And on Monday one of my many son-in-laws is also turning 40. He is more sensible in regards to the inevitable and is quietly going about life as normal.
Happy Birthday to both of them.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Saturday...30 March 2013
I have put on some weight lately and am now the size of a small elephant. The reason I mention this is that elephants are known for their ability to remember the smallest things and I have remembered that a 29 year old I know is turning 40 today. Do hope she has a fun day full of laughter, nothing like laughter to keep you young. Running around looking for places to hide from a birthday is counter productive as all that does is put stress lines on the face!
And on Monday one of my many son-in-laws is also turning 40. He is more sensible in regards to the inevitable and is quietly going about life as normal.
Happy Birthday to both of them.
And on Monday one of my many son-in-laws is also turning 40. He is more sensible in regards to the inevitable and is quietly going about life as normal.
Happy Birthday to both of them.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Thursday...28 March 2013
Here I sit, in the pretty little spot called Boundary Bend.
I had a childhood holiday here and it must have been good as the name of the town would come into my mind as I was growing up. I always wondered where it was, now I know!
It is best known as a good fishing spot on the Murray River between Swan Hill and Robinvale in Victoria. It is a sleepy little hollow, nice and quiet but do not be fooled. Out around us are some serious agriculture businesses. There is mile after mile of almond trees, grapes and olive trees in the area.
We will be staying here for a week. It should be a relaxed visit. The only thing to bother our serenity is the thump of bird guns trying to keep the birds out of the crops. But like the locals I guess we will tune them out eventually!
Happy Easter everyone.
I had a childhood holiday here and it must have been good as the name of the town would come into my mind as I was growing up. I always wondered where it was, now I know!
It is best known as a good fishing spot on the Murray River between Swan Hill and Robinvale in Victoria. It is a sleepy little hollow, nice and quiet but do not be fooled. Out around us are some serious agriculture businesses. There is mile after mile of almond trees, grapes and olive trees in the area.
We will be staying here for a week. It should be a relaxed visit. The only thing to bother our serenity is the thump of bird guns trying to keep the birds out of the crops. But like the locals I guess we will tune them out eventually!
Happy Easter everyone.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday...27 March 2013
The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement is a little piece of history that has been faithfully recreated so that others can see the life that the early settlers in Australia had to cope with. It has all sorts of stuff, often very good examples that show the creativity needed to get things done way back then. The buildings are authentic having been sourced around the area and then moved bit by bit to their new resting places. One of the things I saw that I thought was a classic example of thinking outside the square was the front fence around a house made entirely of mallee roots used in the same manner as stones are in dry walling.
We had lunch in one of the buildings which was the bakery but is now a old fashioned tea rooms. This building is in a whole street of old shops full of fascinating memorabilia.
There is machinery, cars, tractors, horse drawn coaches and buggies and delivery carts and even a train and a paddle wheeler on display. You can take a ride on a dray being pulled by a draught horse or a ride in an open dodge that looked a lot like the old gangster cars. Himself would have liked to take one of them home!
After lunch we took a one hour ride on the PS Pyap along the mighty Murray River. We left in 38 degree heat that had most of us beginning to melt and returned in pouring rain! From one extreme to the other. However it was a nice day out and definitely worth the time to take a look.
We had lunch in one of the buildings which was the bakery but is now a old fashioned tea rooms. This building is in a whole street of old shops full of fascinating memorabilia.
There is machinery, cars, tractors, horse drawn coaches and buggies and delivery carts and even a train and a paddle wheeler on display. You can take a ride on a dray being pulled by a draught horse or a ride in an open dodge that looked a lot like the old gangster cars. Himself would have liked to take one of them home!
After lunch we took a one hour ride on the PS Pyap along the mighty Murray River. We left in 38 degree heat that had most of us beginning to melt and returned in pouring rain! From one extreme to the other. However it was a nice day out and definitely worth the time to take a look.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday...26 March 2013
Had a phone call from a niece this morning to say one of my two half sisters died yesterday.
Rita was the younger of the two girls from my Dads first marriage. We were not close, but it is still sad to lose a part of my life that has always been there. My thoughts and love are with her family and her sister Elsie as they prepare to say their final goodbyes.
Yesterday we toured around Barham (NSW) and Koondrook (Vic). They have a river walk that goes for a couple of kilometres on both sides of the river and along the walk they have carvings that were done with a chain saw and using the River Red Gum wood which is so prolific along the river. Very clever. The example I am showing you is Sir John Monash who was a very talented man but is mostly remembered as a civil engineer and bridge builder before having the Monash University in Melbourne named after him. The bridge you cross between Barham and Koondrook is a Monash bridge.
Today we have gone further along the river to Swan Hill. After setting up our site we did a drive around the town and the area to see what there may be to look at here. We found another Big Murray Cod and a Morton Bay Fig Tree that is thought to have been planted about the time Major Mitchell explored this area.
Tomorrow we will take a look a the Pioneer Settlement that is the major attraction in Swan Hill.
Rita was the younger of the two girls from my Dads first marriage. We were not close, but it is still sad to lose a part of my life that has always been there. My thoughts and love are with her family and her sister Elsie as they prepare to say their final goodbyes.
Yesterday we toured around Barham (NSW) and Koondrook (Vic). They have a river walk that goes for a couple of kilometres on both sides of the river and along the walk they have carvings that were done with a chain saw and using the River Red Gum wood which is so prolific along the river. Very clever. The example I am showing you is Sir John Monash who was a very talented man but is mostly remembered as a civil engineer and bridge builder before having the Monash University in Melbourne named after him. The bridge you cross between Barham and Koondrook is a Monash bridge.
Today we have gone further along the river to Swan Hill. After setting up our site we did a drive around the town and the area to see what there may be to look at here. We found another Big Murray Cod and a Morton Bay Fig Tree that is thought to have been planted about the time Major Mitchell explored this area.
Tomorrow we will take a look a the Pioneer Settlement that is the major attraction in Swan Hill.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday...25 March 2013
Had a good night out on Saturday night at the family engagement party. The happy couple looked amazing. The nephew's parents scrubbed up pretty well too! Great venue, beautifully decorated and the cake looked and tasted wonderful.
I also got to spend time with my siblings. The last time all of us were in the one place at the same time was 19 years ago, so many pictures were taken to mark the occasion. Bit tired next day, but a happy tired.
Yesterday we set off again on our journey and have made it to a little riverside town called Barham in NSW. The caravan park has the Murray River for its back fence. Couple of days here to rest up then we will continue to Swan Hill. The park is also next door to the local RSL club. This means I do not have to cook!
I also got to spend time with my siblings. The last time all of us were in the one place at the same time was 19 years ago, so many pictures were taken to mark the occasion. Bit tired next day, but a happy tired.
Yesterday we set off again on our journey and have made it to a little riverside town called Barham in NSW. The caravan park has the Murray River for its back fence. Couple of days here to rest up then we will continue to Swan Hill. The park is also next door to the local RSL club. This means I do not have to cook!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Friday...22 March 2013
Moving day again. We are going to my sisters place for two days so we can attend my nephews engagement party tomorrow night, then we will continue our journey.
Do hope the roads are ok after yesterdays nasty storms which seem to have done some damage in the area. Apparently there were tornadoes and a lot of fallen trees. Gum trees are wonderful things unless they are draped over your much loved expensive car! I read that two people were injured when their caravan was upturned with them inside it. Do hope those people are ok. (Ps: glad it was not us!)
Yesterday we spent the day sorting out paperwork and then we went out to see The Great Aussie Beer Shed. It is the first beer can and brewery related museum in Australia. Guess it had to happen given our national interest in the product. There is over 16,000 EMPTY beer cans from all over the world in there and the bloke who owns it is a funny fella who does a really good presentation. There is a whole lot more inside and outside the shed.
While we were there a group of old car enthusiasts arrived and we got the added bonus of seeing their lovely cars too.
Do hope the roads are ok after yesterdays nasty storms which seem to have done some damage in the area. Apparently there were tornadoes and a lot of fallen trees. Gum trees are wonderful things unless they are draped over your much loved expensive car! I read that two people were injured when their caravan was upturned with them inside it. Do hope those people are ok. (Ps: glad it was not us!)
Yesterday we spent the day sorting out paperwork and then we went out to see The Great Aussie Beer Shed. It is the first beer can and brewery related museum in Australia. Guess it had to happen given our national interest in the product. There is over 16,000 EMPTY beer cans from all over the world in there and the bloke who owns it is a funny fella who does a really good presentation. There is a whole lot more inside and outside the shed.
While we were there a group of old car enthusiasts arrived and we got the added bonus of seeing their lovely cars too.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Tuesday...19 March 2013
Just got home from a really nice night out and a good dinner at one of the local clubs, with some of my family. A very pleasant evening.
Today we took a paddle steamer cruise on the mighty Murray River. We went on the PS Emmylou and it was great. I sat out on deck with a cup of tea and a plate of scones taking in the scenery as we wandered up river for a bit before turning around and coming back to port. I think I lived up north for way too long. Every time we passed a sand bank I found myself looking for crocodiles! Of course there are no crocodiles in the Murray River, silly me.
Following that we did the guided tour of the Echuca Wharf. The gentleman guide was very informative but somewhat long winded, however it too was very interesting. All this old stuff is fascinating now, I wonder if people thought it was when they were living the real thing. The original wharf has been heritage listed and currently undergoing full restoration. At one time it was the second busiest port in Australia after the Melbourne Port owing to the amount of freight carried by paddle wheelers and barges along the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems. The bulk of the freight was the wool clip going to market from the sheep farms in the district.
After that we strolled down to look at what remains of an old Saw Mill which is slowly being restored with a view to becoming a working mill again for tourism.
Today we took a paddle steamer cruise on the mighty Murray River. We went on the PS Emmylou and it was great. I sat out on deck with a cup of tea and a plate of scones taking in the scenery as we wandered up river for a bit before turning around and coming back to port. I think I lived up north for way too long. Every time we passed a sand bank I found myself looking for crocodiles! Of course there are no crocodiles in the Murray River, silly me.
Following that we did the guided tour of the Echuca Wharf. The gentleman guide was very informative but somewhat long winded, however it too was very interesting. All this old stuff is fascinating now, I wonder if people thought it was when they were living the real thing. The original wharf has been heritage listed and currently undergoing full restoration. At one time it was the second busiest port in Australia after the Melbourne Port owing to the amount of freight carried by paddle wheelers and barges along the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems. The bulk of the freight was the wool clip going to market from the sheep farms in the district.
After that we strolled down to look at what remains of an old Saw Mill which is slowly being restored with a view to becoming a working mill again for tourism.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday...18 March 2013
Up early to move camp from Mulwala to Echuca. Got away on time and had a trouble free drive through Cobram to Nathalia and Strathmerton and on to Echuca.
On arrival in Echuca we checked into the first park we called that said they would and could take a big caravan. We found a perfect spot! Nice big park with large drive through sites. We are so pleased we went back and paid for another two nights.
After lunch we drove to the wharf area and checked out the paddle wheelers and house boats. We saw the PS Pevensey leave the wharf on a tour of the river. This boat was used in the making of the TV mini series "All the Rivers Run" back in the 80's with Sigrid Thornton and John Waters in the lead roles. It was marketed as a sweeping saga of one woman's struggle for survival.
We also saw several other paddle wheelers tied up or about to set off on trips loaded with tourists. We have booked for a tour tomorrow on the PS Emmylou which is a restaurant as well so will be able to have a lovely morning tea while we see the sights.
Then we were looking at the ultra nice executive houseboats for hire and the owner let us on board to take a look. Beautiful. Five queen size staterooms and three very nice bathrooms and a full house size chef's kitchen downstairs and a heated spa, sun lounges and built in BBQ kitchen upstairs. Very flash! Way out of our range but very very nice.
After that we wandered around the old port of Echuca where we found a place that sold really nice port. Life is good.
Back at camp we found what is probably Australia's most expensive bird pond.
On arrival in Echuca we checked into the first park we called that said they would and could take a big caravan. We found a perfect spot! Nice big park with large drive through sites. We are so pleased we went back and paid for another two nights.
After lunch we drove to the wharf area and checked out the paddle wheelers and house boats. We saw the PS Pevensey leave the wharf on a tour of the river. This boat was used in the making of the TV mini series "All the Rivers Run" back in the 80's with Sigrid Thornton and John Waters in the lead roles. It was marketed as a sweeping saga of one woman's struggle for survival.
We also saw several other paddle wheelers tied up or about to set off on trips loaded with tourists. We have booked for a tour tomorrow on the PS Emmylou which is a restaurant as well so will be able to have a lovely morning tea while we see the sights.
Then we were looking at the ultra nice executive houseboats for hire and the owner let us on board to take a look. Beautiful. Five queen size staterooms and three very nice bathrooms and a full house size chef's kitchen downstairs and a heated spa, sun lounges and built in BBQ kitchen upstairs. Very flash! Way out of our range but very very nice.
After that we wandered around the old port of Echuca where we found a place that sold really nice port. Life is good.
Back at camp we found what is probably Australia's most expensive bird pond.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Sunday...17 March 2013
St. Patrick's Day.
May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.
It got seriously windy last night. We had to roll up our awning as it was working like a boat sail and we were rocking and rolling quite heavily and the sound of the awning flapping was horrible.
Getting up this morning there is still some wind about and the day is noticeably cooler than yesterday however we have bright blue skies so perhaps it will warm up a bit later.
Moving day tomorrow.
May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.
It got seriously windy last night. We had to roll up our awning as it was working like a boat sail and we were rocking and rolling quite heavily and the sound of the awning flapping was horrible.
Moving day tomorrow.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Thursday...14 March 2013
Today we had a lovely sleep in and then did the bacon and eggs breakfast! Very self indulgent. Tasty too.
After that we did a trip from Mulwala to Barooga, Cobram, Tocumwal and back again to Mulwala and then over the river to Yarrawonga.
Some pretty country out there. Lots of grape vines, beef cows and broad acre cropping.
Along the way we saw the Big Strawberry. Not a fan of strawberries so no pic of that one. However we also found a Big Murray Cod in Tocumwal.
When we got back to Yarrawonga we took a few shots of the Lake from the Victoria side and I must say it looks a whole heap nicer over there, not so many dead trees visible in the water and a bit more effort has been put into making the river banks more people friendly.
All of the places we have been visiting are on the mighty Murray River. River towns have there own personality, usually very laid back and relaxing around their particular patch of the river. House boats and fishing spots abound.
After that we did a trip from Mulwala to Barooga, Cobram, Tocumwal and back again to Mulwala and then over the river to Yarrawonga.
Some pretty country out there. Lots of grape vines, beef cows and broad acre cropping.
Along the way we saw the Big Strawberry. Not a fan of strawberries so no pic of that one. However we also found a Big Murray Cod in Tocumwal.
When we got back to Yarrawonga we took a few shots of the Lake from the Victoria side and I must say it looks a whole heap nicer over there, not so many dead trees visible in the water and a bit more effort has been put into making the river banks more people friendly.
All of the places we have been visiting are on the mighty Murray River. River towns have there own personality, usually very laid back and relaxing around their particular patch of the river. House boats and fishing spots abound.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Albury is a lovely place, even though it is a big city it does not feel rushed and hurried like cities often are. We were sad to leave our friends and the bunny rabbits especially with Easter just around the corner. I did check every day but they had not been leaving eggs under my van. Such a shame!
Today we moved 95 km down the road to Yarrawonga, but having said that we have parked up on the other side of the river in NSW in Mulwala, the caravan park here is better than what we found over there.
We have road frontage views of the famous Lake Mulwala which was created when they put a weir over the Murray River at this point.
Water sports are very popular. I hear the fishing is good too.
After checking in and setting up our site we went for a drive to Corowa.
We were very taken with these birds on display in part of their CBD. Wonderful art.
Tomorrow we are planning a day trip to Cobram and Tocumwal.
Today we moved 95 km down the road to Yarrawonga, but having said that we have parked up on the other side of the river in NSW in Mulwala, the caravan park here is better than what we found over there.
We have road frontage views of the famous Lake Mulwala which was created when they put a weir over the Murray River at this point.
Water sports are very popular. I hear the fishing is good too.
After checking in and setting up our site we went for a drive to Corowa.
We were very taken with these birds on display in part of their CBD. Wonderful art.
Tomorrow we are planning a day trip to Cobram and Tocumwal.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Sunday... 10 March 2013
Having a blinder of a weekend.
Yesterday out of nowhere we got visitors. The daughter and family from Horsham took it into their heads to drive up here to Albury to visit us for the weekend, just because they felt like it!
Six and a half hours driving. Thrilled to have them here and of course they will be leaving far too quickly as they have to get home for work on Tuesday morning but I am still buzzing at the unexpected visit.
Today they have been out to see the Hume Weir and shopped till they dropped in the city and then tonight we all went out to La Porchetta for dinner.
Had a bad night caused by a funny tummy so after a miserable day it was nice to be able to join them for dinner and to go to the top of Monument Hill to see the lights of the city of Albury/Wodonga.
Nothing like a good feed of well cooked pasta and pizza to improve your mood.
Continuing on our theme for this weekend we are now expecting some very good friends from Melbourne for lunch tomorrow. They too have decided that a quick trip to visit us would be a nice drive for them. This is better than winning lotto. Two surprise visits in the same weekend. Lucky us, it is a double blessing.
Yesterday out of nowhere we got visitors. The daughter and family from Horsham took it into their heads to drive up here to Albury to visit us for the weekend, just because they felt like it!
Six and a half hours driving. Thrilled to have them here and of course they will be leaving far too quickly as they have to get home for work on Tuesday morning but I am still buzzing at the unexpected visit.
Today they have been out to see the Hume Weir and shopped till they dropped in the city and then tonight we all went out to La Porchetta for dinner.
Had a bad night caused by a funny tummy so after a miserable day it was nice to be able to join them for dinner and to go to the top of Monument Hill to see the lights of the city of Albury/Wodonga.
Nothing like a good feed of well cooked pasta and pizza to improve your mood.
Continuing on our theme for this weekend we are now expecting some very good friends from Melbourne for lunch tomorrow. They too have decided that a quick trip to visit us would be a nice drive for them. This is better than winning lotto. Two surprise visits in the same weekend. Lucky us, it is a double blessing.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Wednesday...6 March 2013
Went back down the highway to Benalla today. Went to see the foster parents and had lunch with them. They are still hale and hearty and the marbles seem to be intact. We spent the day laughing about cars and travel and people we have met over the years while travelling. A great day out and I am so pleased we found time to go down there.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday...4 March 2013
Loving the weather here. Staying another week. Will use the opportunity to have more fun with friends and to sort out some bits and bobs that need doing. There is a long weekend coming up and this is as good as anywhere to be.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Friday...1 March 2013
Long road trip today.
We started by going to Rutherglen. This little town is one big vineyard and cellar door. We went into the Rutherglen Estates cellar which is in the old Seppelts buildings. Bought a couple of bottles of wine and then went down to the local information centre which doubles as a Wine Experience place. This means it has wines from every one of the local wineries. Quite a collection.
From there we went to Glenrowan. We visited the big Ned Kelly. We also saw a replica of his house then we stopped at a little shop for tea and scones and then motored further down the road.
Our next stop was a little place called Milawa, home of Brown Brothers. Given that I donate to them at regular intervals I have always wanted to see where my money rests! After a bit of tasting we left with a couple of bottles of a new wine that is yet to be released in the liquor shops and a pair of wine glasses with their famous brand mark on them.
From there we went to the Milawa Cheese Factory. More tasting and we left there with some Camembert and some vintage cheddar along with a bottle of portello cordial. Yum.
Then it was into Myrtleford for a quick look, and then back to Beechworth.
Beechworth is an old gold mining town with a chequered history but is more famous now for its award winning Bakery and the lolly shop these days. It is a very pretty town and we really could have spent a lot more time there except by the time we got there every thing was closing for the day.
From there it was time to head for home and we got back just in time to watch the 6pm news.
We started by going to Rutherglen. This little town is one big vineyard and cellar door. We went into the Rutherglen Estates cellar which is in the old Seppelts buildings. Bought a couple of bottles of wine and then went down to the local information centre which doubles as a Wine Experience place. This means it has wines from every one of the local wineries. Quite a collection.
From there we went to Glenrowan. We visited the big Ned Kelly. We also saw a replica of his house then we stopped at a little shop for tea and scones and then motored further down the road.
Our next stop was a little place called Milawa, home of Brown Brothers. Given that I donate to them at regular intervals I have always wanted to see where my money rests! After a bit of tasting we left with a couple of bottles of a new wine that is yet to be released in the liquor shops and a pair of wine glasses with their famous brand mark on them.
From there we went to the Milawa Cheese Factory. More tasting and we left there with some Camembert and some vintage cheddar along with a bottle of portello cordial. Yum.
Then it was into Myrtleford for a quick look, and then back to Beechworth.
Beechworth is an old gold mining town with a chequered history but is more famous now for its award winning Bakery and the lolly shop these days. It is a very pretty town and we really could have spent a lot more time there except by the time we got there every thing was closing for the day.
From there it was time to head for home and we got back just in time to watch the 6pm news.
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