Day 10. Mildura

Cruisin' the Murray

A beautiful fresh morning greeted us in Mildura. Bec and Scarlett didn't wake up from their slumber till 8:30am, what a sleep in! We ended up having a relaxing breakfast outside the van watching all the other 'grey nomads' heading back out onto the open road, while we enjoyed our morning cuppa listening to a chorus of native bird calls.

It was then straight into another 'challenging' school lesson with Scarlett, before exploring what Mildura had to offer. After a visit to the local Information centre, we headed down to the wharf district for a walk along the Murray River. Then it was over the road to a local park where Scarlett played on the 'monkey bars'. We came across a police awareness campaign in the park, and ended up with a free lunch of sausages on bread for nix! Sweet!

We voted on what we would do next, and it was unanimous - we were off to cruise the waters of the Murray River on the P.S Melbourne, an original paddle steamer that does morning and afternoon cruises every day. We were lucky enough to find the Murray 'up' an extra 4 meters, so we bypassed the river locks and cruised down a section that's not normally able to be accessed by the paddle steamers.

We saw some lovley properties lining the shores, and some amazing bird life - the Whistling Kites had a huge nest in a majestic river gum, and we were lucky enough to see them swooping down to catch fish right beside the paddle steamer. It was a very relaxing afternoon, sitting back and enjoying an ice cold drink, while savouring the sites of peaceful river life.

We soon returned back to the van, and Bec started dinner. I think maybe we should of researched our trip a little better, as when we were in Finley Bec decided to buy a 5kg bag of Potatoes. Today we found out that just over the South Australian border is a quarantine check point where no fruit or veg is allowed to pass. As we will be crossing into SA on Firday, you guessed it, we are eating fruit and veg now until it is seeping out our pores! Bec decided that 'Shepard's Pie' would be on the menu for dinner tonight. Little did I know the 'pie would be 2/3rds Potato, and 1/3rd mince? Mmmmmmm.............

After dinner Bec and Scarlett went for a swim in the Big4's park swimming pool. When they left is was very warm, but by the time they returneded the weather had cooled down some what and they were both freezing! :-)

Bec was going to finish the night relaxing with a hot cuppa and watch the new series of "Farmer Wants a Wife", but we just discovered that the only channel we can't get is WIN (9) and guess what channel "Farmer Wants a Wife" is on?? You guessed it!

Day 9. Hay to Mildura

Into Sunraysia Country

We did a morning of school work today. Yes I should mention the ‘school work’. Scarlett is doing Kindergarten this year via Sydney Distance Education. We do 2 to 3 hours a day of maths, writing, reading, art, and music. It's been a bit of a struggle so far, we get a pack every two weeks with two weeks work in it. Scarlett has a very limited attention span at her age, and I have not much of an idea what I’m doing. To say it’s a challenge is an understatement!

We try to knock the school work over first thing in the morning when she is fresh. Unfortunately this then means we leave later in the morning to site see, then after the drive onto the next night’s accommodation, and set up it’s usually then a late dinner. It’s not perfect, but we are discussing other options.

We visited the Shear Outback centre in Hay this morning. We were disappointed to find that they weren’t sheering today due to everyone being on holidays :-( This centre is dedicated to Australia’s shearing pioneers, and they have some really great interactive displays including a sheep yard maze. Our shearers are by far the best in the world, and have pioneered most of the techniques seen today.

We had a lovely picnic in the Hay Park. Scarlett loved feeding the baby ducklings in the dam, and played on all the play equipment. In the centre of town is an authentic Cobb & Co stage coach (The Sunbeam) behind a glass display. Shane was over the moon to see this as he collects’ Cobb & Co stage coaches, and is a huge fan. Unfortunately there is some works going on with the path out the front, and there is six foot fencing around the display making it impossible to get a good photo.

I sat in the back seat with Scarlett on the way here today and watched “Gone with the Wind” in the head rest DVD player. It certainly made the time go quicker. It was a 4 hour drive, and I drove the last hour to give Shane a rest. We are staying at a Big 4 caravan park tonight. We joined the Big 4 club for $50 (2yr membership), and got an on the spot discount, it only cost $25.75 a night and we got a free ensuite. I will certainly be taking advantage of that tomorrow and washing my hair. The ensuite in van is adequate and I love it, but it’s a little cosy.

We plan on taking a couple of days out from travelling and spend some time in Mildura to do some site seeing and organising. Shane needs to give the Pajero and van a good clean as we must have hit just about every dragonfly between here and Hay today, and I need to better organise the school week, and better prepare where we plan on going etc, as due to the flood down this way, we are presently doing everything on the fly. Mmmmm….

Day 8. Finley to Hay

Hit the Hay 'Flood' Plains...

After a yummy breakfast, Scarlett helped Andrew round up the sheep and 'drove' them on the quad bike from one paddock to another, before jumping in the tractor and ploughing the field ready for a new season crop to be sown.

Bec packed the caravan and then finally had her first ride on the quad bike to check the Alpaca's before we said our farewells to Liane and Andrew, who have been the perfect hosts during our 'mini' farm stay. They will both be sorely missed, and Scarlett is already asking us "When are we going back?" Thank you both very much for an unforgetable country experience!

We stopped in Deniliquin for a quick bite and a walk around town, and Scarlett asked to get her photo taken with 'the cool ute over there'. No problems! She was talking about the Deni Ute Muster Mosaic Ute that is now on permanent display in a local park.

Due to the flooding down south in Victoria, we decided to head north up to Hay and try and cross into South Australia from up there. The Cobb Highway has only just been re-opened (due to the flooding), and it still has a fair amount of water over the road. We stopped and checked out the "Long Paddock" at "The Black Swamp" which we discovered only fills with water every twenty or thirty years (which is how we found it). The birdlife alone was an amazing site! Here, we also read the folk story about the two Drovers and the Headless Horseman.

I think the Hay Plains needs to be re-named the Hay 'Flood' Plains, as we were very surprised how much water is still over the road and in the fields. Scarlett wanted us to stop in the middle of the highway so she could go for a swim, but unfortunately there was nowhere to pull over. It would of made an amazing photo!

Tonight we are staying in the Hay Caravan Park (Top Tourist Park), as the free camping sites we were planning at staying at are all closed due to recent flooding. never mind, as the powered site we have only cost $28 and its very close to the town centre. As a bonus, it's just down the road from the Shearing Hall of Fame - where we plan to visit tomorrow.

A hearty BBQ dinner of Andrew and Liane's home grown lamb chops, while enjoying an amazing outback sunset finished the day on a perfect note....

Day 7. Finley

Finally! Here comes the sun

Finally the rain stopped, a beautiful sunny day. With a little wind it was a great day to catch up on the washing. We were supposed to leave today but with the driveway still boggy and poor Shane needing to get some caravan modification jobs done, it was decided to be “free loaders” for one last day. Shane was able to complete all the jobs that needed doing, and with the help of Andrew and his welding skills, one or two extra little things were sorted out. I am also waiting on a package from the Distance Education people that should hopefully arrive tomorrow.

Allison and Scarlett had a lovely morning catching grass hoppers, and feeding the new baby Alpaca. Andrew took them both on their daily quad bike ride around the farm checking on all the animals, and they both even got a ride in the tractor today as Andrew and Nick ploughed up the soft soil for a new crop.

The girls watched some movies and I did some house work, a nice relaxing day. I took a heap of photos of the farm for Andrew today - a kind of a snapshot in time for his records. It is amazing how quick things dried out with this little bit of wind.

Sara and Nick came over to pick up Allison, and stayed for dinner. Shane and I got take-away Chinese for everyone to say thank you to everyone for their very, very generous hospitality.

The Farm House

Day 6. Finley

A baby is born!

A very exciting day today, a new baby male Alpaca (Cria) was born. Andrew rounded the little fella up first thing this morning and moved him and mum out of the rain, and into the shed. He was only an hour old and Shane and I both got a nurse, it was very special indeed. He is so cute, we just went and checked on him again this evening and he is suckling like a champion, he’s now even more cute all dry and fluffy.

Another day spent mostly inside with the bad weather. Scarlett had a lovely day though with Allison (Sara and Nick’s little girl) coming over this morning for a play date. Four movies and two bags of pop corn later and it’s now turned into a sleep over. Shane and I even got to watch a movie today, with the kids playing so happily together.

With the rain unrelenting, both girls pestered Andrew so much he finally gave in and took them both for a ride on the quad bike. Lucky it was just before bath time, because they both came back soaked to the bone, but with huge smiles from ear to ear.

This evening’s dinner was home grown roast lamb, it was sooooo good. Nick and Sara came over and I had a lovely time getting my little person fix with their toddler Emily.

We all consulted the maps again today trying to decide where to move onto next, with the flooding our options are very limited. I was so keen to head into Echuca, but it seems to be a bit wet and flooded at the moment. I am struggling to find somewhere that isn’t.

Day 5. Finley

Rain rain go away, the farms can't cope with another day!

A good night’s sleep finally. The air conditioner in our room at Andrew and Liane’s is heaven. It’s so quiet and efficient you can leave it on all night. We awoke to rain again today, but that didn’t stop Scarlett and Andrew hitting the quad bike early. Off to feed the baby Alpaca’s and their mothers, then some fun riding over the rice banks and along the channel. Scarlett has no fear!

A hearty brekkie (thanks to Andrew making me porridge), and a few more cuppa’s and the rain did ease enough for me to get out and take a couple of photo’s. Most of the excitement was centred on the Alpaca pen. I was asked by Scarlett to explain why the male Alpaca was sitting on the female!!! I told the truth (Andrew couldn’t get past “They’re having a cuddle”) and I explained they were making a baby, to a reply “But she already has a baby”. I left it there….

We spent a very quiet day today, watching the devastation on TV up north, and discussing the amazing amount of rain crossing the country now and over the next few days on the weather channel. We were supposed to head down into VIC on Sunday, but with the way the weather is playing havoc down there a better option now being throw around, is to head up to Broken Hill to check out the wild flowers instead.

Shane finished our insurance paperwork today, a massive job that’s probably for nothing. We also put in an application for the Premiers flood relief payment, which is again probably for nothing. One win we should have though, is our application for the RAAF welfare grant. At least they will consider us in our unique situation and not just in black and white. We have a good chance of getting some assistance here, not a lot of money, but some is better than nothing.

We drove into Finley Township this afternoon to meet up with Sara, Nick and the girls at the local pool. Even though it was raining, it was still a lovely relief from the humidity. Andrew and Liane joined us all for a lovely BBQ back at Sara and Nick’s, and the girls had a great time playing together. Scarlett has really enjoyed having another little girl to play with.

We just hid the Pajero in the machinery shed as there is some nasty weather about to hit tonight. Scarlett has totally flaked and I have just finished my last cuppa….good night!

Day 4. Wagga Wagga to Finley

On the farm.

We left Aunt Jean's early this morning and made our way accross the beautiful riverina plains to Finley. We are off to stay with very good friends of ours Andrew and Liane Hateley who have a 563 acre sheep and cropping farm.

Before the dust had settled from our arrival and Scarlett even got into the house, Andrew had her in work boots and whisked her away on the quad bike. They were rounding up sheep that needed to be treated for fly strike, it's not a very nice job, but necessary. We all watched Andrew with the electric and manual sheers in awe, Scarlett was hard at work sweeping up the wool. It was really hot and dusty and the flys could have carried us all away, but we loved every minute of it.

Next Scarlett was off feeding the chooks our lunch scraps and nursing the new one week old baby alpaca. She loves everything about the animals and the farm and I'm asked quite regulary "When will we be getting a farm mum?"  It looks like fun and games but it's not an easy life here, after years of suffering drought, now there has been so much rain the crops have been rurined.

A country of vast extremes lately seems an understatement.

Day 3. Wagga Wagga

A lesson in family history...

After another very hot night, and very little sleep, we woke to a wet morning in Wagga Wagga. Not to be deterred, we packed some wet weather clothes, brollies, some water and headed off to Humula for a history lesson that opened my eyes.

First, it was a quick stop at the Humula cemetery where great aunt Jean gave a full run down on the relatives buried in this out of the way spot. The rabbits are running (or should that be hopping) rampart! I never realised I was related to almost everyone who just happens to be buried here from the same town! Very interesting.... Scarlett however had a great time picking wild flowers, fixing up damaged headstones and replacing flowers in their rightful places. I'm sure the locals would be very proud of her.



Next it was a drive through the Humula township, where I discovered a silhouette of me (when I served in the Navy) has been erected at the local Memorial Hall. Other silhouettes of serving family members from all the services have also been placed in the front garden of the Humula Memorial hall. I was very humbled.....

Next it was a visit to "Opossum Plains" and "Shockeroo Station". Here was the pioneering birthplace of the Cheney family in Australia. It was great to actually visit and see what remains of these original homesteads. To hear their stories from Jean, made us realise how lucky the Cheney family is to have this amazing women and family historian.

We then visited the Cheney family cemetery on Shockeroo station, and spent some time reflecting on the hardships of our pioneering families. It was a moving moment visiting 'the' last resting place of the first Cheney father and mother in Australia. The field is very neglected, and I almost lost Scarlett in the tall grass. I felt a deep connection with this land and hope to return again one day.

Day 2. Gundagai to Wagga Wagga

There's a track winding back...

We woke to the morning chorus of country Australia, after a very hot night in Gundagai.

I 'escaped' down the back paddock with Scarlett to explore a creek running through the property, while Bec had the task of preparing Scarlett's lessons for her first day of school!

The day was heating up fast, so we weren't gone for that long, but in that time we spied rabbits in the long grass, and gave the cattle a feed of hay - which Scarlett loved!

On returning to the house, it was straight into day 1 of school for Scarlett. Bec had the weeks English lessons ready to go, and it took Scarlett about 3.5 hours to finish her lessons. A big first day of learning - not just for Scarlett, but for mum and dad as well.

After finishing todays lessons, we packed the Pajero and Van and bid farewell to Joe and Glady - but promised to return as Scarlett loved being out on the farm!

We hit the road for a short trip across to Wagga Wagga to visit great Aunty Jean, but by the time we arrived the temperature was already nudging 42 degrees!

We had the van set up in record time, and the first thing Bec had going was the Air Conditioner. It certainly received its first big work out today!

Tomorrow, Jean has promised to give us a personal tour of all the historic sites of Humula - the birthplace of the Cheney family in Australia. I can't wait!

Day 1. Tahmoor to Gundagai

Let the journey begin!

Today we finally left mum's in Tahmoor to begin our big trip. Mum and dad had an open day yesterday for everyone to call in and check out the van and say goodbye. It was so sad saying goodbye to everyone, and hard to imagine we wont be catching up again for at least six months. It was no mean feat fitting everything in the van and it took until lunchtime to finally get out on the road.

We were meant to start Scarlett's school work today but that never happened, will now have to work Saturday to keep on schedule (not a good start).

We ended up taking 3.5hrs to get to Gundagai (after our first "hitch" being a broken bracing ring that attaches to the bike rack on the back of the van - a quick fix and we were on the road again). After a well earned ice cream and a visit to the famous "Dog on the Tucker Box", we arrived at Shane's great aunt Glady and great uncle Joe's property.

Uncle Joe turned 90 a couple of weeks ago and doesn't look a day over 70. Good country living has done wonders, he and Glady still run black Angus, and Scarlett had the best time feeding them hay. Their property is 41 acres and has been in the family for over 90 years.
Can't wait to hit the bed and have a good night's sleep!

First class of school for Scarlett tomorrow before heading off to Wagga Wagga to meet up with another of Shane's great aunt - Jean, who has promised to take us on a tour of Humula and visit all the original "Cheney" places of interests. This is the birth place of the Cheney family in Australia.

Happy Australia Day

I have been putting off doing this post for over a week now, but it's time to let everybody know what's going on.

Today as you know was meant to be the day we left Sydney to start our big adventure. Unfortunately, this will not be the case. We have had a huge set back with the flooding in Ipswich. We lost just about everything we had in storage.

After a tense few days watching the devestating flood events unfold on TV, the roads finally opened and we were able to get through on the New England Hwy from Sydney to Ipswich. As we drove into the street the storage centre was located on, our wost fears were realised. The debris and the piles and piles of furniture and personel effects on the side of the road took my breath away.

We were really lucky that some very good friends were there that day to help us go through our stuff and try and salvage some photos and Scarlett's day care art work. Without them I would never had got through, THANK U!

We, like most, wont get anything from our contents cover. And because we live in a caravan and don't have a residential address within the effected area, we are also not entitled to any government assistance either. We will still go through all the paperwork and jump through the required hoops to see if we can get anything, but at this stage it doesn't look good.

So "D Day" is now Monday the 1st of Feb. We may not be able to go for as long now as planned, but if we don't go we would have lost everything for nothing. We will keep you posted.....

Almost There......

G'day from the Southern highlands of NSW. This is my 1st blog, so please bear with me.

Since arriving here from the so called "Sunshine State" of QLD, I've been very busy upgrading both the Pajero and the Expanda to what I hope will meet our needs on the open road.

The latest set-up info to both vehicle and van are listed to the right of this page. I'll continue to update this list as we go along, so keep an eye out for any new additions.

If you have any questions about our setup, or would like to make a recommendation on what you think I might need to make life easier, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Bec and I have just returned from a few days rest down at Currarong near Jervis Bay. We vanished from the known world to spend New Years together with some close friends and relax. We have now returned to Tahmoor to continue the sorting and preping for the next leg of our Journey.

We are now preparing the van for a trip up to Tamworth to enjoy the Country Music Festival. We have prepaid for a number of concerts, and are looking fwd to spending a few more days with friends before we start our big adventure!

We have now made the big 'D', and we depart family and friends on Australia Day to begin our epic journey across and around this geat big land of ours we call Australia. We thought Australia Day would be an iconic day to start our journey and begin the next chapter in our lives of discovery.

Bec's parents - Wendy and Russell - have provided amazing support during the planning and prep for this trip. I've heard on the grape vine that Wendy is organising a morning tea for friends and family to wish us farewell the morning we leave. So..... if your local or in the area, please drop in and say G'day! That way anyone who is interested can visit, have a look at our set-up and have a chat about what is yet to come - all over a hot cuppa and nibblies. Wendy and Russell have been fantastic! Not only have they both opened up their home and their hearts, but Russell (the great inspiration and all round nice guy that he is), has also opened up his beer fridge during our stay! What can I say except thanks! We are definately going to miss you guys!

Soon, very soon, its just going to be the three of us.........

Shane

Good bye Queensland, Hello freedom

We packed up our Defence House this week and placed everything we own (bar a few essentials) into storage for 12 months. Very stressful and without the help of our friends a task I'm sure I would not have gotton through


We hit the road on Friday after one last house clean and drove through to Sydney, this was never the plan but after all the work and stress we were just so relaxed driving along we went the whole way. 13 hours later and we were knocking on mum and dad’s door in Tahmoor and falling into bed.

The next morning Scarlett was most surprised when she woke up and we were there. She had been at nana and grumpy's for the last week while we did the removal, god I missed her.

The caravan travelled well, and after the months of planning and trying to get everything done we still need to get the solar panels on and install the bike rack. This will be a busy Christmas for poor Shane.

Finally the new van

We finally picked it up! After a year of saving and planing things seem so much more real now. We picked up our Jayco Expanda 18.57-6 from Page Bros in VIC, and couldn't be happier. We took her on a maiden voyage to Bathurst for the V8's with our close mates Jodie and Michelle and had the best time ever. Having an inside toilet this year was awesome, I could never Porto loo again! We are currently on our way back to sunny (currently poring rain) QLD with our new pride and joy, and Scarlett is testing out her new top bunk. The next couple of month's will fly by with all the modifications Shane has planned and the organising of our removal. Before we know it, it will be Christmas and then Australia Day AKA D-Day!