A proud Dad & better weather!

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Hello everyone.

Last time we blogged (which was a long time ago) we were at Dunkeld in the southern Grampians.We left Dunkeld & travelled south through Penshurst to the small town of Hawkesdale where we free camped at the local golf club. The next day we rose early & drove into Warrnambool where our caravan (Wally) had a service. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast at a local café & did some shopping before again heading north & free camping just outside Ballarat.

The next day we booked into a caravan park in Ballarat for 3 nights. Ballarat is a big regional city which was part of a historic series of goldfields & a famous miner/prospector’s revolt against licensing & injustices. That night we went for dinner & attended a Sound & Light Show at Sovereign Hill.

The next day we left the van in Ballerat & travelled down to Geelong & onto Hoppers Crossing where my daughter & Gopi reside. We then went into Melbourne to Stephen’s daughter’s graduation ceremony. Michel graduated last year with a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition & Dietetics). You could not wipe the smile off Stephen’s face……he is a very proud dad! Astute readers of our blog may recall that Stephen & Michel walked the famous Overland Track in January this year.

Michel has set up her own business as a consultant with rooms specialising in healthy living & weight loss. You can see more about Michel at www.michelgrangernutrition.com.au.

The next day we returned to Ballarat. The weather was still very cold. The following day was Sunday & we departed Ballarat & headed north for approximately 200 kilometres to Echuca where we stayed for two nights & had some work done on our car. Echuca is on the border of New South Wales & Victoria because it is situated on the Murray River. Yes…we are on the Murray River again! Echuca is a famous river port & is popular with tourists because there are a few original paddle steamers providing cruises on the river. We also caught up with Sue & Gerry Shinners for a meal at the Echuca Workers Club. We met Gerry & Sue when free camped at Wandoo Reserve in Western Australia two years ago.

Leaving Echuca, we travelled west along the Murray through the towns of Cohuna, Kerang, Lake Boga, Swan Hill before stopping for a great free camp on the Murray at Speewa Ferry Crossing.

A late start saw us travel through Toolybuc, Boundary Bend to another free camp at Walsh’s Bend near Robinvale. We were gob smacked at the wonderful diversity in the soil type & types of farming. We saw dairy farming, oranges & mandarins, almonds & numerous varieties of table grapes & wineries. Whilst at the camp Stephen checked out a cod fisherman’s boat & was very envious. He also wet a line but only caught weed.

Walsh’s Bend

A hundred kilometres further west saw us booking into a caravan park in the Murray River iconic town of Mildura renowned for its agricultural excellence & historic port. We did the usual washing & stocking up routine & today we enjoyed a nice riverside lunch & cruise on an old paddle boat.

The weir

We went through the lock & the drop was 3.7 metres

Tomorrow, our plan is to head to Mungo National Park. Until next time, please take care, & for John & Maddie we say “Lukim yu behind!” xx