It's a big one.

What a beautiful morning… when Kayla wakes up for like the tenth time.  Seriously that tooth or even better, teeth come through soon.  It was really nice waking up to the sound of horses trotting past.  Guess that is the benefits of camping at the showgrounds come racetrack.  It certainly made entertaining the kids whilst Jason packed up the van easy.  We just went down and watched them go round and round the racetrack.

Good morning.

 

Nothing like a morning ride.

 

Hamish loved watching them go round and round.

 

 

The drive still seems very boring.  However we are just trying to work out if it is more because of the fact it is the trip home as there was a lot less to look at going out to Broken Hill.  We broke up the drive a bit with a stop at a playground in Forbes.  With a bit more enthusiasm we jumped back in the car to do the 50 odd kilometres to the Dish just outside of Parkes.

As we approached the Disk Jason excitedly pointed it out to Hamish, to which he got the matter of fact response of ‘It’s a big one’!  Let’s not state the obvious here, and it was said as if he was some kind of expert on all dishes.  Hamish had a lot of fun with their display and interactive setups, especially the two smaller dishes about 200 metres apart.  When Jason talked into one, Hamish and I could hear him in the other.  We then of course went into the souvenir shop and got a few things, including the cliché’ The Dish movie.  Then it was on the road again.

Someone is having fun.

 

Can you hear me Dad?

 

It's a big one!

Jason calls our walkie talkie radios as the ‘Marriage Savers’ however I have found they only save arguments if my instructions are followed.  Go backwards two metres somehow equates to driving forward!  According to Jason I don’t know how hard it is, I mean seriously why can’t the van just do a right hand turn?  I think Jason felt under the pressure with all these older more experienced van people watching.  We got there in the end and we are still happy campers!

Happy snap in front of the dish.

 

Nothing like a quick bite.

It was then just a quiet afternoon pottering around the van park.  I fell asleep putting Kayla to sleep so it was a very early night for me!  Luckily I have Jason to save the day and do the washing up and everything for me.

 

My attempt at a happy snap.

 

Kayla hanging in the pram.

 

Ever wonder what a difference it makes crossing a state line?

Another beautiful morning and the cool change they were predicting didn’t make it to us so that has to be an added bonus.  We packed up the van pretty fast and left it in the caravan park which was very generous of the owners as we decided last night to spend half a day sight-seeing and then move on.  We headed off to Kings Valley as the promise of good food and wine was calling me.

Obviously we got there a little too early as most cellar doors do not open until 10 am, so we started with some delicious morning tea.  Then we went to the local cheese factory and I was in heaven.  Jason was in charge of tasting some of the wines in the cellar next door whilst I was given the duty of selecting the cheese.  I may have gone just slightly overboard but they were all so soft and perfect.  Might have to pull them out for happy hour when we get to Dubbo.

Some of the cute cars that pulled up at the same time.

 

Jason and Kayla hanging out whilst I taste cheese.

Hamish was under the tree in the backgound with some of his

new friends he made whilst waiting for me.

 

Our main reason to go out to Kings Valley was that I found out that the Brown Brothers Estate was out there.  I love my Brown Brothers wines and I was smitten even more so when I found out that they have a range of wines with my name on them.  That is right; all the ones with Patricia are extra special, especially the Noble Riesling Patricia which has won multiple awards.  So in case anyone didn’t believe me I have bought a bottle to share and of course taken a picture for all you who can’t join me.  They have lots of fantastic wines that they only sell at the cellar door, so of course I shopped up semi-big; I am limited in cellar space.

The sign says it all.

 

Brown Brothers has a beautiful garden.

 

Has his biscuits so is happy.

By now it was nearly lunch time so we really had to head back to Wodonga to pick up the van.  As we headed across the border into NSW for the last time this trip, we had a real sinking feeling.  The reality that the trip is coming to an end started to set in, but we soon dismissed it with all the talk of what we are doing on the way home.  We still have the Big Dish, Dubbo Zoo and a Celtic festival in Glenn Innes to all look forward to.

See I wasn't lying.

 

Couldn't help myself and had to get this one.

 

They even had a playground for Hamish.

 

Our day was awesome until we crossed the state line, and then it all seemed to go downhill.  The aim was to get to at least Wagga Wagga but ideally we would like to make it to Temora.  So obviously we wanted to make good time and what happen, we get stuck behind a learner driver doing 80km/hour.  Okay so it is only 10km/hour less than what we do, but we don’t exactly have great power for overtaking.

 

Beautiful entrance to Brown Brothers.

 

Thought you would love this Mum.

We then thought we would pull up in Wagga Wagga to grab a quick bite.  I thought this would be easy being such a big town, but the first place we pulled over had nothing open.  Not even McDonalds or Subway!!!!  We then drove around a bit more and saw the golden arches so thought great let’s pull in.  Well there was no driveway in from the road we were on, so we pulled into the next side road.  From there we were to walk back, however first Jason realised we had forgotten to plug back in the van trailer plug.  So not only had we been driving around town without any brake lights and indicators on the van, we were also worried we may have damaged it.  When Jason first plugged it in nothing worked, but thankfully with a bit of fiddling we got it going.  This also wasted our precious time. 

Anyway we still went and got something to eat and Hamish got to play on the playground, before hitting the road again.  Of course we got stuck behind another learner driver going 80km and hour and taking every corner at the pace of a turtle.  I wonder if they had their mother in the front seat holding on for dear life like my Mum!  I remember you always saying to me Mum that even if it says you can go 100km/hour it doesn’t mean you have to.  Oh hang on, you still say that now (love you).

Hamish then decided he wanted to do a wee, so we had to pull over for him, only to find out it was a false alarm.  Back on the road Jason asks for his reading glasses and I couldn’t pull them out of the little pocket in the car where we keep them.  Turns out the case was super glued to the car!  We had bought some to help fix the antenna issue and well it had somehow ended up in the same spot, but leaked onto Jason’s glasses case and onto the car.  I managed to finally separate it from the car, but then had to pry it open one end to pull out the glasses as the glue had done its job at the other end.

Hamish keeping the sun out of his eyes.

 

Lovely evening to be out driving.

We did eventually make it to Temora safely and just in the nick of time really as Hamish was starting to get over it and Kayla was waking up.  Our camp location tonight is at the showgrounds.  They have power, water, showers and toilets for only $15 a night.  We were sure how it worked as we tried calling the phone number on the sign but no one answered.  A quick chat to someone else already set up and they let us know that you just set up and someone will come around and collect money in the morning.    

They ended up coming around tonight and as they took our money they handed us a pile of information on the town and area.  They even included a list of houses for sale in the area – guessing in case you really did want to stay a long time.  I think this is a great idea and more towns should become RV friendly.

Simple re-heated leftovers for dinner and the kids went to bed early so Jason and I could watch the MKR final and the new show A Place Called Home.  We have a lovely view overlooking the town of Temora so the day ended on a high.

Don't mind if I do!

 

Mum you would love it here.

 

Beautiful driveway.

 

 

 

As far up the Murray River as we will go.

Another beautiful morning and I don’t think I will ever get sick of waking up to Kayla babbling away.    It is especially funny watching her in her highchair.  She is constantly pulling the curtain out and checking out what the neighbours are doing.  Such a noisy little parker we seem to have on our hands, mind you the tantrums she chucks if you take something off her that she isn’t meant to have makes me not look forward to when she hits 2.

The morning was spent doing all the domestic duties and washing whilst chatting to other travellers before we headed off to the information centre for a few local maps.  Today we decided to do the Upper Murray River area, especially the man from snowy river region.  I really loved that movie as a kid and couldn’t wait to check out the area.

The photos don't do it justice - I swear they were more yellow.

 

The drive was so scenic and followed the edge of Lake Hume for so long before following the Murray River.  Unfortunately there weren’t many stops along the road to get photos, so you will have to put up with the ones through the car windows.  It just felt like wherever you looked it was beautiful.  The Lake seemed low, but again apparently that is the normal level for this time of the year.

Looking back to the bridge we just crossed.

 

You can see where the level is when full.

 

Now we are back following the Murray River

 

 

We stopped in at Jingellic on the recommendation of the lady from the Information centre that there was a great pub there for lunch. She was spot on; it was set in a beautiful location overlooking the Murray River. Anyone who is after a free camp, there was one no more than 50 metres away from the pub and you could use their hotel toilet and shower (shower costs $4 so cheap), but the location was priceless.

The trees outside the pub.

 

So peaceful.

 

The old bridge - during floods it went to the top of the pillars.

 

Father and son happy snap.

 

The view you would have from your free camp.

 

 



After lunch we continued onto Corryong which was again another beautiful town however we were really disappointed that there didn’t seem to be a lot to do there and not much at all on the whole man from snowy river thing.  Just a gravesite of someone they believed was him and a museum that even the local information centre didn’t sound keen about other than a hand knitted quilt.  Both Hamish and Kayla were getting tired so after a quick play in park we decided to head back to Wodonga.   We just made a quick stop outside of Koetong to see an old rail bridge and then returned to camp.

An old rail bridge - would hate to cross it now.

 

As much as there was for the man from snowy river.

 

The view from the road - Mt Kosciuszko is in the background.

 

Just a bit to the left ofd the other photo.

We still really want to see Bright and Kings Valley so we are thinking of instead of staying another night we might pack up early tomorrow morning, leave the van here and go out and see them.  Be back just after lunch and hook up the van and get a bit down the road so that the next day isn’t as big and we don’t have to cut out a night in Glenn Innes.  I just can’t not do Kings Valley as it is known for its food and wine and well that is what I am all about (ha ha).  Vince and Jacki we will try and see if we can get a bottle of wine home for you!  I can’t promise chocolates.

Cheeky little monkey

This morning we had a relatively easy pack up as we hadn’t bothered to put out the awning due to our location of being under a nice big tree and the weather being a bit cool for outdoor dining.  The towels weren’t complete dry so I thought I would be smart and quickly pop them into the dryer.  It wasn’t until we got to Wodonga that we realised I never got the towels out of the dryer.  Whoops!  Other than being annoyed at myself it isn’t a major issue as we have two sets in the van at all times so we will just use the other set until we get home.

About 8km out of Corowa we came across the Victorian town of Rutherglen.  It looked beautiful and quaint so we were naturally bummed that we hadn’t come out and explored it the day before.  Oh well we will just have to remember it for the next trip.  As we were driving through town we saw a sign with a quote we thought was quite funny, so of course we wanted to get a picture of it to share.  Jason parked as soon as we could find one that could fit the van and as Kayla was asleep I quickly ducked out to grab the picture. 

 

As I was walking back to take the picture I noticed a caravan driving past and in true style I started to check out what they were towing and the car they were towing with.  I suddenly noticed them pointing and waving and I realised it was one of the friendly Queenslander couples from Dead River Bend.  They then started beeping their car horn and frantically waving, and then beeped again as they passed Jason who was about 200m up the road.  Then of course the other couple was just behind them and so they waved and beeped. 

It gave us a good laugh and I quickly took the picture and jumped back in the car.  We didn’t think we would be able to catch up with them considering we only do 90km an hour as that is the best for our fuel economy, however we did.  That is when we remembered that they only do 80km an hour due to being able to safely stop with the load they tow.  If they had a UHF radio channel advertised on the back of their van we would have called them up, however they didn’t.  We were secretly crossing our fingers that they were also moving onto Wodonga but they continued on the freeway whilst we exited.  I am sure they were heading to another awesome free campsite.

I am sure every parent understands the “Are we there yet?” question.  Hamish loves this one, and luckily today he only asked when we arrived in Wodonga, so we just told him we were looking for the caravan park.  So of course what does he respond with…? “Yes, with a jumping pillow, playground and bath”.  Talk about knowing what he wants and listing it to us to ensure we meet his every need.  Luckily this park has all so we are awesome parents! 

As we were setting up a local came over and started chatting to Jason.  He is currently living in the caravan park (obviously in his caravan) whilst having his new home built.  Both he and his wife grew up in the area so he gave us a list of things to do and see.  It was great but has now left us wondering if we need to have an extra day here and take one off the drive home, who knows, we will make that call tomorrow.

We headed straight out to Beechworth to check out the original Beechworth Bakery and see the honey shop.  The idea was that it would be a great stop for lunch and then continue on to another town.  Oh no, this town had so much more on offer, including Ned Kelly history.  So instead of stopping for lunch, a good number of hours were spent there. 

Ned Kelly country.

 

Hamish spent ages looking at the bee hive.

 

Main street.

Jason went through the old courthouse museum with Hamish whilst I browsed the streets (i.e. lolly shop). Hamish stood in the same dock as Ned Kelly, before deciding the Judges chair was better. He then started telling Jason where to go and what to do. The gentleman who ran the museum said he would make a good judge (read between the lines – bossy).

Hamish in the dock.

 

Then he upgraded to the judge.

 

I personally think this suits him the most!

 

Due to the time we then headed back to Wodonga as we needed to get to the Jayco shop before it closed for a part for the antenna.  Of course we just had to check out the bigger vans but there weren’t any that catered for the kids.  When in the parts area the gentleman told Jason it was ‘risky business brining your wife in’.  I thought that was a bit harsh, until I started to browse and well I have found all these things to fit out the van, so now totally understand what he was saying.  The best was a bin to attach to the cupboard and a fold out clothes line to attach to the outside.  They are just little things that would make life easier when doing lots of packing up and moving on.  Of course I was good and left it all there, but when we get home and have the tools to fix these items to the van I think they will be good to get.

They didn’t have the part Jason was after so the attendant informed us of another caravan shop just down the road.  So off we went and whilst Jason went in to enquire about the part Hamish and I went browsing at the vans.  Well I am happy to report we have found the one we want.  Hamish was very impressed and matter of factly told me “I stay here and you go and talk to Daddy”.  Mate if only it was that easy.  So of course I headed out to find Jason to show him our dream van.  Instead I found the sales guy so I picked up a brochure and he said there was a smaller one to which I quickly informed him 'why go smaller'.  I mean seriously, if I am going to dream, I am going to dream big!

Anyway we managed to drag ourselves away but Hamish wasn’t too happy.  So I explained to him that in order to tow that caravan we needed a bigger car.  So he informed me he didn’t like our car and we needed a bigger one.  I said it wasn’t that easy as you have to work out which one we wanted.  He quickly replied ‘a blue one’ and gave me the look as if to say ‘how hard be that decision Mum’.  So now we had a little boy who couldn’t understand why we just couldn’t go out and buy a new car and caravan.   He then also tried tagging onto families and couples who had bigger vans – nice try mate.

Next stop was to the shops to stock up on food and the best bit being that I finally replaced my broken $1 wine glass.  I thought I couldn’t beat my bargain green wine glass, but I did, I got 4 for $3, so now we can have people over for drinks (ha ha).  The rest of the evening was filled in with the normal dinner, bath, movie and bed.  We so could continue doing this and not go home. 

Browsing the main street.

 

The old roadside assist cars, still working.

 

Hamish patting the local horse.

 

Beautiful little town.

 

A day to remember.

Another early start for us and this time it wasn’t Kayla, instead Hamish woke up at 5:15am so we decided that we should get up and go to the dawn service which was at 5:45am.  Our theory was that we would attend the dawn service and then go to the 24 hour McDonalds for breakfast.  Well our plans were dashed from the start when we went and parked at the McDonalds (as it was right near the dawn service) and it wasn’t open.  I am thinking we might need to explain to them the definition of 24 hours, or either that they need to change their sign.

The dawn service was really good and for the first time it was explained as to the significance of the dawn service and why we should carry on the tradition.  Obviously today makes you realise what these men and women did so we have the life we have today, but how slack we are really that we all can’t get out of bed early one day of a year to remember them when they did it daily to defend our existence.  We are guilty to; I think this was only my third dawn service.  Afterwards it was announced that the RSL was doing breakfast, so we thought we would head down there since our McDonalds option was a no go.

Hamish got a bit over lining up for the meal so went out to the outside playground to play whilst we lined up.  Unfortunately he obviously needed to go to the toilet whilst out there and proceeded to pull down his pants and go in the garden in full view of the dining area (though his back was to us all).  Jason tried to run out and stop it but was too late.  At least we didn’t get kicked out and the gentlemen behind us got a good laugh out of our embarrassment.  After that we did manage to get our cooked breakfast and sit down and enjoy it.  We chatted to what we thought were locals on our table but discovered they were in town as it was a special ceremony today for the nurses and two of them were writing a book on their Aunty who was a nurse in Egypt.

A home devestated by the tornado.

From here we decided to head back to Mulwala and Yarrawonga to attend their ANZAC march.  It was actually quite sad as to how small the Mulwala parade was.  The vintage cars just zipped past and you could have been forgiven for not realising it had started.  I felt for all the old servicemen as they didn’t get a chance to be thanked and celebrated.  Maybe I am unfairly comparing it to the Brisbane March where everyone goes by slowly and the crowd is constantly clapping and waving flags.

Start of the parade.

 

So proud of what they did for us.

 

We owe them so much.

 

 

We then decided to check out the rest of the towns.  One thing we have noticed is that New South Wales really seems to keep the river to themselves in the sense of private properties and not a lot of parks on the edge.  Whereas Victoria seems to make the river/waterfront all about the people and yes the rich can have their water views from across the road or just back a bit.  They also seem to embrace the idea that everyone should be able to access it and enjoy the mighty river.

The thin strip of a park NSW offers.

 

Views over the lack back to Victoria.

 

View of the lack more NSW side.

 

For lunch we returned to our van and then just spent a lazy afternoon back here napping and watching Hamish play on the jumping pillow.  I think the reality is starting to hit us that the holiday is winding up and we are going to have to head home soon.  At least Jason managed to find a shower tonight with hot water and good pressure.  Oh and I am sad to report that Kayla’s tooth disappeared back into her gum.  How depressing that we are going to have to go through all of that again!