Ok then, here I am again and you thought you got rid of me, sorry.
Talking of time. Mmmmm was I talking of time, nope, never mind I am now. Would you believe it's been 6 months exactly to the day today that I left for this 2014 Northern Migration? Yep sure has.
Now the week started in Wodonga on the NSW/VIC boarder to have the Colorado Rego changed from QLD to VIC as Vic Roads wanted me to that ASAP due to having a Vic licence. I thought if I do it as soon as I cross the boarder they can't complain and they didn't. I had made a booking last week for Monday 18th and sorted all that out. Heaps of paperwork but easy peasy really. By the time I get a part refund from QLD it will have cost nothing in the end so I'm a happy camper. Weird numbers in Vic now and rippa rita, no labels anymore. Wonder what other changes have taken place during my absence?
I was due to have blood taken for tests so did that as well giving heaps of time before I go to the doc to see if I am still alive or that other alternative.
The weather in Wodonga was not bad really considering I arrived during rain. Monday was not wet or cold, just a bit of mud around where I stayed of which I won't even talk about, very disappointed.
Business and medical things done and dusted I left Wodonga Tuesday morning heading for Warrnambool via Bendigo and the Ballarat area's but as I came past the Greens Lake turn off I made a quick right turn to let the Collie see one of the places it will spend a lot of time at. One thing I have noticed is the amount of Canola fields along the way, I have never noticed them before, maybe because I have never been through this area at this time of year. All through this area has been fruit growing but have noticed over the few years fruit trees and land being cleared so maybe the farmers have changed to Canola growing instead during possible bad times. If so it's good to see they haven't gone belly up. Even on the road going into Greens Lake had a lovely Canola field on the left and looked really nice. What a welcome to an already great place.
Yep you guessed it, sorry, I couldn't resist it, the weather was truly magnificent and I decided to stay, so set up camp for a one night stand. Oh ok then I tell a fib but just a little one, I decided the next morning after viewing a very nice sunrise and the weather gods saying a nice day ahead to stay another night. I am not sure if I have ever mentioned it before but cricky I love Greens Lake.
The Solar Panel found it's way out from under the false floor I have in the Collie to store it under for the time being and all set charging away like it should until around 4.00pm when the sun wasn't doing anything to a Solar Panel so back into the Collie until next time.
Thursday arrived and I made a move heading for Warrnambool but made a short stop Near Ballarat to meet "Aussie Paul", Paul and Eril after their kind invite for morning coffee/hot chocolate from his " U beaut" coffee machine, I had the yummy hot chocolate. It was great to meet them both and Paul has inspired me even more to get a larger van. I was not sure about towing a larger van but if Paul can do it with his health the way it is so can Dougwe and I tell you that for free. Thanks Paul and Eril for asking me to drop in as I passed through and showing and letting me sit in those truly amazing chairs in your van. Two of those are definitely finding their way into my new Den for sure.
About 2.5 hours later I arrived at my destination Killarney, no not the Irish place but about 20 mins west of Warrnambool and how impressive was this place, Killarney Beach Caravan and Camping ground, the end of Mahoneys rd at the sport reserve. Hot showers, flushing toots, tap water but not at sites and a sign saying not potable (drinkable) but looks very clear so boil or filter first and would be fine. Oh! free, yes free washing machines. Amenities are very dated but are listed for update in the near future. Jamie, the caretaker comes around late afternoons to collect the fees but you need cash only. $24 or $20 Senior per night or if you stay seven nights comes down to $17 then $5 per extra person. I came here to spend some time with a mate "TCP 99" Terry. We decided to visit the Warrnambool RSL for the Thursday night special and chat. Nice meal in good company and RSL is great too.
Friday, Terry and I headed into town to do some business and called in to check out "Tower Hill" an ancient volcanic crater with some real good photo opportunities so instead of boring Terry to bits with me clicking away I went back later on my own armed with my camera. Due to my ankle still giving me a little grief (yes a little injury I think done back at Jourama Falls Townsville) I was unable to do much walking so settled for the drive and the occasional stop for that kodak moment. I had visited this area many moons ago so enjoyed the little drive through a volcano. Various animal and bird species call this place home and a large wetlands area way down in the bowells of the volcanic crater.
Tower Hill was the first Victorian named National Park in 1892 and declared a State Game Reserve in 1961 and covers an area of 6.14sq km. Even though it's a SGR NO fire arms are allowed. Gee I had to work hard to get that info just so you now know a bit of it's history.
Terry and I headed back to the Warrnambool RSL for a Sunday roast special and that was real nice, very enjoyable.
The weather gods have been very kind to me over the last week really and In fact most of my trip, there has only been the odd day here and there that was a bit ordinary and of course experienced my first cyclone (Ita) while in Townsville but I must say I have experienced much worse conditions back at base camp, South West Gippsland, Victoria so a big thanks to the weather gods. Unfortunate today, Sunday has turned out one of those "ordinary" days and has rained all day so far with a cold wind as I do this update and looks to be set in, never mind that's how it goes.
I have as usual met some great new people along the way and met up with other people I have met previously so great to spend time with all of you. You have all added to my 2014 Migration. Even though I travel solo I never feel like I am on my own as there are so many people playing in this great big playground called Australia.
I leave Killarney tomorrow Monday and should be back at base camp early evening after a couple of stops on the way. So that will be it for my 2014 migration and this will be my last update for a while. I heard that down the back! I hope you have enjoyed them as I have doing them. It won't be for that long really as time flys so until next my dribble hits your monitors that's it. I must admit though, I will miss being in the playground and I tell you that for free but as I said it won't be for long as I can't help myself.
A few pics to finish of with as usual are below.
Edit....I removed a pic about greens lake because someone took offence to it due to a tree.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 24th of August 2014 04:24:37 PM
Glenelg said
03:20 PM Aug 24, 2014
well done mate , see ya at greens
Poppy sore eye said
03:24 PM Aug 24, 2014
Well done, we can see that you had a great time and are hope that all works out easily for your next adventure.
Thanks again for your time and interest while we were in Townsvile, you made all the difference to that visit. We both look forward to getting together again at some time.
We had a phone call from our daughter this morning, and we were invited for Christmas with the grand kids!!!!!
I know we were gobsmaked. It also came with a request to babysit now before Xmas as well as after, but we never knock back the grand kids. This means we will not see you at Greens for Xmas as planned. We should still be ther early December.
till next time, thanks for the updates
yeoeleven said
03:39 PM Aug 24, 2014
Well done again Doug and ditto to Poppy Paul's comments re your help and visits whilst in Townsville.
CYA at Greens expect to be there before the Melbourne Cup weekend,
John
subaru said
04:16 PM Aug 24, 2014
Thank you very much Doug for your very informative review of your adventures it has been(for me) a great insight
to just how fellow travellers can tour the great outdoors and pass on their experiences.Again,thank you until next
time.Cheers.
Big Gorilla said
04:20 PM Aug 24, 2014
Great stories Doug. I've followed them all. All the best...
pugs said
07:28 PM Aug 24, 2014
Well done young fella,you're an inspiration for a fat and lazy ba***rd like myself.I'm pretty sure I missed the beginning....ya want to run it past us again. !!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry mate.You take care. Pugs
Dougwe said
07:43 PM Aug 24, 2014
Thanks all, Pugs I will not go there sorry.
Looks like it was Yeoeleven and My turn to be sent to the naughty room this week. Billeeeeeee (7e's) could have left it clean though Oh well, tomorrow is the start of another week.
I will say though, I don't think I will be at base camp for too long really as I want to stay out here, bugga.
aussie_paul said
07:47 PM Aug 24, 2014
Great to catch up Doug, thanks for making the effort to call in.
Aussie Paul.
Gerty Dancer said
08:25 PM Aug 24, 2014
Good onya Doug, and good luck with your next chapter.
What's your secret with your weather gods in Warrnambool? we've only struck gale-force winds there, in 3 visits.
Vic41 said
08:43 PM Aug 24, 2014
Update and photo's appreciated Doug!
Cruising Cruze said
09:51 PM Aug 24, 2014
As like the other updates Doug it's good reading my friend I really enjoyed them
Thanks for taking the effort to put them together every time.
Cheers John
Dougwe said
05:05 AM Aug 25, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
Great to catch up Doug, thanks for making the effort to call in.
Aussie Paul.
No effort at all Paul, great to meet you both. Keep plodding along and get out in the playgroung as much as you can.
Oh! Keep enjoying the end product of that " U Beaut " coffee machine of yours.
_wombat_ said
08:02 AM Aug 25, 2014
another great update mate, I cannot see how anybody can take offence, because some fence's are made of wood and most wood comes from tree's
(sorry mate could not let that one through to the keeper)
grandpabob said
08:52 AM Aug 25, 2014
Thank you Doug for all your informative updates and pics.
I will miss reading them, so hurry up and get back out in the playground.
Good luck with the search for your new den, take the twins with you, you may get a better deal.
Bob
Phil C said
09:53 AM Aug 25, 2014
Well written Dougwe.. and a great read.
I hope to meet up with you guys one day out there and crack a tube or two.
Safe travels
Dougwe said
06:23 PM Aug 25, 2014
Hey Phil, don't crack the tube mate it is too valuable to spill. Yes I too hope we meet up one day. I am now back at base camp for a short visit (I hope) in South West Gippsland. Some nice weather came with me as well.
Phil C said
08:06 PM Aug 25, 2014
Dougwe wrote:
Hey Phil, don't crack the tube mate it is too valuable to spill. Yes I too hope we meet up one day. I am now back at base camp for a short visit (I hope) in South West Gippsland. Some nice weather came with me as well.
Dougwe, where in SW Gippy mate? I was based at Sale for 4 years in the late 70s, nice area.
PS. we could suck a tinny or slam a stubby. Not sure what the modern saying is.
Cheers
-- Edited by Phil C on Monday 25th of August 2014 08:07:29 PM
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 24th of August 2014 04:24:37 PM
Well done, we can see that you had a great time and are hope that all works out easily for your next adventure.
Thanks again for your time and interest while we were in Townsvile, you made all the difference to that visit. We both look forward to getting together again at some time.
We had a phone call from our daughter this morning, and we were invited for Christmas with the grand kids!!!!!
I know we were gobsmaked. It also came with a request to babysit now before Xmas as well as after, but we never knock back the grand kids. This means we will not see you at Greens for Xmas as planned. We should still be ther early December.
till next time, thanks for the updates
Well done again Doug and ditto to Poppy Paul's comments re your help and visits whilst in Townsville.
CYA at Greens expect to be there before the Melbourne Cup weekend,
John
to just how fellow travellers can tour the great outdoors and pass on their experiences.Again,thank you until next
time.Cheers.
Great stories Doug. I've followed them all. All the best...
Thanks all, Pugs I will not go there sorry.
Oh well, tomorrow is the start of another week.
Looks like it was Yeoeleven and My turn to be sent to the naughty room this week. Billeeeeeee (7e's) could have left it clean though
I will say though, I don't think I will be at base camp for too long really as I want to stay out here, bugga.
Great to catch up Doug, thanks for making the effort to call in.
Aussie Paul.
What's your secret with your weather gods in Warrnambool? we've only struck gale-force winds there, in 3 visits.
Update and photo's appreciated Doug!
Thanks for taking the effort to put them together every time.
Cheers John
No effort at all Paul, great to meet you both. Keep plodding along and get out in the playgroung as much as you can.
Oh! Keep enjoying the end product of that " U Beaut " coffee machine of yours.
another great update mate, I cannot see how anybody can take offence, because some fence's are made of wood and most wood comes from tree's
(sorry mate could not let that one through to the keeper)
Thank you Doug for all your informative updates and pics.
I will miss reading them, so hurry up and get back out in the playground.
Good luck with the search for your new den, take the twins with you, you may get a better deal.
Bob
I hope to meet up with you guys one day out there and crack a tube or two.
Safe travels
Dougwe, where in SW Gippy mate? I was based at Sale for 4 years in the late 70s, nice area.
PS. we could suck a tinny or slam a stubby. Not sure what the modern saying is.
Cheers
-- Edited by Phil C on Monday 25th of August 2014 08:07:29 PM