Thursday the 10th
Well today is the day that we depart our Island State of Tasmania to head north to hopefully to warmer weather. We board the Spirit of Tasmania at Devonport heading for Melbourne in the State of Victoria. Over the past few days we have been saying farewell to our children with several meals and a special Sunday meal for Liz will not be in the State for Mothers Day. Around midday we will hook our towed car Terios to the Motorhome and then be off to visit my sister, as we do every year, at Carrick and then onto to Devonport. No doubt we will have a few frothy's on board the ship before retiring.
Kilometres travelled 110

Embarking from the "Spirit of Tasmania"

Liz and Jen into Retail Therapy

My Vietnamese Pho Seafood

Friday the 11th
On boarding the Spirit of Tasmania last night we proceeded to our cabin and put our gear away. Then off to the lounge area for a few frothy's for me and a wine of two for Liz. We were sitting near a television that was broadcasting Home and Away and it was a sight to behold watching the programme tragic's looking at the screen. There was a bit of banter berating the show and laughter was to break out as the tragic's attempted to justify watching the show. The Captain was to inform us that he expected most of the trip to be smooth with the ship encountering weather as we left the protection of the islands.
We both thought that the trip was smooth though you could tell when we were entering Port Phillip bay when it was to get a bit choppy. We pulled into the wharf at 6am and by 6.30am we were embarking. We were to hook up the Terios out on the road and we were on our way to Thornbury for the weekend. The traffic was heavy even for this time of the morning and given the rain the going was not easy with cars still darting from lane to lane.
We finally arrived at our destination and set up for the weekend in the street and then made our acquaintances with Rob, Jenny and Oliver plus Lucas.
We had a nice long chat and then breakfast before sending the boys off to school. It was raining pretty heavy as we drove down to the Northlands Shopping Centre for a bit of retail therapy. At around noon we made our way to the food hall and we all settled for Vietnamese cuisine. The woman having rolls and I settled for a Sea food PHO with plenty of chilly. Well I was sweating whilst enjoying the meal so much so that I could not eat it all. Obtained a cup with lid and then poured it in and I will have that for an entree for our evening meal. We were to go into K Mart, Susan's and a few other specialty shops and then onto to Aldi for our grocery shopping. As usual there prices on groceries were low and now they are mostly stocking Aussie food especially in meats and cheeses etc. Then off to the green grocers and bought 5 kilo of spuds for 2.99. Plus apples bananas pears and grapes.
We loaded out purchases into Jen's car in horizontal rain which was very cold with the wind at gale force. Back home and we left the groceries etc in the car and dashed inside and had a nice cup of hot tea to take the chill away. Later in the day we packed our groceries away then relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and tonight we have decided to have fish and chips and watch the football game, AFL of course. Lets hope the weather picks up tomorrow as we tour around. The prices for fuel are the same as Tassie which I couldn't believe until we checked out several stations. So much for running down our fuel supplies thinking we were going to get much cheaper fuel than home.

Saturday the 12th
We had a cozy night sleeping in the motorhome for the time on this trip, so much so that we didn't climb out of bed until 7.45am. On going outside we noted the wind had dropped and the sun was breaking through the clouds, there didn't appear to be a rain cloud in sight.
I then walked around to the service station to purchase the paper and I was to note the diesel was $1.40.9 a litre which is 12 cents cheaper than we found later in the day on the way to Doncaster. After breakfast I had to change the gas bottle over so that meant a trip to Rays for a refill then loaded the empty diesel drums into the Terios plus the generator drum and around to the service station to have them filled.
Rob came for ride also so after filling drums at a cost of $108 (the motorhome will be filled on Monday on the way out of Melbourne) we went onto Rays for the gas refill and was surprised a four kilo bottle cost $13.50. We had a look around while the bottle was being filled and then we went down to JB HI FI to look at radios for Liz so she can listen to football whilst we are camping in the outback. I was surprised when I stated the radio was for a Collingwood supporter and the lady serving us indicated she was as a supporter as well and gave us a $6 Discount and then home for a cuppa before going out for a meal.

Jen and Liz and I went out for another bout of retail therapy at the Doncaster Shopping Centre. The traffic was thick on the way and we noted the price of diesel along the way. On arrival the whole complex was full of people and it was difficult to gain a parking space. We went to the food hall and we all had Vietnamese Pho of different variety's though I have to say my soup with chillies was not as hot as yesterday. We then had a general look around the many specialty stores and then into the Big W to purchase gas canisters for our journey ahead.
We could see part of the Melbourne city centre with its high rise buildings and we noted the darkness of the clouds that had formed whilst inside the complex. We were to head for Fairfield to go to Aldi and the traffic was very heavy due to the amount of road works and bridges being built. When we finally arrived we found this shopping centre was also crowded so we did what we had to do and then sat down in the Cafe and had a cappuccino and then home.
It has been a lazy day with the family and tonight we intend to watch the football again and probably hear the pitter patter of rain on our roof.

Sunday the 13th
The sun was shining along with a very cold southerly wind. After breakfast we headed out to watch Lucas play his soccer game at the Watsonia grounds with Oliver now in a higher age group had his match in another part of the town.
When we arrived at the ground the first thing we did was to go to the cafeteria and had a cappuccino before going onto the side of the soccer pitch to watch the game. There were several games of differing ages taking place as well as a girls only game. Luke's team was to win their game 6 goals to 3 it was a good game with no offside played. Luckily the excitement of the game overshadowed the cold southerly wind.
When the game was over and the presentations were made we made quick time back to the car. Jen dropped me off at the service station so as I could buy the paper and then I walked home. Another cuppa and then had our showers for Robs family is coming for Mothers Day.
I looked at the motorhome getting ready for our departure in the morning. I thought I would check the oil level and bonnet would not undo, after an hour I rang the RACT who referred me to the RACV who after an hour or so turned up and it took nearly an hour to fix the problem. The remedy though temporary was to use a stick to hold the wire in to release the catch. Now I know I have to remove a lot of the inside cover to get extra purchase to release the catch and of course another piece of wood.
The pork roast is cooking on the webber and we are now getting ready for the meal around 3pm. Of course a little wine and frothy's are to be consumed. Well that's it for the day the next part of the diary will include our travels on the road tomorrow as we head north.

Monday the 14th
A restful night though on going outside there was a thick fog. We went into the house for breakfast and then we said our farewells to the boys for they did not know that we would be going up to their school for the assembly and the merit awards.
We came down off the chocks to get ready for the Terios to be hooked up on our return.
The boys were surprised to see us and were not aware we were attending for the merit awards to be handed out. We spent some time talking with some of the children and then we said our farewells once again to the boys and then Rob and Jen and then back to hook up the car.
Once hooked up we then proceeded to the service station to top up the motorhome with diesel I was not happy to see that diesel had increased by five cents a litre since yesterday when I filled up the drums.
Then we were out on road in peak hour traffic headed toward Echuca. Once on Bell Street we just went with the flow until it was time to turn off at Coburg to get to the Hume Highway. We were to drive by the old Pentridge Jail though closed still looks magnificent built out of Blue Stone.
Onto the Hume highway freeway and we were to note the amount of trucks and trailers heading north with their cargo and as usual they were really driving fast swapping lanes all the time. We were getting along at 100 km's per hour which was fast enough for us.

We were now on the Hume highway proper and were heading for the Truck Stop some fifty kilometres from Melbourne. When we pulled up we opted for a cappuccino each and a ham and cheese toastie for Liz and I had a bacon and egg toastie. As it was 11.30am we figured that would be our lunch as we punched on.
We were to turn 5 kilometres from Truck Stop service centre and then we turned on the highway towards Bendigo. The fog had lifted and a nice sunny day would be with us.
We were going through farming country with both sheep and cattle being in the main. When we arrived at Heathcote we then turned onto the Northern Highway and along the way were were to see many Vineyards and Wineries all on the sunny slopes of the hills, in all we counted over 6 and the hectares for grape vines were large indeed.
We were travelling through hilly country and it appeared to be very dry. There was a lot of traffic about especially trucks though with the many passing lanes they were not a problem. We drove through Heathcote and then made another turn back onto the highway and we then decided that we would pull up early today. Which we did at 1.30pm and of course on went the kettle for a cup of tea after we set up camp across from the Toolleen Hotel in a nice rest area. We then sat outside in the sun in our chairs and read our books and we intend to go over to the hotel for a few frothy's and wine later in the day. We will push onto Echuca in the morning.
Kilometres travelled 144

Tuesday the 15th
Another good nights sleep though it was a little on the chilli side this morning. I went for a stroll along the side road out of Toolleen and noted the two churches that service the farming community and then the bus's arrived to take the children off to school.
Back for breakfast and then packed and we were on our way to Echuca and Christies beach to set up camp for a few days. When we turned onto the Great Northern Highway it was overcast with mainly fog and a few clouds and there was a lot of traffic especially trucks etc. The going was easy with mainly flat ground and along the way we noted the many vineyards and wineries again. We were to see several Olive Groves that had machines in action harvesting the Olives.
We then arrived at Rochester which is a large town no doubt servicing the cropping and wheat industry's. We did not bother pulling up for it was early morning though we were to note once we left the town that were plenty of water channels to water the crops etc. The channels were full of water from the Murray River we supposed. Along the way they have baled up the wheat straw and there were plenty of stacks about.
We then arrived at Echuca and then wound our way down to the camping area at Christies Beach. We were to see plenty of happy campers set up amongst the trees along the bank and we unhooked the Terios and went looking for a spot for the couple of days. There was a plenty of water laying in the uneven ground so they must have had plenty of rain recently.
We drove around and found that the sun would not be in plentiful supply for our solar panels. The banks were high and we could see no beach except mud though we were to see a few house boats tied up along the banks and one was cruising along the Murray dodging the many trees that had fallen into the river.
Given rain is expected we decided to push onto a rest area up the road outside of Echuca and settle in for the day and leave in the morning. We just read our books for the rest of the day and then tonight we will watch a little television. We are not into the touristy things just yet.
Kilo meters travelled 98

Wednesday the 16th
We did not get out of bed until 8.15am this morning after a good nights sleep and then it was only the traffic going past that woke us we believe. We had our breakfast and headed off to our next stop over at the Barmah Forest near Cohuna. There was not a cloud in the sky just a gentle breeze as we drove along the highway. There were plenty of very large tractors and their implements going along the highway as well. There were plenty of water channels and the ground was being prepared for what we believe will be a wheat crop. We were to see many diary farms whose paddocks were being irrigated for the rest of the ground was very dry.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Cohuna and the day was still fine. We were here last in 2009 and we still remembered the turn to take to go down on the Murray and our camp. Once you turn off the highway there are many tracks that lead down to the river and as usual we took the wrong one and hour later we pulled in to a camping area near the Barmah Creek. We had our lunch and decided to go back into Cohuna for a drive. Liz was complaining of a lump on her jaw so we dropped into the hospital first who referred her to the doctors clinic. An appointment was made so rather than use our own water for showers we went to the golf club who were only to happy for us to use their facilities. Back to the doctors and Liz had to wait over an hour to see the doctor which pissed us off. The outcome was that they require Liz to undergo an ultra scan back in Echuca.

We rang for an appointment and can only get to do the scan at noon on Friday. Them's the breaks so we will pack our camp up tomorrow and then camp in Cohuna and drive the Terios back to Echuca. It was after 5pm before we arrived back at camp and I could not be bothered setting up for it would all have to come down tomorrow. When we finally arrived back we noted over 40 Grey Kangaroos near our camp and they were not perturbed by us being near them. We will settle in tonight to read our books after a beautiful sunny day.
Kilometres travelled 94

Thursday the 17th
Very peaceful being away from the roadside rest areas. Awoke to the sound of warbling magpies this morning. Out of bed at 8am after a cool night though this morning the sun was shining brightly and it was about 12 degrees rising to 18degrees later in the day though a little cloud passing by.
On going outside we collected a bit of wood that was lying about close to camp and decided we would boil the kettle and have our cereals by the fire. Whilst having our breakfast we were to note the Kangaroos nearby soaking up the sun. That changed when we heard gunshots and the kangaroos were fleeing in a large mob further into the forest. They were shotgun blasts so we were not concerned about stray bullets flying around the place.
After breakfast we decided to have a day doing absolutely no touring in the Terios just sit around camp reading our books after cleaning up. Gathered up more wood for we have decided to cook potatoes in alfoil and cook our evening meal on the fire. We did not have television last night read our books and tonight we will do the same for we decided not to set up the satellite dish again.
After lunch we went walkabout along the creek which we noted was flowing, though I will not be worrying about fishing just yet. We were to note Pelicans soaring on the thermals up high though was unable to get a photo of them for they were stretched out over a long distance.
Sitting in the bush, so to speak, has its advantages I suppose for the nearest happy camper to us in about 600 metres away set up on the creek bank though with plenty of shade which is not good for solar panels.
We are in the open and getting plenty of sun for the solar panels so much so we have been able to charge up appliances etc. One thing about relaxing there is not a lot to report other than saying we are enjoying the peace and quiet and the mob of kangaroos nearby who have returned now the shooting has stopped. Tonight we will read our books again for we are moving to Cohuna in the morning and leave the motorhome whilst we drive the Terios around 180 kilometres return to Echuca for Liz to have her ultra sound.

Friday the 18th
Woke to very cloudy morning even the kangaroos had disappeared. Went for a walk and then had our breakfast and then moved out of our camp spot after checking the fire was extinguished.
We were to travel back into Cohuna and decided to park up in the RV Park where they only allow self contained vehicles to stay for 72 hours and ask for a donation for your time there. We then unhooked the Terios and headed back to Echuca. The going was easy though we were to come across patches of showery rain the countryside sure needs it. We were to note that one farm is raising goats and they were all being fed hay etc.
When we finally arrived at Echuca we checked where the imaging centre was then as we were early we crossed over the bridge into NSW and Moama. Drove down to the waterfront where we were to see a large Houseboat cruising past the Paddle Steamers. Then back over to the Port of Echuca and had a look around the village that mirrors the area from centuries ago. Even had Bond stores where large kegs of wine and spirits were kept and you could buy wine etc if you wished.
We then settled in one of the cafes and had a cappuccino and listened to the steam whistles and whine of the old machinery in the timber mill. After our cuppa we then went and had a look at the woodcraft area though nothing was working. So down to the river and noted the Emmy Lou and Revensey both steam driven paddle steamers were returning after their trek up river with tourists aboard. We were last here in 2009 and travelled on the Emmy Lou and the boats and the Port though modernised had not really changed.
Around to Super Cheap for a few items and then onto the clinic for Liz to have her ultra sound.
When that completed we went next door and had a pepperoni and cheese pizza for our lunch. By 2pm we were on our way back to Cohuna and taking in the sights along the way that we missed coming through a couple of days ago.
On arriving back at Cohuna we went around to the doctors surgery and the earliest Liz can get in to see the doctor in next Tuesday. So we will stay around Cohuna for the weekend and travel about looking at camping sites down on the Murray River though it will be for future reference for as soon as Liz gets her results and they are OK we will be heading towards Mildura. So today we travelled in the Terios 170 kilometres and the Motorhome only 23 kilometres.

Saturday the 19th
Slept in again this morning though we should not have given the noisy Corella's around the campground. We had breakfast in the brilliant sunshine with it bouncing back off the side of the motorhome. After breakfast we had a chat with some of the happy campers that were here including one lady from the Shearwaters from Tassie. She was rather surprised to see that I could open most of her doors on her motorhome with our keys. Then we watched a bloke with his drone and then went and spoke to him as he was taking a movie of the camp and his caravan. He was to inform that his drone cost $2000 and had a range of 7 kilometres from where it was launched. He took it through its paces and he indicated that he took a movie with it when it was following his caravan along one of the outback tracks. He indicated that he was doing 70 kilometres an hour and it had no problem keeping up. No I do not intend to purchase one.
We then sat outside in the sun reading our books and had lunch before going to the mitre 10 to get another key cut for a lock $4.50 in St Helens and $7.00 in Cohuna. We then went in search of the camp we had on the Murray River back in 2009. We eventually found it taking many tracks and marked it on GPS for maybe future use. We were to see many man made water channels along the way and noted once again the noisy Corella's flying near our camp with quite a few on the football ground. The day was clouding over when we returned to camp so we sat outside for awhile and listened to the football. They were playing competition darts and drinking a few frothy's in the football club rooms for there is no football today. Here it is mid afternoon and the sun has broken through the clouds and warming things up again. Another good day and the drive the through the Barmah forest we enjoyed especially the Murray River

Sunday the 20th
Late out of bed again this morning though not to worry for it is our 55rd wedding anniversary today so we will not doing much at all. We had our breakfast outside in the sunshine once again. We had a talk to the happy campers that are departing this morning and then they were on their way some south and others north. Bev from Tassie pulled out and left her outside mats behind we will keep them for her for when we see her again.
We decided to do some washing today so before we went to the laundromat we went for a walk around the lake across the road and noted the many birds including the noisy Corella's who have been joined by screeching Major Mitchell's. We were to see plenty of wood ducks and water fowls in the distance we could see pelicans working the waters and then a couple of swans were feeding close to shore near the water fowls.
Off to the laundromat and I was glad I bought my book along for we were there for nearly two hours and then home to stack the washing away and get ready for our anniversary meal. We decided to go to the Bower Tavern for a celebratory meal, which had been recommended to us. Liz had her favourite battered Flathead and salad and I settled for pea and ham soup and chicken Parma with salad. We had wine and few frothy's before leaving the Tavern. It was a very good meal for pub fare.
We then refueled the Terios and then went out to the Golf Course where we came across a few happy campers and one lot being from Tassie we had a good old chin wag and then spoke to the committee member who has indicated we can come out and camp at the golf club whilst we wait to get into the doctors on Tuesday. We have used up our 72 hour stay at the free camp and will move out to the golf course tomorrow.
The weather has clouded up and we sat outside for a few more refreshments we will not have much for our evening meal though we hope to watch television tonight. We missed the football last night for we lost the southern cross stations for some reason.

Monday the 21st
We had a good old chin wag with a few happy campers and we gleaned information of rest areas ahead of us. Most of those we spoke to were heading back to Melbourne and Home, Which we found a bit strange going back into the cold weather.
We hooked the Terios onto the motorhome and went and fuelled up at $1.46.7 which was the cheapest price for diesel in Cohuna. Then we drove out to the Gold Club where we are staying for the night and set up. I wasn't long before we made use of the beautiful showers instead of using our own along with water. We had a chat with those in the golf club and being Monday they only open the greens until noon. We sat outside and had our lunch for the sky was overcast which did not auger well for the solar panels. After lunch disconnected the car to go into Liz' doctors appointment. Though before leaving I set up the satellite dish for the first time and found that the plastic attachment had broken along with two missing wing nuts.
After lunch we drove first to the Mitre 10 and purchased wing nuts and then to the newsagency and the IGA for bread. Then onto the Doctors surgery were we only had to wait for 45 minutes past the allotted appointment. The report on Liz appeared to be ok and the doctor indicated we should continue to travel rather than return home. The doctor then indicated that Liz should have a biopsy and that will take place at the end of the month at Mildura. So it appears that everything appears to be ok for Liz which we are pleased to hear.
Back to camp and finished setting up the satellite dish and then a local bloke came along and we had a good chat with him as he travels as well. It was interesting and then he pointed to the orange trees along with the lemon trees and suggested we should pick a bag full for our travels. We hooked the Terios up to the motorhome and packed the chairs away and that has been our day not lot was achieved though Liz's health is more important than travelling around. We will be heading out in the morning heading towards Mildura.
Kilometres travelled 23

Tuesday the 22nd
We were not to get the early morning sun at the golf course this morning due the very large trees. Went for a walk around a few of the golf Tee off's and found absolutely over a hundred kangaroo either sunning themselves of eating the green grass. Every where you looked there was there droppings which you could not dodge for they were so thick. The green keeper came along and I had a chin wag with him and he indicated the kangaroo's were a problem due to elsewhere being very dry. Had our breakfast and then finished our packing and then we were heading for the dump point and chemist in Cohuna. Along the way were to see very big herds of cows and they were obviously eating irrigated grass for it was as green as.
While Liz went off to the do a bit of shopping and get the paper I filled the water drums and then went to the dump point. Strange you always meet someone who wants to have a chat and this morning was no different. Back and picked Liz up and we were on our way in very sunny weather and the temperature at 10am being 17 degrees. We could see in the distance plenty of cloud so we knew that again there would be no good solar panel weather this afternoon and may have to bring the generator into play for the first time this trip.
The going was easy and the highway was in good condition the only trucks we came across where heading in the opposite direction. We were to note the amount of caravans that are heading south and there were plenty of them. We came across farm land that was not irrigated and the ground was very dry. Some farmers were plowing their paddocks and there was a large amount of dust rising.
We then moved on then before we knew it we were driving through Karang which seemed to be a big village on the highway north. We were to see plenty of citrus trees and the farms were selling bags of Butternut Pumpkins for $10 per bag good value. We then came across signs warning that this was a fruit fly area and you had to be rid of all vegetables and fruit. There were no stations to drop off the produce. Then we came across another sign indicating that there were random checks and you could be fined if pulled up and had fruit or vegetables aboard. We were worried that the oranges we picked yesterday may have to be dropped of in the bins, if we could find them.
We then came across Lake Boga and there were six caravan parks listed along its shore. This is where the Catalina flying boat is on display and during the second world war the Lake was used by the Catalina's as a base and repair facility for it was thought that the Japanese planes could not fly this distance. We came across a sign indicating that we were entering the Swan Hill area where they indicated that they were the heart beat off the Murray.

We finally arrived at Swan Hill and we parked up noting that the clouds were now in abundance and not good for our solar panels. We had spotted an Aldi store near the old railway station so we pulled in parked up and went walkabout. We were to buy bananas, apples and a few other small things and we were on the way back to the motorhome. Along the way I took a photo of a very large Murray River Cod who would a problem if you hooked one this big.
Back on the way to our rest area for the next few days to give Liz a chance to relax and get her her health back. It was more of the same along the way with cotton littering the side of the highway and more citrus orchards and plenty of grape vines and we only came across one winery.
We finally arrived at our rest area for the next few days at Nyah Forest behind the race course. They only ask that you leave a donation.
There were plenty of happy campers here broken up into two groups. The area does not lend itself to solar panels so out came the generator and we are currently charging the battery's We will not set up our full camp until tomorrow waiting to see where we will get the best sunshine. We are now just sitting back reading papers etc and having a cappuccino before happy hour.
Kilometres travelled 131

Wednesday the 23rd
This morning was very overcast and cold and would not improve during the day. Lack of sunshine will mean we will have to run the generator later today to charge our house and waeco battery's.
Before breakfast we put the awning out and then had our breakfast outside in the cool weather. After breakfast the rest of the camp was set up with the firepot, table etc. We did not bother lighting the fire in the firepot due to the cold we will still cook our meal inside tonight and hopefully we can warm the place up.
Unloaded wood from the Terios and refueled the generator and then we decided to go for a drive in the local area. Just before we left a bloke selling honey turned up and we had a good talk about the area and what it has to offer. He suggested we take a drive out to Nyah West and look at the old building etc.
First of all we drove down near the Murray River and noted the wooden carvings depicting what life was like in earlier times with explanations given outlining the early settlers who came looking for gold and ended up going into rural farming.
Then we were back on the highway heading for Nyah West and as soon as we arrived the very old buildings were noticeable though many now were closed. A mural on one of the buildings showed earlier life in the area. We then drove around to the Post Office to pick up some touristy literature on the area. Picked up books there to read further up the road and then went around to the Op shop and spent an hour or more looking and talking to the people manning the place. They were very pleasant and even offered us a cup of coffee which we declined then looked at more books that were five for a dollar and then Liz bought a jacket for the cold weather and we said our farewells.
We were to note the old grain silo's and then onto the Scrap Wire Sculptures and they were a sight. A retired farmer had decided to make the sculptures from all the scrap wire he had laying around.
There were horse's, emu's and all types of birds and then a map of Australia with small birds sitting in each state though no Tasmania. The display was very good indeed and it must have taken imagination and skill with this type of wire to achieve this type of art form. Across the road was a derelict old 1960 Simca which with a lot of tender care could possibly be bought back to life.
We then thought at nearly 2pm we should return back to the motorhome for lunch. We did not make it for we stopped at the service station and had a hamburger and chips which we took back to the park on the Murray River to eat. It was pleasant to sit there eating and watching the Murray flowing down toward South Australia. The temperature had not picked up and again the sun could not break through the clouds etc.
We read our books for awhile and then started the generator and charged batteries and our phones etc. Made a few repairs to the portable step that I had run over in the Terios a few bends and a couple of bolts fixed the problem. We are having southern fried chicken for our meal tonight and then watch a bit of television and off to bed snuggled up in the doona hoping tomorrow we see the sun.

Thursday the 24th
A chilly morning with high fog that the sun was trying to break through. This morning I lit the fire pot and boiled the kettle and cooked the toast, we were to sit outside and eat our breakfast and a happy camper from Tasmania came along and indicated that the family was moving on this morning. After we cleaned up another elderly fellow came over and asked did we have any knowledge on small washing machines. As we were going out we indicated we would come over this afternoon and help him to operate the machine.
We then gathered our empty water bottles and our lunch for the day and headed off to visit Tooleybuc in NSW. As we moved onto the highway the clouds and fog disappeared and we had a nice sunny day.
There was a fair bit of traffic about and we were only doing 80kph soaking up the beautiful sun. Along the way we noted that the Murray River was close by and there were many kilometres of Citrus trees and Grape vines. We turned off the highway to go to Tooleybuc and as soon as crossed the old bridge we were in NSW. The bridge had a lift span though it does not appear to be used now. You can imagine in the early part of the last century all cargo was moved by barge and Paddle Steamers and the was a use for the lift span now the bridge has been reduced to only 21 tonne capacity for trucks etc.
Around from the bridge was a nice park where you could see the Murray River wandering along in it snake like fashion and there was the fully restored Lift masters House. It looked very nicely restored though you could not gain entry for a look see inside.
As it was now midday we sat in the park and ate our lunch which consisted of southern fried chicken left over from last night, very nice indeed. We were to see many large loads of baled hay etc moving through the town. No doubt onto the drought stricken parts of the country. We then went down to the river proper and noted a few barbecue house boats and then onto the RV free stay for a look. The area they set aside for the rest area was very large and was near the sports club building which in itself was very big. We generally drove around the area having a look see and then back into Victor ea across the bridge and heading for home. Again we were to see the nice colours of the Citrus trees with the Grape Vines in front of them. Then we came across the Winery itself which was very large and there were plenty of storage vats which we supposed meant they processed a lot of grapes from around the area. Then we came across a section that was growing willow trees to create cricket bats.
We were to note along the way there many farms offering Butternut Pumpkins for $10 for a bag of eight and they were all big pumpkins, we would have bought a bag though we bought our own butternuts with us.
There were not clouds in the sky now and the temperature was up to 18 degrees celsius though when we pulled into camp after getting water we noted the motorhome was in shade so we took the decision to move to where we could maximise the sun during the day. I drove the motorhome with the awning out for we were not moving far and when set up we carried all our outside gear over and set it up again. There have been a lot more happy campers come in and a few came over and had a chat for awhile. We then went done to see the old chap and Liz was able to show him how to work his washing machine and the woolmix required to save rinsing the clothes etc. It was now happy hour so settled in for the last of the sun before going inside. All in all it has been a good day and tomorrow we will see if we can round up dry wood for a large fire outside of course.

Friday the 25th
A cold night though a very sunny morning camped by the Murray River at Nyah. Again this morning had a chat to several happy campers that are moving on and to two blokes in four wheel drives from Western Australia. They are leaving here this morning and travelling to Mount Isa today and that is a long way. They intend to cut across the desert into Western Australia and then home. Wow that would be an adventure though our motorhome would not be up to the desert crossing.
Had our breakfast in the nice sun and at the moment there is not a cloud in the sky. We then checked on the elderly bloke and he assured us that he now knew how to use his washing machine and he was going off to buy some wool wash.
We then sat in the sun reading our books and it was time for lunch and after lunch we hopped into the Terios to go and get larger wood for a big fire tonight. Again we followed the Murray River along as it twists and turns and in places the water was as green as and others it appeared to be blue. There a lot of trees that have fallen into the river and tomorrow I will get the rods out and see if I can catch a Murray Cod.
Cleaned the solar panels on the Terios and then relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and watched other happy campers arrive. Today other than wood gathering there is not much going on in our camp.

Saturday the 26th
We had a good fire last night and sat and had out evening meal sitting by it and at 7.30pm we went inside to watch the Collingwood V Bulldogs football game. Collingwood won by 35 points which made Liz happy her team had won.
When I hopped out of bed this morning there was a bit of fog and it was on the cold side. As usual I walked around the trotting track as my morning exercise. It is a big complex which is not used only as a training track for the Trotter and there has only been one each morning.
It looks to be a beautiful track though the bloke that sells the honey gave me run down on the complex. It appears it was closed as a race track for the bends are 70 percent in gradient and the norm now is 90 percent. A stupid reason for closing it though as he said it would cost to much to bring it up to the standard of today. Of course the camping areas are at the back of the complex and we get the benefit of potable water and a very good dump point.

On the way back to camp I noted the mob of Wood Ducks and in the late afternoon a lot of Major Mitchell's alight on the centre of the race track to feed. Back in camp and it did not take much to stir the fire from last night into action and we boiled our kettle and cooked our toast and sat outside in the sun which is partially blocked by high fog and a few clouds. After lunch we pulled the washing machine out and put it into action. It would appear I left our clothes line back in Cohuna strung up between trees. I made another clothes line and set that up and Liz did the washing and hung it out to dry. This is the first time we have used the washing machine for on the last occasion in Cohuna we elected to go to the laundromat and given what it cost we will not be using them again.
We relaxed for part of the afternoon and then we went back to the Truck service station and used their showers for around our camp it is a bit damp where we have using our own shower. We will probably cook our meal on the fire and then go in to watch the AFL football tonight and then off to bed.

Sunday the 27th
Last night was warm as we cooked our meal on the open fire and when hopping out of bed this morning it was still warm though the clouds were very thick and we would not see the sun all day. Went for our usual walk and noted the bird life on the inside of the trotting track, which were Wood Ducks and Major Mitchell's. Then around a bit further we were to see beautiful parrots in all their colourful splendour and unfortunately we did not get a photo as they took off for they were very colourful.
Back in camp and lit the fire this morning for our breakfast and again the paper caught fire from the embers from last night. In no time at all the kettle was boiling and this morning we both opted for cereal with Liz having that terrible yogurt. Washed down with a lovely cuppa. We were just sitting there watching the bird life minus the noisy Corela's. We had a group of Myna birds visit or I think they are Myna birds.
After cleaning up after our breakfast we went walkabout to see the happy campers we have made friends with over the last couple of days. On our return out came the Dream Pot and Liz prepared silverside for our meal tonight which has been cooking merrily away during the day.
The elderly bloke of 85 came and asked it I would check and pump his tyres up which I did and isn't he interesting to talk to. He has a great 3kva Honda generator which from a distance of 80 metres you just hear if you listen for it.
Stoked the fire and had our lunch for the day being very overcast is still warm and read our books for awhile. Then it was time to start packing away for our departure towards Mildura in the morning. First the generator and then the awning and all other things including the gear we used to cook on last night. Then Liz suggested we should wipe the dirt grime from the motorhome and not having ladders we were only able to wipe at arms length and you can see where we cleaned and the area that we missed. When I get hold of a ladder then I will complete the job. We wont be putting the satellite dish away until the morning and then we will hook the car onto the motorhome as well.
Here we are sitting be the fire reading our books again and shortly we are going for a drive along the tracks beside the Murray River.

Monday the 28th
We awoke to sprinkles of rain this morning on the roof of the motorhome, After hopping out of bed and heading off for a walk it was noted that the ground had easily adsorbed the little rain that fell. The clouds were thick and looked ominous for rain. We had our breakfast and in came the satellite dish and then everything was packed away making sure that the clothes lines were stowed away. It would appear I left one strung between trees in Cohuna.
We strolled around the camping area saying our farewells to those we have met over the days we have been in this beautiful camping area in Nyah. The last task was to hook the Terios onto the Motorhome and then up to the dump point and to take on more water for our journey ahead.
We came out onto the highway heading for Mildura. Gerhard rang to see if we would be arriving today for they are keeping a parking spot for us. We indicated we would be arriving tomorrow. It wasn't long before we were driving through Wood Wood and then it became very overcast and we put the heater on in the front. We were to pass those stalls selling butternut pumpkins once again and then the many vineyards along the way appeared.
There were plenty of caravans and motorhome's heading south and then the trucks started to appear and the largest of those were grain carriers with their two long trailers.
We were starting to see sheep grazing on a green pasture for the rest of the ground both sides was dry and barren and it would appear they have been in drought conditions for some time. It could be the water from the Murray River is sustaining them.
Then we saw plenty of Orange and Mandarin groves with roadside stalls sell both including pumpkins. Then the Olive groves appeared and then we were going through Boundary Bend where we were to see more as they appears to go many kilometres alongside the Murray Valley Highway. Then the Olive processing plant appeared and it had a large water dam in front no doubt to use in their processing of the Olives.
We came across a moat that was totally devoid of water even though there several crossings to get to the centre and the nice rest area set out. More citrus fruit trees and there were plenty of fruit on them.
We have elected to stop some 15 kilometres short of Robinvale today as we came across a ex gravel pit close to the highway and decided to drive back and set up for the day leaving us only 95 kilometres to travel tomorrow to arrive at Mildura and Liz's appointments.
We set up and had lunch in the brilliant sunshine for the cloud formations had moved on though they returned around 4pm. Out came the chairs and we were reading our books after lunch and the setting up of the satellite dish to watch the football show tonight. Another good day on the road.
Kilometres travelled 92

Tuesday the 29th
We were awoken at 3am by heavy rain though I thought being in a gravel pit would make us safe from bogging in the wet ground. I could not get back to sleep so Liz layed in bed whilst I pulled the motorhome and the Terios up to higher ground on the blue metal and then went back to bed and sleep. It was still raining at 7.30am when we hopped out of bed and by the time we had our breakfast it had stopped.
Out to get the car ready and I walked back to where we were parked last night and it was obvious that we would not have bogged down. Hello! What's that! Oh no in my haste to move this morning I forgot that the satellite dish was still connected to the motorhome and there it was on its side in the blue metal with the co-axe there with it. When I pulled out it dug into the blue metal and stripped the cord connections away.
We done the connections and set the dish up again to see if there was any other damage to the system. It all worked so it was readied to pack away until the next time.
There was still a lot of white cloud about and as we moved along the Murray Valley highway we were to see many hectares of grape vines and we noted also that the autumn leaves were changing colour though the trees had not shed their leave as yet. Before we knew it we had arrived at Robinvale. A sizable town alongside the Murray River. Then we had to take a right turn which took us into NSW and along the Sturt highway to Mildura. We drove through Euston and then noted the table grape vines and there were some dried fruit also.

We crossed back into Victoria and then we were going over the bridge into Mildura. We came upon 11th Street which we turned into and then rang Gerhard and he indicated to park up and he would come and get us to take us to Bruce Bend on the Murray where he and a Bruce were camped.
We followed him for many kilometres before arrived and then it was obvious that we would not get a suitable site that had sun for the Solar Panels. We said our farewells and headed to Psyche Bend that had some good reports other than the road in. Typical Parks road all corrugated and we getting along at 10 kph and on arrival we faced a similar situation to get to a suitable camp spot we had to take the risk of getting bogged. After walking around the area we decided that this was not a good spot if it was to rain. We then drove up to Kings Lagoon which is the pump station for town water and found no one there and lack of no camping signs so set up. We knew we may have to move a little to capture as much sun for the solar panels as we could.
We were getting hungry so we then drove into Mildura proper and out along the road to South Australia until we arrived at the very large shopping complex we then went into Woolworth's and bought rolls etc for our lunch and few vegetables and then we were on our way back to Kings Lagoon.
A little later in the day we went and had a happy hour with Gerhard and Bruce.

Wednesday the 30th
A cold night though the sun was to break through the trees warming the morning air. I went for a walk along the Lagoon edge and was to see a slight fog over the water and then Swans and Water Birds feeding. On my return we were to set up our camp for we are here for a few days. Out with the awning and ground cover, and then chairs and table. Breakfast was cooked and we sat outside watching the lone Pelican feeding and then a Water Fowl joined us for breakfast. Of course we did not feed it though it was longing for our toast etc.
We then walked along the track and picked up few pieces of wood and sticks for our fire tonight. Out came the chainsaw and cut the wood and set the fire for later. We then drove into the city looking for the dump point and then onto the Visitor Information Centre which is quite large we spent a pleasant hour in there and of course I did not have the camera with me so missed all those good shots.
Then we drove out to the shopping complex and went to the chemist to have scripts filled and whilst that was being done we went to Hungry Jacks and had our late lunch. It might have been junk tucker though it tasted ok.
We then drove down to the waterfront and onto the Loch though there were no paddle steamers in sight they were out for the luncheon cruise. We were to see many houseboats tied up to the banks and it brought back many memory's of past years when we cruised the Murray River on a houseboat. On three occasions. When you are on your own it makes it hard to tie up etc even though we would like to do it again.
We arrived back at camp just in time for Gerhard and Bruce had arrived for happy hour so we lit the fire. Bruce is still having trouble with his motor and tomorrow they are off to Adelaide to have the head on his motor repaired.
We had another motorhome come in and join us though they did not seem to come outside when they set up. After our meal we went outside to sit by the fire until it dies down and then inside to watch television before going off to bed. Another glorious sunny day.

Thursday the 31st
Slept in this morning and it was 8.30am before we arose. Off for my walk around part of the lagoon and as usual I was to see the Swans feeding amongst the many stumps standing up. I was to pick up two long limbs which I carried back to camp.
Then time for breakfast in the nice sunshine which stayed with us all day and for most of the day we were wearing T-Shirts. After breakfast refueled the generator and put it away and then cut the limbs for our campfire with the chainsaw.
We had an early lunch and then it was time for Liz to go and have her Ultra Sound. We drive down Eleventh Street for 8 kilometres before we turned off to go into the imaging centre. I was to finish my book whilst waiting. When Liz came out I was on the phone and I could see she was not happy. Liz had made enquiries as to how long before the result of the biopsy would be available and was told next wednesday. The imaging centre indicated that Liz could see a doctor in Broken Hill for the results. We talked about it and we decided we would stay put where we are until the results are available and so we went and made an appointment to see a doctor in Mildura next Thursday. When get the decision of the Biopsy we will then know whether to turn for home or resume our holiday, above all Liz's health takes priority. Again Liz only was able to see the doctor due to having her health history with her.
We thought a bit of retail therapy was in order so we went out to BCF for a gas refill and then onto Big W and bought more gas canisters then onto Cheap as Chips for cards etc.
We were going down to the waterfront for a cappuccino though that wasn't possible given they close at 3.45 pm.
Even though we had the camera with us I did not take any photo's for really my heart wasn't in it.
We drove over the bridge into NSW and then into Buronga and found a Bakery where we had a cappuccino and nothing else, that was a change. After that we decided to head for our camp as it was 4.35 pm. I was to take a few photo's of the pump house where it appears the Murray is diverted into this lagoon then is pumped into a area for cleansing for this is the water supply for Mildura and surrounding areas.
No fire tonight though we decided to sit outside having a few frothy's in the last of the sunshine. Not much to report though I am sure this will change when we know that Liz is alright. As a side note Liz informed me that since Melbourne the Terios has travelled 445 kilometres in sight seeing and shopping.

June