Day 156

Programed Puffing Billy into Nat today and she took us right there but we were too late for the big trip from Belgrave to Gemstone we could have done it tomorrow if we wanted to but there was a Lunch Train $85 each but we thought it was worth it, but it was booked out so we just went on the trip to Lakeside. I am sure that we would have enjoyed the lunch trip, the cattle class wasn't that good I am glad we didn't take the long trip, but you get what you pay for.

While we were sitting waiting for a train back for 30 minutes noticed an add for a model railway and mentioned to Gerald and he disappeared, but he only had a short time to look so we will have to go back tomorrow.

Day 155

When we left Echuca we noticed that the irrigation channels were a lot fuller than they were two years ago.

Today we passed hundreds of motorbikes, must have been at Phillip Island.

When brought the bus home last year we stayed in Seymore, but didn't see it in full, but we couldn't fit under the railway bridge so we went to the Information Centre to find out how to get out of the town. We had to take the truck route.

Shepperton was a very nice town. We saw lots more vineyards and Olive groves. Went on to look at the Eildon Dam and that is still only 30.5% full.

Then we were in the area of the bushfires earlier this year. It amazing how the bush has managed to regenerate, some of the trees were only burnt on one side, but the people are still in the process of rebuilding.

Day 154

Last time we were here Gerald went to the Holden Museum, but it was so hot he was uncomfortable, so he was very keen to go back. I wasn't that interested, but Gerald came back and got me and it was only $5 and it was worth it.

Day 153

I am going to write to Wollies and suggest they put out a broacher with their locations and GPS locations and whether they have parking for car and caravans etc. Also whether there is a Wollies SS and its locations. Because one of the first things when you hit a town is to get groceries and or fuel.

Yesterday we decided we would head home and so we rang up and couldn't get the bus on till the 25th Oct and no cabins available only sit up, if wanted a cabin it wouldn't be till the 5th November. No pensioner or CMCA discounts and we couldn't get on any wait lists for cabins or wait lists, but the girl said keep ringing and asking.

Not a lot today just washing. We had booked for two nights but decided on a third and when I booked it was for Sunday night and that is evidentially cheaper, first time we have come across that. Just a couple of pics of the Murray where we stayed

Day 152

Toady we saw Pink Lady Apple orchards and would you believe a grove of Cricket Bat Willows, they didn't look like regular willow trees.

At Lake Boga which has a rowing club and sailing club but no water Gerald found the Catalina Flying Boat museum.

On to Echuca Information Centre and found out the best place to shop was over in NSW in Moama where Wollies cater for large vehicles. So we stayed on that side in the Shady River Holiday Park

Day 151

Today we were in three states, SA NSW and Vic. Drove through the Brossa Valley, their grape seemed well in advance than those we saw in the Clare. Our of all the vineyards the only one that I recognised was Banrock Station. The grape growers must be doing well nearly all the vineyards had new houses on them and big ones. Also saw lots of olive groves. Stayed the night in the Piangil North Rest Area once again next to the Murray.

Day 150

Heading towards the Murray River today.

We used the back roads today and even though the towns looked little on the map most of them had everything there that you need. In one little town Yacka in the middle of nowhere we saw another Tassie car and camper trailer. We passed lots of vineyards and grain crops.

Went through Clare and it was only 13 deg but it has warmed up now we are here at Waikerie parked next to the Murray.

Gerald is outside waiting to get a pic with the sun shinning on the bus. Well the up shot of that is Gerald got bitten by black ants and ran back to the bus screaming and shedding his clothes.