2022 was a very quiet year for Maggie and I travel wise.  Due to family commitments and our own health failings we only spent 19 days total in the Motorhome.

This year, health willing we are planning to make the most of it.

I have been using WikiCamps Trip Planner to do some planning.

So far have come up with the map below.  These are just the highways and we want to visit many other byways along the way and in between.

It could change of course but this is where we are at now.

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A great adventure coming up.  Enjoy!

Day 1.  A quick run down the Gore and Newell Highways.  Stopped for a rest up at Millmerran then down to North Star Rest Area about 30 k’s south of Goondiwindi.  Staying here the night.

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A more up to date trip plan.

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Hi Derek
Happy travels to you Maggie and the two kids (Dogs)
regards Kev ;)

The moon is exceptionally bright out here tonight.

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Just a quick run down to Gilgandra today.  The Newell Highway is currently terrible so far.

Last night read about a new campsite here that opened two weeks ago so decided to check it out.

It is under a two year trial by the council and located within the cultural centre.  Only ten sites available. 

Need to book online.

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Hi Derek
Seems like a pretty god spot  nite nite
Regards Kev ;)

We had a great run down today and now parked up with Bear and Molly at Gum Bend Lake.  Our day ended with this beautiful sunset

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Hi Derek
All set up have a great weekend enjoy each others company
regards Kev ;)

Some photos of the facilities here.  Hot showers, BBQ with power points, undercover seating areas.  Quite a nice spot and the sun is trying hard to push through the cloud cover.

All they ask for is a donation with the amount up to you.

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There are several taps but only two you can drive to.  One at the top of the boat ramp and another in the boat ramp carpark.

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My first loaf of bread for this trip in the Weber BabyQ using the Vienna loaf pan.

I am getting good at putting warts on them.

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Derek
I reckon we are going to see some good loafs of bread being cooked  during your travels Looking forward to seeing them
regards Kev ;)

Going to make a point of stopping there some time in the future.

Aart

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said their were thousands of these corellas hanging around the campsite.

Fortunately I can turn my hearing aids down.  Others not so lucky.   ;D

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtrxJ04ta6c[/media]

A walk around the lake this afternoon.  I reckon about 2 kilometres.  Lots of bird life on the water.

Council are installing a walking track right around.

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYyb5kVXZk8[/media]

Woke to rain and puddles everywhere this morning although looking at the radar it will pass soon.

An interesting concept in the showers here.  The taps are push button timers. You twist to set the temperature then you push to operate it.

Only thing is the timers are set for 20 seconds.  :o

You have to constantly keep pushing the button in but you don’t have to wait until the water stops flowing.

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Derek Happy travels 
regards Kev ;)

All tucked up at a friends farm at Old Junee for a few days.

A few years back I helped my mate Mark to install an old combustion stove into the kitchen.

The first photo is the morning after cooking bacon and eggs on it.

This week we have baked bread and cooked a roast pork dinner and a chocolate chip infused bread and butter pudding.

It is going well.

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Hi Derek
Hope your trip is going OK I have catched up on the forum
stories.
Have been off air due to computer trouble. New computer now
take care
regards Kev ;)

All going well Kevvie. Currently catching up with friends at Old Junee.

Will be moving further south next week.

I wondered where you got to. Enjoy the new computer.

Hi Derek
I was so use to the old one. not they use to be like HAHA

good to see you are having fun with your friends.
I got a phone call i was not expecting from my doctor
yesterday in urgent need to heart specialist seeing him in morning.  plague in some vessels
take care
Kev

Crikey Kev, hope that goes well for you.

Derek
thanks for the photos
Everything will be OK  more tests over the next few day
regards Kev ;)

Keep us informed Kevvie.
Take care buddy.

Aart

Hi Aart
Thanks for that mate will do that.
yes a few more test. Funny how it all started with trying to find out the reason I had a cough.
Enjoy your travels
Take care
Kevvie  ;)

That sounds more positive Kevvie.  Cheers

First photo is where we were on the farm at Old Junee

Have now moved on and with friends for the next two nights at Mangoplah. Second photo.

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Moving down into Victoria tomorrow.  First overnight stop will be at the Brown Brothers Winery. 

Pulled into the Brown Brothers Winery car park.  One of our regular stops when heading down through this part of Victoria.

Staying two nights as Maggie wants to go to the Wangaratta Woollen Mill Shop and it only opens on a Friday.

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Hi Derek
You nearly have the car park to your self
regards Kev

Kev, that is what Maggie and I enjoy in Victoria this time of the year.  Everyone else has gone north for the winter.  :D

Travelled only a couple of hours today and are now at Greens Lake Reserve near Corop in Victoria.

Judging by the amount of water we saw on the side of the roads I am surprised that we got into here.  Has been a fine sunny day and despite the lower areas being waterlogged we have parked on some head stuff and even if it rains tonight will easily drive off.

The ammenities have hot showers but as you can see they are very basic.  We will use our own.  😊

Only staying tonight and off to Bendigo in the morning.

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I don’t think my ramps are going to make the distance.  This one already has given way at the top.

The clouds thickened up, went dark and the rain is coming down again.  Photo from our window.  It is a lovely view.

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos. I have heard a lot about that place over the years via the grey nomad  and  caravan forums
Have a nice night  and safe travels tomorrow
regards Kev ;)
It is a shame we are not closer I have ramps I made out of pine sleeper cut offs I could have been giving them to you.
Kev

Goodmorning sunshine.

Photo taken from the open door of the motorhome.

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Nice to wake up to see the fridge humming along nicely on gas.Minus 19 in the freezer and 0 in the fridge.

The bottom row of figures are the temperatures inside the motorhome.  They seem to reset every 24 hours.  Currently 23. Hottest it has been is 25 and the coldest overnight was 18.  We love our diesel heater.

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Maggie waving goodbye as she disappears into the bowels of the Bendigo Woolen Mill Shop.

Heading to a caravan park here if she ever comes out again.  ;D

On the map the red is our trip so far.

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Hi Derek
Thankyou for   the photographs I am enjoying being the
"arm chair traveller" ;D
I also see that the wool store has a "Hubby seat" out the front.
I would be happy with that arrangement . :D
keep on enjoying.
regards Kev ;)

Definitely a Grandpa seat that one Kevvie.

Well Maggie eventually came out and this is home for the next three nights at the Park Lane Holiday Park, Bendigo.

Forgot it was school holidays and had a hard time finding a park to get into.

Very wet underfoot and had difficulty getting on the site.

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Always enjoy trips

I consulted Dr Google for the best fish n chip shop in Bendigo and it came up with the results.

Picked the closest one.

When I got home the food rated four out of ten.   :-/

Getting very disillusioned with fish n chip shops in general.

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Hi Derek
I think that is the case every where mate
regards Kev ;)

After a pleasant three days in Bendigo we made it to Green Hill Lake just outside of Ararat.

Drove through and visited some amazing little towns between here and Bendigo.  Most of them very unique and charming.  Some of the architecture is amazing.

Like all of Victoria it is very wet here at present so hopefully we can drive out ok tomorrow.

We are parked up pretty close to the water and the view through our very dirty bedroom window is terrific.  I am looking forward to the sun setting later.

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Hi Derek
Hope everything is OK with you both.
Looks like a pretty good spot. Thanks for the photos.
Safe travels
Regards Kev ;)

Kevvie wrote on Jun 29^th, 2023 at 6:03pm:

Hi Derek Hope everything is OK with you both. Looks like a pretty good spot. Thanks for the photos. Safe travels Regards Kev ;)

WE are both doing exceptionally well Kevvie, thanks.

I have always admired the wind turbines.  For me they are a thing of beauty.  This, even though it was only taken with my phone has to be one of the better photos I have taken this trip.

Second one is the sunset from our bedroom window.

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Derek
Thanks for the photos
forgot to ask  Being cooler weather have you been trying
the local bakeries whilst traveling.
regards Kev ;)

Maggie and I are on a healthy eating plan at present so avoiding bakeries Kevvie.   ;)

Derek
You are very brave people is it  "Will Power"  ;D ;D
regards Kev ;)

Port Noarlunga has great fish and chips

Derek wrote on Jun 30^th, 2023 at 2:53am:

Maggie and I are on a healthy eating plan at present so avoiding bakeries Kevvie.   ;)

Same with us.
Haven't stopped at a bakery since leaving home.

Aart

Our day set off well until I unknowingly missed a turn and the GPS decided it wanted to take us down many lanes and tracks.  When the bitumen ran out I knew we were in trouble.  Backtracked an hour or so and ended up arriving at Portland late afternoon.

Drove into the free camp here and it was a quagmire. No way was our front wheel drive going to get in and out.

Now sitting in the NRMA Holiday Park.  Quite good as even though school holiday time I got RACQ discount.

Here for two nights but such a nice place who knows.  😊

Hi Derek
Sorry to hear about your troubles. At least you have something nice to stay.
regards Kev ;)

Actually we got to see a part of Victoria we weren’t intending to so not all that bad.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hi Derek
That is true mate  ;D
regards Kev ;)

How good is this for a shower in a caravan park.

Has a glass screened shower at the back of the cubicle.  They even provide a proper cotton mat for you to stand on when you get out of the shower.

Have never seen anything like it before.

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Hi Derek
Always great to go to a caravan park that had a nice shower block that was nice and clean.
I would always used the shower block.  I could spread out. Lesley would always use a caravan shower so she didn't have to take what she needed with her.
It is funny how everyone likes are different.
regards Kev ;)

 

It is an amazing harbour.  Bit of a look around Portland.

Haven’t seen any fur seals yet.

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Point Danger just to the south of Portland has the only mainland breeding colony of Australasian Gannets.  Lawrence Rocks a small Island just off the coast has tens of thousands of them.

Had to use the full extent of my Tele lens to see the island.

My second time seeing them here.  It is out of breeding season but you can make out the mound nests in the photos.

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Derek
Thanks for the photos all looks great.
regards Kev

Day trip yesterday to Warrnambool.  Here are some photos around the Island.

The last photo is an interesting place.  It is of Middle Island.  Some years back it was a thriving Fairy Penguin colony however was devastated by foxes who could get out there at low tide.  When the colony was down to only a couple of pairs they came up with the idea of protecting them using Maremarra Dogs.  It is now once again a thriving Fairy Penguin colony.

In 2015 a movie was released about it called Oddball based on the story.  It is a nice good feel movie worth watching.

I wonder also how old that concrete bollard is.   :)

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On the way to Warrnambool we called into the lovely Port Fairy and went for a walk around the waterfront.

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Crossing the border into South Australia tomorrow and not allowed to take fresh veggies with us so cooking up a big stew on our little induction cooktop with all our excess veggies. 

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Hi Derek
That meal looks pretty good. It is a good meal for a cold night
Cold here today with rain 
regards Kev ;)

Well we crossed the border into South Australia.  Nice to know we no longer need Covid Passes.   ;D

Here we are at a 24 hour free camp at Cape Northumberland.  It is just a car park where/ self contained RV’s can stop for the night.

The video ends with our motorhome sitting in one of three long parking bays.

The photos are from our bedroom and bathroom windows looking out over the Great Southern Ocean.

Would have to call it as the nicest spot we have stopped at this trip so far.

Very cold outside.  :-/

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Es67xpgRws[/media]

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This will give you an idea how far we are from everything.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the video and photos. Looks like it is a cold day
Take care
regards Kev

Sunrise this morning.  I don’t usually get out of bed that early however wondered what the orange glow was coming through the roof skylight.   :)

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Our diesel heater is playing up.  Surging the motor up and down, cutting in and out all the time.  Been struggling to get the inside warm this morning.
Trying to get a repair on them is very difficult even if possible to repair.  Plenty of installers but few repairers

Yesterday bit the bullet and rather than pay a couple of grand for a new Eberspacher like we have we ordered two cheap Chinese import complete kits for less than $300.  Bought two so that I will have heaps of spares.  ;D

They are getting sent to Bear’s place in Adelaide and will collect them when we get over there.

Installation should be straight forward as I have installed diesel heaters before.  Hoping I can use some of the current wiring rather than run new looms.

Fun times.  Got down to only 14 degrees inside overnight but we have partial sun today.  ::)

Hi Derek
That looks pretty good
have a grood day
regards Kev ;)
PS Good luck with heater.
Kev

We did some coast hopping today.  Visited some amazing coastal towns.

Ended up at the RV Park in Kingston SE.  You might remember Shackles was here a week or so ago.  $20 for two nights with a maximum 6 nights.

Two photos from our bedroom window. The Lobster Shack over the road is closed for the season unfortunately.

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Really enjoying it here at Kingston SE however the weather gods are not being kind at present.

In the middle of the night we pulled the slideout in as it felt like the little awning over the top was going to sail away in the wind.  Ended up sleeping curled up on a short bed.  :D

It has eased off this morning but the forecast for later today is for damaging winds.  It is quite exposed here so we may end up moving further up and away from the coast a bit.

Not sure yet.  :)

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Hi Derek
Good luck with the weather gods.
At least comfortable in the motor home. Handy have windows to take photos. Hope you Maggie  and the little dogs are rugged up.
Take care
Kev ;)

Driving along yesterday and went, “Is that an Ostrich?”  Sure was but not a real one. Has a very interesting story to it.

Of course Nanna couldn’t resist climbing, with a bit of help  ::), up into the saddle.  ;D

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Was a rather nostalgic drive through the Coorong area yesterday.  My third visit here.

It has always held a place in my heart.  I remember learning about the mouth of the Murray River at school and as I grew older read a lot about it.

The pioneers, the fishermen and the farmers who settled here.  Was especially interesting in how the fishermen learned of the movement of the shoals of fish from the aboriginal folk.

I like this area.

WE are at the Avoca Dell Caravan Park on the outskirts of Murray Bridge.

Nice little park not far from the Murray River however all the water in the park is just filtered river water so unsuitable to drink. 

They do have a rainwater tank here and lucky me carries a water container so able to fill that up.

Second photo is looking from the front of our site across to the river.

Today started nice and sunny but now closing over.

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos.
Glad you got a little bit of nicer  weather
regards Kev ;)

Any close to the river have the same system mate, Tailen Bend is another example.

Cheers Robert

You know you are in the country when the locals drive the tractor to Bunnings. Was parked in front of me.   ;D

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Today Maggie and I had a day trip to visit Robert & Molly as our new diesel heaters had arrived.

Yes I bought two of them so I had spares.  While there I sorted through them and left a lot of parts with Robert as I will not be needing everything.

On getting home this evening I had a read through the Chinese/English manual.  Some words I am sure just do not translate to English or are guessed.  ::)

Anyway I have worked out I can leave most of the current wiring in place and use it.  Will use my old exhaust and ducting as well as the power lead for the fuel pump.  Will need to cut and splice some wires but I do have some solder splice terminators for the job.

That will be tomorrows job.  I will fit the heater and Maggie will catch up on washing.

On to greater things on Tuesday but still not sure which way yet.  The joys of not being tied to a timeframe other than being in West Aussie for spring.

Many thanks to Robert for his helping out.

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Derek
Good luck with your repairs. And getting some warmth into the motor home
regards Kev ;)

Was a a good afternoon mate and glad we could help. Molly enjoyed chatting with Maggie and discussing their love of the Bendigo woollen mill , cheers Robert

Out with the old and in with the new unit.

Old control unit Photo 3 and new one photo 4 with a remote control.

Ran the new one and works great.  I was lucky I didn’t have to run new wires as everything worked.  Just had to add some new compatible connectors and splice six wires.

Unfortunately my original ducting is the wrong size so I have to replace it.  Didin’t finish it today but very happy so far

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Did the new units come with any ducting?

jclures wrote on Jul 10^th, 2023 at 6:36pm:

Did the new units come with any ducting?

Yes they were complete kits with everything including fuel tanks.  Unfortunately when I collected them from Bear I didn’t think I would need the ducting so left them with him.  Was a 3 hour round trip today to pick them up.

You new controller is the same as mine.

Glad to see it coming together mate be interested in reports over the time of your journey.

May be cheap but if you get a few years well worth it.
Cheers Robert

Hi Derek
Well done
You will all be lovely and toastie again. :o :D
regards Kev ;)

Bugger :)
Derek wrote on Jul 10^th, 2023 at 7:00pm:

jclures wrote on Jul 10th, 2023 at 6:36pm: Did the new units come with any ducting? Yes they were complete kits with everything including fuel tanks.  Unfortunately when I collected them from Bear I didn’t think I would need the ducting so left them with him.  Was a 3 hour round trip today to pick them up.

Just booked in here for an extra two nights.  One good thing about this trip is no timetable apart from being in WA for Spring.

All finished and running perfectly.  Much bigger unit than the old one.

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Test run tonight for a few hours?

Bear wrote on Jul 11^th, 2023 at 6:12pm:

Test run tonight for a few hours?

Been running a couple of hours on low now and very impressed.  Very quiet operation.

Hope you get many years mate cheers

Derek wrote on Jul 11^th, 2023 at 7:14pm:

Bear wrote on Jul 11th, 2023 at 6:12pm: Test run tonight for a few hours? Been running a couple of hours on low now and very impressed.  Very quiet operation.

What temperature have you got it set on?

I haven’t really worked it all out yet Brian.  I think it was the lowest setting but we had to turn it off as was getting too hot in here.

Search "new type controller " youtube. There are a couple clips on setting up and how to set the temperature for auto.

Do a search for problems on auto as I believe there may be a couple

Thanks Brian. Really good video.

Didn’t realise so many different settings. One of the more interesting ones is you can see the temperature of the inside of the unit. Mine was hovering around 176 degrees Celsius this morning.

Robert, will check out the manual/auto issues.

Going for a drive to look around Mannum shortly.

Can you post the link for the video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxzUKhDeII0

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxzUKhDeII0[/media]

Cheers

Moved on from Murray Bridge.  At a donation site at Tarlee in South Australia.  Only a small village here.  We have visited before. You just camp around the oval.  We managed to find a spot drier than some.  This place has toilets, bins and fresh water.  Last photo is through our bedroom window.

Most likely stay a couple of days then wander up to Burra.

I have a ten day Travel Auction voucher for a park in the heart of the Barossa but due to school holidays cannot use it. Holidays finish end of next week so into the Barossa then.

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Hello Derek
Thanks for the photos.
It looks like the weather is nice to enjoy
regards Kev ;)

Kev, I think it has been the best day weather wise since we left home.  Will be six weeks on the road tomorrow. 

In July 2017, 6 years ago, we were at this same campsite.  Our motorhome had stripes then.  Picture from the window of Maggie sitting outside crocheting.

We are pretty close to the exact same spot.

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How are the little fur babies going with the weather
regards Kev

As happy as anything.   :)

HI Derek
Yes they are will always find a place to keep warm.
Our dog Peggy runs arounds each evening wanting her coat
put on
regards Kev ;)

Me and Penny having a relax day today.   :)

Maggie had a phone consult with our doctor this morning.  Scripts being faxed to a chemist not far away and we will pick them up later.

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Hi Derek
It so good now you can do everything over the phone.
Not like the old day where you had to see the doctor before going away on holiday
It is always good to sit around relaxing and a nap is even better
regards Kev ;)

Moved a bit further north and are at the Blyth Sportsground.  Another donation site but this one has a dump point.  Water is tank water. Allowed to stay 4 nights here.

We are 11 kilometres from Clare which is the heart of the Clare Valley wineries.  Some of our favourite reds come from around here, especially this nice merlot.

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A bunch of rhubarb and three Granny Smith apples with some custard for afters.   ::)

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Hi Derek
I think for a wine drinker I would say you have are just about reached heaven. ;D ;D ;D ;D
enjoy your stay
regards Kev ;)
  cold day here today jumper and beanie on all day

Perhaps our biggest disappointment of the trip today. 

In 2017 we travelled through SA heading to the COG at Silverton and went right out of our way to visit the Annies Lane Winery Cellar Door.  Maggie did some tasting because I was driving and we left with some wonderful wines.  I even picked up a Cab Sav that was about 15 years old.

Imagine our disappointment today to find that it is permanently closed.  The only thing to identify it is the old sign in the wall at the gatehouse.   :'(

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Few photos from a lookout over where we are staying.  Was a bit hazy so not the best photos.

I just love the rolling hills and open plains out here.

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Hi Derek
that is no good but at least you have plenty of time to try to find  another place for a good drop of wine.
Looks like you are having great weather.
regards Kev ;)

Kev, have found a place that does a nice cold platter with a glass of wine that is dog friendly.  Brunch tomorrow.   :)

Now that is the way to go. I hope you all have a great time.
regards Kev ;)

Hope to stop in that area on our way home.
Love the European cuisine on offer around there as well.

Aart

We ended up at Claymore Wines. Puppies were very welcome.

Had a lovely grazing platter and lots of wines to taste. Ended up bringing some bottles home.  8-)

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Derek
It looks like you had a good day out.
Did you go back to camp for a nap?
regards Kev ;)

An expense yesterday I could have done without.  Battery on the little car failed.  I do carry a portable jumpstart pack so was able to get it going.

I could have bought six reasonable bottles of red wine for what the new battery cost.   :o

Hi Derek
Well the battery going to last longer than the wine would
;D ;D ;D
regards Kev. ;)

Kevvie wrote on Jul 19^th, 2023 at 11:17am:

Hi Derek Well the battery going to last longer than the wine would ;D ;D ;D regards Kev. ;)

;D ;D ;D ;D

Moved on to Burra today to this lovely green grassed site in the Burra caravan park.  I think our first real chance to sit in the sun and soak up some vitamin D.

Fence is up and puppies are enjoying it but an ant just bit Daisy on the toe.  :-/

Behind us is a creek and across the creek is the town.

We will be here for five nights.

We have been here before and love this old town and surrounding area.

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I was never a big fan of Midnight Oil.  Still not.   :D

But was always intrigued by the cover photo of their Diesel & Dust album in the first photo.

I knew it was from up here near Burra so this afternoon we went for a drive and it is still there so took my own photo. Mine is a bit of a different angle.

There are a lot of these old stone cottages around here.

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Burra is an old copper mining town with a huge history.  Went to one of the lookouts and took this video overlooking the old mine site and the town.

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikyTCww1n-k[/media]

Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos you have taken I appreciate being able
to see them.
I think your photo of the old building looks  better. But might not sell records  ;D ;D Enjoyed the video.
regards Kev ;)
forgot the old roof would be good for a colour bond ad  ;D
regards Kev

Woke to rain again today so not much happening here.  Washing day.   :)

Sun managed to shine for a while so got to sit outside.  Looking across the creek that is the spire on St Josephs Catholic Church.  Built in the late 1800’s.

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We have been on the road for just over 6 weeks.
Still waiting to see our first drop of rain.

Aart

TBF wrote on Jul 20^th, 2023 at 7:18pm:

We have been on the road for just over 6 weeks. Still waiting to see our first drop of rain. Aart

Enjoy while it lasts Aart.

Hi Derek
Shame about the weather. It only going to improve.
regards Kev

Was a cold night.  Thank goodness for diesel heaters.

It’s 8.50 in the morning now and the hose from the park tap to the motorhome is still frozen.  It was minus 1.8 at 6.00 am and now still only 1 degree. Lucky the motorhome pipes aren’t frozen so have water for coffee.  🥶🥶🥶🥶

HI Derek
A great Qld winter day here 9.30 am computer showing
sunny with 16 degrees.
I am working out the back in part shade putting some serving boards together as we have a craft day coming up.
making corn meat fritters for lunch
take care
Kev

9.30 am and just turned the tap on over the sink and ice crystals came out as the hose is now thawing.  🥶

Morning Derek and Kev better than Glen Innis yesterday where even diesel heaters stopped working at -10c. Might need to take the hose of at night mate and a insulated bag over the outside tap. Not so bad here about 4c. Cheers Robert.

Is 21 now just swept and mopped the villa so I have a sweat up. Having the floor to dry and start cooking lunch.
take care 
Kev

Some of the amazing structures from around this town.  All these buildings were completed in the 1800’s as was pretty well all of of the town.

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Another doggie friendly cafe.  We had what they call a tiddy oggi which is an old Cornish pasty.  Savoury one end and sweet (apple) the other.  It is served with a bowl of sauce and a bowl of cream.

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Bear wrote on Jul 21^st, 2023 at 10:12am:

Morning Derek and Kev better than Glen Innis yesterday where even diesel heaters stopped working at -10c. Might need to take the hose of at night mate and a insulated bag over the outside tap. Not so bad here about 4c. Cheers Robert.

That is a new level of cold.
I've been in minus 8 before, high in the Alps.

Aart

Went for a drive out to the old Burra Railway Station.  Didn’t realise it was a museum with a fully decked out railway dining carriage. Will go back tomorrow when it is open.

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TBF wrote on Jul 21^st, 2023 at 5:24pm:

Bear wrote on Jul 21st, 2023 at 10:12am: Morning Derek and Kev better than Glen Innis yesterday where even diesel heaters stopped working at -10c. Might need to take the hose of at night mate and a insulated bag over the outside tap. Not so bad here about 4c. Cheers Robert. That is a new level of cold. I've been in minus 8 before, high in the Alps. Aart

We had minus 6 in Tassie.  Diesel gelled in the lines to the heater and the main water pipe from the tank into the van froze.

Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos, Those old stone building  look great
regards Kev ;)

Great seeing pics of my home State....

Thanks Derek

We are still around. On the move today. Last few days been fantastic. Have a lot of photos to resize and put up. Stay tuned.

Some photos from the remains of the complete village of Hampton.  House and sheds all built from stone as well as the stone garden fences. Even remains of the old longdrop toilet.

Hard to imagine that people lived here so long ago.

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From the old police stables and lockup.  Couldn’t get into the old cells.

Maggie even checked out the convicts longdrop.  🤣

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The old Redruth Jail was quite interesting.  A complete evil place.  In it’s later years it was a girls reformatory.

The dogs enjoyed the walk through it and even had a run in the convicts exercise yard.

Read the exerts from the doctors journal.

Check out the old camp ovens in the kitchen photo.

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A walk around and through some of the old mine buildings.

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I tried to capture some of the beauty inside the Saint Marys’s Anglican Church built in the mid 1800’s.

Lighting was not good.  We loved the lead light panels and the old pipe organ.

They still hold a worship service there every Sunday.

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These miners dugouts really threw me.  Hard to believe that families actually lived in these.  Only a few preserved ones remain, some with chimneys.

Really had to see this to believe it.

Read the info in first photo

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I put some photos up the other day of the railway station.  This time we were able to go inside the station as well as the old dining car.

This dining car was originally used on the Nullarbor Rail Crossing.

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This is but one row of housing that is actually a square.  The one we were allowed to visit has been maintained as it was, complete with earth floor.  The rest have been done up as holiday accommodation and can be rented even for an overnighter.

Note the camp oven at the fireplace.

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This small museum shop was once a tailer shop.  Some interesting things in there.

The quilt on the bed is made of red roo skins.

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Down into the cellars of the old brewery.  All those little roofs are actually air vents.  We were only allowed to see so much and a lot were blocked off.

Penny & Daisy enjoyed it.   ;D

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This is the old Burra Gorge Wesleyan Methodist Church from back in the 1800’s.

All abandoned now and appears to be used as a sheep shelter going by the foot thick sheep #### on the floor.  Even the remains of a skeleton where no doubt foxes enjoyed a feed.

The ceiling had the old pressed tin design and there was a fireplace in the corner.

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This is Burra Gorge or Worlds End Campground about 20 minutes from Burra.  Great little place with a drop toilet, bins and heaps of sunny or shady campsites.

The trees are magnificent and the walks along the creek beautiful.  Bird life in abundance.

We nearly had a COG here once however the SA guys moved it to Towitta.

Hope to camp here for a night or two on our way back from the west.

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Well that was our five days in and around Burra.  We were there six years ago for a short stay and always wanted to go back.

Have far more photos than those posted but had to stop somewhere.

Currently back at Tarlee for the night on our way to the Barossa.  Have a ten night stay from tomorrow that I won on Travel Auctions at the Discovery Caravan Park in Tanunda.

I have been sitting on the bed doing this and here is my view taken with the camera on the iPad. Maggie is up the front crocheting.   :)

Life is good.

Hi Derek
Another lot of great photos of things and place I will never
see.  Much appreciated.
I hope you enjoy the travel auction stay.
Keep warm
regards Kev ;)

Derek,

While in and around Tanunda, you may enjoy  a short vist the Luhr's Cottage Museum in Light Pass.

(It also has camp oven in the fireplace...)

https://southaustralia.com/products/barossa/attraction/luhrs-cottage-museum

All set up in the Discovery Park - Barossa at Tanunda.  Quite a big caravan park, we have a large site and there is hardly anyone else at the park.

Will most likely do a day trip or two into Adelaide from here.

Home for the next ten nights.

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Cannot get these at home or at least I have never seen them.

Ten king sized eggs and all of them are double yolkers.  😋

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Hi Derek
That looks a very nice tidy park.
I got  825 gram ones the other day $5.29 doz
   The shop I went to don't have the 600 grams one anymore.
Enjoy your days at the park
regards Kev ;)

Went for a drive into Adelaide.

Disappointed we couldn’t take the two pups into the big Adelaide markets.

Went down to Henley Beach then up to the port area.  Was a miserable sort of day with scattered showers.

Saw a seal frolicking just off the shore at Henley Beach. Tried for a photo but no good just with the phone.

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On the southern approach to Tanunda.  Maybe Jacobs Wines have some influence around here

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Enjoying some local South Aussie products.  Even the wine and port is local

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Last night for the first time since Condobolin I decided to pull the Weber out.   Cooked some pastries.

Pies with leftover vindaloo curry from the night before served with yoghurt and mango chutney followed by apple turnover served with dollop cream.

The seeds on the pies are black sesame.

As an interest that 375gm pack of butter cost me $9.25 at a small crockery store.

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Hi Derek
Good to see you had a chance to get out the weber. looking at the weather on the news and it has best to stay inside
the tucker you cooked looks pretty good for a cold night.
Hope you are both well.
regards Kev. ;)

Used up the last of the beef vindaloo and apple in jaffles for dinner last night. 

Apple is inside a fruit loaf.   :P

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It’s a mighty fine moon rise out there tonight..

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Derek wrote on Aug 1^st, 2023 at 6:57pm:

It’s a mighty fine moon rise out there tonight..

Apparently a blue moon and a super moon..

We finally moved on from the Barossa after 10 nights.  We are currently at a roadside free camp at Port Arthur which is at the top of the Yorke Peninsula.

Over the next few weeks we will be travelling around Yorke Peninsula.

Behind our motorhome you can see the waters of Port Arthur.  It is a very pretty area. Behind us is the Clinton Conservation Park.

Just staying the one night here.  Only one other camper so far.

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What happens when you follow the GPS and not the signs.

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Hi Derek
It is great to hear from you.
Thanks for the photos.
The only problem following the GPS would be finding a place to turn around
Good luck to you
regards  Kev ;)

Derek wrote on Aug 4^th, 2023 at 5:43pm:

What happens when you follow the GPS and not the signs.

Looks like our normal roads up here. :)

Derek wrote on Aug 4^th, 2023 at 3:01pm:

We finally moved on from the Barossa after 10 nights.  We are currently at a roadside free camp at Port Arthur which is at the top of the Yorke Peninsula. Over the next few weeks we will be travelling around Yorke Peninsula. Behind our motorhome you can see the waters of Port Arthur.  It is a very pretty area. Behind us is the Clinton Conservation Park. Just staying the one night here.  Only one other camper so far.

I drove past the rocky creek camp ground the other day, you would trip over the tent ropes there were that many NSW, VIC and SA vans and motor homes there.
I think there must be no one left down there.

Well we only drove half an hour this morning to Ardrossan.  Pulled in to use the dump point and found it was in this little free camp.  Can stay for 48 hours.  Only three sites and they are full.  Even managed to put half the doggy fence up for the puppies.

Turned into a beautiful warm day.

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We both love how the grain crop runs right to the sea.

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzhfK_i7J3M[/media]

This afternoon we drove down the coast a bit.  Still seeing lots of the old style buildings now in ruins.  The coastal towns are amazing.  Beautiful clear water and lots of history.

Looking down on the water and seeing all those sandy patches amongst the weeds says whiting to me.   :)

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the great photos. That camping spot looks pretty good and the weather has improved for you.
Take care
regards Kev ;)

Over the years have read a lot about Edithburgh and really wanted to spend some time here on this trip so here we are.

Like most places there are few crowds so we basically had the pick of the sites in the park.  We chose a foreshore site and took advantage of the pay for 5 nights and stay 7 nights so here for a week.

All of these photos were taken standing in the same spot.  I just turned around.

There is a sneaky cold breeze here that feels like it is coming up from the Antarctic

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The view from our bedroom window.

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Hi Derek
That is a great spot and view you have it is worth enjoying for at least for a few days
Enjoying the photos.
regards Kev ;)

Wind farms have always fascinated me.  This one just outside Edithburgh.

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z27XdpImSPE[/media]

Hey Derek that is a lot of windmills. :o
I have heard a farmer get quit a bit of money having them on their farms  :D
regards Kev ;)

Kevvie wrote on Aug 8^th, 2023 at 2:09pm:

Hey Derek that is a lot of windmills. :o I have heard a farmer get quit a bit of money having them on their farms  :D regards Kev ;)

They say that each one can generate a kWh of power every hour and unlike solar go 24 hours a day.  Here in SA the average house uses 6 kWh a year.

Went for a drive down to Marion Bay today.  It is about the most southerly town on the Yorke Peninsula.  Sunny day but blowing a gale.

Very pretty place. Had a nice walk with Penny & Daisy around a headland.

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On the way back from Marion Bay we called into Point Turton.  Another amazing place.

In the last photo if you zoom in you will see a caravan park overlooking the ocean.

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I have a real penchant for vindaloo curry and they are so easy to cook in the motorhome using the PATAKS curry paste.

So yesterday we finished the day with a chicken vindaloo dinner served with another favourite, Beerenberg Mango Chutney and Greek style yoghurt.

As the saying goes - “This is livin’ Barry”

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Hi Derek
Thanks again for the photos. You are getting to see some very nice places travelling.
regards Kev ;)

A drive to Port Giles today where Viterra have grain silos and a loading wharf.  Lucky to see a ship being loaded with grain.

Was a huge complex and amazing at the clarity of the water there.

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Just past Port Giles is the coastal village of Wool Bay.  Here there are remains of an old Lime Kiln.  We had a poke around there.

Amazing near every place in SA has a jetty.

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Another interesting spot were the pink lakes near Yorketown.  The photos do show the pink however I think the cloud colour took some of it away.

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the great photos
regards Kev ;)

Port Giles is one of the three ports the Tug Boat I worked on serviced. The other room were Ardrossan and Wallaroo.
Wool Bay jetty is good at times for Squid.

I looks a little cool down there.

jclures wrote on Aug 11^th, 2023 at 9:54am:

I looks a little cool down there.

It is.  These are the temp variations the last few days. Near had to use the aircon on Wednesday    ;D

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A serve of garfish and chips between us for lunch.

I was just thinking, why would I go and stand out on the end of a jetty in this freezing cold weather trying to catch a fish when I can get it like this from the shop.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

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My efforts at squidding this afternoon.  One little baby. 

Would make a good snapper bait back home.   ;D

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Hi Derek
Well done with your fishing. Looks like  your weather is going to cool.
I see we will have  29 -30 degreee the next few days.
take care enjoy the weekend
regards Kev ;)

Kevvie, my mowing guy sent me some photos two days ago and very dry at home.

Maggie and I have been ten weeks on the road today. Both us and the puppies going well.  :D

Buying fish and chips cooked is a good way to go fishing ;D ;D
Looks like no rain here for a while. The grass here at the village has not grown but the mowing contractor is still mowing. I don't even think the blades are working ;D ;D
It is good you are all well.

Have not heard are Aart is going. I think he would be OK
regards Kev ;)

Here in Frog Hollow because the rains haven't stopped (actually I should qualify that - the bug p*ss that pretends to be rain around here) it feels like whenever I get off the ride-on it is time to top it up with fuel and start again.   ;D ;D

Having said that, it's only a month or six week from being brown and crispy and 12 weeks from being a dust bowl.

Gotta love a "Mediterranean" climate!   :D :P

A very cold windy bleak day here.  I did get the awning up ok but am struggling to get the Weber BabyQ up to a good cooking temperature but I shall persevere a bit longer.  :)

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Well I persevered in the cold and managed to cook a small batch of scones.

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Often it is all about the location.  :)

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Not affecting us apart from the Espresso Machine but experiencing our first SA blackout at Edithburgh.  The whole district down here apparently. 

Just got a text from the park:

Hi all, Just a reminder we are currently experiencing a planned power outage the restoration time is around 3.15pm. we have the backup generator to run the office and boom gates please do not use the Southern amenities as there isnt any water supply,if you need any further assistance please come and see us in the office.  Cheers Edithburgh Caravan Park

When it comes to coffee there are alternatives.  :)

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Have you any idea when you get to SW of WA?

We don’t have a lot of planning however expect mid to late September.

Derek wrote on Aug 13^th, 2023 at 6:53pm:

We don’t have a lot of planning however expect mid to late September.

We are planning to be in Norseman about 18 September and start heading east. Getting away from WA when school holidays start.

Said to Maggie yesterday it looks like we are going to hit the west in school holidays.

Moved on this morning from Edithburgh and now at the Moonta RV Park.  Can stay three nights only.  Has a dump point and water.

Slowly making our way across to the Eyre Peninsula and down to Tumby Bay where we have a ten night stop at the caravan park there.

This is a donation site and I love the donation box.  😊

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Hi Derek
Looks like a pretty good camp area.
I wonder if   a camera inside the donation box takes a photo
   of you when you put the money in to it. ;D ;D
regards Kev ;)

Great catch up with Brian (Shackles) and Sharon today.

Brian was kind enough to bring a ladder down to the camp and we cleaned the solar panels on the motorhome.

Moved north today and stopping the night at the Port Augusta Motorhome Park.  It is part of the footy club.

$10 a night for self contained and has a dump point and potable water.

It is really just a car park at the rear of the club but will do us for the night.

Bar is open in the club.

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Hi Derek
I hope your trip is going OK.
I see from the photos there is quiet a lot of people are travelling
take care
regards Kev ;)

Now staying at a low cost, $10 a night camp at Cowell.  Only ones here so far.  Place has water taps but no dump point which is not far away in town.

Since I took the photo the cloud has cleared away and sun is out.

Only staying the one night.

Paid $42 for a swap and go gas bottle in town.  Most I have ever paid I think.

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We have got our 9 kilo bottle from EG Ampol. Associated with the old Woolies, they cost $32.
Have seen them for $50.

As a point of interest.  I know am towing a bit more than usual in the car trailer however according to the computer we are averaging 14.9 litres per 100 kilometres so far this trip.

Hi Derek
Looks nice and clean and also looked after.
regards Kev ;)

Kevvie wrote on Aug 17^th, 2023 at 6:44pm:

Hi Derek Looks nice and clean and also looked after. regards Kev ;)

If this rain keeps up overnight I might be sliding out of here sideways.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Derek
It does not look like it is that bad. But that might be the reason no one else  is  camping there  ;D ;D
regards Kev ;)

The rain disappeared however a fog bank is about to descend on us.

On my second coffee.  We have given up on the need to rush around early.  ;D

Veared off the main road into Arno Bay.  Small but pretty.

Still fascinates me how just about every place down here has a safe harbour and a jetty.

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Moved further south to the Tumby Bay Caravan Park.  Here for ten nights.  I won this stay on Travel Auctions for $25 a night.

We have a very large drive through site and didn’t have to take the trailer off.

In the third photo you can see we are about 100 metres from the beach and an amazing beach at that.

Going to be exploring the south of the Peninsula from here including Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay.

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos
The park looks very nice I hope you enjoy using it as a base.
I have always wanted to go fishing at Arno Bay.
regards Kev ;)

Still fascinates me how just about every place down here has a safe harbour and a jetty. Quote
That little harbour was built to service the offshore kingfish farms as well as the local and tourist booties.

Finally got around to a cooked breakfast to taste the new black pudding I bought last week.

Got to say I am impressed.  I expected the slices to fall apart because it doesn’t have a casing however it held together well.  The taste was good however a high pepper content.

I would buy again.

Don’t you just love those double yolkers.  :D

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I did know it before we got here but disappointing to have the jetty closed.

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How to finish a weekend.  Sunday roast beef dinner.   :)

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Couple of shots from Port Lincoln yesterday.  Another lovely spot.  Didn’t realise it was a city until we got there 

All those trawlers tied up reminded me of some of my misspent youth wortking out of Port Stephens NSW back in the late 60’s.  :)

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Went about as far south as we could go in the little car yesterday.

The last photo shows about where we were.

The waters were brilliantly coloured.  This is overlooking the Southern Ocean with nothing between us and the Antarctic.

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Maggie and I just had a sandwich for dinner last night as when we were at Port Lincoln yesterday we had a huge feed of seafood.

I bought two fisherman’s packs that were stacked with tempura whiting, tempura king prawns, tempura sea scallops, tempura oysters, salt & pepper squid and chips and they were huge.

All local seafood.

Mind you nearly had to take out a second mortgage on the house for it.   ;D

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Hi Derek
But  hey it looks like it was well worth it YUM YUM :P
regards Kev ;)

One of the flocks of Cape Barren Geese we have seen down this way.

I remember when they were on the endangered list years ago but now on a comeback

[media width=640]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2wGk6UZQk8[/media]

Couple of pork chops cooking up nicely on the BabyQ for dinner.

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Some times simple is best. :)

When one is in Coffin Bay one has to indulge.  8-)

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That is not fair, :( when we were down there some years ago I looked forward to having fresh oysters, but they were out of season I was told. :'(

Wow, didn’t know oysters went out of season.  Lucky me then.  :)

Having a couple of quiet days while relaxing at Tumby Bay.  Needed time off from all the driving and Maggie wanted to catch up on washing.

I am feeling 100%, Maggie had a teleconference with our doctor today and she is all good so the decision now made that we will cross the Nullarbor.   [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif]

Now planning our next moves without over planning too much.   :)

Hi Derek
Glad you are having a relaxing time
Looking forward to hearing about your travels
Take care
regards Kev ;)

Drove about 20 klm north this afternoon to a place called Lipson Cove.

Standing overlooking the coast Maggie said it reminded her of where the TV series Poldark was filmed at Cornwall in the UK.  Later we found out that like Poldark copper was mined here once.

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At Lipson Cove is a campground with 12 well defined sites set amongst the dunes, on ridges and even adjacent to the beach.

Photo 2 is sites 9 & 10 up high.  Photo 3 is sites 11 & 12 that are just about right on the beach.

$20 a night to stay.  Only facilities are two long drop toilets and rubbish bins.

Quite amazing place.

---

Must be obvious to everyone by now that we do love the coast.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Dinner last night was a rustic bunch of Cornish style pasties.

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A simple breakfast. 

The sourdough was sprayed generously either side with olive oil before going on the grill.

Two eggs for him and one for her.   :)

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Hi Derek
Thanks for the photos. The food looks nice too.
Lots of places we visit you are unable to see the water for the building which are built at the waters edge.
Have fun
regards Kev ;)

Well we hit the road again today.  Have found down here you don’t have to go all that far to find something amazing.

Pulled in for the night, or maybe 2 yet, at the Elliston Golf Club carpark.  It is a $10 a night camp with no facilities other than rubbish bins.

We are up on a hill overlooking the ocean and the views, as you can see of the two from our bedroom window are brilliant.

Car is off the trailer and heading out to explore the area.

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A bit further along the trail today and now at Streaky Bay.

Nice littler RV Park with no facilities for $15 a night.  Dump point and water about 5 minutes away.

Workers currently onsite mowing the grass.

Have seen a lot of the coastline and taken so many photos.  Will try and get a few more up later

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Derek
Looks like another great place An friend of mine from the old CB radio days had a holiday home there 
He would go there fishing for King George whiting. YUM
regards Kev ;)

King George are much more expensive down here than the silver sand whiting.

I was looking at a half day fishing charter until I read the fine print.

Target species was King George Whiting however there is a limit of 10 per person.  The charter was $180 so even if I caught the maximum of 10 I am allowed it would equate to $18 a fish.

I can buy a lot of prepared fish n chips for that.   ;D

Off to Ceduna shortly.  It is only just 100 klm.  Will stay there in a caravan park for a couple of nights and stock up ready for the run across the Nullarbor.  Really looking forward to it.

Derek
It would be fun to go fishing but yes the price of the trip would put off.
Years ago (when working) I was to do a charter out of Arno bay. But never got around to do it. That would be expensive to do now by the time to flew to Adelaide go fishing and fly back home.
regards Kev ;)

Now in Ceduna at the Foreshore Caravan Park.  We can just see the water through the bedroom window however that will go when someone pulls in on that site.  Lovely park on the waterfront however all waterfront sites taken.

Only two sites available to choose from.

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Progress so far.  A few days here then across the Nullarbor

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Hi Derek
Plenty of travellers there Derek. they must be travelling east
towards home.? Looks a very nice park.
regards Kev ;)

There you go Kevvie.  King George Whiting and chips for dinner although I should have got a half serve of chips.

They were little whiting.   ;D

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Derek
Looks a great meal.
shame the fish was a little larger for you.
regards Kev

Park had 100% capacity last night. Now 10.30 am and they have nearly all gone.

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Derek wrote on Aug 30^th, 2023 at 2:09pm:

Progress so far.  A few days here then across the Nullarbor

We are going to be in Esperance on 7, 8, and 9th.
Norseman on 10th and East after that.
See if we can do a catchup.

Aart

Aart, we are leaving Ceduna on Saturday 2nd.

No definite plans other than a couple of places we would like to camp across the Nullarbor. One being Bunda Cliffs area.

Good chance we will hit Norseman around the same time.

No doubt internet/phone will drop out across there some places.

Derek make sure you have phone or internet coverage on Sunday. (Father's Day)

Derek wrote on Aug 30^th, 2023 at 2:09pm:

Progress so far.  A few days here then across the Nullarbor

If you are going to Esperance the RAC Park has 3 night pay for 2 if you get in before 21 September. Have a look on line.  We have a powered site at Busselton RAC for 3 nights. $90.

Aart

Derek wrote on Aug 30^th, 2023 at 6:51pm:

There you go Kevvie.  King George Whiting and chips for dinner although I should have got a half serve of chips. They were little whiting.   ;D

Derek wrote on Aug 30^th, 2023 at 6:51pm:

There you go Kevvie.  King George Whiting and chips for dinner although I should have got a half serve of chips. They were little whiting.   ;D

I thought KG Whiting were large.

Aart

As a rule they are however like a few things I expect the biggest and best go to top restaurants.

KG Whiting generally are a lot smaller up the west coast of SA.
The size limit reflects this. The size is 32cm. East of Pt. Lincoln and 30cm. West of Port Lincoln.
Are you sure they were KG.Whiting?

Each fillet would have been around 28cm I would think.  So tail and head, over the size limits.

Yes definitely KG Whiting.

Camped tonight on the Bunda Cliffs. Internet all over the place. This was sunset.

[media width=640]https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=y4qXhS4-_ew[/media]

Hi Derek
That is a great view. Thank you for posting the video.
regards Kev ;)

Derek you need Starlink mate, great sunset cheers

A few photos of where we camped at Bunda Cliffs. As you can see about 30 metres from the edge.  Was a beautiful spot.

There were ten camps there last night.

Last photo is the view from our bedroom window that we woke to.

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Well we got chased off the Bunda Cliffs by wind and a sand storm about 2.00 pm.  So pleased we did the extra klms yesterdaty to get there and see it at it’s best.

Tonight we are at a roadside rest area about 2 kilometres from the SA/WA border.  Will cross into WA tomorrow.

Due to quarantine at the border made up a big salad for lunch to use up our salad stuff and cooking up a heap of veggies tonight for dinner.

Didn’t expect to get this far but all going good.

Third photo is back at the Ciffs this morning.  Went for a walk and you can just see the motorhome in the background.

---

Couple of extras.  In about 400 klm didn’t see a camel, wombat or kangaroo and no roadkill either.

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Hi Derek
Great photos. thank you
What no trees for 96 k what do travelling dogs do. there has to be a post at least for them  ;D ;D ;D
Enjoy your day
regards Kev ;)

Safe travelling mate lookforward to your reports on each stop cheers

Pulled into a big off road area near Cocklebiddy in WA for the night. Huge big free camping area. Have the place to ourselves so far.

Transferred our reserve 40 litres of water into the motorhome tank.

Everything going well but just 3 bars of 3G internet.

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Hi Derek
That looks like a pretty good bush camping spot
Thanks for the photo enjoy seeing them.
regards Kev ;)

Another great stop along the way.

This is a good free bush camp just near the Balladonia Roadhouse.

Beautiful view from our bedroom window.

Just on 200 klm tomorrow and we will be at Norseman.

We are ahead of time. 

All is good.

---

The progress bar is sneaking along. Currently in our 14th week of travel.

---

Part of today was the 90 Mile Straight.  :D

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Hi Derek
Another set of great photos. Looks like a great spot to camp.
regards Kev

Are you coming back the same way or are you going around the top.
I have only ever driven across the Nullarbor the once, and that was from west to east.
I would think the free camps would be a same camps we used back then, they look similar to when we came across.

John, not sure how we are going home yet.

I reckon there is somewhere you can pull off for the night at least every 10 klm. 

I don’t think there were that many back then. Not ones I would have stopped at anyhow.

Hey Derek....I have been reading your trip...nice to see you been to places we have...but different CPs etc

Have a great trip

Smokeydk wrote on Sep 6^th, 2023 at 11:07am:

Hey Derek....I have been reading your trip...nice to see you been to places we have...but different CPs etc Have a great trip

Cheers Dave.  How is your health holding out???

We crossed the Nullarbor.  A first for me and a second time for Maggie. 😊

Now in a free RV park at Norseman for the night.

You have to pay for your water in Norseman.  $1 for 60 litres.  Cheap as chips.  You buy tokens from the information centre.  Bought a jar of local honey at the info centre.  Has a very beautiful taste.

The water dispenser and dump point sit side by side.

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Over here in WA they have quite a number of big rest areas that have long drop toilets, a dump point, rubbish bins, picnic tables and heaps of room for an overnight stay.

No water so if using the dump point you need your own to flush the tank.

I didn’t count coming over but quite a few across the Nullarbor.

Stopped at one and took these photos.

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HI Derek
Thanks for the photos. They sure have some great camping areas.
regards Kev

At 6.30 when I woke up the outside temperature was 1.6 degrees with a feels like minus 2.7 degrees.  Was 10 degrees inside the motorhome.

Thankful for the diesel heater.   :)

Arrived at Esperance and staying at the RAC Caravan Park.

Have a nice big corner block where we can fit the trailer on and sea views from the back of the motorhome and through the window over the pool.

Had a catch up with Aart and Hetty this afternoon.

Staying here six nights.

Quite chilly here this afternoon.

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Hi Derek
That park looks like a great spot I hope you both have a relaxing time.  Thank you for the photos.
Looks like you are having cool mornings
take care
regards Kev ;)

Out and about in Esperance yesterday.  The bays, beaches and headlands along the coast are amazing.  The photos do not do justice to the colours.

Photo 4 was at a place called Salmon Beach.  There were a couple of people fishing but nothing caught while we were there.

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The shark alarm on Twighlight Beach near the surf club.  They get those big white pointers down this way.

I shall stay out of the water.   ;D

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Good day Derek
Hope your trip is going OK.
Thank you for the photos.
I personally think  the WA beaches look better than the Qld
beaches.
regards Kev

Not sure I have ever seen a camp kitchen as neat and practical as this one.

Even has six barbecue plates outside.

We sat in there last night with Aart and Hetty and enjoyed shop bought fish and chips.

Two TV’s.  One was on Rugby League and the other AFL.

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Be a nice place to have a Birthday Party.  [smiley=party.gif]  [smiley=party.gif]

As you all know it is my birthday today but also our anniversary so had a cookup brunch to celebrate the start of the day on the Weber BabyQ.

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Hi Derek
I hope you and Maggie had a really great day.
regards Kev ;)

Our last day here today at Esperance.  Heading slowly towards Albany from here.

A few days in Albany then heading bush for a couple of weeks while school holidays are on and then on to the Margaret River region.

Hit the road this morning heading in the direction of Albany.

Didn’t get far and now at Ravensthorpe.

The weather has closed in with strong winds and driving just to uncomfortable so into this 48 hour donation camp to wait till it settles in the next couple of days.

Not the flattest place we have ever been to.

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Hi Derek
At least it is somewhere to stay and from the photo you are not the only ones there.
Enjoy 
Regards Kev ;)

Moved further towards Albany today.

Stopped in a big gravel pit about 20 kilometres out of Jerramungup.  Nice big flat area that would hold quite a few vehicles.

Only ones here so far.  Be interesting to see if we get neighbours tonight.

The wind has died down a lot and the rain has passed

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I don’t normally take that much notice of fuel prices but nice to see diesel prices starting to fall over here. 

Paid $2.35 a litre this morning at Ravensthorpe.

Most we paid so far was $3.03 at the Nullarbor Roadhouse.  Fortunately that was only a top up.

Hi Derek
At least it well not be muddy under foot.
Not bad price for fuel I paid $2.21 local Caltex  yesterday
less 4 cents litre (RACQ member)

One bird I really did want to see this trip is the Red-capped Parrot.  They only live in the south west of WA.

Was looking out the window and this one landed about 15 metres away.  Took these snaps through the window however as Maggie slowly opened it for a clearer shot it was gone.

Hope to see more though.

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$3.12 at Nullarbor yesterday.
I'm glad we didn't need any.
Refuelled at Nundroo for $2.19

Aart

Hey Aart, did you camp out or stay at roadhouses??

Made it to Albany.

Lovely open park here and we have a nice big site at the Tasman Holiday Park.

Even the doggos have grass outside in their pen.

All set up for 4 nights.

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Have updated our travel map. 

School holidays about to start over here so we are heading north away from the coast for a few weeks once we leave Albany.

Maggie lived over here in the early 70’s for a couple of years so going to do a memory lane trip for her and see if places where she lived still exist.

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Doing some running repairs on the motorhome plumbing today and as I was heading for Bunnings Maggie said, grab something for dinner.

Woolies is next door to Bunnings down here so popped in for a look.  Just as I got there they were marking down pork ribs so grabbed a small pack.  Then to the sauce section where I grabbed some Baby Rays then to the spices where I found a nice rub.

Back at the motorhome I gave the pork a good rub with the spices, wrapped it in double foil and into the Baby Q at 180 degrees for two hours.

After the two hours I took the foil off the top and gave it a good dose of Baby Rays then back on a high heat for another twenty minutes.

Served up with coleslaw and potato salad for a delicious dinner.

As some would say, this is livin’ Barry.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

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Good day Derek
I hope you are having fun
Your travel plans sound interesting.
Thanks for your photos looks a nice meal
regards Kev ;)

Had a look at the old Albany Historic Whaling Station today.  They have a complete whaling boat in dry dock still with the harpoon launcher on it.

This was particularly interesting for me as when I was 15/16 I used to buy small bottles of whale oil from here to use as fishing burley.

Back well before the internet and online shopping I had to go to the post office and buy a postal money order and actually write a letter telling them what I wanted and post it off.  They advertised in fishing magazines.

Cannot remember how much it was now but it used to come back in the mail in a small brown glass bottle with a cork in it.

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Drove up to the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial today. 

A pity it was hazy as the views are fantastic.

The memorial itself is exceptionally well done.  I wasn’t aware that a large number of troops heading for Galipolli left from Albany.

The detail in the statues were amazing.

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Hi Derek
It looks like you had an interesting day.
Thank you for the photos
regards Kev ;)