Thursday the 1st of September
We had a beautiful sunset last night and were lucky to see it given we only came outside after the rain stopped. On awakening this morning we found there were a total of 7 interstate trucks that had pulled in for the nigh, at 9pm last night we were on our own in the area.
This morning we were to note there was a fog out over the paddocks of golden Canola though it quickly lifted giving way to a nice sunny day. We had our breakfast and we were on our way towards Narrandera our next overnight stop. The water over the road was gone so we had a good trip until we reached the roadwork's and the red light that held us up for over 5 minutes and then we were on our way again.
Before we knew it we were in Grong Grong and you take a hard right near the town to continue on the Newell Highway. We were passing vast paddocks of wheat and canola for as far as you could see once again. There were plenty of caravans on the road heading south for home just like us. There was no wind so the going was easy though we will need to fill the diesel tank at Narrandera.

Before we knew it we were driving through the avenue of trees at Narrandera that were just starting to bud given it is the first day of spring today. Down past the wheat silo's and past the Fig Tree Motel where we stayed overnight a few weeks ago. We were to drive straight to the Narrandera Brewery Flat rest area where we are stopping tonight.
We were to meet up again with the happy campers in the big red bus who arrived here yesterday and will stay here until the part for their window wipers comes up from Melbourne, we had a good old chinwag.
We settled in placing the motorhome in the sun for the solar panels and then as it was only 10.30am we decided to walk into town for a prescription for Liz. It was a nice sunny walk of about 1.5 kilometres one way. We were to pass some beautiful old buildings and then into the main shopping area. First to the chemist and then onto Coles for bread rolls.
Well that blew out a bit and we were to carry back five bags of groceries. Of course we had to stop at Vinnies and have a look and bought a few items and headed back to camp. With the sun beaming down it was rather hot on the way back and several times we had to stop for a spell.
We had bought bread rolls and a hot chicken for lunch today and for tomorrow night. We were to read our books for awhile and then we wandered over to the boat ramp and noted that the Murrumbidgee River was still in flood and the pontoon on the shore side was under water. We came back and had a cappuccino and then we noted two lots of Tassie's had come into camp for the night.
We chewed the fat with them and then at 4pm we had a happy hour with them and found one lot knew our mates in Irish Town as they were from Smithton.
Set the television up to watch the Marngrook Football Show and then into bed later tonight to read our books once again.

Friday the 2nd of September
We awoke this morning to an overcast sky which would stay that way all day. We had our breakfast and then said farewell to the happy campers at Narrandera and then on the road to Tocumwal.
We first went to the roadhouse and filled with diesel at $1.15.9 a litre and whilst there we were able to use their showers. The showers given they are used by truckles were exceptionally clean and due to us buying fuel there was no charge for their use. It was great to stand under piping hot water and not have to worry about draining our water tank in the motorhome.
Back on the road and the going was easy with few trucks for us to worry about though there were plenty of caravans heading south and a few north. Some sections of the highway were absolutely terrible with pot holes and some sections just resealed having large pot holes all ready.
We arrived in Jirilderie and noted their trees in the main street have yet to flower. Once leaving the town we were to see plenty of canola and wheat crops. We were to come across sections of the land inundated with water and it would appear they may lose their crops due to this. There was still no wind and the travelling was easy and to make it more comfortable Liz turned on the heater and then played a couple of CD's

We were to see many water channels going across the land to help with the irrigation of crops, of course not required at the moment due to the flooding. We came across several paddocks sown to rice and they all had water channels around the perimeter of the crops, I believe that rice as well as cotton are very hungry water users.
Then we arrived at Finley and all the trees in the main street were showing that spring had arrived for they were all in flower. It looked very nice indeed though had the sun been shining they probably would have looked a bit better.
Finally, we arrived at Tocumwal and what a shock to see all the water on the side of the roads; that did not bode well for the camp sites. We took the Terios off the motorhome and then drove and had a look at Finley Beach which was a mess given when we came through here a month ago it was all under water. A good rain and you would not get out of the camp grounds so we abandoned any thought of setting up camp there.
We checked the top section and found that all the spaces had been taken up by squatters who we remember from last year, so that was out of the question. Then on the western side of the road and though the campsites were empty the road and mud meant that we could not use them. We need to spend at least 6 days in this area before going into Melbourne.
We drove back into the shopping centre and found John and Jenny and we had a good talk with them and it became obvious that we would have to stay at Town Beach where the cost was $5 per head per night or $50 for 7 nights for two. We had no option so we decided to set up along from John & Jenny and it took awhile to find a spot away from the Red River Gums that have a habit off dropping their branch's and something reasonably level.
We finally found something half reasonable and then out came the awning etc and then we had a late lunch and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon before going down to have happy hour with John & Jenny.
We will not worry about the satellite dish for we have 36 channels of normal television. An easy night tonight for we are only having chicken in rolls for our evening meal before we settle in to watch the Ted Whitten football game later tonight. Tomorrow we hope to cook a pork roast weather permitting.
Kilometres travelled 171

Saturday the 3rd of September
It rained last night and there were high winds that persisted on and off during the day as well. We were awoken to the screeching of the Corella's this morning and they just went on and on. I hopped out of bed and found the sun shining through the trees and those on the flat near the wooden poles were in sunlight. I noted that happy campers on level spot appeared to packing up and when speaking to them discovered that they had just bought this motorhome in Queensland and were on the way home to South Australia and would be leaving in 15 minutes.
I went back to our camp and informed Liz that we were moving and starting throwing wood onto the top of the Terios. I did not take long to move our camp and now we were level and near a water tap and in full sunshine so the solar panels were working. This morning we had egg and bacon muffins washed down with a cuppa. We tidied up and then sat out in the sun for awhile just relaxing and watching the mighty Murray going by. The water level is still high and the current is strong. We had a bit of a chin wag with John and Jenny and before we knew it lunch time had arrived and we only had a roll and a cappuccino each.
After lunch we went walkabout and walked along the bank until we were level with Finley Beach across the river, from this side the beach looks dry though there are no happy campers there at all just the squatters on the top of the bank around further.
Yesterday coming into this spot we saw a rather small houseboat going up stream and thought I would get a photo as it went past. We did not see it again and in our walk today we noted that it had pulled into the bank and was sheltered from the wind by trees on either side. We noted it had its sleeping accommodation on top not unlike what you would see on four wheel drive vehicles. We noted the single engine on the back and it was twin hull though very narrow, the cost of running this houseboat would not be expensive we believed. While we taking these photo's we were to see Father, Mother and ducklings going along the Murray in single file. They did look good just cruising along. Well it is time to light the Baby Q and cook our pork that we are having for our evening meal and of course a bit of light refreshment whilst we are doing this. Tonight we will watch the AFL Woman's football team play their game before going off to bed.

Sunday the 4th of September
Rain again last night once again and this morning there was a fog that was blocking the sun, It cleared by 10am and the day was half alright. The cold breeze would spoil the day.
Lit the firepot and cooked crumpets and boiled the kettle for breakfast and then settled down outside and watched the Murray flow by. It was obvious that the river was rising for John had placed sticks at intervals and these were slowly going under water.
We cleaned up and then went for a drive into Cobram on the Victorian side of the border. First we dropped into Barooga and then down to Quick's Beach and noted the camp area was under flood. We recall how we enjoyed camping here back in May before the rain commenced and we had to leave the area. The cutting that we were worried about back then was not under water and as we recall we were lucky to get out for the road through the cutting was muddy and slippery. Now there is no doubt about getting to the camp grounds for that cutting is under water and we saw ducks swimming along its path, there is a locked gate indicating the road is blocked.
We then drove through Barooga and over the bridge into Victoria and it wasn't long before we arrived at Cobram. We parked up and then went around to the Reject Shop where Liz was to buy cards etc and I bought veggie seeds for use at home.
We all then went around to the Bakery where we bought pies and a chicken roll with a mug of cappuccino of course. John and Jenny were to have a pie and cake plus a coffee. All very nice.

We were to note across the road that the Court House that was built in 1912 was burnt out in the main section, so we imagined that no court hearing's would be held there now. Back to the cars and then into Woollies where again we bought minimal groceries mainly Monty Carlo's and some smoked cod for next week. Then we noted the old log cabin nearby we did not bother to go inside for we have been there and looked earlier in the year.
Back in the vehicles and then we were on our way back to camp via Koonoomoo. Along the way we were to see the many orchards with all trees showing a pink flower and it looked great. I did not have time to take photo's due to the traffic.
Back on the highway to Tocumwal and decided to have a look at Finley Beach to see if we could see any Koala's. As we drove down into the camp area we were to note that the Murray River was breaking its banks and coming onto the camping area and what was not under water we noted was very wet. No part is suitable for camping at the moment and as I said yesterday the only area you could camp on is taken by Squatters whom we recall from 2 years ago.
Our next stop was the shell service station at Tocumwal where we took on unleaded fuel for $1.13.5 cents a litre which is a lot cheaper than the fuel at Woolworth's at Cobram. We refueled for we are going into Yarrawonga tomorrow for lunch and to check the area out.
Back in camp we unpacked and then stoked the fire. We had a few donuts and a cuppa and watched the Murray flow by and the water now had risen higher than John's sticks and showed no sign of abating. The Ski Boat we saw yesterday was out on the river again just sight seeing with about five people aboard. We were to note that the small houseboat has moved on and in which direction we are not sure. We noted the glider that high above us enjoying the thermal's, it was to high to take a photo. I took a photo of the rising river in front of us and the sandy small islands in front of us and the beach are all under water. Oh well, we are off to have happy hour with John and Jenny. We will finish the rest of the pork off tonight for our evening meal with a few veggies and will no doubt watch television for awhile before going off to bed and read.

Monday the 5th of September
What an eventful evening before going off to bed we checked to see how far the Murray River was flooding for they have released more water from the Hume Dam and it is causing minor flooding in the Murray / Darling River basin system. We had placed sticks and bricks in various areas near our camp and it wasn't taking long for the river to flood above those markers.
It was obvious to us that the need to reconsider where we were camped needed to be looked at seriously.
I hopped out of bed at 4.30am and checked the river level and was taken back that it had risen so much for the sand banks etc we could see last night were now under water. Without hesitation I started to pack our camp up. First the awning then Liz asked did I need a hand and I stated stay in bed for it was cold. Away with the firepot and utensils and then the ground mat and then Liz came out and we stacked the wood on to the Terios. Chairs away and then back to bed. We awoke again at 7.30am and on going outside the river had had flooded even higher near our camp. I drove and checked the road out and found the water had covered the walking track into Tocumwal though the road was still dry. We had been informed that the road would be the first thing to go under and would block our exit out of the grounds. We had our breakfast and John and Jenny had left the area and informed us later they were going to another campsite further down and invited us to join them for a few days. On going walkabout I noted that the whole of the Finley Beach camp grounds were under water and it only left the River Rats (squatters) on the high ground near the toilets.

So we pulled out about 8.15am after getting a partial refund from the caretaker. As we drove through Tocumwal we stated that we hadn't had the time to visit the op shops and do other things we normally do in Tocumwal and the trip to Yarrawonga planned for the day would have to go by the way.
We were now on our way to the Lions Park rest area at Tungamah. We were heading away from Shepparton and going towards Benalla. There were many areas alongside the road that were underwater though there was a good coverage of the ground by wheat, rice and canola crops. We were to pass a very large paddock of Broad Beans that were not far off bearing the beans. We were to take a few turns before we arrived at Tungamah and had to ask the locals exactly where the Lions Park was. We eventually found it and noted it was alongside the Boosey Creek near the Tungamah bridge. YES! the creek was flooded though it did not look like flooding into the camp area so we set up without taking the Terios off the motorhome.
We then went walkabout and noted the various plaques along the way telling the history of the old building etc of the town. It had a museum that was closed and as we walked up the street there was a large tractor pulling a silo behind that took up nearly all of the street in width.
A couple of locals stopped and had a talk with us and told us a bit of the history of the area and then into the very old shop where we bought the paper and an ice cream before going back to camp for a late lunch. We noted the hotel did not open until 4pm this afternoon.
We did a bit of exploring near the camp area and noted the extensive sports ground over the bridge for various sports including AFL football given that we are now firmly in Victoria. One thing that did stand out is they have an electronic score board for either football or cricket.
Back in the motorhome and we both had a poppy nap for we were a little tired after last night.
We are now going over to John and Jenny's fifth wheeler for happy hour. We are cooking a pizza in the oven tonight for our evening meal and then watch the footy show before going off to bed and read our books. We are starting to run out of books for we did not get to the op shops to restock.
Kilometres travelled 72

Tuesday the 6th of September
We couldn't believe it when we awoke this morning and it was 8am we have not before slept in like this on this holiday. On going outside I could not believe it when we spotted a little bit of fog and the sun was blazing. Not a cloud in the sky though around 11am it clouded over and looked like rain, this was not to be and the sun came out for a short period at 2pm.
Today we set up the washing machine for we have been unable to do so for some time and it was good in the sun hanging out the cloths. Then out came the firepot and I threw wood off the top of the Terios for we are going to use the camp oven late this afternoon to cook a rolled leg of lamb with spud etc for our evening meal. Its a tough life this camping.
We strolled down to the Boosey Creek and noted the creek level had not risen since yesterday, which is a bonus. Then it was time for lunch so on with the camp kettle and it boiled on the firepot in no time at all. After lunch we went walkabout. We noticed hundreds of swallow's flying all over the place and then we noticed the mud nests they were building under the verandah of the Amenities building. Most were completed and we were to see many swallow's near the water gathering more mud for their nests.

We then decided to walk down the gravel road towards where could hear water gushing. We were to come across a lot of wildflowers and some cacti just before the weir. The weir is very small and the water was cascading over the wall and water was also going sideways for the weir could not accommodate the full force of the flood water. We had heard all morning and now again this afternoon a small crop duster plane flying low in the sky. As a matter of fact it was flying just above the tree line and we are not sure where it was landing other than it must be crop dusting on the many fields of canola and wheat.
We sat by the firepot as it was putting out plenty of heat and read our books. A few locals were walking their dog and were interested in our travels and how long we were staying. They were all very friendly and imparted a lot of their knowledge about the area for it is a very old town containing many fine old building which includes a Mechanic's Building. We walked up to the shop and bought the newspaper and alfoil that we had run out of.
Well happy hour has arrived and time to put on the lamb to cook whilst we have a few refreshments with John & Jenny. We will eat our meal inside and then come out later and stoke the fire up for there is not much on Television tonight. Tomorrow we are going into Shepparton for the day and probably go to Aldi and then onto Hungry Jack's for lunch who knows what the day will bring.

Wednesday the 7th of September
We were up early this morning for we were going into Shepparton to do a bit of retail therapy. We had our breakfast and then cleaned up and wandered down to Boosey Creek to check the water level. Going on the stick we stuck in the grass the creek has dropped at least 75 mills in past two days. That may change for the weather forecast for the next two days is for heavy rain in the area. There was the one Major Mitchell sitting in the old dead tree in the creek watching what were doing or was the bird watching the Swallows flittering across the water and then going to get mud to further build their nests up under the verandah of the amenities block. We could see the swallows flying in and depositing their mud and then off again for more. They appeared to be very productive.
Around 9.15am along with John and Jenny we departed Tungamah for Shepparton. We were to take the back roads which turned out to be a pleasurable drive though we were to run into the Boosey Creek some 15 kilometres up the road and it was flooded out into the paddocks. Of course we were to see the beautiful yellow heads of the Canola plant and then the wheat which in some sections were growing their grain head. There were many small farms along the way and we were to see many items of old machinery parked up never to go again. Liz was to intimate that it reminded her of me for I do not get rid of surplus items of equipment etc.

We were to take a few turns to get onto the main road into Shepparton and then we took the road to Melbourne and John and Jenny took the other road into Shepparton. When we arrived at the first round a bout we turned towards the centre of the town and just before arriving we took a turn to the left and arrived at Taigh Bros where I was to buy the oil and oil filter for our Iveco. Buying Iveco oil and filter in this manner is more expensive than getting an alternate brand of oil and filter. Even though the book states that services for oil and filter changes are every 40,000 kilometres I change every 10,000 or twelve months what ever comes first.
We then drove into the centre of the town and went to Aldi and purchased a few items for the bulk we will buy for home when we get to melbourne. I was after crumpets which they sell for 99 cents a packet and bread rolls for our lunches.
We then went to SPC and bought some tinned fruit salad and a few other items which amounted to $64 and we were to note that the locally produced products were not cheap and in fact could be purchased from the supermarkets cheaper in most cases. The cheap items of tinned fruit etc came from overseas.
We went into the el cheapo next door and bought a few cheap items and then we received message from John and Jenny indicating that they were in the food plaza at the Woolworth's complex in High street.
We drove there and they had already eaten so we went to the Wok n' Roll and had a self serve chinese meal and boy did we place plenty on our plate. In the finish we were struggling to finish it. We then had a cappuccino to clear the saltiness of the food. After that we went into the Big W and I purchased a new pair of slippers for the motorhome and home of course and a set of scales and when I stood on them they indicated that of the 11 kilo's that I had lost I had put 5 kilo's back on. Liz has stayed the same as when we left home.
We could not resist the temptation to have an ice cream I had a double header and Liz a single and there we were eating them walking back to the car and John and Jenny sprung us.
Then we headed back to Tungamah which was some 58 kilometres from Shepparton. Along the way the sun was still shining and it made the crops and the trees etc look really good especially the blooms on the fruit trees along the way. We finally arrived back and the first thing we did was to hook the Terios onto the Motorhome for we are leaving in the morning bound towards Melbourne via Benalla.
We were going to have another fire tonight though we decided against it and packed the firepot away so as in the morning if it raining we will not get wet packing it away. So tonight we will have our last happy hour with John and Jenny and then have a light meal this evening and watch television before retiring.

Thursday the 8th of September
We were having happy hour with John and Jenny last night when two coaster motorhome's came in sporting Tassie plates. We had a chat with them and they came over and joined us for happy hour that went a little longer than normal. We had a good chat about their travels and we noted they were sporting a sun tan. They are only staying over night and moving on for they are on the Spirit of Tasmania on Sunday night and us on Monday night bound for Tasmania and home.
This morning we were out of bed at 7am and had breakfast and it was just a matter of cleaning up and saying our farewell to the new comers and John and Jenny and then we were on our way at 9am towards Benalla and the Hume Highway for our next overnight camp before going into Melbourne in the morning.
On the way we were to see more large paddocks of Broad Beans and there was a crop duster dropping something or other on the crop either for growth or treating against disease we are not sure which one.

The going was easy for we appeared to have a tail wind. Along the way we were to see many different crops of grains and canola and unfortunately some were suffering with to much water and were dying off. The crop on the side of the hills were really going well for no doubt the water was draining away just leaving enough water to nourish the crops. We were to go through a few small villages and one was called St James and some wag had painted a sign on his house which stated "Home of St Jim" going down the main street and we were driving straight at there wheat silo's before we took a left hand turn.
We were to take a few odd turns here and there and we were relying on the GPS to get us to our next destination. Along the way we were to see a lot of sheep and lambs and there were Alpaca's in the paddock with them. We are lead to believe that the Alpaca's protect the sheep and lambs from the wily old Fox that are in the area in large numbers.
We finally arrived at the turnoff near Benalla that lead us onto the Hume Highway towards Melbourne. With the wind at our back it was easy going and before long we were to see the landscape change and there were more rock outcrops and we were climbing hills though being a two lane highway it was not a problem.
There were many interstate trucks getting along over 100klms per hour and the wind they created as they went past us was blow us more to the side of the lane. At the moment clouds are forming and it is supposed to rain heavy this afternoon and tonight. We pulled into Eurora Service Centre and we were able to use the shower facility again saving us our gas and water. After the shower we had an egg and bacon roll and then a cappuccino all very good and much better than the McDonald's variety.
Back on the road and again with the wind behind us it was no problem going over the hills that were presenting themselves and in no time at all we were to arrive at the rest area at the Old Coach Road a rest area shared by trucks as well as caravans and motorhome's etc. Even though it is close to Melbourne we can expect a few happy campers to stay the night with us. I dialled in the television for this area and found that the signal was strong so there was no need to raise the antenna. Tonight we are having smoked cod for our evening meal with veggies and a white sauce of course and the will settle in to watch the first elimination final between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs it should be a good match and then off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 152

Friday the 9th of September
The rain arrived early this morning at our rest area so we hopped out of bed at 7am and had our breakfast. We were on the way to Melbourne at 8.30am. There was a lot of spray coming up off the road from vehicles that were passing us especially from the large trucks. The wind was on our side and at times we could feel the buffeting that was moving us around the highway.
We were about fifty kilometres out and we noticed the traffic was increasing and as usual they were driving as if there was no tomorrow. Along the way we noted the amount of speed camera's and on lot were taking average speed over a set kilometre distance. We were wondering if these were for safety or revenue.
Before we knew it we were to see the high rise buildings of melbourne appearing through the rain and mist. We turned off onto Plenty Road and what a mistake that was before we knew it we were in a traffic jam spreading over some 2 kilometres. It took nearly as long to travel along this road to Jen's place as it did to come from the old coach rest area to the turnoff.
We had to stop on a couple of occasions to give the trams and its passengers right of way. Then we were to pass by Rays where I will go and visit later this afternoon for a bit of retail therapy.
We were lucky once again to be able to get the same parking space in the street near Jen's. Inside and had a cuppa and caught up with what had been happening since we were last here. We were to go to the food hall for lunch at the Northlands shopping centre. The girls were to have a healthy Roll and I had a beef and udon soup which was very nice and spicy hot Plus I had heavily spiced Squid and had a look about the various shops whilst there in the complex. On the way home we dropped into Aldi for Jen wanted milk etc and we bought a few items for we will not do our main shopping for home until probably Sunday.
Jen and Liz went out and picked up the kids from school. Settled in and had our evening meal before watching the football game tonight Geelong V Hawthorn.
Kilometres travelled 118

Saturday the 10th of September
Needless to say it rained steadily during the night and stopped around 10.30am this morning though the sky is still overcast and I doubt if we will see the sun today. After breakfast we went to the Preston Markets which happens to beside the Aldi supermarket.
On going into the market place we were surprised how many stall holders there were selling everything that you could think of. We went into the fish and meat section and were surprised to see them selling very large Carp alongside Barramundi and many other species of fish and crustaceans. We wandered around the meat department where there must have been at least 15 different butcher counters with all cuts of meat. I picked out the one to finally buy our meat and it was based on the fact there were line ups for meat more so than the others. I thought the locals must have it right. We were to buy mince, lamb chops and pork chops at a very good price. On the pork chops we received a further discount due to our patience, something that I am not renowned for.
We had a look around the rest of the market and then headed into Aldi and purchased many items at cheaper prices than we can get at home. Of course their vegetables were cheap and unfortunately we were not able to buy any for they would not have made it through Quarantine in Devonport. So we could only look at what was really cheap prices. In the grocery line the 4litre of canola is some three dollars cheaper than we would pay at home not to mention the other products we bought.
We headed for home and packed away and then had lunch and Jen, Ollie and Liz then went out for a bit more retail therapy whilst I stayed home to watch the football this afternoon. Sydney V GWS it should be a good game.
Well, it was a good game with GWS winning by 36 points or thereabouts. The boys were outside playing soccer and they were as enthusiastic as the game on television. Chicken for our evening meal with the family before settling in to watch the next football game this evening. Adelaide V North Melbourne it should be another good game. To date all the football games have been of a high standard which augers well for a good finals series. Rain is forecast again for tonight and tomorrow so we are looking forward to getting on the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday and probably arriving home to more rain on Tuesday.

Sunday the 11th of September
We couldn't believe it when we went outside this morning and found we were in full sunlight with no clouds in sight. Around lunchtime unfortunately that changed and it became very overcast and much cooler.
We had our breakfast and it was time to prepare both the Terios and the Motorhome for our trip on the Spirit of Tasmania tomorrow night. Along with Rob we drove up to the service station to wash the mud etc off the Terios. It did not take long for the car to look spick and span for the water off the road two days ago coming into Melbourne had washed off most of the mud. There is no need to worry about the motorhome for there was not much mud on the wheels etc only the bodywork could do with a good wash which can wait until we get home on Tuesday.
We checked the inside of the motorhome and took out all the vegetables and fruit that were left and took them inside.
Lunch time had arrived and it was decided that we go out and have lunch at the Boathouse Eatery and Restaurant at Fairfield which is located on the Yarra River . First stop was the bank to get money for the journey home plus to fill the motorhome with diesel given the price here is a lot cheaper than Tasmania. We were to see once again at the Fairfield Train Station the Trojan Dog constructed out of wood.
We then drove onto the Boathouse and parked up for you have to walk a long way down the hill to get to the Eatery and Restaurant located on the Yarra River. When we arrived there were plenty of people eating outside in the fresh air watching the ducks feeding on stale bread etc that people and children were throwing plenty to them. We ordered our meal and I had the Pulled Pork Roll and boy it was large and I only just finished it. It was very nice though the prices here are on the high side though the quality was there. I am always amazed how much food people leave on their plates. First of all I thought that the food must have been poor though given what I had that wasn't the case. There were a lot of children feeding the ducks and pigeons by the water.
There were plenty of row boats for hire and they were in high demand. To watch some people they never had a clue how to row a boat and it was amusing. There were a lot of woman rowing their children around and it was mainly the blokes who were having the trouble rowing.
It was getting cold so we decided to leave the area and before doing so we were to note the large gas pipe crossing the river which has a bike track and walk way as well running along the full length. The walk up the hill was monstrous and we certainly knew that we had walked it.
Back home and Liz was ironing our clothes for tomorrow and then we settled in for a cup of tea and to watch a bit of television. Our niece Andrea is coming over for the evening meal which we won't need much of. It will be good to catch up with Andrea again having seen her only three weeks ago.
Time to rest and take it easy and we may have a happy hour tonight though we would not miss it. Oh well last sleep on the mainland of Australia tonight and in the morning say our farewells to the family and then move off towards Port Melbourne.

Monday the 12th of September
It rained most of the night and this morning there were periods of showers that persisted. We had our breakfast and then inside to say our farewells to Jen and Rob, Ollie and Lucas. We hooked up the Terios to the Motorhome at 10am and then we were off to refuel with diesel. We were to pay $1.10.5 cents a litre it will be interesting to see what we pay in Tasmania.
We were in major traffic at this time of the morning and the roads were wet so I took particular care to ensure we did not have an accident. We only had 13 kilometres to go to get to Port Melbourne. It was to take nearly and hour before we arrived.
Coming through the city cars were once again were crossing in front of us and one particular car had to ride on the traffic island to get in front of us. The fools do not realise that we cannot stop as quick as a motor vehicle. For the Motorhome weighed in recently at 4.8 tonne and the Terios at 1.40 tonne and stopping quickly is not an option even given the motorhome has disc brakes front and rear.
As we drove through the city we were to note that football finals has gripped the city going on the number of flags hanging off power poles etc.
We finally arrived at our destination in Port Melbourne and we unhooked the Terios for we are going down to Williamstown for lunch.

We set the GPS in the Terios for it makes it much easier than consulting maps etc.. We headed up onto the Gateway Bridge and we could see a fair way down into Port Philip Bay and up into the Yarra River where the overseas container ships berth. There was plenty of activity with ships coming and going. We turned off onto Williamstown road and before long we were in the main shopping centre.
We parked down at the waterfront and went walkabout there were hundreds of yachts and other craft in the basin. We were to see the Sea Shepard "Steve Irwin" this ship is a lot larger than I perceived it to be. On the other side of the wharf is an old sailing ship the "Tenacious" which shows its port being in England which arrived here in June. There were signs on the wharf indicating that the ship is open to the public at no charge. It was not open for inspection today for they were doing some repairs to the rigging.
We were feeling a bit peckish so we had a look at some of the menu's outside eating premises and the prices were high so we settled for fish and chips for $9.90 each washed down with a cup of cappuccino at the Williamstown Mussel & Fish and Chippery.
We strolled around a bit more and due to it getting colder we drove back to Port Melbourne and the motorhome and read our books for awhile and then went onto the beach boardwalk for a walk before heading for the "Spirit of Tasmania" to board and head back to Tassie.

Tuesday the 13th of September
We were to come through Quarantine last night with no problem, though we are sure that the people on duty try to impress on you that they are fully in charge and you should do as you are told. We had no argument to pick with them not like some others near us.
We came through with flying colour's for we know the rules, they were to take our two spare gas bottles and our axe and put them into the trailer for us to pick up when we disembarked in Devonport this morning.
We were to note Peter and Veronica in the line waiting to go on board last night so we had a chat and then decided to meet later for a refreshment or two. We parked up and the controllers of the parking indicated to us to hook up the Terios to make it easier to disembark in the morning. We of course jumped at the chance so all we have to do is check to make sure the stop lights etc are working in the morning and we are on the way to my sisters place at Carrick.
Up to 7th deck and settled into our cabin and then we went back into the lounge area and met up with Peter and Veronica. We settled in to have a few frothy's before retiring for the night. We were still in the lounge when the ship went through the heads of Port Philip Bay and there was little movement so we knew then that we would have a smooth trip. Besides our friend at Somerset sent us a text and indicated that the seas off Tassie had been calm all day and we should have a good trip and of course she was right.
We hopped under the shower this morning at 5.30am and before we knew it the ship was tied up next to the Devonport Wharf and we were disembarking at 6.30amd. Our line was not called off until 6.45am and then out to pick up the gas bottles and axe and we were on our way to my sisters place.
We had a pleasant surprise when we arrived for our Niece Michelle had cooked up meringues for our breakfast and I have to say they were beautiful and I wanted more to pig out on. Then it was into Launceston for a few days before we head for home later in the week.
Well this years travels are over and we have to say though they may not have been enjoyable as other years due to rain and wind and mud the people we met, old and new, made the trip worthwhile and again this year we did not stay one night in a caravan park or showground we freedom camped the whole while until we had to go into a rest area that was charging 10 dollars a night due to floods on the Murray River and we were flooded out of that in the last days of our holidays.
In all we travelled only 4465 kilometres in the Motorhome and the Terios we travelled 3860 kilometres. The Terios kilometres do not include towed kilometres for being a electronic ignition kilometres under tow do not register only those where we drove around looking at various tourist sites including our 1460 kilometres from Condobolin to Melbourne and return for our daughters 50th birthday. Though we may have been disappointed with the weather it sure meant a lot to the outback people who have been in drought for the last 7 years. So until May next year when we embark on our next travels may the force be with you all.