Day 2 Monday 16/12/24 Vaughan Springs to Cohuna, Hot 21 – (expected top 46)

Although it was a very hot night we slept well and woke to pink clouds overhead. It is expected to be in the 40’s today, so we gulp down our breakfast and return to Castlemaine’s Grist Bakery to pick up a coffee and our Xmas panforte. “Keep it in a cool dark place” says the baker.

Back on the road again we peel off into the Bendigo suburb of Kangaroo Flat and skirt the city. Our bypass gives us a few zig zags while we gawp at the growth of Bendigo.

Picking up the road to Pyramid Hill, we scoot due north through farms of wheat and the delightful sight of a bunch of alpacas paddling in a dam. They’ve got the right idea. It’s a long straight road and we cop a few drops of rain, then 15kms out we spot the pimple on the horizon that is the aptly named Pyramid Hill. We’re in irrigated country now with corn and cows and greenness.

Although it’s already 39◦ outside we stop to check out this charming little town. There are a few people stocking up on supplies at the IGA and the butcher. There’s a pub and a small shady park and that’s about it. Passing the granite pile that is the ‘Hill’ we head towards the Murray Valley Highway.

Cohuna Caravan Park is opposite the main street of town on the other side of Gunbower Creek, an offshoot of the Murray River. As the temperature is still rising it’s worth paying for power and endeavouring to stay cool. Afterall, they say we oldies should avoid the heat. We get a drive thru site overlooking the creek and willows but it’s 41◦ now and even the creek looks hot. We scoot inside and with the air con droning we watch the cricket on TV.

By mid-afternoon we venture out for a swim in the pool before flopping back in front of the TV in our wet bathers. Although we’re in the heart of town, there is no internet reception so we can’t check the weather forecast to see when it will ease. Inside the caravan even with air conditioning the temperature doesn’t drop below 30◦ until after 6:00pm. So much for keeping the panforte cool. Outside is another story, it’s 42◦ at 7:00pm.

Dinner? Who’d want to eat in this heat?

Accom: $47.70, Fuel $64.14