Gallivantour

Our New Year

2012-01-03T10:55:00.002+08:00

By the way as you can see by my countdown widget on my side bar we are again being blessed with the anticipated arrival of another Great Grand child. Corey and Ashleigh are expecting their first child which is due in July. We are so excited!! Congratulations to both of you, we can't wait. We managed to survive Christmas with the family. An enjoyable day with about 19 of us. We were entertained by viewing old old photos on the TV screen, having the odd giggle and with great grandson Ben whizzing around the lounge in his walker, almost doing burnouts as he rounded the coffee table to add to our amusement. We managed to keep him out of the kitchen with an obstacle barring his entrance, which I promptly responded to by nearly tripping over and falling flat on my face. lol. Boxing day had us doing a sojourn to Bunbury City Speedway to watch Grandson Corey burn around the track in his street stock car no 68.

I now know why everyone wears sunglasses even though it is in the night. The dirt and dust that the sprint cars throw up can be quite a health hazard, I'd forgotten about this aspect of the speedway although I can still recall the street sedans state titles in Collie when both sons competed, arriving home with the only part of me not covered in dirt was where I had my glasses on.lol. Corey did well even though the track was wet and slippery, I think the sprint cars use the street stocks and juniors to mop up the track following the water truck leaving the track in perfect condition for them to race on.

New Year was spent at Wandi with our fellow Motor Home Family, a beautiful meal was prepared on NYE followed by games of "a minute to win it", then to cap it off we participated in "laughter Yoga" directed by Claire, a visitor from the eastern states.

I think if our kids looked in the hall we would all have been committed, but lots of joy and laughter prevailed.

The weather was unpredictable with hot steamy days alternated with cool overcast days.

Disc Bowls added to the frivolity with competition close but with no one winning the sheep station. We were also joined on Friday by #1 son on Friday showing us his new acquisition. We spent the night before leaving for Wandi at #2 son's country property and were surrounded by lovely trees and birdsong.

Our nearest neighbours were Pixie,
my granddaughter's miniature pony and Lulu, one of the family's adored pets.

The family has purchased an acreage in a beautiful rural spot where they can unwind after a busy day and enjoy more of an outdoor life. I agree with them it is a lovely retreat. So have a Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2012 is a very prosperous and healthy year for you all and all your dreams and desires come to fruition. bless you all.

The Wedding

2011-12-19T22:04:00.000+08:00

Lots of things have happened since I last visited bloggerland. We have arrived home to the home paddock and have derigged the bus and have temporary put it out to pasture. Now I only have to find room in the apartment for all the extras I accumulated over the past few years whilst travelling. The weather blessed my granddaughter as she tied the knot with her partner on Saturday. It was a beautiful sunny day, a wonderful ceremony and a really nice reception. I hope that their little family unit will be very happy in the future. Here are some happy snaps to share with you.

Here we all are before the wedding, Grandparents, parents and siblings. Yes I am the parrot in the corner.

The Official Wedding Party.

The Bride's siblings and cousins with their partners

Here I am with Benjamin (He loves my hair) when he is not chewing on my necklace!!

Here we are no longer spring chickens (He is not so sure of my hair but he can find me in a crowd)

It was also grandson Shanes birthday he shared his day with his sister!!!

I also better mention that granddaughter graduated from Senior College with distinctions and a few awards. Good on ya Claire!!

Merredin & Bruce Rock

2011-11-06T16:33:00.000+08:00

It didn't take long before the oval was full of RV vehicles

Another week has slipped by and our time here at Bruce rock is nearly at an end. I told you earlier to watch this space and by Saturday the grounds were nearly full regardless of the inclement weather. Our beautiful sunny skies very quickly turned black on Thursday afternoon and the rain came down, it was stated by an old timer as being the heaviest he had seen in the area for over 60 years. The oval soon became waterlogged and boggy but along the edge of the oval we were high and dry. The drive in to the oval (in front of us) soon became churned up and a couple of buses ferrying cadets and the band managed to get themselves in a predicament. The family arrived on Friday and everyone was settle in before the big day on Saturday. The markets didn't disappoint and it was a very friendly atmosphere in the town especially with a backdrop of the Challenge brass Band and the Kalgoorlie Brass Band performing in the Amphitheatre. The March went on schedule and it was fascinating to watch the representatives of the various forces and cadets proudly marching through the town accompanied by the pre-vintage jeeps, tanks and army vehicles. They all looked very distinguished with all their medals proudly adorned on their chests. The free BBQ went off without a hitch followed by the evening's entertainment. The breakfast this morning started a brisk exodus from the grounds and only a few of us stayers remain for the night where we will all congregate around the campfire in the Bard Pit for more great entertainment and camaraderie. Hang on a moment I almost forgot to tell you- that on Wednesday we drove over to Merredin to my old hometown for a trip down memory lane. We drove out to our old farm, near Koonadgin to discover that some of our land and surrounding properties have been taken over by great big wind turbines for the Collgar Wind Farm.

I did manage to take a photo of our old house in town although it has been rather dwarfed by the trees. We did a tour of the revamped Cummins Theatre and it looks very regal.

I have fond memories of going to the pictures and rolling the Jaffas down the aisles. I also used to be employed by the owner of the drive-in and the theatre and would have to bank the takings every Monday after the weekend.

This is a photo of the school where I spent most of my misspent youth, it still looks the same after all this time.

This old water tower has been here for as long as I can remember.

The Prospector had pulled in to give the passengers a break on their way to Perth From Kalgoorlie

The Merredin Railway Station well preserved is now a museum.

Goomalling & Bruce Rock

2011-10-30T12:16:00.002+08:00

Parked at Goomalling Caravan Park

Another week has gone by and I am again behind in my blogging, again my photograper has let me down but I can also blame the weather. It was raining for most of the week, and the Caravan Park started to resemble a river. We did however manage a visit to Dowerin; a small town about 20klms away. They have a field day here every August and the town is buzzing then but on an average rainswept day it was very quiet.

Commercial Hotel Dowerin

There was a patchwork shop but it advertised that it was only opened on a Saturday so I missed out again. Thursday we drove over to Northam for a bit of retail therapy and to meet my sister and husband for lunch. Northam is the main centre for shopping in the area and I did manage to check out the craft shop and the Janome shop. Lunch was enjoyed at the Shamrock Hotel and the servings were huge, in fact we were unable to manage dinner that night we were so sated. I spent Friday with my sister scanning photos from the past to assemble together for my delve into our family history. It was fun reminiscing over the old photos and thinking of the past as I truly treasure these special moments with my family.

The Goomalling Caravan Park

It was uncanny but I met a lady in the Caravan Park on Saturday who taught my sister in home science in the 1955's, it was rather a shame I hadn't met her the day before and she would have been able to catch up with Beth again. Saturday morning we were back on the road again heading over to Bruce Rock for the week long Vietnam Veteran's get together. We had intended to stop at Nukarni for the night but on arrival decided to push on to Bruce Rock. As we approached the Sportsman's complex we realised that their annual Agricultural Show was in full swing. It was a bit embarrassing driving around the outskirts of the oval meandering past the parked cars but we managed to turn the old girl around and pulled up near our old spot under the scoreboard. It wasn't long before I again met up with brother Graeme and Sue who happened to be there showing his prize chooks. I was amazed that he had about 31 entries and nearly all were First Prizes with a couple of Seconds thrown in. In fact he won the Highest Point Scorer in the Show. Quite proud of him I was.

Bruce Rock Sportsman's Complex (the view from our windows)

Well the show has been pulled down and the grounds are nearly empty now but please watch this space because before next weekend this oval will be covered with Motor Homes, Caravans, and even tents as everybody comes from near and far to celebrate. In fact quite a few of our fellow motor homers and friends are already here. There will be concerts and markets in town and of course the big march on Saturday to the church with the stained glass window of peace that was donated by the veterans.

A quick visit home

2011-10-24T09:39:00.004+08:00

Nothing like a quick trip home to rejuvenate the soul. Yesterday when I woke up Bill suggested a quick visit home as we were only a couple of 100 klms away, of course I said yes. Was able to view youngest son's new property as he was busy moving in and managed to attend a special birthday party with a dear friend and surprised him completely. After a quick clean up we will again be on our way. I thought I would share a couple of snaps that my brother caught of a certain person testing out an electric bicycle at the Kalgoorlie Rally. Guess Who!!!!!

Meckering WA

2011-10-22T14:30:00.000+08:00

Here we are parked up with our own backyard consisting of the Rose Memorial Garden

I managed to source the following information from the Internet so I thought that I would share the details with you. On this particular day in 1968 I was visiting my family in Merredin, in fact I was changing my eldest son who at the time was only 17 months old when I felt the quake. Great Eastern Highway was impassable with large crevices in the road and as we were returning to Perth that evening we had to detour through York, we were very concerned at the time because we had family living in Meckering. It was nice to see that the town is still surviving years later.

A Relic as a reminder of all the homes & businesses damaged in the Quake

MECKERING EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION
downloaded from the net

The Main Street in the aftermath

Buckled Railway Lines from the quake

At 10.59a.m. on the 14th October 1968, the small town of Meckering,about 130 km east of Perth, was destroyed by an earthquake. The magnitude ofthe Meckering earthquake was 6.9 on the Richter Scale making it one of thelargest recorded in the seismic history of Australia.

The earthquake lasted 45 seconds and was felt over an area of 700kms in radiusand caused damage in many towns. The quake focus was 7km deep and had the forceequivalent of 10 Hiroshima type atomic bombs. The largest land displacementmeasured a westward heave of 2.44m, a southerly slip of 1.5m and vertical liftof 1.96m. The principal fault scarp of the Meckering earthquake was originally37 km long, aligned approx N-S, of which the Great Eastern Highway was bisected4.4km West of Meckering township.

Trenching across the scarp took place in 1990, and it was concluded that theMeckering earthquake was the result of the reactivation of an old fault line,possibly tens of thousands years old. Unfortunately today approximately only1.5km of the actual fault scarp remains which is located 12 km South/West ofMeckering. Over the years since the quake occurred the scarp has been bulldozedto continue wheat farming of the region and to remove the scarp as a livestockhazard.

The Meckering Earthquake was located in a well-documented zone of seismicactivity which is the most active region of Australia. This region is centredabout 150 kilometres east of Perth and is known as the South-West Seismic Zone(SWSZ) and measures roughly 300 kilometres by 500 kilometres. According toGeo science Australia (AGSO), more than 12,000 earthquakes have been recorded inthe area since September 2001 with most of these events being aftershocks oflarger events.
We moved on from Meckering and have settled in nicely at the Goomalling Caravan Park and hope to catch up with my sister Beth and her husband tonight for dinner at the Jennacubine Tavern.

Coolgardie, Moorine Rock & Kellerberrin WA

2011-10-21T18:16:00.002+08:00

Coolgardie Post Office

It is a little hard to recap the last few days since leaving the rally but again my Internet connection let me down so I has to retain some data in my grey matter until we had a better reception. We left Kalgoorlie on Tuesday and first port of call was to historical Coolgardie, another old Gold Mining Town, once very prosperous but now steeped in history.

The old site of the National Bank

Lunch was at a cafe in the main part of town, a visit to the sign museum, the old Post Office and "The Camel Man", the latter being a lovely shop run by Jayne and touts beautiful western wear made from Moleskin and also features Camel Leather, all made on the premises, in fact they held a fashion parade at the rally which we all enjoyed.

Wardens Court Building

We pulled in for the night behind the Moorine Rock Hotel, a huge flat parking area which could house several Motor Homes, tonight we numbered four as Kerry and Carol, Barry and Leslie from our CMCA chapter along with my brother Colin and SIL Beryl joined us for the night.

Moorine Rock Hotel (Please stop by)

Available were nice hot clean showers and toilets and there were extra toilets over at the community Hall. The Moorine Rock Hotel has new managers, Janice and her husband and we all availed ourselves of a lovely cooked meal in the Dining Room.

Parked at the back of Hotel

The meals were huge and beautifully cooked, amazing since they would have to be prepared to have guests of 20 or sometimes only two. We enjoyed the meal so much we stayed for sweets and rocked up the next morning for breakfast. We parted from Beryl and Colin at Westonia as they had some reminiscing to do as Beryl once lived in the area. We continued on to Kellerberrin where we stayed for a few days with another brother Graeme and his lovely wife Sue, Colin and Beryl rejoined us in the afternoon. The property we were on consisted of Stables and horse paddocks, and it was rather pleasant to look out the window to be greeted by a friendly pony or two. The family are kept busy working the horses and tending the chooks but we all managed to spend a couple of very pleasant days together. Talking to Graeme, I was able to get more of an insight into my father's earlier years as he shared his memories with me. I also visited Mum and Dad at the cemetery. We travelled about 68klms today to the Meckering Memorial Park and a beautiful aroma wafts in the windows from the memorial rose garden adjacent to the Motor Home and we listen to the sounds of the birds in the bush.

Kalgoorlie Rally 2011

2011-10-18T10:27:00.000+08:00

We are parked in the back row about three along

Here we are parked up before the rally

So much has happened since we first entered the CMCA Rally site two weeks ago. We have all been housed on the lovely grassed area of the Oasis Recreational Grounds and I must surmise the venue is superb, our entertainment is in a huge area behind the swimming pool area and the sound is brilliant. The heated pools were available to our members usuage for free and many took advantage of this generous gesture. We were busy working with our coordinator, Carol and supplied BBQ meals four nights and a First Timers breakfast on the Tuesday ( We call first timers virgins as this is their very first time at a national rally). I was thoroughly exhausted by the end of the week but the positive feedback we received from our dinner guests was very rewarding and made the whole event very worthwhile. I must also mention that I had one very embarrassed SIL, Beryl who locked herself in the toilet on the very first day.

Some mothers do have them but we love her all the same. We managed to fit in a tour of the town and took some photos from inside the bus so they aren't too bad considering.

One of the infamous buildings

The Super Pit (Don't the big dump trucks look like dinky toys)

Of course everyone knows that Kalgoorlie is famous for its Goldmining

This is the size of the bucket on the dump trucks

Poppet Head for lifting up out of the mine

Old mining cottage

School

I also managed to fit a small workshop of freeform knitting which I found very interesting, I couldn't make the second part but I think I can follow the instructions so that I can finish. I spent a brief time with Lois doing the Fields of Gold stitchery, and from Maryke a kit for the tumbling blocks, I know that I can call on these lovely ladies if I get stuck doing these projects. I must do photos later. We have now left the Rally Site and spent last night at Centennary Park with lots of other Motorhomers and spent most of Happy Hour catching up with everyone we missed. We are also spending lots of quality time with Colin and Beryl and may travel a little with them. Not sure if we are heading off today or tomorrow but we will travel to the wheatbelt to catch up with other family members.

Kalgoorlie

2011-10-02T19:30:00.001+08:00

We spent Saturday night camped at Mt Thirsty Roadside Camp No 311 in the Camp 6 Book after leaving Esperance in the morning and arrived about lunchtime. This was a lovely spot, with plenty of parking room for large motorhomes, lots of shady trees and adequate rubbish bins. The railway was close by but didn't distract us in the bus as we are quite soundproof. We had the whole area to ourselves with the only visitor being Ray, stopping for a cuppa on his way to Kalgoorlie to pick up his wife from the airport. Lorraine had been in Africa for 8 days. Lucky thing!!! We arrived in Kalgoorlie and joined lots of other Motorhomes at Centennial Park in Hannan Street, one of the many staging areas for the rally. Tomorrow morning we will be entering the rally site where we will spend the next couple of weeks. Officially the rally starts on the 10th October, but volunteers are allotted different days depending on their duties.

I thought I would share a little bit of Esperances's Stone Henge located on the road to Cape Le Grand. It looks quite spectacular and is open for visitors for a fee of $5 per person.

Back in Esperance

2011-09-29T17:04:00.002+08:00

I could hardly believe my eyes when I woke up last Friday morning and realised that we were back in the bus the month spent at home no longer a reality but now a very pleasant memory. We enjoyed being at home immensely although it was quite a whirlwind, we managed all our business and medical appointments and managed to catch up with most friends and family, I even managed a couple of cuddles with baby g.g.son, Benjamin.

I had two memorable visits with my Perth sewing ladies and also the Southern Country Quilters regional day, so all in all it was a very successful visit. Now to the serious stuff. We have been busy preparing for the Kalgoorlie rally and as very willing volunteers we have to be there a week early so we will be heading off on Saturday, spending two nights on the road and entering the rally site on Monday. I have been on the website and the programme looks very exciting, we will be on the team cooking and serving 4 nights. I have glanced through and picked out the craft classes I want to do, and now can't wait to catch up with everyone and hopefully make some more new friends. Check out the website fields of gold it's awesome. The weather hasn't been the best the last few days very wet and windy and Esperance even experienced hailstones but today the weather warmed up so a drive along the beach to Cape Le Grand was in order.

The drive was perfect with the striking coloured water contrasted with the pristine white shiny sands and I say shiny because the sand is full of silica and it feels great between your toes.

We espied this tank in the main part of town, there was no plaque or description so have no idea why it is here but it is very interesting.

I would also like you to meet our little friend, he has been visiting us every day on our front window.

He is really quite inquisitive and unusually coloured.

At Home

2011-09-02T12:34:00.001+08:00

We arrived home on Thursday after a 7 hour trip from Esperance. Have managed to catch up with a few friends and family, organised my tax and just enjoyed being home.

Here is Benjamin meeting his granddad for the first time

We had a very unexpected and very welcome visit from our Great Grandson and his parents on Saturday and can't get over how much he has changed. No longer a little bub almost a little boy. He spent a few hours with us and didn't cry once, a very contented little man. Hoping to catch up with some of my sewing girlfriends next week.

Going Home

2011-08-24T15:17:00.002+08:00

Here we are parked along side our friend's house in Esperance.

And these are our friendly neighbours

These are the views of Esperance from the back yard
We called in to see fellow motorhomers Joyce and Bert at home, they were busy getting ready for the rally which is being held this weekend in Kalgarin, a combine Big Rig Clan and Highway Wanderers, we hope it will be a blast.

We spent yesterday packing the car ready for the trip home. There is only just enough room for us to sit and view the rear mirrors.

I think I could fit more in but the Boss says no!!!!
All washing and ironing has been done, Jimny’s fuelled up and ready to go. So one more sleep and we will be on our way. Tonight we are dining with our friends at the Gibson Hotel, Lorraine is arriving back from Perth this evening. We hope to catch up with as many of our family and friends as we possibly can.

Esperance revisited

2011-08-22T12:23:00.005+08:00

I had forgotten just how beautiful our beaches are, with the waters colour range between aqua and midnight blue to the contrast of the white sand making them truly picturesque.

I am just disappointed that their true colour doesn’t seem to be apparent in the photos.

Maybe when I learn more about Photoshop elements I will be able to capture the brilliance. Yesterday Ray played tourist guide and drove us on a round trip to Condingup into Cape Le Grand National Park, to Rossiter Bay, Lucky Bay and Cape le Grand Beach and back to Esperance about 200 klms in all. We visited a part of Western Australia that we hadn't been to before and I must say I was so impressed.

I was amazed with the texture of some of the mountains such as Frenchman’s Peak.

It was also fascinating to see the huge rock formations meeting the sea in a blaze of colour and texture.

Lunch was at a beautiful spot in lucky Bay overlooking the bay. We had prepared sandwiches earlier for the trip. It was a very warm day but very windy in spots and I had to hang on to my hat a couple of times to prevent it being blown away.

Lots of people were enjoying themselves swimming and boating on the waters. We finished the day with an ice-cream, sitting in a park on the foreshore in Esperance. Esperance is quite a stunning town with its majestic Palms lining the road on the esplanade, its sculptures and town jetty; reminisce of a holiday spot all year round. Lots of cafes, restaurants and even Tea rooms which boasts a clock tower which emits tunes every so often are to be discovered as you walk around the town. It is a lovely unspoilt town. Not long before we make the trek home, can’t wait.

Nullarbor Journal (long)

2011-08-19T19:35:00.003+08:00

Tuesday 16^th August 201 - I am rather baffled with the weather we are experiencing at the moment, yesterday was a brilliant day with lots of sun, no wind or rain and today in contrast it is raining with very strong gusty winds, and not very good for travelling. I must say that sometimes I fail to understand the mentality of some people, now I try and make a habit of reporting mainly the good things that happen and not dwell too much on the negative. However yesterday we had planned to spend the night at Mundrabilla Roadhouse, and on a positive vibe, the restaurant, facilities and grounds were absolutely meticulously clean. After spending $400 on fuel we asked if they minded if we camped outside in the huge area available out front which obviously trucks would spend the night out there, their answer was a flat no; they had a Caravan Park attached and for $15 a night we could stay in a huge paddock with no conveniences. We of course declined and opted to camp out in a roadside stop further up the road at Boolaboolo Rest Stop (Camps 6 no 7), but of course we were eyeing the menu at the restaurant and would have dined there if we had stayed. Now as the cheapest meal was $21.95 and with a range of delicious desserts we wouldn’t have left there without spending less than $50 and maybe even had breakfast. So for the sake of $15 they lost out on more, so my advice would be to purchase your fuel at Eucla if you can last that long and the meals are reported to be very good there also, fuel being the same price as Mundrabilla.

The Boolaboolo Rest Area was quite expansive with lots of room for big rigs to turn around not a lot of trees as we are on the Nullarbor plains and for those who may not be aware the “Nullarbor” means “treeless”. Not many stayed the night, although we did enjoy a cuppa with a couple from Mandurah, Terry and Jenny. We were a little bored so we resorted to playing cards in the evening by ourselves, I think Hav a Chat must be missing the company of others. We will probably brave the elements and travel on another 138klms to the Observatory Turnoff rest area today. I also had a first today having logged into the HF Radio sked and talked to Donette. The winds were very strong and the fuel gauge seemed to be dropping down rapidly, so we stopped at Madura for a coffee break and were joined by Lyn and Jeff, ex dairy farmers from Busselton. We decided to push on but we didn’t get very far deciding to camp at Olwogin Bluff ( Camps 6 no 10) 26 klms west of Madura and 89km e of Cocklebiddy to sit out the weather.

Wednesday 17^th August 2011. The winds had dropped considerably overnight so we decided to get away early and travel further although not as far as we did eventually travel. A quick stop for lunch at Afghan Rock (Camps 6 no 21) which is 177 klms West from Caiguna and 5 klms East of Balladonia and then for a coffee at Balladonia. We pulled into Fraser Range Station Camp Area (Camps 6 no 26) but the site was rather small and unlevel so carried on to our present stop which is Ten Mile Rocks (Camps 6 No 27) having travelled 420 klms today.

This site is quite large with plenty of room for big rigs, but I must pass on the comment that a lot of these road stops need to have their bins emptied more regularly.

We got out the rake and shovel and tidied up as best as we could, but most of the bins were full and overflowing and I ashamed to say the worst seem to be in WA.

Thursday 18^th We arrived in Norseman and after refuelling and a few phone calls we decided to carry on to Esperance to visit some dear friends of ours. It was a great relief to finally have phone and internet connections. After stopping for lunch at Gibson we finally arrived in Esperance at 3pm, 310 klms of travel today. We also were able to buy The Western Australian newspaper, first paper to read in about a week and home state news to boot.

Friday 19^th August. Well you will all be relieved that I am able to finally download this journal. We moved the bus into its resting place and disconnected the trailer and are settled in at Ray and Lorraine’s property. Caught up with the washing and cleaned the bus of the dust and grime from a week’s travelling on the Nullarbor. We are leaving the bus here for awhile and travelling by car down to Perth next week, a service and new tyres for Jimny is the order for the week. We plan to rejoin the bus and continue our trip to the Kalgoorlie Rally in a few week’s time.

Eucla WA

2011-08-14T16:09:00.003+08:00

Upon awaking this morning the weather had done an about face with wild winds predominately the mood of the day. We made an executive decision to wait another day before venturing on further up the road. As Jimny was already out and waiting we jumped in and headed to Eucla for a look around.

The Old Eucla Telegrah Station Ruins

In the early 1900’s Eucla had a population of 100 and was the busiest telegraph station in Australia beyond the capital cities. All that remains now of the Eucla telegraph Station is the ruins, originally opened in 1877 it helped link WA with the rest of Australia and the world. The first message sent to Perth on December 8^th 1877 stated “Eucla line opened. Hurrah”.

Bill teased me a little as to get to Eucla we actually had to pass through the Checkpoint into Western Australia. Diesel was a little cheaper here at 188 a litre instead of 197 a litre in Border Village. We tried to find a cave reported to be out on one of the many tracks off the highway but after a few fruitless searches we came out empty. There was lots of parking and camping spots around however.

All signs lead to everywhere. The most important one is Perth 1,462km

"Rooey"
These photos were taken outside the Border Village Roadhouse.

Lots of flowers blooming in the area, with this shrub of yellow bush Boronia featuring a vivid burst of colour in the virgin bush.

It smelled divine also.

The Great Australian Bite

2011-08-13T15:37:00.006+08:00

As our phone and internet coverage will be invariable as we travel from Ceduna and over the Nullarbor I will journal by days.
Day 1 Wed 10^th August 2011. Today we travelled to Mundroo and camped for the night opposite the Motel and Service Station. We pulled up at lunchtime just 10klms past the turnoff to Fowlers Bay and extracted the Jimny and ventured into Fowler’s Bay. We actually spotted some whales off shore, but they were not very clear. Fowlers Bay was a lovely small fishing and holiday village.

The Fowler's Bay Jetty
Showcasing the usual jetty and with accommodation opposite it also had lots of historical landmarks but the only old building still standing seemed to be the old Post and Telegraph Centre.

The Post & Telegraph Building
This Post and Telegraph office opened in 1865 and in 1927 the telegraph equipment was removed and in 1967 the post office part closed. The last postmistress was Mrs Coral Beattie.

Coorabbie Hall and old school site
We took a different track out and did a round trip through Coorabbie and onto Mundroo in fact we very nearly forgot where we had parked the bus. Lol. We decided then to travel onto Mundroo and spend the night amongst the trucks in the truck bay. Luckily the bus is reasonably soundproof so our sleep wasn’t disturbed.

Mundroo Motel and Service Station
Day 2 11^th August 2011 We reached the (Camps 6 802) 222klm Peg in time for lunch and again took the jimny out and drove towards the water, we were now in the Great Australian Bite and the coastline reflected this.

We carried on to (Camps 6 803) 165klms from the border and spent the night. The Coast was steep and rugged and the water was a beautiful aqua colour to a deep navy as it went out further, in places the cliffs had given away and it just looked like big bites had been taken out of the rocks.

We still hadn’t espied any whales but there were schools of dolphins just off shore and we did manage to take a couple of photos.

No Whales but plenty of Dolphins
I had to crop this photo intensely to show the dolphins in the water. There were several people camping in the area, one caravaner has spent nearly two weeks in this spot. An ideal camping spot for big rigs to park and turn around.

We also found an old hut (Gilgerabbie)in the middle of nowhere and a tower off the beaten track.

There was nothing for miles around in every direction. It must have been a very lonely spot for the previous inhabitants.

Here we are parked and nothing around for miles in any direction

Day 3 12^th August We reached the (Camps 6 805) 133klm peg for lunch and then reached (Camps 6 808) 52klm peg east of the WA border in the rest area. This was a beautiful big parking spot, with three different areas for camping. You could even camp out overlooking the water.

We selected the middle parking near heaps of blue metal and we walked over to the coast to different points looking out to sea.

The rugged coastline

This bottom picture shows some of the erosion of the coast

Thats me up the top
Day 4 13^th August. First stop of the day was to (Camps 6 812) Great Australian Marine park rest area and took photos.

The Beach at the great Australian Bite Marine Park

The rest area overlooked the beach and was a very popular spot, the water had been visible from the road for most of the trip. We parked next at (Camps 6 813) 10klm peg from the border and took the car to nearby Border Village. We thought we may have been able to purchase a paper but no luck although I did buy a 125 litre of coke and a 100g bar of Chocolate and it set me back $10. Very expensive!! I was this close to WA. Bill had to drag me kicking and screaming to the bus, just joking, but he doesn’t seem to want me to get over that border in a hurry. It was good to be able to speak to Colin and Beryl today on skype and others on the phone and to have internet access. We will spend the night here and travel on to Mundrabilla tomorrow. There probably won't be any more phone and internet until we reach Norseman now.

Smoky Bay and leaving Ceduna

2011-08-09T15:40:00.000+08:00

I spoke too soon!! We went to pick up the battery for the other computer, and found out that it wasn't due to arrive in Ceduna until the 19th August. As we are leaving tomorrow this wasn't an option, so we will try again in Kalgoorlie.

I thought I would share three photos that were taken when we drove over to Smoky Bay on Sunday as nothing much has happened worth mentioning in the last two days.

I should revise that; there were two very special events that happened but in WA not here, namely two birthdays, Grandson Corey turned 21 on Monday and his mum turned 40 on Tuesday. Happy Birthday to you both. Tomorrow we head off for the Nullarbor our estimated first stop will be to Fowlers Bay where we have been told you can watch the whales just off shore. Our internet and phone reception will vary from now on until we reach Kalgoorlie, so probably won't be blogging for a short while. Now don't forget to do your census tonight.

Ceduna

2011-08-07T14:20:00.001+08:00

Parked in the Caravan Park

We have settled in the Airport Caravan Park in Ceduna and have been without the company of Lance and Kay, who left here on Thursday for the trip across the Nullarbor. Have caught up on the washing and cleaning and the bus has had its tyres rotated, oil checked and refilled with water. I think this is the first caravan park we have been in for over a year. We are waiting on a battery for Bill’s computer which suddenly went kaput the other day. That should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday and then we too will be crossing the Nullarbor and heading to Kalgoorlie. That's if of course things go to plan, I have learn't that this isn't always the case. We went for a spin out to Denial Bay yesterday which is about 10klms out of town.

The Jetty at Denial Bay

This is a small fishing town mainly for the farming of oysters.

The view from Rocky Point

Another quick drive out to Rocky Point and then we viewed Mackenzie’s ruins.

The ruins remaining of the old farmhouse

McKenzie’s Ruin is all that is left of former farmhouse of a Pioneer Farmer of Denial Bay a blacksmith, builder, harbour Master who settled here in the 1860’s who assisted many settling in surrounding areas and condensed stock water from the sea Mac’s slogan was “You can’t grow wheat with your hands in the pocket” This is quoted on the plaque in front of the ruins.

The plaque marking MacKenzie's Ruins

Today we drove over to Smoky Bay for another look. It doesn’t seem to have changed much since we last visited here in 2009. Another sleeping fishing village with lovely outlooks to the sea. Again oyster farming seems to be the main occupation.

The plane that just arrived at the Airport

Bill went next door to the Airport just as a plane was arriving, and they allowed him to board the plane to take some photos.

Inside the cockpit

They radioed ahead for fish and chips and they were duly delivered out to the airport. As you would.

I thought I would give you a preview of the rug I am crocheting for dear G.Grandson. I played around with a pattern I used earlier and adapted it a bit. Using the primary colours it should be suitable for a little boy.

We have met another couple in the Park who hail from WA, and also HF Radio members. Paul and Diane will join us for happy hour today.

Eyre Water Hole & Haslam Rest Area

2011-08-03T17:02:00.000+08:00

Eyre Water Hole

Two days were spent at the Eyre Water Hole which is (no 716 in the camp 6 situated 5klm South East of Streaky Bay).

Lance, Kay, Ted, Maryke and me of course Bill is taking the photo

The first night we enjoyed the company of Maryke and Ted (I Feel Better Now) and Kay and Lance (The Rats Nest) and the second night Maryke and Ted set off for Streaky Bay.

The Water hole

Eyre Water Hole or “Cooeyana Well” is a historic site; it was once an important water supply for the Nauo, Wiranju and Kokatha people and with early explorers such as Edward John Eyre. Eyre established his depot here in 1839 on his first expedition to the region. Explorer Edward John Eyre and his party camped on this site in November 3^rd 1840 to replenish their supplies of water on his famous expedition from Port Lincoln around the Great Australian Bite to King George Sound in Albany Western Australia.

Parked at Haslam Rest Area

We travelled 41klms to the Haslam Rest Area (no 723 Camps 6) on Monday 1st August which is 3klms South of Haslam. We were rejoined by Maryke and Ted at around lunch time. The mandatory camp fire was a must and the gathering of wood was the occupation for the day.

Lance's Car with wood on top

I seemed to catch some sort of virus so I was quite ill for a couple of days however they all enjoyed themselves immensely without me, partying on well into the evenings.

The Craft Corner

We were all sitting outside our motor home crocheting and talking (as you do) when a couple pulled in on their way to lunch at Streaky Bay. Chris admired our works of art and we intended to share our patterns via email when our printer was set up in Ceduna. We jokingly said for them to bring back some ice creams on their way home. Later on in the day they returned and actually purchase a packet of ice creams. They spent some time chatting and then were on their way, it was lovely to meet such a lovely family. We hope to catch up for a coffee with Chris and Ron while we are in Ceduna.

Ted warming up at the fire

We set off this morning and about 11am we arrived at the Airport Caravan Park in Ceduna and set up camp, spent the rest of the day doing mundane chores like shopping and washing and organising our tyres on the old girl (bus) to be rotated. We will stay here at least a week, Kay and Lance will probably move on tomorrow as they need to arrive in WA before us. Maryke and Ted carried on to a stop further down the track.

Nyroca Bush Camp

2011-07-31T20:09:00.000+08:00

Nyroca Camp was a wonderful and serene place to spend a few enjoyable days. Set amongst majestic and picturesque Red Gums and Sugar Gums, just 8klms from Wangary township with a lovely creek meandering through the property I can highly recommend this spot for you to spend some quality time.

Parked at the camp in lovely serene bushland

Located on the Flinders Highway, 55klms North West of Port Lincoln on a natural bush setting and is ideal for camps and with a unique outdoor bush chapel, for bush weddings and church retreats. It has sleeping facilities for about 36 guests with over seven dormitories all containing double bunks. It also features a kitchen (modern and fully equipped), dining and recreation rooms containing a wood heater with satellite TV, DVD and internet access.

Rotary bridge

Outside is a wood supplied campfire circle, a large gas fired BBQ and rotating spit, volleyball and table tennis and a rope making machine.

The Pyramid in the pond

There is also lots of farm animals for the children big and small can interact with and feed.

The Ducks

The Goats

Daisy the dog is extremely friendly and is known to chase the odd ball or two, but bring the camera out and she is off.

Mal (caretaker) and camera shy Daisy

Honey is processed also on the premises and free range eggs are available. A powerful telescope is available in the recreation room for star gazing and when in season you can catch yabbies in the nearby creek. Plans are afoot to have a special section in the camp for Motorhomes to park, with a dump point etc so watch this space. Not far from the camp are the beautiful waters of Coffin Bay where you can purchase oysters direct from the farms.

Coles Point at the monument

Coles Point

I just love these rock formations at Coles Point

Swimming or fishing at nearby Coles Point and Greenly beach or you can climb the Marble range.

Greenly Beach

Mt Greenly

We travelled over 200klms yesterday to arrive at a roadside stop just 5 klms from Streaky Bay. We had full intentions of staying at Elliston, but arrived there on a Saturday afternoon and nothing was open and I mean nothing. We were unable to reach the person we were going to stay with so we made a executive decision to venture on and meet up with Lance & Kay (Rats Nest) and Ted and Mayrke(I feel Better now). We have spent two nights here around the campfire solving the world’s problems and tomorrow we will move on to another roadside stop about 40 klms away. A big day tomorrow.

Port Lincoln and Nyroca Camp

2011-07-28T11:35:00.002+08:00

Boat outside Museum

We only travelled about 40klms to the Nyroca Scout Camp just out of Coffin Bay on Tuesday so I travelled behind the bus in the car. Can anybody please tell me why, the lord and master has 3 GPS’s in the bus and I have none in the car? I mean to say why does he need to use all 3? Do you know what the worst thing he is that he argues with them all? I didn’t mind taking the car as I don’t seem to get much driving in these days so I need the practice.

One of the many bays near Port incoln

I had some mixed feelings leaving Port Lincoln as it was a really lovely town.

Emus near Lincoln National Park

Surrounded by pristine water in all directions it is easy to see why it is reported to house the most millionaires in Australia. The fishing industry is particularly prolific in the area especially the fishing of tuna. Fishing boats of all shapes and sizes can be seen gliding along the water, moored in the Marina or on the jetty transferring the catches on to the ships for export.

In the Pickling Room

Yesterday we did a Seafood tasting tour of a Seafood factory and watched demos of all aspects of shucking oysters, filleting fish, dissecting squid etc followed by a lovely tasting plate.

Bay near Lone Pine

We then drove over to Lincoln National Park where we were again treated to a picturesque view of the many bays. Beautiful blue, clean water against the craggy rock formations it was breathtaking.

Another lovely Bay

If fact the Eyre Peninsular which is where we are now has over 2000klms of coastline ranging from spectacular towering limestone cliffs, sweeping surf beaches and sheltered coves and bays. Because of the seafood and aquaculture in this region explains why we chose to visit here last. We officially have now done the whole lap of Australia and are on the road home.

Anyway we are now settled down at the Nyroca Scout Camp in Wangary. It is a beautiful serene bush setting and there are lots of outdoor activities to do. There is a resident Peacock, a dog called Daisy, sheep, goats, a kangaroo, chickens and bees as well as home grown vegetables.

The resident Peacock

Mal, the caretaker has resurrected the camp from its humble beginnings to the wonderful campsite it is today. There is lots of accommodation; dormitory style, a huge activity room and a huge great commercial kitchen, also outside there are lovely hot showers and toilets for all to enjoy. There is also room for the odd caravan, tent or motor home to enjoy a short stay. There are creeks running through the property with lots of bridges for easy access. Satellite TV and internet is also available. Unfortunately our internet connection isn’t the best due to the fact that we are nestled in a valley so I have a couple of days blogging here in one.

Tumby Bay SA

2011-07-24T18:34:00.000+08:00

Axel Stenross Boat Ramp Port Lincoln @ night

I am sitting here looking over the pristine waters of Port Lincoln reflecting on the past few days. We spent a lovely few days in Cowell, visited Turners Oyster Farm and on Wednesday night the Franklin Harbour Hotel had a pig on a spit night. For $10 you were served freshly cooked pork, roast vegetables and salad smothered in lovely thick tasty gravy with a bread roll on the side.

The Main Street of Cowell

The local craft shop also sold fresh homemade cakes and we availed ourselves of a couple. On Thursday evening we had fresh oysters and King George whiting on the menu for dinner. The oysters we purchased fresh from the oyster farm and the whiting we received in Port Broughton.

How is this for a Ride on Lawnmower?

We drove over to Cleve for a day visit, quite a nice small town which also had a lovely RV park at the showgrounds, $10 for a powered site and $5 for unpowered per night within walking distance of the CBD.

The view from the Highway lookout

We took the tourist road back through rolling green hills and stopped at the highway lookout for a view of the whole valley.

Jetty at Tumby Bay

We left Cowell on Friday and spent 2 nights in Tumby Bay, again at a lovely RV park near the golf course, fees were $5 unpowered for the night with the purchase of a permit at the local Cafe. There was plenty of room for us on nice firm ground with plenty of room to turn around, ideal for big rigs.

Parked at Tumby Bay RV Park

Another Motor Home (The Silver Ghost) joined us, with Bill and Shirley on board; their converted bus was immaculately painted and maintained. The second night our group extended to three motor homes with a small Winnebago bedded down for the night.

Seabreeze Hotel Tumby Bay

We had a nice meal of a $12 rump steak at the Sea Breeze Hotel on Friday night and Saturday we enjoyed fish and chips at the Ritz Cafe situated right on the water. Tumby Bay has a history that dates back to 1802 when Mathew Flinders passed through on one of his journeys. The jetty was built in 1874 as one of his first monumental features of the town. In 1953 The Soldiers Memorial hall was built as well as the first motel.

Art Gallery Tumby Bay

We also drove through picturesque countryside to the small town of Cummins for a day trip. We arrived at Port Lincoln this afternoon and we are parked at the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum on the boat ramp, right on the edge of the water. We have booked a tour for tomorrow, but it will only go ahead if there are two more people wanting to go. We have had a little bit of interest in the Motor Home as we have the “for sale” sign up but nothing serious as of yet. We have decided to sell the old girl as we have nowhere to store her when we get home. It will be sad to see her go but we have to move on to our next phrase of life, hopefully we will still do some travelling.

Whyalla & Iron Knob SA

2011-07-19T14:54:00.001+08:00

The Port at Whyalla from Hummock Hill

We spent a lovely three days at Whyalla camped at the Showgrounds. We went to pay our fees on Monday and they said we couldn’t park there any more; we were planning of staying a bit longer but decided to move on the Tuesday. Whyalla was a bit like de ja vu, we had previously explored most of the town when we were there for 5 weeks in April 2009.

The Beach at Whyalla

Nothing much had changed and it was still a nice place to visit.

A House in Iron Knob

We drove over on Monday to Iron Knob, a small mining town 52 klms North West of Whyalla. Not a very pretty town, but with a population of about 200 and the mine still working there were still some very proud local residents about.

We certainly know what this is

The town boasted a lot of Murals which added a splash of colour to further boost its charms.

The Emus

It is not unusual to come across Emus roaming the main streets and there are signs advising people that emus were crossing.

The Mural outside the Info Centre

The Information centre was manned by some lovely volunteers and coffee and tea is available to quench your thirst as you wander through the many exhibits. BHP mined here until about 1999 then the mine was used by One Steel who are still currently the occupants of this present day.

The Mine

Today we left Whyalla and are bedded down in a lovely seaside town of Cowell, 110klms south. There is an Oyster Outlet opposite the RV Caravan Park, so we plan to visit there soon. A permit is needed to stay here if you are self contained for a small fee of $5 per night; there is a dump point but no other facilities. The area is lovely and green and flat and not many trees to shade the solar panels and we have the whole area to ourselves. The township is very nice and clean and consists of 2 pubs, an IGA, Chemist, Op Shop, Deli and Bakery as well as other incidental stores. It also had a community run Art and Craft Shop and a Patchwork and Gift Shop called Stitch and Bits. This is a beautiful shop and you could browse for hours, we visited here as well in 2009 for the day and the shop is still very interesting. The town also has the Black Stump mounted on the main street. Have to catch up on some household chores tomorrow but we may visit other towns in the area in the next few days.

Melrose and Mt Remarkable

2011-07-15T17:39:00.001+08:00

The town of Melrose overshadowed by Mt Remarkable

Our next excursion was to go to Melrose, a lovely little town nestled under Mt Remarkable, about 80 kms from Port Germein.

Old Police Station & Courthouse now a museum

Melrose is quoted to be the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges approximately C1865.

Bluey Blundstones Blacksmith Shop.

Bluey Blundstone 's Blacksmith Shop dates back to 1865. Built of pug, pine and stone is now listed on the State Heritage Register. The complex has been lovingly and authentically restored and is now a coffee shop and B & B. Featured inside is an extensive collection of historical tools and machinery.

Mt Remarkable Hotel

We decided to return via the Bridle Track ( A 4 Wheel Drive dry weather only track) down over the mountains and through private property. We drove along a narrow path skirting the mountain and through the gorge, it was scary in parts but the jimny managed the road OK. I think we climbed 700 metres above sea level but the view was absolutely breath taking, you could see Port Pirie to the left and Port Augusta to the right and even Whyalla.

Looking over the landscape

The weather was kind to us and although it was still coolish the sun tried to peep through the clouds. In Port Germein there is rather a unique junk shop, I don’t know how else to describe it.

The Junk Shop in Port Germein

There is stuff all over the place and piled high some things you can’t even get to and barely a walk through for others. I would love to be able to fossick in there for a few hours because I think there are some very serious treasures hidden in there. I found 2 toy antique sewing machines hidden in the corners, but I don’t think the owner really wants to sell anything as I think she has grown to love everything in the shop. She was the most charming of ladies although a little bit eccentric and I mean this in the nicest of ways. She was wearing an orange coat over a patchwork skirt teamed with Doc Marten boots with patchwork motifs painted all over them, topped with a black western Hat adorned with feathers and brass trimmings with a fringed patchwork scarf draped around her neck. Quilters are notorious for being a bit alternative, different or eclectic so I am no stranger to this but she looked great. There were antique quilts hanging from the roof covered in spider webs and dust. She very generously showed us two of her quilts that she had just finished. One was made out of men’s ties (complete not unpicked at all) woven top and tail and only stitched where the ties crossed. It will be a feature in an upcoming Quilt magazine so I won’t give too much away. She had also made a quilt of coffin shaped blocks some opened showing a skeleton underneath and it was secured with a skull shaped button. The fabrics she used depicted skeletons and skulls it was very quirky. I would have loved to have taken some photos but didn’t think I could push my luck. So look out for the magazine.

Parked at Port Germein

Tomorrow we move on to either Port Augusta or Whyalla for a few days we haven’t quite decided yet.

Telowie Gorge

2011-07-14T15:18:00.001+08:00

A seagull perched on part of what appears to be a bridge

Yesterday we headed into Port Pirie, about 25klms away to do some much needed shopping.

The Smelter near the Port

We explored a little and had lunch at Barnacle Bill’s seafood Restaurant.

The Port and the jetty in the background

On our return we decided to go into Telowie Gorge about 8klms off the main Road. We decided to do the 1.6klm walk into the gorge.

The creek running through the Gorge

Now I always think that there is nothing more pleasant and peaceful than wandering in the Australian Bush especially after the rain.

The path through the bush

The melodic sounds of the creek cascading over the rocks sounded like a muted concerto in the distance. The birds are chirping, the light glistening on the leaves of the shrubs all added to the experience.

The sides of the gorge

Inside the gorge we followed the creek along a narrow and sometimes difficult track to be taken to a special place where you could just admire the beautiful rock formations and vegetation.

See I do have other coloured jackets!!

Telowie Gorge conserves a significant portion of the Southern Flinders Ranges. Telowie Creek has cut this gorge through the ranges. Today the weather was a little sunnier but still slightly cold.

Port Germein

2011-07-13T17:05:00.000+08:00

A wind Farm near Snowtown

A Blade from a wind farm on display in Snowtown it is hard to imagine that they are so big

We left Port Broughton yesterday and arrived in Port Germein around lunch time. We met our hosts Leanne and Allan for a cuppa then parked behind the Railway Institute Hall for the duration. Port Germein has the longest wooden jetty in Australia.

Port Germein Jetty

The jetty opened in 1881 and in 1883 it was extended by 121m to 1680m long. Following storm damage the present length is 1532m. The town itself is very small with just a hotel and a general store which also contains hardware, bait shop and Post Office and a very quaint collectables store, which I will tell you about later. The streets are nice and wide as seems to be the norm around here and the people are very friendly. There seem to be some heritage houses around and even a hotel converted into a home, we may be here for a few days as we have to wait for some mail to arrive from Carnarvon in the West.

Here I am trying to keep warm

It is bitterly cold here and we have experienced some rain, and of course it is lovely to free camp but having no power to fire up the heater isn’t ideal but I think we will survive.

Port Broughton and Fisherman's Bay

2011-07-11T16:05:00.001+08:00

Port Broughton Hotel

Port Broughton is a delightful seaside town situated right at the top of Yorke Peninsular. It is 176 kms from Adelaide, travelling on Highway One through Port Wakefield, then Kulpara and Bute. Major centres are nearby with Port Pirie 58 kms to the North and Kadina 46 kms to the South. Port Broughton makes an ideal base to visit the adjacent Mid North – lower Flinders, the Clare Wineries and the Copper Triangle.

The town has picturesque character, offering a safe and protected beach area for the children, and easy access to the Gulf Waters. The streets are very wide and the area is very clean. The people are very friendly and I sensed a great community support, with an aging population everyone seems to look out for each other without being too intrusive.

Fisherman's Bay

Saturday we caught up again with cousin Phyl and her daughter Gail in Snowtown with an added bonus of Phyl’s brother Pike and his wife Lorraine visiting over from Wallaroo. We went through lots of old photos, but unfortunately there were none of my dad but some photos of my Aunty Joyce that had an uncanny likeness to my sister Beth. Sunday we reconnected with cousin Basil and Maureen and enjoyed a very pleasant few hours with them. Maureen also does patchwork and scrapbooking. She is working on a candlewick quilt at the moment and the embroidery is beautiful.

The view out of the window of the bus early morning

I joined the ladies at Port Broughton Quilters for the day at their base at the Golf Club. They were also very prolific and enthusiastic patch workers, so I was able to while away a few pleasant hours with their company. I went to the Barunga Village Aged Care facility on the way home and had a brief visit with my dad’s last living sibling, my Aunty Joyce, she suffers from dementia but she seemed quite lucid and remembered Dad, although she said he had been gone for a long time. We leave this lovely spot tomorrow for Port Germein about 80kms north of here. It will be sad in some ways because I have grown to love this little spot and it was rather nice to meet some of my relatives. Bill informs me that when we are at Port Germein we will be less than 2000 kms from Kalgoorlie, so nearly on home soil.

The Heritage Centre

2011-07-08T13:02:00.003+08:00

Cream Puff Corner near my fathers childhood home (in Oct every year there are stalls selling produce and of course cream puffs or so I have been told)

I am sitting here today feeling very overwhelmed. I have just returned from the Port Broughton Heritage Centre in the old school building after fossicking in all the mountains of old records and memorabilia. What an amazing place and equally amazing collections all very well documented and Grace the lady in attendence was a wealth of information.

The ruins of my dad's childhood home

Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find any references to my father or to the period he was here from 1904 until 1928 when he left for Western Australia.

Was dad here in 1910?

The record books from his old school and I presume it was the Wokurna School later named the North Barunga School that he would have attended didn't shed any light and I was unable to unearth any photos of the school either. I did find references to some of his younger brothers and sisters but nothing prior to about 1924 so his younger life it is still very much a mystery to me. I don’t know if he ever played football or cricket or where he worked before leaving SA. I mean he must have worked or how would he get the money to travel to WA? Why did he go to WA? Was it because his older sister Jean was there? Who were his childhood friends? I may never find out unfortunately as it is all lost in the bowels of history.

The kitchen in the ruins of the house

I had a very informative afternoon tea yesterday with my Aunty Barbara and what a lovely amazing woman she proved to be. In her late eighties as sprightly as ever and with a mind as sharp as a tack, she baked an absolutely perfect carrot cake that left my offering of a lumberjack cake purchased at the local bakery desperately in the shade.

The ruins from the side

I also met my cousins Lynton and Sandra in their charming home last evening and quess what everyone she is a patchworker!!!! Lovely pieces of handicrafted work was on display everywhere I felt right at home. So my head is still spinning a little. Another cousin Roma just pulled up at the bus with her daughter Vicky we actually passed each other in the bakery but didn’t realise we were related. Grace mentioned us to them when we left the Heritage Centre. It is a very small world and it seems to be getting smaller by the minute. I haven't given up as yet and I am very determined to keep trying to find some information on my father.

Today my father would have been 107 years old if he was still alive.

RIP Dad.

Wallaroo and Port Broughton

2011-07-06T14:25:00.001+08:00

Town Hall or Soldiers Memorial Wallaroo

We arrived in Port Broughton today and parked at the Boat ramp right in town. Have managed to speak to a few people in town whom I am related to. It seems that there isn't many that I am not related to in some way. I am on a mission and am determined to resurrect my ancestry.

Prince Edward Hotel in Wallaroo

Yesterday while we were in Wallaroo we visited the Nautical Museum for a poke around in the town's history. Found a reference to our friends Merv and Irene from WA. His father was one of the oldest residents in town but we can better that. There is a street named after our family name. It was very interesting and a good place to visit.

This old cash register was in the museum now isn't it a beauty

This tower marks the Museum

The Smelter Chimney all that is left of these works

Wallaroo Station now used as the Council Offices and Library there are no trains running these days.

Moonta S.A.

2011-07-05T14:28:00.000+08:00

Old Moonta Railway Station and now Info Centre

Moonta was a quaint historical old Copper Mining Town, with traces back to Cornwall. Apparently they first discovered copper there years ago when a chap fell down a wombat hole and discovered unusually coloured stone and hence began the first copper mine. I am not sure if that is true or if it is just hearsay. We decided to try the Cornish pasty for lunch. Now as a bit of trivia the miners used to get their lunchtime pasties served with the pasty separated into two one side was for the meat or the main dish and the other side of the pastry was apple or something sweet or the dessert and the reason why they were crimped at the top was because the men were extremely dirty from working the mines and they used to hold the pastry from the top and eat the rest and throw away the crimped part as it was too dirty. Interesting theory!!!

A lovely church in moonta

Now I was always led to believe that the difference between a normal pasty and a Cornish pasty is because the Cornish version doesn’t contain carrot, this is what I learnt in cooking class as school. I asked in a bakery in Burra and was told by the very young assistant that the difference was because of the crimping at the top instead of the side, and another bakery said it was because the Cornish pasty didn’t contain meat. Now I am pretty sure my version is the correct one, even though nowadays they do put carrot in the pastries. It could be an interesting debate.

This Quilt was hand Made by Quilters in Cornwall and sent over to Moonta in 1999. It now has pride of place hanging in the Old Railway Station.

Moonta Town Hall C1900

The Jetty at Moonta

Simms Cove

Wallaroo

2011-07-04T16:07:00.002+08:00

Parked up at the Adelaide Tram Museum

I am sitting in the bus overlooking the sea and the boats in the Marina in Wallaroo SA, quite reminiscent of home; I could even get a bit homesick (or more homesick to be precise).

The view of the Prawn Trawlers through the windows of the bus

The weather is very wild and windy with a black cloud descending on us from above and the sea is very rough and choppy and I am very glad that I am tucked up inside here.lol We left St Kilda today and travelled 120klms north west through very flat countryside, with hardly a glimpse of a tree in sight for miles and arrived here about lunchtime and set up camp at the Boat Ramp near the Ferry Crossing.

Parked at Wallaroo

The ferry used to cross near here but it has been inactive for some time and I am not sure if there are any plans afoot to reopen the services, so it is very good for us as we have the whole area to ourselves.

The Grain Silos

We explored the township earlier but will venture out tomorrow, may even go over to Kadina or Moonta for the day who knows. We had a very refreshing couple of days with Pat and John at their Adelaide House in Ascot Park. Had some very much needed retail therapy (Thanks Pat) much to Bill’s disgust? We drove over to Brighton and along the beach for another look at a different part of Adelaide. A few wines, scintillating conversations, and the added enjoyment of the lovely company of two very good friends and then on Sunday it was back to reality with the usual washing, ironing, packing up in readiness for the big move today. Another farewell to more newfound friends and it was on the road again. We have met some very nice people on the road and I know I will miss this companionship when we are back home. A bit too windy for photos, today, as it is too strong even to keep the door of the bus open without it being blown off its hinges, so tomorrow hopefully will be a better day.

Glenelg

2011-07-03T15:57:00.001+08:00

Inside Adelaide Train Station

One outstanding day during our stay here in St Kilda and as transport is free to us seniors we took full advantage and caught a train from Salisbury Station into Adelaide city. On our arrival in the city we were lucky enough to board a tram destined for Moseley Square in Glenelg from right out front of the Adelaide Train Station.

The Tram to Glenelg a more modern one than those at the Tram Museum

So we were both able to sit back, relax and enjoy the interchangeable view through the windows of the Train and Tram.

Jetty Rd Glenelg looking towards the tram stop

Naturally the first place we headed for in jetty Road, Glenelg was to Bracegirdles Chocolate Shop for another of their delicious Hot Belgian Chocolates and then down to the beach to stroll along the Jetty in front of the Stamford Grand Hotel.

The Stamford grand Hotel

This majestic regal hotel stands prominently adjacent to the beach proudly merging into the surrounds as if it has always been there.

The Historic Glenelg Town Hall

A bit further up and on the left is the Historic Glenelg Town Hall now reutilised into the local information centre.

The Memorial at the beach

Glenelg is where early settlers came ashore in 1836 to survey and establish Adelaide. The Old Gum Tree still stands at the site where the colony’s first government was proclaimed.

Glenelg Beach

Early afternoon we again boarded the Tram for our return journey back into Adelaide City. Alongside the Adelaide Railway Station is the Adelaide Casino, well worth a look even if like us and don’t gamble. The Casino has lots of eateries, bars and coffee bars, on hand to replenish the thirst of even the most persistent punters or for a quiet rendezvous with some friends. After a delightful visit here we made our way to the station and on to the Train to return to our car which was patiently waiting for us at the shopping centre in Salisbury.

Port Broughton and a funeral

2011-06-30T09:39:00.000+08:00

Yesterday we travelled to Port Broughton with my cousins Maxine and John to attend the funeral of my Uncle Fred. It was a beautiful day weatherwise and the funeral service was very touching. On a different outlook I was able to meet many of my relations. They were quite surprised to see me there as you could well imagine. My father left South Australia when he was 24 and never returned, the uncle that passed away was only a young boy when he left and was now in his nineties. My father would have been about 107 years old if he was still living. There were over 64 immediate family so you could envision how many were there from other family and friends as he had spent most of his life in the area. I also receive a bit of history from my cousins on the journey there and back. The Cream Puff Corner which I often wondered how it received its name was because once upon a time in the past Cream Puffs were sold on this corner. We are going to spend the night with our friends from Renmark in their Adelaide house tonight so I will leave it here and be in touch soon.

Mt Lofty Summit

2011-06-27T15:33:00.000+08:00

The information centre and Cafe at the summit

Another day visit was to Mt Lofty Summit which is 710 metres above sea level. It was a beautiful day but the outlook was a bit misty but you could still experience panoramic views out over Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and the surrounds.

Flinders Column

The Flinders Column which is featured in the photos is not a lighthouse but was built as an observation point for surveying.

Looking out from the summit

The view on the way down

Holdfast Shores and Hahndorf

2011-06-26T10:27:00.007+08:00

Holdfast Shores Marina

HMAS Majestic Replica and Restaurant

Beach at Holdfast shores

We have been quite busy this week; with a return trip back up to Hahndorf and a drive over to Holdfast Bay at Glenelg. We did return to Hahndorf and I did try the hot chocolate at Chocolate @ No 5 and believe me it was very delicious as well as the food we consumed at Otto’s Bakery next door. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the village and into various museums. Holdfast Bay is a very modern shopping and Restaurant overlooking the beach and overshadowed by a modern high rise luxury apartment building. This was very similar to some of the Marina’s at home. HMAS Buffalo Majestic a replica and restaurant is nestled on the water near lush green parks and walkways. Of course there are still lots of things to see and do.

Chocolate @ No 5 in Hahndorf

German Arms Hotel Hahndorf

Main Street in Hahndorf

A Motel in Hahndorf

A restaurant in Hahndorf

Found this old washing machine in a museum in Hahndorf could you imagine doing your weekly washing like this?

We also had a nice dinner and get to know you evening with my cousin Maxine and her husband John in a local hotel. Also unfortunately my Uncle Fred passed away on Friday and the funeral will be held on Wednesday at Port Broughton, we will be attending of course. There is now only one sibling remaining in my father's family my Aunty Joyce is the last one left out of 13 children.

St Kilda S.A. and Trams

2011-06-23T14:43:00.003+08:00

On Sunday we played tourist for the day and boarded the tram for a trip to St Kilda Beach 2kms south of the Tram Museum. We rode in the lovingly restored 306 tram which in its former life, I believe used to travel the wires to St Kilda Beach.

The Trams run every half hour to and fro and you can ride on different trams throughout the afternoon.

For a small entrance fee (which goes towards the restoration project) you can wander through various sheds to view horse driven trams and trolley buses and trams which have been reborn as beautiful restored vehicles by a team of dedicated people committed to this cause.

Also various history books and memorabilia is available for purchase in the main museum along with detailed history writings outlining the various lives of the Trams and their service in South Australia. Giving an incitement into the past.

At St Kilda beach is an adventure playground consisting of long slides, flying foxes, wooden fortresses and swings there is even a shipwrecked pirate ship available for climbing and play acting the imaginative life on the sea.

A great place for the family to while away the pleasurably hours of a weekend with perhaps an added picnic basket to enhance the experience or you can enjoy fish and chips from the kiosk.

These white traces on the foliage alongside the beach are an example of the foam which washes ashore every day almost representing snow if you don’t look too close.

I assure you it has been cold but not that cold in fact I find it is warmer here than inland, even with the 114 knot winds we experienced on Monday night.

Well here comes the Tram which will return us back home to the bus so another day has ended in our adventures and another day closer to when we will be arriving home.
Will talk again soon
Jan

Hahndorf

2011-06-21T10:38:00.002+08:00

Woodside Hotel

Our next day trip on our to-do list was to visit Hahndorf village which is nestled in the Adelaide Hills just 25 minutes from the city. The pamphlet states” that Hahndorf is the living window to its Germanic colonial heritage; Hahndorf is a relaxing place and a haven of colour all year round. A place where famous artists have lived and, today a place where dozens of gourmet food outlets, galleries and quirky shops – many housed in charming settler’s cottages dating back to the 1940’s.” It was very true to its words, from the famous mettwurst sausages to their modern bakeries and galleries of jewellery, clocks and woollen products it was a shopaholic’s dream. With tastings of their famous fudges and boosted by a kransky with sauerkraut and mustard and homemade icecream we were unable to enjoy the delicious offerings at Chocolat No 5, so it was decided we would come back again and start our venture from the other end of the village. From here we took the scenic trip back to Adelaide taking in the scenery from Hahndorf to Bridwood via Mt Torrens. Somewhere along the way we called into The Olde Apple Shed in the Onkaparinga Valley Road in Balhannah to buy an apple pie.

Melba's Chocolate Factory

In Woodside at the heritage Park we tasted the lovely cheeses from the Woodside Cheese Wrights Cheese Cellar and admired all the confectionery at Melba’s Chocolate Factory.

Inside Melbas

This was a wall to wall sugar fix for the lolly lovers and it showcased chocolates such as Cow Pats (Almost puts you off chocolate doesn’t it) and sheeps nuts.

I saw many big kids leaving loaded with bags of sugary goodies.

Birdwood primary School

On to Birdwood where the National Motor Museum is housed and we espied the Birdwood primary School, I could just imagine attending school in this heritage building.

Blumberg Hotel

The Peerless Flour Mill and Blumberg Hotel deserved a photo shot also.

Peerless Roller Mills

Then down through picturesque winding roads towards Gumeracha where we found The Toy Factory which also boasts a 7 acre animal nature park and cafe.

The Giant Rocking Horse

This 25 year old business is home to the world’s biggest rocking horse, which proudly stands prominently in the entrance to the car park. On Sunday we played tourist at the Tram Museum, but I will write about that later.

The Barossa Valley

2011-06-17T16:39:00.010+08:00

Situated between Grote and Gouger streets is the Adelaide Central Market and ChinaTown in the centre of the city’s square mile. Around this market , in arcades, plazas and laneways you will find an array of fruit and vegetables, Chocolate, Breads, Cakes, Cheeses, Nuts and dried fruits, poultry, seafood and of course the German sausages and butchers. It is truly a gourmet’s delight, and most of the fresh fruit and vegetables are grown within an hour’s drive from the market. We spent most of yesterday in this market enjoying the great food and admiring the market stalls. The aromas were very delectable. Today we visited the Barossa and after a quick drive around Gawler, our first stop was on the Sturt Hwy and it was to visit a friend who owns a stock feed mill in the area. To those who may not realise the Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions where a rich European heritage lives on. The rolling hills of the Barossa Ranges overlook a colourful patchwork of vineyards and picture book villages.

The Wheat Store Brewery in Greenock
Next was Greenock and a visit to the Wheat Store Brewery, a small boutique brewery and then on to Nuriootpa (which is the aboriginal word for “meeting place”). We probably went the long way round but we drove over to Angaston and again to the Angas Park Shop, if you remember we visited their sister shop in Mildura a few weeks ago. Here we found a few brochures so that we could work out some sort of program. Halfway between Nuriootpa and Angaston was the Barossa Valley Quilt shop where I managed to purchase some material depicting the Holden cars in Australia. I can envision a quilt on Australia and possibly the places we have been coming up.

The Wolf Blass Winery

Back through Nuriootpa and again up the Sturt Hwy we visited the Wolf Blass Winery and then back towards Tanunda to the Penfolds Winery, both are outstanding wineries and I am pleased to note for future reference that Wolf Blass have a lovely tasting Moscato, which seems to be my flavour of the month.

Wolf Blass Winery

Up the road a short way and we called into Maggie Beer’s Farm Store and Pheasant Farm. This was packed full of her products and tastings were available.

Cooking up a storm in Maggie's kitchen
We were just in time for a cooking demonstration, and this was held in a replica of her kitchen studio from which she filmed her segments for the TV. Unfortunately Maggie didn’t do the cooking demonstration but the demonstrator was very informative and the food tasted very nice. A quick bite in the Tanunda bakery and then up towards Rowland Flats to the Jacob Creek Winery.

The Jacob Creek Winery

The view from inside the winery
Then it was off to Freeling to visit the town where some of the TV show McLeod’s Daughters was filmed.

The Gungellan Truck Stop and Gungellan Hotel that featured in the segment are still there plus many other significant heritage buildings including the Eudunda Farmers building and old State Bank.

I must apologise to everyone, we are very close to Adelaide but because we are in the Tram Museum and next to a very large tin shed and because of all the wires around our internet connection is not very strong, so we haven't been able to use skype or send many messages. I also have a lot of trouble uploading photos to this site so please bear with us we will move on in about 2 weeks.

The Reisling Trail

2011-06-15T16:35:00.001+08:00

The Reisling Trail is from Auburn to Watervale 9km, Watervale to Sevenhill 9km and Sevenhill to Clare 7km. Among the things we chose to do around Clare was to drive over to Mintaro which was established in 1849 and is now part of a state heritage area.

Here you will discover stone churches, cottage gardens, an antique shop (where CJ Dennis, the poet spent most of his childhood), a ruined flour mill, the Magpie and Stump Hotel, the Mintaro Maze and not far out of town is Martindale Hall (this was used as the ladies college featured in the 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”). This opulent Georgian hall has a self guided tour that will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of the state’s wealthy gentry.

In Mintaro they have managed to maintain the old Blue-stone buildings and the essence of rural life. From there we drove over to Auburn, where again lovely restored blue-stone buildings still reign, although no longer used as in their previous life they have been revitalised into B & B’s, restaurants, gourmet coffee shops, antique shops and the like. This is the birthplace of CJ Dennis over 120 years ago. Last but not least on the agenda was a visit to the oldest winery

Sevenhill Cellars was established by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1851 to produce sacramental wine and still does to this day and it is also one of the oldest wineries and vineyards in Clare Valley.

Sevenhill Cellars are also highly regarded for their premium table wines. It is the only remaining Jesuit owned winery in Australia.

Sevenhill's celebrated old stone winery and cellar door, stately St Aloysius' Church, the College building, spacious gardens and the surrounding vineyards provide visitors with a memorable experience of a welcoming and tranquil place.

Inside the cellar doors were barrels and barrels of wine and we were able to wander through their cellars and the attached museum. They even stock cake made in the New Norcia Bakery in W.A.

We topped off our trip in the Clare Valley with a meal at the Taminga Hotel. We left Clare yesterday, for a trip to Adelaide. We were going to spend the night at Mallila, but after a phone call from friends already in Adelaide we decided to go directly into St Kilda about 10kms from Adelaide. We have sent up camp inside the Tram Museum and will spend about 10 days here visiting Adelaide and the surrounds.

Snowtown SA

2011-06-13T15:48:00.001+08:00

The Memorial Hall

We had a nice time yesterday visiting a cousin Phyllis and her daughter Gayle in Snowtown. Cousin Jenny also popped over for a quick cuppa.

Part of the shopping precint

They were originally going down to Adelaide early but changed their arrangements so that we could catch up and they left in the afternoon. We had a nice lunch at the local cafe and a walk around the quiet streets.

I have mentioned in earlier postings that my father was born in this area, he moved interstate to WA when he was a young man. He met my mother and the rest as you say is history, as far as I am aware he never returned to S.A.

The "notorious" Bank

We drove back to Clare via Brinkwater and Blythe and it was a pleasant half hour drive.

The View at the Spring Gully Lookout

We went out to the Spring Gully Lookout this morning and we were visited later by a mutual acquaintance of a friend of ours; the three men served in the Australian Navy many moons ago. They chewed the fat about the good old navy days and had fun reminiscing. This afternoon we drove over to Mintaro, Auburn, Manoora and visited one of the oldest wineries in the state but I will post about that later. Tomoorow we will leave this lovely spot and make our way down to Adelaide, spending tomorrow night out on the road.

Clare Valley S.A.

2011-06-11T14:23:00.000+08:00

Open Cut Burra Mine now used to teach deep sea diving it is reported to be 250 ft deep

We are presently at Clare staying in the Showgrounds for a couple of days and we arrived here yesterday. We are the only motorhome in the grounds and the costs are a minimal $12 a night for power and water. It is opposite the caravan park and they don’t seem to mind if you camp here as they are very popular and even use the showgrounds as an overflow. The local markets were held here today so we had a ringside seat and stocked up on some local produce and homemade goodies they are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Burra Creek

The day before we left Burra we made a quick trip up to the Burra Creek Gorge and Robertstown. Tomorrow we are going over to Snowtown and Blythe for a look around and maybe look up a rellie or two.

I love these trees so much texture

More of Burra SA

2011-06-09T19:14:00.000+08:00

Burra Railway Station1883. This is in the process of being restored It still had the original Water Tank and Pump.

Burra Uniting Church. 1914. This was the site of the original Kooringa Westleyan church, first church in Burra.

This is a replica of a Blacksmiths shop in the Bon Accord Mine Museum 1859

Miners Dugout's 1850. There was an acute shortage of housing so the miner's provided their own housing by digging into the soft clay banks of the Burra Creek.In 1951 about 1,800 people in a total population of 4,400 lived in nearly 600 of these dugouts.

Kooringa Hotel 1884. We had a nice lunch here. A $10 special and the food was delicious.

Morphetts Enginehouse Museum 1858. This was a very interesting site to visit. There is an replica model housed inside showing all the workings.

This is a powder Magazine 1847. This building is one of the oldest remaining mine buildings in Australia. It was used to store gunpowder for blasting of the ore from the rock faces of the mine. This is in the Burra Mine complex where there is a great selection of historical sites, well worth a visit. You could spend hours here.

Police Lockup and Stables 1847. Erected at the rear of the Police Station the cells were used as a temporary gaol until the Redruth Gaol was completed in 1976.

Redruth Gaol was erected in 1856 and was the first gaol in SA outside of Adelaide. It was closed and then renovated and then reopened as a Girl's Reformatory in 1897 and closed in 1922. It was interesting to know that it was later used as a private residence for a number of years and a B & S ball was also held there. It is now in the care of the National Trust.

The Unicorn Brewery Cellars was built in 1873. There was a myriad of tunnels which originally held barrels underground. Another site well worth a visit.

This old sewing machine was in Malowen Lowarth Cottage which was furnished in the style of the mining era mine captain's residence.

There were lots more places to see in this little town which is steeped in history. It is wonderful to see our history restored so beautifully as many of our past buildings in Australia are demolished and the history is lost forever. We took over 290 photos in this town, that shows how interesting it is. But this is all of the photos I am going to show you, you will just have to come and visit and see for yourself.

More on The Burra Trail

2011-06-08T14:23:00.000+08:00

As I promised there is a lot to see in Burra so here are the first lot of the photos, I'll try not to bore you too much. The historical township of Burra was made famous through the finding of copper in 1845. By 1850 Burra had one of the world's biggest copper mines. It is now proclaimed a State Heritage Area. Now more of the Burra trail.
This photo is of the Town Hall, since its reconstruction in 1874 when it incorporated the Council Chamber it also served as a lecture theatre, cinema and library.

Inside the town hall in what appears to be a boardroom I found a quilt hanging. It was made by the Burra Quilters for their jubilee.

This is a closeup of the quilt, although it is not a verty clear photo due to the quilt being preserved behins a glass frame.

I also found this old projector among all the artefacts.

I also spied this serving wench on the stage.

Adjacent to the Town Hall is the Kooringa Telegraph Station built in 1861 now houses an Art Gallery.

Next is the St Joseph's Catholic Church, which was built by the Jesuits of Sevenhill in 1874.

And there is more......St Mary's Anglican Church 1879 The fine acoustics of this Church compliment the 1905 Dodd Pipe Organ, considered one of the best in Australia. They also had some exquisite stained glass windows.

Peacocks Chimney is a reconstruction of the original for Peacock's Winding Enginehouse built in 1857. It was resited in 1971

Burra SA

2011-06-07T19:11:00.000+08:00

Lock 2

Between the 1920s and 1930s a series of storage locks and weirs were built in the Murray River area to reduce the affects of drought and flood.

Lock No 2 Waikerie

Before we left Morgan on Sunday we visited lock no 2 which is near Waikerie. It takes only seven minutes to empty or fill the lock chamber but it normally takes 15 to 20 minutes to pass a boat through the lock. The water levels in the locks are raised and lowered entirely by gravity – no pumps are required. We called into Mallyons Bush Cafe & Gallery for morning tea as we were advised that the pancakes there were to die for.

Mallyons Bush Cafe

They were served with homemade fig jam and cream and they were delicious.

Sitting in the Cafe

we were in the cafe we got talking to another group, who were from WA also. Namely, Ann and Ian who originally came from Manjimup and are now living in Busselton, which is in the South West of WA. It also came about that Ann grew up with a very good friend of ours. We left Morgan about lunch time and headed to Burra, which is 110kms from Morgan.

Burra from the Town lookout

We set up camp at the Burra Showgrounds and unloaded the car ready to explore the town. It costs only $10 a night to camp here and apart from being on slightly uneven ground it is pretty good. At the Burra Visitor Information centre for a nominal price you can pick up a passport and key to enable you to follow the Burra heritage Passport Trail. So for the next few days we will be exploring the town and as there are over 50 sites I may carry over the photos for several days. The passport entitles you to explore many sites around Burra that are not open to the general public. Your entrance fee is free for the three National Trust Museums, Morphetts Enginehouse Museum, Bon Accord Mining Museum and Complex and Market Square Museum. You also receive a Burra Heritage Trail Booklet listing all 50 historical sites with a brief description of each. You key is used to unlock some of the buildings and sites and you can wander around to your heart’s desire. You must see all these sites on your visit here as it is well worth it but please allow a couple of days to explore it all properly at your leisure.

Market Place Museum

Our first visit was on Sunday was to the last site on the trail, as they were closed on Tuesday and Wednesday , no 50 in the booklet the Market Square Museum.

Bedroom inside Museum the Blanket on bed is made from Kangaroo skin

On display here are a large number of artefacts and furnishings from the period 1880 to 1920. It was built in 1880 and was originally a tailor’s shop and residence.

Inside Market Museum confectionery is on sale here now.

I will leave it here for now as there will be much written and photographed in the next few days.

Talk again soon

Jan

Morgan and Waikerie SA

2011-06-06T10:00:00.002+08:00

Camped at Campsite 183 in Camps 6 (Morgan Rest Area No 1)

We arrived at our roadside camp near Morgan about lunchtime. Kay and Lance from the Rats Nest joined us for the night.

Relaxing around the fire. I seem to be always in this pink jumper whenever a picture is taken.

The usual campfire was lit and we spent most of the day and night keeping warm around the fire. We threw a couple of spuds wrapped in alfoil into the coals and enjoyed them with our evening meal.

This is what I call a campfire

It wasn’t long before the rain started, although not heavily but we still managed to sit until about 10 o’clock by the fire under the Gazebo that was thoughtfully provided by the shire. After a leisurely breakfast again by the fire (the rain stopped early morning) we parted ways as they were going to Barmera and we headed off to Morgan. We parked just outside Morgan in another roadside camp and unloaded the car and drove over to Waikerie for a visit. At Cadell we had to drive on to a ferry to go across the river, a very popular way of life on the Murray.

Waiting at the Boat Ramp for the Ferry to come across

Quite a unique experience although not altogether new to us as we have crossed the rivers in NSW using the same method of passage. Cadell is 176 kms NE from Adelaide and 12 kms East of Morgan in a rich citrus growing area.

The Murray River Queen now a cafe

A quick visit to the Information centre in Waikerie and armed with the obligatory brochures we visited Illalangi Fine Wines and Olive Oils. The owner was a lovely friendly lady and we participated in sampling a tasting plate of delicious pestos, jams, relishes, sauces, outback breads and Dukkahs. Absolutely delicious and a must do when in the area. They specialise in gift hampers but individual items are for sale also.

The Chocolate Cafe

Next came the Havenhand’s Chocolate Cafe, a true gourmet delight. I ordered their special hot chocolate, which was made with 100g of pure Belgian chocolate and milk. (I am really glad my Doctor doesn’t read my blog I would be in serious trouble!!!Big Time!!) It was utterly decadent the chocolate just coated my mouth and I felt a delicious warm feeling as it slipped into the depths. Ahhh!!! We won’t mention the bellyache I had later or the heartburn either but it was worth it truly it was. Waikerie is situated on the banks of the Magnificent River Murray, 175kms from Adelaide.

The Ferry coming across the river

Then it was back down to Cadell and we crossed the river this time just across the river from Morgan. The Waikerie Ferry is a free 24 hour service.

The original Wharf in Morgan

In Morgan we explored the Historical Wharf and Railway Station and browsed through Carmine’s Antique and Curio Shop.

Carmine's Antiques

Now this was a treasure, with lots of wares and curios from ceiling to floor. You could spend a week in here and not see everything.

Inside one of the rooms in the antique shop

Check out this sideboard. I wish I could fit it in my house. Morgan is 163kms NE of Adelaide and is a historical town. At the height of the paddle-steamer era, Morgan was the busiest inland Port in South Australia and has preserved its history with considerable flair.

The Cliffs near Morgan

Across the water in Morgan

After a peaceful night’s sleep we drove down to Mallyons Bush Cafe, just off the Renmark-Morgan Highway they specialise in organic goodies.. I can recommend the pancakes they were huge and garnished with homemade organic jams and cream. I may leave that venture to my next blog page as this has proven to be getting quite a mouthful.

Talk again soon

Jan

Loxton and Banrock Station

2011-06-04T16:01:00.000+08:00

Near the River in Loxton

We scheduled a day trip over to Loxton and had a quick tour of the town. Loxton is 257 klms from Adelaide and is a charming and vibrant town in one of the most productive agriculture and horticultural regions in the state, Known as the “Garden Town of the Riverland”.

Boat Ramp, Loxton

Unfortunately you could still see the debris from when the river came up recently. The caravan park near the river has been closed and they are slowly cleaning it all up.

Parklands in Loxton near the river

We also made it back to Banrock Station Winery and Wetlands centre and I did a little bit more of wine tasting and the result was the purchase of 7 bottles of wine, 3 Frizzante, 2 Moscato and 2 Pink Moscato.

The Banrock Winery and below the Cafe

This is a big deal for me as I don’t really drink alcohol, but I am starting to get used to it. I have spent a couple of nights having a few drinks.

The Wetlands at Banrock Station

We dabbled in a bit of wine tasting at Angove Wines in Renmark. They are famous for the Green Ginger Wine and St Agnes Brandies; they also manufacture a very nice Moscato and a Sparkling Zibibbo. As the Frizzante and Zibibbo are sparkling wines I needed a stopper as I really wouldn’t be able to manage a full bottle in one sitting, or at least not yet. We drove all over Renmark but Angove’s Estate Winery was the only one to sell them. So that awarded them with an extra vote.

A family of ducks at Angove Winery

All these towns are situated on the mighty Murray River, Australia’s greatest river. From its source in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, the Murray River flows 2530 kilometres to the Southern Ocean in South Australia.

Boats on River

Many houseboats travel up and down in these river towns and you are able to hire them for a holiday if you wish. We finished our stay in Renmark with a dinner at the Renmark Club and left Friday morning and headed towards our next stopover at the Camps 6 Campsite No 183, Morgan Rest Area No 1.

Talk again soon

Berri, Barmera and Kingston on the Murray

2011-05-30T14:29:00.002+08:00

Armed with the usual brochures from the info Bureau

As Renmark is in the Riverland area of South Australia and Berri is situated nearby we made a day excursion to Berri, Monash, Barmera and Kingston on the Murray. On the way we called into the Almondco factory outlet in Renmark where purchases of different types of almonds and almond products can be made. We managed to walk out with some almond meal, white choc coated almonds, nougat, a trail mix and some hot and spicy almonds.

Berri Estates Cellar Sales

Our first port of call in Berri was to visit the Berri Estate Cellar Door and Winery which is situated along the Old Sturt Highway between Berri and Barmera. A 75 year old lemon scented gum tree towers over the cellar as a sentinel welcoming. While Bill had the usual tasting I also discovered a wine I rather liked, it was from Bannock Station Winery a light fruity wine called Moscata which can be purchased in white or pink. I might even be converted...well maybe...we’ll see...

Kingston on Murray Bridge

We tried to find the Bannock Station Winery which was near the Kingston Bridge over the Murray but apparently we didn’t drive far enough so it will be on the itinerary for another day.

View from the bridge over to the cliffs

We lunched in Barmera and admired the view over Bonney Lake and wandered around the Pioneer Wall of Fame.

Lake Bonney, Barmera SA

This was a tribute to Rocky Page who has a history in the Country and Western music and also on radio and the rodeo circuits. We stopped at Berri direct on the way home and their produce was an mixed array of dried fruits & nuts, jams such as Quandong (This is a Australian native tree with a fruit berry) and Cumquat, biscuits, brandied fruit, canned fruit plus giftware and jewellery.

My Pumpkin Pie

Today I’ve prepared a yabby mornay for everyone and made a “Gramma” pie for dessert. Gramma is a pumpkin for those who don’t know it is shaped like a big trombone. Is this font large enough for you Beth?

Talk again soon

Cooking up a storm

2011-05-29T18:31:00.003+08:00

Murray River

Another enjoyable weekend has passed in the Riverland area of South Australia in the lovely township of Renmark. Renmark is in the heart of winegrowing country, and it is also well known for the growing of fruit and nuts mainly almonds.

We have been feasting on yabbies and are forever looking for new ways to dish them up so far we all have had chowder, in wine sauce, tempura battered, fritters and also as is .

Cooking the yabbies

Tomorrow I may try a Mornay for everyone as my Yabby chowder was a big hit last night and I might add a pumpkin pie for dessert. Pumpkins are also grown here in abundance.

Sorting

A group of us have been going out and catching yabbies and we caught our fair share in a couple of days. What you see in this picture is a lot of yabbies but we have returned equally as much back into the river.

It is still rather cold but not as cold as it has been. Happy Birthday Bill!!!I hope you had a great birthday.

Talk again soon

Yamba SA

2011-05-24T13:40:00.000+08:00

We spent a few days going around Mildura, visiting both the weekend markets and we drove over to Gol Gol and Merbein. The Saturday Farmers Market was very interesting it was held at the ornamental Lakes and as it was tourism week in Mildura a few Houseboats were open for viewing. We refrained from buying some of the delicious looking fruit and vegetables luckily because they would have confiscated them when we reached the border. We did buy some dried fruit at the Angus Park shop. mainly dried apricots and chocolate covered rum and raisins. Beautiful, they were so plump and moist, Yummy. The weather changed dramatically in the last few days we were there from lovely balmy days to windy, rainy and extremely cold atmosphere.

Our camping spot

We spent Monday night parked on an old weighbridge just before the quarantine inspection point just over the South Australian border.

Just pulling into the Inspection Point

Yes finally we have left Victoria and we are now only about 2600klms from home. lol So we are looking forward to lots of new adventures in another state. We drove 14klms this morning to Renmark and we are enjoying the hospitality of John and Pat on their property just outside Renmark. They have a vineyard that supplies grapes for the production of wine in Berri. We polished off a great number of yabbies for lunch harvested from the nearby Murray River. It seems to be a lovely quiet spot and we look forward to spending a few days in the region.

Talk again soon

Still on the Road

2011-05-20T14:53:00.001+08:00

I must confess that one of the problems I seem to have with blogging is that sometimes I am too busy enjoying myself to actually update regularly. Lol. So you will have to forgive me. Tuesday we took Jimny out for a spin and drove over to Lake Boga.

Lake Boga

Lake Boga is 15klms South of Swan Hill and was named in 1836 by explorer Major Thomas Mitchell after the Bogan Aboriginal Clan. Boga’s history consists of the establishment of a Catalina repair and training depot for the RAAF from 1942 until 1947 during World War II. Six acres of the lake foreshore was requisitioned and extensive buildings and hangars were built to cater for 1500 servicemen and women. West of the township the barracks covered an area of 50 acres whilst east of Lake Boga a semi underground transmitting station and towers were constructed.

Museum entrance in old bunker

Today a museum is housed in the original communications centre with a collection of memorabilia and a theatrette showing authentic footage.

Inside Museum

Also we viewed a Catalina Flying Boat which has been rebuilt by the local Lion’s Club.

Catalina Flying Plane

Very interesting viewing I must admit. Tuesday night we were joined for the night by Linda and Bob from the Bushwhackers, who are also fellow Motorhomer’s and HF Radio Enthusiasts. Later that evening we were joined by “Elvis” aka Merv and Rhonda from Sydney, who managed to spend two nights with us. Now I have to advise you that the Swan Hill Shire Council doesn’t allow camping in their Showgrounds. Wednesday we were confronted by two officials from the local Law who said that we had to pack up and leave. There are 3 Caravan Parks in Swan Hill and one is Shire owned so they don’t condone camping in their showgrounds. We explained and showed them the publication with the entry advising us of camping facilities at the Show Ground. They profusely apologised and after taking notes of this entry allowed us to stay another night. As we were intending to leave then anyway it didn’t concern us too much. Our generator was fixed on the Wednesday, so Thursday morning we headed off towards Mildura.

Parked at Hattah South Rest Area

We camped last night at a roadside stop 404 in the Camps 6 book namely Hattah South Rest Area, 12Klms South of Hattah and 22klms North of Ouyen (which is supposed to be famous for its vanilla slices-we called in for lunch but didn’t taste test them). We spend a very pleasant evening (or drunken evening as Bill partook rather a few too many red wines) around our little camp bushfire.

Around the campFire

We were joined by Peter “The Health Coach” who also comes from WA, but we had no other visitors to disturb the lovely peaceful surroundings. Today we drove to Mildura after taking a slight detour to view another stop near Nangiloc, after meandering through lush green wine country we decided to move a little closer to town.

Nangiloc

We have parked on a vacant block in Irymple, which is 5klms outside of Mildura, so plan to explore the area in the next few days. I am very pleasantly surprised with the weather, which seems to be getting warmer as we get closer to the South Australian border. The Autumn foliage is absolutely breathtaking at the moment also with the leaves ranging in colour from deep maroon to the palest yellow, a lovely time to be travelling in this area.

Talk again soon

Swan Hill

2011-05-16T10:36:00.002+08:00

We decided to go direct to Swan Hill because Kerang looked as though they were still pretty wet from the recent floods. We arrived at the showgrounds early afternoon and the mechanics were able to come out promptly to service our generator. The starter motor seems to be the problem so they have taken it away and will return it again on Monday. Pretty good service I thought. Monday morning they told us that they had sourced a starter motor in Adelaide and will be here about Wednesday. Let’s hope this is not another de ja vue and we have the difficulties we had with the phone. Positive thinking!!!

Swan Hill is 336klms North West from Melbourne.Swan Hill is a city in the north west of Victoria, Australia. It is located on the Murray Valley Highway, on the south bank of the Murray River, downstream from the junction of the Loddon River. Swan Hill is located on the Murray River, between Robinvale and Kerang.In the early 1850s, a wharf on the Murray River was built and Swan Hill became one of the region's major inland river trading ports. The river trade declined with the expansion of railways; however agriculture spearheaded the town's prosperity with the clearing of surrounding land and the use of the river for irrigation. Vast citrus farms and vineyards surround Swan Hill and extend many kilometres to the north-west.

In front of the Swan Hill railway station is an 11 metre long giant replica of a Murray Cod - a former movie prop which highlights the popularity of fishing in the river. The Burke & Wills Tree, located in Curlewis Street, is a Moreton Bay fig tree planted in 1860 to commemorate the expedition of those famous explorers across Australia as they passed through Swan Hill. It is believed to be the largest tree of its kind in Australia.

Talk again soon

On the Road Again

2011-05-12T14:44:00.000+08:00

The Water Fountain in Bendigo

We’re on the road again...well tomorrow we will be. I rang Bendigo today to see if our phone had returned from being repaired and miraculously it had just arrived this morning. Funny that!! They also said they would ring me as soon as it arrived back in store...Funny that!!!No phone call...But some good news...the handset had been replaced as it was faulty, I could have told them three and a half weeks ago. Next problem...and there is a next problem...My memory card wasn’t in my new phone in fact no memory card at all...Well we will ring the repair centre and if they can’t find it we will post you a new memory card. I will ring right now and I will phone you today to let you know if it has been found or if we are going to send me a new one, I promise.. Its 4.30 in the afternoon and still no phone call....Still waiting!!!!!

Bendigo is steeped in Historical Old Buildings here are some just off Mitchell St

Well enough whinging....I did manage to visit Spotlight while I was in Bendigo and purchased some more wool for another project I have in mind.Yesterday we drove over to Kyabram for a bit of a drive. It seems a thriving town with a well equipped shopping precinct.

The Main Street of Kyabram, Vic

Enjoyed a bowl of Pea and Ham soup for lunch to try and warm us up. Did I also tell you that it was -2 degrees yesterday and it was the coldest Melbourne day for some time? Cold Brrr it was absolutely freezing. I invested in a woollen pair of gloves and beanie at the cheap shop as a last resort to keep me warm, the wind was bitter blowing up the main street.

A statue in Tongala

We drove over to Tongala, which is embedded deep into dairy country and popped into the Golden Cow to try out there so called famous milk shakes. They were quite delicious and I was impressed they actually served a half serve, which did me quite fine. I am still rather biased because I think our famous Fonty Farm Milkshakes in Margaret River WA take some beating. Tongala is the home of Nestle and a huge factory is operating just outside the main street.

The Nestle Factory in Tongala

I vaguely remember years ago Tongala condensed milk. Anyway the factory still looks like it is operation and keeping some employment in town. Tomorrow we will head off to Kerang about 150kms west of here and we will stay the night. Saturday we will arrive in Swan Hill and probably get a service on our generator as it doesn’t seem to like the cold weather. (A bit like me.lol). Hopefully we will have a powered site and will be able to keep warm for a couple of days.

Talk again soon

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T12:57:00.008+08:00

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!!!!

A very special wish for a wonderful Mothers Day to my Daughter In Law’s, the mothers of my beautiful grandchildren and also to Jess a Very Happy First Mothers Day, who is the mother of our newest, precious great grandson. May you all be spoilt and loved today and always? Also a very Happy Mothers Day to all the other Mums out there, It is on days like today that I remember my own dear mother...Everyday I miss her more and more...I wish you were here Mum...I miss our talks.......Thank You sons for the lovely phone calls today...I miss you all heaps too...

Campaspe River at Ayson's Reserve

Nothing much happened over the weekend, Julie and Peter and Anna and Geoff left us on Saturday to carry on their separate trips into the wild blue yonder. I meandered around the local antique and collectables stores in Elmore, yesterday and today we revisited Echuca for lunch and to buy a gas heater. It is really cold here at the moment about 3 degrees some mornings, so a heater is needed especially now when we are not plugged into power. I also indulged in some small purchases of my very favourite M and M’s, namely peanut butter M and M’s and some delicious white chocolate from the Echuca Chocolate Company. Bill had a taste of their white chocolate port, he said it wasn’t a bad tipple, it even smelled nice to me. We are still awaiting the return of my phone so we are not sure how long we will remain here, but plan to do a few short trips to fill in time. We have actually moved, but only to the other side of the road nearer to the shed, more sun coverage.

In Loving Memory
1916 - 2005

Talk again soon

One Horse Power

2011-05-05T13:26:00.000+08:00

We are still here at Ayson's Reserve and still waiting for our phone to come back. I rang them today and they haven't even looked at it yet...two and a half weeks later....Don't you just love them....It won't be back until the end of next week if we are feeling lucky....so much for them saying it would only take a week to two weeks. Our fellow campers are leaving on Saturday so we may have to find some new companions. We have been sitting around the fire every evening and enjoying our food cooked either in the camp oven or on a grill over the fire. We were joined this week by a rather unusual motor home.

See the photos, the chap built it all himself, and it has all that he requires to be comfortable.

He has to walk up the hills with the horse and rides downhill so it is pretty slow going but he is not in any hurry.

It is what you would call a one horsepower vehicle. He does love his animals and they seem very happy to travel together. He did have two horses but unfortunately the other became ill. Talk again soon

Ayson's Reserve. Vic

2011-04-29T11:38:00.000+08:00

Here we are parked up for the Duration

We had quite a lovely camping experience over the 5 day Easter Break after we left Deniliquin. We were joined by lots of fellow campers, die hard fisherman and families on the banks of the Campaspe River at our old haunt Ayson’s Reserve in Elmore Victoria.

One of the sections in the camping grounds

We have spent many a night around the campfire solving the world’s problems.

Anna, Me, Bill, Geoff, Julie and Peter around the campfire early evening

Last night we made a damper in the camp oven. 1 Can of beer and 3 ½ cups of self raising flour and added a few cranberries and sultanas and it was delicious served with butter and drizzled with golden syrup. It was cooked to perfection. For dinner we had “toasties” in jaffle irons cooked in the coals.

The beautiful Campaspe River

Most nights we throw a few spuds wrapped in alfoil into the coals, and grill some chops etc over the fire. It is definitely a very pleasant pastime enjoyed with the company of Peter and Julie, and new friends Anna and Geoff from McKay in Queensland.

More Campers

We will be here a few weeks as I am waiting for my phone to be sent down from Melbourne, it decided to play up in Deniliquin, so we had to take it to Bendigo to be sent away for repairs. It is less than 12 months old. Russell and Hedy left us on Monday for the home paddock, and we hope to catch up with them again soon.

Last Wednesday we met up with our friends from WA, Bob and Dtwana, in Melbourne for lunch and a quick visit. We travelled by train into Melbourne and returned by coach. It was a very pleasant 2 ¾ hour journey through picturesque countryside. They drove over to Elmore from Buxton on Sunday with their grandies and joined us for a few hours here, we dined with them for lunch followed by our now infamous vanilla slice. It was lovely to catch up with them again.

More Happy Campers Bill espied on his early morning chats around the camps (5am)

Tonight is the Royal Wedding of Kate & William, so I guess everyone’s eyes will be glued to the television. When we leave here we will travel to Swan Hill and up to Mildura, then into Renmark in South Australia, gradually making our way home.

Talk again soon

Still in Deniliquin

2011-04-15T11:15:00.000+08:00

We have had a couple of nights of excellent entertainment, Wednesday featured the Lady and the Larrikin a wonderful duo capable of producing the finest moments of Opera through to modern “Popera” and superb arrangements of evergreen ballads. Liza and Lachlan have many singing credits to their names and added with a little bit of comedy produce a wonderful enjoyable show. Thursday night we were entertained by Grant Luhrs and the Chook Raffle Band, despite their unusual name they have performed in many country and Western music festivals around Australia. Grant had the odd joke and with a bit of audience participation had most of us in stitches.

A Park in Deniliquin they also have a Santuary right in the centre of Town

I attended one of the health seminars, while Bill has been busy absconded in the Men’s Shed doing lots of boys things. Motorhome Conversions, HF Seminars, Computerised Routers, Pro Mar Demos, GPS Demos, RTA Shaker Demos and Geo Wiki Seminars just to name a few.

Deni is known for their Annual Ute Muster

We haven’t been able to make it to a Poet’s Breakfast yet or the Rock N Roll Or Line Dance Lessons or the PC Workshops or the list goes on. Maybe we will be able to see it all at the Kalgoorlie Rally in October, Closer to home Yahoo!!!!

The Main Street into the CBD The Pastoral News is the local newspaper published on Tuesdays and Thursdays

I enjoyed the Fashion Parade on Wednesday and a bit of retail therapy with the girls on Thursday, a lot of the stores had great discounts especially for us CMCA members. Judging by the amount of ladies in Rockman’s, Just Jeans and Barklays I think everyone experienced a bargain. I must comment that the Local Townspeople are extremely pleasant and helpful, many carry badges saying I am a Local just ask me, it is a joy for us to share their town.
The ground has dried out nicely now with the last couple of days being fairly sunny, although the nights are still cold but with a $7.50 hot water bottle purchase yesterday I was pretty toasty.
We are able to stay on for a few days after the rally for $5 a night so we may take advantage of that and top up with water and catch up on the washing, then spend a few days at Elmore, so that we can catch up with Bob and Dtwana from WA who are flying over here for a week.

Deni Town Hall

Talk again soon

Deni 25th Anniversary Rally

2011-04-13T12:39:00.000+08:00

Sunday lunchtime and we were on our way, first stop for the night will be at Ayson’s Reserve at Elmore approximately 120kms North. We previously camped here for a HF Radio Meet in November. Ayson’s Reserve is a free camp situated on the banks of the Campaspe River. We can still see signs of the recent flooding to the area with the communal shed sporting a red tag to show how far the water came up. It was about our hip height so quite significant. Most of the other motorhomers had left the previous day to arrive at the rally a day early. If you sent your application in early for the rally you received a invitation to go in early. Some fellow bushwackers were there, namely Christine & Garry, Hel and Karen and Salty, also a couple from the bus “Life’s a Bitch” whom we met earlier on a visit. They also hail from Western Australia and supplement their income by helping out in the Olive harvesting in the area and are biding their time until the 28^th when they will again be joining the harvest.

A wild, windy and night (weather wise)was endured, we dreaing seeing the results in the morning. It wasn’t as bad as it sounded and the ground was still hard enough to withstand the 20 odd tonne we were subjecting it to. So we set off for the rally about another 100kms up the road just across the border into NSW. Russell was in the lead and we arrived at the venue mid morning. They had a few problems siting everyone as they also experienced rain the day before and a lot of the grounds was wet and soggy.

They parked us up finally and as usual we were parked with a 19 metre rig into a 16 metre spot so we hang out onto the road a little bit. However we have a Birdseye view of the vehicles slipping and sliding along the track. By Wednesday they stopped all vehicle traffic in the area to try and smooth the ground out. We were the only members of our chapter so we opted to carry the banner on opening night. That also was a bit of a drama as we had to go around the outskirts of the chairs waving our banners and half of the area was under water. But like all good soldiers we joined into the spirit of the theme and laughed and smiled with everyone else. Our chapter, The South West Wanderers was the 28^th chapter to form in 1995. So with 99 other chapters (the parade was in numerical order of when it was first formed) in the parade , we were lucky and our stint ended early and we were able to slip off home to have some tea. It was also the 25^th Anniversary of the club so the speeches and banner carried on longer than usual. Yesterday I attended a seminar on photography using Adode Elements No 9, I just managed to squeeze it in amongst catching up with friends. We did a tour around town to see what was on offer and the locals were very friendly and chatty, afternoon tea at the local RSL then back for “Happy Hour” with the Bush Wackers, a rushed tea and then to the entertainment. We were serenaded by a group of 4 females who sang hits from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, these high stepping ladies had us toe- tapping and singing along to songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “I only want to be with you”, “Mr Postman” and “Sop in the name of love”. The Fabulous Chandeliers are in an entertainment class of their own . They were really good.

The rain seems to be holding off so we are hoping the ground will harden in the meantime the volunteers are doing a sterling job working endlessly with graders and shovels of sand to make it more endurable for everyone.

Talk again soon

Return to Hanging Rock

2011-04-07T12:31:00.001+08:00

Before we leave this lovely area there were a few things to tick off the bucket list.

This is the Hanging Rock

Tuesday saw us back again at The Hanging Rock, this time to attempt to climb it. There were two choices a steep, graduated climb or steps. So we started up the path and then climbed up the steps.

The path up the rock

Oh boy! I nearly had a heart attack the old ticker was going a million miles per minute and the old legs were like jelly. Talk about not being fit. I made it up to the hanging rock platform but rested a while before I came back down.

I just love some of these trees

I guess "moir" won’t be entering the run up the rock event on the 9^th April. LOL

Russell and Bill (behind camera) climbing the rock

Russell and Bill soldiered on up the hill and I am sure the view was well worth it.

The view from the top

It looked spectacular if the photos are anything to go by.

Another view from the top

We had also just had a lovely lunch at the Hanging Rock Cafe so that didn’t make the climb any easier. Bill sort of staggered back to the car so I figured it must have taken a bit of a toll on him also. Russell took us back home along the road via Kerrie so that we could have a different aspect again of the area. Today is bus and trailer wash day making sure everything is spicky again for the rally. We had to fork out for completely new batteries so I maybe mechanically we will be fine. I must say the weather has been perfect although rain is predicted for the weekend

Talk again soon

Lancefield

2011-04-04T18:18:00.001+08:00

Woke up today to wet weather and it was pretty cold as usual so didn't venture very far out of the Motorhome. Here are some photos of local buildings taken in the last few weeks.

This Original Hotel is now a Bed and Breakfast

This old building houses an Antique collection and Cafe

Lancefield Hotel we have dined here a few times

This church is situated in Romsey

Talk again soon