Eyre to start of Nullarbor

18th February Saturday

Got a bit cold again towards morning, condesation. Sunny start as we pack up camp today. Joanne and Paul came over to say goodbye, their son calls them "trailer trash" cos they live in a caravan, we decided we are less than that as we can't afford a trailer!! Stopped at Elliston for a few supplies, went into Op shop and bought a size :12: skirt $4(be nice to have something that fits). Followed the signs for the Elliston Ocean Rd but could'nt find it!! Drove on to Streaky Bay to see what was there, but it's Saturday afternoon and it's closed, so pressed on to camp at Westhall but decided not to stop as not ideal so backtraked to Tractor Beach,

 it is a north facing beach and bush camping but we  have shovel, no surf, crystal clear waters and swimmable.

 It has been a hot day in the L Rover, up to 32degs . Sat down having cup of tea and another couple turned up with an off road camper, it seems they have been passing us since Coffin Bay, they even saw us at our last camp at Sheringa Beach. Terry and Janine are travelling the coast for up to 2yrs. They invited us to spend the evening with them round their camp fire, along with their adorable dog Darcy. Great evening, bed at 11.30. Terry said he would take Colin fishing tomorrow.

19th February Sunday

Ther are a lot of Bees around today, warmer night with a cloudy start to the day. Colin said he saw lightening out to the west last night, so we'll see what weather brings today. Had a walk down to the beach and found some Limpets, which we collected for fishing. Back at the tent Colin spotted a line of Caterpillers playing follow my leader, approx 1mtr long.

 Whilst Colin had a kip Rose saw a Stub Tailed Lizard, strange creature. When Colin woke up we went down to the beach to fish, HE CAUGHT A FLAT HEAD FISH, YIPPEE, but had to throw it back as not big enough to eat, about the length of his size 10 feet, shame did'nt take camera with us. It has been a much cooler day with a lot of cloud, not getting above 24degs, even had a few drops of rain. Just got off to bed when the heavens opened with rain. Had a beautful red sky.

20th February Monday

Terry called us as there were Dolphins in the bay(slept till 8.30) fantistic sight watching them playing and splashing about.

 Said our goodbyes to Terry and Janine,maybe we'll meet again. Went fishing about lunchtime and we caught a Flathead each, only to small so had to throw them back. Tried twice more during the afternoon but no sucess. Day has been hot and windy. Rose has finally thrown her white sandals away(they have been mended 3 times by Colin), but found some Billabong thongs(flip flops or if you are a Kiwi jangles).

21st February Tuesday

Bit of a chill this morning, walked to beach and tide is furthest out we have seen,uncovering the rocks. Left site approx 9am. onto Flinders Hway to Ceduna. Some very straight roads again, measured one bit of road we saw in the distance at 10kms. Arrived at Ceduna and went straight to town centre to find Foodland for shopping. When we came out saw another L Rover in the car park loaded with roof tent etc. it was UK registered 1998 Defender 110. As we were walking away the owner called after us, he left his wife in supermarket with shopping. They are Dave and Stephanie and come from Birmingham. They left UK nearly 2yrs ago travelling through Africa to Cape Town, then they decided to ship out to Oz via Perth. That journey took longer than expected, but they managed to find accomodation to wait out the weeks. They are near the end of their trip, and are due to head back to the UK in March or April. Stephanie was talking about a few weeks in NZ before they went home so told them about Escape Rentals and the free and cheep camping. Colin gave our Blog address and home phone number, hope they get in touch. Found our way to A1 Cabins and Caravan Site our home for the next few days, bit dusty and need of tlc but showers and toilets are clean. Colin rang Laurie whilst Rose cooked dinner, it is great to catch up with them and to be in contact with the outside world. Dodzee is back on the trucks again so hopefully might see him on the road some time. Colin then rang Peter and Marj, they are in Mallacoota which they say is packed, and they are doing well. Rose went on internet for a while and had short chat on facebook with Heather and Karen

22nd February Wednesday

Karens 30th birthday. Bit chilly this morning and we are under the flightpath for REX airlines, but overnight the site is quiet. Eventually got ourselves moving to the library but only managed to on blog but no photos, then wandered round Cenduna after treating ourselves to lunch. Back at site spent rearranging the inside of the LRover tryingto make space. After dinner rang Marion and had a nice long chat.

23rd February Thursday

Rang Karen as still her birthday, it was really good talking to her, she sold her car last week so only the house to go. Left site 9.30ish need fuel, oil and gas bottle filled. Mission accomplished. On Eyre HWay heading towards Penong and Cactus Beach. Did short drive on dirt rd. to Cactus Beach but to corrugated so turned back, decided to go to Fowlers Bay instead. Approx 20kms on dirt road with some corrugation but it was worth it.

 Had lunch on foreshore and walk along the jetty.

 Fowlers Bay is known for its good fishing and from June to October the Southern Right Whales use the bay to nurse there young. Its 33degs in the LRover. Saw some rather oversized vehicles

 on the Eyre HWay. Drove through Yalata to a rest area 21kms to the west of the town for night. Even the wind is hot today. Colin put the side awning out and a big gust of wind got under it and pulled the pegs out, it is fixable but not today. It has been very long straight rollercoaster roads today.

 Sleeping in LRover tonight.

24th February Friday

FRIDAY FACT- THE NULLARBOR LINKS IS THE LONGEST GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD AT 1365 KMS LONG

Warm night, we think we have a mouse in the Landrover so will have to strip everything out to find it. Hardly heard any traffic in the night. Already warm, left site at 9am and headed down the road to the Head of the Bight,

 at the lookout to the east are sand dunes

which are moving inland at the rate of 11 metres per year, and when you look west you can see the limestone Bunda Cliffs. The cliffs form part of the largest cliffs in the world. The Head of the bight is one on the best places to see the annual breeding of the Southern Right Whales (June-Oct). Temperature has reached 40 degrees in the Landrover, we are sweating a bit. We were going to free camp but on 10 km further on is the Border Village

with camping and showers. when we arrived found it had a swimming pool, soon as awning set up (sleep in LR tonight) we went and had a swim, it was lovely. After a bitza dinnerwalked up to the roadhouse for an ice-cream. We found out the time haqd moved on we are now 1 3/4 hours behind South australia, on way back met a bloke from Switzerland who had shipped his Harley out to New Zealand, where he toured for 3 months, then brought it across to Oz for 3 months and he is then travelling onto America and Canada, he was saying it had been a very hot day for him as well. bed 9pm new time 10.45 old time and still 24degrees.

Eyre Peninsula 2

11th February Saturday

Rain in the night but wind lessened a bit. Returned books back to Rob that he lent us, he showed us a lump of gold he had found, it was surprisingly heavy, worth about $1200. Colin gave tham our blog address and we said our goodbyes, Rob soggested we climb a hill and try for a phone signal. Late breakfast/early lunch of bacon and eggs, so healthy. Went for a walk along cliffs(no signal) and back along the beach in the sunshine, it was lovely, then sat in the sun reading till we got too hot. Very chilled day.

12th February Sunday

Robyns birthday, no signal on phone. Cloudy this morning and site very quiet, sun eventually came out at 1pm. Went for a walk along the beach again the water is so clear and blue

we could see little fish in it, along the shoreline came across a dead jellyfish and crab, as we were walking back we saw Dolphins playing in the surf about 10mtrs from us, it was an amazing sight(no camera) Such a lovely place almost idylic. Getting hotter so didnt do a lot the rest of the day.

13th February Monday

Leaving Lipson Cove about 9am.Q uick pack away today. At Tumby Bay Community Library for internet access and send birthday wishes to Robyn and saw photos on facebook of snow back home, they've had quite a lot of it. The library is situated in a school, could'nt see that happening at home, whilst we were there children came in for storytelling. Unable to upload photos, will try later in week. Sat on foreshore at Tumby Bay overlooking the jetty having coffee, wonderful beach, white sands, clear water. Drove onto Port Lincoln and after shoppingand fuel sat on foreshore having lunch. There was a big grain tanker

 at the port to be loaded with grain from the locality. It seems Port Lincoln's harbour is bigger than that of Sydney and is the home of the countrys largest commercial fishing fleet. We decided to go inland for a camp for a couple of nights, the first one we looked at was Mckechnie Springs Farmstay, it was a run down hovel of a place, so we carried on up Tod Highway to Cummins where ther is a caravan park operated by the community, it is only $15 per night unpowered with a free laundry proper showers and toilets. Seems a nice town with all you need day to dar shopping. The town skyline is dominated by a huge grain silo, storage before shipping to Port Lincoln. Used the free on site BBQ to cook lamb chops for dinner. Read before bed.

14th February Tuesday

Good nights sleep, cloudy but muggy start to the day, did all washing(bed linen, clothes), all dried very quickly. Had a walk into town and Colin dropped off a tent bar into an engineering shop to bend for us(to use with rear awning). We found the community library(in a school again) but still unable to get on to blog as internet very slow. The staff were complaining that due to lack of Government funds, county towns are being neglected with internet connection speed. Found Op shop bought some books and will drop off our finished books tomorrow. It is 32degs in the shade today and keeps threatening to rain, might just clear the air. It's a bit hot and muggy to do anything, would just love to shed skin. Checked computer and thunder storms might happen !! Colin still cant get signal on his phone.

15th February Wednesday

No rain or storms in the night, still cloudy. No phone signal still. off to get pole back from engineers workshop, drop keys and books off. Engineering shop unable to bend pole but we got some greese and a new light for the tent. Back to Port Lincoln on Flinders H.way, we passed a boot tree,

 also  passed a triple roadtrain(they are big). Found Telstra shop only to find we need a Blue tick phone to cover country/remote areas(not what we were told in Sydney) so bought a cheap Samsung for $79. Then onto jewllers for a new watch battery for Rose $15 which was more than the watch, then finally onto Cheap as Chip shop, picked up a few items and got a bag with there name on it for guess who? Went to Coffin Bay to have lunch by the sea, then up to Flinders Way H.way - very straight road again, went approx 15mins without seeing other traffic. Stopped at roadhouse at Sheringa

for camping permit before driving to Sheringa Beach our camp for 2 nights. We are camped approx 50mtrs from the ocean behind the dunes.

Southern Ocean again sonot suitable for swimming(too cold). The new phone rang but as no signal unable to answer call, duh.

16th February Thursday

Condensation in tent, Rose got dripped on during the night. Colin heard an animal in the night and when we got up we spotted paw prints in the sand round tent. It's 9.30 and only 26degs, we should would be in a heatwave at home. Rose read instuctions for new phone and put it on charge. Neighbour in a caravan came over to talkn to Colin and asked him if he could help with a problem with a quad bike, Colin thinks it could be a fuel problem. Just read another good book called "Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Went for a walk along the beach

 and into the dunes,

which are beautiful, the wind has got up and it getting hot. The sea as usual is crystal clear,

we have been told the next bay along is perfect for surfing. A few coming into camp as the evening goes on.

17th February Friday

FRIDAY FACT:- AT 2010 KMS THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IS THE LONGEST REEF IN THE WORLD

Decided to stay another night, already getting hot can feel sun burning head. 30+degs today, very dusty due to slight breeze. After lunch drove to next bay to have a look. it is spectacular with it's again clear water

and the surf,

 but the water is cold. The Eyre Peninsular coast is just as good as the GOR. Went to have a shower and that has now broken, so had strip wash instead(something else to buy). New neighbours Joanne and Paul joined us for Happy Hour, someone else on the same budget as us, very good evening,did'nt have dinner till about 8.30(quite late for us)

Eyre Peninsula 1

4th February Saturday

Great nights sleep. up early as girls are already up. Cloudier today and not so hot. We ended up with food, towels, folding chairs, Thermos flask and a glass by the time the motor home was sorted. Natalie can barely lift her case. By the time we had a few photos taken it was time to say our goodbyes again, they left about 10ish to drive to Adelade to catch their flight to Brisbane. It was really good to see them. We spent the rest of the day not doing a lot. It has remained cloudy and muggy today, silly Rose should have known better sat in the sun and got burnt. Walked up to the social club again just before 6pm to get gas bottle filled, also took chairs, glass and a few books with us, they were delighted and would certainly pass chairs on. Phil and Maz also at club so we treated ourselves to another night out. Another couple from the camp joined us and we had a good evening. It had been raining whilst in club as was forcast.

5th February Sunday

Lots of rain in the night, even thunder at one point, 8am and still raining it doesn't feel cold,just hope it stops at some point as site is getting puddly. Coldish day same very heavy showers at times, noticed tabs on tent that we zip flysheet to has ripped so took down flysheet, winds gusting over 50km per hour. In evening invited to sit under Ralp and Caroline's awning out of the wind (new neighbours with new Range Rover). Went to bed 8.30ish as getting cold. Colin spoke to Laurie, Nats in bed, Mary and Sandie in pool

6th February Monday

Windy chilly night, overcast at first but sun coming through nicely. Tidying and putting away ready to leave tomorrow. Peter sent through a text of some nice camp sites on the Eyre Peninsula(his sister is there at the moment). Colin received a text from Sandie, they might be leaving Tuesday due to cancelled flights at Heathrow due to the snow(what a shame). Colin rang Natalie and they are leaving at 7am tomorrow, Leigh her partner cant even get his car off the drive due to the snow. Looked on internet and weather does look bad. The day here is cooling down to around 26degs. mmm.

7th February Tuesday

Up early to say goodbye to Phil and Maz, they are off to get new air conditioning fitted to their motorhome, lovely couple. We are going to a caravan place at Port Wakefield to see if they can repair the rip in our tent flap. Bit chilly this morning, quite a bit of cloud. Left site at 9.45, when at Port Wakefield, Hump Caravans they gave George a ring to do the repair, we went for tea and toast to wait, when finally got to meet him he tried hand sewing the tear but it didnt work so had to take frame out of tent, he did a good job but whilst helping Colin he got a bit heavey handed and sheared a bolt by overtightening it, eventually got that out so they could fabricate another one but after lunch, Whilst waiting George stitched a lower strap back on for us. Finally at 2pm slider in place and tent back together. Colin took it back to L Rover and Rose paid $65 for labour(too hot to argue), by the time we left we had been there 4hrs. Filled up with fuel and headed to nearest site at Bute. It is a town owned caravan park $15 for power laundry and showers. It has been a day of stupid things going wrong but we still have a smile on our faces. After dinner it started to cloud over and got a bit chilly.

8th February Wednesday

The farce goes on. A sprinkler system came on at 3.30am right outside our tent, which in turn set off a dog barking/howling nearby, finally turned off at 5.30. Cold night also. Sun is popping head out. After lovely hot showers took keys back and explained problem in the night, the apologised profusely and said they should have been switched off, she refunded our site fees. Off to Port Pirie, after passing through Port Broughton, passing flat open fields that have been harvested for grain. Now lovely blue sky. Stopped at Port Pirie library and shopping before onto Port Germain for lunch. Port Germain is famed for having the longest wooden jetty in Oz.

 The country side is changing to a more barren landscape with hills in the distance. Saw a couple of freight trains, both approximately 1km long. We followed a millitary truck and Land Rover

 from Port Germain to Port Augusta. Now travelling south to the Eyre Peninsula to Point Lowly and camp, scenery changing all the time, the dirt is getting redder. Point Lowly not suitable for us, only flat area for tent is too exposed so retraced back to Fitzgerald Bay for camp,

 no toilets but we have shovel. Put out awning and will sleep in L Rover. Lovely bay, tide came in as evening went on. If we could have camp with facilities would have stayed, shame as very nice place.

9th February Thursday

Up early, tide still coming in.

 Left site just before 10am and stopped at Whyalla info centre. Whyalla is a very industrial town famed for its iron ore. Lady in info centre very helpful and gave us a book about the Ayre Peninsula with free camping as well. On road to Port Gibbon, very straight road and at times no other traffic around, quite desolate looking. Just south of Whyalla we could see a squarish hill, as we got closer we realised it was a working quarry, we could see the big dumper trucks from the road,

 we think iron ore extaction. Countryside getting a bit greener but the road just goes on like a straight rollercoaster,

you can see vehicles about 2kms in front of you. Got to Port Gibbon Foreshore quite early, nice spot to camp but very difficult to put pegs into ground, will just do one night, it is right next to beach and people are catching fish. Got talking to a couple from Melbourne who are travelling the coast for 12months, they have a budget of $1000 per week, we were astonished as ours is only $350 per week, we'd be laughing and in luxuryat $1000pw. Getting cold so into tent early.

10th February Friday

FRIDAY FACT:- MELBOURNE HAS THE LARGEST RUNNING PUBLIC TRAM SYSTEM IN THE WORLD.

Wind got up in the night, cloudy first thing but blue sky on its way. Left site about 10ish, down Lincoln Highway, stopped at Arno Bay but not much there so on way to Port Neill,

really nice bay, quite a few people arrived to go fishing. Arrived at Lipson Cove just after lunch(free0, it is gorgeous, only downer pegs hard to get into ground and quite windy, but been told it will calm down in next few days. The sand is white and the sea is a lovely shade of blue.

 Our neighbour Karen had a walk alomg the beach and spotted Dolphins in the bay. She was telling that her partner Rob was in the sea earlier and the Dolphins were swimming around him, fantastic, will keep an eye out. Had cup of tea "Happy Hour" with Karen and Rob, they are heading home to Port Lincoln as she has a 6month nursing contract, then they will be off travelling again. Rob is a Fossicker(treasure hunter), interested in Gold and Gems. Good chat before dinner, then bed.

Birthday week

28th January Saturday

Best sleep for a long time, wind has dropped down. Walked 100mtrs to sea, the tide is in and it looks gorgeous. Late breakfast, Sandra came over and told us they would be running gennie for a while, no probs, then offered us a hook up whilst running it tomorrow, really kind, we'll plug in fridge to give solar a chance to top up battery and Colin can shave his head(what a treat). Light breeze today with clouds scudding across the sky but still hot. Just sat around and read, chatted with other campers(its a hard life), Colin spoke to Laurie and Marion is holding her own at the moment, shame we cant be with them. Had a shower late afternoon just to get rid of sweaty feeling for a while, at last Rose is wearing one of the dresses she bought in Surfers. Lot of new people on site tonight. Joined Alan Sandra and others for Happy Hour, lovely evening sat around chatting, the clouds are building up and trying to rain. The sunset is amazing

over the sea and you can the rain clouds in the distance.

 Shut back door of L Rover in case it rains in the night.

29th January Sunday

No rain in the night but still cloudy, Colin said our French neighbours were up talking late so when we got up started banging about and generaly making a lot of noise(it worked cos they left). Solar panel not kept up with the fridge again due to the heat, only lasted 1 1/2 days. Alan has gennie on for Sandra to do washing so we have plugged in to get fridge back to temp. have a shave and charged battery for drill. Decided to have a run out to Gawler tomorrow and perhaps look at getting a larger solar panel, we need oil and grease anywayalso we can do some touristy stuff at same time. Few people leaving today so hopefully leave enough room for girls when they arrive. It is very hot and humid today. Drove to Dublin

after lunch, had a look round butchers, will definately get some meat later in the week, went into greengrocers and bought 2 delicious Peaches and a bottle of bubbly(Apple and Cherry). General store is an Aladins cave, managed to get some ratchet straps and treated ourselves to ice lollies, nice little drive out. Joined neighbours for Happy Hour Greg and his wife joined us as well, interesting chatty evening putting the world to rights. Before bed could see lightning in the sky, wind getting up.

30th January Monday

Very windy night, Sandra and Alan left today of to Lowly Bay, after pancakes for breakfast went to Gawler to use Library, got bits of food shopping and buy a new solar panel. Found solar panel in local camping shop, 80w suitcase style which keep up with fridge, alsofound out if panels get too hot they loose there effectiveness. Long day out, it even rained at one point. On drive back spotted some sculptures made of scrap metal in the fields.

Sun has come out but wind is still very strong, back at camp Phil said that he had to retie some of our guy ropes as clips had broke. Site is filling up quickly after the mass exodus this morning. Went to bed early really tired, asleep early as well. Natalie rang they are at Bairnsdale.

31 January Tuesday

Slept in till about 9am. New airbed is not behaving itself. Wind not so bad and sun coming out. Started chatting to new neighbours Tom and Moira they are at the end of a 4 month trip, they very kindly asked us to roast Lamb dinner tonight(course we said yes). Gave Colin his sandwich while he was talking to Phil and Maz. Natalie rang at 3pm they are at Warnambool so will get to us tomorrow. Eventually got solar panel working, could do with some sunny days to get it up and running. Wind has got up as day has gone on but managed to get a shower despite it. Washed through some clothes which dried very quickly in the wind and sun. Site quite empty again tonight. Colin had to get some tobacco from Maz to last till tomorrow. Natalie rang they are at Portland and will arrive tomorrow. Went to dinner at 6.30 with Tom and Moira, roast lamb roast spuds, sweet potato, peas and gravy followed by chocolate gateau, what a feast, sat at table in their van, it was great food, great company, great evening.

1st February Wednesday

Colin 60. Birthday in summer for a change,sun shining. Airbed gone down. Had a quiet day waiting for girls to arrive, finally got the call and went down to Dublin to meet them. All three are tired after the nonstop travelling, but they have done some sightseeing which is good. Phil and Maz joined us for happy hour, the girls had picked up some wine from Asda and Colin has got his Baccy, lovely evening chatting and catching up on whats been happening. It turns out they flew out First and Business Class,what a bummer. We joined the girls in the motor home for dinner, it seems Sandie and Natalie whilst Mary was the gally slave. Late night 11pm, they even bought a birthday cake with them.

2nd February Thursday

Wind died down, very sunny. Airbed gone down. Natalie bought out a memory stick from Ricky Emma Harry and Ellie at Christmas and singing happy birthday to Grandad with some messages, it was lovely to see them and very touching they have grown so much and appear so grown up(Harry and Ellie that is). Spent a lazy day talking, Mary and Rose in the shade, Colin in the sun but covered up and Sandie and Natalie in the sun, it was what they needed, no driving apart from going to Dublin to get some meet for dinner(15 mins away). Early night, then Colin decided to chat in bed for ages, perhaps it is an old age thing.

3rd February Friday

FRIDAY FACT- AUSTRALIA HAS 5 TIMES MORE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES THAN NEW ZEALAND

Airbed down. Bit overcast first thing, should brighten up. We are going to Gawler today in the motorhome, left about 9.30, we dropped off at BigW and the girls went on to a caravan park to get a shower. When we told girl in BigW our problems with airbed she said they had a lot if problems with that make so we decided to get a different make(Colemans), it cost an extra $35 so fingers crossed. We walked to caravan site to meet girls who said they had paid $5 each for showers but it was well worth it. Drove back into town and after finding somewhere to park we went into a cafe for lunch, then a mooch round the shops, something we havent done in a long time. Back at site at 3pm, nice to sit and rest again, checked thermometer it was 26 in the shade and 38 in the sun. Walked to Social Club(1km) for dinner tonight, lovely local club and atmosphere, all run by volunteers. You order meals off a board, Rose had Chicken Schnitzel, Colin had Lamb Fry(Liver) and Bacon, you help yourself to salad as starter, even Tea and Coffee was free. We entered the raffle and Mary won chocs in a glass. Watching the TV screen at the club we saw surfboarding rats!!! We had a great night our first meal out. On the way back to camp saw yet another lovely sunset. We are looking forward to our new mattress. Again lovely sunset.

Into South Australia

21st January Saturday

Airbed still going down. Up early, cloudy this morning, packed up , had a chat with John and Ann and did a book swop, finally left site about 10.30am. Dropped down onto Portland-Nelson Rd. towards South Australia,

heading for Mount Gambier, en route stopped at the Blue Lake.

 It has a strange phenomena as the water changes colour from grey to a wonderful blue from November to March. Carried onto info centre, where we found out we could camp in the National Parks for $5 per vehicle and as we have a 4WD we can go beach camping . Decided to stop in Mount Gambier showground tonight. As Colin put it "we had to nail the tent down" against the south east winds, yet when the wind dies down it is very hot. Walked into town but everything closes at 1pm on a Saturday, back at camp a couple told us in south australia and western australia only the big shops open on Sundays and next week, as Australia Day on Thursday a lot of shops might close for whole weekend to extend the holiday. Went onto facebook before dinner and had a chat with Laurie, heather, Liz and Ricky, isn't technology great, dinner of crackers and Philadelphia with tomato chutney followed by fruit salad. Colin went to bed as feeling really tired, I stayed up whilst computer battery charged. wind has dropped.

22nd January Sunday

Airbed still going down, will have to find a BigW at some point to take airbed back. Colin had a good nights sleep. No wind and sunny today, had a shower it was sooo hot could have stayed there. Been given a tip to stop ants climbing the guy ropes, put talc around the pegs(will give it a go). When left site went to laundrette then onto Coles to stock up on fresh food, decided to head for campsite at Geltwood Beach in the Canunda National Park as according to our information only $5 per night, when arrived it was $12 and no shade also a bit of a hike to beach so travelled on tthe Rendlesham Rd to Southend to the Kotgee Camping Area in the National Park, nice spot so will stay a night or two.

23rd January Monday

Bit of a warm night and it is hot already its not even 8am. There are ants all over the outside of the tent(hav'nt got talc yet), So blitzed them with fly spray and insect repellant. The sun is very intense today, both sat in shade reading, Rose read a brilliant book called The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson Did our chores later in the afternoon then had a shower, had to add cold water to the solar water as water is very hot. Much cooler evening.

24th January Tuesday

Up and packed by 8.30 but still did'nt beat the ranger so had to pay $12(got away with 1 night). Drove to Southend and parked at jetty for breakfast, the boats go out for Crayfish and are back in by about 10.30. Already very hot. Drove onto Robe Rd to use the Library, in South Austalia they give you a login and password to last the whole State, only trouble wifi is very slow so still have to put photos onto blog. Moved across the road in the shade for lunch under the trees by the sea,

lovely spot. Robe is a tourist town, the Diesel is $1.59 per litre, at least 9cents dearer than down south. Lokked at Camps book and decided to head to 42 Mile Campground in the Coorong National Park. Just north of Kingston S E on the Princess Highway we found the Big Red Lobster.

The campsite is very open but it looks like its had money spent on new toilets and replanting. There is a plague of bees on this site but we'll tough it out,

 left water in washing up bowl then left it on grass to attract them away from tent(it worked). Only one night here. It started to feel damp just before bed but still warm.

25th January Wednesday

Awake early so got up and packed up tent left site by 8am(beat ranger so free night), bit cooler this morning. Stopped at just after 9 at Meningie Lions Park rest area for breakfast, sun now showing. Drove onto Tailem Bend Library(sat nav playing up now) had to put photos onto memory stick then upload onto blog, lady in library very helpful. Didn't stop for lunch, back to Wellington and onto ferry to cross the Murray

(ferry cross the mersey keeps popping into Roses head), made sandwiches while on ferry. Then to Langhorrne Creek before taking road to Milang and Finnis and back onto road to Victor Harbou( much quicker than sat nav route). Victor Harbour seems a nice tourist town, found a BigW and exchanged airbed, it is in the sale so we got some money back so bought some chocolate and still got change, then bought a crossword book but still ended up $1.15 up. Decided to go to the Waitpinga Campground in the Newland Head Conservation Park, you can hear the Southern Ocean. Weather has clouded over again. The landscape is very flat and very dry with straight roads(shades of things to come). Had a walk over the dunes to the Southern Ocean.

 In the camp we sited 2 Wallabies feeding.

 After shower and dinner the sun finally came out, lovely, it is a nice site. Sleeping in vehicle tonight .

ps Waitpinga means windy bay.

26th January Thursday. (Australia Day)

Up and away early again(beat ranger yet again so another free night), drove down to the beach for breakfast overlooking the sea.

 Very windy so sat in L Rover, but sun trying to come out. We are on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelade. Drove up through the Mount Lofty Ranges to McLaren Vale for fuel then onto Kangarilla and Clarendon towards Adelade, back to hilly twisty roads. Dropped down past the Happy Valley Reservoir, it looked beautiful looking over the water to the coast beyond. We headed towards the coast at Glenelg but couldn't find anywhere to park so went to HMS Buffalo Restaurant and Museum where we came across a Custom Ute Show. Sat in park and chilled and deciding where to go next when a bloke came over to talk to us(he'd seen the L Rover),he was an Ozzie who sounded English but had lived in the U.K. for quite a few years. He had just back to Adelade with his English wife, nice chatty couple. Headed north to Mallala to a free camp at the sports ground, land very flat and roads very straight again we are passing lots of vineyards(Mediteranian climate). Decided not to stay at Mallala and went a further 35kms further to Balaklava to a caravan pk only $15 for the night(payed this one). As the day has gone on the wind has got up to 35-40kph but the temperature is still a barmy 37degs, wind makes it seem cooler. Nailed tent down again. Will try new airbed tonight. Colin aquired a new friend today,sat outside tent having a beer when a chap on a disability scooter came up and started chatting(he liked his beer) for hours, even while we ate our dinner and Colin went for a shower, it sounds as though he has been barred from the campsite, he finally left and said he would be back in the morning to say goodbye. Got dark about 9pm, late night for us. Good News NIC HAD BABY TODAY ETHAN 8lb 3oz.

27 January Friday

LAKE ARGYLE IS THE BIGGEST ARTIFICIAL LAKE IN AUSTRALIA

Wind died down and sunny, new airbed is great. very lazy start to the day, left site between 10.30 and 11 am. clever Rose took us to Port Wakefield for shopping to find no shops so back to Balaklave for foor (what a wally). Put campsite at Port Parham Foreshore into satnav, it took us so far and at the end of one dirt road a dead end, so had to retrack before getting onto correct road. Is now very hot and windy, very flat landscape seems a lot of grain grown in the area. finally arrived at site, no shade but right on coast,

 but the tide goes out a long way. Neighbour sandra came over and told us where water was and that Dublin is is nearest town for groceries, it has a butcher, veggie shop and a general store, her husband Alan was doing maintenance on their caravan. Sad news from Laurie, Marion's dad had died, he hasn't been well for quite a while, but still a shock for her. Our neighbours Marion and Phil came back to site in their bus, nice people. we are pleased we will be here for a time, just what was needed.

West Victoria

14th January Saturday

Cloudy and showery this morning, forcast should brighten to 20degs today with sun tomorrow. Checked emails, Sandie is checking with Laurie as to whether their itinerary is doable. Went off to Cheeseworld at Allansford(free) had a look round museum and shop then treated ourselves to tea and coffee in the cafe before going to the cheese tasting, we both prefered the vintage cheddar, lovely. It seems this company is the largest and oldest surviving dairy manufacturer in Oz. Stopped off at Logans Beach on way back to camp, from July to October the Right Whales come to the area to calf their young. Back at camp picked up dirty clothes and went to laundry, found some really interesting magazines to read. when we got back to tent Colin did some tinkering and we found out there is some Greyhound racing tonight we are less than 100mtrs from track. After dinner went and watched one race, a bit underwhelming, nothing like Peterborough dogs,much much smaller and they race 8 dogs at a time.

15th January Sunday

There is a trash/treasure market today on the showground, went and had a look around, it is car boot sale/craft market, didnt buy anything. Sun finally came out after lunch but wind is still cold. Decided to do our food and fuel this arvo so we can get straight off tomorrow. Sent email to Karen to pick up fan belt from Rockies as over $50 here. Emailing Sandie about trip, she now realises their plans need changing, Colin also spoken to Laurie about them and he agrees. Had hearty dinner tonight of Mince, Onions Carrots and Spuds.

16th January Monday

Sunny, sunny, sunny, light wind. After lovely shower checked emails and Colin sent Sandie some info on how to save money on camping and fuel, also about not taking fresh fruit and veg across state borders(you'd never think you were in one country). We heading up to The Grampians today.



 Left site just before 10am and stopped at Tower Hill Reserve on our way to Port Fairy, as we drove into reserve we saw our first Emus

within 50mtrs of us, they werent as big as i thought they would be. Tower Hill is a volcanic formation from an eruption over 30,000 years ago, they belive the last eruption was about 4-5,000 years ago. We climbed up peak to Tower Hill(it hurt and it was hot) and you could see the water filled craters and over to the sea

and Warrnambool, we were told about this place by the caretaker at the last campsite and was worth a visit. We drove onto Port Fairy, thought we'd go to the beach, but nowhere to park as such a nice day, so got back in L Rover and drove to Hamilton and picked up some maps of the Grampians, carried on the A200 and turned off at Cherrypool to our campsite along 20k of dirt road


to Mountain Dawn Campground on the Rocklands Reservoir. It has been a hot and dusty day. There are only 2 other campers here, but it could take a lot more. Had a walk down to reservoir, the water is coloured brown like at Bear Gully.We sat in the shade as has got really hot then had a cold dinner, can't be bothered cooking. Left windows open in tent when we went to bed.

17th January Tuesday

Warm night, lots of blue sky with high cloud this morning. Park Ranger stopped and told us TOTAL FIRE BAN in force today(not even BBQ's the wind is warm today. After moving photos onto computer decided to drive to Balmoral, mainly dirt roads and corrugated. It is a little town with a general store(selling cheep chocolate), hardware store and cafe next to a small caravan park. There was a little rest area with a big gun situated in a corner, but nothing to say why. We walked down to the historic Court House

                                                         

but could'nt find the Gaol. Back to camp it feels hotter than yesterday think less wind, had a strip wash with water from solar shower(perfect temperature), it was so good, feel lots cleaner and not dusty anymore. Sat reading till bedtime, saw sun going down through trees turning the sky a lovely shade of red. Temp today 33degs.

18th January Wednesday

Bit of rain in the night, it is a lot cooler this morning. Packed up and left by 9am. Had a Kangaroo's cross the road in front of us on the dirt road, then back onto Henty Highway to Hamilton. On the road into town we stopped at the Big Wool Bales,

had a look around about the history of wool industry locally, there (Fokker Universal) starting a service from Hamilton to Melbourne, at one point due to goverment interferance he was unable to charge passengers, so he sold Oranges as tickets. it grew into an international airline(Ansett Airways) even becoming the official carrier for the 2000 olympics in Sydney, till the company folded in March 2002. It was quite a nice museum with a lot of memorabilia. we left museum and went out to Waterfalls Campground for the night. Weather now sunny and warm. A local old man came round to give us a leaflet about fire danger and told us if another man came round and told us he was a Ranger that he was an imposter, later on a younger man came round and advised us the old man is a one man crusade against campers. After a shower and a dinner of Skippy steaks had a walk to the falls, shame the water had dried up,

you can see by the rock formation it would have been quite spectacular.

19th January Thursday

Did'nt wake till nearly 8am. Colin onto Skype with Natalie about tobacco and there trip, signal not good. Left site 9.30. Before we left Hamilt on found a servo that filled our gas bottle $10 and let us fill up with water. Down the Henty Highway to Portland, it is on the coast and has a light house nearby at Cape Nelson

which we visited. Again a rugged coastline

you can see why they call it the ship wreck coast. Stopped at Yellow Rock

on way back to Portland, did'nt stop in town as could'nt find any free parking so drove to Surrey Ridge Campground in the Cobboboonee National Park, drove most of it on dirt road. We spotted an adult Emu with several babies on the road but as soon as they saw us they took off into the forest. A couple of german lads came onto site later on. Colin lit a fire which was nice except the wind kept swirling it round.

20th January Friday

FRIDAY FACT - Australia has  755 different reptile species, being the most in the world.


Airbed going down. Cloudy start and another late wake up, when I got up colin was talking to a chap who was checking the site for the Parks department, he was driving a 1976 short wheel base land rover (shortie), another person attracted by the vehicle, he stayed talkign for about an hour. After he'd gone had breakfast and Colin got his scruffs on and did some maintenance and moved an inside light to the back of the vehicle so we can see to cook when dark, Rose sorted out and cleaned the drawers, the cooker and front seat area, lovely shower later in day. another vehicle came onto campsite and put up a tent, another english couple who had been here since November but had bought a 4WD vechicle in Oz, they are hoping to be here up to 18 months by having 6 month multiple entry visa. Colin got the fire going and Rose made damper, whilst eating dinner damper in fire cooking. John and Ann joined us at fire with beer and we gave them damper - it was lovely with jam just like a scone. Good evening chatting.