29th March. Hay, Sandy Point. NSW

Tuesday, our Easter holiday is over and we say fond farewell to Liz & Howard who have shared our first 18 days. It has been wonderful to share with such good friends. Liz & I share so much in common, card making, TV shows, books, lack of enthusiasm in walking! and love of yummy things for afternoon tea & supper. Liz & her lovely slices (some made by Wendy Leyton) have now gone to Nagambie, back to dieting for us. 

We enjoyed lovely weather over the last few days in Swan Hill, we actually WALKED to the Pioneer Village for coffee on Saturday! Sunday we went to Church at 'The Grain Shed' Church of Christ and were treated to a very warm welcome and an outstanding service recognising the Cruicfiction, Ressurection and coming again of Jesus Christ.

The afternoon saw us making cards and sharing TV at night.

Monday was wash day and I saw a man cleaning his Baby Weber down on hands and knees so took the new gadget we bought in Warranambool called 'Grill Daddy' over to show him. An hour later Brian was packing up our Weber and when he couldn't find the Grill Daddy, he knew where to find me. The story ended with us having coffee with Rob & Jen, swapping talking books and learning a lot about travel around Australia.  This is such a plus for caravanning.

Today have visited the Telstra shop and have sorted out the excessive speed at which my allowable Data was disappearing, I have 5g left for the next 19 days so now I know how  to manage it, things will be fine.

We only drove about 150k today to Hay and are 'free camping ' on the banks of the river. It is operated by the town and has toilets and BBQ's and picnic tables and even a patch of green grass by the boat ramp. I think this free camp is one that can be termed as a 'luxury' one & I don't think we should expect this class too often. The drive here was extremely flat, some sheep, some cattle and mostly just scrub land. VERY, VERY dry. It reminded us of our trip up the centre of Australia.......long, straight, mirage shimmering on the road & no end in sight. We live in a huge country.

How is that for a set up?

This is ours.

This young couple are traveling around Australia for a year, working where they can, like us they met in Germany, one is French and the other Italian. They want their van to hold out. Such a delight to talk to.

25th March - Good Friday. Swan Hill.

A day to reflect on the Crucifixion of Christ.

It's a stunning day here in Swan Hill.

We drove here on Wednesday along the NSW side of the Murray river, it was very dry but still endless grape vines and citrus trees. It's beautiful throughout this fruit growing area with irrigation from the river.

Swan Hill Riverside Big 4 Caravan Park is delightful, the grass is like having a luxurious carpet underfoot. The park is booked out & they have been since October which says something for the climate here.

We have interesting neighbours, a couple from Queensland in their mid 80s both are cancer survivors and extensive travellers. We have had a most pleasant morning chatting to them. Out my kitchen window I watch a group of young families, their kitchen tent is beside me and watching breakfast being prepared was just lovely. Bacon & eggs, toast, tomato and cheese, Mum knew the likes and dislikes , no questions asked and the little ones just played on the mat as she prepared and chattered to another Mum. I love camping with all its variety of young & old, rich & poor, tents & caravans & motor homes.

We are happy just being here, done the usual supermarket shop, a brief visit to the 'Craft' shop!!!

Last night Brian had pain and pleasure as his beloved Tigers (AFL Fooball) team won the first game of this years season. He growls at them then claps & cheers........ I went next door & watched a new crime series 'Janet King' it is a thriller, hope I can see it as we travel. Channel 2 @ 8.30.

Life is wonderful.

20th March. Mildura

A beautiful day today, no wind, sunshine and 23 degrees. What more could one want?

This morning we we took off at 10am and went to Merbein Market. A small town and a great market, well spread out, and a good variety. My big shop was a pair of bug earnings....

On then to Wentworth (no not the Prison!) it's where the Darling & Murray Rivers join. A very, very pretty place.

Note the Kookaburra sitting on top and yes he is real.

Such tiny ducklings.

Then tithe Wentworth Cafe for coffee (plus).

Waiting for our coffee, lovely sitting in the sun.

Home for lunch then Liz & I went for a little craft shopping!!!.

Don't know how to turn this underlining off...... Research needed.

19 March Mildura

Hello Bolg, sorry I haven't updated, but I'm back.

The intervening days have been a big variety, we packed down, got Russell & Maureen to take our big table to mind until we pick it up from them in Horsham later this year, our little table is easier for packing.

Thursday was our travel day, we were on the road at 8.30 & as we drove north the temperature went north as well (well I mean it went up & up) thanks to good air conditioning it was comfortable in the car . The roads were not as smooth as motorways but everything stayed in place. We stopped in a very nice sports field for lunch and as normal stopped every 2 hours , no risks for us. We stopped at a very interesting town Brim - if you blink you miss it! But it is in the wheat growing area so there is a rail siding and silos. These particular silos are a point of interest so we share them with you.

And also show you our 'Rig'

We arrived at Buronga Caravan Park about 4.30. It is ocross the Murray River therefore in New South Wales, but there is only the bridge separating us from the city of Mildura. The temperature was about 40 & we were all exhausted. After set up we bought pizza for tea (not nice) but easy!

It was early to bed with air conditioner on. Friday was hot & WINDY, possible sand storm so we were battened down. No sand storm but a lot of dust around. Liz & I did the fruit & veg shop because you can't bring any into the fruit growers area due to diseases being spread. The men went for a walk. Afternoon Liz & I made cards in their van as it was too windy to be outside & the men rested up.

The wind was to strong to get the BBQ hot, so had to cook indoors (now that is not in the plan......men cook BBQ outdoor & I have to cook when it's indoors!!!

Brian & Howard watched cricket in our van & Liz & I watched Dr Blake Mysterys in their van, we were so engrossed that we even forgot to have our Baleys!

The night cooled right down and this morning 11.30am it's 17.3% but it's to go up to a lovely 23.

This is a lovely park, right on the Murray River & we are here for 6 nights.

I have just caught Liz soaking up the sun. So happy she is enjoying retirement.

It's a lovely place but it's quite a big trip from Melbourne and we found it a big (too big) from Warrnambool especially in the heat. It's the longest trip we have planned for over the next 7 months. Short is best.

Talking to a neighbour this morning I've found a very nice free spot in Hay so will go there after Swan Hill. One of the many joys of caravanning.

That's sign off for today. Rosemary. 👫😀😃🌞

15th March Warrnambool

There was no time to write yesterday, doesn't that sound great? There was so much activity around us as 90% of the Park left for home. Good wishes all around. The folk next to us had a big white dog which barked at everyone who went past & gave us great amusement watching his 'father' get him into the back of their vehicle. He spoke, asked, patted the tail gate, and in the end had to heave it up like lifting a sheep (because it was big) and swinging it into the SUV. It was just as well we watched from inside our van!

I was doing the lunch dishes, Brian & Howard had set off for a walk & I looked up as another van pulled in, it was Russell & Maureen from Horsham who we met on the Dawn Princess Cruise over a year ago. We were to have met them here this time last year but Maureen was ill & couldn't make it. They had been away for about 4 days Bush Camping with their Caravan Club & came to have a night with us. We had such a lovely afternoon, Brian was called home, they parked beside us, we had steak & salad for dinner then we all went to the Smiths van for an hilarious 2 hours is sharing experiences and a lovely supper put on by Liz. As usual ---- the evening finished with Bailies! Russell had quite a ribbing because he diluted his with milk (what a waste!) we remembered this from the Cruise so we're prepared. 9 pm it was 'everyone out' Downtown Abbey' was on a it's not to be missed. There are only 4 more episodes to go, I will have to make sure I'm in places that I can get channel 7.

This morning after fond farewells, the 2 men went for their walk and Liz & I set off the shops. Had a lovely look around Lincraft craft section, looking mostly. Then to K Mart where I knew I could get a ' Grill Daddy' it's a steam cleaning tool for cleaning the Baby Weber. I had checked the Web and they were only $15........went to K Mart asked directions and was told they were on special! I bought one $3, a thermometer fork $2.50. A zipped up BBQ Tool set $2.50 & 2 solar garden lights for $4. How was that for $12 the lot. I took them, minus their sale price tags a gave Brian his gift. One happy guy, who was even happier when I told the truth.

We had noted a beautiful caravan, a Lotus, and I wanted to see it. Maria & David, friends from a

Sorrento, have one on order & will pick it up in September so I had seen it on the computer, well I have enough cheek to go and speak to them, they were packed up just about ready to take of. Found it was their 'maiden' voyage, first caravan, they lived very near where the Smiths used to live, a the lady recognised my voice......so where had we met??? I suggested TOWN,! immediately she said yes at the Serpels Road School. Life is amazing isn't it? We are able to suggest a place for them to get a place to store their van much closer than where they have it now. Nice things do happen.

These are the things we bought today

Need to keep it in good condition as its our main way of cooking.

A huge van is just setting up next to us and it is made by the company that Jamie used to work for. It will be interesting to talk to them tomorrow.

Bye for today

13 March Warranambool & Port Fairy

A grey chilly morning so we decided to do something really nice. Howard drove us to Port Fairy where the annual Folk Festival is held. It is 28k from here and we thought Warranambool was busy.....well, it was just about impossible to get a car park, there were thousands there, all camping, and car parks were full, the centre of town was all cordoned off with stalls of everything imaginable. We did the rounds, bought nothing then headed for the car, only to find another area of stalks, food and a huge 'blowup slide' that was wonderful for especially little children.

The whole place was quite amazing to see, especially for 'dull old folk'.

We then went to Tower Hill, silly name, because we drove down, down, down, to a dried out lake that had lovely picnic grounds. I guess it was originally a crater by the rock formation. We had fun watching over friendly Emus, they came up to everyone hoping for food & would take it out of your mouth if you dared open it with food in it.!!! I think you can imagine just how well Brian guarded his lunch! No sharing from him!

Back to our vans for a lovely sunny afternoon, kebabs on the weber and supper while watching TV. Lucky to have good reception here. 

Nice to see friends on Facebook, the Internet is a great tool.

Good night 

12th March

Awoke to drizzle this morning after a wonderful first nights sleep on the 'Round Aus' trip. Never mind, it was not cold and soon had a lovely sunny day. A trip to the shops, there is always something we need.  Our additional towing mirror couldn't cope with the passing trucks and swung in flat against the car..... Not a good thing. We now have one that is braced against the door, I used to wonder why others had that type! now I know.

The State Junior Lifesaving competitions are on here and all accommodation is booked out and young people everywhere, it's wonderful.

The beach and the water has been wonderful to watch.

During the afternoon Liz & I made cards and our husbands had some 'shut eye' as well as a walk.

We had our meal together, out Baby Weber Q works beautifully.

For the first 3 weeks we are traveling with friends Liz & Howard Smith and after that it's off on our own. 

The site of a full caravan park like this won't happen very often,

The evening has cooled right down so again we will have a good nights sleep.

10th March. One more sleep!

Excitement is at fever pitch, all the 'last' things have been attended to. Golly there are a lot of ends to tie up. We have received so many good wishes, its wonderful to have so many friends.

Having Chris stay in our house is great, it's made me make sure everything is clean and put away. Doing the pantry was strange knowing it wouldn't be used for about 7 months, I even checked 'use be dates' and dealt with things that otherwise I wouldn't have done.

The van is packed, only the fridge and freezer contents to put in tomorrow morning.

I wonder if we will sleep to night?

Last Sunday we had a Family farewell at a restaurant and all 11 of us were there, it was lovely and at last I have a full Family photo. Even with 12 pics there isn't even one where everyone is showing their best profile. But it's our dearly loved family.