THE CARNIVAL IS OVER

Thanks Smarty for putting Tumut on the trip. A lovely spot even though the days were pretty warm. Didn't stop us from having our usual cycle. Looks like a Gossips to me Julianne!

These ducks could well have been the camp executive the way they wandered about, checking up on everything and everybody. Unfortunately we didn't see the platypus which was in the river just near where Fay and I were camped. Others saw it a couple of times, but not our group.

Fitzpatricks, Hughes and Griffins all departed from Tumut for their homes, leaving the Keasts to wander on alone to Wombeyan Caves... the final stop.

But wait! There was company, in the form of Marion, Sue, Merv and Helen! Great. I had contacted Mario Biasutti earlier on and he and his wife Gerlinda came from Mittagong way and joined us for a memorable evening under the stars.

Yes, we did have some fun. Thanks to the cooks and the BBQ man Merv, we all ate very well. And everybody was happy to try Mario's reds that he brought along for the occasion. Since retirement, Mario has been getting right into the grape/wine business. He and GO'B will have to get together to compare notes. I didn't hear any complaints Mario which is a good sign. Thanks for coming out over that shocking road to join us for the evening.

I don't know how or when this exhibition occurred. Merv is amused. Surely they couldn't have done it AFTER the big brekkie on Tuesday morning!! Bacon and eggs and everything you've never thought about putting on at the same time. Just beautiful. As Li from Mao's Last Dancer would say....FANTASTIC!

Thanks to all for such a great van trip. It was really good fun. Would we do something like that again? I think so.

WANGARATTA to TUMUT

Great to have Keith & Wendy Lambert join us here in Wangaratta. Note Fay still has her costume on! Another great bbq.

John, Joy, Graham B, Grahame K, at the back. Margaret Brown and Fay in the front.

Enroute to Tumut. Stopped at Holbrook. Unfortunately Kev & Lorraine Farrelly not there today.

Pre dinner drinks before the evening meal at the Pinsent Hotel in Wangaratta.

Isn't there something about circling the wagons? Or the wagons are circling? This was at the gold diggings at Adelong enroute to Tumut.


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Despite Wangaratta's warm welcome.... 36+ .... we managed to have a good time there. Luckily the van park had a pool which we used frequently, making sure we observed the rules eg SWIMMING ATTIRE MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Some of the gear was quite worn!

We cycled all round the area, visited local communities including Beechworth and Everton and had a beaut feed at the PINSENT HOTEL - a very old pub in Wang. It was good to have Graham Brown (ex WWTC) and his wife Margaret join us along with Alan and Carolyn Keys who are friends of Keasts and Browns.

Wang to Tumut found us entering familiar territory for most of us as we passed the Wagga turn off and went on through Adelong to Tumut. Yes, it was cooler there (thank goodness), but still pretty hot.

Forsythes left the tour and headed for Shepparton, leaving us with 4 couples. Fitzpatricks received word that they are needed in the 'Gong on Monday so they'll head for home on Sunday arvo. They've really enjoyed the trip, as have we all I'm sure. More cycling tomorrow before we farewell Bernie and Janice??

Thanks Joy and John as well as Nola for photos used. Think Bernie and Janice might have a couple also.

FROM SEA TO MTNS TO INLAND

Captured by Nola, after being sighted by Dino, these are just a few of the whales we have seen on our trip.

While at Lakes Entrance 6 of us went on a winery cruise to Wyanga Winery. What a great time of cruising, tasting and dining.

The food was really great. Such variety. Beautiful puddings too! How about the damper? Fay and I ate more bread than we'd had in a week.

Some folk felt the need for a little relaxation on the return cruise back to land. The boat was the Corque. Thanks Luke and thanks Jeff for a great time. Somebody asked Luke on the way out, "Will we see any dolphins?" Answer, "Depends on how much you drink!" He said he was the Corque's crew! We were referred to as the "boat people".

When we left Lakes Entrance (after 3 beaut days there), we headed through Omeo, Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Bright enroute to Wangaratta. Here we are having a look from the top.... about 1800 metres. Just beautiful.

The SAAB handled the windy (snakey) terrain very well. Plenty of twists & turns as shown on the GPS. Actually John would've liked to have been travelling a tad quicker than the pace set by the three 4WDs of Hughes, Keast and Forsythe. I think John's learning to be more patient as we go. This day of travel - about 320 km - was one of the most beautiful day's driving you could get.

Wangaratta's extremely hot temps didn't prevent Wendy and Keith from driving across from Albury to party with us. Thanks Wendy and Keith for the potato salad, the snags and the 20c pieces for the bbq. Great to have you join us. Sorry we couldn't fit in a game of scrabble!

Dennis must be feeling a bit better. Here he is tripping the light fantastic with Nola.

Of course there is work too! Here Bernie, Janice and Fay check up on emails at Maccas.

Tomorrow (Saturday) we head to Tumut. Forsythes will leave us as they head for Shepparton. Meanwhile, we'll party tonight at the Pinsent Hotel in Wangaratta. Graham & Margaret Brown and Alan and Carolyn Keys will be joing us. (Keys didn't go through WWTC.)

Forgot.... we've been doing a fair bit of cycling the rail trails and also swimming in the caravan park pool. Temps around 35 give or take a few during the hottest part of the days here. Hopefully Tumut will be a bit cooler.

DANCE PARTY IN VIC

Rob entertained us last night. Singing, dancing etc. Great fun. Now we are 10.

Used to dance with Cookie when Bruce Lucas played.... so danced with Julianne while Rob was busy on the music.

Bernie and Janice enjoying a bit of action despite her crook ankle.

Resting time for John and Joy. We'll look for a piano or organ for John to play.

Nola and Dino... and of course Bonny. Dino recovering (we trust) from a bit of bronchitis.

Yep.... Gra and Fay... when they weren't dancing.

Lakes Entrance a lovely spot, and ECHO caravan park is a beauty. A friendly spot. Maybe off on a cruise this morning after our bike ride. Depart for Wangaratta tomorrow morning (Wed.)

MADE IT TO TATHRA

One of the many Rainbow Lorikeets we've seen. Think there was a conference for them when we were at Kioloa. [Photo by Nola.]

Dino and Nola are enjoying their van. D. Forsythe looks quite comfy doesn't he?

Fay joins Bernie and Janice for a bit of lunch in U2 - their avan.

Here are the 3 rigs stopped for lunch at Ulladulla.

Bernie was trying to spot whales! We have seen a number of them including 2 right under our noses at this spot - think it was Merry Beach.

The group during a bushwalk around Merry Beach area - just north of Batemans Bay.

Bernie, Dino, Janice, Joy, Nola, Fay, GK and John Griffin. The Griffins joined us at Tathra, in yet another avan. Thank goodness great weather also joined us. From here we head to Lakes Entrance in Vic. Do you need a passport to cross the border now?

THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS

Three couples made it to the starting place - 7 Mile Beach at Gerroa. It had not been the greatest day for Bernie (late start then compounded with a flat battery) or for Grahame (who failed to "bank" a cheque for $68 at either P.O. or NAB bank). But that's another story. The Smarts were waiting at the Fishermans Club to welcome Forsythes, Keasts and Fitzpatricks. What a beaut evening meal with an incredible view. Just beautiful. Jan S finished with enough food left over to take home to feed Jim for the rest of the week.

Tues included a bush walk, a beach walk, a picnic, a swim at Hyam's Beach, taking in the Melbourne Cup at Smarts' before relaxing back at the caravan park with a pool swim and then a barbie. The Melb Cup was a Shocking affair with the only winner being Fay who didn't put money on it!

The temp had soared to 40 degrees during the arvo. Then later it cooled to 35 before a cool change at night which brought some welcome rain in the early hours.

Wed: We head to Termeil/Bawley Point. Don't exactly know where we're staying - maybe Kioloa.... we'll see. Gotta find a pet friendly one for Bonnie. Fitzpatricks will see an auto electrician in Nowra to sort out tail light concerns. The Keasts will call through Sussex on their way to do some business and pick up a couple of things they'd forgotten!