trip Down South

During October/November 2006 we decided to travel south to see Vivienne's mother and take the opportunity to see my family and friends. We did plan to travel down in our 1984 Statesman but were concerned that it would be reliable for the 2,000 mile plus trip.

We had sold the MotorHome a month or so ago (after two years on the market) and thought that a modern car was a possibility.

Barry saw a new car in the Holden Dealer that seemed just right for tripping around local roads, future camping and the trip down south. A test drive and the fact that the dealer could get it quickly and the deal was done. We decided to keep the Statesman (maybe a later sale) and our metro (for shopping and short trips).

The new car is called the Captiva.

This served us well on the trip down, being just big enough to hold tent and all gear and was easy to drive.

We started off pretty early with Waeco connected and Folfie in the back. Our first stop was at Tenterfield to pick up a case of wine from Dr Nose winery. As a whole case was purchased two extra bottles were added,. We arranged to pick up another case on the way back.

Our first stop was at Coonabarabran Caravan park.(616kms) and as they did not allow dogs in the cabins the tent was used.

The picture above was taken early next morning. We packed up early again and were off by 7.30 in the morning heading for Narranderah (563kms).  We stopped every two hours to give us and Folfie a walk and offer water to Folfie. he spent most of the trip asleep in the back. Every time we stopped he would wake and check us out.

At Narranderah it had been arranged for the dog to be with us in a deluxe cabin. A lovely cabin it was too fully equipped for cooking etc. This cost $60.

We even had a carport for the car. The grass from where the picture was taken is used for tents. The caravan park provided two BBQ areas with gas barbecues, tools, seats and e a fridge, microwave and even a TV. A wonderful place indeed. The Park is south of town just after the Jerilderie turn-off opposite the Mobile garage. (0269592955). A wonderful place. Even a walk is provided together with the local horse.

This is a view from the cabin at dusk.

We decided that the third day would involve less travelling so we went to a Caravan Park on The Murray River near Barmah (267kms). The cabin allowed Folfie and was right next to the river.

When this picture was taken I was standing on the river edge. Outside the sliding door a BBQ was provided along with gas. We used this to cook Folfie's dinner.The management allowed a wood fire in the hollow there in a drum that was provided. So one could sit outside in the evening with a camp fire.

From Barmah we travelled down to Ballarat (249kms) and stayed in a Motel for three nights. Next morning we visited Vivienne's mother and had meals at Vivienne's sister's place (Marion and Dennis) and Nephew (Clive and Nerida). Clive and Nerida's son James is a livewire and kept us busy when he was around. Vivienne's mother is now nearing 92 and looks well for her age.

As we travelled down we left the green of Kyogle behind and the further south we got the more apparent was the drought conditions. The lake at Ballarat is now just hardening mud but dangerous to walk on.

After three pleasant days at Ballarat we travelled to Mount Martha to see Tony and Stella. The route was via the Queenscliff Ferry.

They now life in a retirement village.

We visited a beach near Hastings.

And we had a game of chess.

From Mt Martha we camped at the Macedon Camping ground. It drizzled overnight, both nights, so the tent was packed up wet and not used again until we returned to Kyogle where is was dried out.

We visited Colin and Sue and Michael and Nicholas in Sunbury. The day was sunny and warm and we had a lovely BBQ in the garden and Michael showed us how to play cricket.

Chloe was not too keen on Folfie so she had to be behind a gate.

Nicholas keeping an eye on things.

From Macedon was our next long journey (669kms) to Canberra to visit James and Susan along with Hooper and Jaclynn.

Whilst we were in Canberra we checked out where we lived back in 1962. Things had changed so much that it was not recognised but eventually found. Canberrra is a very busy place compared with 1962, but that is to be expected.

From Canberra a very nice drive to the "Smalls" in Orange (285kms), though we missed the Barton Highway turn off so travelled via Sutton and Gundaroo - nice country, though a little dry.

Catherine and Travis' house has a wonderful view and a picture can not do it justice.

And the house, where Travis and Catherine have done a load of work.

They have a little do, Snowy, and she and Folfie got on really well.

From Orange we travelled to Armidale, staying in a Motel and then home. As we travelled north it got greener and greener. Arriving at Kyogle we found everything as we had left it except that 113 mls of rain had fallen.

An interesting trip with the new car going really well.