Welcome to Smalltown Ozzycana.

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Jo and I are currently experiencing what I would describe as "Smalltown Ozzycana", best summarised by such images as shops closing at 12pm on Saturdays /all day Sundays; lots of "infomercials" on TV; long stretches of roads and fields; fisherman falling asleep drunk on their stools at the only bar in town. Think of the lack of entertainment seen in England 20
years ago, combined with US lifestyle of Big Country, Simple Livin' and throw in some beautiful beaches and landscapes. To give you an example of just how odd this experience is we are currently typing this blog update in the equivalent of a betting shop.....nice.

So last time we updated you all we were still in the civilised city of Melbourne. We really enjoyed the mix of bars/cafes there but were looking forward to getting a little bit closer to nature on the road. First stop was Phillip Island which is home to some Australian wildlife like Koalas (very cute) and little Penguins (even more cute). The weather while we were there was great (although I believe the natives are cursing the lack of rain and the unseasonably high temperatures). Our accomodation on this leg of our journey is limited to cheap motels and cabins in caravan parks. The caravan parks are actually quite charming (in a roughing it, old age pensioner kind of way). The only motel we stayed in so far was literally in a one fishing boat town.....and once the sun went down the charm was completely lost.

What Australia doesn't lack is beautiful beaches. We are currently at a stretch of the coast known as 90 Mile Beach and it so picture-postcard like that it really does live up to its name. With temperatures at the moment varying from 30C - 20C the temptation to going swimming is very strong....that is until you put your toe in the water and realise just how cold the water is. Instead we keep ourselves busy by trying to write messages in the sand for you guys....see how busy and demanding our life is?

Ok time to go as the natives here are getting restless. We are continuing our littel road trip and will update you all when we get to the Hunter Valley in a few days. Keep the emails coming and Happy Birthday to Alo & B!!

Love
Ralph & Jo

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Photos

Its a hard life!
And you guys thought we were taking it easy. These cute guys sleep for 20 hours a day.

Phillip Island
Ralph smiles anxiously as he waits for a seagull to sh*t on him!!

Life is tough....
Jo's struggling to keep up with the pace of caravan park living.