The Great Ocean Road

6 January Friday

Good night's sleep, sun streaming into tent, lake like a millpond, the wind soon got up but from a different direction. decided we will stop a few nights. A fellow camper (Mary) told us how to find the library in Colac so we can finally update the blog and she said plenty of op-shops so hopefully can get some new books. The colombian family brought ove a bag of groceries to us as they are giving the campervan today, (tomato sauce, blackberry jam mmm) which was kind of them. Went off into colac and eventually found the library, brought the blog up to date with photos as well, took nearly 2 hours. Drove into town and parked outside an auto shop where Colin got a small grease gun and grease ($40). Found a bakery and bought a pasty and a pie then sat in park to eat, they were full of flavour, then went to camping/hardware shop on way back to Landrover, managed to get poles for awning. Back at camp after a cuppa colin used his new grease gun and greased all the propshaft joints (he's moving a bit better now!) and put some grease in gear box as well, no drips from diff-hooray. Had a shower but the wind kept it a bit chilly. Had a walk after dinner and chatted with neighbours. Everyone we meet loves the TV programme Escape to the Country, don't think they watch anything else, maybe Grand Designs.

7 January Saturday

It is sunny/cloudy with slight wind this morning, view is great, we have been watching our elderly neighbours packing up their caravan, it has been a hoot. They have a small trailer as well with doors at both ends, she had packed the trailer but was unable to lock the door properly at the back, he went to the other end and packed some more stuff in which then proceeded to push an empty container out of the back door, wish we had a video of it. Colin did some more maintenance of landrover, greasing etc then we just spent some time chatting with neighbours. A volunteer fire ranger stopped when he saw landrover and told us how to get to Red Rock Lookout, which overlooks Lake Caragamite (2nd largest inland salt water lake in Oz) had dinner out of tins tonight, spuds with mince and veggies followed by fruit and custard (getting our 5 a day). started to rain and wind getting up before bed.

8 January Sunday

It blew a hooley last night with a fair bit of rain. sun out but wind still gusting. Went out to a market at Birregurra and bought a cucumber then found an op-shop (charity) and found some books. Decided to drive back to Red Rock Lookout, amazing views

 the area used to be volcanic thousands of years ago and you can still see the craters,

 can see for miles over the lakes.

  Took different road back to camp and even found a dirt road.

                                                                 Nice post-box

  Got back to find the wind had knocked one of the tent poles over. There are waves across the lake and Colin has put some more pegs around tent, you can see the toilet tents bending in half in the wind, Maurie (nbour) says forecast is severe gusts up to 40 knots easing later this arvo. Hope so as we are sat in landrover out of the wind and it is being rocked. The caravan owners are taking down their awnings and toilet tents. Just had pancakes for dinner and went to bed to keep warm.

9th January Monday

The wind finally eased off, never been in anything like it. Cloudy this morning and Rose has trousers on, wind not so bad . Decided as long as not windy will leave camp tomorrow. Mundane day, went into Collac charged computer at library then into town food and fuel shopping. Colin suggested whilst in town we visit a couple of cheap $ shops(he needed cotton buds). By the time we got back to camp more blue sky than clouds but still very gusty winds. After dinner of stir fry and garlic bread(done under grill) had a short walk then bed, its warmer.

10th January Tuesday

The wind died down in the night but had a bit of rain. Putting the tent away in sunshine then it decided to rain again, Ozzie weather cant make up its mind up what to do. Left site after 10 after saying goodbyes. Arrived at Winchelsea and fan belt went(good job we had a spare), fitted fan belt only to find out bearing was knackered in adjustment pulley. A nice man(Glen Orchard) in a white van took Colin away and they got the old bearing out Then went to buy a new one, we are parked next to a company called Knuckleys who are agricultural engineers where they went to get the new bearing(what luck) Colin came back with bearing, business card and a bottle of beer. we are meeting so many nice people. Back on the road again and heading for Anglesea missing out Torquay, going across country via Moriac. Popped into info centre at Anglesea for local maps of the Great Ocean Road. The scenery is stunning and different around every bend,

good job lots of lay byes. We stopped at Aireys Inlet and walked up to Split Point Lighthouse

 from there you can see Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary.

The GOR is the worlds biggest memorial. It was hand built by returning WW1 soldiers in honour of their fallen comrades and officially opened in 1932. There is a memorial arch across the road at Eastern View.

The houses overlooking the ocean seem to be clinging to the side of the hills(they must cost a fortune).

 Camped for night at Big Hill Campground north of Lorne in the Great Otway National Park, only put out Awning so will sleep in L Rover tonight. Campers coming in thick and fast. Started raining at 5pm but no wind under trees. There is a bloke in a small camper van parked on a slope and he has cooked a dinner with his cooker on a slant-amazing.

 Campsite now full, so many coming in and driving away. But some are pitching tents on slopes

(should be fun in the night).

11th January Wednesday

Rained all night, glad not in tent. Trying to be sunny then rainy again, even had hailstones. Of the tents pitched on a slope only one remains, it seems they slept in car and tent blew away to our side of the site(great fun). The young couple next to us have just rolled up their tent into a carrier bag and thrown it into their car, took pity on them and made them a cuppa to try and warm them up. Finally left site(now muddy) and drove on Mount Sabine Rd to Erskine Falls.

They advise you not to take trucks/caravans down the access road, can see why, very steep. When we arrived at car park we had to use the parking barriers as our brakes(oops). Walked to the Falls, very pretty, surrounded by rainforest.

Back at car park got talking to an Irishman from Killarney who had to stop at the L Rover(as Colin says nobody stops to talk to us they stop because of the Land Rover). Sorry Mick and Lisa he didnt think much of the Irish in Wexford, they are nearly English. Left and drove into Lorne for a walk around, it is a pretty seaside town. Waiting for Colin outside loo's when the heavens just opened with hailstones.

 We thought we were in Austalia!!!!! When it stopped we walked around the shops and bought a sheet in an Op shop then had a pie and cup of tea for lunch. Restarted our drive along the GOR, there are not enough words for just how amazing it really is

(thanks Dodsey), the road hugging the cliff side and with wind today the surf is stupendous.

You have to keep stopping to take photos,

 even saw some seals at one point. We decided to look for camp site with cover and found free camp ground at Aire River East in the National Park, it is a lovelly spot. When we got tent out it was a bit wet from the rain, but didnt take long to dry in the sunny spells. Had a walk after dinner up to bridge across river, on way back stopped to chat with a couple of Geordies who have hired a campervan. Camp site filling up slowly.

12th January Thursday

Lovely nights sleep, heard a Koala in the night. Colin said had a bit of rain. Finally had breakfast at 10 30 after long chat with Geordie couple, gave them details of camping at Warrnambool Showground. Clouded over a bit as morning has gone on. Eventually got moving and drove to Cape Otway Lightstation, on the road people had stopped and stood in road taking photos of Koalas, there are quite a few in the gum trees(Koalas that is). Didnt go into lightstation as it was $17.50 each so just looked in shop and bought a sticker for Colin(lots of people complaining about cost). Drove back along GOR to Glenaire then drove to camp along Sand Rd.,it skirts around Lake Costain which has no water just fields with cattle in.

 Didnt do a lot rest of day.

13th January Friday (do we feel lucky)

As of today we are going to start a Friday fact about Australia.

Fact:- The Great Ocean Rd is the biggest war memorial in the world.

Packed up and left site by 9.30, back on the GOR,

 weather mixed. Just past Moonlight Head we dropped onto the Old Ocean Road, it is a dirt track that drove round an underground lake in parts, made a change from tarmac. Rejoined GOR at Princetown and stopped to see the 12 Apostles

(raining) then onto The Arch,

 London Bridge

 where the plaque showing your position and the coastline was the wrong way round,

it is back to front like a negative,then we drove onto the Grotto,

it is really an amazing coastline

 and the weather is improving(no jumpers or raincoats). Stopped for lunch at Peterborough in a car park overlooking the beach,

 started to rain again. Onto our camp site for the night at Warrnambool Showground, not bad $20 for the night with electric hookup and proper toilets and hot showers. Walked into town, just under 2kms,Found Aldi and treated ourselves to a bottle of wine $2.49 and a bar of chocolate(same price), yummy. had dinner and wine Colin pissed Rose happy. If there is anything sad about today its because its the end of the Great Ocean Road apart from that Friday 13th has been a good day.

First week in 2012

2nd January Monday

All windows open last night approx 20deg, put tent down before having shower as leaving camp .Rose feels a bit better today, went to local IGA for food, they do the offer where they give a discount off if you show a recipt for fuel, our shopping came to $52 gave the girl the receipt showing 60ltrs = $2.40 she put through 600ltrs so reduced bill by $24 (what a result). On drive towards Ballerat(countryside very dry)

 we stopped at Daylesford , a very quaint touristy town with lots of eateries. took a photo of some ice cream cones made into table and chairs,

so cute. Treated ourselfs to an ice cream each Colin had Mango Rose had Lemon they were some of the beat ices ever, and we were undercharged by a dollar(must be a lucky day). Decided to camp up at Slaty Creek Campground just south of Creswick for the night, it is very shady and has a nice breeze. Its nice to sit and not bake. After dinner rang Marion for a catch chat, which was nice, shame she goes back to work tomorrow.

3 January Tuesday

Do Kookaburras ever sleep? Took ages to get to sleep with the insects and Kookaburras chatting away to each other (noisey neighbours again). slow start to the day, and not so hot here probably due to the shade provided by the trees, decided to stay put for today. Went on internet and caught up on emails and before we knew it, it was lunchtime, hasn't been as hot as expected due to cloud cover. When ranger cam round he stopped for a chat, he saw the motor and had to stop, he told us 12 months ago our camp was under several feet of water. Went onto AULRO to see if there is a mechanic to fit a new rear diff seal, ours is leaking and Colin can't move the nut, left a request for what we needed. Later checked and several people had given us leads, will try Rover Parts in Ballarat first as they might know of a local mechanic. Lit BBQ again, it worked but was slow getting to heat. As eating dinner a defender trayback went past and driver waved, later on he came back and stopped to look at motor, we were talking to Ross for about 2 hours. He had just replaced his rear diff seal and he suggested Rover Parts as well. He is a Brit car enthusiast, he has a Mk1 excort that he is rebuilding, a Ford Cargo that he can't get parts for in Oz and a Triumph 595i that he is rebuilding, really nice bloke and he left his phone number should we need any further help. Late to bed.

4 January Wednesday

Bad night got cold, Rose left front door of tent unzipped. Wind got up and it started thundering but no rain. didn't wake till 8.30am. Colin put diff seal into soak. Problem with fridge charging again. Decided to leave tent and visit Rover Parts. Met great chap Sean and his wife Julie, family business next to their home, they originally came from Kenya. Sean couldn't wait to look ove the LRover and even took photos. He eventually gave us details of 3 LRover mechanics locally, then offered Colin the use of his workshop, ramp and tools but he would have to do work himself, what a result, he even offered us part of his land to camp on (they only have 13 acres not sure if enough room ). they swapped stickers and we agreed to turn up tomorrow morning.

Sean has a problem with his Rangie and Colin offered Rose's services on AULRO to assist him. Had a look on internet and came up with either Solenoid or earth. Went back to Ballarat centre and Gold Museum which is next to Sovereign Hills Historical Centre , unfortunately only had time for museum, which took us 2 hours, all about the start of the gold rush in Victoria in the 1850s. All the gold ever dug meaures 19yards cubed. Back at a camp a few new arrivals even a caravan. had a walk after dinner and got talking to a couple in a homemade camper, he is in the army and she comes from Tenterfield originall, small world, then another couple who were telling us place to visit along the Ocean Road. got cold standing around.

5 January Thursday

It was so cold last night Colin got up and got the big sleeping bag out. Slept late this morning, it is jumper weather out of the sun, very windy.

Arrive at Sean's just before 10.30am, he told Colin chatting to him had given him the impetus to sort his Rangie, and it turned out to be a bad wire causing the problem. He got ours in and on the ramp straightaway and showed Colin where his tools were and left him to it. To get the nut loosened Rose had to sit in the LRover at top of ramp stamping on the brakes, it worked, in no time at all the diff seal was changed and new oil put in it, took just about half an hour. Saying our goodbyes Sean and Julie reiterated if back in area we are welcome to camp on their land. What a lovely couple and so helpful to strangers, will recommend their parts service to anybody travelling in that area. Popped into Aldi then onto Meredith Park at Lake Colac for campsite via Scarsdale, Cape Clear and Rokewood. Very flat dry agricultural land

but much better than any main road. campsite is lovely (flushing toilets) shame about the wind, right on lakeside. Colin thinks too windy for fishing. Can see the lake right in front of us.

  Reading on the internet that 2 years ago the lake had no water it had been dry for a number of years. After dinner a Maui campervan pulled in, we got talking to the family of 3, they had moved to Oz from Colombia (South America) 12 years ago and live in Brisbane, they are at the end of their holiday and were surprised the campsite was free. Went to bed early as cold and tired.

Christmas and New Year

17 December Saturday
Bit of a wind today. Had a walk and took photos of our rocky beach.

 Just chilled and chatted. Cooked jacket spuds in open pit camp fire, they were lovely. Bed early as starting to get cold.

18 December Sunday
Cloudy today, when wind dies down quite warm. spent morning chatting to various neighbours, Peter offered us use of his hot outdoor shower later on. Had a problem with the fridge today, Colin checked the battery and solar panel wiring using Peter's meter (Colin's packed up), they are ok so checkd main battery to find fuse casing had melted, ran engine for a while to charge everythingup. Used inverter today for the first time, Colin shaved his head and we charged the computer battery. It has rained intermittantly today but isn't cold, checked the internet (have to sit on a patch of grass 20 metres from tent to get a signal) to find out been snowing at home, shame lol. after dinner Peter and Marj invited us into their motorhome for tea. The bed is over the lounge area and comes down electically at night, so always made up, brilliant idea.

19 December Monday
Lot of rain in the night but not cold. we are leaving tent and heading off to Melbourne to try and get some parts for the Landrover, also replenish fresh food. Dropped into Leongatha to use library to update blog. we followed the south Gippsland Highwayas far as Cranbourne then onto Narre Warren and to eventually to Rover Land at Ferntree Gully. It is run by a husband and wife team, glenn the husband was able to supply us with a used but new looking steering damper and lower steering column , he also gave us is card so if we need anything and can't get locally he can send to us, he also gave us a crd of a bloke who specialises in old landrovers. Very helpful couple they even gave us directions to a caravan park for the night (Wantira Park on Mountain Highway). Found caravan park no problem and whilst I sorted dinner and did laundry Colin fitted the steering damper. stressful but productive day.

20 December Tuesday

Bit of rain in the night but not cold, I had to open window, but couldn't get comfy miss the airbed. Lovely sunny morning definitely warming up, neighbour said would be 32 degrees xmas day!!! In the shower and heard O Come All Ye Faithful on the radio, very strange. Left site and filled up with fuel and visited KMart where Colin bought a fishing rod with a reel for $48 (bargain if he catches fish) and I treated myself to some thongs for $4. back on the road we spotted an Aldi and stocked up on bargains like Nescafe coffee, you can buy a case of 6 bottles of wine for £12 (£7). retracked our route of yesterday and stopped at a rest area for lunch at Koo-Wee-Rup. It used to be a swamp area inhabited by Aboringines but when the settlers came over in the 18th century they drained the swamp turning it into very fertile agricultural land, the area is famed for asparagus. decided to head back via Phillip Island along the Bass Highway (where MOTO GP held), we stopped at Kilcunda West as we could see an amazing beach

from the road, truns out unswimmable due to tides and rips but still gorgeous and goes on for miles. Back at camp Colin is going fishing with Peter a bit later!!! No fish for dinner but he had a good time, it seems he has got the hang of casting now needsnto get the hang of catching. sat around campfire with George (german) and his wife Marion (scottish), Bruno (swiss) a young couple and their 2 year old son (he is pakistani she is Oz), quite a United Nations, just chatting and having a laugh, Peter tells good jokes and stories, late to bed.

TRUE STORY FROM PETER
to start with you have to know what a long drop is, it is a toilet that does not flush but is a big hole in the ground and the drop can be quite long, a notice on these toilets state children must be accompanied by an adult.
Peter has an Italian friend who married and English girl and they had a son called Ricky, who was 5 at the time of this tale. they had gone camping and the only toilet was a long drop, Ricky had been told not to sit on the seat but to squat when he used the loo, this particular time (he must have been stood on the toilet bowl squatting not sitting) when he lost one of his flip flops, he got down and looked into the loo trying to reach his flip flop when he fell in, luckily his dad heard him calling and went in to find him headfirst stuck down the longdrop, he grabbed his foot and pulled him out, and when asked what did he do next he said I threw him in the nearby stream, the moral is read and heed the notices, but what a great way to lose a child lol

21 December Wednesday

the longest day
It was chilly last night and didn't wake till 8.30, overcast but sun trying to peep through. Colin fitted his steering column part and found movement in the steering box which he sorted out. after lunch he went Pipi hunting(shellfish bait)

 with Peter to venus Bay, he also bought a filleting knife (just need the fish), whilst he was away the tame wallaby came into the site got photos this time.

 after dinner the young couple brought us down some damper they had made and cooked on hot coals (cross between bread and scone) it was scrummy. colin went fishing again but too windy.

22 December Thursday

Not such a cold night, my watch was wrong, I thought I got up at 7.15 when it was over 2 hours later so instead of going out today did sorting and washing of clothes, several campers left site today.

23 December Friday

Set off just after 9 to Wilsons Prom

 to visit Squeeky Beach (Peter said he would make sure nobody would park in front of us , and he had made up a sign for his Suzuki LAND ROVER RECOVERY VEHICLE)

Reached Tidal River and was reading about the floods on March 22 2011, they had the rainfall for one year in one day. Roads and tracks were washed away

 and campers and staff had to be evacuated by helicopter, a few weeks later the vehicles left behind were brought out(they had all drowned). Roads had to be rebuilt and bridges renewed before Tidal River could be reopened to the public on the 23 September 2011.Many parts of the prom are still closed. As we were filling up with water a young lad came up to and wanted to know about our "rugged"car we told him what it was and how long it had taken to build. He seemed really impressed. Drove back to Squeeky Beach, the rounded grains of quartz sand make a "squeek" when walked on. the beach is near white

 and really squeeks when walked on. Colin said the water was cold. There are quite a few families on the beach as school is out for Christmas. Drove onto Foster to get supplies of meat and decided to have steak for Christmas day.When we got back to camp there was a tent pitched on our site and 3 chairs,

 but Rose recognised one of the chairs as Bruno's the tent belonged to George,it was a joke set up by Pete(oh how we laughed(yeah right)).Colin told Peter he would get revenge.  Later that arvo Peter drove us to Walkervilles south to show us the disused lime kilns

 on the beach, plus fantastic scenery.

 Met another couple Sandra and Ian who were brought over in the 60's by parents, nice couple

Christmas Eve Saturday

Hot start to the day. Peter left this morning but will be back Christmas day afternoon with Grandkids and Marj for a 2 week stay. He has Brought enough water for a small town.

 After he left Rose used his outside shower, brilliant idea having shower attached to outside of motorhome with hot and cold water. We just sat in the very hot sunshine for the day, went fishing but still no fish. some Chinese had been fishing right out on the rocks for about 3 hours and caught 4 fish. Used our BBQ for first time it is really good and cooks very quickly, even cooked jacket spuds. Spent evening round camp fire with Bruno Sandra Ian and Chinese guys, Sandra's daughter had rung earlier to say it wasthundering at home.

Christmas Day Sunday

Thunder and lightning started soon after we went to bed then heavy rain, it went on till about 4.30 am. It is a bit wet this morning to say the least, but its warm. there is a big lake by the toilets.

 It is still a bit black in the sky and showery at 9am. Read Peter's weather station we had 17mm of rain in the night. Rang Laurie and Marion to wish merry Christmas and the weather in Brisbane isnt very good either. Opened our Christmas cards in bed, it just does'nt seem like Christmas at all. Weather has improved , the sun keeps popping out. Just after 1pm. started rolling with thunder again, then just stopped. The BBQ failed today so had to cook steak on cooker along with fried/halved jacket spuds, they were like big chips. Colin had an idea for revenge on Pete, he made up a sign with NO PARKING DISABLED ACCESS

 which even fooled some campers who wanted to camp infront of his motorhome. It made Peter and his familly laugh. We sat in the carpark in the evening to Skype home(its the only place for a signal), we had a brolly up over our heads as was spotting with rain and lightning again. It was great to talk to everyone , we missed Natalie as she was driving to Sandras for Christmas. Peter asked us to join them for a brew and sausage rolls before bed.

26 December Monday

More rain, lightning and thunder in the night Colin slept through it. Sat in carpark again to Skype Natalie at Sandies, she has settled into her flat and they making plans for coming out to Oz Jan/Feb. Told her to look up what a long drop toilet is on Google, as they are planning to hire a motorhome for part of the trip. It was good to chat. Weather is changeable today, sunny, windy, showery. Had a walk westerly along the beach in the arvo, looking in the rock pools and scrambling over the rocks, it was really nice, we have been invited to dinner tonight with Pete and Marj and familly they had cooked a full roast dinner beef and venison and roast veggies in camp ovens on camp fire, followed by plum pudding and brandy custard, it was delicious all plates clear. it was a really lovelly evening such a wonderfull family, it will be a wrench to leave them.

27 December Tuesday

Peter brought his solar panel over for fridge as we have a problem again also gas bottle ran out, it did really well lasting nearly 3 weeks. Sorted clothes and got rid of books and magazines to Marj, Colin decided had a bad earth to battery so repaired that. We had a moment of thinking about staying here but decided we really must move on. Cooked jacket spuds in camp fire to have with with chicken curry, lovelly, then round fire for the last time, it was a clear starry night and nice sat around with Bruno, Jeremy, George, Marion, Peter, Marj, Ben, Dylon and Josh plus some other youngsters that joined us before they headed off to Sydney for New Years.

28 December Wednesday

Clear sky and sunny, beautiful day to be travelling. Colin has taken down the solar twinkling lights as will be leaving them with Peter for his help and advice plus his wit!! Said our goodbyes to Sandra and Ian who had kindly invited us to stay with them for a couple of days, then Bruno and Jerry, George and Marion and finally Peter and Marj and familly who have made us feel part of their lives in the past 2 weeks, who will finish Pete's jokes for him now? We got away 10.15 and made our way to Wonthaggi to get some fresh meat before heading off to Gembrook and our next campsite at Kurth Kiln (Cockatoo) in the Bunyip State Park, arriving at 2.30pm. We both feel very tired, took us ages to set up camp, we decided to stay for 2 nights as Colin wants to tinker with Land Rover. We are on the side with the toilets (long drop) on the other side is the fresh water lake but you cant camp with vehicle next to tent. A trailer tent pulled in and took ages to get set up, have 2 noisey kids and didnt respond to a friendly hello(sod em). After dinner had a walk to the kilns.

 During WW2 there was a shortage of fuel so it was decided to convert wood to charcoal using a method patented by a Dr Kurth, where we are is one of the sites chosen as there is plenty of wood and water,it only operated for a few years as fuel embargo ceased. Went to bed early as really tired.

29 December Thursday

Slept late only heard Koala in the night Colin said there was music going in the night till 2.30am. Few clouds in sky at moment, very peaceful as well. We sorted through our magazines and maps and Colin gave some to our neighbours before they moved on. Colin did his tinkering then we both had a shower before going for a walk in the forrest(we saw butterflies that appeared to glide). We did a big circle and stopped to talk to other campers about 300metres from where we are, they have seen a few snakes today and they have a friendly Koala. Got back to camp and Colin lit the camp fire with wood we found lying around and once it was going we did some jacket spuds in fire to go with fried chicken and salad followed by mince pies and custard(hard life living rough).Whilst sitting around Colin spotted a Koala climbing a tree

 about 50metres away. we read earlier they had released 250 Koala's into the forest from French Island in October this year as part of the revegitation of the area, as i was writing this a baby Koala

Sorry pic is blurred but he is so cute

walked over and started to climb a tree next to us, we still find it exciting. Just before bed the young Koala came down from his tree and ran for the bush.

30 December Friday

Bit cloudy this morning but forecast 28deg rising to about 35 by the weekend . Big Koala still in his tree. The rangers came this morning to clean the loo's and found a Koala on the ground at the base of a tree.

 It has been a good spot for wildlife.. Left about 9.30 and headed toward Healsville then Toolangi to get onto road for Yea. the country side is getting drier as we travel north. At Yea we took the road to Seymour and across country via Pukapunyal. On this road we saw a Kangaroo in the road, he ran off into the bush and hit a fence surrounding the Pukapuyal Military Area, it was funny as he kept trying to jump the fence without success. Decided to camp for the night at Dargile Camp Area just north of Heathcote where we stopped at info centre for local maps. Satnav took us through the bush rather than up the road,

 good job not up a mountain this time. Camp area isnt busy and even though ther are trees there isnt a lot of shade. Weather is very hot and sunny. The other campers are very noisey, they cant talk to each other they have to shout,Colin has nicknamed them the Clampits. We sat out all evening without jumpers, with Colin typing up the journal.

31 December Saturday

Strange night, warm and chilly at times. Rose is not feeling very well, had a headache yesterday which was put down to heat, but now has sore throat,just have to dose up with Paracetemoll. Clear blue skies, hot today must be about 30deg. Arrived at showground at Bendigo, not many here and only $20 a night with free laundry. A family in a neighbouring street spent most of the day shouting and arguing with each other(neighbours from hell). Rose went to bed early not feeling well.

New Years Day 2012 Sunday

What a night the family again shouting and screeming well into the night, then fireworks, Colin got up to watch and said they were very impressive. A market started at 6am. Had a walk round it , was quite amazing but didnt buy anything, they are the places to go as they much cheaper than the shops. Rose went back to bed for the day,just feel awful, feel sorry for Colin. It is very hot today looked on internet it was 36deg. Caretaker came round today and only charged us $10 for one night(forgot to tell him we had stayed two nights). Rose certainly feels better this evening just very hot and thirsty. Colin went and talked to a fellow camper for 2 hours this evening he's in a Toyota camper and originally from Croyden. Rose had a couple of Weetabix for dinner and Colin had Apricot and custard when he got back. Colin spoke to Laurie today and it seems the cyclonic weather they had is pushing the heat in center of country south, that is why its so hot.

Into Victoria

11 December Sunday

Rain in the night didnt last long, bit overcast this morning. (Rose is still losing weight, all those clothes she didnt bring cos they were too tight).Took spuds to other couple (Linda and Feff) and got talking to them till gone 11 Had a coffee) really interesting couple who gave us lots of advice. Finally left camp at 11 45 and left the easy way this time along Imlay Rd(no wonder they got a caravan up there) and onto Princess Highway till we got to the turn for Mallacoota. It is a very old fashioned seaside town,

We met a lovely English lady in the information center,

 she'd kept her accent even after 50+ years in Oz. Decide as we'd had such a late start to stay at the rest area at Genoa. (back on Princess Highway), Nice place and cold showers if you want them. Had a walk into town over the historic bridge, but it really is only a few houses.

12th December Monday

Away by 9.30 back on Princess Highway till we took the road to Cape Conran as thought it would be nice to drive alongthe coast road to Marlo. Stopped at Point Ricardo car park and walked to beach, waves amazing,

 beach goes on for ever. At Marlo

bought some tobacco for Colin before rejoining Highway to Lakes Entrance, what a beautiful spot. The sea is behind the dunes which are infront of inland lake/port.

And the sun is trying to come out. Decided to go to Bairnsdale for 2 nights at the Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park ($48), it is a lovely setting by the river and it has a pool (looks cold). Used camp kitchen to cook dinner and sat in there catching up on Emails and getting blog up to date.

13th December Tuesday

Thought it might be noisy being so close to the road but not too bad at all. Just pootled around in the morning and got gas bottle filled($11), had a walk round town in the afternoon, it is much bigger than we thought,we got our food shopping for the week at the same time. Weather would be warm except for the chill wind. Colin did some checking over the motor. Catted with neighbour before bed to warm up and get out of the rain.

14th December Wednesday

Warmer this morning , left site about 9.30 and went to library to upload photos onto blog, quickest WiFi yet , got feul then back on road by 10.30 Drove through Stratford ou the Avon, bit disappointing as it has such a famous name. Through Sale and down to Yarram, we stopped at port Welshpool for lunch, it is a fishing port

which also services the oil industry, it has an old fashioned feel to it and also has a very long and very old jetty.

 Carried on to Foster and got a local map before heading onto camp site for the next couple of days at Bear Gully Reserve. We can see the sea from our tent, it is approx 100 meters away.

 For a site site that is only suitable for small vehicles there's an awfull lot of caravans and big campers.


15th December Thursday

Woke to an orange glow in the tent, sunrising, should have got up but went back to sleep till 8am. Very hot sunny day.  I went for a walk to see where one of the tracks went and came across a near black Wallaby having a feed, don't know who was more surprised, went and got Colin to see.  Later the English neighbours Eve and Eric called us through to see an Akidna

wandering through the camp.
Just read and chatted rest of day.

16th December Friday

Said goodbye to Eve and Eric our neighbours as they had to go as they had run out of water and electricity for the fridge, after chatting to Colin they are going to buy a solar panel to keep battery topped up. We decided to go to Fish Creek as they are the nearest shops 35k away as Colin needed fag papers, it is a very quaint village. Stopped at Waratah Bay for lunch on the beach, very windy ended up with sand in our sarnies and everywhere else, pitty as its a very nice beach.Drove onto the Cape Liptrap Lighthouse

(there was a bird on the road sunning itself, but it did not move, our very own roadkill) amazing views can see curvature of the earth again, also can see over to Wilsons Prometory which is southern most tip of mainland Oz.

 Later back at site, more campers comming in for the weekend. Had a chat and nibbles with local couple Peter and Marj, they had lived in NZ a couple of times with work, Marj loved the country. By the time we finished dinner it was dark so went to bed.