New South Wales/Camberra

Hi all,
 Well we left a very wet Victoria behind and tried for better weather at Eden on the south coast of NSW, not to be, rain and a cold wind, visited the whaling museum there and learned about the shore whaling operations which was only possible with the help of killer whales which herded whales into the bay, didn't learn that at school.
Up to Bega and the mandatory visit to the cheese factory for a comprehensive tasting session, the museum stairs made me feel a little old where the machinery and tools etc were things we used as kids, great display.
After a wet camp at Drummond Creek we headed for Canberra to visit my Niece and family for a few days, warm sunny weather at last !  even the remnants of a dust storm in the air.
It was great to see the family as the little ones had grown so much since we last saw them,  about 5 years ago, way too long as far as I am concerned, made me realise just how short life is and how fast it goes. We had so much to catch up with each others lives, events, anniversaries and just stuff in general.
Thanks heaps Mike and Rebecca
Then on and across to the coast once more to see the Ocean Cliffs Road, now that was an experience! that road down to Shellbourne( near Woolongong) on the coast was equal to best NZ has to offer by way of twists and bends ( about as good as the Alpine Hwy) only down hill, hairpin bends etc etc with Kath driving again.
Our reason was to drive the Ocean Cliff Road, it runs around a rocky headland on concrete piers with spectacular views. That is the road used for some car adds.
Then it was up the range again and off to the Blue Mountains to visit with my Nephew Colin and his family.
Now we have experienced the full gamut of weather - bloody hail stones as big as cherries and walnuts ! Next afternoon it was small pea sized stuff followed by a few days fo glorious sunshine, again it was fantastic to catch up, we are really enjoying these times with family.
Huge hugs to all Colin, Mel and Amelia.
Now we are in Sydney with my brother and his wife for Christmas and Boxing Day prior to heading north again as our trip is  rapidly drawing to a close unfortunately.
Not many photo's this time as for us it was family time.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Bob n Kath.

Adelaide to Victoria 14/12

Hi my faithful followers,
It has been a long time between drinks, first the Internet was so slow I grew a beard while stuff loaded then we had none but I definitely wasn't about house the sat phone as a link, not at those prices!
We arrived in Adelaide and booked into the van park as Kath flew home for a night to attend her Class Graduation, Huge thanks Killian for organising the flights. The kids were both surprised and happy Kath went to the effort to attend, a few of the parents were as well, not to mention her fellow teachers.
Headed south towards Banrock Station winery, surprise surprise where we had lunch and a few samples, we also obtained a couple of 'souvenirs' to bring back.
Ended up in Victoria where we visited Bushland Dingo rescue centre, meet Gill the owner and spend quite some time talking and seeing all her dogs, about 30 odd from all states of Australia, she doesn't breed them so keeps the gene pool pure. Fascinating lady.
Kept following the Murray River Valley Hwy and camped on the Murray River that night, absolutely bloody hot, even the wind was 39C, didn't cool down much until early hours of the morning.
Visited Glenrowan for lunch with Ned Kelly, fantastic little Cafe with excellent food.
Then on to Browns Brothers Cellar Door for a few more samples as Kath usually drinks their Cienna red when dining out. The crowd was huge as it was also their comedy festival afternoon so we didn't linger very long and headed out to Edi Cutting for the night and yep, rained again but at least it wasn't very windy. We heard a large tree come crashing down up the hill from us, happy we were in the open part.
Then off to Swift Creek via the Alpine Way Hwy, now that is an experience I will never forget ! The road is narrow, mores bends than an epileptic snake with sheer drop offs beside the road and NO guard rails, Kath was driving so to say I was a tad nervous is an understatement. Kath has a habit of steering towards what she looks at so came way to close to the edge for my liking a few times. Stopped at the top at Mt Hotham for lunch and changed over drivers, the souther side is a total contrast, still a little bendy but no drop offs.
We caught up with good friends Greg and Ann Batt, had a really enjoyable few days with them, Greg showed us around his patch of Victoria, it is really very scenic and peaceful. Visited Lakes Entrance, many little towns and up into the State Forest Fire lookout and the legendary high country cattle runs,  old steam winches and hoists used in the timber industry, saw a couple of snakes, wild brumbies and the views were sensational, even saw a wombat just up the gully from their home. All in all a very memorable few days.
The last photo is basically their back yard, beautiful ranges.
Huge Thank you Greg and Ann,
Well it started raining again so we left and headed towards East Gipsland and Eden, more adventures to come.
Stay safe.
Bob n Kathy

                                               On a hot summers night

                                              Alpine dingo

                                                                  down Kosiosko way

                                                         Lkes Entrance

                                                High country huts- usual graffiti

                                             steam winch and boiler

Greg and Ann's back yard.

Barossa to Adelaide Hills 29/11 to 1/12/18

Hi folks,
It has been awhile since our last entry, some highlights and a few disappointments along the way.
The Barossa Valley hasn't changed since we were last here, still expensive however we managed to find a little family owned German bakery in Tanunda with exceptional food! Kath enjoyed a home made Parsty full of fresh diced veggies and a flakey pastry to die for. I enjoyed a lamb kebab type thing with a German name, the texture and flavour combination was superb. A visit to the cheese factory was also ignorer prior to the tasting trip. First stop was Rockford to stock up on our home supplies, then off to Bethany to add a new dimension to that order. We tried a few different wines but nothing really suited our tastes.
We left Barossa and headed for a little town called Hahndorf, a really picturesk place comprising of mainly heritage buildings of sand stone, solid split timbers with a very friendly atmosphere. We had lunch at the Blacksmith Cafe which is in an old blacksmiths shop, hand hewn timbers and the walls were sealed with clear plastic sheeting - very different but the food was great, again home made on the premises.
After some exploring we spent the night at the Caravan Park ( great weather) and caught the Bus next morning over to Mt Barker for their Christmas Pageant, there were over 95 floats in the Parade besides the Clowns and various other fill in's, a very enjoyable morning, return bus fare was $2.80 for both of us - old fart rates 😀.
After leaving we travelled via Echunga, Strathallyn to Longhorn creek for the night - cold and windy again. That stuff is following us I think. Went up to the Prospect Hill Museum which we were told was a great machinery and heritage place, not sure when that was as the machines were covered in rust, dust and cobwebs, the rest wasn't much better - the whole thing needs a thorough overhaul - didn't even have running water in the toilets! Very disappointing so we left.
Heading for Victor Harbour, next blog.
There are a heap more photo's but the down load is pathetic here, 10 minutes per photo ! I will down load a heap when I can get a faster internet.
Stay safe.
Bob n Kath