Thursday the 16th
We were late departing from home this morning heading for Devonport and the embarkation on the Spirit of Tasmania to Melbourne overnight. We first stopped in Carrick to visit my sister and we chatted away and had a cuppa for around an hour. It was nearly 1pm when we departed and drove up through West bury where we stopped and bought some take away for our lunch. Back on the road and we were to pull into Sassafras for a squirt of diesel to get us into Melbourne where we expect the fuel to be much cheaper.
We called into Spreyton to see John and Jenny who will be leaving Tassie in a few weeks. We had a cuppa and a chinwag and then we were on our way to Devonport and the Ferry.
We went out to the bluff on the eastern side of the Mersey River and parked up and read our books for awhile and then around 5pm we drove around to the departure point and checked in and once we went though the quarantine area we went straight onto the ship, which is a first.
Then onto to our cabin for the night and then into the lounge area to have a few beverages and watch the television. After watching the football show we went off to bed and then the announcement came over that we would be travelling at 23 knots and would be by the wharf in Melbourne at 6am.

Friday the 17th
We were awoken at 5.30am over the ships intercom advising that we be would be disembarking at 6.30am. We hopped out of bed and had showers and then onto the lounge area where we had a cappuccino to get us to breakfast time which we will have later in the morning.
It happened again, people cannot remember where they parked the night before and they hold up lines of vehicles who are ready to depart. We were hooked up and into the morning traffic at 7.15 am. It appeared to be peak hour traffic and just our luck on the way to Thornbury, which is only 11 kilometres from the ship, we appeared to get every red light on the way, we arrived at 8am. Luckily Jen had kept a parking spot for us and we set up and then had breakfast.
It was time for retail therapy so off to the KMart first for gas canisters and then into Aldi for groceries for the trip ahead. The prices of goods are certainly lower priced to what we are used to paying. Back and packed all away and then drove the Terios to the service station and filled two 20 litre drums of diesel and the unleaded for the car and generator. The cost of diesel was $1.44.9 a litre and you can bet when we take the motorhome in Monday morning to fill it will have risen again.

It was time for lunch so went to the food hall at the Preston shopping centre. We chose to have the chinese and at $10 a large plate there was plenty of food heaped on. They do the serving so I was somewhat surprised at the amount they piled onto the plate. I ate mine and Liz was to share hers with Jen.
Then into Coles for a leg of ham for the trip ahead. We are all tired so we went back to the house for a cuppa and rest up. Tonight we will have a few frothy's and watch the AFL football, West Coast V Melbourne and then off to bed. All in all it has been a busy day.

Saturday the 18th
We had a wonderful nights sleep not hopping out of bed until 8.40 am. Dressed and went walkabout to get the morning paper and it was not cold with little breeze and plenty of sunshine. I always walk to the local service station to buy the paper and I noted the price of diesel had dropped to $1.42.7 and unleaded had dropped ten cents since yesterday. I wonder if the price will stay down until we refuel the motorhome on Monday. I then had to check the Terios power plug for one of the towing connections had fallen off yesterday when taking the Terios of the back of the motorhome yesterday. It turned out that the part had no bearing on the operation of the tow lights etc.
Inside for breakfast and then had our showers and sat around for an hour or so reading the newspaper. Then it was decided we would go to Nikos cafe restaurant for morning tea at Thornbury. It has just re-opened after major extensions and it is all very modern with heaps of staff on hand. When we walked through the door the people noise was deafening.
We were seated and then we wandered up to the cake section and the range was very extensive, I chose a walnut slice which was huge and Liz chose a lemon tart which again was large. Liz opted for a skinny latte and I chose the old standby, a mug of Cappuccino. The boys had iced coffee with ice cream etc. We spent over an hour taking in the ambiance and there was a continuing line of people coming and going.
We had a look around the shopping centre at Thornbury and then headed off home and definitely did not worry about lunch we were more than satisfied with what we had.
Back at home and then just relaxed until the football started and the rivalry between Liz's beloved Collingwood and my team St Kilda. Collingwood was to win the game easily The afternoon went quickly and then we had our evening meal and we were to baby sit the boys whilst Jen and Rob went out for the night.
Then we settled in to watch the outcome of the election today and then off to bed later in the night. Though not much to report we had a good day with family and we are going out for lunch tomorrow at Preston.

Sunday the 19th
Election night was hectic and when we retired to the motorhome for the night there was a party in full swing nearby with the music really loud and with heavy base. This morning out of bed early at 7am and then walked to the service station for the sunday paper. The prices of fuel has remained the same as yesterday. The walk was pleasant and still on the warm side with little wind though it was a little cloudy.
The gas for the fridge ran out in the early hours of the morning so I left it until I returned from the walk and then changed the bottle over, then re-started the fridge. Had breakfast read the paper and then off to watch Lucas play his soccer game for the Moreland team. They may only be young however their level of skill is very good, of course had a cappuccino while watching the game. Moreland was to lose 4 goals to 3 and one of the those goals for the opposition was an own goal from Moreland. The sun was breaking through and the day was really warming up.
We drove through the morning traffic back to Thornbury and had a cup of tea and a muffin and then Jen was to run me up to Macpac, the new name for Rays, to get the empty gas bottle refilled. Whilst it was being filled we had a walk around the store to look at all the camping equipment. Back home and stored the filled bottle in the Terios and then inside for awhile.
We then decided to go to Preston and have a Pho (Vietnamese Soup) along with a serve of beef and rice and prawn spring rolls. It was a most enjoyable meal and we were there for over an hour plus with the feed bag on so to speak. There was a continual turnover of customers mostly Asian's and the service was really quick.
After our meal we then wandered into the Preston Market and bought a few vegetables and fruit. Not all store holders were open though we did go and have a look at the meat at the Wenn and Well Hunng meat market, though the prices were reasonable and below supermarket prices.
We wandered around the market looking at the goods for sale and in hind site we should have had a meal here in the Market for there were plenty of selections. We were all a bit tired so we were to drive home and then rested up for the rest of the afternoon. Tonight I suspect that we will have little to eat for our evening meal. It has been a busy day and I am sure after watching movies etc we will take no rocking to go off to sleep.

Monday the 20th
We were to hear rain in the early hours of the morning on the roof of the motorhome and the wind was blowing pretty hard. We did not hop our of bed until 7.45 had our showers and then had breakfast with the family before they went off to work and school. They of course wished us a safe trip and anniversary. We indicated we would see them in September on the way home.
Off the blocks and then unhooked the power from the waeco and then put the Terios on the back of the motorhome. We were underway at around 10 am and on our way to the service station to fuel the motorhome. The price of diesel had not risen and we took on 70 litres at $1.44.7 a litre. Even around ten am the traffic was heavy so it took awhile to leave the service station to head towards Bell Street. The morning was very overcast and now and again we would receive showers and the wind was heavy which we were pushing into. Once in Bell Street we were heading towards Coburg and the Hume Highway. We were to come across many traffic lights which were red thus stopping and starting constantly and of course we came to a train level crossing and the barriers were down so we sat there watching the suburban train go through, there were plenty of carriages. When we went to take our turn to go up past the old jail we found that the road was blocked and had to detour some three sets of traffic lights to get onto Sydney Road.
We were striking a lot of interstate B Doubles and semi's heading north and as it was raining again they were sending up plenty of road spray which did not make it easy for driving Before to long we were on the Hume Highway going through Broadmeadows and the old Ford factory. The traffic was getting heavier and the rain became steady with the wind being right on our nose. You could tell by the amount of diesel we were consuming.
We were heading for the Wallem Service Centre on the Hume as we intended to stop for awhile. When we arrived we opted for a McDonalds egg and bacon muffin and cappuccinos. Not really the best of type of food etc to celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary today. We lingered longer due to the heavy wind and lightning that was appearing.
Back on the road and the amount of trucks and cars heading north was enormous and we had the window screen wipers going due to the rain and the amount of road spray. It wasn't long before we came to the turnoff to Shepparton which we took and the sun was coming out in breaks of the clouds and the rain had desisted even though at times we could hear thunder.
When we arrived at the Calder/Woodburn rest area it was only 1.30 pm, we had lunch and then checked the television reception and found plenty of stations which is a first and no doubt fixing the ariel problems of previous years helped. We decided to stay here for the night and push onto to Tocumwal N.S.W in the morning.
So at the moment we are just relaxing and reading our books and newspapers and watching the traffic go past.
Kilometres travelled 155

Tuesday the 21st
We awoke this morning to a thick fog and the traffic on the highway was heavy. We had our breakfast and cleaned away and we were on our way to Shepparton which is only 25 kilometre's away. We elected to take the Shepparton by-pass road though when we arrived at the first roundabout we drove up into the Woolworth's Shopping Complex and purchased vegetables etc and the into Bunnings to purchase a holder to keep the broom in place whilst we travel. Back to the by- pass and then onto towards Tocumwal.
Along the way we were to see plenty of Orchards and it was strange that the trees have not yet shed their leaves. Then we were into dairy country and there were plenty of Jersey cattle in the paddocks and we were to see many milk tankers picking up the days milk.
We were to drive through many small towns and the price of fuel was on the high side so we drove until we arrived at Strathmerton where we used the dump point and then went to the Shell service station and topped up with diesel at $1.43.8 cents a litre. Further up the road on the turn off to Tocumwal it was 16 cents a litre dearer.
We were to go past the Big Strawberry and before we knew it we had arrived at Finley Beach.

We drove down to our favourite spot by the river, unfortunately it was taken up by a very large bus and trailer which occupied the major part of the ground. We opted to park up on the top bank, though the downside is that the trees shade the sun for the solar panels by 1pm so we may have to use the generator a bit now and again.
We set up and had our lunch and then when setting up the campfire I was to note that I forgot to pack the steel rods that are needed. So in the Terios and drove up to Mitre 11 to look for steel rods to find it does open until tomorrow afternoon.
Of to the Metal Fabrication shop and they made up two rods for us free of charge so that made us happy. Then we wound our way down through the bush to cut wood for our fires. There wasn't a lot about though there was limb wood so we cut that up and then back to camp.
Set the fire up and now we will cook our meal on the campfire tonight.
Happy hour arrived so we had a few frothy's and wine and watched the mighty Murray River pass our door bound for South Australia. We were to see two boats trolling for murray cod and as we are staying for a couple of days I will put my rods in tomorrow to see what I can catch.
Kilometres travelled 108

Wednesday the 22nd
We awoke to a very sunny morning with no breeze at all, lit the fire then we went walkabout. We walked down to the beach camping area and there were only 3 happy campers as we walked we were looking for our old mate the Koala's and there were none to seen in any of the trees they would normally populate.
Back at camp we had our breakfast watching the Murray River flow past. We were to note that the river was down at least 5 metres and in places you could easily walk from one side to the other. There is no way you could use a houseboat in these conditions, though there were small dinghy's trolling for Murray Cod and as you watched them they were dodging may obstructions in the water. We did a bit of cleaning around our camp and put up went the clothes line, for Liz is doing a small wash by hand, I am not sure when the washing machine will be in use, soon no doubt.
Around 11 am we drove into NSW and Tocumwal first to the chemist and the IGA we were not to purchase much. We went to the library and found that closed and then into one of the local cafe for a cappuccino. Then onto Town Point for a look see. There were only around ten happy campers and the council state that it is a rough camping area. Again we were surprised at the low level for in previous flood waters was up to the bollards and we had to move out for they were expecting the whole camp area to go under water. Today you would need a cut lunch to get from the camp area to the waters edge.

We then drove around to the op shop and spent a hour or so talking with the staff as we were remembered from previous years. We made a couple of purchases and then we decided to have lunch close to the Big Murray Cod and Glider. It was very sunny and warm and still no wind so we purchased grilled Hoki and Salad with a few chips. The meal was fresh and nicely cooked with the exception of the salad of course which we watched them make.
We opted to sit in the afternoon sun for it was a warm 22 degrees at 2pm. Then we headed for camp and crossed the bridge that divides the states of NSW and Victoria. Back in camp and the sun had gone off the solar panels due to the trees. So it was decided to get the generator out and charge the house batteries and charge up the computer which I ran off battery yesterday. I just started the computer up and lo and behold a Koala crossed in front of the motorhome and climbed a nearby tree. So we were looking for them this morning to no avail and then one popped right beside us.
The fire was stoked up and the camp oven came out for we decided to have an all in stew for this evening meal. Of course we will eat outside and only go inside if it starts to get cold.
Another beautiful relaxing day and hopefully we will get more of these in our future travels.

Thursday the 23rd
We did not awake until 8am this morning for it is so relaxing camped by the Murray River. We do not have the incessant screeching of the dreaded Corella's wake us and that is great. Out of bed and lit the fire and then we went walkabout in the opposite direction this morning and try as we may, we could not find the Koala from late yesterday afternoon and we noted the lack of bird life that would normally be around this section of the river. We saw a few wood ducks roosting in the trees and it is hard to come to grips with this.
We finally arrived at the bridge which separates Victoria from NSW. The river appears to be down another metre this morning and we noted the river level gauge on the bridge was some 1.5 metres from the water and just along from the railway bridge there is a house boat high and dry on the river bank.
We watched the antics of a group of wood ducks for awhile and then we walked back to camp. When we arrived back the kettle on the fire was boiling its head off so we cooked toast and crumpets for breakfast washed down with a hot cup of tea.
Today we have decided not to leave camp though I had to move the Terios during the day to catch the sun on the solar panels for the waeco battery. The motorhome solar panels are only getting sun from 10am until 2pm. We should leave and go to the beach area where we would normally be; though we are content to have our own company and it is great just relaxing in the sun, even if we need to move our chairs from time to time. I start the generator at 4pm to put further power into the house battery and it is turned off at 5.30 whilst we have our meal outside in the rather warm evening. I have to say there are plenty of annoying fly's about though if this is the only worry we have then there is nothing to complain about.
We were to read our books and just relax for the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing at all. We had a couple of happy campers drop by and we had a chat with them. Given the murray cod caught last night I thought I would get a rod out and try my luck. I noticed the fisherman from last night were using chicken for bait and I am using block cheese as I have in past years. Only time with tell. We will be cooking our meal this evening on the fire pot and washing up outside under the led lights and then going into catch the last of the news and get ready for the Marngrook footy show and the Behind the bar later before we go off to bed around 10pm. What a very relaxing day doing absolutely nothing, so to speak.

Friday the 24th
Very overcast this morning with the likely hood of rain during the day. We lit the fire for breakfast and then went on our morning walk again looking for our friends the Koala's to no avail. We were to see flocks of Corella's flying overhead with their incessant screeching gladly they did not land in trees near us.
We had our breakfast, cleaned up then I was to cut with the chainsaw a nearby branch for our fire. Which should now see us through until we leave Monday morning, subject to rain of course. We decided to go for a drive to Cobram and then into Barooga to have a look about. We left around 10 am and drove first to Koonoomoo to refuel the Terios and to fill the chainsaw drum for future use. We were to note that the Big Strawberry Cafe was doing a good trade though we elected to wait until Cobram for a coffee.
Along the way we were to see both Dairy herds and quite a few orchards and a few vineyards before we arrived at Cobram. We were to go to the supermarket though before that we went and had a look at the early settlers house which is constructed with logs of course the roof is not original though it looked the part.

First of all we went into Woollies to purchase some chicken kebabs for our meal this evening along with a few frothy's and wine of course. Then we went walkabout looking at the various shops and visited a cheapo shop though we did not purchase anything. As it was now lunch time we decided, of all things, to have some junk food from McDonalds. I was to have a big mac and Liz had a chicken burger with chips and fanta and coke. I have to say it was only a filler and it did not taste all that good. However, we have now have junk food out of our system and hopefully other meals we have may be a bit healthier.
We were to note the beautiful autumn colours of the trees though they were making a mess with their leaves even so they looked very pretty. Of to the bank to check our cash balance and then we strolled back to the Terios that we had left in Woollies car park. We drove a short distance out of town and then drove into the national park for look see and then we saw a few houseboats some well out of the water for it looks as if the water level has dropped again on the Murray. There were quite a few campsites available though all lacked the chance to charge solar panels for the there many trees and Parks had fenced off areas where you could get sunshine close to the river bank.
We drove out and then went into Barooga for a look see. In the main street there are many trees showing their autumn colours and the main part of the town is off the main street until you turn down into the orchard and vineyards. Wherein you see very large houses built above the flood level and each house built appears to outdo it neighbours in size and amenity.
We drove down to Quick's Beach where we stayed last year until we were washed out. We were surprised by the amount of happy campers that were set up and it was strange to see so many fifth wheelers parked up and they we were not parked together. Now this beach camp gets sunlight most of the day so is well suited to solar panels. We drove around the bank further and we could see a lot of happy campers on the Victorian side of the river.
We decided to head for our camp and we drove along the highway to Tocumwal. Along the way there were more vineyards and plenty of cropping land with some raising cattle there did not appear to be any Dairy farms.
We drove down by the golf course and then into Tocumwal where we filled our water containers once again. Back in camp relit the fire and had a cappuccino and as the day is a little colder with no sun started the generator to charge the house batteries etc.
We will sit outside tonight to cook our chicken kebabs and have a few frothy's and wine before going inside to watch the Collingwood V Sydney AFL football game then off to bed. It has been a good day at the moment we are relaxing reading our paper and books.

Saturday the 25th
After our meal last night we had two happy campers come and join us by our fire which was stoked right up. We had a good natter about the places we had all visited over the years for they have been travelling each year similar to us. The conversation moved to football and they happened to be Sydney Swans supporters and it was interesting when they discovered Liz was a Collingwood Magpies supporter. I certainly had a good laugh though the conversation was in jest.
They were having trouble getting television reception so I loaned them the terrestrial signal finder and they reported this morning they were able to watch the football though they were not happy that they had lost.
This morning they came over to say their farewell for they were moving on this morning heading for the Silo Trail to inspect all the art work on display.
We had our usual walk and then back to camp to cook our McChallis bacon and eggs with cheese muffin. It was very nice.
We cleaned up around the camp and then went into the bush to cut some wood to take away with for future camps. When we arrived out came the chainsaw and it would not start so after a wasted 20 minutes we came back to camp and checked what I was able to.
In the car and drove into Tocumwal and purchased a new spark plug, dropped off our rubbish and filled a drum with water and then back to camp. Replaced the spark plug in the chainsaw to no avail it still would not start, needless to say I am a bit pissed off.
We had our lunch and just sat around reading our books and watching the young boys playing in the mud in the river, sinking up to their knees in the mud and then walking out into deeper water to wash themselves down. They were having great fun by the amount of laughter and noise they were making. Town Beach is pretty full of happy campers though it reminds you of a caravan park they are parked so close together. It has been a warm day though now and again we would get a few spots of rain and the cloud and then sunshine. Out with the generator and charged both the waeco battery and the house battery's.
We think the water level has dropped further today though there was a cormorant drying its self on dead branch in the river. Tonight we are cooking a chicken on the firepot along with steamed veggies for our evening meal. Later we will go inside to watch the late news and the football tonight on the television. Another relaxing day and I have to say we have no worries sleeping we appear to be so relaxed.

Sunday the 26th
It was a beautiful meal we had last night before coming inside to watch the football. We had a few drops of rain during the night and we did not hop out of bed until 8.15am this morning. We then had our walk down to the banks of the Murray River where were to note once again that the water was still down below the river water gauge. You could see muddy banks that would normally be covered with water. When we arrived back we had breakfast outside in the sunny conditions as it was very sunny this morning with no clouds or fog. At 9 am it was a pleasantly warm 15 degrees rising to 22 degrees by 2 pm. We read our books for awhile and had our lunch early and then hopped into the Terios to get water and drop off our rubbish. We did that by going to the Town Point camp grounds and noted the numbers of happy campers had reduced.
We were to see happy campers on the opposite bank so we went for a look see. We had to drive back into Victoria to do this. As we wound our way along the river bank we were to see many good camping spot and opposite the Tocumwal boat ramp we were to see fellow campers set up. It appears to be a better spot than that we are occupying so we will keep that in mind in future.
Whilst there were to see wooden table set up with four chairs which look permanent. It is a good spot to have happy hour sitting there watching the bird life and watching the river go by.
We then decided we would go and have a look at the camps sites on the western side of the bridge. There were a few campers set up amongst the trees and we were to drive further and turned and went into have a look at the Apex Beach camp area. There was no one there other than a ute and motorbike who seemed to be performing for his girl friend.
We then headed for home on arriving we had a cappuccino and then started to dismantle the camp. In came the awning and drop floor covering and the firepot was packed away for we will cook our meal inside tonight.
Finally the Terios was hooked up and then we sat outside reading our books once again in tranquility. We intend to depart heading towards Narrandera in the morning after our walk and breakfast.

Monday the 27th
An eventful night with the rain really pouring down at 3am so much so that after ten minutes I told Liz to stay in bed whilst I moved the motorhome up onto the hard pan near the road. Luckily we had packed everything away yesterday so there was no packing away to do. Moving onto the road I struck one section of track that was quite wet and when going along it I felt the rear wheels starting to spin. Soldered on so to speak and then onto the hard pan and back to bed.
we hopped out of bed at 7.30 am the rain had stopped though we opted not to go walking for the tracks would be wet and slippery. We had our breakfast and secured the back and were on our way. First across the bridge into Tocumwal and then on to the start of the Newell Highway heading north.
We had a heavy wind on our side and the fuel consumption was high eventually with the twist on the highway we would have on our rear which was great. We started to see many water channels for the crops from rice, wheat, canola and other grains as well as cotton. The poor old Murray takes a punishment with the amount of water taken from it.
We were to see plenty of open plains with cattle and sheep and the new crops starting to grow, which we will see on our return in September.
We then arrived at Jirilderie and the main street was a bustle though we did not see any chainsaw shops.

The trees in the street were quite colourful with their autumn tones. Back on the main highway and we had trucks of all sizes going past us as if we were standing still and we sitting on 90kph. Again open plains and plenty of water channels and the start of crops growing once again. We arrived at our destination for the night at Narrandera and went first to our usual campsite down by the old brewery.
We settled in and then unhooked the Terios and first went to the information centre and they showed on a map they supplied where I could find a chainsaw specialist. I took the saw in and they said they would have a look at it. They indicated they would have a look at it and ring me in about an hour. This did not take place so we went looking for the showgrounds and when we arrived we spoke to a couple of happy campers that were about to leave and they gave us the code for the showers. Rather than use our water we went back to the Motorhome and picked up our shower gear. The showers were very clean and modern and they had the biggest shower rose I have ever seen. The water coming out was immense and very hot. We then elected to go and have lunch at Subway Liz having a 6 inch and me the 12 washed down with a cappuccino, very nice indeed.
We then went and parked in the main street and went into Vinnies and then down to the post office for stamps. We went into Coles for a few items and then back to the Terios. Then onto to see the chainsaw people and when they saw me they went out the back and then the noise of the chainsaw let me know they had fixed it so there was not a need to buy a new one. Though I have to say they tried to sell me a battery operated chainsaw. Other than saying the chainsaw was flooded and I was using the wrong spark plug that's all they said was wrong with it. I couldn't understand that was the case for it had performed perfectly over the last few occasions. So paid for a new air filter and a new spark plug and we were on our way. The main street of the town has many aeroplane trees and they are throwing their large leaves everywhere and some the children were having great fun kicking and throwing them.
Back to camp and settle in for we are leaving in the morning travelling up Newell Highway to Ardlethan for our next stopover. So tonight we will watch a bit of television and then off to bed to read our books.
Kilometres travelled 168

Tuesday the 28th
Well what a cold morning a mere 8 degrees feeling more like 2 degrees. We decided to walk around the football oval this morning and of course for the first time this morning I was wearing my woolen gloves. On the way around we were to stop and talk to several happy campers who were all heading north and near the toilets we noted Tassie plates on the caravan and towing vehicle. They were both new looking and when talking to them found that they lived in Hobart and yes and their gear was all brand new and this was their trip to the mainland. We swapped information and found the were heading for the sunshine and gold coast though they only have five weeks to do it. So it looks like they will doing a lot of quick travelling. Back and we had our breakfast for it was now after 9am, cleaned up and we were ready to depart towards Ardlethan today.
First we stopped by the chain saw shop and picked up a battery operated chainsaw skin for our friends in Yowah. Then we were on our way with the heater flat out in the motorhome leaving Narrandera you need to go down the highway through the avenue of trees which link up from side to side of the road, very pretty indeed. The avenue is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the various wars.
We were starting to climb many small hills which the Iveco found easy and then we noted a large farm that was owned by Japanese interests growing cotton, wheat etc. Then we passed wheat silo's and blue canvas covered mounds of wheat. There were many trucks being loaded with the wheat for markets. We approached Grong Grong which is now bypassed by the Newell Highway this must have affected them for they are trying to attract the travelling public in by offering free camping only paying for power if desired. In previous years we would pull up here and have a cappuccino.

We were to pass many farms planting their crops for this year and we will know what they are when we return down this highway later in the year. We were to see cattle and sheep grazing and the water holes all had water in them for this area does not appear to be in drought conditions, no doubt we will see this when we are further up the country.
We finally took the turn off into Ardlethan which is 2 kilometres off the Newell Highway. Our first stop was the fuel station where we paid $1.48.9 cents per litre.
We then moved onto the free camp area and found we were the only one's there. Set up and plugged into power at $2 for twelve hours use. We also plugged in the waeco with another cord from the motorhome.
Set the television onto power though signal on most channels are pixulating and we noted that local television antennas are huge and high up. We then decide to go across the road and have a cappuccino. There is only one door entrance and the takes you past the take away section through the newsagency and into the post office as well there is a rather large toy section. When we sat down we noted there was a baby grand piano for sale and right next to it was a wine rack in the shape of a guitar. It looked great with highly polished timbers and did not even think of asking the price for you can bet it would be substantial. We had a chat to the locals and found that the bowls club over the road does not open on Mondays or Tuesdays so there went our plan to have our evening meal there tonight. In previous years we have have a meal there and it was great. Then down to the supermarket for screwdrivers for the motorhome and also bought some chilli meat pie's for lunch and boy they packed a punch thankfully I had a cup of tea close at hand.
There are powered sites here and we left enough room for another to share the box unfortunately a caravan parked well away from the other power box to lessen the room in front of us. I advised the next caravan to park out on the road a bit for we will not get away until 9am in the morning.
We went for another walk and admired the various statues including the iron man made of various bits of steel and spanners etc. It was getting colder so we went back to the motorhome and bought out the electric heater. Then it was just relax and read our books which were replenished in the op shop at Narrandera.
Kilometres travelled 70

Wednesday the 29th
We were rudely awaken at 5.45 am by a train loading wheat and trucks at the same time. It was very noisy spoiling what was otherwise a good nights camp especially with power available.
We hopped out of bed at 7.15 am and it was cold with a heavy wind so we only walked the main street and along the way we stopped to admire the Geese swimming in the large lagoon, there were also wood ducks swimming about. Then on down the street and noted the old Stamp Mill that must have been old for it had wooden wheels to drive the stamp rods. Then down to the corner where we were to admire the work that had gone into making a dog from various bits of equipment from shearing sheds. We were to see the offending noisy train parked up in a sidling taking on more wheat. Back up the main street where all the building are very old and then onto our motorhome for breakfast.
Before we went inside for breakfast we were to have a chat with a few happy campers that had stopped overnight and they were on their way up north hopefully to sunny weather. The weather this morning was cold and there was very strong wind blowing and the clouds were threatening rain. We had breakfast and we were on our way again heading for Tullibegeal.

Once we turned back onto the Newell Highway we were being pummeled by heavy wind gusts some threatening to blow us off the road, needless to say we were burning more fuel than normal. We passed the small town that has very high wheat silo's where they annually try to kick the AFL football over the silo's apparently it is a big event attracting a lot of people to an otherwise small population of the town.
There were plenty of interstate trucks going both ways I couldn't even guess those going north what their fuel burn was. Before we knew it we arrived at West Wylong and we elected to push on. We drove past the Rose Garden whose rose's were still in bloom though most appeared to white in colour. We decided not to stop for the outside temperature by the truck computer was only 8 degrees with a very cold wind near gale force in fact.
We took the turn to Lake Cargelligo and we were to drive through many small towns that looked derelict with many building falling down. We saw the very large AFL football advertising that the town was a football town not Rugby.
We pushed on through many large farm and a few had wheat already growing and other farms had turned their sheep onto the crop. It was obvious that we were entering a drought area for all the dams were bereft of water and the sheep and cattle were being hand fed or from feed bins.
The wind seemed to be picking for we were really being buffeted by gale force winds and the computer was telling us we were burning between 20 and 23 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres normally we would be burning 15 litres per hundred kilometres.
We finally took the turn off to Tullibegeal and our stop over for the next couple of days, subject to weather we will have the washing machine out. When we arrived the town did not seem to have changed and there was only one caravan in the camping area. We set up and plugged into the power which they ask for a donation for its use.
I attempted to gain terrestrial television to no avail so later in the day weather permitting we will set up the satellite dish.
We then went over to the local take away and ordered fish and chips for our evening meal and had a cup of tea for their cappuccino machine was broken. Then we went into the Co-Op Store which is the local store and when you walk through the door you are confronted with display of goods from the late 1800's. It is amazing the range of goods and food on display anything you want is all under this roof. It is impossible to take a single photo you would need to take quite a few to record the inside of the building.
We had a late lunch and out came the heater for it was really cold at 2 pm being 10 degrees and intermittent rain and high wind. Up with the satellite dish and the signal was hard to acquire due the heavy clouds and rain. With the heater going it is nice and warm in the motorhome and I wouldnt be surprised if we both didn't drop off during the late afternoon.
Kilometres travelled 150 (Felt like 300 due the rotten weather conditions)

Thursday the 30th
The fish and chips we had last night for our evening meal was awful, the chips were ok though the fish was mushy, we suspect that they had cooked us crumbed Bassa. That will the last time we order from this shop, in previous years it has been good. Well the banging and crashing started at 6am this morning with more wheat trucks and the garbage collection truck both in action. We seem to be camped close to wheat silo's over the past few days, though we were able to go back off to sleep around 6.30am after they had departed. Other than this it is a tranquil spot during the day. We hopped out of bed at 8.15 am to go for our walk on the road towards Condobolin. We knew it was cold and then we noted the thick frost on the children's play area, there was no clouds in the sky and no wind. We walked past the wheat silo's and weigh bridge and then up past the Tullibegeal Hotel that has three roofs covered in solar panels. They probably generate enough power to satisfy the whole town.
We noted the sports ground and the grass was lush along with the nearby farmland. It would appear this area is not in drought though the sign states it has a level 1 water restriction in place.
We had our breakfast and then it was time to get the washing machine out and catch up with the washing of the past week or so. When the washing was completed and on the rotary clothes line that they supply for happy campers. Out came the chairs and we read our books for awhile.
After that we had our lunch and then sat out in the sunshine reading our books again. We had two lots of local people drop in to chat with us, they had remembered our motorhome and car from previous years. They were happy to talk about Tullibegeal and how it depended on the large farms in the area that kept the economy alive in the district and then they wished us well in our future travels. Mid afternoon in came the washing and then we used their shower facilities then hopped into the Terios and drove around the back area of the town and noted the modern brick community centre and the school which looks like it is well attended. The houses in this area are modern compared to the those on the highway.
Back for happy hour and then we put the chairs away for it has become cloudy again and it is getting cold at 4.30 pm. Tonight we will watch the Marngrook Football Show and then The Back Bar before going off to bed. We have the electric heater going at the moment so it is nice and warm inside the motorhome.

Friday the 31st
We awoke to a cold morning again though at least there was no frost on the ground. It was a cool 7 degrees in the motorhome and the outside was 4 degrees. We hopped out of bed at 8 am and went for our usual walk and along the way we were see plenty of birds including the family birds.
We had our breakfast with the heater going and then we decided we would drive out and have a look at the Bolo Farm Chapel which is around 30 kilometres from where we are camped. The sky was overcast and it would stay that way all day with the temperature only rising to 13 degrees.
We started out and the first 15 kilometres was bitumen and at the turnoff to either Lake Cargelligo or Condobolin you ignore and drive across the highway to the farm gravel road. As far as you could see there were huge paddocks sown to wheat and barley. We were to drive another 15 kilometres and there were crops and sheep all the way.
As we drew near you could see the Chapel in the paddock and to get to it you need to drive off the road past the farm houses and the shearing/machinery shed to get to your destination. The Chapel itself is quite imposing amongst all the farm land thus its name "Farm Chapel Christ the King at Bolo farm.
The circular nature of the chapel is very imposing and underneath is the quarters of the Hermit in Residence : Bro. Dominic Levac OFM. The worship section is on the top of the building and when you enter from the rear section to go inside you are confronted with Mosaic of St Joseph patron of workers and farmers on one side on the door and the other is Saint Nicholas von Flue, Hermit and patron of Switzerland.
Once inside you are taken by the domed ceiling and to use their words " Dome Fresco from the inspiration of St Nicholas von Flue, Hermit and patron of Switzerland and the virgin mary and child and Monstrance(logos)
It certainly is impressive and the literature indicates that it is part of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn which we believe to be Catholic.
We were really impressed the way it has been built especially the way it is located in amongst the farm cropping country. I was somewhat surprised how much time we spent in and around the Chapel.

We drove a short distance up the hill to an outside Chapel that had paintings by Aboriginal's on the rear wall of the curved structure and alongside was a track that took over two hours to arrive at the summit. Along the way they purport to have christian markings, as in the start of the track was a cross with several features. We declined to take the walk and as we turned around you received an excellent view of the main Chapel and the surrounding countryside. We made our way back to the road and then decided to cut wood to place on the roof rack for when we arrive and set up camp at Gum Bend Lake.
We were in no hurry so took the time to look for dry wood that was not infested with the dreaded white ant. They do not appear to attack the Cyprus Pine though we were electing to get dry gum.
We found a spot and cut and filled the roof rack and tied it down with ratchet straps. We noted the activity at the football ground when we arrived back at Tullibegeal so we drove and found it to be a sports event for the local School.
We drove the Terios over the weighbridge before we left and it registered 1.66 tonne when arriving back with the wood we again went over the weigh bridge and it registered 2.16 tonne. By the time we arrive back in camp it was nearly 2pm so we had a late lunch and then decided to sharpen the chain on the chainsaw for the use in the future. We will read our books for awhile for we have decided to go over to the hotel and have a few frothy's and wine as well as well as buy our evening meal and mix with the local farmhands for that is the only work available in the district.