Winter escape - take two........

After our three weeks at home we have the van back fully repaired and looking as good as new.  Now it's time to pack again and get on our way in search of some warm weather.

While at home we did our best to stay warm, and that I have to tell you was almost an impossible task, with Victoria in the grip of one of the coldest winters for a number of years.  Overnight temperatures remained between 0 and -5 and the days were lucky to see 12 degrees.  A bit of a shock to our system I must say.  

We spent a few days in the car as we had to visit the van to pick up some of its contents before it was repaired.  A day trip to Beechworth and Yackandandah took care of another day and the longest day of all was when Bill had to visit his dentist in Dandenong (a toothache) and ended up having to be fitted in with the specialist for an emergency Root Canal.  Now we really HAVE spent the kids inheritance!  The next day we returned to pick up the van and bring it home at last.  Loved the sculptures in the park on the way.

And so we leave - again.  We took three days to pack and see that everything was right and then we hitched up, complete with locking tow pin, and headed off again.  Not wanting to retrace our route along the Hume we took the back roads to Yarrawonga.  Once here we had a walk around town, did a bit of shopping and then continued on across the border into NSW where we stopped and had lunch next to Lake Mulwala.

We drove on stopping that night, just out of Urana, where we camped beside a little waterhole.  The next day we checked out the tiny town and I must say I really am bemused by the 'Big Spider' on the side of the silo.  It has been made completely of recycled material but it still begs the question - Why?

Our next stop was Narrandera where we went in search of the 'Big Guitar'.  We found it inside the information centre and yes it was big.

Right next door was the Tiger Moth Memorial commemorating the No 8 EFTS (Elementary Flight Training School) during the Second World War.  The DH 82 Tiger Moth is the main feature but there are many model planes, photos and other memorabilia to see as well.  Well worth the time to stop and have a look.

From here we made our way to Griffith and stayed just out of town at Lake Wyangan.  Right on the lake is fabulous camp ground for travellers.  A three day limit allows you to stay and play.  Toilets and views what more could we want eh!  We only stayed one night but will keep it in mind for future visits.  The drive out to the lake takes you past many orange orchards and vineyards.  That alone is a good reason to return but I'm guessing it might be 'the important bird area' that brings Bill back.

The next day we continued on stopping at Hillston for lunch and then made our way 'up the map' to Mount Hope where we stayed the night.  As I mentioned before there is nothing here but a pub and a community hall.   The hall was a hive of activity as many locals, from where I have no idea, were preparing the venue for their annual Christmas in July the next night.  They told us to camp anywhere on 'the golf course' between hole one and nine.  Who knew that patch of red soil and scrub was a golf course.  Complete with flags in barrels marking the holes!  

We did as we were told and by nightfall were joined by a few other vans.  We all met later that evening in the pub for dinner and I revelled in a night off.  Nothing better than a country pub meal every now and then.  

Waking up the next morning to a bright blue sky, sunshine and warmth was lovely and by the afternoon Bill had shed the jumper and jeans and was in a pair of shorts.  He's a happy man at last.  We drove on to Cobar where we stayed overnight at Newey Reserve.  Not even a heater was needed here as the overnight temperature was 14 degrees.

Bourke was our destination the next day and after topping up the water tanks at the information centre we made our way to the boat ramp where we stayed the night before heading on to Cunnamulla the next day.  We are going to spend a few days at Bowra before continuing our trip north.  So watch this space to see which way we go next.

until next time........