land thinks of the encrouching tribe - and countless tourists.
These sleeping gnomes were cute.
K liked the ballerina gnome.
Hanging around.
On a warm day it was lovely to walk though the shaded bush and see something you just don't see everyday. Although we weren't organised to bring and leave our own gnome, there were plenty of other families doing just that. As the gnomes have continued to spread and more and more area is taken over - it will be interesting to see what happens with Gnomesville in the future. I can see the local council deciding the traffic, gnomes and tourists need some managing - and subsequently fencing the area and charging an 'entry fee'. You never know. Gnomesville could continue to floursih under the watchful eyes of the gnomes themselves, or big brother could finally see an opportunity and want to play a part.
