Day 120 - Thursday 27 April - From Victoria to South Australia

Day 120

Wednesday

27 April 2017

Echuca –Kerang – Lake Boga – Sea Lake – Patchewollock – Walpeup – Pinnaroo SA- Lameroo – Tailem Bend – Murray Bridge (Camps 8 SA #65)

Seems like I am saying that was a long and unexpected day a little lately. With the van packed yesterday Paul was eager to get on the road and after spending some time reading he was off to the showers. I attempted to access the net yet again, but was to no avail. Bugger Bugger Poo Bum! I continued to read but got the guilts, so jumped out and dressed just as Paul returned.

We had breakfast, I showered and by the time I returned we were ready to pull out. It was a gloriously blue day in Echuca today, though the air was still cool. I had picked out a camp spot from Camps 8 yesterday about 3and a half hours away and we began following the GPS directions.

The first major town we arrived at was Kerang, we stopped to fill up the Winnie but stayed no longer, eager to keep moving. Our journey took us on to lake country and the towns Lake Boga and Sea Lake. Through Lake Boga, the lakes were visible only meters from the road and sparkled like diamonds on an expensive dress ring. There were many caravan parks lining the shores, with water sports and fishing obviously popular in these parts. It did however, seem quiet and if we weren’t in a hurry to get on with our journey, a day or two by the shores would be quite serene.

We did stop briefly at Sea Lake for a stretch of the legs, before climbing back in the front and motoring ahead. Our camp destination was just out of the town Ouyen at Walpeup. The drive took us through plenty of dry farming land, there wasn’t much out except for the expanse of farm after farm, paddock after paddock. As the GPS is always set to fastest route, we often skip off main highways travelling down B and C roads, much of these roads today were single lane, bitumen but for the majority of time were in good condition and apart from the wind was fairly easy to drive.

We arrived at Walpeup at 1.30pm,after skirting the town Patchewollock, a place we visited in mid March to check out the painted silo and as we drove the outskirts we could see the silo looming proudly in the distance. There were a few other vans at this RV stop, one with power, shower and toilet. We had our lunch then took out the maps. Originally we were going to stop here, take the car to Mildura and hour north and have a look around, but Paul was happy and eager to push on further down the road. We revisited Camps 8, noted there were plenty of stops in our direction and made the decision to press on.

The landscape didn’t alter a great deal, though the skies were now ominously clouded over and we wondered if we might see a bit of rain. We passed the border into South Australia at 2.30, now 2pm. Border control confiscated our tomatoes and capsicum, something we had completely forgotten would occur. We then drove into the town of Pinnaroo, stopped for fuel and changed the GPS to Tailem Bend a spot we visited in February.

We drove past a number of RV stops, some busier than others, but still we persisted with the drive. We passed through Lameroo and saw the sign signalling Tailem Bend, not much further, it was then that Paul decided we may as well head on to Murray Bridge showgrounds, where we had parked up for a few days in February, it was after all only a further 20min.

By 4.45pm we had pulled into the showgrounds, found a place to pull into amongst the crowd and stopped! Paul organised the power, while I set up, glad to have made it and ready to unwind.  We went for a walk around the grounds, it had been a super low step count day today and we needed to burn off some energy.

Once back at the van, we sorted dinner, paid the caretaker his $10 and pulled up the shutters. I had been cold for most of the day, but cooking dinner soon warmed up the van and had me peeling off the layers. We sat and ate our meal before entering “quiet time”, though it wasn’t particularly quiet as the speedway was in full rev.

Day 119 - Wednesday 26 April - Echuca & Moama

Day 119

Wednesday

26 April 2017

Echuca

It happened again last night, more rain in heavy bursts pounding into our heads and waking us from sleep. I felt like it was in the middle of the night but on thinking about it, it was more likely on dawn.

We finally stirred at 8am, I was straight to the computer to see if the net was up and it was and for a change was quite quick. I assumed there was less traffic volume trying to take up the waves. This allowed me to upload a heap of things and feel like I was getting on top of it all. I read at the same time, happy to lounge in bed until 9am, when Paul returned from the shower.

I began multi tasking; making the bed, getting dressed and continuing the upload of data. I went for my shower, amusing one fellow camper who saw my thong get lodged in the thick red mud as I walked to the shower block, leaving it behind for a few steps as my momentum carried me along. It amused me too.

Once I returned I readied myself for our morning, the internet was now down grr. We donned our warm and waterproof gear and took off on foot to the river to check out the view along the Murray.

We followed along the edge of the caravan park before coming back to the van, I rechecked the internet, still no go. We then set off again, this time into town. We continued to follow the Murray River riverbank into the old port district. We stopped in at some of the shop fronts admiring the old world handicrafts of the blacksmith and wood turner.

From here we continued into town, walking past the many stores and taking in the views of the various old facades. We stopped and read some of the historical plaques giving an insight to life in the town during the 1850’s.

Once we reached the centre, we ventured back to the van, taking the main road instead of the riverside path. We stopped in for lunch. I continued to try the internet, but no luck, instead I read my book as the skies flip flopped between sun and cloud.

At 1pm we took the car across to Moana to see a bit more of the NSW town, there wasn’t much to see. This centre is not as large as Echuca, with a main road thoroughfare of shops for about 200m. The buildings however are somewhat newer and there are many resorts and spas lining this side of the river.

With our drive through complete we returned to the vicinity of the caravan park , but instead of puling into the gate we took the scenic drive, which turned out to be a loop around the park next door and wasn’t worth doing as the road was closed due to flooding.

I had Paul drop me at the end of the park so I could take photos and then I wandered back into the park, finding him busily packing the car up ready for tomorrow’s move. He loaded the car aboard the trailer and then we decided to get on the move again.

We walked the main street yet again so I could take some final picture of the old buildings. I love the character and find myself attracted to the interesting doors and old brickwork. I am sure some wonder what the hell I am taking photos of, but I see the detail and intrigue of these objects.

We passed the old sweet shop with its interesting window display of suspended toy planes and old cars and a giant lollypop. We wandered through, reading the old tin signs with their amusing sayings, much to do with alcohol, housework and giving a toss.

We continued along the street before walking towards the info centre. We deviated slightly across the park and over the muddy pond. I took some photos of two Eastern Rosella’s that were perched in a tree and then we did a quick walk through the info centre before crossing the Murray River via the bridge to Moama.

We returned over the bridge and made our way back through the town along the riverbank and on to our van once again. We sat back enjoying the afternoon as the golden light began to stream in. I went through today’s photos, while Paul continued to review some of the beers he had collected. I still wasn’t able to get the internet up despite it telling me there was a strong signal. Just as well I was able to do a lot this morning.

Day 118 - Tuesday 25 April - ANZAC Day in Bendigo

Day 118

Tuesday

25 April 2017 – ANZAC Day

Echuca – Bendigo - Moama

We had a heavy shower last night. Big, fat raindrops bombarded the roof of the van waking us then a gust of wind had Paul out of bed and winding in the awning before it filled with water or took off. He came back to bed all soggy.

We didn’t wake again until 8am and we were both feeling a little slow. I attempted to log into the net and begin the slow process of loading photos, but it wasn’t responding, which seems to be my luck of late. It was super frustrating. Instead I read my book until Paul eventually crawled out and went for a shower.

I decided to pull myself out of bed as well, it was 9am after all.  I continued to attempt to log on, but it just wasn’t happening. We ate breakfast, I showered and then it was time o think about getting on the road.

Today we made our way to Bendigo, about an hour and 15min from Echuca. As we drove through Rochester we stopped briefly as the ANZAC march was occurring. We watched the short parade go by and then we went on our way once again.

We arrived in Bendigo at 11.45am, found a place to park for free and then proceeded to walk through the town. Like Ballarat, this town was built on gold and a number of buildings reflect the grand gold rush architecture, but there does not seem to be as many as Ballarat.

We walked down Chancery Lane, a trendy coffee shop strip. There are many wall murals along the lane and fancy Gaudi inspired gates at one end. As we popped out we were faced with many ex-service men making their way from the ANZAC service, some were still milling about the memorial building.

We walked down Pall Mall to the Alexandra Fountain, passing an old tram. They have a tram that has been “Yarn Bombed”, covered in crochet inside and out, but we didn’t see it.

I took photos of the fountain and then we crossed the road to walk through Rosalind Park. Here the strange screeching noise from above had me searching for the owner. In the trees roosted large Fruit Bats, most were cocooned in their wings, hanging like some enormous brown and black chrysalis from the small branches.

We made our way to Poppet Head Lookout, a large, metal, mining structure that has been converted into a viewing tower. After having our quads burn walking the hill to get to it we were confronted with a further 124 steps to reach the top. Once there Bendigo was laid out in all her glory with the old sandstone structures taking pride of place along with the gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral and its 7m tall, 3 tonne cross.

We returned to the ground, checked out a couple of sculptures and then took in the majesty of the Law Court buildings, before tucking into a pie and walking the main shopping street.

We returned to Rosalind Park, passing by the conservatory and on to the Golden Dragon Museum, a tribute to the Chinese miners. We passed through the gardens and then returned to the car.

We navigated out to True Brew, another brewery in an industrial estate. Finding it open, we made our way inside, chatting with one of the brewing brothers, Cameron while Paul tasted a few of their beers. It was fairly quiet at the venue, but I  could see it being popular. Paul came away with a mixed six-pack and we returned to the centre.

My work mate, Sue, had lived in the town in the late 80’s and had text me the old address, so we did a quick drive by and sent a photo before moving on to Lake Weeroona and completing a lap of the lake. I spoke to Sue on the phone as we wandered, catching up with all the news at her end and wishing her safe travels for their European trip starting on Monday.

We finished our walk with a delicious hot chocolate at the Boardwalk café on the lake’s edge and then it was back to the car and a return journey to Echuca. We were fortunate the weather had held out for our time in Bendigo and in fact was quite warm and sunny when we walked the lake.  I was however watching the clouds gather and look ominous on our trip home, wondering if they were making Echuca wet.

We stopped briefly at Coles on our way through the main town and then it was back to the van for 4pm. It didn’t seem to be too wet, however much of the ground around us was quite muddy.

After unloading the car, it was straight into the tech, the internet was up and I was eager to dump as much as I could, but it was still unbelievably slow and much of the Facebook upload was being refused. GRRRRR

I persevered for the next 2 hours, going from quiet indignation to downright peeved, not getting much further with my work and feeling like I was wasting my time. I did load up the photos from today in between, it was just such a pain in the proverbial.

At 6pm we dressed for dinner, opting to go to the Moama Bowls Club for a meal. Dad had told me about this place on the phone the other day and said we should check it out for its grandeur. We made our way over the Murray River and as such over the border into New South Wales. The bowls club was all of 4km away.

Dad was right, the bowls club was huge, most of it taken up by pokies, a bit like a mini casino. We however, made our way into the bistro, were seated and then ordered our meals.

The food was served promptly and while not amazing, was more than generous for the price. We finished with a cold rock style icecream bucket and all the toppings we wanted. Yum.

Once done, we wandered around the large complex, checking out the sad and sorry sight of the oldies sitting at the pokies. Paul was going to feed a machine with coins he had in his pocket, but he didn’t understand how many of them worked and opted to keep the small amount instead.

We returned home to enjoy the quiet, no screaming kids next door, as NSW holidays finish today, yay! Paul reviewed some more beers while I continued on the net, having a little more success. Before long though it was time for bed and hopefully one not interrupted with rain. 

Day 117 - Monday 24 April - On to Echuca

Day 117

Monday

24 April 2017 –

Bright – Echuca

For those interested – I have gone back over the blog and added photos to those that are missing their pics

Light streamed in to the van early, I was still tired after not sleeping that well, my head still swimming with the photos. As we had arrived home late last night, we didn’t get to pack the car in prep for moving so we needed to get up, that being said it was 7.45am, so it was a sleep in compared to yesterday.

Paul went off for a shower, while I sorted breakfast and began putting things in their place. I sent a quick email to western power with photos of our meter, a once a year job, to ensure the power stays on for Jaden and Renee. I was then off for a shower, as Paul put the car on the trailer and finished up outside. By the time I returned, there was just a few things left to complete and we were on the road again.

We followed the Great Alpine Highway though the small country towns we had passed on our way to Beechworth, we then moved on to the Hume Highway heading towards Melbourne before exiting and heading towards Shepparton on the Midland Highway.

Large fruit farms dominated the drive as we entered the Goulburn Valley and passed over the Goulburn River. We made our way through the town of Shepparton but didn’t stop. We continued to follow the GPS until we reached Echuca a town on the Murray River and at the border of Victoria and New South Wales.

We made our way to the Top Tourist caravan park, booked in for three nights and proceeded to set up our base.  Paul busied himself with the things outside, while I set up indoors, while I hastily logged in to the free wifi and began the downpour of photos in between making lunch. The net was slow, but with perseverance I might just clear the backlog from the past few days.

We ate, sorted out what we needed to do for the afternoon and then we gathered our things and made our way in to Euchca, in search of the Chemist Warehouse. We followed the GPS, finding it a little way out of town, but wouldn’t you know, right next to Bandicoot Brewery.

We did what we had to at the chemist and then Paul was off to find out if the brewery was open to visitors. With a big thumbs up, we entered the brew shed and made ourselves comfy. We were treated to the range of beers, chatted with the brewer owners and a couple of other patrons who wandered in. It turned out to be quite an unexpected and fun sojourn to our initial journey.

When the tasting was complete, we drove back into town, parking on the main street and then heading out for an explore. We walked the main shopping mall, all the usual retailers were present. We continued our walk to the Port of Echuca, an historical precinct on the Murray, where an old town front has been set up and many paddle steamers berth.

We enjoyed the wander along the main strip before returning to the main road and walking back towards the car, stopping at the chocolate shop for a tasting and a few takeaways. Paul also spied a gourmet food store selling pork pies, so it was a quick shop to pick up a pie.

We returned to the car and drove back to the van. The storm clouds were beginning to build and we wondered if we would get a storm. When we were back at the van we were straight onto the technology, continuing the catch up.

Paul sorted dinner and then we ate. It was quite warm and humid in the van and we contemplated needing the air con, instead we went for a walk around the park for some fresh air and to check out the large grounds and facilities. 

Once we were back at the van, Paul made his way to bed. I continued to load what I could on to the computer, frustrated at the slow going, but thankful to at lease have wi-fi for now.