Devonport to Arthur River

Hi again

Sorry this is in 2 parts but the computer "had an error"so I couldn't finish what I started.

Anyway we crossed the Mercey River at a cost of  $2.50 each way, which took 2 minutes at the most, but was easier and quicker than walking our way around. We did some food shopping and that was about it.

Next day we headed for Stanley, which is about 140kms west of Devonport. We drove to Don first, tohave a look at the markets which wasn't as good or big, as we expected. From there we went to Latrobe and visited the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory. Unfortunately, being Sunday, the factory wasn't open so we went to the shop but everthing was very expensive so we left empty handed!! From Latrobe we drove to Sheffield, via the "Cherry Shed" but there were no cherries to buy. The shop sold various things like Cherry Port and Jams but we were'nt interested, all we wanted was fresh cherries.

From Latrobe we drove to Sheffield, where we saw murals covering many of the walls of the town. We didn't see them all but what we saw was impressive. We also saw this man sitting at the pub with an Alpaca / Llama but when we tried to take a photo he obstructed the Alpaca/Llama. We later found out that the guys name was Ludo and often walked around with his 'pet' Alpaca/Llama. Mind you this guy wore a Scottish hat and with a name Ludo, and having a pet Alpacca on a lead, he must be either eccentric or confused about his heritage.

It was lunch time and we still had good intentions of getting to Stanley. After Sheffield we had to drive back to Devonport to get to Stanley. We stopped off at Penguin for a quick photo of the Big Penguin. Obviously the Tasmanian idea of big is nothing like the 'Main Land'. We realised that Stanley wasn't going to be our 'port of call' so drove to Wynyard where we stayed at a free park at the Showgrounds. The grounds are not very big and we did learn that the Caravan Park wasd not happy with the Showgrounds offering free parking so went to the council. "They" came to a comprimise and said only motorhomes can stay at the Showgrounds and all caravans had to go to the caravan park. How lucky are we !!

We planned to go to Stanley today but the weather wasn't too good so decided to drive onto Arthur River. We want to go on the Chairlift to "The Nut" at Stanley but because of the wind and rain decided to continue on. We have to go back through Stanley to get to Strahan ( which is on the west coast, as is Arthur River but you can't get there directly from there. You need to look at a map to know what I mean ) so will hopefully manage to do the chairlift thing then, weather permitting.

We are now at Arthur River and it is quite cold and there is some rain. We have booked onto a River Cruise tomorrow, weather permitting. I'm now wearing  a skivvy, windsheater and tracky pants and hopefully it will be warmer for the cruise.

Travelling in Tassie is quite different to the mainland. The towns are much closer and even though you feel you have travelled a long way, you haven't, if you know what I mean. Haven't met anyone with 2 heads but the people we have come across have been extremely friendly. The scenery is magnificent.

Well that's it for now. hopefully youwill get all the 'blog' as it takes me 'for ever and a day' type' it. Now for some photos, hopefully.

At the best caravan park ever!. David with Jackson, Jennie with Mr Darcy, me with Kaiser, Linda with Chardy and Atlas in the foreground. What a housefull.

Goanna/Monitor at Beechworth ( climbing up a tree ). Quite a magnificent animal.

Leaving Melbourne for Tassie

Linda and I on deck. Bloody cold and windy!!

Kaiser feeling the cold in Devonport

One of the Murals in Sheffield

Me with the Big Penguin in Penguin !

Well that's it once again. Hope everyone is well

Lots of Love

Jo, Kaiser, Chardy and Shiraz
xx    woof     woof         woof

Beechworth to Arthur River, Tassie

Hi everyone

I've had problems with the computer so my blog will be in 2 parts. Hopefully you can follow it.

Lots of love

Us three
xxx

Beechworth to Arthur River, Tassie

Hi Everyone

Yes I know late again but when I'm travelling with Linda I don't seem to have the time to write my blog.

We stayed at Beechworth till the Sunday. On Saturday we walked into town to have a look at the Celtic Festival. The bagpipers practiced at the caravan park so we got a personal performance!! Luckily it was 9am and not 7am. We walked around all the food and craft stalls before heading back to the Caravan Park. It was really very hot and we had left the dogs in our motorhomes so were a little concerned about their welfare.

We drove to Glenrowan on Sunday. We didn't go very far as Linda wasn't feeling the best. We stayed at the Glenrowan Caravan Park which was in the middle of nowhere and very peaceful. Also washing machines were only $2.40 and that is the cheapest I have come across, so did a few loads. It wasn't quite so hot but a bit windy. Lots of rabbits and kangaroos much to the delight of all the dogs. We also saw a goanna / monitor  and he/she was quite magnificent, had yellow markings. I'll put a photo on later.

We stayed their 2 nights and then headed to the best caravan park ever! Of course I am talking about my sisters place at Scoresby. Atlas, Linda's dog and one of Jennie's dogs didn't hit it off straight away but by the time we left they put up with each other. Jennie and David were great hosts and spoilt us all ( including dogs ) rotten. I think their dogs were happy to be on their own again, little do they know that Kaiser, Chardy and I are returning in a few weeks!!

Linda and I then drove to the Port to catch the Spirit of Tasmania. We had to drive through the outskirts of Melbourne and I only lost Linda once. We arrived pretty early but we thought the ferry left at 6.30pm not 7.30pm. We took the dogs for a quick wee before we joined the queue to get on board. Linda and I both decided to leave the dogs in the motorhomes for the trip, instead of putting them in cages as we thought they would be happier. Kaiser still has an issue with separation anxiety but felt he would be happier in familiar surroundings, and I think he was.

The trip for Linda and I wasn't too bad. We started off with a bottle of wine EACH and some nibbles ( you are not allowed to drink your own grog ). This helped us to relax and also hopefully was going to allow us to get some sleep as we sat up in recliners. The trip wasn't too bad but didn't get as much sleep as I would've liked. Luckily the seas were fairly calm so the ferry didn't rock too much, a few strange noises though.

We arrived at Devonport at 6.30, and after going through quarantine we got to the caravan park ( which was practically next door ) at 7.30. All dogs were busting to go to the loo so we found a park, just in time. We were pretty washed out for the day so didn't do much which is becoming a regular occurrance! On Saturday we went into the township of Devonport. We caught a ferry from one side of the Mercy 

Canberra to Beechworth

Hi Everyone

We are now in Beechworth and have been for 2 nights, plan to leave tomorrow.

After cold Canberra we headed for Moama on the boarder.We stayed a night at Jerilderie and then decided to try a free camp at a place called Piper's Reserve. Linda's surname is Piper so we had to go there!!. We had to drive along unsealed road to get there but once there it was great, set right on the Murrumbidgee River. When we arrived we both said that I'd hate to drive along that road if it rained as it was quite soft sand for a couple of kms and with our heavy vehicles it would have been very difficult. Anyway it was quite hot and not a cloud in the sky. We were the only ones there so we chose our spot and after we settled in decided to have a fish. Of course the only things we caught were tree branches or snags in the river. After loosing a few hooks and sinkers we decided to quit whilst we were ahead.

There was a toilet there but not your typical one. There is a photo further down the page. We only used it for no. 2s!! I know too much information!

One other couple turned up but parked a fair way away. We really enjoyed this spot but it would've been better if we had caught a fish. Went to bed and at about 1.45am there was an all mighty storm, rain thunder and lightening. Linda and I then became quite concerned as we didn't think we would be able to get out. After a restless and anxious night we decided to give it a go. It had rained on and off all night but had stopped by the time I got up. The ground was pretty wet but we thought it was now or never. We were pretty nervous and anxious but eventually made it out. Some of the road was very slippery and boggy but we took our time. Talk about breathing sighs of relief.

Off we went to Moama and not realising it was a long weekend ( Melb Cup. ) we eventually found a park that took dogs. It was on the Murray River and there were a large number of speed boats, children and dogs. Too busy for us so only stayed one night. Next morning we went to Gunbower which is 50kms west of Eucha. This Caravan Park was more our type very few people there and quite small but I must admit quite expensive for what it was. The guy said it was high season but $27.50 a night was too much especially when Moama was only $17 and it was on the river. We did stay 2 nights including Melb. Cup day but there was no TAB in town so didn't have a bet.

My phone decided to pack it in so was without it for 2 days. Went to Telstra in Eucha on Wednesday and got a cheap one which at least works. Mine is on contract but can't get another one till next August!! Whilst in Eucha and as all the tourists had gone back to work we decided to go on a paddle steamer. Went for an hour and the dogs were allowed on as well. It wasn't really what we expected but we enjoyed ourselves.

Next was Cobram where we just stayed 1 night on our way to Beecworth. We didn't leave Eucha till 2.30pm so didn't want to travel too far.

Arrived in Beechworth on the 3rd which happened to be Linda's birthday. Can you believe there was a Celtic Festival weekend on so accommadation was "tight". We managed to get one night with power and the next 2 we had no power but that didn't worry us. On the night of the 3rd we did a Ghost Tour of the old Mental Asylum (? spell)  at 8pm. We were the only 2 on the tour and it was very interesting but didn't see any ghosts - a lot of fun.

We have walked into Beechworth, twice, via the bush track. The festival is in full swing and there are people here who are in the pipe bands so practice starts at about 9am. There are also craft and food markets plus lots of Irish Dancing, didn't see any Scottish Dancing, but at least we have had something to do.

Toilet at Pipers Reserve, the free park!!

Trailer load of carp at a town we stopped at. They were having a Carpathon and had caught 220 up to Saturday and still had Sunday to go.

Me on the paddlesteamer. Dogs are also on board.

Our tour guide for the Ghost Tour at the Mental Asylum

The creek along the bush walk from the Caravan Park into Beechworth

Well that's it. My next blog will be from Tassie and I'm really looking forward to seeing the Apple Isle

Hope everyone is well

Lots of Love

Jo, Kaiser, Chardy and Shiraz

xx    woof     woof           woof

Little Hartley to Canberra

Hello Everyone

At the moment I'm sitting in my 'home' in Gundagai after just having breakfast.

We spent another few days in Little Hartley, house sitting which we enjoyed. Rose and John lent us their ute so that we didn't have to take our 'homes' to Jenolan Caves which was great as the road was very windy and in some parts quite narrow. The cave were an experience I'm glad I didn't miss. There are quite a few of them but we only did a tour of one. It's unbelievable what is underground and I'm sure there are more but who knows where!!

The next day we went to Lithgow to do some shopping - boooring. After doing some housework we left Little Hartley and went to a free park close to Oberon ( which is between Little Hartley and Bathurst ). This 'park' is close to the Fish River and is a very popular spot for the locals. It was quite busy because it was Saturday but a great spot.

Next was Taralga which is just north of Goulburn. We stayed at the showgrounds and when we arrived there was a Gymkana on, so the dogs went a bit crazy with all the horses. After the horses had left a farmer decided to leave some sheep in the showgrounds so we were constantly being serenaded!! Baaaa  Baaaaa. Not only were there sheep but lots and lots of frogs who were somewhere in the creek so as you can imagine sleep didn't come easily. Apart from that Taralga is quite an old town with lots of the old buildings still standing. Had lunch at the local which was very pleasant.

On Monday we drove to Canberra. We paid $25 for a bus tour of the city, which was terrific. You hopped on and off the bus whenever you liked and the ticket lasted 24 hours so you could continue the tour the next day. We visited the usual places, National Art Gallery, Old Parliament House ( didn't bother with the new one ), National Museum and the Australian War Memorial and drove past the Embassies and Prime Ministers Residence. All very educational and more interesting than I anticipated. We couldn't see the War memorial on Tuesday cos Queen Liz was there and the crowd was unbelievable so we went on Wednesday

The weather wasn't the best, wet, cold and windy and of course we are are not used to it. We left there yesterday and drove to Gundagai where the weather was much better. we might stay 2 nights as I want to do washing and housework yuk.

Sharing our lunch at the Jenolan Caves

Inside the Orient Cave

Old house at Taralga

Me supporting the Goverment!!!

Looking towards the War Memorial

Met a 'Gypsie' and her van at The Dog on The Tuckerbox Gundagai. Wouldn't let me take a photo of her cos she wasn't wearing a bra!!!

That's it hope you are all well

Lots of Love

Jo, Kaiser, Chardy and Shiraz
xx    woof    woof            woof

Gold Coast to Little Hartley

Hi There

Here I am in Little Hartley, where you may ask. It's between Katoomba and Lithgow and I'm staying with friends of friends, but have met them before.

I left Gold Coast on Saturday. Doug did some structural work on my scooter, and put in the new shower head. I went out with the girls from work and it was sooo good seeing them all. Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of spare time so couldn't see everyone. I enjoyed my stay but was keen to get going again.

I did plan to go to Yamba as I've heard that it is a lovely spot. According to my Caravan Park book which is a few years old, there were no dog friendly caravan parks so drove to Maclean which is on the Clarence River and west of Yamba. The caravan park was only small but very nice. Took the dogs for walks along the river and saw dolphins and Water Dragons (lizards). Unfortunately the dolphins didn't surface long enough for me to take a photo. I stayed there 2 days and really enjoyed it. The lamposts are painted with different tartans and look quite spectacular.

Next was a free park just north of Kempsey. When I arrived ( it was at a BP Roadhouse) there was no one else, but by 4pm there were a large number of trucks and my little van looked like a matchbox toy surrounded by tonka trucks. I did feel safe.

I have always wanted to go to Port Stephens, why? not sure. I stayed at Caravan Park at Anna Bay but it wasn't near the water. I did drive into Nelson Bay but it isn't Mobile home friendly and found it very difficault to get a park. Anyway I took a couple of photos and walked along the beach.

I then drove to Noraville and stayed the night with the family I met in Port Lincoln. It was great to catch up. There house is on top of a 'cliff ' overlooking the ocean and you just had to walk a short didtance to the beach. The dogs loved it and from the house you could see whales a fair way out, all very pleasant!!

Next was a visit to my niece's at Ettalong Beach. Stayed a couple of nights, met my great niece who was born on my birthday. I always love going there.

I had been in touch with Linda and arranged to meet her at Wisemans Ferry which is in the Blue Mountains, well close to anyway. We then crossed the Hawkesbury River on the ferry and went to the Caravan Park which is also on the river. It was a really lovely spot and Linda and I parked on either side of a covered area which also had a bar b q. The weather was superb and I did a bit fishing as well but only caught a tree. I had to get a fishing licence which was $12 for 1 month. Linda also got one so hopefully we'll get more fishing opportunities. We really enjoyed this caravan park, so friendly and with the river so close it was quite relaxing.

Monday we arrived here at John and Rose's. They own 18 acres, have 2 dogs, 3 chooks, 2 geese, 2 ducks, and 1 cat who has gone to the 'Catery' as John and Rose go away tomorrow. We are allowed to stay for as long as we like. We plan to go to the Jenolan Caves and 3 Sisters and using here as a base, we are so lucky to be able to continue to stay here. Not sure when we will leave.

That's about it for now. Hopefully it won't be too long before I write my next blog.

Clarence River early morning

Lamposts painted in different tartans

A friend

Brach at Nelson Bay

Our site at Wiseman Ferry Caravan Park

Sunset - Hawkesbury River

Till next time, hope you are all well

Lots of Love

Jo, Kaiser, Chardy and Shiraz

xx     woof     woof          woof

Gladstone to Gold Coast

Hi everyone

Here I am on the  Gold Coast staying with Doug and Maree.

After spending a great time with Josh I then drove to  Boyne Island  ( not far from Gladstone )which isn't really an island but much prettier than Gladstone. I took a couple of photos and then headed for Gin Gin via Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Waters which were very pretty. Arrived at the free park at Gin Gin which is quite big with 2 toilet blocks!!.

Next morning I arrived at Torquay, Hervey Bay. I put my motorhome in Jamie's backyard and had an extension cord 'run' from the house. He is only 600 metres from the beach so the dogs and I walked there twice a day. Unfortunately it is not a dog freindly beach but it was great walking along the esplanade. I stayed with Jamie 2 nights and then went to Tewantin to stay with Julianne. Was there 5 nights and was spoilt rotten.

Friday I went to Buderim and stayed with a friend ( well she is one of my sisters best friends). They had a few visitors for the weekend so it was convenient that I had my own accomodation. Watched the Grand Final, AFL of course, and then drove to Brisbane and stayed with friends there.

I arrived on the Gold Coast on Sunday and Josh was there so we all went out to dinner i.e. Lachlan, Libbee, Josh, Ann and Phil and their son Rhys and his partner. Had a great meal. Over the next couple of days I had my hair tipped, saw the Tax man, visited friends and tonight I'm going out to dinner with the girls from work.

Not sure when I will leave here, hopefully Friday or Saturday. I'm not ready to finish my adventure and am extremely keen to continue. It's been great staying with Doug and Maree.

You will have to wait till my next blog to found out where I'm heading as I don't know myself at this stage. I think I'll be catching up with Linda at some stage, the last time I texted her she was heading for Tamworth.

Seventeen Seventy

 Torquay, Hervey Bay

Noosa Beach

Noosa River

Well that's it. Who knows when I will next get to add to this blog but hopefully it won't be too long

Hope everyone is well

Lots of Love

Jo, Kaiser, Chardy and Shiraz
xx     woof    woof         woof