May 1st - 14th
1st May
Dropped Charlie off for his clip and went to Mike's job.
Mike spent a few hours fixing the antenna whilst Bec walked Mimi and tidied up the bus.
It was then time to pick up Charlie, or as he is now known 'rat boy'! You'll see for yourself in the before and after photos!
Pushed on to a camp site just before Orbost in a town called Newmerella. We'd been told about this place by Bob who Mike worked for this morning. The is another bus at the camp which is about 2 meters larger than ours however it permanently houses 2 adults and 5 children - oh my god!! Bloody Kiwi's.
Did some exercise before having a relaxing evening.
2nd May
Bon Voyage Mum and Dad/Dawn and Jeff - the lucky buggers are off home to Bali!!
Mike woke early and tested out his new kite in average conditions whilst Bec slept the morning away. (She must still be catching up on those late nights)
Went into Orbost and did our washing - fun fun, not.
We're very keen to cross the border today as there is not much to see here. So we drove on and crossed the border and are now currently camped about 20kms South of Eden.
Have spent the whole arvo/evening updating the web site but you get that when you leave it for over 5 weeks - sorry guys!
3rd May
Awoke at Scrubby Creek and as it was a cold dreary night our clothes aren't dry - great! Decided to move on and out of the forest in the hope of better weather.
Visited Eden our first town since crossing the VIC - NSW border. We visited the Killer Whale Museum founded in the 1930's a few years after they stopped Whaling in Eden. Back in those days a Killer Whale named "Old Tom" used to round up the Sperm Whales and then call the Whalers at the Whaling station by jumping out of the water and slapping his tail to get their attention. Once the whales where killed they repaid Old Tom by allowing him to eat the Whales tong and lips before bringing its remains back to the Whaling Station. A great tour where you're able to see Old Tom's skeleton.
After the museum we visited the town centre to stock up on supplies before heading out to a camping area at Yellow Pinch Dam.
When we arrive there was an unusually warm wind so we hung out the washing and then headed off into the bush for a run. The dogs came too and had fun exploring and running around like mad - for a change.
Once our exercise was done Bec enjoyed a read whilst Mike joined the other campers for happy hour.
4th May
After a warm night at the dam we got an early start and headed off to Bega - Yes where the cheese is made.
We visited the cheese factory like all good tourists should and Mike enjoyed his fair share of samples - how unusual. And we also stopped for a cuppa before watching a part of the packaging process through a viewing window. It was then time for Bec to milk a cow (even though it was made of fiber glass, had 8 legs and 3 sets of udders - not your usual dairy cow!) this has meant that one of her goals for the trip is now complete.
After visiting the tourist information centre we went to Tathra looking for our camp spot to only find a town full of no camping signs - great! Decided to stop for lunch anyway and took the dogs for a walk along the beach.
Headed back to Bega as we'd already spotted a nice camp down by the river and set up for an arvo of relaxation.
5th May - Happy Birthday Dad/Doug!
Left Bega early in the morning and headed north. Stopped at a lovely town called Tula Tula a town which has preserved all of its old buildings and new buildings have to be built to look like the old ones. The whole town is National Trust and a really spectacular display. We walked the streets and then visited another cheese factory. These cheeses where more boutique and after careful sampling and consideration, by Mike we decided on the sun dried tomato and chives.
Traveled onto check out a camp called Mystery Bay but on arrival decided that we'd keep moving.
Pushed onto Moruya and found ourselves a great little spot on the river. Mike tried his hand at a spot of fishing and managed to catch the smallest crab in the river.
After our run it was time for showers, dinner and an early night.
6th May
Awoke on the river, packed up and set off for Batemans Bay. On the way we received a phone call from our friends Carol and Pops to tell us that Pops had been down the coast last night fishing and had passed our bus at 4.30am this morning. He was apparently so surprised that he went back for a second look to make sure it was us but decided not to beep etc as he knows that we're far from early risers!
Arrived in Batemans Bay and visited their Sunday market where Bec purchased a rather strange heat pack that heats itself as these cold mornings are giving her a sore neck.
Decided that we'd now head inland and visit Carol and Pops at the farm they are house sitting south of Goulburn. They'd told us a bit about it and said that they were staying in a lovely log cabin but we sure didn't expect it to be this lovely. Pops met us at the end of the 2.5km drive way and escorted us to the cabin where Carol and Tasha where awaiting our arrival. We were given the grand tour of the house and give our own ensuite (a complete luxury for us). The dogs love this place as much as us because they have free rein. We wasted no time catching up over a moon shine while Mike cooked a lovely dinner with a recipe which had been handed down from Nath and Rach. A great night!
7th May
Woke at the farm and whilst Carol and Pops where attending to some business in town we made ourselves welcome and caught up on some computer work etc.
Took dogs for a run around the farm and exercised until poor Charlie simply couldn't run any further.
Had a relaxing arvo around the house and took advantage of the oven and did some cooking.
When Carol and Pops returned Pops took us to see the little cottage for sale on the same property. It a really cute 4 bedroom house and is on 150 acres and going for about $500k. Mike entertained the idea of selling our house in Perth and buying it but unfortunately being in NSW it's not exactly close to our friends and family. Food for thought though.
Another nice night enjoying our friends company and Carol's fantastic cooking.
Dropped Charlie off for his clip and went to Mike's job.
Mike spent a few hours fixing the antenna whilst Bec walked Mimi and tidied up the bus.
It was then time to pick up Charlie, or as he is now known 'rat boy'! You'll see for yourself in the before and after photos!
Pushed on to a camp site just before Orbost in a town called Newmerella. We'd been told about this place by Bob who Mike worked for this morning. The is another bus at the camp which is about 2 meters larger than ours however it permanently houses 2 adults and 5 children - oh my god!! Bloody Kiwi's.
Did some exercise before having a relaxing evening.
2nd May
Bon Voyage Mum and Dad/Dawn and Jeff - the lucky buggers are off home to Bali!!
Mike woke early and tested out his new kite in average conditions whilst Bec slept the morning away. (She must still be catching up on those late nights)
Went into Orbost and did our washing - fun fun, not.
We're very keen to cross the border today as there is not much to see here. So we drove on and crossed the border and are now currently camped about 20kms South of Eden.
Have spent the whole arvo/evening updating the web site but you get that when you leave it for over 5 weeks - sorry guys!
3rd May
Awoke at Scrubby Creek and as it was a cold dreary night our clothes aren't dry - great! Decided to move on and out of the forest in the hope of better weather.
Visited Eden our first town since crossing the VIC - NSW border. We visited the Killer Whale Museum founded in the 1930's a few years after they stopped Whaling in Eden. Back in those days a Killer Whale named "Old Tom" used to round up the Sperm Whales and then call the Whalers at the Whaling station by jumping out of the water and slapping his tail to get their attention. Once the whales where killed they repaid Old Tom by allowing him to eat the Whales tong and lips before bringing its remains back to the Whaling Station. A great tour where you're able to see Old Tom's skeleton.
After the museum we visited the town centre to stock up on supplies before heading out to a camping area at Yellow Pinch Dam.
When we arrive there was an unusually warm wind so we hung out the washing and then headed off into the bush for a run. The dogs came too and had fun exploring and running around like mad - for a change.
Once our exercise was done Bec enjoyed a read whilst Mike joined the other campers for happy hour.
4th May
After a warm night at the dam we got an early start and headed off to Bega - Yes where the cheese is made.
We visited the cheese factory like all good tourists should and Mike enjoyed his fair share of samples - how unusual. And we also stopped for a cuppa before watching a part of the packaging process through a viewing window. It was then time for Bec to milk a cow (even though it was made of fiber glass, had 8 legs and 3 sets of udders - not your usual dairy cow!) this has meant that one of her goals for the trip is now complete.
After visiting the tourist information centre we went to Tathra looking for our camp spot to only find a town full of no camping signs - great! Decided to stop for lunch anyway and took the dogs for a walk along the beach.
Headed back to Bega as we'd already spotted a nice camp down by the river and set up for an arvo of relaxation.
5th May - Happy Birthday Dad/Doug!
Left Bega early in the morning and headed north. Stopped at a lovely town called Tula Tula a town which has preserved all of its old buildings and new buildings have to be built to look like the old ones. The whole town is National Trust and a really spectacular display. We walked the streets and then visited another cheese factory. These cheeses where more boutique and after careful sampling and consideration, by Mike we decided on the sun dried tomato and chives.
Traveled onto check out a camp called Mystery Bay but on arrival decided that we'd keep moving.
Pushed onto Moruya and found ourselves a great little spot on the river. Mike tried his hand at a spot of fishing and managed to catch the smallest crab in the river.
After our run it was time for showers, dinner and an early night.
6th May
Awoke on the river, packed up and set off for Batemans Bay. On the way we received a phone call from our friends Carol and Pops to tell us that Pops had been down the coast last night fishing and had passed our bus at 4.30am this morning. He was apparently so surprised that he went back for a second look to make sure it was us but decided not to beep etc as he knows that we're far from early risers!
Arrived in Batemans Bay and visited their Sunday market where Bec purchased a rather strange heat pack that heats itself as these cold mornings are giving her a sore neck.
Decided that we'd now head inland and visit Carol and Pops at the farm they are house sitting south of Goulburn. They'd told us a bit about it and said that they were staying in a lovely log cabin but we sure didn't expect it to be this lovely. Pops met us at the end of the 2.5km drive way and escorted us to the cabin where Carol and Tasha where awaiting our arrival. We were given the grand tour of the house and give our own ensuite (a complete luxury for us). The dogs love this place as much as us because they have free rein. We wasted no time catching up over a moon shine while Mike cooked a lovely dinner with a recipe which had been handed down from Nath and Rach. A great night!
7th May
Woke at the farm and whilst Carol and Pops where attending to some business in town we made ourselves welcome and caught up on some computer work etc.
Took dogs for a run around the farm and exercised until poor Charlie simply couldn't run any further.
Had a relaxing arvo around the house and took advantage of the oven and did some cooking.
When Carol and Pops returned Pops took us to see the little cottage for sale on the same property. It a really cute 4 bedroom house and is on 150 acres and going for about $500k. Mike entertained the idea of selling our house in Perth and buying it but unfortunately being in NSW it's not exactly close to our friends and family. Food for thought though.
Another nice night enjoying our friends company and Carol's fantastic cooking.
8th May
Mike awoke early and headed into town with Pops to register a boat trailer whilst Bec had a little sleep in. Once Bec awoke she decided to tackle running out to the main road and back, she made it but was stuffed when she returned and bummed a lift on the ute for the last hundred meters or so when the men returned.
It was now time to get back to business and find out what all this farm business was about. First job down to the sheering shed to weight some sheep! This is a very complex operation where you move a certain amount of sheep into a holding yard before moving them one by one into the scales where barricades drop around them and trap them on the scales to give you time to weigh them. If they are 50kg or over you spray pink spray paint like stuff on their head and then you know that they are ready for slaughter.
After this job was done it was time to round up some sheep on the 4 wheelers. Mike on the front and Bec on the back, which she didn't mind as she said she felt a lot safer on a 4 wheeler than a 2. Once that job was done we went back to the house for lunch and to let Carol know we'd been invited to the boss’s house for dinner. What might be on the menu at a sheep station - yes you guessed it roast lamb!
After lunch the 4 of us headed up the mountain on the property to check out the view. The bikes crawled up the mountain to the 863 meter summit and we were amazed by the view. Pops brought his binoculars so we were able to spot some wild red deer.
After that it was time to find some transport to get to the bosses house for dinner as the bus is a 2 seater and so is John and Carol's Patrol. We found the perfect beast in the garage next door - a bright pink Holden Gemini which had been hand painted all over and displayed the personalized plate of Barbie!!
On the way back to the house Bec had a go at driving the bike and after Mike almost got flung off it was apparent that Bec didn't have the strength to work the clutch. The rest of the ride back Mike did the clutch from the back whilst Bec steered, braked and accelerated.
We all had a bit of a relax before it was time to board the Barbie mobile and head to the next farm. On the way there Carol nearly ended up with desert in her lap when Pops went off road after the wild rabbits, amusing for everyone but Carol!
Dinner was lovely and so where Carol and Pops bosses Liz and Fred. We had a very enjoyable night getting to know them and learning many things about farm life.
We putted home in Barbie!
9th May
An easy day on the farm.
Mike got the sewing machine out while Bec finally started her scrap booking! She managed to get the trip done up to South Australia and Mike managed to make the last curtain for the bus - The door window being right in front of the shower so now we can get in and out of the shower without worrying too much about who can see in!
Mike spent some time playing computers and resolving some problems and then started making the 'new' frying pan. Another one of Pop's great inventions - An old electric cast aluminum fry pan with the heating element ground off the bottom - Once ground smooth the fry pan can be put on top of a open fire and used as a normal fry pan or put the lid on and you can cook a roast - also good for use on a dirty bbq plate.
Carol cooked us another fantastic meal - life here is so good we won't want to leave.
10th May
After a breakfast in the lovely country air we packed up and headed off for Canberra via Queanbeyan. We said our goodbyes to Carol and Pops but as we'll be back sometime next week it wasn't really good bye.
Drove to Queanbeyan and stopped off to check out the town as well as do some shopping. It was quite a strange drive as we went from being in NSW to ACT to NSW and then back into ACT - we didn't know whether we were 'Arthur, Martha or General McArthur' The town is only 12kms from Canberra but apparently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country - Little Johny Howard wouldn't be pleased about that!!
It was then time to drive onto Canberra. As we got a fairly late start today and arrived quite late we went straight to the show grounds to set up camp for the night.
After an hour or so of exercise we were buggered and it was time for tea and some relaxing - tomorrow we will start exploring the Capital!
11th May
After breakie it was time to go and see a bit of Canberra.
First stop Parliament House. First impression was that this site is very grand and well manicured but then I guess that's what you expect from the Countries Government House. First we enjoyed the beautiful gardens and both commented on how they are managing to keep everything so lush and green with such strict water restrictions. (Didn't end up finding an answer to this one) and then it was time to go inside and visit The Senate and The House of Representatives. We were able to sit in the public galleries of both chambers but unfortunately or fortunately there were no sittings of Parliament today so we didn't get to see any live action.
Next it was time to drive to the top of Mt Ainslie and enjoy the panoramic views of Canberra. It really is a very pretty city in some ways a lot like Perth as it is so clean and full of beautiful trees - it's also fairly quiet too.
After that we moved onto the Mint where we looked at the old displays and where able to make our own $1 coin - even though it cost us $2.50 but it is an un-circulated coin with commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
It was now time to go back to the show grounds so that Mike could do some work for a fellow camper.
Bec took this opportunity to have some 'me time' and chilled out by herself before cooking dinner for the first time in about 2 months.
12th May - Happy 7th Birthday Eddie!
This morning there is a farmers market being held at the show grounds as well a gymkhana so it's all happening and we are awoken by a lady on a loud speaker welcoming everyone to the gymkhana. So it's off to the farmers market for some very over priced fruit and veg before going to visit a lovely little village called Gold Creek. It a quaint little village with beautiful little shops, pubs and coffee houses.
After that it’s time to go and get Mike some parts for the job he started last night as well as go shopping for some small MP3 players that we can take running with us. Once all that's done its time to head back for some more work - Mike is really in demand!
Went around to some see some friends which we have made through our Caravan Park in Busso Brooke and Rosie. It was so great to see them and catch up as we probably haven't seen them in approx 18 months. We went down to their local and enjoyed a lovely meal and a few drinks and caught up on everything that's been going on in each of our lives for the last year or so. Another great night!
13th May - Mothers Day - Happy Birthday Mum and Mum (Dawn and Sylvia)
After our early morning wakeup call from the gymkhana presenter of her loud speaker it was time to go exercising.
Visited the Old Bus Depot Markets and Mike enjoyed sampling everything that was on offer. Olives, bread, dip, pickles, cheese - you name it Mike just had to have some! A lot of arty farty things but did pick up some nice coasters for the house when we get home.
It was then off to the War Memorial to pay our respects to the men and women who gave their lives for our country. The memorial was spectacular and extremely large and after a few hours we'd barely covered a quarter of it. But unfortunately Mike had another 2 jobs to do back at the show grounds (we might have to leave Canberra soon so that Mike can stop working) so we left with the view of returning to complete the tour.
Mike then finished his work whilst Bec had some more 'me' time.
14th May
Bec was awoken early by Mike trying to get her out of bed so that they could get down to Bunnings for would you believe it more parts for another job! Went and got them and then whilst Mike did the work Bec packed the bus up ready for the departure.
It was then time to go back to the War Memorial and as the 2 hours yesterday where plenty for Bec Mike went solo whilst Bec and the dogs attempted to climb some of Mt Ainslie.
We then moved onto Queanbeyan to do some much needed food and grog shopping before starting to move back to the farm and stopping off for the night at Bungendore show grounds. We were met by the biggest 'Coo Coo' to date who asked us if we'd like her to show us where the toilets and showers where. We both thought is it not that brick building just to our left with the Ladies and Gents sign on it but we thought we'd go along with it to humor her and after she told Mike that she showers in the men's showers which only have a curtain rather than a door Mike decided that tonight he wouldn't be showering!
Mike awoke early and headed into town with Pops to register a boat trailer whilst Bec had a little sleep in. Once Bec awoke she decided to tackle running out to the main road and back, she made it but was stuffed when she returned and bummed a lift on the ute for the last hundred meters or so when the men returned.
It was now time to get back to business and find out what all this farm business was about. First job down to the sheering shed to weight some sheep! This is a very complex operation where you move a certain amount of sheep into a holding yard before moving them one by one into the scales where barricades drop around them and trap them on the scales to give you time to weigh them. If they are 50kg or over you spray pink spray paint like stuff on their head and then you know that they are ready for slaughter.
After this job was done it was time to round up some sheep on the 4 wheelers. Mike on the front and Bec on the back, which she didn't mind as she said she felt a lot safer on a 4 wheeler than a 2. Once that job was done we went back to the house for lunch and to let Carol know we'd been invited to the boss’s house for dinner. What might be on the menu at a sheep station - yes you guessed it roast lamb!
After lunch the 4 of us headed up the mountain on the property to check out the view. The bikes crawled up the mountain to the 863 meter summit and we were amazed by the view. Pops brought his binoculars so we were able to spot some wild red deer.
After that it was time to find some transport to get to the bosses house for dinner as the bus is a 2 seater and so is John and Carol's Patrol. We found the perfect beast in the garage next door - a bright pink Holden Gemini which had been hand painted all over and displayed the personalized plate of Barbie!!
On the way back to the house Bec had a go at driving the bike and after Mike almost got flung off it was apparent that Bec didn't have the strength to work the clutch. The rest of the ride back Mike did the clutch from the back whilst Bec steered, braked and accelerated.
We all had a bit of a relax before it was time to board the Barbie mobile and head to the next farm. On the way there Carol nearly ended up with desert in her lap when Pops went off road after the wild rabbits, amusing for everyone but Carol!
Dinner was lovely and so where Carol and Pops bosses Liz and Fred. We had a very enjoyable night getting to know them and learning many things about farm life.
We putted home in Barbie!
9th May
An easy day on the farm.
Mike got the sewing machine out while Bec finally started her scrap booking! She managed to get the trip done up to South Australia and Mike managed to make the last curtain for the bus - The door window being right in front of the shower so now we can get in and out of the shower without worrying too much about who can see in!
Mike spent some time playing computers and resolving some problems and then started making the 'new' frying pan. Another one of Pop's great inventions - An old electric cast aluminum fry pan with the heating element ground off the bottom - Once ground smooth the fry pan can be put on top of a open fire and used as a normal fry pan or put the lid on and you can cook a roast - also good for use on a dirty bbq plate.
Carol cooked us another fantastic meal - life here is so good we won't want to leave.
10th May
After a breakfast in the lovely country air we packed up and headed off for Canberra via Queanbeyan. We said our goodbyes to Carol and Pops but as we'll be back sometime next week it wasn't really good bye.
Drove to Queanbeyan and stopped off to check out the town as well as do some shopping. It was quite a strange drive as we went from being in NSW to ACT to NSW and then back into ACT - we didn't know whether we were 'Arthur, Martha or General McArthur' The town is only 12kms from Canberra but apparently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country - Little Johny Howard wouldn't be pleased about that!!
It was then time to drive onto Canberra. As we got a fairly late start today and arrived quite late we went straight to the show grounds to set up camp for the night.
After an hour or so of exercise we were buggered and it was time for tea and some relaxing - tomorrow we will start exploring the Capital!
11th May
After breakie it was time to go and see a bit of Canberra.
First stop Parliament House. First impression was that this site is very grand and well manicured but then I guess that's what you expect from the Countries Government House. First we enjoyed the beautiful gardens and both commented on how they are managing to keep everything so lush and green with such strict water restrictions. (Didn't end up finding an answer to this one) and then it was time to go inside and visit The Senate and The House of Representatives. We were able to sit in the public galleries of both chambers but unfortunately or fortunately there were no sittings of Parliament today so we didn't get to see any live action.
Next it was time to drive to the top of Mt Ainslie and enjoy the panoramic views of Canberra. It really is a very pretty city in some ways a lot like Perth as it is so clean and full of beautiful trees - it's also fairly quiet too.
After that we moved onto the Mint where we looked at the old displays and where able to make our own $1 coin - even though it cost us $2.50 but it is an un-circulated coin with commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
It was now time to go back to the show grounds so that Mike could do some work for a fellow camper.
Bec took this opportunity to have some 'me time' and chilled out by herself before cooking dinner for the first time in about 2 months.
12th May - Happy 7th Birthday Eddie!
This morning there is a farmers market being held at the show grounds as well a gymkhana so it's all happening and we are awoken by a lady on a loud speaker welcoming everyone to the gymkhana. So it's off to the farmers market for some very over priced fruit and veg before going to visit a lovely little village called Gold Creek. It a quaint little village with beautiful little shops, pubs and coffee houses.
After that it’s time to go and get Mike some parts for the job he started last night as well as go shopping for some small MP3 players that we can take running with us. Once all that's done its time to head back for some more work - Mike is really in demand!
Went around to some see some friends which we have made through our Caravan Park in Busso Brooke and Rosie. It was so great to see them and catch up as we probably haven't seen them in approx 18 months. We went down to their local and enjoyed a lovely meal and a few drinks and caught up on everything that's been going on in each of our lives for the last year or so. Another great night!
13th May - Mothers Day - Happy Birthday Mum and Mum (Dawn and Sylvia)
After our early morning wakeup call from the gymkhana presenter of her loud speaker it was time to go exercising.
Visited the Old Bus Depot Markets and Mike enjoyed sampling everything that was on offer. Olives, bread, dip, pickles, cheese - you name it Mike just had to have some! A lot of arty farty things but did pick up some nice coasters for the house when we get home.
It was then off to the War Memorial to pay our respects to the men and women who gave their lives for our country. The memorial was spectacular and extremely large and after a few hours we'd barely covered a quarter of it. But unfortunately Mike had another 2 jobs to do back at the show grounds (we might have to leave Canberra soon so that Mike can stop working) so we left with the view of returning to complete the tour.
Mike then finished his work whilst Bec had some more 'me' time.
14th May
Bec was awoken early by Mike trying to get her out of bed so that they could get down to Bunnings for would you believe it more parts for another job! Went and got them and then whilst Mike did the work Bec packed the bus up ready for the departure.
It was then time to go back to the War Memorial and as the 2 hours yesterday where plenty for Bec Mike went solo whilst Bec and the dogs attempted to climb some of Mt Ainslie.
We then moved onto Queanbeyan to do some much needed food and grog shopping before starting to move back to the farm and stopping off for the night at Bungendore show grounds. We were met by the biggest 'Coo Coo' to date who asked us if we'd like her to show us where the toilets and showers where. We both thought is it not that brick building just to our left with the Ladies and Gents sign on it but we thought we'd go along with it to humor her and after she told Mike that she showers in the men's showers which only have a curtain rather than a door Mike decided that tonight he wouldn't be showering!