Homeward Bound

Left Nuriootpa early Thursday 7th after packing everything the night before and connecting ute to the van ready for takeoff!!  Had a pleasant day driving up through Clare Valley, Port Pirie, Port Augusta (very uninteresting scenery).  Had originally planned on getting as far as Ceduna but unable to make a booking at the park as we drove along so continued on to Penong (the windmill town).  Walked over to the pub and had drink and nice meal and early night.

Started off early again and ended up in Caiguna, at the back of the road house, only thing going for it was there was power, a bit like "No where special" (Nundroo)

From Caiguna to Esperance was only a short day arriving here around mid afternoon, weather nice and cool even a little rain.  At the Esperance Seafront Caravan Park until Wednesday then heading home.

It's good for Dad to have a few days rest after the long days driving on the Nullarbor before going home.

We have had a wonderful time away, has been great catching up with family and friends this trip, we are both looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

Nuriootpa

Left early on Saturday morning via Ballarat, Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Nhill, Bordertown which is just in South Aust and finally Keith.  Was a very hot day, pleased to arrive and have air con.  Keith is a nice little town with plenty of lovely trees in the streets, caravan park was good.  Averil Burton lived at Keith before coming to WA her father had a dairy farm.

Not a long drive on Sunday, through Tailem Bend saw the mighty Murray River, drove over a very long and narrow bridge at Murray Bridge.  Next was Mannum a lovely spot on the river which has paddle steamers, unfortunately for us markets were on down at the river and there was no parking for us so couldn't stop for lunch as we had planned.  As we drove towards the Barossa had to climb a fair distance through the Barrossa range which really made the car work with the caravan behind.

We are at Big4 Barossa Tourist park in Nuriootpa which is very nice not very many vans, decided to stay 4 nights  leaving on Thursday 7th and will be heading for the Nullarbor.

Cousin Justine and Anthony came up yesterday from Adelaide and took us to lunch at Peter Lehmanns Winery not very far away in Tanunda.  Had a great day catching up with them, Justine was very overwhelmed at the size of our family considering she was an only child and has no children.

We are planning on stopping in Esperance for a couple of days on the way home.

Geelong

Have really enjoyed our few days here in Geelong.  It has been wonderful spending time with Sue & Keith.

Drove to Melbourne on Wednesday to Campbellfield to Retreat factory and picked up the window dad had ordered, not that far just like a trip to Bunbury with a lot more traffic and 3 lanes most of the way.  When we arrived back decided to visit the National Wool Museum, Robbie would have enjoyed, a great display and history of the wool industry particularly around this area.  There is a loom still producing the Manor House Rug in 7 colours, has been working for over 100 years.

Yesterday 28/2 they took us on a tour of the Bellarine Peninsula to all the little hamlets and villages in this area, it is amazing how rural it is just outside each little place.

Sue & Keith are at Curlewis which is east of Geelong overlooking  Corio Bay, they just have a glimpse from their new house.

Went to Barwon Heads and had coffee, very quaint place and popular with holiday makers.
Had a quick look at the winery where Naomi & Brett were married, then went all the way around the Coast line to Queenscliff for lunch and watch the ferry coming across from Portsea and Sorrento.  Sue had suggested we could have come via ferry however very expensive with the caravan.

Had a BBQ last night Naomi & Brett came, we think it was 2004 the last time we saw Naomi.  Brett is quiet but a nice man and they are very happy.

Met Annette & John Matthews this morning for coffee just down the road from where we are at Big 4, Bellarine at lovely nursery with a cafe, they know the area well.

Called to say goodbye to Keith & Sue and checked the map from best way out of Geelong tomorrow morning, heading to S.A via Ballarat, planning on staying at Keith just near Bordertown.

                                             Barwon Heads at low tide

Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula 

Traralgon

Left Bungendore on Monday 18th and drove to Eden on the coast, had a night there caravan park right on the beach, had lovely walk along the beach up to the Seahorse Inn and had a drink.  When we went through Eden in 1977 with Viv & Pam this historic old hotel was just being restored, dad remembered it, it now a grand old building which was started in 1843 never complete and abandoned for almost a century, we were going to walk back for a meal however it started to rain decided not to go as car was connected to van and didn't feel like getting wet.

Had three nights at Lakes Entrance which was enjoyable, a large fishing fleet operates from there out into Bass Straight, the view looking out over the town and lakes and inlets was great, it's a real holiday town with some 25 caravan parks with lots of cabins and permanent residents so lucky for us the school holidays had finished.

Came to Traralgon on Friday morning only about 150 Klms from Lakes Entrance.  Suzie was not working so had a great day with her, went to Bunnings so Tone could do a few handy man jobs for her, picked the boys up from school which is very close by.  Traralgon is a lovely place with all amenities and just feels like a big country town.  Andrew was creating a brew on Saturday helped by Theo.  Tone cooked beef in the Webber for dinner which was enjoyed by all.

Suzie took us on Sunday morning for "Cook's tour" around Traralgon whilst Andrew supervised some homework.  Helen & Barry came for lunch, it was so lovely to see Helen again, we had a very pleasant afternoon sitting on the veranda the weather was perfect.

Monday 25th February, set off from Traralgon just after 9 when traffic not so heavy for Geelong via Melbourne and Westgate Bridge, thank goodness 2 lanes all the way, Tone did a great job negotiating with the very large trucks that certainly don't observe the speed limit.

We are at a great park  Big4 at Bellarine Peninsula a few Klms from Geelong not very far from Sue and Keith. It has the best big sites with a small hedge dividing each site, going to stay 5 nights.

Sue & Keith are renting a house not far from where we are, they are in the middle of building which is exciting for them. Naomi & Brett live close by, we went last night for dinner and on Thursday going to have a day out with Sue & Keith and then have a BBQ with Naomi & Brett as well.

Going up to Melbourne tomorrow to Campbellfield to Retreat Caravans have had trouble with the blind on window at dining room table, dad ordered a replacement from Caravans Plus which was not the right one so hopefully will be able to sort it out.

Have been in touch with Annette Matthews (Nield) they are going to come down on Friday morning to catch up, they live not far from Geelong, it was lovely to re-acquaint ourselves after the Dinninup show last year after many years.  I worked with Annette at CBA bank in Boyup many years ago.

We are planning on heading to S.A. after we leave Geelong on Saturday. Going to meet cousin Justine & Anthony when we arrive early next week, they are happy to come to the Barossa to see us.

Some photos from Lakes Entrance, Suzie & Andrews home.

Bungendore

Decided to stay another night here, it's lovely and quite and very peaceful.

Went into Canberra via Queanbeyan on a good road not to far away. Visited Parliament House and did a guided tour, I was disappointed Parliament was not sitting being Friday, tour was very informative and worth doing.

We were going to do a Big Red Bus tour however there were many roads closed as a Multicultural Festival was just beginning in the city centre, there were many food stalls of different nationalities and it was also very hot so came back to the van.  The mall and streets where it was being held had beautiful big shady trees so I can imagine when it starts it will be very popular.

Our neighbours in the next van are from Bunbury, had a drink with them a couple of nights ago, very nice people Paul & Terri.  Paul was a bricklayer and has lived in Bunbury all his life, knows lots of people dad played footy with in Bunbury.  They have a son who is building a house at Dandanup on 6 acres close to town.

Today is washing day as you can see from the photo, we are going to check out Bungendore there is a woodworks gallery and lots of craft, antique and gift shops. There are also 5 wineries close by so thought this arvo might visit some.

Have been in touch with Suzie, planning on arriving at Traralgon next Friday 22nd, and spend the weekend with them, we are really looking forward to seeing them again.

Will then make our way to Geelong and spend some time with Sue & Keith.

Hope all are well no doubt busy with work, school, new houses etc.  Happy birthday to Lachie for the 19th, and Baden on the 24th.

Bungendore

 These two paid a visit before we left Lane Cove

 Bungendore on the map

Lane Cove Tourist Park

Have had a great few days since the last blog and leaving the Gold Coast.  Spent two nights at Nambucca Heads which is a little south of Coffs Harbour.  A beautiful spot on the water, however quite a crowded park with lots of holiday units and on the 2nd night a party that was still going at about 4am!!!!

Drove down to Sydney on Sunday and booked into Lane Cove Tourist Park in a National Park, it was lovely you would never know it was very close to the city except for planes overhead.  Stayed 4 nights, caught the train from Chatswood into the city and the ferry to Manly and had lovely lunch and enjoyable day.  Went to shopping centre next day and both had hair cuts, dads is quite good, mine is very average thankfully it will grow before we come home.

Yesterday (Wed 13/2) decided to go on the train to visit Lithgow and Bathurst about 200 klms, it was a long day but great for Dad to have a day off driving.  The train went from Central Station to Katoomba and buses from there due to work being done on the tracks.  Both towns are very old with some beautiful old buildings and wide streets, didn't go to Mt Panorama but could clearly see from road into town not far away.  Had very tasty pork at a pub for lunch before return trip to Sydney. Some lovely views from the train of the Blue Mountains.

Left Sydney this morning heading towards Canberra, Dad did a great job negotiating the traffic, we ended up in Bungendore at the Showground Camping which is just ideal.  About 32 Klms from Canberra, it looks a great with a historic village close by, nice big sites and weather is nice and cool.

Planning on a visit into Canberra tomorrow and Parliament House and on Sat a visit to the war memorial and museum.

View from Lane Cove towards Chatswood ShoppingCentre

Broadwater Tourist Park

Have had a lovely week here at the Gold Coast which was not part of our plans, thankfully the weather has been very pleasant with a lovely cool breeze and even some rain mostly at night, have not used the air con since coming here.

It has been wonderful spending time the Maz & Baz. Had a great drive down to Murwillumbah, through Chillingham where we stopped Nick & Steph at the road side stall when we went with Mary after Suzies wedding, and stopped at Tumblegum on the Tweed River for lunch. Dad has cooked fish & chips for them, went to Broadwater another night for F&C, and been to their new unit for dinner. Today went over near SeaWorld for lunch where all the expensive boats are moored.

Our stay has been longer than anticipated due to a problem with the ute which has been rectified and also had a service.

Leaving in the morning for Nambucca Heads which is a little south of Coffs Harbour.

Check out the cows with the umbrella on Gold Coast Hwy at a butchers shop and restaurant not far from where we have been staying.