Once again we prepare for this years travels to the warmer climes of Northern Australia. All the usual preparations are taking place with us deciding to take our smaller Suzuki affectionately named "Digger" as our service vehicle, for we believe that a four wheel drive is not required this year.
We had a farewell lunch with a few of our friends at the famous home of the beer swilling pig at the Pub in the Paddock at Pyengana. It is rumoured that they will sell you the pig for $850,000 and throw in the Hotel.
We have one more day of loading the motorhome and then into Launceston for a few days before heading to Devonport and the boarding of our ferry the "Spirit of Tasmania" to mainland Australia.

On arrival in Launceston it was arranged as all the family was to together, for the first time in many years. We would celebrate Carol's 50th and Dianne's 40th Birthdays with a night out at the Newstead Hotel. It was a good evening with an excellent meal complete with Birthday cake etc. Later the younger one's kicked on and partied until early morning.
Wednesday the 15th of May
Yesterday we packed Digger in between showers and this morning we locked the house up and headed towards Carrick. The usual ritual of dropping into see my sister and then onto Devonport to visit John and Jenny and then down to the waterfront for our evening meal before hopping onto the Ferry bound for Melbourne. Debbie and Sophie dropped over and had fish and chips with us before before we boarded the Ferry.
It hasn't stopped raining all day and as we drove onto the parking deck was the only respite we had all day. Into our cabin and then onto the lounge where we met up with Garry & Genavene, Mick & Kay and Bob and Mona. We caught up with all the happenings since we saw them last and sunk a few drinks etc. When we went off to bed the sea was smooth and around midnight I awoke with the ship rocking and rolling, so to speak and would remain that way until we entered Port Phillip Bay. This ferry is certainly fast for we past a few ships also coming into port as if they were standing still.

Thursday the 16th of May
It was still dark when they called us at 5.45 am for disembarkation at 6.30 am. When we pulled alongside the wharf we could see it raining heavily, we said our farewells to our friends and then I was the second vehicle off the Ferry. I had to wait along the waterfront for Liz to drive off Digger and then we hooked up and headed out in the heavy morning Traffic to Rob & Jen's place at Thornbury. Said hello to everyone and then off to Aldies to bulk purchase items for our trip ahead, prices were lower than we were used to and even diesel was 20 cents a litre cheaper than back in Tassie. Had a late lunch and then a poppy nap and relaxed for the rest of the day, Liz went out with Jen shopping. It is very cold outside so we stayed indoors in the warmth and then watched the two AFL football shows and then off to bed

Friday the 17th of May
What a cold night last night with just intermittent showers during the day. We actually slept in this morning and Oliver had gone off to school when we arose from our nice warm bed. Had Breakfast and headed off to Bunnings to buy gas canisters and an electric heater amongst other things for the trip ahead. Back home and spent the next few hours rearranging our storage area over the peak and then inside for lunch.
After lunch I went in Digger to fill its tanks at $1.22.7 a litre for unleaded fuel and the diesel container at $1.36.7 a litre. We only have to top up Speedybago and then I am sure we will not see these prices again. It will be interesting to see what the prices are when we return to Melbourne in four months.
We went out for our evening meal to the Peacock Inn at Northcote, they cater for children as well as adults and really look after the kids bringing out games before their meals. It was no coincidence we were there for they had a happy hour with pots for $3 and a glass of bottle wine for $5 reverting to $4.30 and $6.50. It is obvious that the hotel has undergone major refurbishment with the restaurant at the front and the public bar at the rear very flash. I had pasta called Mt Etna and boy it certainly had some chilli and hot salami though it was really great and plenty of it, Liz had the old standby of Chicken in Pyjama’s the largest I have seen.
Back home and we settled in to watch the West Coast V North Melbourne game it was a see sawing game with West Coast eventual winners after kicking the last goal after the siren. It was a cold evening when we retired.

Saturday the 18th of May
Off to Ray's to buy a kettle in Digger zipping in and out of the traffic. Around lunch time we all drove over to Preston for lunch. The traffic was certainly heavier than we were used to with very little consideration given at all to most road users. There were plenty of people out and about and many languages were evident, there were many take away food shops and Pizzerias plus many stores and they appeared to be doing a good trade. We selected the Pho Hung Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant and we were not unhappy with the many meals that were placed before us. I added far to many red and green chilli peppers and boy was it hot though very enjoyable, Liz had the roast chicken with noodles dish which she enjoyed. Then onto the Preston Market which wasn't far off closing so there was a lot of spruiking to sell their vegetables, meat and fish products. We purchased a tray of T/Bone steak for $10 plus bread and then were pleased to get out of the crowds and the noise of the spruikers.
We had a look around a few of the shops and then headed for home to watch the Essendon v Brisbane game, Brisbane winning. Jen cooked a nice lamb casserole for our evening meal though we were still full from lunch time. We had small portions and it was very enjoyable. After the meal Liz and Jen headed of to the MCG to watch the Collingwood V Geelong game from their reserved seats. Liz gets to go the game for free because of her membership though to have a reserved seat it costs $15. Of course they took their poncho's in case it rained whilst Rob and I elected to watch the game whilst sipping a few crownies. What a game it had us on our seats for most of the match. Liz and Jen arrived home by train after the match and Liz was really excited to be at the MCG to see her beloved football team beat Geelong by six points. It was some time before we went to bed due to celebrations.

Sunday the 19th of May
It was an overcast day when we arose this morning, had breakfast and discovered that the gas bottle for the fridge and stove was empty. Rob and I went up to Ray's for a refill. Whilst there we had a good look at the goods on display. Made a couple of purchases and then back to the house. Hooked up Digger and then went inside and had coffee with Rob and Jen and checked maps for possible alternative routes to past years. Showered and it was time to leave and start our journey for the next four months, we thanked Rob and Jen for their fine hospitality and then we were on our way at 12.15 pm bound for Tocumwal. Ollie and Lucas were to run to the end of the street waving at us as we turned into the Sunday traffic. We went up Bell Street and then turned onto High Street which took us nearly out to Seymour to join the Hume Highway.
I think this road is the original old Hume Highway and it was great to be out of the traffic and being able to take in the scenery along the way, We were passing undulating farm land that appeared to primarily used for cattle production and there was Llama and goat farms.
Back onto the new Hume Highway where we encountered plenty of trucks, caravans and motorhome's heading north no doubt to the warmer weather for the latter. Next stop was at the Seymour Service Centre where we topped up with diesel at $1.40.9 per litre a rise of four cents from Melbourne, We also bought chicken dim sims and chips to nibble on the way.
We were to bypass Nagambi due to the new highway that now cuts off that town by the lake and it wasn't long before we arrived at the Calder/Woodburn Rest Area who are good enough to supply us with power so the electric heater plus the electric blankets will be put to use this evening. We are presently settled in the warm afternoon sunshine watching the Richmond V Melbourne AFL game, later we will use the site barbecue to cook our T/Bones for our evening meal. Then we will clean the barbecue for the last users have left a hell of a mess on the grill plate.
No happy hour today just a cup of coffee and then settled in to watch a bit of Tellie before going off to bed later and read our kindle's
Kilometres travelled 154s

Monday the 20th of May
It rained very heavy during the early hours of the morning though we were nice and warm in bed and it didn't concern us to much. There were plenty of B Doubles come into the rest area in the early morning hours though they were no problem. We arose around 8 am and had breakfast and then on the road to Tocumwal, the going was easy though the roads were wet and the temperature was only 8 degrees and would stay that way for many hours. We finally arrived on the outskirts of Shepparton and decided to bypass the town and continue on by the deviation.
We had no oil for the chainsaw so we made a detour on the lower end of Shepparton and went into Supercheap to purchase oil. Continuing on we were astounded by the amount of fruit trees that have been bulldozed into heaps for burning. It must has a deleterious effect on the economy of Shepparton.
We finally made the turn off the Goulburn Highway onto Tocumwal and the going was easy with intermittent showers with the temperature rising to 10 degrees we had the heater pushing out hot air from the motor of the Motorhome. We finally made the turn into Finley Beach on the Victorian side of the Murray and found only three other motorhome's set up.
The most noticeable thing was the low level of the Murray River considering the major flooding of the last two years.
We set up camp including cutting wood for the fire and then decided at 1 pm to go into Tocumwal in Digger and have a celebratory meal for our 50th wedding anniversary which is today. Other than major works being carried out at the roundabout to the Newell Highway there appeared to be little change taking place other than the boat launching facility close to the town. We saw a strange sign that had incorrect spelling and took a few photo's including the Murray Cod which is mandatory when visiting Tocumwal. We had our 50th wedding anniversary celebration meal at the hotel along with some refreshments bearing in mind that we had to drive back to camp.
We had a look around the main street including the supermarket and then headed for the camp, we noted that the fuel price was $1.49.9 cents a litre for diesel some 13 cents a litre dearer than Melbourne.
We lit the fire and then helped a fellow camper from Tasmania Stewart and Jan to set up their satellite dish and then it was time for happy hour and they came down for that and we chewed the fat about there future travels plus ours. We sat out by the fire until after 6pm until the rain came again and so we went in to have a small evening meal given the large meal for lunch. We haven't turned on the television just had a little more refreshment and the into bed to read for awhile. It had been a good day.
Kilometres travelled 110

Tuesday the 21st of May
Out of bed at 8am and venturing outside to the light the fire to cook breakfast etc, there was fog on the river which cleared around 9am giving us a nice warm sunny day with no clouds and it would remain that way all day.
After breakfast we went for a walk around the camping area and heard a huge thump, and there was a Koala laying on the ground appearing to be unconscious. This is the same Koala that was around 30 metres up the gum tree that we saw yesterday. We stood around watching it for around thirty minutes before it stirred and try as it may it could not move towards the tree obviously it had caused damage to one of its rear legs. Liz rang Parks NSW be told if it was across the river they could handle it because where it was it was Parks Victoria responsibility. I cant describe the toeing and throwing that was occurring. Liz was determined to see it through and finally Animal Rescue from Parks Victoria arrived and bundled the Koala in plastic wash tub in a blanket to take it away for treatment. They assured us that it would be returned back to this area once recovering from the injury. Who knows we may return here on the way home and Liz can renew its acquaintance, Ha! Ha!
We went in Tocumwal and the first place we visited was the op shop, this is the usual store that we have visited over the many years and we renewed our acquaintances with the ladies and then spent the next half hour or so shopping and purchasing many items and then into the op shop next store and did the same. it was unusual to have two op shops next to each other. Then I noticed that I had left the memory card for the camera back at camp in the computer therefore I was unable to take more photo's, it was decided that I would go back to camp for the card and Liz would look around the various shops. I was on the way back when the mobile phone rang and it was Mick & Kaye wanting to know where we were, luckily I was pulled up at the traffic lights at the new works on the roundabout to take the call. I went and picked them up and showed them the way to where we were camped. I drove back to Toc to pick up Liz and then we went to Town Beach on the NSW side of the Murray and then took a photo of our camp along with Mick and Kaye's. We returned back to camp and then chewed the fat for awhile and then before we knew it happy had arrived.
We went to Stewart's and Jan's camp and had a pleasant happy hour and again we were to talk about Tassie. Then it was time for our evening meal which we cooked on the outside fire though due to the night cooling somewhat we had our meal indoors and then settled into watch the tellie before retiring for the night to read our books.

Wednesday the 22nd of May
Awoke at 9am to a very overcast day threatening rain. Lit our fire and boiled our kettle and cooked our toast and relaxed watching the good old Murray River pass by even as low as it is. We were to say our farewells to Stewart and Jan who are leaving this morning and travelling north and hopefully the sunshine. Cleaned up and then about 10.30am hopped in digger and went into Toc first to the dump point and then down to look at the remedial work being carried out around the boat ramp. The wood ducks were there and we noted the pilings for the floating pontoon was extremely high to allow for the high levels of future floods. The day was dismal and we getting spots of rain and at time just drizzle though nothing heavy. We did the op-shops again and then into the secondhand shop where items were highly priced we thought. We didn't want to go back to camp and it was not a good day to go to Yarrawonga so we opted for the 20 kilometre trip each way to Finley. By this time we had light rain steadily falling and the interstate trucks were leaving heavy spray off the roads that at times poor old Diggers wipers couldn't keep pace with. On arrival we parked up and walked around the shopping precinct under the shelter off the shop awnings.
We decided to have fish and chips for lunch and a light meal this evening. We were going to eat it in the rest area though it was to hot and so we decided to drive back to camp and have it there washed down with a cup of tea. We had our lunch and I decided to pack up the firepot and attach Digger to the motorhome, Mick and Kaye arrived back so he pulled a large log up for our fire tonight. Mick cut two coils of the logs and split them and the rain was drizzling again so we lit the fire and stacked heaps of wood and the firelighters worked well in getting it going. Liz and Kay bought out their umbrella's and sat by the heat of the fire. Tonight we have decided to do potatoes in alfoil on the hot coals and place heaps of cheese and other fillings for our meal. Rather than wait until after our evening meal we opted to have our showers mid afternoon while it is still a comfortable 16 degrees.
Happy Hour came and it will be our last with Mick and Kaye as we go our separate ways us up along the Murray and they heading eventually north to Gladstone and their daughters . We all sit around the fire would you believe under our umbrellas while the rain fell in a drizzle rather than a normal downpour this was to happen over a couple of hours. The happy hour went for went for around four hours so it meant the were quite chirpy around the fire enjoying each others company.
Finally we came inside and turned on the diesel heater to warm the place up. Beside the potato in alfoil we also had biscuits with cheese to end out meal before we went to bed to read our books after having a wonderful day.

Thursday the 23rd of May
A nice sunny morning which helped to dry the awning before we packed it away. After breakfast we finished packing away and noticed a Koala sleeping in the same tree as the other Koala fell from. 9.30am we said our farewells to Mick & Kay and we moved over to Tocumwal to re-fuel and then we were on our way to Mathroura most of the way was gravel road through farm land with cattle and sheep plus lambs. The sun was streaming in through the window and it was nice and warm. We came across the dreaded Correla's who were screeching away. After 40 kilometres of gravel we had had enough of the corrugations so headed for the bitumen which would take us into Deniliquin and back down to Mathroura.
The going was good with no wind and their plenty of cattle in the long paddock looking very thin and then we came across about dozen or so Emu's who were camera shy and just headed for the bush. There was little traffic and we turned into Deniliquin took a photo of the famous ceramic holden ute and a few others and decided instead going back onto gravel roads we would push on and stay at another of our favored camp spots at Sandy Point at Hay. Again traffic was light and no wind made for easy driving we arrived at Sandy Point at 1pm and set up with only 2 caravans camped. That would change with another 10 caravans arriving though there was plenty of space for all. They make you very welcome in Hay and not only do they supply toilets and wheely bins on this occasion they had stacks of wood spread about. I loaded a few logs and branches onto Digger and came back to our camp and cut them to size with the chainsaw. The fire is going and the kettle is boiling as I have bought into the use the tri pod instead of the firepot. We are to have a nice big stew cooked in the camp oven over the fire for our evening meal. The happy hour today will be coffee and relax in the last rays off the sun. We will sit out by the fire for awhile and then into watch the football shows before we retire.
Kilometres travelled 213

Friday the 24th of May
It was 4.5 degrees celsius this morning with just a slight fog with the sun quickly dissipating it. After breakfast the next two hours was spent on washing the road grime and road dust from both the Motorhome and Digger. They were both pretty bad and all I could wash them with was a squeegee, bucket and chamois when finished they looked good.
We decided to drive away from Hay and have lunch somewhere along the way. Liz prepared a hamper with Perties bread and various types of cheese from Angrove Elizabeth Town that we purchased on the "Spirit of Tasmania" ferry.
It was beautiful day with clear blue sky's and no wind as we set out. We spotted the sign to Maude, so we said why not it was only 50 kilometres away and Digger could do that easy.
Once we left Hay the countryside was as flat as and very dry though you could see channels for water irrigation criss crossing the landscape. We came across hectare after hectare of Cotton growing and probably not far off picking. We were to see plenty of cotton on the road verge, We were to see a very large Wedge Tailed Eagle in all its splendor searching for road kill and there was plenty of it mainly very large Kangaroo. We came across many hectare's of Lettuce some ready for picking and others in various stages of growing; to give no doubt a continuity of supply.
We encountered two large mob's of Emu some in the paddock which I was able to photograph and others on the road who took off before I could get a photo, then we were to see more Emu's in two and three's spread out over the journey. The sun was coming in through the side window and it was very warm so much so I had to shed my pullover. We were passing many very large farms with thousands of sheep, or it appeared that way, one flock all had black heads and white bodies from the neck down. Then were farms with cotton fields and others raising cattle and sheep.
We finally arrived at our destination of Maude and discovered the population was just 60 and believe me the hour and half we spent there we did not see one person, Maude has a general store and a pub. We pulled into the Maude weir which is on the Murrumbidgee River and took in the grand scenes that awaited us. A sign warning of ducks crossing though we were to see none at all.
We chose a nice sunny spot by the river at one of the picnic tables they provide and Liz bought out the food and we enjoyed the both the serenity of the area and the wonderful loaf of Perties bread and various cheeses washed down with a cup of tea and then an apple each.
We were looking over at the general store and still no sign of Life and when we left the area there were no vehicles parked outside the hotel. Back on the road to Hay some 50 kilometres away having enjoyed the drive and on the way back we came across sheep and their small lambs alongside the road grazing on the green grass for their was no greenery in the paddocks.
On arrival at Hay we went to the tourist centre first to get drinking water and then Liz went onto the chemist and the newsagency and then we were back to camp. There was a steady flow of caravans along with a large bus arrive in the afternoon.
We just relaxed and read papers and our kindles and then lit the fire for tonight's meal. We will have our meal again by the fire and come inside to watch the Collingwood V Sydney match at 7.30 and dependant on the night we may come out the fire again after the game.

Saturday the 25th of May
To say that Liz was not happy with the play of Collingwood last night would be an understatement, she was very disappointed as she went off to bed not happy at all.
When we arose this morning it was another fine sunny day and the fire was still going from last night, so we were able to boil the billy and cook the toast by the hot coals and had our breakfast by the fire. Many were leaving this morning which only left 1 Caravans and 2 motorhome's though by this evening we expect the grounds to fill.
After breakfast we went for a walk along the foreshore of the Murrumbidgee and it was beautiful with no wind and the reflections along the river of the red gums, the whole facility is a credit to the council and locals with the barbecue area quite large and very clean. We have noted that council cleaners visit the facility three times a day just to keep things tidy. They have a visitors book which they ask you to sign before leaving along with comment plus giving an indication of monies spent in the town. We never saw one terse word about the facility in the book only the opposite. Where else would you get such a freedom camp spot with such facilities with the wood supplied for your campfire.
Once we cleaned up we went to the tourist centre to use their showers for $2 each and they were great whereas we spend little time under our shower due to water considerations being able to spend a little more time under a hot shower is worth the cost.
We did another stock up groceries and vegetables which will hold us in good stead for a couple of weeks before replenishment is required. We went then walkabout along the main street of Hay and admired the many old buildings that have been restored or still in there natural state from the late 1800's. The Westpac Bank is quite impressive and stands out. The two grocery store building are from the 1800's as well and have only been altered inside. The town enjoys and promotes its past and there are many plaques giving an indication of their past especially the days of when the town used to be a staging area for the Cobb & Co coaches. It is an interesting history for Wells Fargo in America sent employees to check out the viability of running coach's in the growing colonies and rejected the move to Australia. The history indicates that 3 employees left Wells Fargo and established Cobb & Co and as we know they flourished due to the gold rushes etc.
We went and had cappuccino's at the Bakery plus a sausage roll each. Then we drove around the service stations to check diesel prices for Monday when we leave and then onto the rest area across the bridge over the Murrumbidgee for a look see. It was interesting to see the old bridge turntable. One of the few bridges in Australia that didn't use lift span for river traffic the history states that the captains of the steam paddle steamers had to wait until the flag was raised on the bridge which indicated the turntable had swung a section of road out of the way. Then as the notice stated the captain had to move with all possible haste to go through the clearway so as not to hold up stock and coach's that used the bridge during the day. It only operated during daylight hours.
It was early afternoon before we returned to camp and being a sunny day with no wind speak of we sat out in the sun and enjoyed reading our kindles and watched the newcomers to the area arrive.
Cook our tea on the tri pod again tonight and enjoy the fire before going into watch tonight's football which is Essendon V Richmond and then off to bed after a bit more tellie.

Sunday the 26th of May
Another beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and just a slight breeze. Today is wash day so we dragged the washing machine out and after breakfast Liz did all the washing whilst I looked on encouraging her. Needless to say I copped an earful all in good jest of course. As usual the washing machine attracted other woman campers to make enquiries about it and where we carried it. The little machine is like a people magnet.
Today is a total rest day we do not intend to go anywhere at all given we leave the area tomorrow, for where we have not given much thought no doubt weather will influence where we head off to. After lunch we went for a walk along the river and noted the golf course across the river where there was plenty of action. We have just enough wood for our fire tonight and we intend to place large potatoes (compliments of Garry & Genavene) in the hot coals to cook and then lavish them with various toppings.
We cleaned up the area that we have enjoyed for the past few days and then hooked up Digger ready for our departure. The rest of the day will be spent reading our kindles and then watching tellie tonight. Talk about a lazy day, come happy hour we went walkabout and visited a few of the new arrivals and spent some time with those that had been here for a few days. We were out by the fire to eat our evening meal and listening to the various football games in progress before we came inside to watch tellie.

Monday the 27th of May
We took our time this morning getting ready to travel which included saying farewell to a few happy campers we have met over the past few days. We left the campgrounds around 9.30am and headed up to the tourist information centre to replenish water supplies and whilst there had the use of the their showers. Bought the paper and slowly moved off to refuel over the bridge at the Caltex service station with fuel costing $1.47.9 a litre, we only took on 32 litre's in the top up.
Then we were on our towards Balranald in the early morning sunshine with a breeze at our back. The going was easy and we seemed to be climbing ever so slightly and then we were away from the bush and then going past the many farms with sheep in the main with a few cattle. Then we noticed the irrigation channels and it wasn't long before we came across many many hectares of cotton crops waiting to be harvested and in other paddocks the harvested cotton had been baled and bound in yellow plastic and they were in large quantities no doubt waiting to go to the cotton gin for processing. In one area we noted that the water divet or pivot was some hundred of meters long, we have never seen one so long in all our travels. There wasn't much road kill today and we spotted our first road kill Fox. The going was good with plenty of trucks heading north and likewise caravans with many waving.

We were to go through the Yanga national park and really it looked to be no different to any of the land we travelled through this morning just stunted growth and not much good for grazing. We came across the Yanga rest area and drove in, we noted a road going down to the billabong so we walked down and note the heron's, Ibis and plenty of cormorants with the water being a murky green.
There was plenty of wood so we decided to stop here for the night and have another fire and have potatoes in alfoil along with pumpkin to go with our steak and hamburgers for our evening meal. I didn't take long to get the chainsaw out and cut enough wood for tonight. We had the national park ranger come visit us and warn of the green algae in the water indication we should wash or drink it. We had a good chat and she invited us to go and visit the old homestead at the Yanga national park which is only 2 kilometres from where we are camped.
No television so I decided to set up the satellite dish for the first time on this trip, about an hour and half later I packed it away for due to the amount of trees I was able to receive a satellite signal. This is the first time in five years that I have failed and I was pretty cranky about it. So more time by the fire and then will probably watch a movie on the memory stick before going of to bed to read our kindles. In all it has been an easy day with plenty of sunshine and the temperature at 3pm reaching 22 degrees along with the those terrible fly's.
Kilometres travelled 130 ...........co-ordinates S34 42 071 - E143 35 397

Tuesday the 28th of May
We sat out by the fire last night after cooking our meal and enjoyed the last rays of sunshine and the enclosing night, there were many birds alighting in the trees and others making their way to small islands in the middle of the partially dried up creek for the night. We could imagine this was to thwart the fox's in the area, there was a very bright full moon that lit up the area later and we just placed more wood on the fire and enjoyed. We finally went inside and watched a movie on the tellie entitled The Blues Brothers and though we have seen it many times in the past we still had a laugh and enjoyed the music.
We read for awhile and then awoke to sunshine this morning with just a hint of fog, it was 9 degrees outside much warmer inside. We thought that we would drive into the Yanga National Park and have a look at the Langa Homestead buildings and boy were they were old and set in a large area making it very difficult to capture all in the one photo. You could see the main residence and then to the side even though attached was the servants quarters. Being maintained by Park's NSW the gardens were extensive and there were other building including the chill house under a large pepper tree for the meat etc required to feed the house and servants. There were other houses well away from the homestead that were occupied by paid helpers around the farm. It had its own extensive blacksmiths shops and mechanical shops and littered around were very old tractors both steam and diesel. Yanga was a working pastoral, cropping and irrigation property established around 1840 and continued on until the NSW government purchased it in 2005 and then opened it to public inspection in 2009. The homestead sits on the top of the hill overlooking a very large lake that is shaped like a set of reading glasses and contains all types of water bird of over 150 different breeds and other wildlife. Of course it is recognised as being a large breeding ground of birds. The Langa property consists of 76,000 hectares of river red gum, native grasslands and saltbush plains. Whilst there we were to see in the two different area of the lake hundreds of pelicans and certainly more cormorants feeding on fish. There is a camping area at Woolpress Bend with no charges at the moment. We could have spent all day exploring the area or partaking in the tour of the house's internally though we elected to move onto our next stop.
Back on the road passing many hectares of saltbush plains supporting many sheep and then we came into irrigated cropping country and you could see wheat growing for as far as the eye could see. There were many cattle stations raising mainly Angus and Hereford cattle. The going was easy with land though not completely flat was undulating with nothing to slow our journey at all. Before we knew it we were in Balranald where we spent sometime walking and looking at the main street and the sports ground and swimming pool. Liz purchased a small chicken and some meat from the butchers. Chicken soup will be on the menu tomorrow for tea for all the ingredients were purchased. We used the their dump point and the spoke to couple of locals about the significance of the frogs that abound in murals and statues. It appears that it is an important refuge for the endangered Southern Bell Frog.

Back on the road and we arrived at Lake Benanee where we set up camp for the night. No tellie again and far to many trees for the satellite dish so books and movies tonight, of course a poppy nap may be in order the first since we left home, No fire for there is a shortage of wood and we will cook our meal inside tonight and relax. Later in the afternoon we went walkabout down along the beach area and came across a patch of cactus that looks similar to the medicinal kind. Large red gums lined the shoreline, you could camp down along the shore line though you would need a substantial four wheel drive to drag your caravan or trailer down. There is one caravan down by the shore with the other eight plus three motorhome's up on the hard stand near the facilities. We spoke to a couple of them and they did not seem all that friendly so we came back and watched the brilliant sunset in the west and then inside for our meal and then relax reading with the radio in the background. Another excellent day.
Kilometres travelled 82 .................................co-indinates S34 31 13 E142 52 39

Wednesday the 29 of May
Happy campers were late to leave the Lake Benanee camp site this morning including us. During breakfast the radio informed us of late showers in and around the camp area we are to stay on the Murray River. The sun was again shining in the cabin as we drove along through the heavily wooded area's along the highway and then came out into open country with wheat and plenty of irrigation channels criss crossing the landscape. There were plenty of Interstate trucks on the highway heading in both directions and at one stage even though I was travelling at 90 kph three of these huge trucks were following close behind so at the next rest area we pulled over and let them past. They all thanked us for the courtesy. We were to go through many small towns with mainly citrus trees and as we approached Euston the main crop was grape vines with a few wineries inviting you in for a tasting.
We decided not go into Euston proper and took the turn on the highway towards Mildura which was some 60 kilometres away. Huge farms again with cattle and sheep and in some areas small stunted gum trees. As we approached Mildura we came across many roadside stalls selling pumpkin, tomatoes, mandarins and oranges. We stopped at one and bought a large bag of oranges for $3. It appeared that many citrus trees have been removed and replaced with grape vines. We drove into Mildura and then go onto to our rest area at Horseshoe bend near Merbein. Our GPS took us straight to the place and as could be expected there were many happy campers set up alongside the Murray River. We chose a spot that would not give us a lot room that we had been used to, however it was close to the river with good views. This area is great though if it rains it means that you could be trapped for the roads become boggy though at this stage the area is dry. One of the happy campers came over and gave us a run down on the area and where to obtain water etc. We set up and decided to do a bit of retail therapy. Drove back into Mildura and elected to go to the Centro shopping complex which contains many small and national stores. When we were here last it was still being developed and today it is a very large complex with all the majors and sports stores and the junk food stores. As it was lunch time we broke our promise to stay away from fatty food and went into Hungry Jacks for lunch with all the usual's plus ice cream. It may be not the most healthy food, even so we enjoyed it. Boags draught beer was $40 a carton and the wines were cheap so we purchased a couple. Then around the rest of the sports stores and Big W, Woolies etc. Into Mildura central and K-mart and then strolled the shopping precinct.
Back to camp and unloaded and then out to get wood which was placed on the roof rack of Digger and bought back to camp to cut into lengths to fit our fire pot. We do not intend to have an open fire over the next few days. Watched the some campers fishing and all they were catching was Carp so my rods have still not been used yet, carp are just not on our menu.
We spent some time by the fire at happy campers close by and chewed the fat, they have been here for two weeks and the motorhome is their home, there are three of them. Now what a menagerie five cats, two birds and a dog is what they travel with, Of course the cats are enjoying eating carp that their son is catching.
We intend to stay in tonight so we will watch tellie for awhile and then our kindles when we go to bed. Today has been very warm and still is at 8 pm so we expect rain.
Kilometres travelled 109 .............Co-ordinates S34 09 337 E142 04 511

Thursday the 30th of May
There was a steady patter of rain on the roof during the night so much so that at 6am out of bed and put out the awning. Then placed buckets to catch the rainwater run off and back to bed. Arose around 9am and then lit the fire to cook our breakfast. The rain was just a drizzle just enough to be a nuisance, so I placed an umbrella on the awning and over the firepot to keep the rain off. It worked a treat and allowed us to cook crumpets and boil the billy for breakfast.
It wasn't all that cold so out came the chairs and the small table and we were to watch the many birds going about their business. The cutest little duck was continually diving for its food and it was a contest to see where he would emerge after his dive, we never picked the right spot.
About fifty or so ducks arrived and settled in on the other side of the river and then we were to see three diver birds, which you would normally see along the coastal regions, diving now and again as they worked this stretch of the river.

Their was a few budgerigars that seemed to be nesting in the hollow ends of the river gums. Liz prepared a large pot of chicken soup and placed it on the firepot to cook. We had forgotten to pack our boiler so we were lucky enough yesterday to buy the boiler at K-Mart for four dollars due to the lid missing. We found a lid off another saucepan that fitted so it worked out great. Whilst that was simmering away I went across to the other camp for they were in a hollow which the rain was running into. They placed a large tarp from their awning which sent the water away from their camp.
The rain was now intermittent and then we went inside and had a lovely bowl of chicken soup for lunch, and we will again have soup for our meal tonight. We loaded up the empty water drums and headed out to Merbein. The tracks into the camping area had become boggy so poor old Digger did a bit of sliding though we arrived at the bitumen ok. I had forgot to bring the camera so we only filled with water and bought the newspaper and headed back to camp. We will tour Merbein tomorrow weather permitting. The road into camp had deteriorated further and we were now slipping and sliding until we made it back.
A four wheel drive and caravan came in and the bloke shouted out " You haven't been kicked out yet" and on inquiring found that he was at a camp spot on the other side of the Murray and the Rangers told all campers to move due to the state of the weather and closed the gates to the camp grounds. Hopefully that doesn't happen here. I have had to start the generator for only the second time this trip to put power back into the house batteries for they were only putting in an amp per hour due to the weather. We are surprised how warm it is considering the weather.
The rest of the afternoon was spent reading our kindles and newspaper before happy hour and of course tonight we will watch the Marngrook footie show and the nine football show before going off to bed.

Friday the 31st of May
We had a star filled night and then this morning overcast though it did not rain during the day. Did the usual lit the firepot and cooked our crumpets and boiled the billy for the tea for breakfast. We sat outside for it was quite warm and there was no breeze and again we watched the birdlife both on the water and in the river red gums.
During the morning a house boat cruised past our camp and we waved though there was no response even though they were looking straight at us. Oh well them's the breaks though we were a little envious of them and what they were doing. The House Boat displayed signs that it was a rental so we hope they enjoy their time on the river for we know we did doing the same some years ago though we did our trip on the Murray from Berri in South Australia.
We are going to have a baked lunch today so out came the camp oven and stoked up the fire and baked a chicken along with baked potatoes, carrots, parsnips, pumpkin and steamed broccoli. Whilst this was cooking away we read our kindles. What a great meal it was so this evening we will finish off the chicken soup from yesterday.
We decided to go into Mildura for a look around though first we had to get Digger to face up to the quagmire on the road out, our campsite was remarkably dry even during the rain. When we arrived at the bitumen you could hear the mud dropping onto the road. We then turned into the river drive and the roads where not much better though Digger handled them alright. It is amazing how many house boats of all shapes and sizes plush and not so all tied into the bank waiting for warmer weather, there were many advertising that they could be hired though the price of doing so was not shown.
We finally drove into Mildura and went down to the waterfront where it was noticeable that the river was down by at least 4 metres. We were to find out later that there is major work being carried out on Loch 11 thus the lack of water. We were to see two old steam paddle boats who advertised that they were both built in 1887 no doubt being refurbished along the way, of course they are not running for they cannot go through the loch.
We spent some time in the parkland along the river and there is certainly lots to see and do for tourists. We then drove up into town proper and stopped at a electronics store to buy a new antenna for the UFH radio for the old one had broken with old age. Goodness what they tried to sell us was extremely expensive so I opted to pay for a small antenna at $30.
We did not need any shopping therapy so we drove around a few streets gawking at the sights and then returned home.
I had put the rod line in this morning other than one bight which rang the bells on the rod I have had no success. As we have plenty of water we used our shower and then it was time for happy hour and then later in the night in to watch the Collingwood V Brisbane Lions and the into bed for reading.

June