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Published: March 2nd 2015
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The McDonald family
The 2 girls spent most of the afternoon 'Out the back" Having completed our assignment at Werribee South Caravan Park we were ready for some R & R. We were keen to re-visit Bright, in the Alpine region of Victoria and to inspect the changes that have been implemented in the caravan park that we worked in 4 years ago. We set up camp at Oxley Recreation Reserve and soon had a “Happy Hour” invitation. On our approach to Bright the next day the sun was shining and the weather was warm. Our time in Werribee South had been far from what we expect for summer and it was lovely to feel warm again. (How long would it be before there were complaints about being too hot?) Our day was spent visiting 11 caravan parks in the area to make enquiries about the possibility of obtaining some more relief management work. We got one show of interest and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
Our next camp was beside a beach on the banks of the Murray River just west of Yarrawonga. The days were hot which made our location the ideal place to be. Every hour or so we’d just take a dip in the cool, very clean river. We spent
50 years age difference
Same amount of fun ...but the after-effects could remind someone of the 50 years age difference! a lovely Saturday afternoon/evening cruising Lake Mulwala on our friends’ pontoon boat. Kim and Shannon were the new managers at the caravan park at Eildon when we started working there in Feb 2012, just before Peter’s lymphoma was diagnosed. It was great to catch up with them and see how much their 3 young children had grown. They now live and work in Yarrawonga.
After 6 days it was time to explore other parts of the river so we reluctantly left this peaceful spot.
Michael and Christine who were our new friends from the week before, were now settled in to Town Beach Tocumwal. “Toc”, as it’s known locally happens to be where Wendy started out. Her Dad was stationed there at the huge air force base, when she was born at Finley, just up the road. Tocumwal Town Beach Primitive Camping Ground has flushing toilets, cold showers and water taps all through the park. This would be a great place to spend a week or so …… if only the fridge would operate efficiently on gas. After the first night it became evident that we needed to be on 240 volt power to keep our food at
Our camp spot at the beach
8km west of Yarrawonga on the Murray River. Truly a magic spot. safe temperatures. Lucky for us there was a van park backing on to the reserve so we relocated for a few days. We continued to enjoy Happy Hour each afternoon with Michael and Christine and new friends Ross and Lyn. We only had one dip in the river as the beach was not as nice as near Yarrawonga, and the current was much faster here. Apart from that, at the van park the heated pool was literally across the road from our van, and we were the only residents for most of the time, so we called it our own private pool.
Arrangements had been made to have the fridge repaired in Shepparton once a spare part arrived from Melbourne. How it took over a week for the said part, the size of the end of your small finger, to travel the 3 hours, is beyond all who hear the story!
Our time in “Shep” was pleasantly spent cycling/geocaching, catching up on dental appointments and sorting out our telephone issues, and FINALLY, getting the fridge fixed. After all the waiting around, the part was NOT needed. The problem emanated from an oily substance used to maintain inside the
Barmah Redgum Forest
One of our day trips had us marvelling at these remains of giant redgum trees. The oldest trees in the forest here are more than 500 years old. “Swap and Go” gas bottles. The gunk collected in the piping, causing inefficient gas flow. We were staying at the Victoria Lake Caravan Park, which is lovely for walking, riding bikes, or for the more enthusiastic – jogging. Around the lake on a warm evening people came out in droves for playing, swimming or just having a picnic in the park. Of course a visit to this area is not complete without a visit to the SPC factory shop, which lightens the wallet and severely adds to the weight of the van. Unfortunately, there is no clear river to swim in, and no pool in the van park. The days are still mostly warm to hot.
With the Labour Day long weekend coming up in early March we want to be settled somewhere before all Victorians want to get away for a camping trip. At this point a return to Tocumwal Beach is appealing. We know it will be busy but it’s a great spot, we have friends there and there’s some more exploring to be done.
So, we checked out of Shepparton and made the 80km journey (we don’t like to travel too far in one day)
Barmah Lake in Barmah National Park.
The redgum forest and wetlands form the largest stand of River Red Gums in the world. The forest has been declared an internationally significant wetland. back to Tocumwal, where we reclaimed our old site next to Michael and Christine – and the next edition of our blog will cover what we are now doing, relaxing again by the Murray River.
Remember to check the additional photos.
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Doug
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Pigs
Gee Peter, did the pigs remind you of a previous incident?