Shut the front gate!  Xmas is just around the corner, yep, true.

 

Well, October is done and dusted, where did that go? No way known do I know.

 

Guess where I am as I do this? Go on, guess.  First and as usual I will do a u turn and go back to the beginning of the month. Hold on tight.

 

I enjoyed my time at Warrnambool, Sth West Coast VIC and even though I am not a big fan of the place, the park I stayed in, Holiday Village Warrnambool, 75-81 Henna St, pay 6 stay 7, was sooooo enjoyable that made my stay great. While in Warrnambool a few events took place, first was the AFL Grand Final, boooooring, as has been so many times it was very one sided, never mind I am not a big AFL fan anyway.

 

I am however a NRL fan and their Grand Final took place the next day, I had a double chance of a team getting in as I follow Melbourne Storm but due to spending footy season in Townsville have got  to like the Cowboys and they were in the big one. After watching one of the best Grand Finals ever the Cowboys were victorious. Townsville's hero, Jonathan Thurston instantly became a God I reckon. He is one good player.

 

I was in Warrnambool to catch up with a GN mate, Terry so we visited the RSL for a few meals as we both enjoy the Warrnambool RSL, they have good cheap meals and a lovely view. I also took Terry to Geelong for a medical appointment. He was unable to drive after so I offered to help out, as most GN's do. One thing is for sure GN's willingly help one another as it is no problem to any of them/us. I have been helped and offered help on many occasions. Maybe the world should look in one day. 

 

Being a movie fan I couldn't resist going to have a look at "Middle Island".  This island is literally a stone throw away from the main land near the break-wall in Warrnambool.  You might have already seen or read about the movie "Oddball" starring Shane Jacobson, one of my favourite Aussie actors. Middle Island had a large population of seabird colonies, in particular the "Little Penguins" also known as the "Fairy Penguin".

 

In the year 2000 there was a population of 600 of these little penguins but by 2005 there were only 10, yes 10, bugga, something had to be done and quick if these little critters were to survive.  It was decided to bring in the cavalry, the Maremma Guardian Dog, an  Italian dog traditionally bred to protect animals from thieves and wolves.

 

So the "Maremma Project" was born. They put the Maremma dog on the island to protect the seabird life and the "Little Penguin". A great success to this day.

 

If you see how close the island is to the mainland you can see how dogs and foxes were able to get to the island during low tide. The island is closed to the public and Rangers go over to check on the Maremma. Also check on the now thriving penguin colony.  Great story and one the movie was based on. I am still to see it though but will one day. 

 

Now Tuesday 6/10 arrived and it was my 12 month anniversary of becoming a full time grey nomad, 12 months, where in the world did that go?  It was also time to head for my next destination, Rye, on the Mornington Peninsula in VIC. Again it was to catch up with GN friends, Brian and Cheryl and also for a very special moment. 

 

I left Warrnambool and headed for Queenscliff to go on a cruise. I decided to avoid going all the way to Melbourne and back down to the Mornington Peninsula and hop on the Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry, not cheap,  $116 tug, den and me.  If you get the 7, 8 or 9am ferry it is around $75 I think but they were too early for me. The ferry leaves both sides on the hour 7 days a week.  Nice 45 minute journey across Port Phillip bay and a lot less stressful and no where near the traffic. It was a 12.00 departure so had lunch while on board.  Yeh, I know, it's hard out here in the playground but hey, someone has to do it so I don't mind being the bunny and I tell you that for free. 

 

What was the special Occassion I hear you ask?  

 

Well, to meet my new Grandson. He was 5 weeks old by the time I finally got to hold him and he is a little cutie and I also tell you that for  free. Over the 2 weeks at Rye I fitted in 4 visits and on my final visit got a few smiles and even what I reckon was a giggle, so I left one very happy poppy.

 

I also managed to get to my old stomping ground in Wonthaggi, Sth West Gippsland VIC, to visit a mate there and was good to catch up with Pete and his wife Rosa again. Time was limited so missed a few people.  On my way from Rye to Wonthaggi I noticed a few road changes and speed limits but Wonthaggi was still Wonthaggi and most of the roads in a bad state of repair. I swear the same pot holes were still there.  "Shame" Vic Roads. 

 

Moving right along, it was time to leave Rye so headed of at 6.20 Sunday 18/10 heading in a Northerly direction, up the Peninsula Freeway, Monash and through Melbourne finally joining the Hume hwy. I continued on the Hume and turned of with Shepparton in my sights but found myself hanging a left near Nagambie, Central VIC and not long after the tug and den were sitting at, did you guess where I am? Yep, Greens Lake, central VIC,  bugga hey?  

 

It's starting to feel like I return home every time I arrive here these days. 

 

My 2015 Northern migration started here at Greens Lake late March this year and has now finished late October.  Bring on Summer and the GN annual Greens Lake gathering. There are already 12 GN's here already. Plenty of other people also enjoying this great place provided free for all. One thing though, if you come here there are only toilets, water and bins, you must have some form of power etc. I am fully set up to go "off grid" and my solar panels and batteries do all that for me, I just need to keep an eye on them. 

 

Weather report.  Well overall I have been lucky.  Most days for the month have been high teens but high 20's and even a few low 30's since arriving at Greens Lake, With single figures during the night. I have had a couple of low double figures at Greens though.  A few days of strong winds for the month as well just to keep me on my toes.  Unfortunately for the locals in the 3 locations, none to very little rain.  So no complaints from this little black duck  in the weather department.  A very big  thankyou to the weather gods. Although as I do this it is raining as is most of VIC. 

 

OK then, another month gone and another update comes to an end so until next time keep safe everyone. 

 

A few pics below as usual. 

 

 

Top..........My Site At Holiday Village Warrnambool

 

Middle......A view near Warrnambool RSL

 

Bottom.....Whale Watching Platform At Warrnambool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top...........Middle Island Warrnambool  (Left) 

 

Middle......Waiting for my 'Cruise'

 

Bottom.....Rye back beach