The time is near when we depart our Island State bound for warmer climes on mainland Australia. Currently we are busy checking our equipment and washing the Motorhome and Tow Car. This will be the first trip for this car given we have retired our trusty Suzuki aptly named Digger our tow car for the past 17 years. We have no intention at this stage to sell Digger we will wait until the Diahatsu Terios demonstrates that it works for us this year on our travels. On Mothers day my daughters partner was able to bring his trusty tools along to find a problem that we had with the brake lights operating on the Terios. Finally the fault was found and corrected so when we brake in the motorhome the brake lights come on in the Terios as well.
The last of the packing was achieved then we said farewell to our Launceston family and friends.
As usual we stopped to see my sister at Carrick and then continued onto Devonport to board the Spirit of Tasmania for our overnight journey to mainland Australia. We dropped into to see John and Jenny and had a cuppa with them for they are on the ship tomorrow night, we all agreed that with the current gale force winds that we were going to have a rough trip.
We are expecting Debbie and her Daughter Sophie to join us for fish and chips prior to boarding the ship. We had our meal and then bid them both farewell and then drove off to drive aboard the Spirit of Tasmania 1. We were surprised to find there were no lines of vehicles and drove straight to the checkout point and onto the quarantine area. They started loading at 6pm and we found ourselves driving on and around the 5th deck and pointing the wrong way to disembark the ship.
There must have been around 80 school kids on the boat and they were walking around everywhere and buying the shop on board out of soft drink and chips etc. We settled into our cabin and then went back to the lounge area and settled in to have a few drinks and watch the other passengers going about their business. In these past years we have noted that we have not seen anyone we know amongst the passengers where in previous years the opposite was the case. They broadcast over the intercom system that we would be pushing into gale force winds and rough sea's.
Whilst we were watching television and having a few drinks we noticed that the purser was placing spew bags all around the lounge area which lead us to believe we were in for a rough trip.
At Eight fifteen we went to our cabin and there was hardly any movement of the ship given the captain had announced that we would be travelling at 23 knots and tying up at the same time as always in the morning.
We did not believe that it was overly rough though at times we saw heavy spray on our cabin window on the 7th floor deck we read for awhile and then dropped off to sleep.

Friday the 13th of May
It wasn't a bad crossing after all and I woke up looked at the clock and it indicated 5am or so I thought. I went for a shower and then changed into the gear for today and then relooked at the clock and it was registering 4.10am what a dingo! So I did not bother changing I just hopped back into bed and awoke at 5.30 when they announced that they would be berthing at 6am.
We were both ready by 6.15am and so we headed out of the cabin to our stairs to take us down to G deck on the 5th level. When they allowed us entry we checked both vehicles for any damage and luckily there was none. It was 7.20am before we moved to disembark and as I thought we had to do a lap of the deck and then down drop down floor which took us the lower vehicle deck and then out onto the dock.
We picked up our gas bottles and then out onto the road where we hooked the car up for travelling. Due to the lateness of disembarking we found ourselves in peak hour traffic and where anything goes they change lanes with out warning and cross in front of us not allowing us much room to brake at the stop lights. Thankfully we have road cam set up to record this type of behavior in case something occurs. We were fighting traffic all the way to Jen and Robs place and did not arrive until nearly 9am. The gps indicated that from the wharf to our destination was only 14.5 kilometers and it took us in excess of one hour to travel this distance.
On arrival we said hello to all before Rob went off to work and the kids off to school. We had our breakfast inside and then decided to go and do a bit of retail therapy. First with Jen to Aldies to top up with groceries and then to the green grocer for veggies and the prices were unbelievably cheap.
As it was lunch time we went to a cafe for a bight to eat plus wash it down with a cappuccino, which all was enjoyable. Then onto the Doncaster shopping centre to go to the Big W for a few gas cans and other items. The traffic was light so in no time at all we arrived.
We bought what we had to plus a few other items and then decided to head for home. On the way back we were to notice the amount of multi story building that is occurring and also noticed the changing sky line of central Melbourne and the suburbs.
Arrived home and had to repack the groceries and other items in the Motorhome for our ongoing travels on Monday. We had a cup of tea and Jen and Liz went off to pick up Ollie and Lucas from school. Tonight we are staying in and just having one of liz's famous quiches and salad for tea before settling in to watch the football whilst have a few frothy's.

Saturday the 14th of May
Awoke this morning after a good nights sleep and hopped out of bed at 7.45am. I went walkabout to buy the newspaper and as I wandered along I was to admire the beautiful houses in the area including the Grocon enclave that takes up nearly a full block with most of the property boundary taken up with 3 metre high brick walls. It was a nice sunny day with a rather chilly wind coming out of the sou west. When I arrived at the service station I found the price of diesel was $1.04.9 cents a litre, purchased the paper and then walked along Station Road before turning down Rathmine and then into Swift on the way home. Went inside for breakfast where Liz was to cook me bacon and eggs plus toast and a cuppa for breakfast, all very nice.
Then relaxed as the boys where to gather up items for sale and they set up a table on the footpath and they were to sell items to unsuspecting people coming along. I had a laugh when I spotted a glass with a sticker on it indicating this was a tip glass. Funny to say there was a couple of dollars in small change that people had left as tips for the boys efforts.
The trade table was put away and then we all went to the Northcote shopping centre for cappuccinos and the boys had a muffin and milkshake each. It was pleasant just sitting there taking in the multicultural surrounding and the many languages that were being spoken. Then into the Kmart for a cover for my phone with no result and then over to Aldies for a few items and it turned out to nearly a hundred dollars again. Most of the cost was meat so we are provisioned up for our trip along the Murray from Monday on.
Back home and unloaded and then back in the car and then over to Dan Murphy's to purchase grog etc at Preston. The price of alcohol has risen dramatically so it was take or leave it that was the choice, needless to say we bought what we required and then headed for the Aldies store at Preston and bought a few items and then back home. The waeco is now full of grog and meat and needless to say we cant fit any more food into the fridge. Liz stated that here main aim is to keep me out of supermarkets for the next month. Good luck to her.
We settled in to watch the football game between Essendon V North Melbourne this afternoon and tonight we are staying in and will watch the Collingwood V Brisbane game on Foxtell. It would true to say that we are all shopped out and so is our wallet. We will take no rocking when we head off to bed tonight.

Sunday the 14th of May
It was chilly this morning and after showering and having breakfast I headed off with Rob and Oliver to go to the soccer match of which, Oliver is a member of the Moreland Team.
Oliver was to compete in the under 10 age group and after warming up they were into it. Craigibourne V Moreland.
From the word go it was obvious that Craigibourne where more structured and it showed in the first half when they kicked 8 goals to nil. In the second half things changed with Oliver kicking the first goal for Moreland though Craigibourne was to win 12 goals to 1. The goal keeper for Moreland was most upset with the loss for apparently he is good at stopping goals as a rule, at the end of the match he was openly crying poor bugger.
Rob was to umpire the second game and again Essendon playing a good game with the result being Essendon 4 Moreland 4. The game in a higher age group was fast and furious with parents on the sidelines urging their children on and at times confusing them when their coach gave an opposite instruction. I had a bag of hot chips then helped put the make shift goals away and then we headed for home.
On arrival we discovered that Jen and Liz had gone out for a bit of retail therapy and on their return we then drove the Terios to the service station where we took on unleaded fuel for the vehicle and the drums for the generator and chainsaw. We filled the two jerry cans with diesel at $1.04.3 cents a litre. We filled the terios and the generator and chainsaw fuel with unleaded for $1.18.9 per litre.
On our return we hooked the terios up to the motorhome in case it rains in the morning and then we will be on our way for the rest of our journey. Our grand child Andrea dropped over and will join us for a meal of roast pork cooked on the weber this afternoon. It was good to catch up with her and we had a good chat about all and sundry for she has settled into being a Melbourne girl and luckily she lives close by in Brunswick.
Then we settled in to watch the Carlton V Port Adelaide footy game which it looks like Carlton is going to win. Because there is foxtell in the house we are going to watch the St Kilda V West Coast and after our meal tonight we will just relax and watch whatever on television. Another interesting day though we are looking forward to heading for the Murray River around Tocumwal tomorrow.

Monday the 16th of May
A pleasant nights sleep and then inside to have breakfast. Their was a hive of activity with Rob and Jen getting ready to go to work and the boys getting ready for school. We were to have breakfast together and then it was time to say our farewells for it is time for us to get on the road to warmer climes. The morning in Melbourne was chilly with overcast weather we had a shower and then did our final packing and then locked the house. We were to drive around to the service station to fill the motorhome with diesel and noted that it was 1.5 cents a litre dearer than yesterday. On the road at 10am and the traffic was light until we turned onto Bell street heading towards Coburg and the Hume highway.
Traffic light after traffic light and we seemed to be getting all the stop lights with very few green. We eventually turned onto the Hume Highway and the first thing that was noticeable was the amount of trucks with their loads heading interstate.
Given that we were on a two lane freeway we were not to hold them up at all and it wasn't long before we were out into open country getting along at 90kph with little problems with hills though there was a head wind which was holding us back a little.
After around two hours we arrived at the Wallen rest area where we had some fruit for lunch and then pushed again for Tocumwal in NSW. The only problem was the head wind though we were travelling along alright. The country was green and the hills in the background was a beautiful sight. We then turned onto the Goulbourn Valley Highway heading towards Shepparton and the going was easier. It wasn't long before were to see the many water channels used for irrigation of the farm land. We were not to go into Shepparton proper we took the truck bypass and which left us with only a hundred kilometres to travel to our destination.
We were to pull into Finley Beach and like last year there were plenty of tents and caravans set up with no one in attendance and of course they took up the bulk of the spaces that afforded sun for the solar panels. The area around the roads in were boggy from recent rains so we checked across the road and found a spot we had stopped at a few years ago. With overcast sky's we decided to go to town beach on the NSW side and pay the fee for a couple of nights. This turned out to be the right decision for the later in the day the rain arrived and we were in an area that was more solid sand than black dirt.
We set up and didn't put the awning out for we will see what tomorrow brings. John and Jenny from Devonport arrived and set up so we joined them for happy hour. During this period we discussed our future travels and noted the Murray River had no fishing signs due to a green algae on the river being present. As the rain started falling steadily John put his his awning out and we sat under that for awhile before coming back to our camp. Hearing the rain falling on the roof is relaxing and we will watch the television tonight and read our books when we go to bed.
Kilometres travelled 285

Tuesday the 17th of May
After a night of rain awoke this morning to no wind and brilliant sunshine. Went for a walk into Tocumwal to buy today's paper and along the way there were Kangaroos, Galahs and Parrots all feeding merrily away. It was a pleasant walk of about thirty five minutes one way and on arrival bought the newspaper and then walked over to the supermarket and noted that the Foodland Store was closed and renovations were taking place. Strolled up to the IGA and had a look at prices on grog and sausages which we have none of. The sausages were 12.99 a kilo at both the IGA and the butcher.
On the way back to camp noted a lone Kookaburra and the calmness of the Murray River this morning with clear blue sky's and plenty of sunshine. On the river wall there is a long Mural that depicts the days of the river trade by paddle steamers and barges before the advent of roads and trucks etc. It looked very nice and depicted the era of river steam boats nicely.
Back in camp we had our breakfast and then cleaned and then decided to go for a drive in the Terios.

We were to check Finley beach and spotted a good spot that we may utilise tomorrow after leaving Town Beach. Then onto check out the op shops and unfortunately they wouldn't give me a trade in for my trusty Purple Haze though I was able to buy a brand new zip up bluey for $3. We bought a few books for later and then returned to our camp. We had lunch and then sat out in the brilliant sunshine and read for a few hours. John and Jenny came down for happy hour and whilst enjoying their company out came the baby Q and on went a rolled chicken and spud for baking for our evening meal. We met a couple of happy campers that invited us to join them at their fire and before long there quite a few come along. Our meal was cooked and then we went inside for our meal. We then packed away our outside gear in case there was a dew overnight so in the morning we only have to shower and then roll up the water hose and we will move. Tonight we will watch television for awhile and then off to bed to read our books before nodding off.

Wednesday the 18th of May
A little cloudy this morning though not cold at all. Walked into Tocumwal for the newspaper and took a photo of the main street that was pretty deserted for this time of the morning.
On the way back I stopped and took a photo of a novel mode of camping and that was a ford flat tray ute with a tent in the tray and a very large umbrella over the tent. On the way past I said hello to the woman who was still in bed in the tent while the bloke was cooking breakfast. We had a chat for awhile and he and his wife were happy to travel around with this camping arrangement.
We had our breakfast and then said our farewells to John and Jenny packed up the water hose and over to the dump point. Liz was to drive the Terios first to the butchers shop for we had no sausages and had to pay $12.99 a kilo. Never thought we would see the day when we would pay this price for normal sausages.
We then drove over to Finley Beach on the Victorian side of the river and set up camp. How peaceful it is with very few happy campers though one has five dogs and all are yappers. We found a spot to maximise our solar panels with sunlight and then set about pulling the awning out and getting ready for outside camping weather permitting. We were happy to get away from the form of camping that is depicted in most caravan parks at Town Beach. Though we enjoyed the time with John and Jenny and their dog Lily.

Once set up we decided to go in the Terios and find wood for our fire. We just followed the track around and down though the bush until we found dry wood which we cut to length with the chain saw. We were to stack it on the roof rack making sure that nothing touched the solar panel. Back to camp and unloaded and then split the logs and stacked it for burning.
We wont bother lighting the fire tonight for we are having the cold chicken left over from last night. It is becoming overcast and with a chill in the wind. We were to have our lunch outside watching the Murray River flowing by on its way to South Australia and the river appears to be at a good level. Again there are warning signs against catching and eating the Murray Cod due to green algae being present.
After lunch we read our books until a happy camper from down further dropped in for a chat. He indicated he has five dogs and has been camped here for a fortnight so far and intends to stay a further week. He had watched me earlier walking around the Red River Gums looking for Koala's and I had not spotted any. He took me to a tree less than twenty metre's from us and there in the lower limbs was a nice Koala. It just sat there looking at us. Liz was to take a few photo's on her tablet.
The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the area and the then relaxing for happy hour and tonight no doubt we will watch a bit of television.

Thursday the 19th of May
A chilly morning as I strolled into Tocumwal to buy the paper. Along the way I was to see large mobs of Kangaroo's and only a few stayed to be their inquisitive selves. As I approached the river there was a lone Pelican looking for fish and the green algae did not seem worry him at all. There are many signs warning of the dangers of eating fish out of the river at the moment. Though the sun shone through early this morning a high fog appeared and blocked the sun and with the slight breeze made it a bit cold.
This is a longer walk on this side of the river and you have to cross the Victorian/NSW border to go into Tocumwal proper. For we are now camped on the Victorian side of the border. I was to hear the loud discharges at regular intervals at the wheat silo's attempting to stop the dreaded Corella's picking through the outside wheat storage which is covered in very heavy tarps. After buying the paper I was dreading the walk back to camp as I am not fit enough to do it as easy as in previous years.

I was to take a photo of the famous Tocumwal Murray Cod and I do not recollect how many photo's I have taken over the years. Before arriving back in camp I stopped off to say hello to a happy camper that is near us. I discovered he has been here for over three months along with the other two campers in the area. We had a good old chat about all and sundry and about his large Leyland Bus converted to a motorhome. He had his firepot going cooking his toast for breakfast so I bid him farewell and headed back to our camp to have breakfast.
The fog had now lifted and it was nice and warm in the sunshine as we had our breakfast. We had two more happy campers come along and say hello and we chewed the fat for awhile. They five little dogs in their camp and you can hear them yapping away though not causing any problems to anyone. We had a cappuccino around mid morning and before we knew it lunch time had arrived.
After lunch we hopped in the Terios and drove off to check out our next camp site at Barooga only twenty kilometres by road from our existing campsite. The first area we saw wasn't all that good and the second site in the National Park was very nice indeed and you do not need permits or payment. So we are happy with that, so next monday we will travel to this campsite.
It was late afternoon when we drove back to Tocumwal and we stopped in to see John and Jenny at Town Beach, though they were out playing golf.
Back in camp I lit the fire to get coals ready for we are using the camp fire and intend to have potatoes wrapped in alfoil cooked in the coals. We then settled in and read our books with me finishing mine just prior to cooking time. We didn't have a happy hour today and we were sitting around when we heard this voice calling out "people people" and when we turned around a bloke was pointing to the road and there was a Koala sitting in a muddy puddle drinking the water. We could not resist taking a photo or two and our presence did not seem to worry the Koala at all.
We were to have a chat with the bloke and found he had been here over three months as well. He went on to inform us that this particular Koala often used the top of his caravan to launch himself into the nearby tree.
This is what Liz probably heard during the night for this morning there were paw prints on the table and chairs.
The fire was going well so later in the day Liz put a steamer on for the veggies and spuds in the fire and I was to cook the thick sausages both pork and beef.
We decided to eat inside so we could watch the news and after our meal we had a cuppa and then switched over to the Marngrook Football Show and then the Footy show before going to bed later in the night.

Friday the 20th of May
All we could hear was the screeching of Corella's this morning and the sound of the shots being fired at the wheat silo's. As usual as I set out to buy the paper it was nice and sunny and by the time I had reached the bridge high fog blanketed the sun out. It was not cold and the strange thing is we are not getting any fog anywhere near our camp it seems to be coming from up county on the slight morning breeze.
The Kangaroo's where missing this morning due to more people walking their dogs etc though I was to see for the first time Wood Ducks feeding on the grass on the banks of the river. When Walking along the levee bank I looked back and you could see the bridge that crosses the Murray River and separates Victoria from New South Wales. The river appears to have dropped at least a metre with some mud flats now showing.
On the way back to camp I stopped and had a chat to Richard who was just getting his fire going for his breakfast. He is a nice old chap (who am I to say an old chap) and is willing to part with a lot of knowledge of camping area's along the Murray. Home for breakfast and Liz saw me coming and when I arrived it was waiting for me. We wished each other a happy 53rd wedding anniversary. The water tank in the motorhome was getting low due to the showers that we were having so it took forty litre's to once again fill.
In went the empty containers into the Terios and the rubbish and we headed into Tocumwal.

Just before we left our camp area we spotted our resident Koala who was walking as we pulled up to get photo's he squatted and then started walking towards the river to have a drink no doubt. As he went over the bank we decided to let him/her drink in peace given that we have many photo's of it.
Into Toc (as the locals call it) and Liz went off to the Chemist to get some scripts filled and I headed for the IGA for banana's and whilst there they had XXXX 30 can pack onspecial for $44 so I bought a carton. It means that's I have nearly four cartons of beer which should last me a long time hopefully.
John and Jenny arrived in town walking Lily so we all went and had a cappuccino and some cakes, they were to wish us a happy anniversary and John was to purchase a carton of Crown Lager so I drove it back to their camp whilst they walked back.
We dropped our rubbish there and filled our water containers for Liz is getting the washing machine going in the morning if the weather holds.
We came home for lunch and as we pulled up Alex the old bloke along from us came over for a natter and it was after 1.15pm before we had lunch. As we are going out tonight we did not light the fire only set if we want to have it going when we return.
We were concerned that the local television was pixulating last night so we set up the satellite dish and when we return we may wish to watch the Hawthorn V Sydney game tonight.
Around 4 pm we had a cappuccino and some Tim Tams and whilst we were enjoying those we noted the lone fisherman had returned from yesterday and was sitting patiently trying to catch fish. We were catching the last rays of the sun near the river before it dropped down behind the Murray River Red Gums and noted our old mate the Koala was up the small tree in front of us chewing away on the leaves. I took another photo and then we left it along enjoy it meal. Later in the day we were to see it come down and wander away and towards larger trees near the bush line. We now intend to get dressed up a little( which means I am shedding Purple Haze) for we are going to the Railway Hotel for an evening meal and John and Jenny are joining us.

Saturday the 21st of May
We had a good night last night celebrating our 53rd Wedding Anniversary with a few drinks and the Publican was to give Liz a glass of Champagne to help celebrate. Our food was good and it was a good atmosphere with us sitting close to an old fashioned wood fire. When you walk into the hotel you would think that you walking back in time to the early 1900's. All the furniture and tables are from that era and entering the hotel the first thing that strikes you is the stair case banisters all of turned wood etc heading to the first floor. The dining room is definitely a blast from the past. We enjoyed our meal and the company of John and Jenny and we left the hotel at around 9.30 pm.
When we arrived home the football was on and we watched an excellent game with Sydney winning in what looked like a hard fought game.
This morning I went to get the paper once again and noted along the foreshore in Tocumwal there was a farmers market being set up. I thought we would visit this after breakfast. No animals to report of today and even our resident Koala was not present. Alex was to inform us later in the morning that he rang Animal Protection and they came last night and took the Koala off to the animal hospital for treatment for they thought it had scabies. Liz was to light the fire and cook poached eggs for breakfast washed down with cuppa. Read the paper while Liz cleaned up and then we were drove to the Farmers Market.
There was a large amount of vendors with fruit, vegetables, jams and sauces etc. free range eggs and plants and much more. I took us a good hour to check everything out. We were to buy a loaf of Turkish bread for lunch and some pears and other small fruit plus a small cake. We came across John and Jenny walking with their dog Lily in the market and made arrangements for them to come over to our camp for happy hour this afternoon for they are moving on towards Mildura tomorrow and us on Monday to Barooga in the opposite direction.
Back to camp and set up the washing machine and up went cloths lines between trees and then it was time for lunch at 1.15pm. We had a few slices of the Turkish bread and block cheese that was very nice.
After lunch out came the camp oven and stoked up the fire to cook our chicken brew with all the vegetables included. That will simmer away for the next few hours and should be excellent for our evening meal and by looking at the quantity there may be enough for tomorrow night as well.
We then sat around reading our books before happy hour arrived. Liz is currently listening to the radio about Collingwood V Geelong and she is excited for in the 2nd quarter her beloved Collingwood has a good lead. Time to take in the sight on the Mighty Murray River where we have noted since being here the river has dropped by at least 2 metre's and the floats that were in the water to warn river traffic of snags and danger are all now well up high and dry of the sand. Tonight we will watch the AFL football game tonight.

Sunday the 22nd of May
We sat outside late last night by the fire until it was time to come in to watch the Fremantle V Richmond football game which was a little boring; so needless to say we went off to bed early.
This morning there was no high fog just a nice blue sky and brilliant sunshine. The river appears to have dropped further than yesterday and there many sand bars and rocks showing which must be dangerous for navigation purposes.
When I walked this morning to get the newspaper I did not bother to take the camera thus lack of photo's today . The going was easy with no wind and there were plenty of interstate trucks and many caravans being transported north on the back of semi trailers not to mention the happy campers in their caravans. I was surprised by the amount of people and their dogs out walking and they all said "Good Morning".
On my return I stopped into the camp next door and they informed that they set up in September last year and only used the camp over christmas and this is the first time since that occasion that they have returned. They are going tomorrow and will leave the camp up until the June long weekend.
Liz had the fire going so we cooked our toast etc and boiled the kettle and and enjoyed the sunny morning and watched the Murray River flowing by.
After cleaning up we went out into the bush and cut wood, which we piled on the Terios roof basket for our next camp. As we entered the roundabout John and Jenny were just leaving Tocumwal and heading west. We waved to bid them farewell. Then onto Tocumwal to dump our rubbish and replenish the water containers.
Lunch time had arrived a few happy campers came to visit and we had a good old chin wag about all and sundry. After lunch we started to dismantle our camp, in with the awning and then the ground cover though we are leaving the camp oven and table until after we have had our meal by the fire tonight for which we just have enough wood.
I am sitting in my singlet enjoying the sunshine and listening to the Brisbane V Melbourne AFL game. The way it is being played Melbourne should win the game.
We will leave the satellite dish up to watch a movie later tonight and then off to bed after a very lazy day.

Monday the 23rd of May
During the night we were to hear the steady patter of rain on the roof of the motorhome. It wasn't very heavy so I knew it would not create a problem for when we move on this morning. Last walk into Tocumwal this morning to get the newspaper, I was to come across a large mob of Grey Kangaroos on the way and they were non plussed at me passing by they just returned to eating the succulent grass.
The weather was a little chilly with a southerly wind blowing especially when I walked across the bridge into NSW. It was really cold coming off the Murray River. The town was a bustle for it being the start of a new work week and I even beat the School Bus this morning.
Back and had breakfast I needed only to pack the satellite dish away and then we were ready to leave. I drove straight to the service station to top up with diesel at the discount price of $1.10.9 cents a litre and whilst I was doing that Liz drove the car around the corner ready to hook up.
We hooked the car onto the Motorhome and we were on our way saying farewell to Tocumwal. We were to pass many new crops of Wheat starting to shoot and other paddocks ploughed no doubt for more grains etc. We were to note that machinery was in use extending the channels for irrigation water. No wonder the Murray is down in level.
As we approached the turn off to Barooga we were to note many vine yards with the vines in some cases were still being harvested.

We arrived in Barooga which is a small town of close to 1500 people and we took the turn to take us to our next camping adventure at Quick Beach which is in the National Park with clear signs that no dogs are allowed.
There were not a lot of happy camper set up though you could see that two camps had been here for some considerable time the way they had their property laying around and torn tents and lean too's
We found a good spot where we are on our own with good views of the Murray River and the large banks as it meanders around the many bends. After setting up and unloading the wood and water from the Terios we had a cappuccino and just relaxed in the warm sunny day.
We had our first visitors around an hour after we set up and they had a dog on a lead, so much for the sign indicating the dogs were not allowed in the National Park. Just after they left another dog came into our camp and it was obvious it had fled it camp for it still had the lead following behind. We grabbed the lead and held the dog until its owner came along. He indicated that he has been here for a week.
Liz lit the fire and boiled the kettle for lunch which today consisted of fruit only, we have to much fruit and we are frightened we may lose it before we eat it.
After lunch we went driving around the tracks near us and found plenty of camp sites and there was plenty of wood that you could easily collect without a chain saw. We then drove into Barooga and had a look about though we did not bother doing any retail therapy. Then out on the road to Cobram and turned into another National Park on the Victorian side of the Murray River. We were to come across dozens of good campsites that have been well used during the summer months no doubt. We came across another mob of Grey Kangaroos and there would be over twenty of them just grazing away and noticeably not concerned that we were driving past them. It could be that no guns etc in the National Park may have made them more people friendly.
Back to camp for happy hour and when we pulled up there was another different dog wandering around and a few new happy campers had arrived. We were to see a fisherman retrieving his boat after a days fishing and to get the boat he had a lot of the vehicle in the water. Luckily for him it is not salt water. There appears to be no green algae in this area of the river so I set up the rod and line and tried my luck. I didn't expect to do much good for their were only sand flats near our camp.
Cooked our evening meal on the camp fire and then inside to eat for it is starting to get a bit cold cold.
Kilometres travelled 30

Tuesday the 24th of May
Heavy though high fog this morning that did not allow the sun to shine through until around 10.30am. I walked again this morning along the foreshore and noted a happy camper had set up on their own on the Victorian side of the Murray River.
Liz had lit the fire, so boiled the billy and cooked the toast for breakfast and settled down and relaxed. The happy camper along from us came along and asked about the satellite dish for he has one and has problems finding the direction of the satellite. We discussed it for awhile and then he went back and packed his camp up for he has to go back to Bendigo to have the independent suspension re- aligned on their caravan for them to travel to Birdsville etc.
We decided to travel into Cobram today and we were surprised to find it was only five kilometres from Barooga. First we travelled the track I walked today and found that I had only walked two kilometres.
When we arrived in the Barooga town centre there did not seem to be much activity so we drove onto Cobram across the bridge and we were once again in Victoria. We went to Vinnies first and then parked the car up and went walkabout. Into Dimmys and bought some singlet's and a few other things and then onto Woolworth's and purchased among other things a leg of ham which will do us for quite awhile. We noted the small trees in the street leaves were changing colour and looked great and as yet they have not shed their leaves for winter.
It was 1pm and we went to McDonalds for lunch and we both had the same opinion that they are not as good as Hungry Jacks and much dearer. Needless to say we will be giving them a miss in future. We should have opted for a Subway. Liz had to go to the Chemist and alongside was a butcher who was advertising Winter Warmer which included Tripe!
On our return to pick up scripts from the Chemist the notice for Tripe had been rubbed and so Liz wasn't able to buy any for me, thankfully.

We continued to go walkabout and came across an old log cabin from 1878 that had been removed from an old farm and restored in Cobram. It depicted the way we used to live all those years ago. Being of log construction some of the filling between the logs had come free and it was a bit drafty. There is no doubt that this form of house building has stood the test of time and when we walked inside to inspect we were in a different world.
The kitchen, dining area was all one and the fire place held the cast iron pots and pans that was used for preparing their meals in those old days. Probably rabbit, kangaroo and possibly a sheep stew or two. The main bedroom was very basic with a double bed and washing facilities close by in the same room. There were two other bedrooms and they were small with just a cloths hanger or two and/or a clothes cabinet.
We continued our walk and noted there was a large milk processing factory and they also produced Devondale Cheese. The sun was now shining brightly and had warmed up the day nicely. So we walked back to the car and drove down and had a look at the show grounds and caravan park which could only be classed as a dive.
3pm we decided to head for our camp and on the way we pulled into the national park on the Victorian side and noticed there were very small houseboats tied up to the shore they all had only one engine though they would still be ok even if a little cramped. Of course the old wood duck was in abundance and we saw a couple of blokes who appeared to be living under the bridge.
Drove back through Barooga town centre and headed up Hughes Street and past the school where they have around a hundred little people cut from tin on the street side fence dressed in the various football colours AFL and other country team colours.
Back in camp and we cryovaced sausages that we had bought today much cheaper than the last lot we purchased and then sat outside in the sun and had a cappuccino. We noted that at least four happy campers had left and it left only those who have set up camp here for ever so long. Though we did note this morning that the NSW National Parks and Wildlife stopped to talk to them for what reason we are not aware. No doubt tonight will probably be as cold as was last night before we go off to bed of course once again we will cook our evening meal on the fire.

Tuesday the 25th of May
It was a cold night and around 12.30am this morning the fish alarm sounded on my rod. So out of bed and grabbed a torch and pulled the line in and on the end was a Murray Cod all of around 250mm. Needless to say to small to keep or even make a meal of so I returned it to the river and watched it recover in the shallows before it swam away. I was glad to get back into bed and not throwing the line out should mean I have a good sleep and keep warm.
I hopped out of bed around 7.30am and went for walk along the roadway beside the river for about two kilometres and then returned and lit the fire and cooked breakfast and then went inside to eat for it was so cold. This is the coldest we have struck yet. As we intend to move on tomorrow as there is rain forecast for later in the day, we had our showers and then started to dismantle the camp and pack everything away.
We had a couple of happy campers go by and they indicated they would be down for happy hour to which we agreed. We were to see the Wood Ducks in amongst the trees near our camp and they were not disturbed at all having us so close. A small boat went past out camp and they were trolling for fish and you could see they were weaving their way around the many snags and sand bars that are visible due to the lack of water in the river. We did not see catch anything in our area of the river before they went around the bend.
We need to refill the van with water and the water containers and get rid of our rubbish. We then drove into Barooga and along the way we pulled up one of the long term campers and asked about water. He informed us to get it from the service station for taps in front yards and sports and showgrounds all use grey water.
Whilst getting the water we noted the amount of traffic driving through to Cobram. When we completed the water containers and reloaded the went looking for a newsagents which they do not have. The paper is only available at the IGA.
We arrived back at camp and had our lunch and completed the loading of both the car with wood and the motorhome with ground covers etc. Then it was time to place the a-frame on the terios and then hooked on behind the motorhome. It can rain now for we are packed and he only thing out is the step into the motorhome.
We had a cappuccino in the motorhome for the cold is coming down and we are watching the river which had dropped again about 600mm. The happy campers came down and we discovered they are on the way home to Brisbane after 3 months in Tasmania. So we compared notes on our future travels and it would appear that we will run across them in the coming days and weeks for they are heading virtually the same direction as we are East to Albury/Wondoga.
We will need heat in the motorhome tonight so we will start up the diesel heater to make it more comfortable to watch television for awhile before go off to bed.
Another good day, if cold, at a wonderful campsite with the exception of no keepers of Murray Cod. Maybe next time.

Thursday the 26th of May
It teemed with rain all night and on going outside there were large puddles of water everywhere and we were considering having to stay, given the nature of the weather. The Murray River had risen back up to the stick I had placed there water line several days ago. The other happy campers who came for happy hour yesterday drove out at 6am this morning though they have a four wheel drive and caravan. I walked along to the cutting in the bank and it looked ok. If we were to leave we would have to go through two large puddles of water not knowing how soft the ground was underneath. Back in the motorhome and we made the decision to at least try for the weather forecast is for rain for the next four days and we sick of the cold and rain.
So we put everything away and decided to leave the Terios hooked up and then we were underway, I very quickly hopped into second gear and ploughed through both puddles and onto the gravel road. When we arrived at the cutting we were going up the other side fast and we were still spinning the rear wheels near the top. Once over the top and onto the bitumen we then went into Barooga and stopped at the Apex Park for breakfast. At Apex Park we noted the Magpie and Galah seeking refuge under the gum tree both appeared to be sodden. After breakfast we decided that to continue along the Murray River towards Albury/Wodonga would be a disaster with the camp areas flooded by the river. We decided to head to Daysdale some 150 kilometers away inland. We were to pass many hectares of cropping country and no doubt the farmers would be happy with this rain falling on their crops. There were small towns along the way though not to many to talk of they were that small. We passed through Berrigan which was decent size and with the machinery etc on display for sale it would be no doubt servicing the farmers who are cropping more than raising cattle and sheep, which we were to see plenty of. We noted that Berrigan had a lot of very old buildings mainly built of brick from early last century. We arrived at the rest area at Daysdale and drove in. We had to stay on the road for the rest of the camp area was under water or very boggy looking. We tested for television and no luck and as we wish to watch the football shows tonight it meant getting out the satellite dish. In this kind of weather, no way. So we had lunch and decided to move on towards Narrandra. Even though the heavy grey clouds and rain that could be seen in the distance did not deter us.

We have had enough of the cold and this latest batch of rain so we did not mind travelling another 140 kilometres to a rest area near Narrandra. The countryside was very green and we were coming across many Cyprus Pines and row upon row of trees planted to feed cattle and sheep in difficult times. The grain crops were just coming out of the ground and the rain was still falling steadily. On the way to Urana we had the highway blocked by cattle and we slowly drove through and the farmer did not lift a finger to clear the cattle who were feeding in the long paddock. Further on we noted the rain water in the ditches either side of the road; so again they have had plenty of rain. We arrived at Urana a rather large town and when you travel to the town centre you note the old dilapidated hotel which is probably past restoration and then in the main street is the Urana hotel which is still functioning. We stopped at the General Store and bought the paper and then back on the Federation Highway heading north. More cropping country though there were more sheep with lambs all saturated by the rain and in one paddock they had both sheep and angus cattle.
On these back highways there is not much traffic though the bitumen gave you the impression that you were driving on corrugated dirt roads in many places. Both vehicles are now very dirty with the rubbish coming up off the road and you can bet that the rain will cease and not wash the much away. Here it is 4pm and we are now parked up on the outskirts of Narrandra at the Brewery Road reserve which is opposite the old brewery they are renovation as a tourist attraction and we are close to the Murrimbidgee River. We will watch the Football shows tonight and tomorrow head off toward Barallen on the way to Condobinlin.
Kilometres travelled 262