Great Ocean Road

Leaving Geelong  it was only about 1/2 hour down the road to the start of the Great Ocean Road.  The scenery on this drive would have to be one of the most spectacular drives and the most gorgous views that we have seen so far.  Its up there on the top of the list..  I suppose you will hear me saying that many times as we travel around this great land of ours.

The first night we stayed at a camp at Joahana Bay, a little cold and rainy but not unpleasant, Mick had a chat to a fellow who has been camping there for 20 years, and he had not caught a salmon this trip, Mick thought that was enough for him, so did not wet a line.  No salmon on the Bass Strait. Are you hearing me everyone, no Bass, only 1 Trout ,and no Salmon. There is not much hunting and gathering going on i can tell you.
Travelled the rest of the Great Ocean Road next day stopping at all the incredible sites,of coarse The Twelve Apostles was  amazing ,but each stop was a breath taking view, London Bridge (it has collapsed but still fantastic) The Arch, passed the Bay of Martyrs and The Bay of Islands  walked down a great amount of steps and found ourselves in a beautiful cove.

Had lunch at Port Cambell and travelled on toWarranambool where there is a cheese factory,went into shop for a little cheese tasting or 2 or 3. Of coarse we had to buy...... Yummy... Last port of call for the day was  Port Fairy to book in for two  nights.  Will check out the sites of Port Fairy today before we move on to Mt Gambier then a bit of back tracking to go and visit Chris and Justin .  We are going inland for a few days to the Grampians while Trish and Brad will go  up and around  Adelaide. Will do a catch up down the track...

  Just love this country......

The view from lookout at The Twelve Apostles

Razor Back

Part of  The Arch

Down in the cave at Loch Ard Gorge

Lock Ard Gorge

Phillip Island to Geelong

Stayed 2 nights at a little beach side place called Inverlock not far from Phillip Island. Very beautiful  area to have a stop over but the weather wasn't kind and we got around in  winter woolies for the 2 days. Like to see the place in full sun. Took a day trip to Phillip Island the home of the fairy penguins and motor bike racing,also stopped at a chocolate factory and indulged.  We stopped for lunch at San  Remo and was amazed to see a lady feeding the sting rays by hand.Of coarse it was all for the tourists but she has only been doing this for 2 weeks

Leaving Inverlock we went to Melbourne and had to have a coffee with Norm at Wagstaff Piling , let me tell you he brews a mean drop. It was great to see Norm as the boys met many many years ago so a short catch up was a must. Also i think Baggy needed a Wagstaff Piling fix, i think he wanted a start......

We kept on the move and went over the  Westgate Bridge high above the city then we continued on our way to Sheralyns and Johns place at Geelong. They were kind enough to let us take over there very long drive-way and put 2 caravans there, also the cars. No room for John he had to leave his car on the street.  Stayed 2 nights and many a tale was told around the B_B_Q both nights. Thanks guys...Looked over Geelong city and the surrounds .The outer beaches were great and we all love Queenscliff sitting right out on a far point. Very trendy ,all the old cottages were renovated and of coarse very expensive real estate.

Heading off today for the great ocean road not sure where we will end up,but intend to go north at some stage to visit  Chris and  Justin and see there amazing property sitting around the Grampians. Till next time,    

      The Baggies

 San Remo to Phillip Island Bridge

San Remo Feeding the Rays

Westgate Bridge Melbourne

Looking a start with Norm 

 Geelong Pier

 Thanks to John and Sheralyn

 Girls found new men at  Geelong waterfront

Snowy Mountains N.S.W. to Sale Vic

Leaving Canberra we headed across to the Snowy Mountain and once again saw the most spectacular scenery. Can only imagine what those mountains would look like covered in snow. That will be another trip. Had 2nights at Jindabyne and travelled to Thredbo,Perisher,Mt Kosciuszko,(we did not walk the track of 14kl) Fished in Lake Jindabyne, nothing, but Mick had a little success when he caught his first trout in the Thredbo River. Was quite pleased with himself till someone told him it was illegal to use real bait. We hightailed it out of there with out catch in our fridge. Beautiful country.

Next stop we once again had to go back across the mountains to the coast passing through Bega (the cheese town) and travelling along the Sapphire Coast to Tratha, Merimbula,Pambula and Twofold Bay but then the car decided it needed some TLC. Had to stay over in Eden for a few days but couldn't have picked a better place.

Finally on the road again we headed off yesterday to camp on the banks of the snowy river right at the mouth in Victoria. Fishing was once again the agenda till Mick and Vonnie had to vacate there spot because of not one but two brown snakes together. Mick and Brad chose another spot and all went well till another brown actually reared up , that was the final straw, at 6.30 at night we packed up the vans and left the area. Went down the road a while to a roadside camp. The night bon-fire was cancelled,didn't want to push our luck.

Today we drove into Victoria and at Sail headed towards the coast to Paradise Beach looking for a camp but the winds were up so did a little site-seeing and left the Tasman Sea blowing a gale and we are now at Rosedale just outside of Sale. Heading for Melbourne next stop.

Love to all       
The Baggies

Mick fishing at Lake Jindabyne

Micks 1st Trout

Resting on our morning walk.

The Man from Snowy River

Micks B'day at Eden

Rock formation at Eden

Boyds Tower near Eden

Snake Pit Gully on the mouth of the Snowy River

Look out boys someone is watching

Just before all hell broke loose!!!!!!!!

Canberra.....

Oscar getting ready for Easter!

Cassie bored..

Von and big daughter Cass

The minature gardens!

Cockington Green Gardens

Mick and I at the War Memorial

War Memorial looking down to Parliament House

War Memorial

Lake Burley Griffin

Cassie's little boy Oscar

Broncos supporter!!!!!!!

Left Eco Point Murramarang Resort outside Batemans Bay on the 6 March to travel across the Great Dividing Range to Canberra. Was a very interesting experience. The 4wd's had a battle and were down to first gear most of the way. It was a constant climb... we had to whip them at times..
Our time in Canberra is nearly over, and it has been wonderful catching up with Cassie.
Her street in the Duntroon army base looks like an upgraded tent city with the van's and 4wd's out the front and we have taken over the end of the street. Thank goodness for the great bunch of army wives who are her neighbours!
We have been cycling around Lake Burley Griffin and walking around the army base. Had a visit with the pollies at Parliament House- Bang Bang was in town so the Great Hall was off limits while the big wigs had a feast..
The War Memorial was once again a very moving experience, visited Telstra Tower, 810m above sea level, i think i have overcome my fear of heights... not!!!
Visited the miniture gardens of Cockington Green, plenty of day trips and a lovely afternoon of wine tasting at the Pialligo Estate Vineyard near Cassie's house.
Brad turns 50 tomorrow so we have the day planned. I'm sure we shall enjoy :)

We're leaving here on the weekend... Snowy Mountains in the summer here we come.. Lake Jindabyne your fish are ours!!! Hope its not like the Bass.

Love to you all for this time,
The Baggys x