Hi All,
I left the motorhoming group behind and travelled back over some old ground to meet Carol and Rob, friends from WA, who I meet up with every now and then. The deal was to get together at a "cheap" camp , called Cobb and Co, near Gympie, only 10dollars for me, as a single, not sure what they paid. Lovely grounds, a billabong, trees and camp fireplaces, pay for wood. Rob went fossicking! But did it get cold!!It was freezing! We had the campfire, and they cooked a wonderful roast chook with veges in the camp oven. Carol and I got stuck into the sparkling shiraz, a bit of a favourite with us!!Came the morning , our host came over with what I thought was a pane of glass, and it was ice!! about 1/4 inch thick! So we were still wearing all out winter gear!! Next morning it was map studying time and we made the decision to travel about 30 kms to Kandanga Bowling Club, where we hoped to get a powered sit as it was so cold. I had stayed there twice before already! That was a good decision as they just want a donation, and we had power. also we got there on Friday and they have a lovely meal on fri nights, plus raffles, which I won Rob a 6 pack of beer! Stayed there 2 nights and drove into Gympie for shopping and gas bottle refills. Rob is like Doug used to be, he doesn't mind shopping, he likes to look around at all the bits and pieces just like we do, and even found me a fabric shop for me to get some fabric for my wa workshop!
Still very cold , so we opted to go back (for me) to Kennilworth, home of the gorgeous cheeses and yummy yoghurt and icecream. Once again we had power, amd the ground was dry, this time. (this is where I bought my wellington boots). Carol and rob thought the cheeses and yoghurts were just as delicious as I did, so that was a good decision. We scrounged some wood, read Rob for we, and had a campfire, where I finally christened my camp oven! worked a treat too, but its a bit small for 3 of us! We stayed 3 nights there as we are both filling in time. Finally we said goodbye to the hinterland and headed to the coast and hopefully some warmer nights. We booked into Caloundra Big 4 (I think) for 3 nights , it was all we could get! The park was closed this time last year when I tried to stay at it for renovations, they apparently spent a few million on it but still don't put the sullage traps close enough! This gave us great opportunities to sightsee, in Robs car, I got the chance to see some scenery without worrying if I would drive off the road! We went north as far as Marouchydore, looked aroun the canals, saw some magnificent ocean speed boats, (sorry I didn't have the camera), huge things, on specialised Low loaders, there was obviously going to be an ocean race, on the weekend. These are what we sometimes see in movies racing off miami etc.the lamborghinis of the ocean I guess, I bet there is some money tied up in them!! I also checked out a (possible) new motorhome while we were in the area, I have been feeling a little cramped with mine! Nothing that getting rid of some fabric wouldn't cure, but one can always tyre kick!! I am thinking about it. what is attractive is the guy offered me a good trade in price on mine. We'll see!!
So finally Carol and Rob and I parted company, me for brisbane and they for the Gold coast. I stayed at Aspley c.park where I stayed last year, did the usual , empty the fridge, the toilet, filled the water tanks, and packed my bags for the flight back to WA. Got in a tizz , cos I couldn't find my prescription, and was upending all my packing looking for it, before finally locating it in my handbag where I put it after the last "fill" so I wouldn't forget it!! So I am at the airport and realised I left the fridge door shut!!! Yuck when I get back! To make matters worse the plane was 2 hours late leaving. I have been really lucky with flights, I don't really know when I last had a delayed flight. Meg my friend from Geraldton picked me up from Perth as we were both doing a patchwork class down at Pinjarra, the next 2 days, and I discovered I had left my new camera on the plane!! Quel horrer!! But lucky for me Qantas had it!! 3 cheers for Qantas!!! I was able to pick it up from the terminal when I went back to Perth with Meg and picked up my hire car.
We had a great 2 days with the workshop, it was sort of the same as I had already done with the same tutor, at Dorrigo last year, But I can never get enough of tutorials. Meg, did a beautiful piece, and I just blundered along as usual! I was pretty tired and not as creative as I might have been, but I was happy with the end result.
Sister Jean and her husband Lawrie, and I went down to Busselton to meet our eldest sister, Maxine, and take Mum to lunch for her 98th birthday on Saturday. Mum is pretty amazing really, she is still mostly on top of things, and mobile with a bit of help, when she is in unfamiliar surroundings, I am pleased to see she is still much the same as when I was last home in April. So that is good.
Jean and her husband have just bought a new caravan, and are off tomorrow for a 10 week or so , trip to SA and Uluru and Alice Springs with some friends. Maxine is off , also, flying to SA and also visiting Uluru and Alice Springs with a friend, She is also going to Kangaroo Island.
Well I think that just about brings you up to date on my doings! I trust you are all keeping well and the winter hasn;t been too hard on you, so until next time, keep smiling
Vicki
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Sunny Qld at last
Hi to all my followers,
Finally I can report Qld has turned on the sun! I can report I am starting a tan, only the front of my legs!, as I sit out in my chair in the sunshine, I only tan on the front of my legs, definitely not a fashionable look!
I arrived at my caravan park which was really in Tewantin, and was guided into the campsite by a guy who obviously knew his stuff, but of course I have not been directed into a site before, so we had a bit of misunderstanding for a bit! He was saying "right hand down left hand down" etc, and I didn't have a clue what he meant, but it was turn steering wheel etc. When I got my ACT together I went onto the site in one smooth motion! This was vital as the park, and Noosa, had had 10 inches of rain in the last 10 days, so everything was boggy, huge ruts of mud at the verge of each site. The folk who ignored this guys instructions chewed up the ground more as they backed and forward to get on site. I was 2 inches off the concrete annexe pad when I was parked, Really good. Over the next 10 days I was there I watched this bloke park nearly every one with just one smooth motion.
Luckily the sun started shining the next day and has stayed ever since. I met up with a lady from motorhome rally and we took the Noosa river ferry , up to Noosa heads a beautiful day, you can get on and off at the different stops, the captain was very amusing with his "patter", had some lovely fish for lunch at the yacht club. Looked at the shops at Noosa Heads, same old same old, just twice as expensive! I am getting good, didn't buy anything! She dropped me off at the park and we arranged to go to Eumundi markets together in a few days time! I just veged out, did a lot of sewing and basically enjoyed the sunshine, lots of nice people parked around me in the caravan park, every day it filled up and in the morning different ones moved out. I was able to catch a bus from outside the park up to Tewantin, it was a 40 minute walk, (no thanks), I went by bus to Noosaville, to see a podiatrist as I was having a bit of trouble with my heel, she sorted that out with acupuncture, ouch! but I am walking a lot better now.
I left Noosa behind and headed to Bundaberg to join a solo group of motorhomers to go on a tagalong trip, destination unknown, (to me!) They were a nice bunch, only 5 vans, 4 ladies and a chap. we met at the Botanic gardens and off we went. Stopped the first night at Granite Rest area, quite nice , but very noisy from the traffic, a lot of vans pulled in, and more came in through the night! Then we headed off to Miriamvale and then Calliope. We parked beside the river at a free camp and went to the Calliope markets, they were over sat and sun, big markets, Sunday was the better day, more locals stuff. You need to get into that campsite early on market weekends, we were lucky to get 5 sites near each other. we had a small brazier fire at night. It was freezing! but gorgeous sunny days!The chap left us from there, he had to go North and the next day one of the ladies also parted company as she had to meet someone. So just 3 of us continued on to Ubobo, a really nice place, The discovery centre, not in camps books yet, but really well set up. We had access to bathrooms with Hot water, a laundry, free!, and flat screen tv to watch the Olympics!, power $12.00, no power $10.00 I think it was good value, they even gave us a password for the internet! Big problem is no mobile coverage. So that was another lovely couple of days and nights, frost! I then went up to 1770 and Agnes water with one of the ladies, I thought we were going to stay the night, but we just had a look! lovely beach, not as white sand as we have in wa! Then I followed her to her home in South Kolan, her son is a cane farmer and ginger, I am now trying to get someone to fix my roof hatch that has got a problem. So that is all for now I will next send from WA as I fly back in 10 days ! Regards
vicki
Finally I can report Qld has turned on the sun! I can report I am starting a tan, only the front of my legs!, as I sit out in my chair in the sunshine, I only tan on the front of my legs, definitely not a fashionable look!
I arrived at my caravan park which was really in Tewantin, and was guided into the campsite by a guy who obviously knew his stuff, but of course I have not been directed into a site before, so we had a bit of misunderstanding for a bit! He was saying "right hand down left hand down" etc, and I didn't have a clue what he meant, but it was turn steering wheel etc. When I got my ACT together I went onto the site in one smooth motion! This was vital as the park, and Noosa, had had 10 inches of rain in the last 10 days, so everything was boggy, huge ruts of mud at the verge of each site. The folk who ignored this guys instructions chewed up the ground more as they backed and forward to get on site. I was 2 inches off the concrete annexe pad when I was parked, Really good. Over the next 10 days I was there I watched this bloke park nearly every one with just one smooth motion.
Luckily the sun started shining the next day and has stayed ever since. I met up with a lady from motorhome rally and we took the Noosa river ferry , up to Noosa heads a beautiful day, you can get on and off at the different stops, the captain was very amusing with his "patter", had some lovely fish for lunch at the yacht club. Looked at the shops at Noosa Heads, same old same old, just twice as expensive! I am getting good, didn't buy anything! She dropped me off at the park and we arranged to go to Eumundi markets together in a few days time! I just veged out, did a lot of sewing and basically enjoyed the sunshine, lots of nice people parked around me in the caravan park, every day it filled up and in the morning different ones moved out. I was able to catch a bus from outside the park up to Tewantin, it was a 40 minute walk, (no thanks), I went by bus to Noosaville, to see a podiatrist as I was having a bit of trouble with my heel, she sorted that out with acupuncture, ouch! but I am walking a lot better now.
I left Noosa behind and headed to Bundaberg to join a solo group of motorhomers to go on a tagalong trip, destination unknown, (to me!) They were a nice bunch, only 5 vans, 4 ladies and a chap. we met at the Botanic gardens and off we went. Stopped the first night at Granite Rest area, quite nice , but very noisy from the traffic, a lot of vans pulled in, and more came in through the night! Then we headed off to Miriamvale and then Calliope. We parked beside the river at a free camp and went to the Calliope markets, they were over sat and sun, big markets, Sunday was the better day, more locals stuff. You need to get into that campsite early on market weekends, we were lucky to get 5 sites near each other. we had a small brazier fire at night. It was freezing! but gorgeous sunny days!The chap left us from there, he had to go North and the next day one of the ladies also parted company as she had to meet someone. So just 3 of us continued on to Ubobo, a really nice place, The discovery centre, not in camps books yet, but really well set up. We had access to bathrooms with Hot water, a laundry, free!, and flat screen tv to watch the Olympics!, power $12.00, no power $10.00 I think it was good value, they even gave us a password for the internet! Big problem is no mobile coverage. So that was another lovely couple of days and nights, frost! I then went up to 1770 and Agnes water with one of the ladies, I thought we were going to stay the night, but we just had a look! lovely beach, not as white sand as we have in wa! Then I followed her to her home in South Kolan, her son is a cane farmer and ginger, I am now trying to get someone to fix my roof hatch that has got a problem. So that is all for now I will next send from WA as I fly back in 10 days ! Regards
vicki
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Quilting at Eumundi
Day 3 quilt
Day 1 quilt, I have finished the central block.
day 2 quilt, combined techniques
Quilting at Eumundi
Hi All, This is one mainly for the quilters!
I arrived at Eumundi in Qld, on a wet and miserable day, drove to the showgrounds/camping spot. Only to find the solid ground was on a quite heavy slope, and because of the the oval was not available! Great! I parked on the least sloping section after driving all over the area! Spent the night dragging my bedding back onto the bed! Not a happy vegemite! Thursday I drove back into town to have a look at the place where the quilting was and a parking place was available and fairly flat, Got back to the showgrounds and the caretaker had tried to make me a ramp to drive up onto to get a bit more level. Not very successful, but I guess he got marks for trying! In the meantime the rain was still pouring down, (and did I say it was no power?). I had my first moment of depression in the whole trip, I thought, what am I doing here in the rain and cold? Vicki go home! Well I had paid for my workshop , so I wasn't not doing that! Friday morning bright and early I headed into town and parked at the school hall , got a fairly flat spot, only took up one "official" parking space, as I overhung some bare ground. Took my stuff into the hall and we were off. A lovely bunch of ladies doing the same quilts as me, from all over Australia and a lady from Nz. So I missed out as the most travelled to get there! My sister Maxine's friend Heather, came over from WA, It was through her I was there> I had never heard of it. Not surprising as it was the first event. I think it will be a goer though!
I was booked in to do a Karen Styles quilt, she is from Somerset Quilting/patchwork? Her quilts are reproduction ones, as ypou will see from the photos, fairly intricate, and done by hand! (another one!) First day was a lovely Lemoyne star quilt. I managed to achieve one star and half of a 2nd! Friday night there was a meal and a"trunk " show, where the tutors show their work, from suitcases! I took lots of photos, generally got someones head in them. I went off to bed in the car park, ready to pay first thing in the morning as the "famous" Eumundi markets were on and the school makes money by charging for the parking. We were warned to pay up, no arguing, and the quilt people would refund us our parking money. I was quite happy to pay up to 20 dollars, However the man made me move to another area and only took $5. Problem was he moved me to a shady spot, and remember this was day 5 without power and no sun! When we came out from 2nd day of sewing and I moved the van back to my original spot, I was on flashing battery warning. I showered quickly and changed as we went out to dinner, and after wards went to bed and read by torchlight! Day 2 in quilting was an unusual, theme, Each of the 3 tutors taught their techniques, on one overall quilt, moving around the room , so each person got 2 hours from each tutor, but only working on one quilt. Does that make sense? Anyway, another handmade quilt, some different methods, more fabric, more templates, english paper piecing, etc , get the picture? Day 3 another quilt!, fabric, templates, english paper piecing, hand piecing, reproduction fabrics! All these quilts are at least 60", mine of course, are 80 and 90 ", never do things by halves when you can do it the hard way. Now I have 4 reproduction quilts on the go, but I don't need anything else! who can believe that? So endeth the Eumundi lesson!
Next on the agenda, was catching up with various motorhoming groups in some nearby places as I am booked into Noosa, for 10 days from Monday. First I went to Kandanga, bowling club, very welcoming group, had dinner at the club for a very reasonable cost, spent a few days there then drove around in a circle to Kenilworth, via Buderim, the ginger factory and across the road to the chocolate and Macadamia nut factory!! Filled the fridge with goodies!! Kennilworth has a great cheese factory, with lovely goodies also, including wonderful icecreams and other wonderful things to eat. (Its a wonder I am able to lose weight at all, even maintaining it would be a miracle considering all the fabulous tastes I have been trying!) but I am! losing a bit gradually. that is.
Met more great people at these 2 motorhoming chapter gatherings, everyone is so welcoming. doesn't matter who or what you are, if you are driving a motorhome, it is welcome with open arms! Some even acknowledge caravanners!!
Anyway, it turned wet and cold at Kenilworth, the ground underfoot positively saturated, one was wading through deep watery grass, ugh!! I succumbed and bought gumboots, finally! Very pretty, pink with black ponies or something, one is faded so I got a good deal. Who cares if they are faded so long as I can walk in the wet conditions with my feet dry? I was going to go and visit another chapter gathering, but friends warned me it was just as wet, as Kennilworth , so I decided to come back to Kandanga, just a donation to the bowling club, I have power, and there is a combined toilet and shower, unisex, but that doesn't affect me as I use my own in the night time. Dinner at the club on Friday night and dinner at the pub Sat night!, great, monday Noosa here I come.
I hope I can put the photos in, but if not you may get them shortly. Keep your chin up and keep smiling, Love and best wishes to you all
love vicki
I arrived at Eumundi in Qld, on a wet and miserable day, drove to the showgrounds/camping spot. Only to find the solid ground was on a quite heavy slope, and because of the the oval was not available! Great! I parked on the least sloping section after driving all over the area! Spent the night dragging my bedding back onto the bed! Not a happy vegemite! Thursday I drove back into town to have a look at the place where the quilting was and a parking place was available and fairly flat, Got back to the showgrounds and the caretaker had tried to make me a ramp to drive up onto to get a bit more level. Not very successful, but I guess he got marks for trying! In the meantime the rain was still pouring down, (and did I say it was no power?). I had my first moment of depression in the whole trip, I thought, what am I doing here in the rain and cold? Vicki go home! Well I had paid for my workshop , so I wasn't not doing that! Friday morning bright and early I headed into town and parked at the school hall , got a fairly flat spot, only took up one "official" parking space, as I overhung some bare ground. Took my stuff into the hall and we were off. A lovely bunch of ladies doing the same quilts as me, from all over Australia and a lady from Nz. So I missed out as the most travelled to get there! My sister Maxine's friend Heather, came over from WA, It was through her I was there> I had never heard of it. Not surprising as it was the first event. I think it will be a goer though!
I was booked in to do a Karen Styles quilt, she is from Somerset Quilting/patchwork? Her quilts are reproduction ones, as ypou will see from the photos, fairly intricate, and done by hand! (another one!) First day was a lovely Lemoyne star quilt. I managed to achieve one star and half of a 2nd! Friday night there was a meal and a"trunk " show, where the tutors show their work, from suitcases! I took lots of photos, generally got someones head in them. I went off to bed in the car park, ready to pay first thing in the morning as the "famous" Eumundi markets were on and the school makes money by charging for the parking. We were warned to pay up, no arguing, and the quilt people would refund us our parking money. I was quite happy to pay up to 20 dollars, However the man made me move to another area and only took $5. Problem was he moved me to a shady spot, and remember this was day 5 without power and no sun! When we came out from 2nd day of sewing and I moved the van back to my original spot, I was on flashing battery warning. I showered quickly and changed as we went out to dinner, and after wards went to bed and read by torchlight! Day 2 in quilting was an unusual, theme, Each of the 3 tutors taught their techniques, on one overall quilt, moving around the room , so each person got 2 hours from each tutor, but only working on one quilt. Does that make sense? Anyway, another handmade quilt, some different methods, more fabric, more templates, english paper piecing, etc , get the picture? Day 3 another quilt!, fabric, templates, english paper piecing, hand piecing, reproduction fabrics! All these quilts are at least 60", mine of course, are 80 and 90 ", never do things by halves when you can do it the hard way. Now I have 4 reproduction quilts on the go, but I don't need anything else! who can believe that? So endeth the Eumundi lesson!
Next on the agenda, was catching up with various motorhoming groups in some nearby places as I am booked into Noosa, for 10 days from Monday. First I went to Kandanga, bowling club, very welcoming group, had dinner at the club for a very reasonable cost, spent a few days there then drove around in a circle to Kenilworth, via Buderim, the ginger factory and across the road to the chocolate and Macadamia nut factory!! Filled the fridge with goodies!! Kennilworth has a great cheese factory, with lovely goodies also, including wonderful icecreams and other wonderful things to eat. (Its a wonder I am able to lose weight at all, even maintaining it would be a miracle considering all the fabulous tastes I have been trying!) but I am! losing a bit gradually. that is.
Met more great people at these 2 motorhoming chapter gatherings, everyone is so welcoming. doesn't matter who or what you are, if you are driving a motorhome, it is welcome with open arms! Some even acknowledge caravanners!!
Anyway, it turned wet and cold at Kenilworth, the ground underfoot positively saturated, one was wading through deep watery grass, ugh!! I succumbed and bought gumboots, finally! Very pretty, pink with black ponies or something, one is faded so I got a good deal. Who cares if they are faded so long as I can walk in the wet conditions with my feet dry? I was going to go and visit another chapter gathering, but friends warned me it was just as wet, as Kennilworth , so I decided to come back to Kandanga, just a donation to the bowling club, I have power, and there is a combined toilet and shower, unisex, but that doesn't affect me as I use my own in the night time. Dinner at the club on Friday night and dinner at the pub Sat night!, great, monday Noosa here I come.
I hope I can put the photos in, but if not you may get them shortly. Keep your chin up and keep smiling, Love and best wishes to you all
love vicki
Monday, June 25, 2012
Where did NSW go to?
Hi All!
I really am being very slack! I have been throiugh a whole state and haven't filled you in yet! So, NSW, well I had a nice time after I got organised.
Lets go back to my arrival at Bateman's Bay, I was late as I HAD to stop and do a patchwork class at Narooma, so I arrived in the dark and rain! The park directed me to my site, which had a vehicle parked on it! No worries, I will just park beside it, driving forward, as in the morning I will set up properly. First get some power on, where is it? I'm slopping around in a downpour, getting seriously cranky and wet, my shoes, (and feet) soaking, eventually I rang the office and they came down and pointed out the power box on the next site. So I just crawled into the shower and had a cup of soup and put the heater on, and then to bed, get the picture? Next day I got sorted for my 10, 9 left, days in batemans bay. I spoke to the folk over from me, (their car!) and learned , 5 mins after I had put up my awning, there was a major storm coming, with king tides and big swell! A couple of weeks previously, there had been a flood in the park, the creek about 20 metres from my van overflowed its banks! The park was quite hilly! but I was parked at the bottom! I put my rear stabiliser legs down, something I only do when I am stopping for several days. Thank heavens! That night we had 120 knot winds, lashing rains, the whole works. The van rocked and was buffeted all night.But the van withstood the lot. In the morning I walked over the road to the lovely little cove and it was amazing, what a night can do. High tides had washed up a ton of debris, tree trunks , the sand washed away and lots of pebbles fom somewhere! So that was the start of my days in Batemans bay!
Luckily the weather cleared up and the sun came out, sort of! There was a very efficient courtesy bus service to the Clubs in town, and I learned to get them to pick me up, walk in one door and out the next, go and do my shopping, and then come back, eat lunch cheaply and get a ride back to the park, after I paid a taxi $17.00 for the ride into town. The trouble with the travel auction system is, you don't know where in the towns the parks are, and I am finding they are often out of the edge of town. therefore I sometimes have difficulty getting around, but as I say in Nsw and Victoria, and I hope in Ql, the good ole' Leagues and Rsl clubs, run courtesy buses for all!
After bateman's bay i travelled to Huskisson, near Shoalhaven, where I stayed for a couple of days, was going to go on a whale watching cruise, it is quite a famous area for it, but guess what! the bad weather which was still hanging around meant the cruises were cancelled! aa!!! I drove out of there in disgust, although it was a very pretty beach. Next spot was to catch up with a fellow patchworker from my last years Dorrigo trip. Caroline lived at Leura in the Blue Mountains, Gorgeous drive up there, I took the Richmond/ Springwood road, complete with fabulous views and hairpin bends. Then hit the main road up to the mountains and an hours worth of roadworks! God help the poor people who commute down to Sydney, apparently it has been going on for some time. I drove up on a Friday, but it was the middle of the day and I sat at two points for over half an hour waiting for access to the road!
Caroline lives in a gorgeous cottage, thank god centrally heated, with a cute burmese pussycat. we had a lovely time together, talking pachwork, and between the rain showers, she drove me to Katoomba and to see some patchwork shops! Naturally! Saturday morning we drove down to Penrith to see another shop! So I got to see a bit of the local area.
I took off the next day for the central coast, and tried once more my friends from the 2010 trip. I had been calling them for weeks, but that morning I found a different address card for them and thought I would give it one more try. Guess what, first ring almost, Hazel answered! So I called into them at Toukley. They have a lovely home looking over the lake. I stayed the night with them and we had a really nicee timne, Hazel and I bonded over beading classes on the Aurora, and then we were on the same ship back to Australia from July, where we also beaded away! So I got my beads out and we each made a new pattern Hazel had, really lovely Bracelet. When mike got home it was a great reunion. We went out to dinner at a nearby club, they really get some great cheap meals from them, and they are all over the place. Something us west australians aren't used to, I suppose the pokies are what subsidise the prices, and really that is not a great thing to be encouraging, the gambling, but you get some great benefits!
Headed off the next morning to Grafton, via a place called woolgoolga(?) i think, where I sat for about 2 hours at the lighthouse lookout, as whales had been seen. But not by me! They were all gone by the time I was there! Stopped the night at the Grafton Greyhound Club, hardly any room as they were gearing up for a big racing carnival, lots of sleek greyhounds being walked around by their owners/trainers. As I only wanted one night they were ok, I was sort of parked outside the gate with my power cord through the fence! I know Grafton is famous for its Jacaranda trees, but I didn't realise how many trees there were.! I just thought they must have yhad a few streets of them, but practically every street is lined with them, It must be spectacular in the spring! Another thing was in the old part, at least, 90% of the houses are 2 storey, and what I would have called "Queenslanders". I was really surprised. They look so fresh and pretty, but the painting must be a nightmare!
Leaving Grafton, I took one of my now famous, backroads, along a river and across a ferry, on my way to Ballina, and again was surprised to find sugar cane growing . I didn't know they grew it so far south! There was a lot of it and a couple of sugar refineries. I carried on up the coast from Ballina toByron Bay, to the lighthouse and the most easterly point of Australia. I drove the motorhome up to the lighthouse parking area, where they charge 7 bucks for an hour up there, but the car park was chokkers, so I managed to take some photos from the vehicle and turned and drove back down, no charge! Byron Bay was full of trendy people, and backpackers, it is a strange mix. The cars are either latest european models or " wicked" vans! I continued on to a free camp at Stott Island, no 1 in the camps 6 book for Nsw. Some West Aussies pulled in towing a poptop, and she was a hairdresser, so I had a haircut, a pretty good one too! They knew people from Geraldton, the name was familiar but noone I knew! Funnily, before they pulled up, a fellow who was already parked there in a motorhome, who had an Italian accent, asked me if I was italian, and then when the wa couple pulled in and she was doing my hair she said it too. ( I used to get asked it a lot when I was younger). She knew Teresa Italiano(?) fromGeraldton a hairdresser.
So there I was leaving Nsw and heading into Qld, but that is for the next blog! To all of you with troubles, my thoughts are often with you. I hope those special people I know who have health worries, are feeling better soon. Keep in touch and God bless,
Vicki
I really am being very slack! I have been throiugh a whole state and haven't filled you in yet! So, NSW, well I had a nice time after I got organised.
Lets go back to my arrival at Bateman's Bay, I was late as I HAD to stop and do a patchwork class at Narooma, so I arrived in the dark and rain! The park directed me to my site, which had a vehicle parked on it! No worries, I will just park beside it, driving forward, as in the morning I will set up properly. First get some power on, where is it? I'm slopping around in a downpour, getting seriously cranky and wet, my shoes, (and feet) soaking, eventually I rang the office and they came down and pointed out the power box on the next site. So I just crawled into the shower and had a cup of soup and put the heater on, and then to bed, get the picture? Next day I got sorted for my 10, 9 left, days in batemans bay. I spoke to the folk over from me, (their car!) and learned , 5 mins after I had put up my awning, there was a major storm coming, with king tides and big swell! A couple of weeks previously, there had been a flood in the park, the creek about 20 metres from my van overflowed its banks! The park was quite hilly! but I was parked at the bottom! I put my rear stabiliser legs down, something I only do when I am stopping for several days. Thank heavens! That night we had 120 knot winds, lashing rains, the whole works. The van rocked and was buffeted all night.But the van withstood the lot. In the morning I walked over the road to the lovely little cove and it was amazing, what a night can do. High tides had washed up a ton of debris, tree trunks , the sand washed away and lots of pebbles fom somewhere! So that was the start of my days in Batemans bay!
Luckily the weather cleared up and the sun came out, sort of! There was a very efficient courtesy bus service to the Clubs in town, and I learned to get them to pick me up, walk in one door and out the next, go and do my shopping, and then come back, eat lunch cheaply and get a ride back to the park, after I paid a taxi $17.00 for the ride into town. The trouble with the travel auction system is, you don't know where in the towns the parks are, and I am finding they are often out of the edge of town. therefore I sometimes have difficulty getting around, but as I say in Nsw and Victoria, and I hope in Ql, the good ole' Leagues and Rsl clubs, run courtesy buses for all!
After bateman's bay i travelled to Huskisson, near Shoalhaven, where I stayed for a couple of days, was going to go on a whale watching cruise, it is quite a famous area for it, but guess what! the bad weather which was still hanging around meant the cruises were cancelled! aa!!! I drove out of there in disgust, although it was a very pretty beach. Next spot was to catch up with a fellow patchworker from my last years Dorrigo trip. Caroline lived at Leura in the Blue Mountains, Gorgeous drive up there, I took the Richmond/ Springwood road, complete with fabulous views and hairpin bends. Then hit the main road up to the mountains and an hours worth of roadworks! God help the poor people who commute down to Sydney, apparently it has been going on for some time. I drove up on a Friday, but it was the middle of the day and I sat at two points for over half an hour waiting for access to the road!
Caroline lives in a gorgeous cottage, thank god centrally heated, with a cute burmese pussycat. we had a lovely time together, talking pachwork, and between the rain showers, she drove me to Katoomba and to see some patchwork shops! Naturally! Saturday morning we drove down to Penrith to see another shop! So I got to see a bit of the local area.
I took off the next day for the central coast, and tried once more my friends from the 2010 trip. I had been calling them for weeks, but that morning I found a different address card for them and thought I would give it one more try. Guess what, first ring almost, Hazel answered! So I called into them at Toukley. They have a lovely home looking over the lake. I stayed the night with them and we had a really nicee timne, Hazel and I bonded over beading classes on the Aurora, and then we were on the same ship back to Australia from July, where we also beaded away! So I got my beads out and we each made a new pattern Hazel had, really lovely Bracelet. When mike got home it was a great reunion. We went out to dinner at a nearby club, they really get some great cheap meals from them, and they are all over the place. Something us west australians aren't used to, I suppose the pokies are what subsidise the prices, and really that is not a great thing to be encouraging, the gambling, but you get some great benefits!
Headed off the next morning to Grafton, via a place called woolgoolga(?) i think, where I sat for about 2 hours at the lighthouse lookout, as whales had been seen. But not by me! They were all gone by the time I was there! Stopped the night at the Grafton Greyhound Club, hardly any room as they were gearing up for a big racing carnival, lots of sleek greyhounds being walked around by their owners/trainers. As I only wanted one night they were ok, I was sort of parked outside the gate with my power cord through the fence! I know Grafton is famous for its Jacaranda trees, but I didn't realise how many trees there were.! I just thought they must have yhad a few streets of them, but practically every street is lined with them, It must be spectacular in the spring! Another thing was in the old part, at least, 90% of the houses are 2 storey, and what I would have called "Queenslanders". I was really surprised. They look so fresh and pretty, but the painting must be a nightmare!
Leaving Grafton, I took one of my now famous, backroads, along a river and across a ferry, on my way to Ballina, and again was surprised to find sugar cane growing . I didn't know they grew it so far south! There was a lot of it and a couple of sugar refineries. I carried on up the coast from Ballina toByron Bay, to the lighthouse and the most easterly point of Australia. I drove the motorhome up to the lighthouse parking area, where they charge 7 bucks for an hour up there, but the car park was chokkers, so I managed to take some photos from the vehicle and turned and drove back down, no charge! Byron Bay was full of trendy people, and backpackers, it is a strange mix. The cars are either latest european models or " wicked" vans! I continued on to a free camp at Stott Island, no 1 in the camps 6 book for Nsw. Some West Aussies pulled in towing a poptop, and she was a hairdresser, so I had a haircut, a pretty good one too! They knew people from Geraldton, the name was familiar but noone I knew! Funnily, before they pulled up, a fellow who was already parked there in a motorhome, who had an Italian accent, asked me if I was italian, and then when the wa couple pulled in and she was doing my hair she said it too. ( I used to get asked it a lot when I was younger). She knew Teresa Italiano(?) fromGeraldton a hairdresser.
So there I was leaving Nsw and heading into Qld, but that is for the next blog! To all of you with troubles, my thoughts are often with you. I hope those special people I know who have health worries, are feeling better soon. Keep in touch and God bless,
Vicki
Monday, June 4, 2012
Farewell to Victoria
Hi all,
as you can see from the title of this post, I have left Victoria. I spent a lovely 10 days in Lakes Entrance, I was in a nice caravan park, unfortunately it was a fair way out of town, (Lakes' is a long thin town, along the shore). Lucky for me there was a bus service that did a loop around town and stopped right outside the park, only $1.80 for whole day. I used it quite a bit!!
I was waiting for mail and lots of parcels, wine club, my health supplements, more coffee supplies, etc. Also I had a little drama back in woodleigh, I lost/ mislaid a diamond earring at the hairdressers (I hoped!) and was waiting for Glenda to retreive it for me and then send it on. As it happened I did leave it at the hairdressers, and Glenda sent it to me by registered mail! Ha! It was posted in Loch on Monday at 1140am. and didn't get to Lakes Entrance until Monday following, a huge distance of about 200kms! I was getting beside myself as you might imagine! I was leaving town on Monday and went to the PO to see if they had news of it,"no", I explained we had tried to track it over the internet as I had the registering number, and they checked and Lo and behold! it was at Lakes Entrance! I wonder how long it had been there? there is nothing to say when it had arived. as I only got to sign an electronic gadget, not the book like in the olden days! I also had a problem at the bank, which took about 2 hrs to sort, as I had to go to the library , get on the internet, and then print out stuff for the bank, then go back to the bank with it. By the time I left Lakes it was mid afternoon! So I only drove to Marlo, where the Snowy River meets the sea! (see pic at end)
But I digress, while I was in Sale I took a lovely 3 hour boat cruise on the Lake, to Metung for lunch, and it was very pleasant, beautiful day, yummy lunch at the pub! gorgeous scenery along the water front. Carol's friend took me to a Cancer big morning tea, very nice, they had an auction, I tried to do my bit for fundraising, and bid for a gourmet organic hamper. yum! I got it too! Carol's friend is a patchworker also, so that was the connection, unfortunately the lady isn't well as she also has cancer, and was quite exhausted by the mornings event, I wish her well.
Margaret, from Sale, (and previously from Exmouth) came over on Saturday, with another girlfriend, and I packed my toothbrush and we went out to Tylers Lake Beach, where she has a holiday cottage, very comfortable, and we had a nice pub tea. Poor Margaret, must have been really worn out as she slept until about 10.30 ish! But what the heck! that is what relaxing weekends are about! We drove back to Lakes and went to a Yumcha floating restaurant for lunch. Fabulous food, I was sorry to leave! I know Margaret will be going back!
From Marlo, I drove on to Mallacoota, the last coastal town in Victoria, great pub food! had a beautiful site right on the waters edge. Mallacoota apparently has the biggest caravan park in Victoria/ australia? over 700 sites! I would hate to be there in summer or school holidays! Then crossed the border into NSW. Nothing out of the ordinary at the border, I only knew I had crossed because Victoria said farewell! NSW didn't welcome you in! The road was very beautiful, steep hills/mountains, nicely winding roads! thank you! and veeeery tall straight trees, not as big as Karri around the trunks, but still very tall. Drove to Eden on the east coast, this is the harbour where all the Sydney/Hobart yacht race boats limp into if they get into trouble. It is a pretty harbour with a hill top ridge dividing the harbour into 2. Twofold bay it is called. ( I think that is the best way I can describe it.) I drove up to the lookout, very beautiful views, and walked back along the path, and there was a huge black snake, just beside the path!!! I almost had a heart attack!, I am sure it wasn't there when I went out to the lookout. It was near a wire fence, stoppng people from falling over the cliff, and as I watched, it uncoiled itself and went through the wire and disappeared! I waited and warned a couple who were still out at the lookout, in case it came back further along the track. I am no snake expert, it could have been a python for all I know! But I thought of all the time I have been on the road and it is only the 2nd one I have seen (fairly close up). Certainly as close as I fancy anyway!
I had the best seafood lunch I have had since I started travelling, finally, at Eden, down at the fishermens wharf. Luscious oysters, Mussels Kilpatrick, (have never had them before!) scallops in wine, prawns with garlic and something, and fabulous fish. Not cheap, but sooo delicious!
Next morning I was on my way again, along the coastal road to Tathra, but not before I went down to the fishermens Harbour and got some smoked (locally) mussels and salmon. Yum! Tathra was another delightful place on the beach front, pretty ordinary caravan parks, but they are getting pricey! I can't wait until it gets warm enough for me to free camp again! Friday, I was on the road again to Narooma, a patchwork shop the attraction, although there were some at Merimbula, I couldn't face the traffic and the bustle of the place to try and find it. I had been advised that Narooma's was a great shop. You got it, they were right!! So good in fact, that she was having a workshop the next day, so I decided to delay my leave until after it was over! I enjoyed it, the ladies were friendly and curious, as everyone is I meet, about my travels,and I almost finished a very smart bag, certainly I will this week. Only have to sew the side seams and put the straps and binding on. I was so late leaving to get to Batemans' Bay, that I was driving in the dark, and that is almost a first, (2nd actually). I arrived at my park in the dark and rain! ugh! any way that is for next blog.
Bye for now and keep smiling! Love vicki
Snowy river estuary, meeting Bass Strait .
as you can see from the title of this post, I have left Victoria. I spent a lovely 10 days in Lakes Entrance, I was in a nice caravan park, unfortunately it was a fair way out of town, (Lakes' is a long thin town, along the shore). Lucky for me there was a bus service that did a loop around town and stopped right outside the park, only $1.80 for whole day. I used it quite a bit!!
I was waiting for mail and lots of parcels, wine club, my health supplements, more coffee supplies, etc. Also I had a little drama back in woodleigh, I lost/ mislaid a diamond earring at the hairdressers (I hoped!) and was waiting for Glenda to retreive it for me and then send it on. As it happened I did leave it at the hairdressers, and Glenda sent it to me by registered mail! Ha! It was posted in Loch on Monday at 1140am. and didn't get to Lakes Entrance until Monday following, a huge distance of about 200kms! I was getting beside myself as you might imagine! I was leaving town on Monday and went to the PO to see if they had news of it,"no", I explained we had tried to track it over the internet as I had the registering number, and they checked and Lo and behold! it was at Lakes Entrance! I wonder how long it had been there? there is nothing to say when it had arived. as I only got to sign an electronic gadget, not the book like in the olden days! I also had a problem at the bank, which took about 2 hrs to sort, as I had to go to the library , get on the internet, and then print out stuff for the bank, then go back to the bank with it. By the time I left Lakes it was mid afternoon! So I only drove to Marlo, where the Snowy River meets the sea! (see pic at end)
But I digress, while I was in Sale I took a lovely 3 hour boat cruise on the Lake, to Metung for lunch, and it was very pleasant, beautiful day, yummy lunch at the pub! gorgeous scenery along the water front. Carol's friend took me to a Cancer big morning tea, very nice, they had an auction, I tried to do my bit for fundraising, and bid for a gourmet organic hamper. yum! I got it too! Carol's friend is a patchworker also, so that was the connection, unfortunately the lady isn't well as she also has cancer, and was quite exhausted by the mornings event, I wish her well.
Margaret, from Sale, (and previously from Exmouth) came over on Saturday, with another girlfriend, and I packed my toothbrush and we went out to Tylers Lake Beach, where she has a holiday cottage, very comfortable, and we had a nice pub tea. Poor Margaret, must have been really worn out as she slept until about 10.30 ish! But what the heck! that is what relaxing weekends are about! We drove back to Lakes and went to a Yumcha floating restaurant for lunch. Fabulous food, I was sorry to leave! I know Margaret will be going back!
From Marlo, I drove on to Mallacoota, the last coastal town in Victoria, great pub food! had a beautiful site right on the waters edge. Mallacoota apparently has the biggest caravan park in Victoria/ australia? over 700 sites! I would hate to be there in summer or school holidays! Then crossed the border into NSW. Nothing out of the ordinary at the border, I only knew I had crossed because Victoria said farewell! NSW didn't welcome you in! The road was very beautiful, steep hills/mountains, nicely winding roads! thank you! and veeeery tall straight trees, not as big as Karri around the trunks, but still very tall. Drove to Eden on the east coast, this is the harbour where all the Sydney/Hobart yacht race boats limp into if they get into trouble. It is a pretty harbour with a hill top ridge dividing the harbour into 2. Twofold bay it is called. ( I think that is the best way I can describe it.) I drove up to the lookout, very beautiful views, and walked back along the path, and there was a huge black snake, just beside the path!!! I almost had a heart attack!, I am sure it wasn't there when I went out to the lookout. It was near a wire fence, stoppng people from falling over the cliff, and as I watched, it uncoiled itself and went through the wire and disappeared! I waited and warned a couple who were still out at the lookout, in case it came back further along the track. I am no snake expert, it could have been a python for all I know! But I thought of all the time I have been on the road and it is only the 2nd one I have seen (fairly close up). Certainly as close as I fancy anyway!
I had the best seafood lunch I have had since I started travelling, finally, at Eden, down at the fishermens wharf. Luscious oysters, Mussels Kilpatrick, (have never had them before!) scallops in wine, prawns with garlic and something, and fabulous fish. Not cheap, but sooo delicious!
Next morning I was on my way again, along the coastal road to Tathra, but not before I went down to the fishermens Harbour and got some smoked (locally) mussels and salmon. Yum! Tathra was another delightful place on the beach front, pretty ordinary caravan parks, but they are getting pricey! I can't wait until it gets warm enough for me to free camp again! Friday, I was on the road again to Narooma, a patchwork shop the attraction, although there were some at Merimbula, I couldn't face the traffic and the bustle of the place to try and find it. I had been advised that Narooma's was a great shop. You got it, they were right!! So good in fact, that she was having a workshop the next day, so I decided to delay my leave until after it was over! I enjoyed it, the ladies were friendly and curious, as everyone is I meet, about my travels,and I almost finished a very smart bag, certainly I will this week. Only have to sew the side seams and put the straps and binding on. I was so late leaving to get to Batemans' Bay, that I was driving in the dark, and that is almost a first, (2nd actually). I arrived at my park in the dark and rain! ugh! any way that is for next blog.
Bye for now and keep smiling! Love vicki
View from park at Narooma
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