Monday the 1st of September
Here we are in the first day of spring and when going outside to light the firepot for breakfast we were greeted with a very overcast sky, threatening rain.
It would be overcast all day until around 2pm when it started to rain steady not unlike what we had at Condobolin.
We had our breakfast outside though the breeze was a bit cool and the temperature did not rise above 15 degrees all day. After we cleaned up we decided to go for a run in Digger to Cobram to do a bit of retail therapy. We started off around 10.30am and headed for Kooloomoo where we were to see the big strawberry. Here they advertise strawberry's for sale, though dearer than the supermarkets who have them on special at the moment at $2 per per punnet and at IGA 3 punnet's for $2. They also sell strawberry wine and some other liqueurs at the Big Strawberry. We pushed on and noted the amount of trees that were flowering especially the fruit trees. We noted that there were many new fruit trees planted whereas those around Shepparton were being bulldozed out of the ground. We came across vineyards though there was no sign of growth on the grape trees as yet.
There were plenty of Olive Groves along the way and those trees are evergreen of course. Before we knew it we were in Cobram a rather large town that services the grain and fruit industries in the area. On the outskirts town are the large tractor and equipment sales and some of the tractors are huge with very large wheels etc.
We drove into the town centre and parked up and went walkabout as there are many shops. As we thought we would do a bit of retail therapy we first of all went into Targets and had a look at their wares and then onto Dimmy's though in both instances we did not make a purchase. Onto IGA and bought a few items that will do us at home for instance 1kg blocks of cheese for $3 we couldn't believe it so we bought two blocks as we eat a lot of cheese. Then a 24 can pack of Coke for $12. I had to fetch Digger and it took awhile to find him given the many streets we had walked. Loaded up and even though we saw the Reject Shop we decided to push onto Yarrawonga for lunch.

Yarrawonga was some 36 kilometres away from Cobram and as we pulled back onto the highway we noted the amount of trucks had increased and at times we were holding them up. We were to pass many side roads that appeared to run down to the Murray River and we think that they maybe camping areas that we check out at another time.
We were to see more fruit trees in bloom and cropping land along the way. We arrived at Yarrawonga around 12.30pm and drove down to the Mulawah Lake that is in fact the Murray River held back by a weir to form the lake. You can see many dead Gum trees in the lake where they have built up the weir though we do not know if they have a Lock or not. The cruise boat was tied up to the small wharf and we did not check to see when the tours of the lake take place. Today is not a good day for that given the overcast and very dull day.
We decided to go back to the town centre and have fish and chips for lunch. First we visited Vinnies and bought a few items including more books and then did a bit of window shopping in the main street. We went into the fish and chip shop and noted there were no prices alongside the various fish for sale. When asked we were told $6 for a piece of Flake, looking in the bain maree I noted the fish there were very small so we declined and in fact walked across the road to Subway and paid more for a six inch Subway for Liz whilst I had a foot long Subway washed down with cup of cappacino. We ate it in store and when we came out we noted there were spots of rain. We looked in a few more shops without purchase and then went into Rivers and purchased a pair of shoes each. Liz went looking for other goods and I went back to Digger who was parked at the other end of the shopping centre.
I picked Liz up and decided to head for our camp at Tocumwal for the weather did not look good at all. We drove across the bridge and weir that separates Victoria from NSW and into Mulawah where we noted that the caravan park goes right down to the waters edge, again here is an example of public space not being available to those who may wish to walk around the lake.
We turned onto the road leading back to Tocumwal and as we drove along there were plenty of wheat and canola crops plus many vineyards the biggest being the Seppelts vineyards that were several kilometres long beside the highway though advertised we did not see their processing winery at all.
Rain was now starting to fall steadily which necessitated the use of window screen wipers which we used all the way back to camp.
Coming in the back way to tocumwal we noted the Golf Club Resort and many small motels along the way. We drove past the cemetery that looks very old and we may investigate that tomorrow if the weather is fine.
Back in camp and the need to start the generator for the there was not enough charge from the solar panels to recharge the house batteries. We had another cappacino and settled in to read our books. I have placed buckets to catch the rain water which we will transfer to the our water tank to assist in having enough for our showers etc. Of course we will watch the "Talking Footy" show tonight before going off to bed for the rain is still constant. We travelled 162 kilometres in Digger today.

Tuesday the 2nd of September
We drained another 10 litre's of rain water this morning into the water tank. The day was cool though there no clouds just the lovely blue sky. I went looking for Koala's before breakfast and was only to spot one huddled high in a gum tree.
We had our breakfast in the lovely sun though there was a cool southerly wind that would remain all day with the temperature rising to only 20 degrees celsius. We were to clean our camp up and started to pack a few things away. The first was to empty the hot coals from the firepot used to boil our kettle and cook our crumpets this morning. We then decided to go into Tocumwal to get rid of rubbish plus a bit more that other campers had left behind. First we were to take our unburnt wood supply around to another happy camper for them to use, these are the folks that we met here last year. They were most appreciative and wished us a safe journey.
Into the chemist for Liz and then around to the op-shops where Liz was to make a couple of small purchases. We hadn't looked at the western side of Tocumwal since arriving here this year, so we drove over and had a look at the fine architecture of the Terminus Hotel which was built back in the late 1800's. You could imagine the hustle and bustle of travellers from the nearby train station to have a few refreshments before continuing on their train journey to wherever. There are not many trains coming through these days only those to pick up the grains from the district to deliver them to the shipping ports.
We noted the disused Flour Mill next to the hotel and the large silo's so we can only imagine that at one time the flour mill was large, grinding the wheat and other grains from the area. So there is a bit more history on this side of the town that we were not aware of.
We now had clouds coming over and they looked like they were rain bearing so we first went and saw the two Tassie's at the campsite on the opposite side of the road and talked about all and sundry. As we are leaving before them on the Spirit of Tasmania they wished us well and a safe and smooth crossing on the way home and we did likewise them for they are sailing a week later.
Back to camp and we had lunch outside and then in with the awning and then started packing our gear into poor old Digger once again. Everything was packed away and the a-frame fitted to Digger for towing in the morning. We had finished by 3.30pm so we sat around reading our books and we would not be surprised if we get rain again tonight. We will watch a bit of Tellie tonight and then pack the satellite dish etc away in the morning.

Wednesday the 3rd of September
A cool night and almost a frost this morning. The early morning sun was upon the camp with once again clear blue sky's. We went for a stroll before breakfast to see if we could find any Koala's on our last morning at Finley Beach.
We were to see plenty of birdlife in the trees and then we came across two kangaroos on the track near out camp. They were to stay motionless for some time as we inched closer to take a photo they then bounded off into the bush and lo and behold another six bounded across the track they had been very much camouflaged.
We had almost given up on Koala's when we spotted one on the track on the way to the highway, there it was just looking down at us whilst a photo was taken. Back to camp and then had our breakfast and after that we stored the satellite equipment away and we were ready to hit the road.
We said farewell to a couple of happy campers that we had met including the one's from last year and we then drove out near the highway and hooked up Digger and then we were on our way towards Melbourne.
The traffic was light and pulled into the service station on the corner before entering the Murray Goulburn Highway at Yarroweyah. The cost of diesel was $1.51.9 cents a litre. We then drove onto Strathmerton where we visited the dump point and whilst there we started our hot water and we both had a shower. We haven't far to go today so we have a few hours up our sleeve.
We then turned onto the back road towards Numurkah and were to spot huge glass houses over many hectares that use the Hydroponic method to grow tomatoes. We were in dairy country and there hundreds of milking cows in the many lush paddocks that are watered from irrigation channels and there are plenty of those.

We arrived at Numurkah and decided to park up and have a look at the main street business centre. It was a pleasant morning with a few clouds appearing though there was a cold southerly blowing, a head wind of course.
We went into Vinnies and then the el cheapo shop and bought a few items and the onto the bakery where they wanted $3.80 for four bread rolls which we thought were a bit on the dear side.
We went into Foodworks supermarket and found the same rolls made by the same Bakery were only $2.70 so we bought them. A bit more of a look around and then back to the motorhome and on our way to our next overnight stop before we go into Melbourne tomorrow.
It wasn't long before we turned onto the highway into Shepparton. We once again took the truck by-pass road thus avoiding the town centre. Along the way we were to see fruit trees in flower and there were quite a few new trees being planted in front of the old and virtually on the other side of the road many many fruit trees had been bulldozed into rows for burning.
We turned onto the calder highway and before long we were going through small towns and then onto the double lane highway and finally arrived at our overnight stop. It is actually on the opposite side of the highway to which we are travelling so it necessitates a turn across the median strip and back a kilometre and in the morning along another kilometre towards Shepparton and then turn on the highway again to Melbourne.
We had our lunch at 1.45 pm and then settled in and read our books after tuning in the television to watch tonight. The sun was streaming through the back window of the motorhome making us a bit drowsy.
Kilometres travelled 109

Thursday the 4th of September
It was a rather cool night which necessitated another blanket on the bed. Being mainly a truck stop we were to hear many come in for the night and sleep before pushing on this morning to wherever. Last year when we were here the fields alongside the rest area were looking healthy with a good crop of canola this year it is wheat and frankly it is dying out. We have marveled at the fact that in many area's of the country we have been this year some areas have had plenty of rain and a few kilometers down the road it has been as dry as.
Today hasn't been any different with the canola and wheat 20 kilometres down the road was lush and growing well, the vagaries of weather. We had our breakfast and then it was time to get back on the highway towards Melbourne.
There wasn't a lot of traffic on the Calder Highway and it was easy going with two lanes each way with a large median strip. No doubt this is a provision for expansion of the highway in later years.
It wasn't long and we had arrived at the Hume Highway and then the amount of trucks was enormous, thankfully once again there were two lanes heading into Melbourne so we didn't hold the trucks up. We were sitting on 90 kilometres per hour and they were just rushing by us doing what speed I wouldn't hazard a guess.
There are many towns that now have been bypassed which is sad they must be suffering economy wise. Before long we were seeing the high rise buildings of Melbourne rising up out of the fog. We now turned off the Hume Highway and headed into Coburg and then onto Jen and Robs place at Thornbury. On the narrow streets we were competing with trams, bikes and general traffic who all seem in a hurry
When we arrived they were doing road works across on the new building site so we had to take Digger off and drive him into the yard. Jen had parked her car where we would normally park thus saving the space for us. We set up and then went inside and had a cuppa and caught up with latest news in the area.
We then went into the Thornbury town centre and had a look in a couple of op shops with me buying more books and Liz a couple of items and then into IGA where the bananas were $2.15 a kilo so I purchased some to have on my toast for breakfast. Into a cafe and where the woman had Skinny Latte's and for me a cappacino. Then back to the house and had a roll for lunch and then the woman went off to swimming lessons for the grand children. I relaxed and had a poppy nap and read my books. It has been an interesting day though I totally despise the the traffic in the city and surrounds I am always glad to park and turn the key off for a few days.
Kilometres travelled 161

Friday the 5th of September
A chilly night and foggy morning as I walked down to the service station to buy today's paper. I was wearing a beanie to keep my ears warm and I could smell the petrol fumes of vehicles going of into the city centre.
Back home and had breakfast and then had our showers and sat and read the papers for awhile, whilst Jen and Liz took the children off to school and the Fathers Day stalls where the children were encouraged to buy their father a present from the many stalls. Lucas bought his dad a bag of chocolate violet crumbles, Oliver a bottle of lemon juice and lollies I wonder who they are for?

When they both came back they suggested we go to the Melbourne Museum for a coffee and a look around. That sounded like a good idea so off we went and the traffic was thick and the many lights we had to go through with most of them turning red as we came up to them.
We finally arrived at the museum and parked up. We noted that there were plenty of school children going around the many exhibits especially the fossilised remains of prehistoric monsters both land and air types.
We noted on our entrance an old FE Holden Ute that had been done out as a magpie and I wondered if this was a tribute to the Collingwood Football Club, though the work that went into giving the impression of it being a Magpie was excellent. The next problem is where do we start there was just so much to see. We were lucky that concession holders are allowed in free so Liz and I qualified though Jen had to pay $12. We headed off to the coffee shop where the girls shared a muffin and I pigged out on a sausage roll with a cappacino and the girls again had skinny latte's.
Then off to see the exhibits and first we had to pass the national emblem of Australia and that is the shield and a kangaroo and emu on either side. Where else in the world do they eat their national emblems in the way we do here in Australia. Kangaroo and Emu meat is very tasty indeed.

We went into the old exhibits and looked at the old coach's and old ships both those powered by engines and sail, the replicas of the ships were wonderful especially the old wind jammers who were complete with rigging for sails. Then sat down and watched a video on the famous Australian Race Horse Phar Lap. It was very interesting and boy could he run even when they took him to America he was running last at the half way mark of the race and then it looked like a grey hound coming around all the horses to win easily by a couple of lengths. Unfortunately he never came back to Australia alive for he was poisoned by somebody. Then into the World War 1 display and as soon as you entered you could feel the solemn manner in which people were viewing the many items on display. There were many rifles and guns on show plus an old field ambulance. At the end of the display and the many videos of the era many people were to sign the books and leave messages on the board and most were saying " May they rest in peace" it was very moving. We were to stay upstairs and look down onto the stuffed animals of the world and there plenty of them and the school children were there enjoying them all.

On display was a huge gold nugget that was found by Cornish miners in 1858 it weighed 2208 ounces or 63 kilograms. What would it be worth at today's price of gold. We went into the other film area and were to see early ads for washing powder etc from the 1920's and for the 1930's they played old Dad & Dave shorts from some of their films and what can I say we were laughing so hard we had to leave on the completion for they were so funny. We all said we would like to see a full length film of them for it would really be wonderful.
We looked around many other area's of the museum and thought we would need a full day plus to see it all and after two hours looking we decided we had seen enough for today and stated we would come again probably next year. Down to the car park and Jen had to pay the parking fee and what a shock for two hours was $24 maybe we will find another way of getting to the museum next time.

Jen took us for a drive past the Flinders Street Railway Station and down along St Kilda road and onto Fitzroy Street the shops and hotels haven't changed much and then we drove down to Ackland Street and past the old Luna Park the old amusement park that seems have been here forever. We could see a small carriage running on the old wooden rails. This complex is a wonderful reminder of the past and hopefully it will not be pulled down for multi story building's for it is sitting on prime real prime estate with views over Port Philip bay and the Westgate Bridge which was carrying plenty of traffic.
On the way back we came via Port Melbourne and we could see one of the "Spirit of Tasmania" Ferries loading up for its voyage to Tasmania this evening. The traffic was getting busier as we went past the casino on the way home.
There were plenty of trams running and we had to stop many times to allow the passengers to disembark. We finally arrived home and the unit construction was still in progress across the road and then Jen and Liz walked up to the school to pick up the boys.
Time for another cup of tea and then we are going out to buy fish and chips for our meal tonight and then settle in to watch the football before going off to bed. An excellent day with the temperature rising to 17 degrees and very sunny in the afternoon.

Saturday the 6th of September
The builders commenced work across the road at 6.45 am which did not allow much of a sleep in this morning. It was cold again with the temperature at 4 degrees rising to 19 degrees celsius later in the day.
We had our breakfast and then it was off to Aldi to stock up with groceries etc for home. Whilst there we bought a new vacuum cleaner it is amazing how much merchandise they have adding to their grocery and meat lines not to mention the stocks of wines, beers etc.
Liz went into the Reject Shop to purchase a few items and the it was back home. I was to decant a gas bottle and then Rob took me up to Rays for a refill and whilst there purchased some ramps which Liz had indicated I should have obtained for some time ago.
Our granddaughter Andrea came to visit and stayed for lunch and an evening meal. After repacking the motorhome for the trip home we discovered how many goods we had obtained in our travels this year.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the back yard sunning and then happy hour arrived so out came the wine and beer and the chatter and the children playing made for a fine afternoon in the sunny conditions.
We had our evening meal and then settled in to watch the Essendon V North Melbourne football game which was excellent to watch and then off to bed after another excellent day.

We went back to our cabin once we were outside Port Phillip Bay and read our books for awhile. At that stage the ship was not rolling or pitching so the voyage was very calm and would stay that way for the journey.
We arrived in Devonport and were tied up by the wharf at 5.30 am. We hopped out of bed and the first thing we noticed through the port hole window was that it was raining and it appeared to be very heavy. We had our showers and headed for the vehicle deck at 6.30 am as scheduled. As we were parked on the stern of the ship it was 6.50 am before we were going down the ramp and onto the wharf heading for the Quarantine Checkpoint. They were to check us out for vegetables and fish and other items and then we were allowed to leave the wharf area and then picked up our gas bottles. It was raining steadily when we hooked Digger onto the motorhome and then drove onto the highway heading to my sisters place at Carrick for breakfast.
On the way the weather was very blustery with horizontal rain and the motorhome was at times being pushed into the centre of the highway. We arrived at my sisters place and then had breakfast and discussed all and sundry and then back on the road bound for Launceston where we will stay for a few days catching up with family and then later in the week head for our home at Binalong Bay on the east coast of Tasmania.
Well that's it, our travels for 2014 have now come to an end. Of course we have enjoyed every minute of the journey meeting up with old friends and making new friends and of course catching up with family in two different states.
In all we travelled through four states and one Territory of Australia with the motorhome registering 10,947 kilometres and Digger registering a further 4200 The motorhome consumed 1671.72 litre's of diesel and Digger we did not keep a register on for it uses very little fuel.
Already we are planning our journey of travel for 2015.