Here we are only three weeks from the commencement of our journey and after all these months of talking we bit the bullet and purchased a Winnebago Leisure Seeker with our bed down the back. No more climbing the ladder to retire for the night. It would be truthful to say that we are saddened that we will not be going in our trusty old motorhome which we have enjoyed for the past 15 years. As we commenced transferring the gear we could not believe what we had accumulated over the years, so it took no time at all to sort out the equipment we will carry. We headed for the Swimcart camping grounds on the east coast of Tasmania and set up the new motorhome for camping. During the day we sorted out what we wanted to have aboard for our comfort and as there were no solar panels fitted we ordered two 130 watt panels. On their arrival they were fitted with the assistance of a friend and then we decided to upgrade the house batteries to ensure that everything was up to scratch.
We then settled in for the annual Swimcart Fishing Competition, the past week has been sunny and warm then the weather took a change and the whole weekend of the competition was overcast with occasional showers. This did not deter the many anglers and there were heaps of different types of fish caught.

Plenty of happy hours and good fires and pleasant company over the week and the competition weekend. The weather did not deter anyone and laughter could be heard along with strikes on the rods. However, all good things must come to an end so it was we bid our friends farewell and headed home to start the arduous task of packing for our journey ahead. This time we have to double pack, for our normal travels and then equipment required to make our Cape York Odyssey happen. Interesting from our island state Tasmania to the most northern tip of Australia, however we have four months to complete the return trip.
We attended the fire station last night (Friday 27th April) and as it was a non training night we had a few drinks said our farewells to many of the crew. This morning (Saturday the 28th) we went to a cafe in St Helens and had breakfast with friends and then returned home. As the breakfast was so large we gave lunch a miss.
Back to our final packing and filling the fridge for in the morning we head off to Launceston to get more gear out of our old motorhome and then our children are coming for a farewell evening meal which will leave us with few days to check and recheck our equipment. Our meal went well with plenty of food and merriment before farewells were the order of the day.

Thursday the 3rd of May
Today is the day when our journey begins with us first stopping at my sisters house at Carrick for some nice hot homemade Chicken Soup along with crusty hot home baked bread. Then we proceeded to Devonport to board the "Spirit of Tasmania" ferry. On arrival at Devonport we stopped in and said our farewells to John & Jenny then off to have fish and chips for our evening meal with Debbie and Sophie before boarding.
In the marshalling yard we met Murray and Pam and had a look through their new caravan very nice indeed. Once on board the ship we put our gear in the cabin and then aft to the lounge where we met up with Murray and Pam again and then Bob and Ev plus Geoff and Margaret, we chewed the fat for quite awhile and had a few rounds of refreshments.
Liz went off to bed and I went into the picture theatre and watch a Denzil Washington movie which was great then off to bed,
Friday the 4th of May
The overnight trip was completely smooth and on awakening this morning we found our Ferry had entered Port Philip bay and it wasn't long before we disembarked into the early morning Melbourne traffic. Even at 6am it was quite hectic in traffic as we headed out to Jen and Robs place for the weekend. After inspections of the new motorhome it was inside for breakfast and reconnect with the grandson's.
Off to Aldies and Sam's Bargain shop for some cheap items and were not surprised at the cheapness of the goods and food and meat items not to mention the price of alcohol compared to home. In all it was a pleasant three hours spent browsing and buying veggies, a leg of pork for Sunday etc. Home for lunch and then had a poppy nap sleeping for some hours, the best sleep for awhile.
After a great evening meal supplied by Jen we settled in to watch the Collingwood v Bulldogs game which the latter lost even after putting up a sprited performance, a bit of supper and then off to bed after a restful day.
Kilometres travelled 120

Saturday the 5th of May
A good nights sleep and arose to a sunny morning which was not to last unfortunately. After breakfast Jen and Liz went off to the shoe warehouse to make some purchases and then we all went for a walk around the area. Then off to Ray's and purchased another gas bottle and kettle for our outside fire.
The weather is not all that good with drizzle and a bit cold so we sat inside and watched football all afternoon before ordering Pizza for our evening meal. Then watched the St Kilda v Hawthorn football game. St Kilda was beaten by 32 points . Very much a potato couch today. Off to bed sulking and to much activity today.
Sunday the 6th of May
Awoke to a typical autumn morning in Melbourne, overcast and cold, the sun would only break through a couple of times during the afternoon. The morning was spent reading the Sunday papers and just relaxing. During the afternoon we spent time working out where we would travel tomorrow and re-arranging some of the clothes and items in the lockers of the motorhome. Then inside and watched the Carlton v GWS football match which Carlton won decisively. A beautiful roast of pork and the accompanying roast veggies for our evening meal followed by apple crumble. All very nice and tasty with the urge for seconds. Then after our meal we settled in to watch television and tomorrow we will get into the touristy bit after a relaxing weekend. We said our preliminary good byes for Jen and Rob who leave before 7am to go to their respective work place.

Monday the 7th of May
A very restful night with high winds rocking the motorhome. This morning we had breakfast with Rob & Jen and the boys then said our farewells and after hooking up the car we were on our way. Even though it wasn't peak hour traffic it was difficult with cars wanting to cross lanes and get in front of us without thought to our stopping power. We struck heaps of traffic lights and they all seemed to go to red as we approached them. The traffic was thick when we reached the Western Ringroad with plenty of trucks along the way. We pulled into the service station at Deer Park and paid $1.49.9 cents per litre. The morning was overcast with high north west winds which was on our side and certainly made the motorhome swerve and rock a few times. Though threatening rain it did not occur until we were on the Western Highway and then it was intermittent which really was only enough to dirty our equipment. It was good to get out of Melbourne and the countryside was flat until we reached Ballarat which we bypassed then were climbing and changing gears a few times. By the time we arrived at Beaufort there was steady rain and this petered out some 60 kilometres up the highway.

We were to pass two very large wind farms on top of the surrounding hills which made it understandable why we encountered the high winds in the area. We were to pass through many small towns on the way to our camp for the night. Of course there was plenty of traffic given that this is one of the highways to Adelaide. At noon it was still intermittent rain and very overcast and the outside temperature was only 9 degrees though in the distance you could see the clouds dissipating. We finally arrived at our camp for the night at Green Hill Lake which is just off the highway just before Ararat. A beautiful area with good camping facilities with toilets and cold showers, the camp sites are nestled in amongst small trees overlooking the lake. After a late lunch we went for a walk around the area even the high wind could not deter us from enjoying the scenery and the various facilities that are set up. There was a large elevated lookout tower on an island that gave excellent views of the lake and campgrounds. We settled in for the rest of the afternoon looking out our windows at the lake and its surroundings and then set up the television for tonight, we do not need the dish for all the digital channels are available. We had our evening meal and a small happy hour after before going off to bed later in the evening. I have to say even though this vehicle moves around in the high wind it is a pleasure to drive and the all round vision is great. It would appear that it burns more fuel than the old motorhome.
Kilometres travelled 211
Tuesday the 8th of May
Warbling Magpies woke us this morning and it was great to hear the birds instead of traffic. The garbage man banged and clanged at 7am so that prompted us to get out of bed and have breakfast and clean up both ourselves before hitting the road. We met a couple of people from Launceston last night so we went over to say our farewells in their caravan, before this I took a call on our mobile which was a wrong number. After saying farewell we headed out and went through Ararat and about 30 kilometres further on Liz asked for the mobile phone and I stated you have it. The reply was no I gave it to you, so we pulled up and checked the motorhome to no avail. Then I remembered that whilst in the caravan the bloke shook hands and I put the phone down on their bench. This was to be the start of a strange day. Unhooked the Suzuki and drove back the 40 kilometres just in time as they were about to leave. They gave me the phone and indicated they started ringing through our phone book and after the third call happened upon Eddie's number and indicated to him that as they were going through Dimboola we could meet them on the highway, so really there was not a need to drive back. Second problem. We hooked the car back up and we were on our way and about 20 kilometres out of Horsham we struck about 5 kilometres of rough road and when I felt the car on the back moving about I didn't take much notice until I looked at the screen of the rear vision camera and noted the car was moving about as if disconnected to the tow bar. On pulling up I felt the car go up underneath the motorhome. Luckily the chains prevented it coming into contact with any part of the motorhome. On inspection the tow connection was off the tow ball all together and you could see where the steel had been worn by the road.
I had failed on placing the tow frame back on the tow ball to lock down the handle that locks in on the tow ball thus the rough road had made it jump off the tow ball. I fitted it back and the only damage was wearing of the connection on the road every thing else was fine. What a start to the day. We decided not to go into Horsham for we will drive back tomorrow for a visit. The outside temperature was now 24 degrees which was great and we were to pass many towns and wineries including Seppelts great western vineyard and winery which covered a huge area. There was plenty of traffic and trucks who we assume are on the way to South Australia.
We pulled up 10 kilometres before Dimboola and had lunch and then back on the road and in no time at all we arrived at Eddies place and set up. We chewed the fat for hours catching up with what each of us had been doing since we last saw each other and the onto to happy hour which was great.
Kilometres travelled 145

Tuesday the 9th of May
We were to hear the pleasant sound of the train wending its way towards South Australia in the early hours before we arose for the day, it certainly took a while to pass by. Once out of bed showered and then dressed for we are heading down to Horsham for the day. First stop was the clinic for Liz to have her blood tested for wolfram levels, this is the first of many regular tests along the way over the coming months. We have to drive back Horsham tomorrow to get the results of the test. Then into Aldies for a few groceries for tea and then into the Reject Shop where we bought a little junk to help us further up the track. Then to the cafe where we had hot white chocolate to ease the pains of to much alcohol last night.
Our retail therapy would not be same unless we visited the Op Shop where we usually have a few jokes with the volunteers whilst buying items. For lunch we had a pie and rolls from Brumby's Bakery.
Eddie then drove down to Taylor's Lake for a look see, on the way we drove through endless paddocks which were being sown down to wheat and other grains. All this flat country and then in the distance you could see the Grampians' rising up out of the flat country it looked very nice. Taylor's Lake which is man made supplies a lot of irrigation over a vast area on the way in we could see the canals which distributes to the many grain farms in the area. It would be good place to camp for there are no anti camping signs though it is a bit open to the winds.
We had to shed our pullovers for the temperature had reached 27 degrees and was quite warm even though a little windy after enjoying the area we wound our way back to Horsham and had a look around the town which slightly larger than Devonport. Of course it has all the facilities and supermarkets. We stopped at a fruit and veggie shop and bought oranges,capsicums and mushrooms and headed back to Dimboola. We were to come across plenty of trucks coming back from the west and South Australia it was still windy and there was a lot of dust blowing across the road from the paddocks. We finally arrived home and wouldn't you know it happy hour was upon us, though we will not have as much as we had last night. Then our evening meal and watched tellie for awhile before going off to bed.

Thursday the 10th of May
Early morning trains and trucks driving through Dimboola to avoid road works ensured that we awakened early. On going outside there was a light fog blanketing the sun though it dissipated quickly and made for a cloudless sunny warm day that would reach 24 degrees. Just right for t-shirts though not quite warm enough for shorts. We had breakfast and Liz used the washing machine for we are back on the road in the morning heading towards Cohuna we think. We headed back into Horsham for Liz to see the doctor and get the results from yesterdays blood tests. Her reading is a bit on the low side so she will need to increase the amount of Wolfram and see a doctor further up the road within two weeks.
Then drove Ed down to pick up the Suzuki Vitara that he has bought to tow behind his motorhome.
Back to Aldies to buy ingredients for our Chicken soup for tonight and few other groceries required and then onto Hungry Jacks for a dose of junk tucker for lunch.
Back on the road to Dimboola and the farmers were busily sowing their summer crops all along the way, the ground is dusty and Ed indicated there has not been much rain in the area at all this year. It would appear that farmers were hoping for winter rains to germinate the seed sown. There were plenty of trucks on the road and one b-double was really trying to push us even though were sitting on the speed limit of 100 kph. There are police patrol cars working this stretch of the road with their speed camera's so we were not going to be victims because a truck wants to go over the limit. It wasn't long before we pulled into Dimboola and bought papers and posted off letters and then arrived back at camp. There was Ed working on his new tow vehicle though he indicated that it is his winter project so he has plenty of time to check the vehicle through before fitting an A frame for towing. Liz was to get the washing in and then started to prepare the chicken soup for this evening. Happy hour arrived so we knocked off and had our last happy hour with Ed and settled in for evening meal and watch the football shows this evening before going off to bed. There does not seem to be enough daylight hours in the day.

Friday the 11th of May
The pitter patter of rain on the roof in the early hours and the chill in the air greeted us this morning, showered had breakfast and hooked up and prepared to get back on the road. We said our farewells to Ed and thanked him for his hospitality and we were on our way towards Warracknabeal. We were fortunate to have the wind on our tail which made it easy going. It was a little cloudy though warm and the rain had cleared. We were again driving along with wheat and grain paddocks the whole way to Warracknabeal though the ground was really dry. We arrived at Warracknabeal and decided to re-fuel at $1.53.9 per litre and then back on the road towards Donald another wheat and grain growing area along with sheep. The difference being the ground grasses were green and the crop is starting to grow giving the countryside a colourful touch. We arrived in Donald and decided to walk the main street rather than just drive through. The town is old judging by its architecture with many fine old buildings including the old Post Office. There are many murals adorning the sides of buildings giving the town a nice touch, into the op shop and looked and did not make a purchase, then onto the supermarket to check prices which including alcohol. We only bought a couple of donuts for lunch later on.

Back on the road toward Charlton though we will look for a camp site for the night before that. It is interesting to note that the roads are narrow 2 lane bitumen though it is undulating giving you impression that you are are on a roller coaster. The wind is on our tail and the temperature is still rising and would only get to 17 degrees before the cloud cover came over and cooled things a little.
We were to come across Wooroonook Lake beside the highway with toilets, barbecues and boat ramps, when we checked it out it was a nice area with birds on the lakes and others in the trees. Toilets and power is a bonus they only require a donation which we will give. It was a late late lunch and enjoyed the donuts filled with cream etc. Settled in and enjoying the views out the back windows across the lake for the wind is still with us and as the sun heads for the horizon it is getting a little cooler though we are able to get television. So still no need for the satellite dish to watch football tonight. Well, have to go it is happy hour and will now watch a little television before going off to bed later this evening.
Kilometres travelled 131

Saturday the 12th of May
Brrrr! chilly when we hopped out of bed, going outside there was a slight fog on the lake with the birds busily feeding amongst the reeds near the shore. The sky is cloudless with no wind with the sun streaming through the trees, very nice indeed. So good that we have decided to stop another day and do a few chores and relax reading books down on the shores of the lake. First Liz did a bit of washing and I wiped the road grime off the motorhome and the car.
Before we knew it lunch time had arrived and a few fishermen had arrived seeking to catch Red Fin though it appeared to no avail and likewise I did not get the yabby traps out for the water appeared to be to cold. We went for a walk around the lake and there is plenty of birdlife and wouldn't you know it the dreaded Correla's were sitting in the trees screeching their heads off. The wind had risen, it was a cold sou wester. We sat alongside the motorhome and read our books for awhile before going inside to watch the Adelaide V Geelong mid afternoon game which the former won. There is not a lot of traffic on the road and we are the only happy camper here and 5 pm it was cold so we turned the heater on and will put our electric blanket on later for tonight.
After our evening meal we watched television and the West Coast V Essendon game with Liz turning the radio on now and again to listen to the Collingwood V Brisbane game.
Off to our warm bed after a relaxing day.

Sunday the 13th of May
There seems to be something that awakes of a morning and today was no exception. A shotgun blast bought us to life at dawn, we assumed that we had a duck hunter out around the lake. There was no doubt in mind that what were hearing was not a double barrel shotgun rather an automatic. This went on for about two hours and when I went outside at 7-30 am I laughed for the ducks had moved near our camp which no doubt stopped the shooter letting loose. We had beautiful hot showers and then breakfast, packed up and said farewell to the Lake that we have enjoyed so much the last few days. We were still lucky to have the wind at our rear, the road we were on was a secondary bitumen road which was ok. It wasn't long and we arrived at Charlton where we hope to buy a paper it must have been early for the shops were closed even at 9-30 am. The land before and after was grain growing country along with sheep. Moving on we came across many water canals which were used for the rice crops and the many kilometers along the road were olive groves with a large processing factory. Still windy though the clouds were arriving with just a few sprinkles of rain then we arrived at Boort a small town servicing the farm industry with strip houses along the highway. Back into grain country and then the cows appeared then the huge dairy's and signs indicating they were supplying their milk to Devondale. It was a pleasant sunday drive for mothers day with plenty to see along the way.
We finally arrived at Kerang with the trees still shedding their leaves which were beautiful with all the different autumn colours. We pulled up at the supermarket and Liz went off to the buy the paper before we move on. Another motorhomer pulled in and we had a chat and compared notes. The woman normally resided at Weipa in Queensland and has come south for the winter. We are moving away from the cold slowly and surely, a local bloke came and wanted to talk about the car's towing apparatus that killed another thirty minutes.
We are now on the Murray Valley highway heading towards Cohuna where we will camp up for a couple of days on the river.
We had an easy run into Cohuna and went straight to the sports ground and topped up with water plus a couple of drums for our use. Then went out into the bush to camp on the Murray River and things has changed so much we had trouble navigating the tracks trying to find the right one that will put us on the Murray River. It didn't matter where we camped there were plenty of trees which the sun had trouble breaking through.
On setting up I tried for normal television and unfortunately the picture was pixelating so I decided to set up the satellite dish for the first time so as to watch the football this afternoon. Disaster where is the 240 volt cord for the satellite box? We could not find it at all. Needless to say no satellite television I will need to drive into Cohuna tomorrow to see if I can buy one it looks to be a standard cord.
So here this afternoon settled in an listening to the Western Bulldogs V North Melbourne and watch a DVD tonight. Another good day.
Kilometres travelled 170

Monday the 14th of May
Couldn't believe that we both slept in until 7-30 am this morning. It was so quiet with no traffic, trains, planes just a few of the birds twittering away. When I woke this morning I was thinking of going into Cohuna to especially buy a 240 volt cord for the satellite box. Then hopping out of bed I tried the shaver cord which was to small, I know the cord is somewhere in the motorhome however where it is anyone's guess. I had given up and I happened to look at the video camera bag and thought that has a 240 volt cord for charging and on looking, there it was, it fitted the satellite box and operated it a stroke of luck you could say. Phew! We had our breakfast and then set up the satellite dish found the signal though due to the set not being in action for four months it took over half an hour for the satellite to recognise our box and switch on the channels. Now at least we can watch the Carlton V St Kilda football game tonight as well as the news channel from home.
We then cleaned around the camp and went into to Cohuna for petrol for the generator, car and chain saw. Into the supermarket and bought diced steak and kidney to cook for our meal tonight. Onto the chemist, newsagency and picked up water and then walked the main street and in the Park for a look see where they have a multi dimensional display of the famous Murray Cod among other things and then walked down to the weir.
Back to camp and it was a clear blue sky and we had our lunch outside and then out with the chainsaw and cut wood for a fire tonight. Our first campfire for the trip, out with the camp oven and Liz made a steak and kidney stew and of course the new kettle was on the boil and simmered away along with the stew all for most of the afternoon.
Out came the rod for on the way back to camp I had noticed in two different areas blokes fishing. I had put a bell on the top of the rod and for awhile it went off and hauling in the line the bait was missing. Back out again and about an hour later while I was in the Motorhome the bell went right off and when I started to pull it in and wouldn't you know the fish of whatever kind had gone in under the logs and snagged the line. I waited for about half an hour and then had to break the line, the moral of the story was that I should have been by the rod earlier.
We have had a total of three log trucks go by our camp this afternoon and luckily the dust was being blown away from us, on their return they appeared to have very small diameter trees and by the deep red colour we assumed they were Murray River Gum. I was have a few more bights during happy hour though to no avail so I have pulled the rod in for the night and will try again in the morning for we have decided to stay another night.
We had our evening meal of steak and kidney with beautiful dumplings it was most delicious you cannot beat the old camp oven for cooking this type of meal. Then we settled in to watch the football and as it appears that it will a cold night so we have turned on the electric blankets while the generator is operating. Cant beat this camping out mate!

Tuesday the 15th of May
"Stay in bed" Liz stated "I will light the fire and cook your crumpets for breakfast". I just rolled over and went back to sleep for hour or so and then out of bed for breakfast all cooked for me, wonderful. The morning was great and there was no wind and plenty of sunshine and reflections on the river. Liz had cast the line out to see if we would have any better luck fishing this morning.
We decided to stay in camp today with Liz doing a bit of washing and then we both sat in the sunshine reading our books after cutting a bit more firewood to cook our meal tonight. Just three log trucks today and at least they are going slow past our camp so as not dust us. We were to get plenty of bites and bait loss and even after three changes of hooks etc still the Murray Cod eludes us. Lunch and then back out to read our books even though we were suffering a blitz of flies, nasty little things. We heard a jump across the river amongst the reeds and then again we spotted a very large fish who was after insects etc though it did not take to our bait.
As we are leaving in the morning we started to clear the site and pack away what we didn't require further use of. Time for our evening meal so stoked the fire up and cooked potatoes in foil on the hot coals and steamed our vegetables and cooked our chicken on foil. It was all very tasty and much more so had been cooked on the gas stove inside.
As the satellite dish is still up we will watch the comedy shows tonight and then off to bed after a most relaxing day, we did not even worry about a happy hour today.

Wednesday the 16th of May
Packed away and on our way back to Cohuna. We first went to the football ground and used buckets of water to wash the dust off the motorhome and Suzuki. Liz bought the paper and we hooked up the car and we were on our way.
On the Murray Valley Highway heading towards Echuca. We noted that all the countryside now is for dairy farming and there were plenty of milking cows to be seen both sides of the highway. It was a cool 12 degrees at 11am due to the amount of low cloud that would dissipate later in the day. Liz happened to look in the rear vision camera and indicated that we had failed to put the stone guard on the car, it was still in the roof rack. I became worried for I had not tied it down and sure enough on pulling up it was not there we had lost it along the way. That's life! We pulled into the information centre at Echuca and gathered maps etc of the town even though we have been here many many years ago.

We unhooked the car and headed for the Laundromat for Liz to do the heavy clothes. This is the first time we have seen front loaders in these establishments, whilst the clothes were washing we drove out to the Roadhouse and had showers and it was lovely to be able to stand under the shower for a long period for in the Motorhome we only carry 90 litre's therefore is wet down then rinse and out. We both took our time and it was lovely.
Down to the river side of the Murray to look at the old town of Echuca and the paddle steamers. We spent a delightful two hours wandering around looking at the exhibits and then off to Mc Donalds for a very late lunch. It sure is junk tucker! Then onto Aldies where the banana's are still 1.99 cents a kilo versus the coles and safeway 3.99 cents a kilo, we bought a few items that back to the information centre and hooked up and we were on our way. Turn left at the roundabout heading to Deniliquin, as soon as we crossed the bridge we were in New South Wales heading north. So farewell Victoria for the next four months. The countryside was much the same as we travelled on the Cobb Highway and about 25 kilometres from Echuca we found a truck stop where we could get off the road which we chose to stay the night. No need to set up the satellite dish for we have local digital stations and the phone service is acceptable. We will just relax tonight we will have a very light evening meal watch tellie for awhile and off to bed to read our books.
Kilometres travelled 98

Thursday the 17th of May
A restful night with just a little traffic with no other happy campers joining us. Breakfast and on the road for we only have to travel 50 kilometres to arrive at Deniliquin, the going was easy with flat ground still a few dairy farms along the way.
We turned off the Cobb Highway and into the city centre it was difficult to park so we had to go three blocks back from the city centre. A bonus we pulled up outside a Vinnies store and spent the next half hour or so browsing with Liz buying another handbag. Goodness is she becoming a handbag addict?
Then down into the town centre and lo and behold there was a Chicken Feed store. Liz collected a few items and I started gathering shade cloth poles etc to make a new stone guard for the front of the Suzuki for we do not wish to cause damage through stones etc thrown up by the motorhome. We noted that the buildings were very old; most dating back to the 1850's though well kept, they were very modern on the inside . It is good that they have kept the facade's. It was such a beautiful morning we went over to the park and admired the tranquility of the area. In one enclosure we were to see Peacocks and Peahens and out in the open wood ducks in the wild with their little ducklings, they seemed to have no fear of us and we were only 5 metres from them. We bought the paper and then we were on our way towards Hay.

We came out onto the Cobb Highway and there was no wind just blue sky's with patchy clouds not enough to ruin the day. We were now out onto the western plains and the land was flat and it was easy going driving. We passed a few rest areas and including the rest area where they lay claim to be the original farm that started the merino line of sheep in Australia.
We were about 40 kilometres out of Hay and we pulled into a rest area and went onto the gravel pit area for I wish to run the generator tonight with the satellite dish. Again we had a late lunch and then set up the dish. Things have changed where we would normally get a blue bar letting us know that we had the satellite we received a red then orange and then green and while I still trying to figure our what they had done I could hear the television going in the background. So now I will have to change the manner in which we receive the signal.
Then out with the tools and started cutting the steel rods into a frame to drape the shade cloth over, I couldn't believe how long it was taking doing things in the bush with an hacksaw, drill, hammer and tape measure. I am sure that Johnny Thunderbolt would not have approved of the way I went about its construction and at one stage I split a rod so I do not think it will last long if nothing more I will have a template when I can get stronger pipe.
The sweat was really belting out of me in the afternoon sun and those terrible flies have caught up with us and they are pesky to the point we had to put our fly nets on. With the job finally completed we had a late happy hour and then a happy camper joined us though they were not very sociable so we had a few coldies on our own before our evening meal. Settled in to watch tellie off the dish and charge up a few items whilst the generator was in operation. This is only the third time we have used the generator in the last fortnight.
Kilometres travelled 140

Friday the 18th of May
Another fine sunny morning and after breakfast we were on the road to Hay. It was only forty kilometres away. It is obvious that they have had heaps of rain in the area for the ditches either side of the highway were full of water. The going was easy for the landscape is very flat with no wind at all, we were travelling along nicely. The land beside the highway was all saltbush with a band of tree's every now and again. Before we knew it we had arrived at Hay and then went onto to Sandy Point where the council allows free camping and actually encourages you to free camp. It is a nice area with barbecues, toilets, water and tables to relax, the area had about 7 happy campers and we stopped to talk to a couple of Tassie's before finding a spot. They informed us that there had been 13 vans in last night. We virtually went back into the spot we had occupied previously and set up pulling out the awning for the first time and table and firepot. Our neighbors were very friendly and introduced themselves and it turned out that we had seen them back down the road for the size of their 5th wheeler was the give away.

We unhooked the car and drove up into the city centre parked up and reacquainted ourselves with the streetscape, we noted on the way up that the levees had been heightened against the recent flooding of the Murrumbidgee. The locals were to tell us that the floodwaters had not entered the city centre due to this work.
Off to the bank for cash and then the hardware store plus IGA for a few items for our evening meal and heaven forbid here was another Chicken Feed store though give you plastic bags here for you goods. Only homemade hamburgers with the lot for our meal tonight washed down with a couple of coldies. We then went to gather wood for our fire and at the same time travel past the lettuce farms, though on this occasion they had all been picked and we were somewhat surprised to see cotton being grown, though given it is a water thirsty crop it was close to the river. We cut our wood and on the way back noted the size of a harvester and its gear that took up most of the road in fact we pulled right off to allow it free passage.
Back in camp and unloaded read our books whilst having lunch and then out to have a good old chinwag with our neighbors who are teetotalers so the happy hour later on was a bit subdued with the sun disappearing the cold night air was coming down. We cooked our hamburgers on the firepot and then had a few more beers and then come inside to watch the Collingwood V Geelong match. We had local television so there was no need to use the generator or satellite dish. Then off to bed to read a bit more before nodding off.
Kilometres travelled 44

Saturday the 19th of May
Out of bed at 7 am and lit the campfire and put the billy on, then the crumpets cooked and liberally covered with banana's. Liz was to do a little washing and then we sat around after breakfast chewing the fat.
We had several happy campers come over around the fire and detailed their recent trips and we were able to glean a few more rest areas available on our travels north, the Tassie's left this morning heading for the boat and home. It was interesting to note that all sitting around without realising we were all members of the same club the CMCA. So discussion was around the club and its infighting at Rally's plus the boards decision on volunteers for the rally's held twice yearly.
Then we went off to the showers in town and bought the newspaper for Liz wanted to read what they had said about Collingwood winning last night. When we came back to camp there was a Jet Ski in action towing a person on a ski board I would have thought it was to cold in the Murrumbidgee at the moment, though it did not seem to deter them. I must be getting lazy for I haven't unpacked the rod to do a bit of fishing. Graham came back to camp with a large log on his truck so I cut it up with the chainsaw and there should be enough wood to now last us until Monday.
We just lazed away the afternoon and when not chatting just taking in the tranquil setting around the Murrumbidgee River.
Our meal was cooked in the camp oven and we sat around the fire to eat it. A few more came over including a backpacker from Korea who sought hot water for her noodle meal. She is off to Mildura to pick fruit before going onto Adelaide. We came inside to watch the football Sydney V Melbourne which lost by a huge margin. Then watched the Essendon V Richmond game and then off to bed with the electric blanket on to warm up the bed. At the moment we are getting power from Graham's 3 kva Honda generator.

Sunday the 20th of May
Misty fog this morning after a cool night. It is our 49th wedding anniversary today so we clung to the bed a little longer due to the chill in the air. When we finally jumped out of bed Graham had the fire going with boiling water and he wished us both a happy anniversary.
Our other neighbors used our clothes line and Liz was taken by the washing machine so I suppose that will be the next item to be purchased when we get home. The morning was spent packing things away and then sitting chewing the fat with other happy campers. There were quite a few depart this morning and at the moment there are only 4 left though that will increase tonight.
Come lunch time we cleaned ourselves up and along with Graham and Elizabeth we went to the Hay Services Club for an anniversary lunch. It was quite nice meal being chinese and plenty on the plate for 9 dollars a head, it must be subsidised by the club. Then into the club proper and played the poker machines Graham and I lost with my Liz winning five dollars. The other Liz did not have a go at all. It was a pleasant few hours and then we went around to the old Hay's Jail which has been faithfully restored and quite a tourist attraction. It was well into the afternoon before we arrived back at camp and in came the dry washing and then the awning as we do our final pack for no doubt in the morning there will be dew leaving everything wet. When Graham and Liz arrived back in camp they presented us with 6 pack for our anniversary.
Graham stoked up the fire and we sat around taking in the cool evening air and looking at the many stars in the clear sky. We had a late meal for we were still digesting the lunch which considering was quite large. Then inside to watch a bit of tellie and off to bed to read our books. It has been an excellent day for our anniversary and shared with new found friends from whom we will depart tomorrow.

Monday the 21st of May
The coldest night yet and when we hopped out of bed the temperature was 9 degrees, it felt more like freezing point. The early morning sun was breaking through the trees and slight fog. We had our breakfast and then said farewell to those we have met over the past couple of days and around 9 am we headed for the tourist centre for a shower to save our water. Liz then bought the paper and some rolls for lunch and we were on our way to top up with diesel at 1.52.9 cents a litre. Back on the Highway heading for Darlington and the turn off to Griffith. It was sunny and the outside temperature was to climb to 15 degrees and would stay that way for the rest of the day. Again we were in channel country with the water basically for the cotton crops and then we came across the rice paddocks which again use plenty of water. Along the road there is a continuous line of cotton pieces off trucks on both sides. We finally arrived at Darlington and went down to the Murrumbidgee River to look for camp spots. There were plenty there, however, they showed signs of massive washouts and the old Murray River gums looked ominous and about to drop their limbs at any moment. We decided to abandon that idea and headed further up the road to have lunch and then move on.
We chose the Lions Picnic area near the bridge and had our rolls and cup of tea in the brilliant sunshine. Graham and his wife Liz walked back down to the town proper of Darlington and had fish and chips for their lunch.
Back on the road and there were plenty of fires where the farmers were burning off the cotton stubble and then we came across vineyards and a quite impressive Winery sitting amongst the many vines.
The there were fields of Pumpkins as far as the eye could see and then melons and citrus trees the closer we came to Griffith. We were now striking road trains though they only had two trailers hooked together, the amount of B-Doubles and semi's was plentiful there seemed to be a constant stream heading north.
We were looking for a suitable gravel pit for the night for we did not want to go into Griffith today. It was about only 4 kilometers out of Griffith when came across the most filthy rest area we have ever seen. Though there were garbage bins placed there everyone was dropping household rubbish and the usual take away food boxes and wrappers on the ground. Good old Liz could not help herself and started picking it up and placing it in the bins. She hardly made a dent on the amount of rubbish laying about. Another happy camper came into the area and they started cleaning the area as well, we went and had happy hour with them and they were to tell us they once owned a caravan park in Darwin, needless to say our discussions centered around barramundi and red claw. Happy hour was over so back to the motorhome for our evening meal.
Set up the television for tonight and we have the full digital service so once again no need for the satellite box therefore no need for the generator. We expect this area will be a bit noisy tonight for we are right alongside the highway, though that won't worry us for it has been another good day of travelling.
Kilometres travelled 154

Tuesday the 22nd of May
Very overcast as we prepared to leave the nights camp area. First we went up to the happy campers firepot to say farewell and to warm up, they will today strike out for Bourke whilst we will do a very small kilometre's. The traffic was pretty hectic when we headed for the highway both in cars, buses and interstate trucks. Before we knew it we were on the outskirts of Griffith passing many citrus farms and vineyards. The Mc Williams winery was very large and they were offering bottle wine for sale at reasonable prices though the vines at this time are shedding their leaves for winter.
I had set the GPS to take us to the willows park rest area where self contained vehicles can stay overnight or for 24 hours. Once there we set up right alongside flowing Channel and because the water is running we should not have any problems with mosquito's just flies. The park is very nice with toilets and a dump point, there is a caravan park at the showgrounds and the girls walked over to check the price and were not able find out for the caretaker is away for the day. We elected to stay where we are. It was very cloudy and the solar panels were not operating though it clear in the afternoon and the batteries would charge up.

We unhooked the car and went off to have a look around the town and do a little retail therapy. We went first to Woolworths and bought a few items plus a couple of cartons of beer that was on special. Coles was across the road so we went and stocked with meat for it cheaper than at Woolworths plus some biscuits.
It was now lunch time so we dropped into the food hall and chose to have chinese food Liz having spicy chicken whilst I had beef in black bean sauce along with malaysian curried chicken plus fried rice washed down with a cappuccino and with freshly cooked donut, very nice. Whilst there we spotted Ian and Denice who themselves have come in for a meal before returning home to Barallan, we had a good old chat. They have invited us to stay and we will take them up on that offer and arrive there tomorrow.
Then off to the information centre and then we went up to the plateau overlooking Griffith then onto the caves etc built in the early 19th century by Valeri Ricetti who during the first world war made the mountain his home to avoid being detained as many Italians were in that period of war. He had built many caves as kitchens, bedrooms and a church for his benefit and only came down from the are in 1954 when he became to old and sick. It is marvelous to see what he had achieved in that period.
We done a few more of the touristy things before returning back just in time for happy hour. We are taking in the last rays of the sun in the park and tonight will be comedy night on the tellie before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 11

Wednesday the 23rd of May
A cloudless day greeted us and alongside the willows and water channel made for a tranquil setting especially with no wind. I had a good chat to the council worker and he explained some of the hassles they have when the fruit pickers arrive in Griffith who use this overnight stay. This is last day we travel with Graham and Liz for they are returning to Musselbrook and back to work in the coal industry. They both have been pleasant company since we met them at Hay. It was sad when we bid them farewell and we exchanged cards and indicated we should stay in touch in the future. We finished our packing and then on the way towards Barellen. First stop at woollies to top up the diesel tank at $1.50.9 per litre. Again it was only splash and dash.
We were passing many vineyards and orange groves for which the area is renowned. Past De Bortoli winery and then Casella's winery who export most of their wine, in the storage yard there were many large containers awaiting packing for the overseas market.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Barellen which advertises itself as being the home of Yvonne Goolagong the indigenous tennis champion. Ian and Denice where on had to welcome us and in no time at all we were set up. Inside for a cuppa and catch up with all that has happened since we saw them last. They were to show us how the floods had destroyed the alterations they had made to their home with the area flooding 250 mills up the walls. This meant that the new plaster walls etc have to be replaced plus a new kitchen etc.
Back out to set up the satellite dish and with the method of finding the correct satellite made much easier colour coding it didn't take much time at all to set up. In the Motorhome and the sun was streaming through the window and I was soaking it up whilst reading my Wilbur Smith novel, the day has been really warm being the warmest since we left home.
Happy hour arrived and then we had our evening meal inside and continued happy hour while watching the State of Origin football game and then off to bed to read our books.
Kilometres travelled 66

Thursday the 24th of May
We awoke to the pitter patter of rain on the roof. I couldn't believe we have gone from the warmest day yesterday where I stripped down singlet to rain and cold today. We had our breakfast and I elected to stay in the motorhome and catch up on my diary. Ian came out and we chewed the fat for awhile, we noted a couple of colourful parrots nearby so out with the camera and then we went inside for a cuppa.
The rain was falling steady now and the gutters though deep were filling fast with water. We gathered our umbrella's and went for a walk down the main street of Barellen, in the main street alone there were three banks that have been turned into residence's and all along the main street there are so many empty shops including the supermarket that has closed since we were here last.
We went into the op shop where a few books and couple of other items were purchased and then into to the take away shop to buy some chips for lunch. It was still raining so we had our lunch and of course we are rugged up now and then read books again and later went inside to chat with Ian and Denice.
Happy Hour arrived and Ian and I went down to the local services club and sunk a few schooners and had a chat to the locals, we could hear rain tumbling down so we had to have a couple more rather than get wet. We were having Pizza's for our evening meal so we bought these and staggered home and the woman were surprised that we had come home so early. The Pizza's were really top quality and well worth the price and in fact we had some left over which we will eat cold tomorrow.
We settled in to watch tellie and then came back to the motorhome in time to watch the Marngrook football show and after that we hopped into bed with the electric blankets on for it was a little cold outside with a fog appearing after the rain. Given the rain and the cold of today it still has been a good day with good company.

Friday the 25th of May
Cold blustery wind and intermittent rain persuaded us to stay put in Barellen again today. It was bitterly cold inside the Motorhome and it took a good hot shower to warm us again. Ian and Denice have both appointments in Griffith this morning and they offered to take us with them for the day which we gratefully accepted and with the heater going in the car flat out it kept us warm. Along the way Ian was to describe the countryside and the damage the floods had done to the various little towns along the way. Even today they have not completed the work required to bring the houses back to their original condition. The builders finally arrive at Ian's place next monday to repair and replace the plaster sheeting and kitchen. Along the way the highway is dotted with Cyprus Pines which are native to the area along with the Yellow Box Gum trees, Ian was to point out that the wheat silo's in the area are now closed and the wheat is stored in another manner. There are plenty of trucks on the road at the moment carting wheat to the ports for shipment overseas. We finally arrived in Griffith and it was still very cold so we went into the Big W first to buy more vacuum bags for the packaging of our meat for the Cape, then onto another store to buy the proper cord for the satellite box and then onto a light shop to buy a LED light which cost $18 the same on the net was $7.50 delivered the problem is where do we deliver them to?
After the appointments we went into the food hall and had a late lunch again we selected chinese which was not as good as the other day.
Into the Chicken Feed store and bought a few articles and then it was time to head back to Barellen. It was after 4pm when we arrived back fitted the LED light and we will see how bright it is tonight. Happy hour has arrived a little late and then we had our evening meal and settled in to watch the football before going off to bed. We have turned on the diesel heater to warm the Motorhome up for the first time. Another pleasant day with our hosts even it the weather is terrible and cold.

Saturday the 26th of May
There has been no respite to the rain or cold this morning and one of our friends who intended to travel around (and is currently in) Queensland this winter has advised us that they are sick of the rain and cold and are now heading for the Northern Territory and hopefully warmer weather without rain. At the moment it is pouring rain at Cape York and hopefully it will clear away by the time we reach the area or we may have to head to the west as well.
The truck traffic is heavy this morning and they again are moving wheat and other grains that are in the storage depots under large tarps, if the rain gets to it then spoilage will take place. We went for a walk down to the town centre to buy the newspaper and take a few photo's.

We walked around the back streets of Barellen and came across the tennis centre where they have highlighted the wall that Evonne Goolagong supposedly practiced on before she became an international star. Then onto the football ground where they were playing Aussie rules on a wet slippery football ground, the swimming complex is very good for the size of the town and the back streets is where the locals reside whereas the main street with it empty shops gives the impression of few people in the town.
In the main street the bigger than life tennis racquet with the large ball and tennis court is a reminder that Evonne Goolagong was born and once lived here. The tennis racquet is a replica of that she used. The town is abuzz with news that Evonne is in town at the moment carrying out an indigenous tennis clinic.

Back into the main street and noted the mural on the empty shop plus took a photo of the hotel which is quite large with its distinct old architecture. After looking around and buying the newspaper we headed back to the motorhome. At the moment the rain has stopped though it is still overcast and cold with a southerly wind blowing.
Lunch and then a poppy nap the first for a couple of weeks. Inside to watch the St Kilda V Sydney footie game which was a good match and it went to 7pm, the Saints ran out 28 point winners though Sydney staged a comeback in the last Quarter and easily won that quarter though St Kilda won the game overall.
We had our meal and then back to the Motorhome and tuned in the Collingwood V Adelaide game on the satellite dish. Collingwood won a good hard fought match by 26 points. Electric blanket on so we went off to a nice warm bed.

Sunday the 27th of May
A foggy damp morning with the temperature at 7 degrees and that would last until midday. Had breakfast packed away and went and had a cuppa with Ian and Denice. We thanked them for their hospitality and then we were on our way towards Tullibigeal. Even though we were travelling on a secondary road the surface was good with room for vehicles to pass. Even though we had fog for the first 100 kilometres it was lifting enough not to warrant lights. Being a cool 7 degrees outside with a southerly wind we turned the heater in the Motorhome cabin to the highest setting and in no time at all we were enjoying the warmth. We were travelling through grain country with sprinkling of beef cattle along the way. There were also fields of turnips and wheat sprouting after the recent rains. We came across many floodways and fortunately they were dry though the depth markers went as high as three metres.

Along the way we were to see two foxes that had been run over by the traffic and there were plenty of birds sitting on the roadway from the colourful parrots, bush pigeons, magpies, family birds and crows. Unfortunately a family bird hit our front window very hard and no doubt was killed. The birdlife being plentiful we were to see no kangaroos etc. The fog was starting to lift and as we came through many small townships that looked like their shops were closed down the temperature still remained outside at 7 degrees. We came across a stretch of road that was only single bitumen though it only lasted for about 3 kilometres before going back to twin lane.
We finally arrived at Tullibigeal and went to the pioneer park rest area, very nice indeed with toilets, showers and free power plus a rotary cloths line. There was a very large bus and trailer who had parked in such away they closed off the power points and water. We were able to park around on the road near the park and run two cords back to get power. No local tellie so set up the satellite dish and then had lunch. There were still plenty of birds more so the Major Mitchell Galahs.
After lunch we walked around the town and rang Dad from a local phone and then went down to the local pub for an early happy hour. In Hay we paid $3.60 for a schooner of beer in Tullibigeal the cost was $4.70 a schooner needless to say we only had a couple. They had six types of beer on tap. Whilst there we had a few laughs with the local people and had a few tickets in the meat raffle with no luck. Back to the motorhome and watched tellie waiting for the football to start. The fog has now lifted and the sun is shining brightly with the temperature now 17 degrees. Finally the football started with Brisbane V North Melbourne. Even though leading by 60 points Brisbane whittled this back and North Melbourne only won by 16 points.
We had our evening meal watched a bit of tellie and then off to bed to read our books and given we are on power on with the electric blanket to warm the bed and then turn off.
Kilometres travelled 113

Monday the 28th of May
A heavy dew and a cloudless sky with the sun shining brightly welcomed us this morning. Due to the weather we decided to stay another day in Tullibigeal. After breakfast Liz cleaned out the front of the motorhome and I used the armor oil to do the front bumpers due to the muck and dust that had accumulated. Last evening I went onto Ebay and had a look at the caravan twin tub washing machines. Though only holding 3.2 kilogram it only takes 20 litre's of water and it is the same one that we saw in operation at the Hay rest area, it was buy now $125 plus $25 delivered. I went into the auction area and bid at least three times and was beaten at $87. Then I noted another so I bid on that and then made the last bid of $89 in the last 30 seconds and low and behold I won the bidding. Today they have notified because I used Pay Pal that it is on its way to Dad's place in Queensland so it will be there when we arrive, Liz is happy with the washing machine and is looking forward to using it . We have found the room to store it already.
We were determined to do little as possible today so out with the chairs and read our books in the brilliant sunshine until Lunch time. We were having our lunch when Eddie and Audrey and their relations who were travelling with them knocked on our door to say hello. We hadn't seen them for nearly 12 months so we had a lot to talk about. They stayed at Ian and Denice's place in Barellen last night so they knew we were just in front of them.
We had our shower in the beautiful amenities building and then went over to the Tullibigeal Co-Op Society Store.It is contained inside a very old building it was a surprise to see how large it was complete with Groceries, Meat, Bread, Vegetables, Frozen goods, Plumbers supplies, fishing gear and Hardware. There was everything a country store should have.
The vegetables were cheaper than Griffith by a long shot. Griffith cauliflower $4.98 Tullibigeal $2.90 needless to say we bought a cauli plus brussel sprouts and a few grocery lines. Why not support them after all look at the facilities they are laying on for travellers and if you wish you can leave a donation for the upkeep of the complex there is nothing compulsory about it. We will leave a donation.
Happy hour and we went along to Eddie and Audrey's van for happy hour and sat in the brilliant sunshine in a singlet for the temperature had reached 21 degrees and it was great with the exception of the flies.
By the time the sun had dropped it was getting cold so we came inside and had our meal and then watched tellie on the dish and off to a nice warm bed to read our books.

Tuesday the 29th of May
Another heavy dew, though again a very sunny day with no wind. Breakfast, final packing then said our farewells to Eddie and Audrey, brother and sister in law and then on the road.
Another good secondary bitumen road and along the way we were to see the damage caused by the recent floods. Creeks were running at a fast rate and water spreading into swamps etc, there was plenty of bird life especially the Ibis and water fowl.
We were in wheat country again and the recent rains had ensured along with the recent sunny days that the paddocks were showing green growth no doubt making farmers very happy.
There wasn't much traffic on the road and we were on undulating land and there were many small hills we needed to climb. This Motorhome is just amazing in the way that it climbs these hills without having to change from six gear or pressing the accelerator down much at all. It just seems to maintain its speed which has ensured that we have arrived quicker than we would have in the old Motorhome. I am not tired when pulling up with this power steering and the easy way it handles the hills without gear changes.

We finally arrived at Condobolin and recognised the town centre having been here a few times. We headed for Gum Bend Lake which is only three kilometres from the town centre and set up around about the same place as in past years. There were seven other happy campers set up. The ground was showing the signs of being boggy in recent times which made it clear why the council closed the grounds for three weeks. The grounds near the camp grounds are swampy and have much birdlife on its water.
We set up and then went and had a look at the lake and though only half full it had plenty of birdlife from cormorants which means there is fish in the lake and Swans, Ducks and water fowl and plenty of them. Then unhooked the car and drove back to the town centre first to find out where the hospital was, we found it and Liz went in and made enquiries to check her INR. We the went down to the supermarket and bought a few items for tea and then back to the camp. We had our lunch and then set up the firepot and made ourselves known to the happy campers. 2 pm and back to the health centre where they carried out the checks on Liz and were very happy with the readings so there was no need to readjust the medication, now no more checks for another fortnight which is great.
We collected wood on the way back to camp and before we knew it happy hour came around. We went and joined the other happy campers who were from Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia and of course Tasmania. We were to exchange a fair bit of information for camping and the cheapest areas to purchase diesel and gas. The service stations in Condobolin are charging $1.56.9 a litre However if you go to Uncles Tires about a kilometre out on the Parkes road and mention that you have heard he has the cheapest fuel and give a discount for cash you will get diesel for $1.50 a litre. The power of the grey nomads and its information it just great.
We cooked our steamed veggies and steak on the firepot and came inside when it became a little chilly. Due to the poor reception for the tellie we have put up the satellite dish and again have an excellent signal. With the generator going, on with the electric blanket and later off to bed and read our books. What a real relaxing holiday it been to date and Liz is anxious to pick up her new washing machine in the near future.
Kilometres travelled 74

Wednesday the 30th of May
A chilly evening as we watched the last rays of the sun set over Gum Bend Lake. This morning was chilly again though the sun was bursting through the trees, there was not a cloud in the sky and it would remain that way for the rest of the day.
Lit the firepot and boiled the kettle and cooked our toast and ate our breakfast outside listening to the sounds of the birds. Especially those screeching Correla's there seemed to be hundreds of them perched in the nearby trees, it was hard to get a photo due to them being skittish as you approached and it was the Galahs that seemed to warn them of your approach.
There were three caravans leave this morning so we said our farewells and wished them well in their travels a couple heading north and one heading south into the colder climes
I put up clothes lines for we are going up to the laundromat to do the heavy washing such as sheets etc. When we arrived we were somewhat surprised to find that it was four dollars a machine and we had to use two of them. Whilst the washing was taking place we walked up the main street of Condobolin on the sunny side of course looking in the shops at their wares and then to the supermarket for last supplies for we are leaving in the morning for I want to get to Burleigh Heads by the 9th to watch the Suns V Saints clash at Carrara football ground, which means we have to travel over 1500 kilometres in the coming week or so.
Out to Uncle's fuels and filled the gas bottle where he wanted $27 and he settled for $23 we only paid $16 last month at home for a refill. He is offering a lower price for diesel than appears on the pump even though he is three cents a litre cheaper than the service stations. There is no doubt we will top up there in the morning.
Back home and Liz hung out the washing and then the kettle was boiled and we had out lunch out in the brilliant sunshine so good in fact I was nearly tempted to wear shorts.
After lunch we went for a walk around the lake and and noted the amount of cormorants sitting together on the rocks so there must be fish in the lake. We had a chat with a couple of happy campers and Liz pulled in the washing and we started packing away some of our gear and hooking up the care prior to happy hour. First we went up on the bank and started happy before we came together with those that were left that is and we had a good old chinwag before we broke off for our evening meal. Tonight we cooked our meal on the firepot and then sat around until late before we went inside to read or books etc. It has been a very relaxing day in the brilliant sunshine.

Thursday the 31st of May
A another wonderful sunset last night over Gum Bend Lake and this morning the sun breaking through the trees with a slight mist. Breakfast, shower and then pack away then over to bid our farewells to those happy campers we had met at the happy hours. One couple is coming to Tasmania in October and so we exchanged cards, they will look us up when they arrive.
On the road and though a little chilly at 7 degrees there were no clouds in the sky once again as we headed out to Uncle's fuel service. He advertises diesel at $1.53.9 cents a litre though if you give him a smile and pay cash he will reduce the cost. Now when Uncle, which is his nickname, smiles he shows a full mouth of gold teeth I wouldn't like to think how much they cost. Anyhow he discounted the fuel to $1.39.9 which I was happy with and this is due him being the local fuel distributor.
Back on the road towards Parkes to meet up with the Newall highway and then head north. The going was undulating and I did not have to get out of top gear.This Motorhome with its turbo engine just loves to climb those hills. We were in Wheat country again and we passed several small towns including Bogan Gap where we stopped a few years ago. Along the way we were to see two fox's though not together slink into the bush by the road and when you came level you could not see them at all. There were also several dead foxes run over on the the road.
There were plenty of wheat silo's and small silo's with storage of wheat in large bays under tarps, needless to say there were plenty of Correla's and Galahs' seeking to break open the tarps to get at the grain. There was plenty of water alongside the road with water birds especially the ibis wading looking for food. Before we knew we were coming into Parkes and the trees still had their autumn leaves which were very pretty.
Then we knew were tuning onto the Newall highway for the amount of trucks especially the B-Doubles and they were all driving as there was no tomorrow. We just pulled over and let them past for they were going a lot faster than we were. Definitely more than the 110 kilometre limit on the road. Just out of Parkes is the famous dish used by many country's to look to the heavens and even 8 kilometres away from the highway it is still visible, we tried a photo and found the Dish is pointing straight up for some reason though you need to look to find it in the photo.
We arrived at Peak Hill which was bustling with trucks stopping for a break at the roadhouse and no doubt having a late breakfast early lunch. On our way the highway had become like a roller coaster up and down kilometre after kilometre.
Just before arriving in Dubbo we drove past the old war memorabilia standing in the paddock from an old aircraft to military jeeps, tanks etc. Then the turn off to the famous Western Park Zoo which has been renamed the Taronga Western Park Zoo. This is no doubt a link to the the Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney.
Oh! lookout there is a Hungry Jacks junk tucker joint. As it was 12 noon we stopped and went and had their hamburger and chicken burgers with fries etc.
Back on the highway wending our way out of Dubbo and the trucks and more trucks and even more trucks. We are missing the bitumen secondary roads already as we make our way the coast at Ballina.
We drove on towards Gilgandra and the road again was like a roller coaster and we decided to stop out from the town tonight and go in tomorrow. At the moment we are pulled up on the grass in front of the Gilgandra Speedway track and this is where we will stop for the night.

We can get the full range of digital television so there is no need to set up the satellite dish to watch the Marngrook Football Show. Because of the junk tucker for lunch we are only having an easy evening meal consisting of Chicken and Corn soup. It has been a good day to travel and at the moment at 3.30 pm I am sitting around in a singlet with trakkies of course for it is nice and warm, though if you go outside you will be attacked by fly's.
Kilometres travelled 294

June