Friday the 1st September
First day of spring and the frost was thick again this morning eventually warming to the beautiful sunshine. As usual lit the firepot and enjoyed the company of other happy campers before we cooked our breakfast.
We sat around talking and noted that quite a few happy campers had left this morning around 6.30 am to 7 am. They must be in a hurry and then as the morning progressed there were others that departed. Again this morning the Pelicans and Water Hens were out on the lake foraging for food. We were to note the Swans that had arrived yesterday afternoon plus of course the noisy Corella's and Crows etc. There a few Butcher birds and Magpies and small birds frequenting the area. Liz was to feed the Magpies with a bit of her toast.
We had a clean up and lo and behold we were to have morning tea with six others and then we went off into Condobolin. First to the doctor's surgery for Liz to drop off her medical history and then onto the Chemist. Whilst the scripts were being filled we then went to the Bakers shop were we purchased bread and then had a mug of cappuccino and just relaxed listening to the locals discussing all and sundry.
Then off to get a gas refill and then back to Vinnies where Liz was to spend some time looking at clothes and in the end we made no purchases.
Onto the IGA where we purchased a few specials and a small leg of lamb for next week, a carton of beer that was on special some 7 dollars cheaper than normal and now I have more than enough to last till we get home.
Back to the camp and we had lunch and after that we started to dismantle our camp and pack away those items that we have used over the past days. As we are going up to the RSL for a meal tonight and few frothy's we had our showers and then in came the awning and the ground cover and it will not leave much for us to do in the morning before depart. For the first time I did not take the camera with us this morning thus there are no photo's for today.
Oh well off to a smaller than usual happy hour for we are on the courtesy bus at 5.30pm and we cant miss that or be to inebriated can we. Another fine sunny day with no wind and quite warm though not as warm as when we were in Queensland.

Saturday the 2nd of September
We had a wonderful night at the Condobolin RSL last night plenty of frothy's and the meal was great. Two on our table were to win meat trays though we did not do any good at all. They had a Calcutta for the upcoming Melbourne Cup and Liz was to win a horse. They select the horse's just before the Melbourne Cup and if Liz has the winning horse then they will forward the winnings down home for her. Back onto the courtesy bus down to the lake and then off to bed.
When we awoke this morning it was a lot warmer and after awhile it started to cloud over though it looked more like high fog, which we thought the sun would burn off. That was to be the case later in the morning.
After breakfast out in the sun or what was not hidden behind the clouds we packed away the satellite dish and other items and then we gathered to have Mauri and Gwen and David bid us farewell in our travels south and home. It took some time for we were reluctant to leave such a good camping area like Gum Bend Lake. We had one last look up on the bank and we noted once again the colony of Pelicans and on the other end of the island the Swans and Water Fowls plus a couple of Pelicans.
Into the motorhome and we were on our way out of Condobolin bound for Tullibegeal and our next stop over. Ian is travelling with us and when we both leave in the morning he will head for home and we will take the road to Narrandra and our next stop over.
Along the way we once again we were to see the magnificent colours of the wheat and Canola growing with a back drop of small mountains very nice indeed.
When we turned onto the road to Lake Cargelligo we noted there were other crops of grains and one crop was growing beside the wet lands and they looked good no doubt for the water was available for that crop.

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We then took the turn off to Tullibegeal and in no time at all we arrived at the camp area where we soon plugged into power for tonight, we will turn our electric blankets on and enjoy the warmth before going off to sleep.
After setting up which included the satellite dish we sat outside for the sun was starting to appear again and enjoyed a cappuccino. We noted that there were a couple of happy campers here that we had met back in Gum Bend Lake so we renewed our acquaintance. As it was now nearing lunch time we went over to the Tulli Cafe and ordered chips and gravy to have in our rolls for lunch and then ordered fish and chips for our evening meal which we will pick up around 5.30pm.
We had our lunch and then Ian and I went up to Mitre 11 and had a look about and found a 14.4 volt drill. First of all we thought it may be no good so we took the battery off and then drove back to camp. I had a charge cord and when plugged in it showed it was charging the battery. So back to the Mitre 11 to rescue the rest of the drill.
When we returned we discovered that the drill worked a treat whilst the battery was on the charger. So now we wait until the battery is fully charged to see if it is ok.
We then decided to go over to the hotel for a few frothy's and they were enjoyable and we were to meet some of the locals and we had a good chat.
Back to camp and we sat out in the sunshine and noted the Major Mitchell Cockatoo's sitting in the fur tree eating the nuts out of the cones and dropping them on the ground. There were about ten of these birds all doing the same and they are very colourful when they spread their wings and open their crest.
Well, it is time once again to have our happy hour and this will be the last we will have with Ian as we go our separate ways again tomorrow.
Over to get our fish and chips for our evening meal and if it gets to cold we will come inside after another good day.
Kilometres travelled 73

Sunday the 3rd of August
We were out of bed early this morning and under the showers then it was time for breakfast. The satellite dish was packed away then we disconnected from power. We were to say our final farewells to Ian who is heading home to Barallen this morning.
Hooked on the Terios and then we were underway with Ian leading off. When we turned to go up the hill out of Tullibegeal I noted the the motorhome needed more right hand down on the steering wheel than normal. Once over the hill I pulled up and inspected the front tyres and there did not seem to be a problem. Underway again and it was still the same with a squeal from what we believed was the front of the motorhome. A ute was to pass us and he hailed us down and indicated that smoke was coming off the wheels of the Terios. On inspection I discovered that I had forgotten to place a key in the ignition so as to ensure the steering lock did not stay locked. I grabbed the spare keys and place them in the ignition in the accessory position and we were underway again. All appeared to be normal know though when I asked Liz for the other set of keys she indicated that she did not have them. So pulled up again and searched high and low for them to no avail. I recalled that I used that set to unlock the lock for the A-frame. So drove back the the campground and we could not find them which created a dilemma for I had locked the door of the Terios with the spare keys that were inside the car.
So we thought we would keep an eye out for the keys on the way up the road again. Weren't we pleased to see them on the road at the intersection of the road to West Wylong.
We were on our way again finally turning on the road to West Wylong. Along the way we were to see many wheat silo's in small towns and one called Ungarie where we were surprised to see the main street's old shops looking so derelict to the point that a lot of the awnings looked as if they were about to collapse onto the footpath.
Of course we were to see kilometre after kilometre of wheat and canola growing in paddocks that went back as far as we could see and followed the highway for great distances.
We finally arrived at West Wylong and decided to press on for it was sunday and no shops would be open as is the case in bush towns. As we entered the Newell Highway the gardens were showing beautiful Daffodils and the trees were in blossom though the rose bushes which the town is renowned for are not yet in bloom.
As we were driving along the highway you could see the wattle trees in bloom and amongst the green Cyprus Pines they looked very good.

We finally arrived at Grong Grong and went into the town for a pit stop and a cuppa. Then we were on our way again. We were to note that they have not completed the By pass at Grong Grong though they should be completed before we pass this way again in future years.
Plenty of Gum and Cyprus Pines lined the road and the wind had become quite strong and in most stages of the highway we had it at our back which made for easy going and good fuel consumption maybe.
We were to go by many towns that had either grain silo's or wheat stacked on the ground with covers over the stacks. Again hugh hectares of wheat and canola and in some cases the crops were progressing very well and further down the road we came across an area where the canola crops have not taken and looked as if they were dying. We can only assume that water has not been available. Once again we were to drive down the avenue of trees not yet in bloom to the town centre of Narrandera.
Finally we were to reach our destination for the night at Narrandera and parked up. We are able to get television with the ariel down which is great. It is still very windy though the clouds are clearing and later the sun was to shine nicely so we sat outside enjoying it an reading our books and watching many other happy campers arrive.
Kilometres travelled 225

Monday the 4th of September
It was very windy last night and again this morning. When I went outside I inspected the front tyres of the Terios and you could see where chunks of rubber had been torn out whilst the steering lock was engaged. I can only think that the steering lock came on when the wheels were at an angle. We had breakfast inside and noted the amount of happy campers that were leaving early this morning.
We cleared away and made sure the steering lock on the Terios was not engaged and we headed for the highway and further south into unsettled weather according to the forecasts.
I could see by the amount of fuel we were burning that we were fighting a very strong head wind and had it been early in our travels I would have pulled up for the day though on this occasion this was not the case. The Newell Highway had plenty of road transport trucks heading both north and south and we were to pass what was left of the old railway trestle bridge just out of Narrandra.
Again there were plenty of fields of Canola all out in their beautiful yellow colours. Where we once had to climb over an overpass above the railway line they have now put in a by pass that the GPS did not recognise. We were to note that the railway line had been pulled up so it was obvious that trains no longer use this track.
We came across many angus cattle in the long paddock and lot of them were crossing the road at various intervals so it was back to first gear hoping that one would not charge in front of us. The trucks were having the same problem and there was only one bloke on a motorbike with his dog on the back looking after them as they moved along the highway feeding.

The wind was a constant pain in the proverbial for at times it was gusting and moving us around given our tonnage it must have been a pain for motor vehicles of lesser tonnage.
More canola and then we were to see plenty more of Canola and then we came across the many irrigation channels that are used to irrigate rice etc. We came across a sign that indicated that in the near future there would be a Ricedroppers Ball, how exciting. Then we reached Jirilderie and as the speed limit is only 50 kph we were able to take in the sights of the town. We noted the trees lining the street were not in bloom. Then we were back on the road and the sky was looking very ominous so we were a bit worried what we would find when we arrived at our destination.
More water channels and more rice and other grains that appeared to be thriving with water from the mighty Murray River and then we came into Finley and noted the trees in the main street were in bloom with a nice white flower.
Then we were to note a lot of industrial areas that had all types of farming equipment on sale or in for repair and the went for many kilometres along the highway. We finally arrive at Tocumwal and we drove over the border into Victoria with the intent of camping at Finley Beach. When we pulled in we disconnected the Terios from the motorhome and then drove around the camp spots on the top of the bank there were two that we could use, though no good for solar panels as the trees would block the sun. When I went to go down to the beach proper there was a sign saying that due to recent floods the road was closed.
We set up on the top of the bank and when we looked across at Town Beach there were not many happy campers and there was dust being blown everywhere in the high winds that prevailed.
After setting up we noted that there were two campers that had been here when we were here last in May and they have not moved. The temperature outside at 3.30pm was only 11 degrees so I doubt that we will be sitting outside tonight.
We then hopped into the Terios and went across the road and found there was a spot that we had used many years ago and further along we came across a fellow bogged in his station wagon on the sand. We did not have a tow rope with us so it was suggested that Liz drive the car while he and I pushed. Luckily another fellow came along and we had the car out in no time. He was another bloke that lived in his vehicle.
We crossed back over the border into NSW and into Tocumwal where we went first to the chemist and then we drove down to Town Beach and nothing had changed though water is well away from the camping area. We then went back into Toc and went to the IGA and then the newsagency for the paper. Of course we went into the op shop and looked around and bought a few things.
When we returned to camp we drove around the notice about the road being closed and then went looking for the elusive Koala's with no results. It was after 1.30 before we had our lunch and we were to experience several showers of rain which is not effecting us though there is no sun for the solar panels. Set the television up so we may not have to use the satellite dish. Then relaxed inside and watched the mighty Murray River pass us by, very nice indeed. I had to finally relent and get the generator out to charge battery's etc.
Kilometres travelled 168

Tuesday the 5th of September
A cool night and when we awoke this morning it was still very windy with the Sun blocked out by scudding fog clouds. Lit the fire for breakfast and then set up the satellite dish for the television last night was pixulating constantly and no amount of antenna adjustment would fix the problem. We will not have problems tonight for the satellite always produces excellent pictures.
Even though it was windy we were able to cook our toast on the fire and boil the kettle. We had the advantage of the motorhome sheltering us from the gale force wind.
While we were having our breakfast we were able to look across at Town Beach and noted the happy campers being battered by the wind for they had no shelter. The Wood Ducks were congregating down by the waters edge. This time last year you could not see the sand bank for flood water which finally drove us out of the camping area. This morning the Murray River had dropped by at least a metre from what the level was yesterday. The locals are saying that when the snow melts they will release a lot of water from the dam which will cause floods again this year.
We finished our breakfast and then cleaned up and then we decided to go into Shepparton to do a bit of retail therapy for the day itself was not lending itself to sitting around outside reading.
We departed the camp site at exactly 9am and once on the road we were copping a nice old belting from the wind and in fact when a Road Transport truck was coming at us the wind from it nearly pulled us up, I could not believe it. The rain was intermittent and as we approached the Murray Goulburn Highway we were to come out into sunshine. We were doing comparisons on fuel prices along the way. In one small town whose name we had trouble pronouncing we pulled in and filled the Terios with unleaded for $1.20 cents per litre. Back on the highway and we were to pass the Big Strawberry and then we felt sorrow for we were to see a Koala that had been run over by traffic. It was sad indeed to see such a fine creature suffer that fate.
Before we knew it we were travelling through Strathmerton we would normally pull up and use there shower facilities though not today. We then turned onto the road into Shepparton and the wind was still persisting and was still strong luckily we had the heater in the car keeping us warm and we had bought our coats along for when we were out in the weather.
We finally arrived and our first stop was at the Good Guys where we looked and bought nothing for what they advertised in the catalogue they did not have in store. We moved up to the shopping centre in Doaks Road and there we found the Big W and a woolworth's store with plenty of small shops. We had a look in the food court and discovered the food for the Wok and Woll was in the bain maree at 10am. We supposed by lunch time it wouldn't be the best. We couldn't find what we were looking for in the Big W so we stopped at Gloria's Coffee shop and had a cappuccino and watched the people passing by with their goods purchased. We then moved onto Lowes where I was to buy a quilted coat that I had been looking for sometime in fact for the past two years to replace the one I have which is a bit dilapidated.
We then drove up further into town and pulled into Aldi to buy some meat for tonight's meal and buy a few other things then down to the K mart where we found what we wanted.
By now it was 1pm so we thought about the food hall though we opted for Hungry Jacks. We both had a stunner meal and whilst we were throwing it down we glanced outside and it was really bucketing down sometimes the rain appeared to be horizontal.
We had to go out into the rain to hop into the Terios for the return journey to our campsite. It was strange as soon as we left Shepparton the rain stopped and the sun was shining again. This lasted until we arrived home when it started to rain once again. Regardless, I lit the fire and boiled the kettle and we had another cappuccino. Received a call from John C and we chewed the fat for awhile and then outside to stoke up fire to steam the veggies and cook the lamb chops for our evening meal. Probably throw down a frothy whilst this is all happening. Another good day irrespective whether it rained or not. Will watch a bit of television tonight with the heater going no doubt.

Wednesday the 6th of September
Cool again this morning as the sun was attempting to shine through the scudding clouds once again. As we are sheltered from the wind we cooked our breakfast and then sat outside watching the Murray River flowing past our camp. The temperature was 8 degrees and would only rise to 11 degrees in the late afternoon.
As we were eating our breakfast we were watching the antics of the wood ducks splashing around the waters edge at Town Beach, that kept us occupied for around an hour or so. We have yet to see a koala on this trip which is strange for in past years we would see plenty. Liz wanted to do a bit of washing and it was not worth pulling out the washing machine so we loaded up items for washing and then went across the bridge into NSW again and onto the laundromat.
First of all drove into Town Beach where the sign states it is a primitive camping area and at $10 per night for two with a toilet, supply your own paper though water is available it is hardly worth the price. Where we are there is a toilet with paper and no water however our area is free camping. We used the dump point and then noted there were very few happy campers again this morning camped up. Then onto the Laundromat and whilst the clothes were in the washing machine we wandered down the street to have a cappuccino in the local Book exchange/Cafe. It was a lot better inside for the they had a nice wood fire burning and it was throwing out a lot of heat. Needless to say we chose a table close to the fire and enjoyed our cappuccino.

We collected the washing and then put up a clothes line and then we then drove over to the northern side of the bridge and noted the small houseboat moored against the shore of the Murray. We spoke of having to do another houseboat trip probably next year maybe out of Mildura if the river conditions are right. Back to camp to stoke up the fire and have our lunch and again we were mesmerised by the flow of the mighty Murray River which appeared to be even lower than yesterday.
After lunch we decided to have a look at the camp area's further up the river on the Victorian side. We drove into Mcgillams Beach and the road in was full of large holes and in places the water was deep. The Terios was put into four wheel drive and we went through them no worries at all.
Though there are no toilet facilities the area is good camping once near the beach for the there is no trees to speak of to block out the sun from solar panels, it is just getting the motorhome in through the tracks.
We drove around a few bends and as luck would have it we chose the right road to get back onto the highway. We needed to drive over the border once again for I had forgotten to fill a drum with water for the rest of the trip.
We were to keep the fire going for we are cooking a chicken in the camp oven which should do us for tonight with all the baked veggies and the rest of the chicken we can have tomorrow at our next camp before out final trip into Melbourne on Friday.
The day is still cloudy with the sun breaking through now and again. It is due to this that we have to run the generator to top up the house batteries for a couple of hours and you can rest assured it will be turned off before we have our happy hour this evening. The satellite dish is working a treat though I need to do a repair to the cable inside where it goes into the satellite box.
We went for a walk down to the Finley Beach camping area that is still closed due to water on the road though I am sure that we could get down to the beach alright to camp. We are going down to see if we can see any Koala's today.

Thursday the 7th of September
It was wonderful to wake to a sunny morning which gave a different perspective to the Murray River. We had packed away our firepot yesterday afternoon so we had to boil our kettle and cook our toast and crumpets inside. Whilst we were having breakfast Liz was to notice a Koala coming down the tree immediately behind the motorhome. I went outside with the camera and it was running away on all fours. I finally caught up with him when he/she stopped on top of the bank before going down to drink the water from the river. I should have waited and taken a photo of Koala drinking though I thought that I had annoyed it enough.
We said farewell to our happy campers all three are living here full time and then hooked up the Terios and headed out onto the highway and towards Melbourne. We had a side wind and then it became overcast once again and it would be like this all day with occasional sun breaking through. We stopped at Yarroweyah to top up with fuel at $1.18.9 cents per litre this now will get us to Melbourne and there we will refill to take us home.
Next we stopped at Strathmerton and made use of the showers available there, We do not have a lot of water in our tanks for showers etc given we are at the end of our journey.
We then decided to get off the Murray Goulburn Highway and we turned towards Katanga which would eventually bring us back on the highway towards Shepparton. We pulled up to buy today's paper and then Liz was to purchase take away cappuccino to drink as we drove along.

As we drove out of Katanga we noted the very large Hydoponic hot houses which they were growing tomatoes all year round. The packing shed was just as large as all the hot houses spread over a great distance. Back on the highway we were to note the amount of irrigation channels on the various properties which had hundreds of cows for milking purposes. The paddocks looked to have plenty of green grass though some were feeding their cows and calves hay etc. It wasn't long before we were approaching the Shepparton by pass which then took us along the road where we were to see plenty of fruit trees in blossom especially the white variety and then we noted the pink flowers beginning to appear. We were to see workers out pruning trees which we found unusual for this time of the year. We were to pass the Sikh place of worship which is very large for Shepparton has a large Indian population.
We were then back on the highway heading for the Hume Highway which we do not intend to go on today. We decided to go off the highway and travel into Nagambie for lunch and a look around.
First stop was the op shop for Liz and I went walkabout for awhile. We decided to have fish and chips for lunch and whilst Liz was doing this I went over to the IGA Store for it is their market day today. I purchased a nice leg of pork for $3.99 a kilo very cheap indeed and then a six pack of bread rolls for $1.99. Back to the motorhome and as yet Liz had not come back so I went across the road looking at the Nagambie Lake and the statue of Black Caviar the famous race horse from this district. Liz arrived back so we decided to eat in the front of the motorhome and then we were on our way once again. It did not take long for us to arrive at our rest area for the night at Taungurung rest area. We pulled up onto the grass to get a decent level and then out came the satellite dish for we wish to watch the first finals game of the AFL being Adelaide V Greater Western Sydney. I couldn't believe it took so long to get a satellite signal first due trees and then very heavy clouds. The rest of the afternoon we read our books inside for it was only 12 degrees celsius. Tomorrow we drive into Melbourne and our daughter and son in law's house for the weekend before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday.

Friday the 8th of September
I was awoken with the steady patter of rain on the roof at 4.15am. I was worried whether we would be able to get off the grass patch we were on if the rain persisted. At 4.30am I indicated to Liz to stay in bed whilst I moved the motorhome back onto the bitumen. Luckily we came off the grass without bogging down and then back to bed.
When we hopped out of bed at 6.30am I inspected where we were last night and the tyres had left deep imprints in the ground. Wouldn't you know it the sun was shining brightly with little wind. Of course that did not last all of the day. We headed out for Melbourne at 8.10am an immediately we were encountering traffic which included heavy road transport heading into Melbourne or thereabouts.
Another three kilometres and we then turned onto the Hume Highway and the traffic increased especially traffic entering from the side roads. The interstate trucks, usually B-Doubles were coming at us in waves of four or five. We were to come across plenty of roadwork's that slowed all traffic down to 40 kph, not just once though at least five different places along the highway.
As we were getting closer to Melbourne there were many housing sub divisions bobbing up amongst the fields of Canola. We suppose in coming years that cropping grounds will disappear to allow more housing developments.
As we were approaching Melbourne on the Hume Highway we could see the high rise buildings in amongst the smog over the city. No doubt caused by peak hour traffic. Traffic was getting thicker and now there were three lanes. Luckily the GPS was telling us the right lane to travel in. We were then to turn off the hume highway and headed down towards Northcote.

The road was now narrower and the traffic lights and railway crossings were starting to appear. We had cars diving in front of us if we left a gap. They do not understand that I need extra room to pull up quickly. We sat at the railway crossing for at least ten minutes waiting for the train to unload its passengers and take more on. Then it came across the crossing and then we were on way toward Thornbury. We finally arrived and Jen was there to meet us and in no time we were set up in the street for the weekend.
We came inside the house and had a chin wag and a drink then we headed for Richmond to visit IKEA. What a store it has everything and the there is no way of avoiding the goods on display for you have a starting point and a finishing point. We bought what we had to buy and after two hours we were on our way to Preston and the food hall at the Northland Plaza. We had a look around at the various food available and finally we opted for the soup from the China Bar. I had the seafood special and Liz and Jen had Mushroom and tofu plus greens and noodles all very nice. We then finished by having a cappuccino and then off back to Jens and Robs place.
We are eating inside tonight and probably having a few frothy's while we watch the Geelong V Richmond game before going off to bed after a beautiful cold Melbourne day.

Saturday the 9th of September
The sun was shining occasionally though it would cloud over throughout the day. Due to lack of solar power we hooked into power for the waeco in the back of the Terios. It was either this or we would have to continually put the battery charger into the generator to charge the battery.
There was no need to worry about the motorhome for the solar panels have a much larger capacity and we are only using a bit of power for lights when we go to bed. We had breakfast inside the house with the family and then I was to walk up to the service station to buy the paper. One the way I was to pass the Grollo Compound which covers nearly a full block back and front. There are camera's everywhere watching all sections of the compound. It hard to believe that the compound is so large with many houses behind the four metre tall brick walls.
After having our shower we were off to the Northcote Plaza where after parking up we went into the coffee shop and of course we I a cappuccino and the girls had a Latte. While the girls went shopping Ollie and I walked around the various shops and then we had a donut each. When we all came back together we then went across the road and into Aldi where we were to stock up with a few groceries for use when we arrive home. We were disappointed to see Broccoli at $1.74 cents kilo and banana's at $1.49 cents kilo. And other vegetables were cheap. Not being able to bring them back to Tassie was a problem we will have to pay top dollar for fruit and vegetables when we arrive home.
Back home and we settled in to watch the television for awhile whilst we had lunch.
Then we then drove over to Gladstone Park to see Marika who is Rob's mother. We were to drive along Bell Street and then onto the Tullamarine Freeway on the way we were to see a large apartment building under construction and then all the traffic that was on the freeway.
We were to finally arrive and Marika welcomed us and at 3pm we had an early dinner. In all the meal took over two hours to complete and it was three courses and so much food. Whilst we were eating we were watching the Sydney V Essendon Football game and it was a one sided affair with Sydney running away with the game and winning by over 70 points.
We then had desert and a cup of coffee before we were to say our farewell's for another year and then we were on the way home. I am glad that Jen was driving for things look completely different at night. There was still plenty of traffic about and we were to come across trams who have the right of way when dropping off passengers. Once home we only had a cup of tea for we were all fooded out, so to speak. We then settled in to watch the West Coast V Port Adelaide game which for awhile looked as if it would be a bit one sided though that wasn't to be the case as the game proceeded. Another good day though to have continuous sunshine would be a bonus.

Sunday the 10th of September
What can I say, I was rugged up when I went for a walk this morning to get the paper. Past the Grollo complex once again and noted the houses behind the walls looked a bit Mediterranean and I thought rather garish. Certainly not fitting in with the rest of the streetscape plus all those camera's plus barbed wire on top of the brick walls. There was plenty of traffic around going where I would not know. The price of fuel has not risen as yet so we will be filling up in the morning on the way to the Spirit of Tasmania. It is hard to believe that our travels for this year are nearly over and we will be sitting in our house on Tuesday and then cleaning begins of the motorhome and and Terios plus plenty of linen and clothes to wash. The difference of temperature between Victoria and Queensland is some 15 plus degrees in other words it is cold in Melbourne.
Sunday morning is soccer day for the boys with both of them playing in their respective age groups. So we hopped into the cars and we were off to Moreland to watch them play.
When we arrived there were games being played and Ollie had been seconded by another team to play as a goal keeper and he acquitted himself well. It was strange to see Ollie defending the goal from his brother who was playing in the Moreland team. On a couple of occasions they clashed and both went down all tangled up. Well that is brotherly love for you. We were to have a Latte each during the games and caught up with people we had met whilst here at the soccer games last year. Finally the games were completed and they were the last for this season and will be recommencing in February next year. In the meantime the boys will be training in ernest for next season. Whilst they both play soccer they are avid fans and supporters of the Richmond and Carlton football clubs respectfully.

We came back home and had another cuppa whilst the boys showered and changed clothes and we were on our way to the Preston Market on arrival we were to discover that the markets did not open on a Sunday. As Aldi was next door we visited that and had a look at the boys toys and then onto the meat department where we purchased further meat and chicken to add to our supplies. Then as it was getting late into the afternoon and our granddaughter is coming over to see us we headed for home. We were to travel down through Thornbury and then turned onto Spieght Street and then on the way home.
On arrival we were to repack the meat and chicken for freezing in meal sized portions. We were to use both the Waeco and the Fridge to freeze down the purchases. We were then to have a late lunch and I am not far off having a poppy nap for with the weather this morning and the sun shining through the windows I am feeling a little sleepy.
The rest of the afternoon will be spent relaxing before we have our pizza's for our evening meal. We will then have a chin wag with Jen and Rob and the boys for we will not see them much in the morning before they go off to work and school. A lazy day and we are looking forward to going home tomorrow night. For our journey is nearly all over just tomorrow and Tuesday.

Monday the 11th of September
We had our breakfast inside the house this morning and took the opportunity to say farewell to Jen and Rob and the grandsons Oliver and Lucas the latter going off to school and parents of course off to work. We have enjoyed the weekend with the family and having a late lunch with Marika Robs mother on Saturday. The house seemed quiet without the family being present. We both had showers and then doing our final packing for the trip across Bass Strait aboard the Spirit of Tasmania.
Hooked up the Terios to the Motorhome and then down off the blocks and then we were on our way to the Service Station to refuel. We were to pay $1.16.9 cents a litre and then we were into the traffic bound for Port Melbourne. It was 10.15am when we pulled out with 12 kilometres to go to our park up spot at the Altona Beach. Right from the word go we were in thick traffic where it appeared everyone was driving for themselves. Time after time cars would dive in front of us from other lanes which made it difficult to drive in a smooth manner. As usual we were to get more red traffic lights rather than green.
When we turned onto Sydney Road we struck roadwork's that created a bottle neck with those impatient pushing in even though there was no space. I finally took the position that I was bigger than them and gave no quarter which I would not normally do. We drove down beside the Melbourne Markets and into Dudley street and then onto Spencer Street. It was a showery day so a little more care was required with the road slippery. Then I had to give away to a tram given that it was bigger than me I did not argue at all.
We were still striking a lot of red traffic lights which was slowing us down and when we finally arrived at our park up spot it was 11.45 am. It was amazing how long it took to go 12 kilometres.
We boiled the kettle and had our lunch and settled in for the rest of the day. Liz was having trouble with her leg so elected to stay behind when I went walkabout. First I walked up to Station Pier where our ship Spirit of Tasmania was berthed. I could see that it was loading cargo. I walked further along the board walk and noted other Tasmanians parked up though they were paying parking fees. In all the walk took around an hour before I arrived back.
I stood on the boardwalk watching the ships coming and going into Port Melbourne. There was a large ship showing it belonged to the China Lines that had containers stacked high on its decks. Very few of the ships arriving were small. Then the Toll Ship bound for Burnie and the Searoad Mersey bound for Devonport were leaving port. Both are Tasmanian cargo ships.
It was time to go to the ship and first of all we had to go through Quarantine where they check for a whole series of things which includes fruit and vegetables. It annoys us to have to forgo our veggies etc which we leave with Jen for the cost of fruit and vegetables is nearly twice the cost in Tasmania not to mention the cost of fuel which we will see when we arrive.
For once we were not held in line we went straight up into the ship to the 5th level and parked up. We then took the lift to our accommodation on the 7th level. In all there are 10 levels on the ship. On the way to our cabin we were to see Peter and Veronica from Tassie so we put our gear in our cabin and then came back and enjoyed a few good hours with them having a few frothy's and chatting before going off to bed at around 11 pm. We were going through the heads and out into the sea at this time and it would appear that we would have a good trip.

Tuesday the 12th of September
They called us at 5.45am informing us that we would disembarking from the ship at 6.30am on. We hopped out of our beds and had our showers. We had a good nights sleep for the there was no movement in the ship at all and being 30000 tonnes small waves do not worry it all. We were to note that it was still dark when we came into the port of Devonport and then half an hour later we were to see the colours of dawn arrive whilst sitting in the lounge area.
We were called down to our deck for departure at 6.15am and then it wasn't long before we left the ship and came ashore.
We hooked the Terios to the motorhome and we were on our way to Launceston for the week before going home to the East Coast. We were to have intermittent rain and the outside temperature was only 7 degrees celsius and would only rise to 14 degrees later in the day. We stopped first at my sisters place and had a cuppa and caught up with the latest in the family and then we were heading for Launceston.
When we pulled into the yard we decided that the unpacking would not be started until tomorrow morning. We had to go to the supermarket and what a shock with the price of vegetables and fruit as we expected were a lot higher than even outback Australia. The price of fuel for diesel varied from $1.34.9 to $1.36.9 cents a litre.
Well our travels are over for another year and stealing a verse from a famous australian poem "We have travelled from the Murray's green basin to the Dusty Outback and enjoyed every moment of it. Especially meeting up with the friends that we have made over the years and who we only see in our travels on the Australian Mainland. In all we travelled 6400 kilometres using 1074 litres of diesel costing $1400 The Terios covered 3500 kilometres in addition to the motorhome kilometres. Being electronic it does not record the towed kilometres. Therefore it shows the amount of kilometres driven doing the tourist bit when the motorhome was parked up.
Kilometres travelled 125