Heading off around Australia

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Brent took the day off work to see us off. That might have been a mistake as Barry spent half the morning giving him instructions on what to do while we’re away and I made sure he could feed himself OK. Bet he breathed a sigh of relief when we finally left around 1pm – much later than we’d intended. We had a good run until we started to get peckish and stopped at a roadside fuel place for some lunch. Surprisingly they had a home-made chicken and vegetable soup which was really thick, packed full of fresh veg and delicious – filling, too.

We had hoped to get up into NSW but the sun was already getting low by 4.30pm so we decided we should find somewhere for the night. Soon after we saw a sign for the large Calder-Goulburn Memorial Park Rest Area and pulled in. It was right next to the highway but had reasonable toilets, plenty of room for big rigs and a nice view so we stayed. Soon after we got ourselves set up we heard frogs calling nearby. On investigation we discovered the noises were coming from the wet ground next to us – like a mini wetland. We snuck up to see them but even when they sounded off right next to where we were standing we still couldn’t find them. I think we have discovered a new breed of invisible frogs!

We also watched a hawk hovering overhead looking for mice from the fields next to the road. He would stay looking over one spot for half a minute and then fly a little further along the edge of the road and try again. He was a joy to watch but the poor thing wasn’t having any success.

We’d had such a late lunch that we only needed a light tea and by then the temperature had dropped drastically. I was freezing and tired and with no heater as we had no power, we decided to have an early night. Although the trucks roaring down the road were very noisy, they didn’t keep me awake. I crashed out.

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Photos

Calder-Goulburn Memorial Park Rest Area
We were right next to the highway and had a mini-wetland beside the van.

Calder-Goulburn Memorial Park Rest Area
Barry trying to find the "invisible" frogs in our mini-wetland.

Comments

[Snap Shot Stacey]

Have fun!
This is the first time I've actually seen the new drive way you had made I think! Loving your colour combo mum. I often wear purple and turqouise too! I'm sure Brent was sad to see you go as soon as he went back into the quiet house. Have fun and safe travels! xx

[dragonlady]

New driveway
I never thought to send you a photo of it. It runs right back to the shed. Re my colours - I often wear green and purple together and I wear a lot of blues, jades and strong red or pink. I can't carry all those colours in the van as there's not enough room for all the co-ordinating stuff like cardigans (handkerchief point ones - not granny ones) so I'm sticking to greens, a little purple and blues. You'll probably get sick of seeing me in the same things during our travels!