G'day all. Have been in Sydney for a week and a half now and having a lovely time. Done some of the sights; you know Harbour Bridge, Opera house, Ferries etc. We have been very well looked after and spoilt by Andrea's brother Mark and his wife Sarah and the kids from respective families have been enjoying each others company.
Mark and Sarah have the most terrific house in Cremorne, that they have just finished renovating, which overlooks the water water in Middle Harbour. Andrea's parents have also come up from Melb. and are staying with us, so that's 14 in the house. There's plenty of room though and the kids, young and old alike are being kept very busy.
Had a trip to the Blue Mountains to see the sights although this was well nigh impossible due to the low cloud and fog. Not to mind though, we still had a great time. We had a trip on the Scenic Railway at Katoomba and walked through the rainforest. Visited Govetts leap waterfall, near Blackheath, which looked quite haunting through the mist.
Ruby went to see the ballet Swan Lake at the Opera House. Livy and myself went with Mark & Jamie to the Rugby Union Super 14's to see the N.S.W. Waratah's play the Golden Lions from South Africa.
We have surfing lessons booked for Friday (ANZAC Day) at Manly. This should be a hoot, if the swell isn't too big.
This weekend is the Anzac Long Weekend so we are going to continue our journey up the coast on Sunday
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Day 17 - 18:- 10th - 11th April; Mittagong
Canberra to Bowral today. Left Canberra at 10.45 bound for Bowral. We devoured morning tea at Goulburn at the par in the middle of town. Goulburn is famous for “The Big Merino” (see photos”) as well as being Aust. First inland “city”. We also visited the historic, Old Goulburn Brewery and picked up some produce.
We then powered the Millennium Pajero back out on to the highway, but took the “tourist drive” through the southern highlands, passing such quaint little towns as Tallong, Wingello, Bundanoon, Moss Vale and Bowral, which of course is the home of “The Don”. This area has some magnificent properties and at this time of the year is starting to turn on its autumn colours.
Strangely enough there were no caravan parks in Bowral, so we moved on to the next town (Mittagong) where once again we found very pleasant overnight accommodation.
The next morning (Fri), we repacked and stored the trailer at the par for the day while we took in the sites of Bowral (read cafés), and then visited the Bradman cricket museum. The oval is again very pretty and the museum is very interesting regardless of whether you are a cricket fan or not.
We left Bowral and picked up the camper at about 4.00 pm and made the 110 km trip into Sydney where we were meeting up with Andy’s brother, Mark and his wife Sarah and his family, Chloe, Jamie, Max and little baby Tia.
Needless to say excitement within the Millennium Pajero was at fever pitch with anticipation.
We then powered the Millennium Pajero back out on to the highway, but took the “tourist drive” through the southern highlands, passing such quaint little towns as Tallong, Wingello, Bundanoon, Moss Vale and Bowral, which of course is the home of “The Don”. This area has some magnificent properties and at this time of the year is starting to turn on its autumn colours.
Strangely enough there were no caravan parks in Bowral, so we moved on to the next town (Mittagong) where once again we found very pleasant overnight accommodation.
The next morning (Fri), we repacked and stored the trailer at the par for the day while we took in the sites of Bowral (read cafés), and then visited the Bradman cricket museum. The oval is again very pretty and the museum is very interesting regardless of whether you are a cricket fan or not.
We left Bowral and picked up the camper at about 4.00 pm and made the 110 km trip into Sydney where we were meeting up with Andy’s brother, Mark and his wife Sarah and his family, Chloe, Jamie, Max and little baby Tia.
Needless to say excitement within the Millennium Pajero was at fever pitch with anticipation.
Day 13 - 17:- 5th - 9th April; Canberra
A short trip of about 150 k’s today, from Bateman’s Bay to Canberra.
Got moving quickly today and were on the road by 9.30 a.m.!!!!
It started raining quite heavily as we had just about finished packing up. No problem though.
We climbed very steadily from the coast towards the heritage listed town “Braidwood” which is about 80 k’ from B.Bay. The Millennium Pajero was struggling in 1st gear in some parts of the climb and the Chariot of Love was really acting like an anchor behind us.
Braidwood is a beautiful little town with many old buildings and knick-knack shops a bit like Daylesford but not as large or as pretty. Morning tea here. Very nice!!
Travelled on to another old style town Bungendore, about 40 k’s from Canberra.
Quick visit to the local fresh food store for some supplies…. Ohhhhhh lovely marinated lamb and some vegies.
Arrived at Canberra about 3.30 pm. Not bad, 140 k’s in 6 hours. Now that’s what I call relaxed travelling!!!!
Canberra is not the easiest place to find accommodation, but after a few hours of searching, found some at Eaglehawk Ridge, which is actually just outside ACT boundary some 14 k’s from the CBD.
Canberra’s great. Heaps to see and very pretty as well. We spend all day on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday taking in the sights such as Parliament House, Old Parliament House, A.I.S.; Cockington Green; National Museum, War Memorial, Quest-a-com (Scienceworks), Mt Ainsley. We could easily have spent another 2 or 3 days there.
Got moving quickly today and were on the road by 9.30 a.m.!!!!
It started raining quite heavily as we had just about finished packing up. No problem though.
We climbed very steadily from the coast towards the heritage listed town “Braidwood” which is about 80 k’ from B.Bay. The Millennium Pajero was struggling in 1st gear in some parts of the climb and the Chariot of Love was really acting like an anchor behind us.
Braidwood is a beautiful little town with many old buildings and knick-knack shops a bit like Daylesford but not as large or as pretty. Morning tea here. Very nice!!
Travelled on to another old style town Bungendore, about 40 k’s from Canberra.
Quick visit to the local fresh food store for some supplies…. Ohhhhhh lovely marinated lamb and some vegies.
Arrived at Canberra about 3.30 pm. Not bad, 140 k’s in 6 hours. Now that’s what I call relaxed travelling!!!!
Canberra is not the easiest place to find accommodation, but after a few hours of searching, found some at Eaglehawk Ridge, which is actually just outside ACT boundary some 14 k’s from the CBD.
Canberra’s great. Heaps to see and very pretty as well. We spend all day on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday taking in the sights such as Parliament House, Old Parliament House, A.I.S.; Cockington Green; National Museum, War Memorial, Quest-a-com (Scienceworks), Mt Ainsley. We could easily have spent another 2 or 3 days there.
Day 12 - 13; 5th - 6th April:- Bateman’s Bay
Had planned to push for Canberra via Bega & Cooma, however the day was so beautiful that after making it to Bega we decided to cut back to the coast and drive until we reached a suitable place.
We passed through Tathra and followed the tourist drive along the coast on an absolutely glorious day through Tanja, Mimosa rocks N.P., Bermagui, Narooma, Moruya, Broulee, and on to Bateman’s Bay where we arrived at the local Big 4 Caravan Park. However they wanted to charge far more than we were prepared to pay, for an overnight stay. So we said sorry and drove off. Just around the corner we found another place that looked a little run down from the outside, but we drove in and asked the question. There was a site available for more than half the price that the “Big 4” were asking and as it turned out the Caravan park was a ripper, with plenty of room and set amongst gardens with a high number of permanently set up caravans, many with their own little gardens etc. The place was a hidden gem. It just goes to show, don’t judge a book…..
Bateman’s Bay itself was a bit of a disappointment personally. Very commercial and busy. Needless to say we left early the next day and headed for Canberra.
We passed through Tathra and followed the tourist drive along the coast on an absolutely glorious day through Tanja, Mimosa rocks N.P., Bermagui, Narooma, Moruya, Broulee, and on to Bateman’s Bay where we arrived at the local Big 4 Caravan Park. However they wanted to charge far more than we were prepared to pay, for an overnight stay. So we said sorry and drove off. Just around the corner we found another place that looked a little run down from the outside, but we drove in and asked the question. There was a site available for more than half the price that the “Big 4” were asking and as it turned out the Caravan park was a ripper, with plenty of room and set amongst gardens with a high number of permanently set up caravans, many with their own little gardens etc. The place was a hidden gem. It just goes to show, don’t judge a book…..
Bateman’s Bay itself was a bit of a disappointment personally. Very commercial and busy. Needless to say we left early the next day and headed for Canberra.
Day 11 - 12:- 4th - 5th April:- Eden
Farewelled Matt and Jane in Eden today after visiting Boyd’s Tower at the head of Twofold Bay. Worth seeing.
Eden is a beautifully picturesque little fishing town and at one stage was the centre for East coast whaling operations.
Had a look at the whaling museum, which was full of interesting info.
Stayed at the council run caravan park, which was a beauty.
Only stayed the night, as we were keen to push for Canberra.
Eden is a beautifully picturesque little fishing town and at one stage was the centre for East coast whaling operations.
Had a look at the whaling museum, which was full of interesting info.
Stayed at the council run caravan park, which was a beauty.
Only stayed the night, as we were keen to push for Canberra.
Day 9, 10: 2nd - 4th April:- Saltwater Creek.
Another few days away from civilisation. Beautiful!!!!
Finally out of Victoria. Travelled into Ben Boyd National Park on one of the roughest “2 wheel drive” tracks I’ve encountered. We were meeting my brother Matt and his wife Jane and rest of the family. Another delightful spot, right on the beach where the camp ground is sandwiched between 2 rivers, both of which are home to a good selection of fish if you feel the need to try your luck.
We “squeezed” on to Matt & Jane’s campsite and settled in for a few days.
The photos tell the story so check ‘em out.
Finally out of Victoria. Travelled into Ben Boyd National Park on one of the roughest “2 wheel drive” tracks I’ve encountered. We were meeting my brother Matt and his wife Jane and rest of the family. Another delightful spot, right on the beach where the camp ground is sandwiched between 2 rivers, both of which are home to a good selection of fish if you feel the need to try your luck.
We “squeezed” on to Matt & Jane’s campsite and settled in for a few days.
The photos tell the story so check ‘em out.
Day 8 - 9; 1st - 2nd April:- Mallacoota
Just a quick overnighter here, but another beautiful place with a caravan park on the foreshore and fortuitously, just around the corner from the bakery and a great little café where they roast their own coffee beans. What a bonus!!!!!!
Another bonus was that the Caravan park had free internet connection so this gave the girls the chance to do some “my space” catching up that they love to do, so that they don’t feel so isolated from the rest of the world.
The great thing about caravan parks and camping grounds is that you always manage to meet lots of people, many of whom are doing what you are doing and it’s great to swap stories and soak up ideas from other travellers.
Mallacoota verdict: Worth another visit.
Another bonus was that the Caravan park had free internet connection so this gave the girls the chance to do some “my space” catching up that they love to do, so that they don’t feel so isolated from the rest of the world.
The great thing about caravan parks and camping grounds is that you always manage to meet lots of people, many of whom are doing what you are doing and it’s great to swap stories and soak up ideas from other travellers.
Mallacoota verdict: Worth another visit.
Day 7 - 8; 31st March - 1st April: Wingan Inlet
This is another spot within Croajingolong N.P. A beautiful secluded camping area with good-sized campsites and situated about 34 k’s off the highway. We arrived early afternoon and set up quickly. This allowed time for walk to the beach along a track that followed the edge of the inlet and wound through the forest with boardwalks and such. Plenty of bird life was spotted as well as a big fur seal that was resting in the shallows of the inlet. We also surprised a wild dog that was feasting on what looked like a seal that had been dead for several days and smelt as though it had been dead for weeks. He took off along the water’s edge when he heard us and was just as spooked by us as we were by him. Jassy and Daisy thought it was great, but Livy and Ruby weren’t particularly comfortable with the situation at all.
A very comfortable night’s sleep was had and the silence of the campsite was actually quite strange as we were quite a way from the beach and so could not hear any sounds at all.
Next morning was another beauty, so a spot of fishing was in order. All the girls had a go off the end of the small pier and were successful in catching something. Check the photos for proof.
After breakfast we packed up and decided to head for Mallacoota as the girls were looking for a shower and some amenities!!!!!!
A very comfortable night’s sleep was had and the silence of the campsite was actually quite strange as we were quite a way from the beach and so could not hear any sounds at all.
Next morning was another beauty, so a spot of fishing was in order. All the girls had a go off the end of the small pier and were successful in catching something. Check the photos for proof.
After breakfast we packed up and decided to head for Mallacoota as the girls were looking for a shower and some amenities!!!!!!
Day 5 - 7: 29 - 31.3.08 Thurra River.
Today’s plan was to move on to the Croajingolong N.P. to a place called Thurra River. The day dawned crisp but sunny. We ventured down onto the beach to catch the early morning sun’s rays and the younger girls (Jazzy & Daisy), delighted in our early morning stroll and played in the sand collecting shells and chasing the seagulls along the beach.
We then had a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs. Very yum scrum!!!!
Pack up once again went quite smoothly although we were in no real hurry to get moving, as today’s trip was to be only around 100 km’s
We moved on at about 11.30 am and travelled up the highway to Cann River. Topped up with petrol, a bit of lunch, made a few phone calls as we had reception on the mobiles and ventured of the bitumen for about 5 days.
Thurra River is located on the far east coast of Gippsland near Point Hicks and is a magnificent area and beautiful for basic, secluded camping about one hour from Cann river.
We visited the Point Hicks lighthouse and went for beach walks etc. The river itself flows out to the ocean at this spot. A very peaceful spot and well worth frequenting if you can.
I also had the pleasure of coming across a piece of camping history when I discovered the only other bloke in Australia, besides “Sharky” Cooper who has a “Wurley Camper”. I told the bloke who owned it that I was a member of the “Wurley Appreciation Club” and that my mate, who was President of the club, would really appreciate any evidence of other Wurleyites whilst we were on our travels. Make sure you check the photos attached. It’s a beauty!After 2 days at Thurra, we pushed on to Wingan Inlet via Cann River. The intention had been to do a little 4 w.d. between the 2 destinations, however the fridge was playing up and we needed to pick up some ice, so therefore a trip into civilisation was needed. Of course as soon as we moved within mobile range all the phones came to life with messages, so this gave us an opportunity to return messages. Thanks to all those who have been contacting us. It is always great to hear from you.
We then had a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs. Very yum scrum!!!!
Pack up once again went quite smoothly although we were in no real hurry to get moving, as today’s trip was to be only around 100 km’s
We moved on at about 11.30 am and travelled up the highway to Cann River. Topped up with petrol, a bit of lunch, made a few phone calls as we had reception on the mobiles and ventured of the bitumen for about 5 days.
Thurra River is located on the far east coast of Gippsland near Point Hicks and is a magnificent area and beautiful for basic, secluded camping about one hour from Cann river.
We visited the Point Hicks lighthouse and went for beach walks etc. The river itself flows out to the ocean at this spot. A very peaceful spot and well worth frequenting if you can.
I also had the pleasure of coming across a piece of camping history when I discovered the only other bloke in Australia, besides “Sharky” Cooper who has a “Wurley Camper”. I told the bloke who owned it that I was a member of the “Wurley Appreciation Club” and that my mate, who was President of the club, would really appreciate any evidence of other Wurleyites whilst we were on our travels. Make sure you check the photos attached. It’s a beauty!After 2 days at Thurra, we pushed on to Wingan Inlet via Cann River. The intention had been to do a little 4 w.d. between the 2 destinations, however the fridge was playing up and we needed to pick up some ice, so therefore a trip into civilisation was needed. Of course as soon as we moved within mobile range all the phones came to life with messages, so this gave us an opportunity to return messages. Thanks to all those who have been contacting us. It is always great to hear from you.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Day 4 - 5 28.3.08 To Cape Conran via Orbost and Marlo
Day 4- 5; 27 - 28.3.08 To Cape Conran via Orbost and Marlo
Packed as quickly as we could this morning, but we are still getting the hang of the best places to store equipment that is needed frequently and that which is needed less frequently.
Olivia and Ruby are keen to help and are beginning to notice the pattern to the packing system and have started to assume their own roles to oversee. Jassy and Daisy are really keen to help in any way possible and do so in bursts, until something else takes their fancy.
Drove from Buchan to Orbost on the “back road’. Very picturesque!!
Arrived in Orbost at about 11.30 a.m. and set about stocking up the pantry as we were expecting to be bush camping at Croajingolong N.P. with no power or flushing toilets for the next 5 or 6 days. Ended up spending far too long stocking up. So we had lunch on the steps of the Shire Offices and decided to head for Marlo and then Cape Conran instead.
Cape Conran was a lovely secluded spot set amongst coastal banksia trees about 100 metres from the beach. The beach here was also magnificent. You had to bring your own firewood in to the park and we didn’t have any so spend a reasonably chilly night without a fire. There was however a highlight when during the evening we had few furry visitors to our camp, one of which was the quite rare Long nosed Bandicoot, which is apparently making a comeback to the area following a fox eradication program.
We went to bed very pleased with our day’s adventure and also our choice of camping spot.
Packed as quickly as we could this morning, but we are still getting the hang of the best places to store equipment that is needed frequently and that which is needed less frequently.
Olivia and Ruby are keen to help and are beginning to notice the pattern to the packing system and have started to assume their own roles to oversee. Jassy and Daisy are really keen to help in any way possible and do so in bursts, until something else takes their fancy.
Drove from Buchan to Orbost on the “back road’. Very picturesque!!
Arrived in Orbost at about 11.30 a.m. and set about stocking up the pantry as we were expecting to be bush camping at Croajingolong N.P. with no power or flushing toilets for the next 5 or 6 days. Ended up spending far too long stocking up. So we had lunch on the steps of the Shire Offices and decided to head for Marlo and then Cape Conran instead.
Cape Conran was a lovely secluded spot set amongst coastal banksia trees about 100 metres from the beach. The beach here was also magnificent. You had to bring your own firewood in to the park and we didn’t have any so spend a reasonably chilly night without a fire. There was however a highlight when during the evening we had few furry visitors to our camp, one of which was the quite rare Long nosed Bandicoot, which is apparently making a comeback to the area following a fox eradication program.
We went to bed very pleased with our day’s adventure and also our choice of camping spot.
Day 3: 27.3.08 Visit to Buchan Caves
Day 3:- 27.3.08 Visit to Buchan Caves.
Due to our late afternoon arrival at Buchan the previous day and the rain that chose to fall quite heavily from the time that we were setting up, we really didn’t get a chance to survey the campground when we arrived. This morning however dawned bright and sunny with a crisp autumn chill in the air and revealed a real gem of a camping reserve. The site was developed in the 1920’s and reflects the attitude to National Parks in those days as places where people could go to enjoy “park like features” in bush surroundings. Subsequently there are many varieties of exotic as well as native trees in a park setting. Many of the exotics were bginning to turn their autumn colours and in the cold morning with a hint of mist, looked quite European.
The park also had resident kangaroos, wallabies and possums, who enjoyed the hospitality of the campers at various times. The younger girls of course were quite excited by these visitors. Actually so were the older girls too!!
Visited the “Fairy Cave” which was beautiful and have the photos to prove it.
There are 3 main cave sections at Buchan and all are linked so in effect form one long cave system. The Fairy Cave that we visited travels for about 150 m in length to a depth of about 60m. An underground stream flows beneath the caves and comes to the “surface’ in the final cave section where after this it flows out of the caves into a pool that was cobnstructed in the 1930’s. This pool is open to the public to bath in and remains at a constant 12.5 degrees C. Needless to say we didn’t venture in to it!!
We spent the rest of the day relaxing in the park, taking in the sights, chatting to the other campers in the park and picking up tips about places to visit along the way.
Due to our late afternoon arrival at Buchan the previous day and the rain that chose to fall quite heavily from the time that we were setting up, we really didn’t get a chance to survey the campground when we arrived. This morning however dawned bright and sunny with a crisp autumn chill in the air and revealed a real gem of a camping reserve. The site was developed in the 1920’s and reflects the attitude to National Parks in those days as places where people could go to enjoy “park like features” in bush surroundings. Subsequently there are many varieties of exotic as well as native trees in a park setting. Many of the exotics were bginning to turn their autumn colours and in the cold morning with a hint of mist, looked quite European.
The park also had resident kangaroos, wallabies and possums, who enjoyed the hospitality of the campers at various times. The younger girls of course were quite excited by these visitors. Actually so were the older girls too!!
Visited the “Fairy Cave” which was beautiful and have the photos to prove it.
There are 3 main cave sections at Buchan and all are linked so in effect form one long cave system. The Fairy Cave that we visited travels for about 150 m in length to a depth of about 60m. An underground stream flows beneath the caves and comes to the “surface’ in the final cave section where after this it flows out of the caves into a pool that was cobnstructed in the 1930’s. This pool is open to the public to bath in and remains at a constant 12.5 degrees C. Needless to say we didn’t venture in to it!!
We spent the rest of the day relaxing in the park, taking in the sights, chatting to the other campers in the park and picking up tips about places to visit along the way.
Day 2 - 4; 26th- 28th March; Porepunkah to Buchan
Day 2 - 4; Porepunkah to Buchan. 26 -28th March
The day dawned bright with a little bit of cloud cover and a cool breeze. We all stirred at about 7.00 a.m. The coffee pot and the kettle were set and soon we were greeted with the aroma of Al and Will cooking a fry up of bacon, eggs & sausages. Yummo!!!
We “broke camp at about 10.30 and headed towards Bright for a quick refuel before continuing on to Harrietville, a very pretty little village at the base of Mt. Hotham. From here we started our ascent of Mt. Hotham for 30 or so kms. The Millenium Pajero was really feeling the pinch up some of those climbs especially with a full load of fuel, water, food, luggage and people. Anyway we made it to the top and as you can see the views were quite spectacular.
We must have beaten the bad weather by about six hours, because by the next day most of the Victorian Alpine areas had reported snowfalls!!!
From the top we proceeded along the Great Alpine Road past Dinner Plain and on towards Omeo which is one of th more remote Victorian towns. Swifts Creek followed Omeo and we were making very quick progress down the valley towards Bairnsdale.
A quick dunny stop was made at Bruthen, about 30 k’s from Bairnsdale. Here we headed east towards Cann River before heading north once more for 50 or k’s to get to Buchan. About 5 km’s before our destination we were forced to stop for about 10 – 15 mins as the road had been blocked as a result of a huge branch falling across the road.
Fortunately no-one had been caught under it, as this would have resulted in a certain fatality, such was the size of the branch. Within a matter of minutes half a dozen cars had arrived and several chainsaws had burst into life and the offending branch had been chain-sawed and disposed of on the side of the road and we were free to continue.
These country people sure don’t muck around!!!
It was getting late in the afternoon (5.30 pm), and we had travelled almost 270 k’s by the time we reached the delightfully pretty town of Buchan, which of course is home to the famous Buchan Caves. We were booked in to the camping reserve for 2 nights.
We located our camp site and as the rain started falling, proceeded to set up for our 2nd night in the Chariot of Love. It rained fairly heavily for 2 or so hours.
Dinner that night was Spaghetti Bolognaise, which Andrea had very craftily prepared before we left Melbourne.
Not surprisingly, we were all in bed pretty early that evening. Jassy & Daisy in particular were looking forward to visiting the “Fairy Cave” in the morning.
Day 2 concluded at about 9.30 pm.
Cheers
The day dawned bright with a little bit of cloud cover and a cool breeze. We all stirred at about 7.00 a.m. The coffee pot and the kettle were set and soon we were greeted with the aroma of Al and Will cooking a fry up of bacon, eggs & sausages. Yummo!!!
We “broke camp at about 10.30 and headed towards Bright for a quick refuel before continuing on to Harrietville, a very pretty little village at the base of Mt. Hotham. From here we started our ascent of Mt. Hotham for 30 or so kms. The Millenium Pajero was really feeling the pinch up some of those climbs especially with a full load of fuel, water, food, luggage and people. Anyway we made it to the top and as you can see the views were quite spectacular.
We must have beaten the bad weather by about six hours, because by the next day most of the Victorian Alpine areas had reported snowfalls!!!
From the top we proceeded along the Great Alpine Road past Dinner Plain and on towards Omeo which is one of th more remote Victorian towns. Swifts Creek followed Omeo and we were making very quick progress down the valley towards Bairnsdale.
A quick dunny stop was made at Bruthen, about 30 k’s from Bairnsdale. Here we headed east towards Cann River before heading north once more for 50 or k’s to get to Buchan. About 5 km’s before our destination we were forced to stop for about 10 – 15 mins as the road had been blocked as a result of a huge branch falling across the road.
Fortunately no-one had been caught under it, as this would have resulted in a certain fatality, such was the size of the branch. Within a matter of minutes half a dozen cars had arrived and several chainsaws had burst into life and the offending branch had been chain-sawed and disposed of on the side of the road and we were free to continue.
These country people sure don’t muck around!!!
It was getting late in the afternoon (5.30 pm), and we had travelled almost 270 k’s by the time we reached the delightfully pretty town of Buchan, which of course is home to the famous Buchan Caves. We were booked in to the camping reserve for 2 nights.
We located our camp site and as the rain started falling, proceeded to set up for our 2nd night in the Chariot of Love. It rained fairly heavily for 2 or so hours.
Dinner that night was Spaghetti Bolognaise, which Andrea had very craftily prepared before we left Melbourne.
Not surprisingly, we were all in bed pretty early that evening. Jassy & Daisy in particular were looking forward to visiting the “Fairy Cave” in the morning.
Day 2 concluded at about 9.30 pm.
Cheers
Day 1: 25.3.08 Departure Day:- To Porepunkah
Day 1: 25.3.08 Departure Day
Well here we are! The big day has arrived and we’re ready to go. Some fine friends had dropped by last night to give us some last minute travelling tips and to wish us well with a few drinks. Fantastic stuff.
Up at 6.45 a.m. a bit of breakfast for the kids and myself and Andrea and some last minute packing to be done.
9.00 a.m. just nicked up to the hairdressers to complete my personal preparations!!!! And the results I’m sure that you’d agree are somewhat disturbing, at least the reaction of my children indicated that they were.
By 10.30 we were pretty much on time and virtually ready to go. Unfortunately I had some last minute problems with my email set up on the laptop and spent the best part of an hour on the phone to Optus trying to rectify this, so that we could maintain contact with all of you. Finally my resident computer sharp shooter Sharky all the way from Mumbai Cooper was able to diagnose the problem and by 11.45 am we were away. The 6 of us crammed into the “Millennium Pajero” with the Chariot of Love in tow and all manner of electronic equipment hooked up inside it, was a technological marvel. The girls were in their element. Each with their own allotted space within the car. “Cling and Clang” were chatting in the “back back”
I slipped the clutch and ventured out onto Sherbourne road, on to the Greensborough Bypass, up Plenty road to Whittlesea. On to Yea for a quick bite of lunch. We passed through Mansfield and proceeded on towards Tolmie and past Stringybark Creek and across the Wombat Ranges where the Kellys shot the coppers all those years ago.
Beautiful countryside as we wound our way through to Whitfield on to Edi and Moyhu. Still in the heart of Kelly Country, here we turned off and headed towards Myrtleford via Whorouly which included a short detour off the bitumen as we crossed from the King River Valley into the Ovens River Valley.
We had made reasonable time considering the delayed start and arrived at the salubrious surroundings of the Porepunkah Bridge Caravan Park at about 5.30 p.m. to be greeted by our friends Sue and Al Hick and their tribe of boys. Here the troops swung into action as we set the Chariot of Love up for the 1st of many overnight stays.
That evening out to dinner with the Hick family at the Bright Pub before being safely tucked up in bed by 11.00 p.m. Phew what a day!
Well here we are! The big day has arrived and we’re ready to go. Some fine friends had dropped by last night to give us some last minute travelling tips and to wish us well with a few drinks. Fantastic stuff.
Up at 6.45 a.m. a bit of breakfast for the kids and myself and Andrea and some last minute packing to be done.
9.00 a.m. just nicked up to the hairdressers to complete my personal preparations!!!! And the results I’m sure that you’d agree are somewhat disturbing, at least the reaction of my children indicated that they were.
By 10.30 we were pretty much on time and virtually ready to go. Unfortunately I had some last minute problems with my email set up on the laptop and spent the best part of an hour on the phone to Optus trying to rectify this, so that we could maintain contact with all of you. Finally my resident computer sharp shooter Sharky all the way from Mumbai Cooper was able to diagnose the problem and by 11.45 am we were away. The 6 of us crammed into the “Millennium Pajero” with the Chariot of Love in tow and all manner of electronic equipment hooked up inside it, was a technological marvel. The girls were in their element. Each with their own allotted space within the car. “Cling and Clang” were chatting in the “back back”
I slipped the clutch and ventured out onto Sherbourne road, on to the Greensborough Bypass, up Plenty road to Whittlesea. On to Yea for a quick bite of lunch. We passed through Mansfield and proceeded on towards Tolmie and past Stringybark Creek and across the Wombat Ranges where the Kellys shot the coppers all those years ago.
Beautiful countryside as we wound our way through to Whitfield on to Edi and Moyhu. Still in the heart of Kelly Country, here we turned off and headed towards Myrtleford via Whorouly which included a short detour off the bitumen as we crossed from the King River Valley into the Ovens River Valley.
We had made reasonable time considering the delayed start and arrived at the salubrious surroundings of the Porepunkah Bridge Caravan Park at about 5.30 p.m. to be greeted by our friends Sue and Al Hick and their tribe of boys. Here the troops swung into action as we set the Chariot of Love up for the 1st of many overnight stays.
That evening out to dinner with the Hick family at the Bright Pub before being safely tucked up in bed by 11.00 p.m. Phew what a day!
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