On 12th November John and I packed up the motor home and headed up the freeway for ten days. We had two nights in Tea Gardens then five nights at Urunga Heads caravan park. Urunga is 20 klms south of Coffs Harbour, a quiet town on the river. the caravan park is within walking distance of the pub, shops and a boardwalk over the river flats to the ocean.
We had a lazy few days, reading, walking and John tried the fishing, with only one small fish caught. John won a meat raffle at the pub the one night we went for dinner. The park bbq is a good one, inside the camp kitchen, so we had sausages, bacon and eggs for dinner one night. We drove to Bellingen and Dorrigo one day, the markets were on in Bellingen, although it was lightly raining, we did have a good look around then went over the range to Dorrigo. It was misty on the Skywalk, we were pleased we had seen the look out on a fine day the last time we went out there. The weather during our stay was warm, only two nights when we had rain. Coming home, we spent two more nights in Tea Gardens , catching up on washing and cleaning the motor home. Our last holiday of the year was most enjoyable.
The weather for our week on Norfolk was perfect. Cool mornings and nights but an average temperature of 24c during the day. We had a hire car, a small four door auto. John drove on every road on the island, except for a few roads that didn't go anywhere.
One tour was cancelled, the 4WD one that John was looking forward to. We loved the progressive dinner, visiting three local homes and meeting the owners. Other tours showed us the convict history and an introduction to the sights we went back to discover ourselves. We met some new friends, we will stay in touch with one couple who live n Ipswitch, Qld. John wasn't well one night when we were go on a tour, Wonderland by Night, however I knew it was better to stay home,rather than worry about John on his own. Our bungalow at the Governor's Resort was very comfortable, we loved the self contained accomodation. We had slow service at the resort restaurant one night and didn't go back there again. breakfast was served in the cafe each morning.Two nights we bought fish and chips, one night ate at a lookout to see the sunset, too cloudy though, so no sun. John swam at Emily Bay, a pretty spot at Kingston, the colour of the water unbelievable. The cattle roam free around the Island, along with Kingston geese and the feral roosters and hens. a tour guide showed us Colleen McCullough's driveway, so of course we had to go back and take a photo. A cruise ship with 1,800 passengers came in on the Saturday were we there, great for the island economy. We were told a week on Norfolk is enough and that is true, although some people have been back numerous times. Lovely part of the world, we are both happy to have experienced it.
Kay and I travelled up to North Queensland for our niece Laura's wedding for three nights at the Coral Sea Resort. We flew to Hamilton Island from Sydney, then an hour's ferry ride via Daydream Island to Airlie Beach. The only problem doing the trip where one has various changes, it takes all day to get where you are going. But well worth the trip!
The Coral Sea Resort is awesome. Great position with sea views from every room, The wedding ceremony and reception was held there as well. North Queensland put on it's most beautiful balmy weather while we were there. Laura and Austin's wedding was one to remember.
Spring has come in with an chilly blast. after a mild week of warmer weather. John has been busy with his volunteer driving, he averages about two to three days taking the elderly to appointments. He finds it very rewarding.
Since we returned from the trip to Queensland, we have been catching up with family and enjoying a few meals out,thanks to the vouchers John has bought off the internet. He has got us a hearty breakfast at two venues and we have an upcoming dinner in another in a couple of weeks. They are usually a "two for one" deal. Our dinner is at a Lebanese restaurant in Hornsby with - - wait for it, belly dancing! Our next holidays are planned and booked. In October we are off to Norfolk Island for a week, a three hour plane trip from Sydney. The island has a lot of convict history and a lovely scenic spot. Everyone says a week is long enough. We are looking forward to it. Our next motor home trip will hopefully be in November back to Urunga, on the NSW north coast.
Where have the last two weeks gone? I haven't had time to update this website. Too busy catching up with family and friends. We arrived in Glenview after the scenic trip from Toowoomba. Camped out the front of Ali and Glenn's was good. We had power and water and it was only a short stroll up the drive to the house. Great to have time to spend with the three grandchildren, James is in high school, the twins, Elijah and Kirra-Leigh are growing so fast. They have another two years in primary school before joining their big brother in high school.
The house is looking very comfortable and cosy. Glenn and Ali have finished the downstairs area and it is their party central. Along with a slowburning fire, bar area and pool table, the pool looks inviting for the summer entertainment. We enjoyed a roast cooked in the camp oven one night. With Ali's yummy home cooking and a takeaway mexican meal on other nights, we were well looked after. Glenn drove us to the Glasshouse Mountains on Sunday and along with James we had lunch at a retro cafe. Elijah and Kirra-Leigh played soccer on a cool Saturday morning, at last we got to see the northern kids play. John was up early on Saturday morning to join Glenn in a drive north to Gympie, an hour away.. The Gympie Muster is on soon and Glenn had to reserve their camping spot. We said a sad farewell after five days and drove up to Noosaville to spend some time with Alan and Yvonne, friends we had met on our trip around Australia. We parked outside on their verge and enjoyed some time with them, Alan drove us around Noosa, still a busy area even though it's winter. Heading south the following day, we called into see Jill, our sister in law, near Brisbane. She seems happy living close to one of her daughter's. John and I had three nights with Shirley and Stewart, parking in their driveway on the Gold Coast.. It's so good to have our home with us. We are used to the bed now and usually always have a good night's sleep. It had been almost two years since we had been north and lovely to catch up with family. After a fond farewell we came south on the inland road, joining the highway at Coffs Harbour and spending the night in Urunga Heads CP. It's our new favorite park, we will go back soon.. Hawks Nest was our base for the next three nights, where we cleaned the motor home inside and out and relaxed before arriving home at lunchtime on Wednesday. John and I had a memorable three weeks away.
John and I have had a good four days on the road. leaving Tea Gardens on Sunday morning, We spent the first night at Walcha. Its a good little park, Walcha caravan park. It has one of the best amenities block we have seen. Nice roomy showers with a glass sliding door, usually its a wet shower curtain. we were lucky enough to experience another good block at Goondiwindi. I have my shower onboard most nights, but if I see a roomy shower I go for it.
The second night we stayed in Glen Innes, along with Walcha, it was chilly on both nights and mornings. tuesday morning we went to Emmaville, 50klms from Glen Innes to visit Evan Brown, a work friend of John's. He and Dell, his wife were born in this area and after many years in Sydney, rearing four boys they moved back to the country and built a home. We missed seeing Dell as she works at the local hospital, but spent a good hour and a half with Evan. We had a long afternoon's drive to Goondiwindi, out amongst farming country and sheep and cattle grazing. By late afternoon we had seen kangaroos, a fox crossing the road and an emu. It's also cotton country, beside the road for many klms we saw small,white raw cotton pieces that had blown off the trucks transporting supplies to the gin. Goondiwindi Big4 caravan park has a campfire for anyone who wants to attend with damper and coffee or tea at 4.30. We booked in, found our site and of course tried the delicious damper. Later John had a swim in the warm artisian bore spa. Today we enjoyed a relaxing drive to Toowoomba, tomorrow a drive of around 200klms to the Sunshine Coast and spend some time with the family.
John drove the motorhome from the Suncamper dealership to home and we packed it ready for the first part of the Queensland trip. By the time I pack books, dvds, extra clothes, groceries etc, we wonder if we are ever going to get out of the drive way. We set off, checked the post box and bought takeaway coffees. Books I had ordered online were ready to be picked up, if I had known they were there, I could have brought less with me, never can have too many though.
The coast house is warmer than the townhouse, we haven't had to have any heating on the last two nights. Although cool, it's not freezing. John has gone for a walk both mornings. We went over to the small monthly markets this morning and later the Golf Club for a coffee. Yesterday, John drove us up to Myall Lakes NP for a late bbq lunch. Mungo Brush is a popular camping spot in summer, besides us there was a lone caravan in the camp ground.. We saw a dingo near the bbq and later took photos of him on the road. Tomorrow, our drive to Walcha up the Buckett's Way will take a few hours.We plan on getting to Glenn and Ali's next Thursday.
Brrr, John and I were away in the warmth last year at this time. Between May and September we were going around Australia. July has been cold in Sydney. Our place is a great summer home, shaded by the tall gums out the back. Winter is another story, only the front bedroom gets any sun, the rest of the house is cold. The heater goes on in early afternoon, making it cosy and the winter bearable.
John is busy driving for our local Neighbourhood Aid. He'll take the three weeks off from next week. We are both at the gym three times a week. It's been school holidays but the kids will be back for the third term next week before we leave. Glenn and Ali and the children are back after their holiday in Thailand. They had some great photos. Kay and Ralph are in South Africa on safari, mainly in Kruger NP.
It's getting closer to when we will start our trip north. John and I wanted a few weeks at home since we returned from Victoria, but we are looking forward to heading north. June has been cold here in Sydney. We have kept busy and the weeks are going. Glenn and co are going camping for four days, so we will plan on getting to the Sunshine Coast late July.
We will stay in Tea Gardens for a few days, it has been a few months since we saw the coast house. From there we drive up the New England Highway, staying four days in different country towns on the way. A trip is booked now to Norfolk island in October for a week. We are both looking forward to experiencing this convict Island. A few tours are booked, including dinners and a 4wd tour. Kay and I are off to North Queensland in September for Laura and Austin's wedding. A few days in the tropics is looking good. John will be " home alone".
June has been a wet month. John and I are at home now for six weeks or so, then we head north to visit Glenn, Ali and the three grandchildren. We are planning on a few days at Hawks Nest, then four days on the New England Highway and five days catching up with the family. We will come home the Pacific Highway and see more family on the Gold Coast.
John has taken the motor home up for two new tyres and just this week, it's first service. The rain seems to have gone for now, not sure what the weather report is for the rest of the month, hoping for more sun. Sydney has been cold along with the rain, the north is looking good. |
It turned quite cool as we made our way into the high country. Bombala CP, where we spent one night was on the river. We were told there were platypus at dawn and dusk, however we didn't spy these elusive mammals this time. John and I have seen them up in Queensland on another trip.
Nimmitabel is at 1100 metres, very chilly when we got out to buy a coffee. This is the high country, close to ski fields, the official ski season starts in June.
We had called our friends, Lorraine and Bill, to say we were coming through Canberra. They were free to drive us around the full day we were in town. We all enjoyed the day, we certainly covered a lot of klms. managing to see emus and kangaroos out near Cotter Dam.
It had been seven years since John and I had been to our federal capital, it is expanding every time we visit. New suburbs are in the process of being built along with new shopping towns. We enjoyed morning tea beside Lake Burley Griffin, lunch at a cafe and dinner in a Belconnan club. We have plenty of photos to remember the day.
After two nights in Canberra, we drove to Goulbourn, then a country drive to Oberon for one night before we arrive home.
We have enjoyed our month away, lots of good memories of the places and friends that have shared our Victorian trip.
Nimmitabel is at 1100 metres, very chilly when we got out to buy a coffee. This is the high country, close to ski fields, the official ski season starts in June.
We had called our friends, Lorraine and Bill, to say we were coming through Canberra. They were free to drive us around the full day we were in town. We all enjoyed the day, we certainly covered a lot of klms. managing to see emus and kangaroos out near Cotter Dam.
It had been seven years since John and I had been to our federal capital, it is expanding every time we visit. New suburbs are in the process of being built along with new shopping towns. We enjoyed morning tea beside Lake Burley Griffin, lunch at a cafe and dinner in a Belconnan club. We have plenty of photos to remember the day.
After two nights in Canberra, we drove to Goulbourn, then a country drive to Oberon for one night before we arrive home.
We have enjoyed our month away, lots of good memories of the places and friends that have shared our Victorian trip.
John and I said our farewell to Kevin and Marilyn the night before we left Melbourne for the Dandenongs We enjoyed our two weeks traveling with them, We had some good experiences and lots of laughs.
We managed to find our way out of Coburg to Belgrave, at the foothills of the Dandenongs area. A steam train, Puffing Billy takes passengers for an hour's trip to Emerald and back to Belgrave. We did the trip about 18 years ago and decided against it this time. We drove into the mountains to Lilydale and booked into the caravan park for two nights.
It was a relaxing trip yesterday, we toured around the lovely little towns, very pretty in their autumn colours. The mountain areas are popular on weekends,they attract the Melbourne crowd, an hour's trip from the city. Little bed and breakfast signs are advertised along the route.
John had an altercation with a tree, when he missed seeing it in the reversing camera. We were drivimg to a picnic area that unfortunately was on an unsealed road. As he reversed we felt a horrible bang. Lucky not too much damage, another repair job for our friends at Suncamper.
John and I had morning coffee in Miss Marple's tea rooms in Sasafrass. Its an old tudor style building with an open fire and lots of tea pots and old plates on shelves around the walls. A very English setting.
We took photos at a couple of lookouts, we were happy that the weather was kind to us. except for a chilly wind, the sun shone all day.
Today, we packed up and drove fifty klms to Healesville and found the perfect spot to have our morning coffee. I had made the Thermos before we left Lilydale, we were so pleased we found Badger Weir in the Yarra Ranges NP. The picnic area was beside a little flowing creek. Like been in a rainforest, it was cool and damp, with tree ferns and tall trees.We agreed it was one of our favorite spots we had found this trip. A cute little wallaby stood still for us while we got a photo.
Mid morning we turned south and drove to Taralgon, booking into the caravan park on the Princes Highway.
The motorhome stayed in the park for the time we were in the city. Kevin drove us around each day, John and I saw more of Melbourne then we would have seen if we had gone there on our own. I have been several times to Victoria's capital, it was the first time John had been. I think he enjoyed the city experience.
On our last day, John wanted the tram experience. So we both went off on a bus then a tram into the Bourke St Mall, the main shopping area. he went off to see the Old Melbourne Goal, while I went to Haigh's Chocolates in the beautiful Block Arcade. We had morning tea in one of the little laneways and enjoyed coffees and pancakes.
later, in the park, we had a farewell BBQ with Kevin and Marilyn. John and I were heading north to the Dandenongs and Kevin and Marilyn were staying another day in Melbourne and then going south to the Mornington Peninsula.
We left Ballarat and drove the 100klms to Coburg, booking into the park for four nights. The park is about 9klms from the city. John had a mild panic as we got into busy traffic that we were heading into tollways and he didn't have an Etag on the truck. He heaved a sigh of relief when we turned off onto the last exit before toll charges started!
After settling in, Kevin drove us into Lygon Street, the famous eatery strip of Melbourne. then we joined the Friday afternoon traffic and drove down past Flinders Street Station and the University with it's gracious old buildings.
Kevin promised to show John the "fleshpots" of St Kilda and Brunswick the next day. As it turned out all we saw were a few 'adult" shops. I think one has to go out at night to see any "fleshpots" activity.
Saturday morning turned out dull with light rain. We headed for the Queen Victoria Markets, a bustling mix of fruit and vegetable stalls and clothing merchants. Scattered amongst all this were variety shops and cafes with tempting pasteries. The weather brightened up by the time we had finished looking around the markets.
We had lunch at St Kilda, after walking the shopping strip, Marlyn and I found a few shops to interest us.
Before coming back to the park, we had a drive around the big homes near the waterfront, and took photos of the city skyline, and the "Spirit of Tasmania" car ferry. John and I went to Tasmania a few years ago, the overnight trip is about twelve hours.
We all had a great day, but were all too tired to have our usual "happy hour".
After settling in, Kevin drove us into Lygon Street, the famous eatery strip of Melbourne. then we joined the Friday afternoon traffic and drove down past Flinders Street Station and the University with it's gracious old buildings.
Kevin promised to show John the "fleshpots" of St Kilda and Brunswick the next day. As it turned out all we saw were a few 'adult" shops. I think one has to go out at night to see any "fleshpots" activity.
Saturday morning turned out dull with light rain. We headed for the Queen Victoria Markets, a bustling mix of fruit and vegetable stalls and clothing merchants. Scattered amongst all this were variety shops and cafes with tempting pasteries. The weather brightened up by the time we had finished looking around the markets.
We had lunch at St Kilda, after walking the shopping strip, Marlyn and I found a few shops to interest us.
Before coming back to the park, we had a drive around the big homes near the waterfront, and took photos of the city skyline, and the "Spirit of Tasmania" car ferry. John and I went to Tasmania a few years ago, the overnight trip is about twelve hours.
We all had a great day, but were all too tired to have our usual "happy hour".
Ballarat is another old town with well preserved buildings, it became well known when gold was discovered in 1851. Sovereign Hill is a popular tourist spot that depicts the history of Ballarat with staff dressed in period costumes. There is also a bakery, gold panning and a blacksmith. John and I were in Ballarat about 18 years ago and went to Sovereign Hill for a light show at night, re-enacting the Eureka Stockade of 1854.The Eureka Rebellion was an organised rebellion by gold miners which occurred at Eureka Lead. Miners objected to to the expense of the miner's licence, it resulted in the deaths of 22 miners when the police stormed the stockade.
John had a great day at Sovereign Hill, I decided on a "rest day" and got some washing done in the park and relaxed.
Today we went to Bird World with Marilyn and Kevin, we had photos taken with a black cockatoo on our shoulder. We went for a pleasant walk amongst the greenery and stopped to admire the beautiful birds in the aviaries.
After lunch we all went into town and visited the Art Gallery while John took photos around town. The Art Gallery have some splendid art works, I even recognised a lot of the artists.
Tomorrow we drive to Coburg and spend a few days in Melbourne.
John had a great day at Sovereign Hill, I decided on a "rest day" and got some washing done in the park and relaxed.
Today we went to Bird World with Marilyn and Kevin, we had photos taken with a black cockatoo on our shoulder. We went for a pleasant walk amongst the greenery and stopped to admire the beautiful birds in the aviaries.
After lunch we all went into town and visited the Art Gallery while John took photos around town. The Art Gallery have some splendid art works, I even recognised a lot of the artists.
Tomorrow we drive to Coburg and spend a few days in Melbourne.
Maldon, an old historic town was on our way to Castlemaine and Daylesford. So of course a detour was taken to have a stroll around the shops. John found old fire engines and old train engines to photograph, also a little cart pulled by two donkeys. A lot of the shop fronts have the advertising of bygone years, including Bushells Tea. Good to see the history preserved for all to enjoy.
Our next short stop was Castlemaine, then we continued on to Jubilee Lake CP and settled in. The park is on a pretty lake, a few klms out of town, John goes for an early morning walk, so the postion suited him. Camera in hand, he always finds interesting subjects to film. A lone kangaroo and peacocks strutting around the park were soon snapped and up on the computer. Yesterday John and I took a little motor rail on a short trip through the countryside and back and looked around the markets in the railway station grounds. We then had lunch of fish and chips in the Daylesford Pub.
Today, Kevin drove us to another town nearby, Trentham, to see a waterfall and coffee in Miss Marple's tea rooms. Then came back via Hepburn Springs, a popular spa and mineral pools town.
Tomorrow we head to Ballarat.
Our next short stop was Castlemaine, then we continued on to Jubilee Lake CP and settled in. The park is on a pretty lake, a few klms out of town, John goes for an early morning walk, so the postion suited him. Camera in hand, he always finds interesting subjects to film. A lone kangaroo and peacocks strutting around the park were soon snapped and up on the computer. Yesterday John and I took a little motor rail on a short trip through the countryside and back and looked around the markets in the railway station grounds. We then had lunch of fish and chips in the Daylesford Pub.
Today, Kevin drove us to another town nearby, Trentham, to see a waterfall and coffee in Miss Marple's tea rooms. Then came back via Hepburn Springs, a popular spa and mineral pools town.
Tomorrow we head to Ballarat.
Bendigo has some great architecture, the buildings remind me of what Paris must look like. The Conservatory in the gardens has the most beautiful display of flowers.
The Grace Kelly exhibition was very interesting. The display featured beautiful dresses from movies, her wedding dress and her many outfits she had worn during her life. There were also lots of bags, jewelry, shoes and sunglasses. Even the oscar Grace had won. The display was held in the Art Gallery.
11th May.
Our stay in Bendigo has been enjoyable. Tonight is our fourth night here, tomorrow we move on to Castlemaine and Daylesford, we are booked into Daylesford for two nights,but probably will need another night at least.
Yesterday we went on the talking tram tour around Bendigo.Gold was discovered here in the 1850's and the town grew very prosperous.The tram tour tells of the history of Bendigo and some of it's founding fathers. After the tour we enjoyed coffee in the famous Beechworth bakery, which of course originated in Beechworth Victoria.
Today we took a drive out to the national park that divides Bendigo into two areas. There is a high tower to climb that gives a panoramic view over the landscape,. We enjoyed morning tea in the bush, then a BBQ lunch at the lake closer to town.
The Grace Kelly exhibition was very interesting. The display featured beautiful dresses from movies, her wedding dress and her many outfits she had worn during her life. There were also lots of bags, jewelry, shoes and sunglasses. Even the oscar Grace had won. The display was held in the Art Gallery.
11th May.
Our stay in Bendigo has been enjoyable. Tonight is our fourth night here, tomorrow we move on to Castlemaine and Daylesford, we are booked into Daylesford for two nights,but probably will need another night at least.
Yesterday we went on the talking tram tour around Bendigo.Gold was discovered here in the 1850's and the town grew very prosperous.The tram tour tells of the history of Bendigo and some of it's founding fathers. After the tour we enjoyed coffee in the famous Beechworth bakery, which of course originated in Beechworth Victoria.
Today we took a drive out to the national park that divides Bendigo into two areas. There is a high tower to climb that gives a panoramic view over the landscape,. We enjoyed morning tea in the bush, then a BBQ lunch at the lake closer to town.
We crossed into Victoria at Tocumwal and had our first glimpse of the Murray River that divides the two states. Noisy corellas were in abundance in the trees on the river bank, we have stayed on the Murray River before and have noticed these noisy birds do shatter the peace and quiet.
In Tocumwal, there is a giant Murray Cod in the park, the symbol of the Murray. Of course we had to have a photo. The bakery sold the best pasties I have ever had.
We met up with our friends, Marilyn and Kevin in Shepparton and booked into the park on Victoria Lake for two nights. it's a pleasant park with a walking track around the lake. We all looked around the town thiis morning and John and Kevin went to the car museum.
In Tocumwal, there is a giant Murray Cod in the park, the symbol of the Murray. Of course we had to have a photo. The bakery sold the best pasties I have ever had.
We met up with our friends, Marilyn and Kevin in Shepparton and booked into the park on Victoria Lake for two nights. it's a pleasant park with a walking track around the lake. We all looked around the town thiis morning and John and Kevin went to the car museum.
John and I said goodbye to Jean and Bernie after breakfast and set off to Narrandera via Temora.The farmers were busy on their tractors, the wheat grain is planted at this time of the year for harvest in late spring. We passed flocks of sheep, it's lambing season, easy to pick the new borns, they are snowy white, while the older lambs' fleece has turned the red dirt colour.
The country side looks good, recent rains have topped up the dams, some roads were still .closed in sections that ran beside.water ways.
We stopped in Temora for a quick morning tea and discovered our thermos has stopped working. The water was only lukewarm instead of the usual hot. We stopped in Ardlethan for a pub lunch, after that it was an hour to Narrandera, we booked into the Lake Talbot caravan park for two nights.
This morning we looked at the wetlands, a giant fig tree and a Tiger Moth plane on show near the info centre. The main street is full of a variety of shops so of course we had a browse and a coffee at the bakery. There is a lovely old water fountain in the park made by Royal Doulton as a tribute to the local people who served in WW1.
Back to the park to do some washing and relax. Tomorrow we drive south into Victoria, meeting up with Kevin and Marilyn at Shepparton.
The country side looks good, recent rains have topped up the dams, some roads were still .closed in sections that ran beside.water ways.
We stopped in Temora for a quick morning tea and discovered our thermos has stopped working. The water was only lukewarm instead of the usual hot. We stopped in Ardlethan for a pub lunch, after that it was an hour to Narrandera, we booked into the Lake Talbot caravan park for two nights.
This morning we looked at the wetlands, a giant fig tree and a Tiger Moth plane on show near the info centre. The main street is full of a variety of shops so of course we had a browse and a coffee at the bakery. There is a lovely old water fountain in the park made by Royal Doulton as a tribute to the local people who served in WW1.
Back to the park to do some washing and relax. Tomorrow we drive south into Victoria, meeting up with Kevin and Marilyn at Shepparton.
Canowindra Caravan park offered a third night free, however we had planned on meeting Jean and Bernie, our long time friends in Young, so we only stayed two nights. It was a nice park though, also free use of the washing machines and a market gardener leaves fresh vegetables in the BBQ area.
A leisurely drive from Canowindra on Wednesday took us through some smaller towns on the way to Young. Light rain followed us all morning, we passed through Eugowra, Goolagong and Grenfell, the birthplace of Henry Lawson, one of our best known poets. We arrived in Young about 2pm. We called into the info area and booked into the park. Jean and Bernie arrived at 4.30.
We had a good catchup and a game of euchre after dinner.
This morning the four of us enjoyed a coffee in the town bakery, then a drive out to a small dam and chinese gardens, a few klms out of town. We left Syd hooked up and went in Bernie's car. Its a bit cooler here, a misty morning turned into a sunny day.
Before heading back to the park we had a stop at a craft gallery, then a look in a large warehouse full of knick knacks and furniture.
Tomorrow we travel through Temora to Narrandera.
Photos are now uploaded in our 2012 photo page.
A leisurely drive from Canowindra on Wednesday took us through some smaller towns on the way to Young. Light rain followed us all morning, we passed through Eugowra, Goolagong and Grenfell, the birthplace of Henry Lawson, one of our best known poets. We arrived in Young about 2pm. We called into the info area and booked into the park. Jean and Bernie arrived at 4.30.
We had a good catchup and a game of euchre after dinner.
This morning the four of us enjoyed a coffee in the town bakery, then a drive out to a small dam and chinese gardens, a few klms out of town. We left Syd hooked up and went in Bernie's car. Its a bit cooler here, a misty morning turned into a sunny day.
Before heading back to the park we had a stop at a craft gallery, then a look in a large warehouse full of knick knacks and furniture.
Tomorrow we travel through Temora to Narrandera.
Photos are now uploaded in our 2012 photo page.
Motorhome packed, John and I left home before 9am yesterday and battled a bit of peak hour traffic to get onto the Great Western Highway and over the Blue Mountains. We stopped at North Richmond for a takeaway coffee and later diesel then a comfort stop in Bathurst. It was also lunchtime by then so I made a couple of cheese sandwiches to have on the go.
About twenty klms before Bathurst we came across an accident that had happened earlier and the emergency services had just about cleaned up the glass etc off the road. The truckies kept us informed on the two way radio of the situation. The autumn colours out west are pretty, especially the poplars we saw coming into Bathurst. The caravan park here at Canowindra is quiet and small and close to town. It was nice to get settled into "Syd" again. We had an easy dinner of leftovers from the night before, watched a bit of Tv and had a good night's sleep. The town is old and much of the old buildings are preserved. An old theatre is now a carpet shop although still with the picture screen down at the far end. The old hardware store that John told me had wooden floors with dust, was shut down so we didnt get that experience. Maurice and Robbie are on a week long vintage caravan rally in Cowra, they had a car rally to Canowindra today, so we managed to say a quick hello. We saw lots of well kept vintage cars and even an early motorhome.
Tomorrow we set off on our first motor home trip for this year. When John and I started planning travel for 2012 in January, May seemed a long way off. John has been busy driving for the community and is looking forward to the break. We went up to the gym this morning, had a coffee and shopped for a few items I forgot to buy the other day. Just as well we are heading off tomorrow, otherwise I would think of more things to shop for or pack. John's car boot is already filling up with bags. I cooked scones, anzac biscuits and little
Getting our supply of dvds and books together and the cameras are packed.
I decided to do the food
So the shopping is done, perishables are in the fridge, non perishables in bags ready for John to put in his car on Sunday night. We will be at Suncamper when they open Monday mornng. A bit of excitement this morning. Kathryn and Maurice were on the Channel 9 "Mornings" show with their little vintage teardrop caravan and the Holden convertible. Both vehicles were on set, Kathryn wore her 50's dress. It was a good interview about vintage caravanning. the little teardrop looked great with it's cute little kitchen. John has been to the Caravan and camping show this week- twice. He and Big Rich went on Sunday, then Monday he went with Nathan. John bought me a small rotary clothesline for camping. It is very light and folds down into a bag. Bec bought a new car, a Hyundai Elantra and picked it up yesterday. She is very happy with it.
John and I leave on 30th April to begin the trip to Victoria. We have been over to check on the motor home, the men have added a few items we wanted, including a soap dispenser in the shower room and the all important cup holder on the right of the steering wheel. John realised last trip he didn't have the holder for his morning coffee. All fixed now!
We kept losing the soap out of the holder, so the liquid dispenser will make things easier. It's fitted on the wall. I made the bed up, deciding to put the warm sheets on as we had had a cold snap. Also we are heading south and at this time of the year, being late autumn, the nights will be quite cool. I have booked the first two nights of the trip in Canowindra, our first stop from home. Kevin and Marilyn are joining us in Shepparton, six nights into the trip. They are heading south first to visit friends, we are going west. Peter and Lyn, friends we had met on an earlier trip, might catch up for a couple of nights in Bendigo. There is a Grace Kelly exibition on there they want to see, I'm sure Marilyn and I will be interested in going as well. John says "count me out", I'm sure he and Kevin will find some thing else to do. John has been busy paying the registration and insurance on "Syd", the insurance was due on my car too, so a big hole in the budget before we start. Next week, I'll start buying a few groceries to stock the cupboards. I'll have to check on our medications and have any scripts made up that we need. The plan on the morning we leave is that I'll drive John around to Suncamper and he will drive Syd back to the top of our driveway where we will pack everything we are taking along, including food for at least the first week.
And we are at home. The freeways are busy, choked with caravans and trailers, plus motorhomes and lots of cars. Most heading north. Kathryn and co are at the Hawks Nest house, they left for the two hour trip in the early hours of Friday and are settled in and relaxing. Nathan and Tash are further up the coast at Byron Bay at a music festival. John and I are enjoying time at home after a busy week. We will see Bec and exchange our eggs tomorrow, Easter Sunday. She has settled in her new place. The Queensland family are camping at Maleny in the grounds of Glenn's work. They have a Jayco off road camper trailer.
We have about three weeks before we get away. John is hoping to get to the Sydney caravan and camping show at the end of April. He has been over to put a few items in "Sid". we have had a towel rack added to the toilet room since last trip, also an extra double power point easier access for our computer and camera charging. John got a couple of portable reading lights as we noticed last trip that the fixed ones didn't give off a bright enough light. Note to self: maybe mention that to Suncamper. Happy Easter everyone!
An extra hour's sleep and a beautiful autumn day, it's Easter week. The website has been sent out, John and I hope everyone who reads through the site enjoys it and will follow us when we head to Victoria. It's a state we have been to before, some places we are revisiting after many years. Friends are planning on joining us for some of the trip at least.
The goldfield towns of Ballarat and Bendigo have a rich history and are popular with tourists. We are staying more inland and away from the coast this trip, The Victorian coast is spectacular, we travelled the Great Ocean Road only last year on our return from the west. We are looking forward to discovering new areas. Hoping to leave for the trip towards the end of April. We will be away about five weeks.
Bec has just moved from her studio into a garden flat near Kathryn and Maurice, she had taken a few days off from work to have a long weekend with us up the coast. We usually go up around Bec's birthday and we left on Friday afternoon. It was dark by the time we arrived, but we quickly settled in before the Friday football games.
Strange, in the house were a pair of size 7 pink leather thongs, we are puzzled how they got there, Garry knew nothing off them and it is still not solved. They weren't there when John and I came home a month ago. We like to know who goes into the house. The markets are on the third Saturday, we planned it well, although rain nearly spoilt the morning. I bought a local berry jam, John some plants for the Thornleigh garden, Bec a lovely pair of earrings. Bec and I went to the local stores after an hour or so with John at the Golf Club. We managed to inject a tidy sum into the local economy. On Sunday, John went fishing early to Jimmy's Beach, later we went to White Bay in the Myall lakes NP for a sausage sizzle, the rain held off, luckily. We came home Monday morning. Kathryn, Maurice and the kids are going up the coast for Easter.They have a new car, they will be looking forward to taking it on a good drive.
I had heard the turbo oven cooked well and was simple to use. Kmart sold them for $39, we decided to buy one and trial it for the motor home. We have a griller, frypan and small oven that we use for cooking in the caravan parks. I thought it could be easier to have an all in one cooker. The turbo oven is supposed to do all the things an oven does, I cooked a roast with vegetables, also grilled lamb chops and chicken kebabs. All cooked well, the scones I cooked didnt turn out as well as if cooked in my fan forced oven. I tried some other scones, this time on alfoil instead of the pyrex dish and they tasted better.
Now the turbo oven is in the motor home ready for the next trip. I read on the caravan forums that the oven is a success for campers. 
turbo oven
We have had so much rain this summer, although no threat of bushfires, the flooding threat in lots of Australia has been scary.
John and I have a fair idea of what we plan on doing this year for travel. First of all, Suncamper, where we bought our motor home from, have moved to our suburb. They store the vehicle, so we can take items over there and know when we do go away, it's five minutes from home to start a trip. When I wrote a blog for our four month trip last year, I realised we needed more to have everyone involved and to keep it user friendly so we can read comments from family and friends. We have a few overseas friends who followed us around Australia. So hence this website. I'm still finding my way around, so bear with me. I also want John to write this year, I think he will enjoy adding his trip thoughts. Our trip plans as follows: In May a month or so in Victoria. Bendigo and Ballarat, these are both gold mining towns with a lot of history. John and I have been to both towns before, but since it's been a few years, a return look around is on the agenda. In July, it's a visit to see Glenn Ali and the three grandchildren in Queensland. it will be a good time of the year to see them, Queensland can get a very hot in the summer winter is ideal. The route there will take us up the New England Highway inland, then turn east and arrive on the Sunshine Coast a week or soafter leaving home. The trip home will take us south on the coast highway, with a stop to see the family on the Gold Coast. Our Probus club are organising a 7 day trip to Norfolk Island in Sept/October with the date to be confirmed. We are thinking of joining the club to visit this convict island. |
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