March 2015 The weather is warm and the shower was so refreshing, I reach for a nice fluffy towel and as I dry myself I realise that ants have nested in it overnight and now I’m being bitten from head to toe. Ouch, ouch, ouch! Continue reading Constant Companions
At Stingray Bay in Warrnambool there are two small islands, Merri Island and Middle Island. These two islands are home to Little Penguins whose numbers have been diminishing due to attacks by foxes. Since 2006 Italian Maremma Guardian Dogs have been used to protect the penguins and other birdlife. The penguin numbers are now increasing. Sound familiar? Well the movie ‘Oddball’ was based on the work of these amazing dogs. Continue reading Stingray Bay
With a length of 2508kms and including its tributaries the Darling, Culgoa, Balonne and Condamine rivers, a length of 2740kms makes the Murray River Australia’s longest waterway and the third longest navigable river in the world (from Hume Dam to … Continue reading The Mighty Murray
I stumbled upon an old journal yesterday from Trip 2, Broken Hill, Nov 2012: Lessons learned Face Cleanser Wipes are invaluable both in the car and in the van. We’ve finally learnt how to use the awning properly. We need a new Anderson plug and the lead needs lengthening. Look out for not only kangaroos but suicidal emus, wild goats and lazy lizards. Continue reading Lessons Learned
May 2013, Mt Baw Baw, Vic An icy autumn morning in Victoria’s high country. Continue reading Before the snow
In every town there is a wealth of history and there are heart wrenching stories. In the small Western District town of Penshurst in Victoria there is an old store with this sign out front: “In 1857 young William Olle rode into the bush searching for strayed stock and became lost. William’s parents gave him up as dead. He was found collapsed on a native burial mound by an indigenous tribe. For two years William travelled with them through the bush. He came to Penshurst and recognised the sign ‘Olle’ over this building. He was reunited with his parents.” Source: … Continue reading Penshurst
In the middle of New South Wales you’ll find a quirky little town that is quite proud of its unique name. Continue reading The galahs of Gulargambone
When we first started caravanning mates of ours were a wealth of information about towing and caravans and really helped us to get on the road. Now that they have both retired it’s time to return the favour as they now have the time to try free camping. The excitement is building as we plan, where to take them for a perfect experience, what they need. They have one battery and that is enough, we have portable solar panels which they can use to top up their batteries on a day to day basis. We’ll camp by a wild river … Continue reading An intro to free camping
SS Maheno foundered on the sands of Fraser Island in 1935 on its last voyage to a Japanese scrap yard. Continue reading SS Maheno
Nov 2018, Lake Bolac, Vic It is a warm still evening that doesn’t drop below 22˚c. Getting into bed Woody spots a hairy Huntsman* scurrying off the doona. We madly strip the bed and spray half a can of fly spray around the bed and into all the crevices while Woody stands naked in the kitchen stomping on my socks. When all is quiet, about an hour later I crawl into bed and revel in the fact that all of the hatches and windows are open and there is a gentle breeze flowing through the van. It would be lovely … Continue reading An unwelcome guest
