Talbot Tour

Saturday 25th November 2006

Checked in on ba.com then left home at 17:15 after watching Kath & Kim. Drove to airport and checked in at the kiosk. Had to check in for a third time to get boarding pass. Seats moved to 39E and F got us an aisle so we wouldn't have to climb out of the seats past a stranger. (Worked well.) Browsed the shops in T4, Entered a draw for a Ferrari, had panini and coffee whilst waiting to board. Used BAA vouchers to pay for it.

On flight a Boeing 777 Reg G-YMMH BA015. 12 hours to Singapore. Watched movie Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead mans Chest. Very enjoyable. Dinner Beef or Chicken (M beef J Chicken). Jackie say next to an oriental lady, she didn't speak the whole flight AND had B.O. LUCKY Jackie. English breakfast meal just before landing.

At Singapore Only had 45 min. Quick visit to the toilet (3 times). Bought Web cam (73A$) need to set it up though. Found free internet and E-mailed Steph.

On second sector of flight 7 hours. to Sydney. New cabin crew. Similar meal to first with an East Asian twist (noodles). This flight Jackie's neighbour and Australian coming home from working on a cruise liner, a nicer experience. Flew through thunder storms over the Great Sandy Desert. Just a little bumpy and lots of lightning out of the window. Continental breakfast before landing.

Monday 27th November 2006

Arrived Sydney at 6:10 cleared customs, immigration and Quarantine (declared the boiled sweets). Our bags were already on the carrousel. Out into the public areas of the airport. Found the shuttle to the hotel and they let us check in straight away.

Had a shower and walked to train station at Mascot. Here we bought return tickets to the city and were at Circular Quay within 20 minutes. Double Decker trains - weird. Had coffee at the Opera House (26 hours after leaving London) and then walked into the shopping area. We bought Xmas cards and stamps.

Jumped on the monorail and went to Darling Harbour for lunch (all day breakfast). After some more walking took ferry from Circular Quay for a trip around the Inner Harbour and under the bridge to Luna Park. Then back to the hotel because we were knackered.

Early night, we were woken at 4 o'clock by a dripping sound, never found out what it was but it stopped after about half an hour.

Tuesday 28th November 2006

Woke a 04:00 but stayed in bed. Got up and showered then went down for breakfast. Full English for Martin and a Continental for Jackie. Packed up and then checked out.

Shuttle bus to domestic terminal and checked in for flight. Automated kiosk, bag quick drop and all done in about five mins. Boarded flight B737-800 Reg VH-VOT DJ427.

Walked across apron and in back door. Seats 22 b,c. Sat next to a lady going home to Esperance. Had coffee and Pringles / Cheese and Ritz. Flight 4 hours and 30 mins. Whilst on the flight Jackie wrote 20 Xmas cards so they are ready for posting.

Arrived in Perth temperature 24 degrees and overcast. Eventually got a shuttle bus to Fremantle $30 for two. Checked in at the Esplanade Hotel and went for a walk and posted Stephs post card. Had bacon and egg toasted sandwich for lunch/dinner due to 3 hour clocks back time tone change.

Checked out Rottnest Express for morning. Staff unsure if it will be operating due to the weather expected tomorrow. Unfortunately for us it's tomorrow or nothing so we will see. We plan to arrive for the first ferry in the morning and see.

Walked along the coast to the hotel, Jackie got sand in her toes as she was wearing sandals.

Wednesday 29th November 2006

Woke up this morning, sun shining decided to go to Rottnest Island. Left the hotel at 06:45 and walked to the pier that the Rottnest Express leaves from. We paid for our tickets and the ferry arrived. While we were waiting to board it rained quite hard so we sheltered in the warehouse with all the others.

As it was the first ferry of the day 90% of the passengers were staff on their way to work. Due to the weather conditions it was just a little bumpy crossing to Rottnest. Upon arrival we disembarked and walked up the jetty.

We decided to walk to Kingstown Barracks for breakfast. On the way at Bickley Swamp we found some Quokkas and watched for a while.

It started raining heavily so we stood in a shelter and waited. The Quokkas were drinking the water as it puddled. After the rain stopped we continued on to Kingstown Barracks.

However when we got there we found no cafe/restaurant. We spent some time looking around and then started walking back to our start point as there were several cafes there.

On the way we came across a BROWN SNAKE and passed within 2 feet of it. Jackie was not happy, as she didn't have a stick handy. (The Dugite is a slender, dark brown, venomous snake)

Halfway back it rained again but this time there was no shelter available so we stood under a tree. Martin then remembered the emergency blanket he had in his day pack. So we opened it up and used it to keep the rain off.

After the rain had finished we got back to the main settlement and went to the tearoom to have a late breakfast (full English). No tea available unfortunately as their urn was broken, so we made do with coffee.

After breakfast we shopped for a fridge magnet, a post card for Steph and some stamps. Jackie was horrified that she had to payA$1.20 for the stamps.

The Xmas card stamps only cost A$1.10. We found out that the Xmas cards are discounted for post stamps.

After the shock we had to have a cup of tea and a couple of cream finger doughnuts happened to jump into our hands to keep the tea company.

We walked down to the sea and Jackie paddled for a bit then we spent time watching the people and the wildlife. Japanese tourists are scared of EVERYTHING. It was hilarious watching them panic about a peacock up a tree.

At half past two we jumped the ferry back to Fremantle. Then walked back to the hotel where Martin used the internet in the lobby and Jackie did some laundry.

After the laundry was on Jackie joined me and order tea for two. So we sat drinking tea and surfing the net in the lobby of the Esplanade Hotel. How posh!

Thursday 30th November 2006

Woke up at about 5 left the hotel at around 7:30 and walked to South Terrace to find breakfast. Had cheese and ham croissant and a pot of tea for two. Went back to hotel and packed. Checked e-mails and sent a few sitting in the lobby of the hotel.

Checked out at 10:00 and waited for Fran and Don. They arrived punctually and we drove to Hillary's boat yard for lunch. Chicken burger and chips and coffee, We then drove towards Yanchep but didn't find it due to the new housing developments that hadn't been there last time Don and Fran went there.

Drove home to Bouvard and sat on decking chatting. Went for a stroll whilst dinner cooking. Had lamb, roast potato, roast sweet potato, roast pumpkin and peas for dinner. Retired for the night planning to get up at 5:30 tommorrow to drive back into Perth for a winery cruise.

This was only necessary as Frans daughter Tracy who was to cook a Barbie and put us up for the night had gone down with gastric flu.

Friday 1st December 2006

Woke up when alarm went off at 5:30. Up and washed and on the road by seven towards Perth. Don dropped us off at the jetty by the bell tower next to the Swan Rover. We had coffee and then boarded the boat for the Swan River Wine Tour. Don and Fran had us booked on the Gourmet Wine Cruise.

Before we set off we were served with tea / coffee and muffins as a base for the drinking that followed. As we sailed the staff gave out 4 bottles of wine and Martin was given the first and when the staff called the number out he had to parade up and down the central gangway displaying the bottle whilst the staff described the wine. After this cheese and biscuits were issued and a sample of each of the wines.

Whilst this was going on the captain (Andy) was giving a commentary about the scenery we passed. After 40 minutes of this we arrived at the house. The gourmet group disembarked and went up to the house where there were eight more wines to be tasted. Followed by a fortified wine.

After the tasting it was lunch time. Starter pumpkin soup or chicken and avocado stack. All of us had the Chicken and avocado stack, which also had couscous, sun dried tomatoes and other stuff. The main course was Chicken or Fillet Steak. Again we all had the steak. It was served with a herb mashed potato, a parcel of green beans and a puff pastry tower type thing. Pudding was Mango Brule with ice cream and a biscuit. All in all very nice.

After coffee it was on the bus and off to the chocolate factory. The chocolate was expensive but the samples were free and after 20 minutes of eating the samples we were all glad to get back on the bus. Having dropped some passengers off to catch the boat home we returned to the start point on the bus.

We drove back to Bouvard and had a 45 minute rest before setting off again to the Bowling Club for a pub Dinner with Bill and Betty. Jackie, Fran, Bill and Betty had a seafood basket (a Steel Bowl really), Don had a steak burger and I had a burger, they all came with chips.

A few more drinks and we were off home to bed. Completely stuffed. Don and Fran are getting pay back for their time in the UK when we would not let them pay for anything by returning the favour. Jackie has tried to pay several times to find that they have beaten us to it.

Saturday 2nd December 2006

Up at 7 for breakfast cereals and toast. Off out for a picnic today. Drove up into the bush to a reserve. Nice spot near the river. To quote Rincewind " flies and more flies with an extra helping of flies". We had our picnic with the help of some fly repellent which helped a great deal.

We went for a short walk after lunch and then we got back into the car and drove to Bunderup North and South dams. At the second one we stopped and had a cup of tea. Some kids were swimming in the small pond at the base of the dam even though there were warning not to swim due to "Amoebic Meningitis".

Saw a dozen yabbies in the pool and the aboriginal lads looked like they were catching them. After tea it was back into the car for the trip home. All in all a nice day out with the temperature on the warm side but not too hot. Tried to phone Steph but she was out, will try again.


Home for a siesta and then dinner and wine on the veranda. Western Australia goes into Summer Daylight Saving Time tonight for the first time as part of a three year trial. So the clocks go forward 1 hour. To hear the news reports you would think it's the end of the world. Comments like :
"The extra hours daylight will fade my curtains"
"If the mums are on the beach for an extra hour who is going to cook ?"

Sunday 3rd December 2006

Woke up a bit later as sun came up later. Got up and got ready for a Barbie. Helped Don change a wheel on the car as the front left had picked up a nail yesterday. While we were waiting to leave Jackie saw a gecko and a stick insect. We drove up towards Perth and stopped at a beach for the Barbie.

We were joined by Angus, Jillian and Southern with their dog Geezer. Steven, Robin with Megan, Lauren, Robins Mum Joy from New Zealand and their dog Ty.

Using the provided barbeque we had a nice lunch and then walked through the sand dunes to the beach. The sand in the dunes was VERY hot. Although Robin insisted it wasn't.

Martin could feel his feet burning even though he was wearing sandals. We sat on the beach watching Southern and the dogs playing in the sea. After about 20 minutes I started to feel that I was burning even though we had creamed up and were wearing hats.

So we hotfooted it back through the dunes and sat in the shade by the Barbie. We talked about granddad wearing a knotted hankie and Steven decided to knot his and put it on. Mistake I have the photographic evidence.

At about three o'clock we returned home and sat on the veranda drinking wine and eating cashew nuts. While we sat there we were visited by a bright blue wren. Chicken, egg, avocado, onion and tomato salad roll for dinner followed by an ice cream cone rounded off the day. A shower to remove the sand before bed.

Monday 4th December 2006

Up as normal and Jackie did some washing in preparation for leaving. We saw a rabbit on the lawn. Phoned Virgin Blue and found that the flight will depart an hour late due to the clock change but Don will drop us off at the same time as he has a dental appointment.

About ten fifteen Don Jackie and Martin left to drive to Mandurah to meet Fran and Kathy. The canal cruise had changed operating times we had 45 minutes to kill so we went for a coffee. After coffee we boarded the boat for the hour tour of Mandurahs canals and waterways.

Saw cormorants and Pelicans. Quite a few posh houses and then returned to the jetty. We then drove to a pub / restaurant by the river for lunch. Jackie had prawn and salmon pasta and I had steak and chips (large size). A delicious lunch in a very nice location. Saw a Nankeen Night Heron and some gulls.

Drove to the shopping centre for me to buy a phone card. Then back home. Don and I put the wheel back on the car as the tyre shop pulled the screw and the tyre did not leak. After tea/wine on the veranda Jackie and I went for a walk and Don came with us.

Saw a domesticated black lop-eared dwarf bunny that had either escaped or been dumped. He looked fat and happy so we left him there. We walked down to the boat slip where we saw a blow fish (they puff up if you catch them). Dinner of scrambled egg on toast after which We repacked the cases in preparation for tomorrows flight.

Gave Fran the presents from Elaine and Our thank you gift of a book about touring the south of England. She seemed to like the book and promised to put the pressies under her tree.

Tuesday 5th December 2006

Up at 7 shower and breakfast on veranda. Leave Don and Fran's at 9. Hours drive into Perth. Dropped Fran off at Jillian's. Don then drove to the airport and dropped us off on the way to the dentist.

Coffee and croissant with cheese and ham whilst using the wireless network point to send some e-mails and update the Blog.

Flight times had changed due to daylight saving. Departure time had been put back one hour. First flight to Sydney took off about 5 minutes late. Sat next to some bloke from Queensland who had lost all his money in a hotel room whilst at a wedding.

On arrival at Sydney we had 30 minutes to board the second flight. This flight had been delayed due to technical staff not having arrived . Delay about 30 minutes. Arrived in Hobart at 22:00 and our bags were first off.

Took some time to find the hire car desks. Had to pay for the car again as the desk didn't have a record of the payment. Will sort it out tomorrow. Drove into Hobart city looking for accommodation. First hotel was a Best Western. So we checked in for the night. Good enough until we look around tomorrow.

Wednesday 6th December 2006

Woke in the morning a little tired. Kept awake by first Traffic on the roundabout, next squeaky pipes in the room next door, then rain, followed by wind. Got a few hours sleep though. Showered and went down for breakfast, all you can eat for ten dollars a head. I don't think they made much profit out of us. Martin had a stack of everything.

Weather forecast was for showers all day. However looking out of the hotel window we could see blue sky coming our way so we opted to do the tree top walk. When we were loading the car we saw damage on the right rear wheel arch. It did not look like the damage recorded on the rental agreement so we decided to return to the airport and confirm. All OK the damage is known about so I have taken photos and will now ignore it and get on with the holiday.

We drove out to the Tahune Forrest about one hour twenty minutes. Driving up a logging road to get to the Tahune air walk we arrived at the same time a coach tour (gloom and despondency 30 OAP's). Good news they went in and started ordering food.

We shot across the river and walked up the track through the forest to the start of the walk. We had it to ourselves and strolled along high above the tree canopy. Part of the walk is cantilevered out over the edge of the river.

When we arrived there were workmen welding the central strut. We joked about it being safe and they said "If you see us running it's probably too late for you". We went out anyway and felt it all swaying as we stood at the end.

We walked back down to the visitors centre by a different route. As we arrived the OAP's were just leaving to start their walk / coach ride up the hill. We went in and had lunch in peace. Wedges and ham & cheese baguette followed by coffee.

Leaving the treetop walk we started the return journey. We stopped at the heaviest tree in Australia. It's weight is calculated at 405 tonnes. While we were getting back in the car we were being WATCHED ! By a crow. Boy was he curious. He even perched on the wing mirror of the car right by Jack.

On the way back towards Hobart Tomtom directed us off of the main road in a shortcut. It was fairly twisty. Jackie looked at the map and saw we would pass right by Mount Wellington. So we drove up to the pinnacle. Spectacular 360 degree views of Hobart and most of Tasmania by the look of it. A little windy and much colder than down at sea level. Jackie was pleased once we got back down onto less alpine roads.

Driving back through Hobart and out the other side we headed for Port Arthur. On the way we saw several Spiny Echidnas, one crossing the road, Why did the Echidna cross the road?......... Arriving at Port Arthur we booked into a bush cabin on Stuart Bay which is part of Port Arthur water. We went shopping for the necessities of life, frozen pizza and chocolate from a general store. Wine and diet coke from a drive through bottle shop.

Ready for the evening we went for a walk along the coast. Seeing several birds we have not identified and potteroos (a small marsupial). Returning to the cabin we cooked dinner and settled down, me to download photos and write our diary and Jackie Xmas cards and post cards.

When dinner was cooked it was time to eat and enjoy the local wine a Tasmanian Chardonnay from Ninth Island Vinyard. While we were eating some potteroos started foraging on the ground outside our cabin. We will be going out animal spotting with our night scope after dark.

Night scope....fantastic, especially after Martin remembered to turn on the infra-red light. We saw potteroos feeding and looking around and they didn't see us. Worth every penny. Night stars very clear considering there is still some light pollution here. We both saw shooting stars, all in all a good night. Then back to the cabin to warm up and sleep.

Thursday 7th December 2006

Up and out, return the key for the cabin. Drove to Nubeena to the Bakery cafe for breakfast in the bakery. Chef well happy about the cricket - ho hum. Anyway breakfast was nice, a FBB (flippin big breakfast). The pot of tea came with two Smarties in each tea spoon - aahhh.

Passing Eaglehawk Neck we branched off to see the Tasman Blowhole. Probably the wrong tide time because it wasn't all that spectacular. We also visited the Tessellated Pavement, a natural rock formation that looks like cobblestones or paving slabs. We drove back towards Hobart on the Arthur Highway and then turned off towards Launceston.

After getting petrol at a small filling station in Campania, we continued to Launceston. It took three and a half hours. Just before Launceston we passed through another Perth. We parked the car and Jackie asked a police man what the sign for the parking meant. We had 15 minutes parking. So we looked in at the tourist office, picked up some water and off towards Beauty Point.

Half way stopped at Exeter for lunch. Cheese ham and pineapple toasties for both diet coke for me and a chocolate milkshake for Jackie.

Got to Beauty Point and went to the Platypus House. An attraction with Duck billed platypus and echidnas. Very interesting, nice to see both up close. The echidnas were particularly friendly, even after Jackie poked one of them, probably because she didn't use a stick.

After that found accommodation at Tamar Cove Motel in Beauty Point.

After a short rest we drove up to Greens Beach. The take away was just closing but Jackie shot in and came out with two meat pies (Gourmet - 1 beef, 1 beef cheese and ham) and two rolls ham or chicken. We sat at a concrete bench and table near the beach and eat.

We had brought along my diet coke and Jackie's 9th Island Chardonnay. After a pleasant meal we drove to the boardwalk through the dunes and walked to the beach. Easier said than done as the sand had covered the boardwalk quite deeply in places. We had to walk on the wet sand as birds used the soft dry sand for nesting.

After this walk on an empty beach we returned to Beauty Point and our motel for the night.

Friday 8th December 2006

Small lay in today. Up and out by 8:30. Heading for Queenstown. Cut across country towards Devonport. Just before we turned south to Latrobe.

In Latrobe we stopped for breakfast at a cafe. Egg on toast for me and bacon toasty for Jackie. We both had a mug of tea served on a saucer with a serviette.


Back in the car and Tomtom refused to plan a route to Queenstown going via Cradle Mount. We drove the route anyway. Stopping at Cradle Mount for a rest stop. After Cradle Mount we found out why Tomtom had a problem.

The road we were on didn't exist in Tomtom. We elected to go to the coast at Strahan for lunch. We arrived with enough fuel to do about 20 km. The main petrol station had no fuel as the truck hadn't turned up.

We drove back into town to a small general store with a petrol pump. Parking on the pavement Martin went into the store and the lady came out and put A$40 of petrol in the tank. While we were fuelling Jackie picked up lunch. We drove to the beach bbq area and had a picnic.

Then back into the car to drive the twisty road to Queenstown. Arriving in Queenstown Martin went to the bank and cashed our first travellers cheque. We checked into our motel and went to the Post Office to post Christmas cards and to the supermarket for biscuits.

After a rest in the room whilst the washing was on we went for a walk to look for dinner. We had to dodge the tumble weed (Not really but it was deserted). We got pizza, lasagne and garlic bread as a takeaway and took it back to the motel. Stuffed we retired for the night looking forward to tomorrow when it will be even hotter than today's 32 degrees.

Saturday 9th December 2006

Phoned Steph on the mobile now that it works and had a nice chat using the speaker phone then got up at eight. Late night as there was a party in the hotel and they were karaoke-ing until about one in the morning. Pack up and head out on the road.

Aiming to Hobart as we fly out tomorrow. We wound back up out of the open cast mine that Queenstown sits in. The journey time today is about 3 hours. After one and a half hours we decided to stop for coffee/breakfast. We pulled off of the road a Tarraleah and found a brand new hotel complex beside the hydroelectric plant. Coffee and muffins. Sat on the veranda enjoying the scenery. It was extremely hot. Other people came out moaned about the heat and went back in. After coffee we loaded up and continued towards Hobart. Stopping at New Norfolk for petrol.

When we arrived in Hobart the first task was to find accommodation. As we need to fill up the car before returning it in the morning we looked near the petrol station and found a Budget Motel right between the petrol station and the causeway to the airport. Having booked in we drove into town. The plan was to park near the mall and walk to the dock area for a nice lunch.

Today the Toy Run was on. As we walked towards the dock we could not cross the road due to the traffic. Seven thousand motorcycles passing between us and lunch was a problem. As we watched they all drove around the block and stopped in the docks....what price a seat with 7000 bikers and their passengers. We walked back in the mall and had a coffee and apple crumble instead. Quick shop for birthday cards and back to the car.

We drove over to Sorrel hoping to get an early dinner....No chance nothing open till later. Found an internet cafe and had a cold drink and some wedges. Into Woolworths (food shop over here) and picked us some drink and snack for later, then back to the motel to repack for tomorrow morning.

Sunday 10th December 2006

Woke at five and got up not wanting to risk going back to sleep and oversleeping. Washed and packed and out the door. Loaded the car for the 5 minute drive to the airport. Dropped the car and checked in, through security into the departure lounge. Wifi available so downloaded emails, sent some and updated my Blog.

On the flight we lucked in and didn't have to share our seat and had three between us, so we could spread out. Landed at Sydney and collected our bags. Jumped a train to Circular Quay. Jackie waited with the cases whilst Martin walked to the rental office for the car.

Ooops it was further than he thought. Taking a short cut through the botanic gardens worked out until the gate Martin wanted to get out of was padlocked....Doh. Did the paperwork for the car and went down to the garage to collect it.

Walking down the line of cars looking for the rego. White car, white car, white car, white car, white car, ELECTRIC BLUE car, white car, ooops back up mine was the blue one. A Toyota Camry V6 sport, complete with the boy racer spoiler on the boot, Recaro seats, etc.etc.

Drove down to circular quay to collect Jackie and the cases. Jackie thought Martin had paid extra for a sports model. Anyway after loading the luggage we were off. Out of the city over the harbour bridge and heading towards Newcastle. As we drove on each time we got near a town we decided to keep going.

We stopped at Wyong for lunch in a shopping centre, grabbed a quick McDonald's, first this holiday. The next stop was in Kempsey for a coffee and a bottle of water.

By six o'clock we were in Coffs Harbour, checked into a motel called the Toreador Motel just off the Pacific Highway. Having reorganised the cases we dropped into town for dinner and found a Hogs Breath Cafe. So steak all round with curly fries and salad. Fuelled the car and picked up a map of NSW and back to the motel for some route planning.

Monday 11th December 2006

Up early again because we have decided to head for Bourke today. Tomtom plans the route at eleven and a half hours. So off we go with a full tank of petrol. First north to Grafton and then inland from there. Crossing the dividing range the road got extremely twisty for a while. Having overtaken several vehicles that were struggling to manage the road we came around a corner to find a rock wallaby sitting in the road.

Martin slowed down and he took one look at us and boinged off into the brush. After the road straightened and a couple more hours driving we saw a kangaroo beside the road. He decided he didn't want to move and just looked at us as we went by. Stopping for a Caesar salad in Moree we were about half way and had been travelling for five hours.

We refilled the car with fuel and continued our journey. The vegetation got sparser as we drove, from almost rain forest at the dividing range to one eucalyptus tree every hundred metres. There were cows, sheep and horses grazing beside the road, free to run in front of vehicles which happened a few times especially with the sheep. We came over the brow of a hill and there was something in the road. Braking sharply we missed the metre long goanna as it scuttled off the road, good thing as coming the other way was a road train.

Arriving in Bourke after nine hours driving we checked out the tourist information and found accommodation. Then shopped for a light dinner of ham, bread, butter and potato salad. Last stop before returning to our motel for dinner on the pool patio was the drive through bottle shop for wine and coke.

Tuesday 12th December 2006

After a hot night in the motel with the air-conditioning running flat out we had tea and toast in bed (made by martin). The news / weather report said that it had been 40 degrees C yesterday in Bourke. We packed up and moved out by eight. Leaving Bourke behind we headed out into the outback once more, towards Broken Hill.

A couple of clicks down the road was a roadwork area controlled by traffic lights. Slowing down to the required 40 kph, the traffic lights went green. As we started through the works area all the workers were sat around their machinery having a breakfast break. The works area road was coned down to a single lane on a straight road. As there was nothing happening in the works area and it was a couple of kilometres long Martin let his speed build to about 60/70 kph. At the end of the works area was a truck waiting at the lights.

Unfortunately there was a police car in front of him. As we approached the policeman stepped out of his car and waved us down. Oops stopped for speeding AGAIN! Mr police man told me I was doing 98 kph. Fast talking and a lot of smarm (Yes officer, I'm sorry officer, You are absolutely correct officer) got me off and we were away again.

Wildlife spotted on the journey today feral goats, sheep, wild pig (not the policeman), Emu and six chicks, wedge tailed eagles and kangaroos. Much to Jackie's delight Martin thought for a fraction of a second that he had seen a penguin, It was a magpie stood up at the side of the road (No.....no French accent!). As it had rained during the night there were white flowers growing on the verges.

One lucky lizard survived today, he was sitting in the middle of the road sunning himself as we came over the brow of a hill. There wasn't time to stop and we drove right over the top of him. He was still sunning himself in the rear view mirror grateful we weren't driving a Robin Reliant.

We had planned to stop for lunch halfway. However halfway turned out to be Wilcancia. It hasn't changed in the six years since we were last here. We decided not to even ask if the fryers were on. We splashed some fuel into the tank and left ( A$1.44 per Litre !).

Arriving in Broken Hill after a five hour drive we had lunch at the visitor centre cafe. Salad rolls, ham for me and chicken for Jackie. Got motel info from the staff and went hunting accommodation. Checked into the Charles Rasp Motel. Quite new and clean.

We decided to visit the Living Desert and Sculpture Park. 15 km out of town down a dirt track. Entry A$10 per car. Fill in the envelope place the money inside and post it in the honesty box provided. A 1.5km hike up hill from the car park took us to the sculptures seeing free wallabies on the way. We also saw small holes on the ground surrounded with circles of small stones. Obviously home to something, but what? The sculptures were very nice.

As we were finishing looking at the sculptures a coach pulled up into the car park at the top of the hill, we could have saved the walk but had enjoyed it. Walking back to the car we decided to visit the Fauna walk, wrong, it was closed. Muttering to ourselves about not being able to see the animals and that there should have been a notice at the entrance we drove back down the dirt track. Oh, at the entrance was a sign giving the closing time half and hour before we arrived.

After a shower in the motel we went out for dinner in a cafe / restaurant in town. Jackie had Carbonara fuselini, Martin had Vienna schnitzel, salad and chips. Filled the car with petrol only A$1.14 using a voucher from Woolworth's to save 4 cents per litre. Then we drove out to the train station and saw the Indian Pacific Train. From there to the airport to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service. One of their planes arrived while we were waiting and was met by an ambulance. We left them to it and returned to the motel to sleep.

Wednesday 13th December 2006

Today off to Hawker for Wilpena Pound. Started at about half eight. Jackie went to return the key for the room. Martin finished loading the car and drove to the reception office. After waiting for a few minutes he was setting up Tomtom for the journey and accidentally pressed the horn. Jackie came out laughing, she had been having a chat!

We drove to Peterborough arriving at ten to eleven. While Jackie ordered coffee Martin went to the bank to cash a travellers cheque. After coffee we drove the rest of the way to Hawker. The guy in the petrol station / information bureau a Hawker was very helpful and booked us in at the Hillview Cottage. He rambled on and bumbled around but we got there in the end. Once we had booked the accommodation we picked up some sandwiches from the local shop / cafe and drove out to find the house.

Hillview cottage is eleven kilometres out of town six of them up a gravel road. Our nearest human neighbours are the owners five kilometres further up the road. However we have neighbours nearer. A mob of kangaroos graze in the paddock that the cottage is built in and there are sheep in the next paddock over.

Close to the house are some large burrows that look like rabbit. We have fallen on our feet here and are booked in for two nights. One small problem, Jackie walked into the bedroom and walked through a cobweb looked down and brushed the web and spider off of her leg. Only to realise a fraction of a second later that it was a red back! It is now a flat red back.

Having eaten lunch the owner turned up with clean sheets and made the bed and swept up. She would have been here sooner but was driving sheep down to the loading ramp. Having found out that we had a fridge, washing machine and an oven, we went back to the shop in town for some provisions.

Back at the cottage we put on a load of washing and waited to hang it out. Once that was done we drove out to the Pound. A$7 to enter so will wait until tomorrow. Returned to town and fuelled up the car then back to the cottage. Pizza for dinner cooked in the cottage oven. All doors and windows open to dissipate the heat.

Thursday 14th December 2006

Up early this morning to do a walk in Wilpena Pound. While we were having breakfast we saw the sheep lorry drive past our cottage on the way to collect the sheep. Loaded the cheese and tomato sandwiches and frozen and cold water into our packs. Sandals in the car cos we were wearing our walking shoes and Jackie wore her ankle brace.

Fifty kilometre drive to the pound we were ready to start walking at seven thirty. There was no one around so we filled out the hikers log to show we were in the park walking and set off. The first part of the walk lead into the pound by the only original entry point along the course of the creek.

As we walked we got very close to a kangaroo and her joey grazing next to the path, about two paces away. We slowly moved past them. They kept watching us but carried on eating. Next we heard a cookabura and he flew to a tree close to us so we stood and watched for a short while.

After two kilometres we arrived at Hills Homstead the home of a family that had raised first sheep then wheat in the pound before their attempts had been destroyed first by drought then by the flood caused by the desperately needed rain.

From here it was uphill to the lookout. The lower lookout was fairly easy to get to, not to strenuous. However it was occupied by a rather large spider. The upper lookout was only 400 metres further on, easy. Not! We needed to be mountain goats.

We made it eventually and the view was spectacular. We started the walk back down, absolute murder for both of us with our gammy ankles. Coming back down we found two different species of lizard, the second looks just like the lizard on a rock we brought on a last visit. When we finally got back to the homestead we sat, drank heaps of water and ate some of our sandwiches. Fortified we started back towards the trailhead. Halfway we finished our sarnies. Signing back out in the hikers log three and a half hours after we set out. Completely knackered we returned to Hawker to pick up some drinks for later and post a card to Steph.

On the way we saw a flock of emus beside the road and stopped for a photo opportunity. Then back to the cottage to do some washing, shower and relax for the afternoon.

Friday 15th December 2006

Woke several times in the night, could that noise be burglers....no just roos on the stones outside. At six we got up and had tea and toast for breakfast. Showers and tidying ready to leave at half seven. Said goodby to the roos on the way out and drove through Hawker on the way to Port Lincoln on the Eyre peninsula.

As we drove out of town we bumped through a drain, shortly after the car started making squeaking noises from the rear wheels. The noise slowly got worse and we pulled in a Death Head Rock to check underneath the car. We found nothing obvious so walked to the death head rock. Well nearly the path had been washed away and we could not manage the scramble down and up the banks of the creek so we returned to the car.

Driving on the noise subsided and Martin thought it might be a stone in the brakes or a wheel bearing. Down the road we went through a dip in the road and the noise came back worse than ever. We looked at each other thinking we would have to wait in the next town while a mechanic looked at the car. Then squeal SQUEAL bang ping rattle the stone flicked out of the brakes and all was normal again.

In a more relaxed frame of mind we continued towards Port Lincoln. We stopped for coffee at a little town called Cowell. As we sat outside the bakery drinking coffee (we were given espresso but we couldn't be bothered to complain) and eating a cake the shop up the road was belting out Christmas carols on a tannoy system. Seems strange given the temperature.

Upon arrival at Port Lincoln we found the visitor information centre and got a list of motels. After checking a few we checked into The Blue Seas Motel. Then back into town for lunch from Subway. We took it down to the beach for a picnic. After lunch we decided to go for a drive. Jackie looked at a book we had picked up "Short Walks in South Australia" and found a walk nearby. As it started from a car park just off of a main road and was one kilometre out and back we decided it would be fun.

Arriving at the entrance to the National Park we paid the A$7 entry fee in the usual honesty box. Twenty kilometres driving later over unsealed gravel roads we arrived at the car park. Then we saw the sign that the walk was two kilometres long and up a mountain. Slogging up hill we were attacked by large ants and got bit a couple of times.

We made it to the top and the view was spectacular. Not that we wanted stand still too long because of the ants. After walking back down and driving out of the National Park we picked up a Chinese meal from the Noodle Box, and took it back to the motel to eat on the balcony.

Saturday 16th December 2006

Off again. Today the plan is to drive to Streaky Bay and then drive to port Augusta tomorrow. Leaving Port Lincoln behind we headed north. After a moment of confusion when Martin wasn't sure that we were on the right road, we sorted it out and continued.

Stopping briefly at "Murphys Haystacks", a rock formation. Disappointing, like a very small Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island. We made good time and couldn't find anywhere to get breakfast, so we ended up having brunch in Streaky Bay. It was a cafe by the water and the sun was shining.

Apart from the cafe there was nothing to do in Streaky Bay, so we decided to press on to Port Augusta. We stopped at Kimba, a small town that is halfway across Australia for a photo shoot and a splash of fuel. Then on to Port Augusta, arriving at about four o'clock.

We checked in to the Augusta West Side Comfort Inn. The same motel we stopped at on our way down from Darwin last time out. The tourist information office was closed so we went shopping in Woolworth's. Having got some drinks we went to Barnacle Bills. Jackie had butter fish in batter and Martin had beef schnitzel, both with chips and a portion of onion rings. We drove down to the water front and sat under a sail shade and enjoyed our supper before retiring to our motel room for the night.

Sunday 17th December 2006

Tried to phone Steph this morning, no reply again, so texted her. Driving to Adelaide. left Port Augusta at about half eight. After about an hour stopped at Port Perie for breakfast and coffee got a text from Steph all OK at home. Drove on to Adelaide and parked near Rundell Mall.

Calling in at the tourist information we got the address of an internet cafe that had wireless. Cost A$5 for two hours plus two coffees. Coffee not bad, uploaded latest photos and blog entries. Downloaded eight e-mails, nothing important. Sent e-mails to Steph, Dave, Pete and Richard. Wandered into Rundell Mall got a top up for my Australian mobile and had a milkshake and caramel shortcake for lunch.

Leaving Adelaide we decided to go to Victor Harbour. An hour and a half later we were there. No reply at the Wintersun Motel ( we have stayed here before) so we drove down to the jetty. Time for a stroll, we crossed the bridge to Granite Island and walked round the island. Returning to the car we returned to the motel and this time checked in.

After freshening up we drove back to the waterfront for dinner. Finding a pizza and pasta restaurant that decided what was for dinner. After garlic bread Martin had an Aussie pizza and Jackie had spaghetti carabonara. Washed down with a couple of drinks. We were lucky to get that as the waiter offered us coffee as he was clearing the garlic bread plates. We all had a chuckle about service so fast we hadn't noticed our main course. After dinner a short walk by the sea then back to the motel for the night.

Monday 18th December 2006

Up as normal and down to the sea front for postcards. Drive to Gawler today along a tidal freeway. North traffic flow in the morning and south traffic in the afternoon. Fortunately we were heading north this morning. Arrived in Gawler at about ten so had cup of tea and bacon & egg toasted sandwich for lunch.

Met Merylin at visitor centre at half twelve and went to cottage. Same cottage as last visit, our comment still in the visitors book. Drove out to Dad and Jeans. Had a good chat, Andrew and Louise packing to leave for Queensland this afternoon. Left them to say their goodbyes and went shopping in Coles. Dinner KFC was disappointing. Very salty. Into Woolworth's on the way home for wine, wedges, sour cream and dipping sauce. Home to cottage to plan walk for morning.

Tuesday 19th December 2006

Woke up in the night by something moving around on the roof. Could be a possum. Slept in as we were both tired. So missed the cool of the morning so cancelled the walk and had a leisurely breakfast. Put on a load of washing whilst eating and stuck it out on the line. Being careful of the table and chairs ( remember the red back last time we stayed). Jackie swept the clothes line before touching it.

After that we went for a drive to check out where the walks start as the maps are not that good. Oh dear, another 16 Km on dirt roads. When we found the park entrance it was on a sealed road so tomorrow we can drive there easily. On the way back we stopped at the bank to cash another travellers cheque, then back to the cottage for a sandwich lunch.

Dad and Jean stopped by after lunch and we had tea whilst Martin showed them some photos on the computer. By the time we had finished the photos and chatting it was six o'clock so we went out for dinner at the Nine Dragons Chinese Restaurant. We paid and that pleased Dad because it means we will have to go out again so he can pay. We plan to have cold meats and salad at Dad and Jeans on Christmas day.

Wednesday 20th December 2006

Woke up in the night again by two possums this time. Up and out by seven for a walk. As we were having tea before going the local news on the radio said that there was a bush fire in the area and gave the name of the road we had planned to drive as one of the ones effected so we changed our plans slightly.

We drove past Dads and up Goldfields Road. Funnily enough at the end of Goldfields road are the old gold fields and a walk with information boards through the area. Very interesting even some old gold mines to look at. Well fenced off with viewing platforms as they are vertical and quite deep. Saw some more roos whilst walking. Took about an hour then back to the cottage for breakfast and a shower.

At ten o'clock we drove out to Dad and Jeans for tea and a chat. At 12 we drove to Tea Tree Gully Shopping Centre. We drove down Chain of Ponds road seeing roos hopping across the field next to the road. All of the chain of ponds, reservoirs are very low due to the drought conditions. The maximum temperature today was 37.9 degrees C, fortunately we did our walk in the morning.

Arriving at Tea Tree we parked in the underground car park and got lunch from a Thai takeaway in the food court. After lunch we had about two hours of retail therapy. The only thing we actually brought was a set of hair clippers for A$ 9.95 so Martin can cut his hair. Returning to the cottage we had a nanny-nap. Later dinner in the cottage, wedges, sour cream and chilli sauce followed by the testing of the spa bath - very relaxing.

Thursday 21st December 2006

Dragged ourselves out of bed and off for a walk, Decided to do the Halls Hike over on the Williamstown - Gummeracher road. Took for ever to find the car park. When we finally found it there was no signs and it looked like a disused track.

The hike was labelled "Easy" in the book of hikes. The first kilometre was a good surface but all up hill. After that the track deteriorated and we needed to be mountain goats. During the walk we saw loads of lizards, dragonflies and butterflies. We thought they were all mating because they felt the change in the weather that was forecast for later.

We made it back to the car park after four kilometres of hard hiking. Back to the cottage for a shower and breakfast. Following a power nap we drove out to Dad and Jeans having booked "Cafe Nero" for dinner at 6:30. After tea and chats we went out for dinner.

Cafe Nero was all we remembered. Last time we had the pasta dishes but ordered the Entree rather than the main course. The main course we ordered this time was Humungous. A real belly buster and none of us had room for sweet. The weather change forecasted this morning had arrived and we drove up into the hills to watch the lightning. Without rain the lightning was sheet lightning zapping between clouds.

After a while the rain started and it hammered down. We splashed our way back to the cottage in the car. It was almost impossible to see where we were going. At one point we saw what looked like a cloud of smoke in the headlights of the approaching traffic. I eased off of the accelerator, good thing. The cloud was a wall of spray being thrown up by the traffic. Suddenly the world disappeared in a wall of water. We made it back and tucked ourselves in for the night.

Friday 22nd December 2006

Still raining this morning although the forecast is for it to clear. Staff coming to service apartment today so up and out. Dad and Jean not expecting us until ten o'clock so we decided to drive to Springfield to see the family tree. It was used as a house by a mother and her children. Then over to D&J for tea. While we were talking a mob of roos turned up in the garden. We watched for a while.

Jean watched carefully in case they tried to eat her roses. As she said they can eat anything out in the paddock but not my roses. Went shopping in Adelaide, parked near Rundell Mall. Had baked potato with chilli and cheese for lunch. Picked up a birthday present for dad and a card and wrapping paper. Walked to the wireless internet cafe to send and receive emails and to upload to my blog and have a coffee.

Walked back to the car and drove out to Glenelg, an up and coming yuppie seaside area. After drove up the coast before cutting in to Gawler. Picked up a pizza and back to the cottage.

Saturday 23rd December 2006

Slow start out of the cottage by 10 o'clock. Drove over to Lyndoch to look at a restaurant for tonight. Looked good in the advert. Jackie checked it out, the restaurant would not open this evening as there were no bookings but they had a cafe/bistro upstairs and the menu looked nice so she booked it for six thirty.

As we were in Lyndoch we decided to pick up a cake and coffee from the bakery. We drove for a while to allow the coffee to cool. As we were driving we found a bridge out, the diversion went down the bank across the river and back up to the road.

They had chucked a couple of pipes in the water and then dumped dirt over the pipes and flattened out a track over them and up the banks. Martin was so impressed he went back for another go. By this time the coffee that haden't spilled was cool enough to drink so we pulled in to a park by the river and ate our cakes and drank our coffee.

After elevensies we drove around the Barrossa Valley checking out the vineyards. Jacobs Creek, Penfolds and Wolfe Blas to name but a few. We drove through ? where McClouds Daughters is filmed. And then back to the cottage to make sandwiches for lunch.

Taking our picnic we drove out to Para Wirra Park and ate our picnic by the lake accompanied by emus. Just like pigeons only larger. After lunch we drove to D&J and spent the afternoon solving the problems of the world over tea and biscuits. At six we drove out to Lyndock and the Lord Lyndoch Restaurant for dinner. Steak all round mine naked and the other three with prawn and bacon sauce on a bed of garlic mash with a large prawn on top. Pudding was sticky date pudding for D&J and creme Brule with a passion fruit sorbet for J&M. A couple of bottles of chardonnay for J&R soft drinks for M&Jean.

A superb meal the steak was massive and very tender and the sweet was to die for. Only A$250 which is slightly less than 100 pounds making it about 25 pounds per head. The steak alone would cost at least 40 pounds back home. We dropped D&J back at their place and picked up the turkey for cooking and returned to the cottage to sleep by the scenic route.

Sunday 24th December 2006

Woke at about eight got us and went for a walk. Drove over to Sandy Creek Coservation Park. Struggled to get in as the rain in the last day had made a bit odf a bog in the enterance and a tree had fallen across the car park. Having got in we decided to do the shorter of the two posted walks. The Wren Loop. Soon after starting we disturbed some roos eating breakfast. Jackie indicated we should stand still quietly and watch them. For about five minutes we watched them watching us. We think the largest roo had said to the others, "look a couple of humans lets stand still quietly and watch them."

We eventually gave up and started to walk on and immediately the roos boinged off. Due to the sandy soil we saw lots of animal tracks and got quite good at identifying the animal that left them. We saw tracks from roos, emus, echidnas, foxes and wombat. We also saw ants, millipedes and lots of birds. The person in front kept walking through spider webs, fortunately none of them occupied. It isn't nice to feel a web cover your face !!!

After three quarters of the distance the signs directing the route disappeared and we wandered a little trying to figure out where our walk went. Eventually we found the longer walk and followed it back to the car. Back to the cottage for a well earned breakfast.

After breakfast Martin tried to load photos onto Dads present (USB Stick). The computer would not recognise it. Oh Bum. Looking up the shop in the yellow pages there was a branch locally so Martin shot off to get a replacement. Returning an hour later he downloaded the photos.

Jackie was out looking for post cards but returned shortly without success, that's Christmas I suppose. At least she had cooked the turkey and potato salad before she went out, also the washing had been done. Filled the car with petrol and drove out to D&J. They had booked a restaurant for half six so we sat and talked. The roos turned up on the lawn again so we watched them for a while. When we left for the restaurant the roos boinged down the drive away in front of us. Some jumped the fence, the rest just went around the end.

Dinner was nice a hotel/pub that worked a bit like a harvester, order your meal and the salad/vegetables/puddings are help yourself. Jackie had veal schnitzel and Martin had Steak and kidney pie. After pudding we said goodnight to D&J and went for a short drive before bed time.

Monday 25th December 2006

Merry Christmas. Tea and biscuits in bed. Shower and ready to start the day. Did some last minute laundry and repacked the cases ready for tomorrows drive to Sydney. Loaded up with perssies and food we headed out to D&J. Dad liked the USB memory stick with the photos on for his birthday. D&J both enjoyed the Camberley through the ages book.

We chatted all day and had turkey and ham salad for lunch. Dad & Jackie did a couple of bottles of Jacobs Creek. Phoned Steph but she was out. Phoned Elaine and Diane. Got through to Steph and wished her a happy xmas. Left for home at about nine. As we walked out of the door Jackie came face to face with an eight foot kangaroo eating Jeans roses. She said "Crikey - You're a naughty boy." I think we may have been in Australia too long, it's a good job we are off to Kiwiland in a couple of days. Back to the cottage to sleep and get ready for tomorrows drive.

Tuesday 26th December 2006

Up at eight today, shower, pack cases and tidy cottage. Last sweep to ensure nothing left behind and we are off towards Sydney via D&J. Tea and chat for a while with D&J then we left with a photo of Rachel and Megan. Back on the road by ten.

At one o'clock we stopped at Mildura for fuel and lunch (Chinese), we were moving again after 45 minute pit stop. Eight hours after leaving Gawler we pulled into Narrandera and booked into a motel. Picked up chicken schnitzel and chips from a take away and drove to Lake Talbot and ate dinner looking out over the lake. Put A$30 of petrol in the car for the morning and retired to the motel. Wildlife today - ibis, heron and the usual sheep and cows.

Wednesday 27th December 2006

Up at seven thirty having remembered to put our clocks forward half an hour to NSW time. Aiming for Sydney, we were half way there when we decided to detour to Canberra for lunch. Having driven round the city twice and the lake once in search of a cooked breakfast. After an hour we gave up and parked near the museum/art gallery and had toasted cheese and ham roll for lunch in a food court in the mall. We drank caramel milkshakes. Then back to the car.

Arriving in Sydney we booked into the Airport Motel. As we pulled up in front we recognised it from last time. Hope the Japanese tourist doesn't knock on our door tonight. Found three Pizza Hut restaurants in the phone directory so programmed Tomtom and headed out to find one. After checking them all we have come to the conclusion that there are no Pizza Hut restaurants left in Australia as we have now been looking for four weeks. It seems if we find a restaurant chain we like it goes out of business. (Sizzlers, Charlie's and now Pizza Hut).

We drove out to La Perouse Point on Botany Bay and found a pizza/pasta restaurant (Big Daddies). There was a large family party going on but we got our order in first and enjoyed our meal. After eating we walked by the sea for a while then filled the car with petrol and retired to the motel for the night. Before sleeping Martin dumped all the food and excess supplies that we were not taking to Kiwiland on the flight tomorrow.

Thursday 28th December 2006

Up and out, drove to international departures by way of car hire return. Parked up the car and stripped the last of our stuff out of the car and dropped the keys in at the hire desk. Walking round to check-in the Air New Zealand check-ins didn't list our flight. Jackie asked at the ticket sales and was told that our flight will open for check-in in fifteen minutes and "Join the queue now and by the time you get to the front it will be open." When we got to the front the flight open time had passed by one minute and after a chat it was decided that we could check in. Wandered through security with the usual comments about my laptop. Attempted to use telstra's wireless - a total waste of money. Sent Steph and email using a free internet booth.

Taking off from Sydney we saw the opera house disappear behind as we set off across the Tasman Sea. A light lunch was served, toasted sandwich either chicken or ham and cheese. With it came a free drink (more wine for Jack), water tea/coffee and ice cream(vanilla with white chocolate bits and raspberry). The in-flight film was Opal Dreams a family film with a little mild bad language (right up Jackie's alley).

Upon landing we phoned the hotel for he free courtesy bus and after about twenty minutes it turned up and took us to the hotel. A little shabby but clean and friendly staff who recommended a restaurant down the road called the Baa and Bar. We had steak and bacon sauce with seasonal vegetables and cheese garlic bread. Wine and diet coke to wash it down then walked back to the hotel picking up drinks and chocky on the way back. The courtesy bus is booked for six forty-five. That should get us to check in on time for tomorrows flight. TV in New Zealand showing Coronation Street !

Friday 29th December 2006

Up at six washed and ready for the airport shuttle. Checked in and through to the gate. Sat next to gent who talked quite a lot. Aircraft boarded and we had seats 1a and b. Sat next to talking gent's son and he was more of a talker than his dad. We got a look from the air hostess for talking while she made an announcement. Coffee and biscuit in flight and on the ground in Christchurch after an hour and twenty minutes.

Phoned for the car shuttle and we had our car and were driving into down town Christchurch. Brunch in the cathedral cafe. Cooked breakfast, long overdue and very nice. Picked up a SIM card for NZ. After a quick look round we drove out of town heading south. Three hours driving later we arrived in Oamaru. While looking for a motel we found the penguin viewing area. NZ$17 each to get into the area so you can see the blue penguins, a bit of a rip off as all cameras are banned.

So we drove round to the other side of the headland to the yellow eyed penguin colony. Much rarer than the blue. Walked down a path in the rain to a hide. There was a guide there full of information, NO charge. We were lucky enough to see three as there are only eleven breeding pairs and a couple of bachelors. One at a time they waddled ashore and up the beach towards the cliff and their nests leaving a trail of footprints in the sand. We also saw a couple of seals swimming amongst the seaweed.

Having watched for an hour we went back and found a motel for the night. Having a room we went shopping for breakfast food for the week, then to a chineese take-away shop to pick up dinner. Back to the room for dinner and drinks. Remembering the information centre/shop at the blue penguins we drove back to pick up post cards and fridge magnets. Mr Jobs-worth at the entrance said "You cannot park there" I tried to explain we were not stopping but he insisted. Martin dropped Jackie off and waited in the overflow parking area. When Jackie came out Martin picked her up to avoid getting soaked in the rain. Only after a further discussion with Mr Jobs-worth, suggesting he move before he got run over. Back for tea and sleep.

Saturday 30th December 2006

Woke up for tea and toast cooked in our motel room. Washed and dressed and checking out. Jackie said good-by to Lady Bath and returned the key. We left town heading south again. Jackie had noticed "The Boulders" in the blurb we had picked up and they were on route so we stopped. Beating a coach load of Japanese tourists we arrived at the walkway, TWO dollars to walk down to the beach and it was spitting with rain. We looked at each other for a second....Nah. So we walked out to the end of the viewing point and looked down the beach. The boulders were about three feet across and half sunk in the sand so we walked back to the car and left.

When we arrived at Dunedin we stopped at the tourist information and got information about the Otago Peninsula. We drove out along the coast road, quite twisty and alongside the water for most of the way. Very pretty. Arriving at the end of the road we were at the Albatross Reserve. Rather than waiting for a guided tour that would take 45 minutes we decided to walk down to the cliff. We saw several albatross flying along the cliff edge and over the headland. Inside for a coffee and a banana & choc-chip muffin (nice) we watched more albatross soaring then returned to the car.

At about the halfway point between Dunedin and Invercargill we turned off of the main road onto a loop towards the coast. Passing through Kaka Point to the turn off for Nugget Point. The road degenerated first to a gravel road then to a single lane gravel road before twisting up and down the cliffs to the end of the road. From here a path continued around the headland to a light house with seals, elephant seals and sea lions basking on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. We saw a seal playing in the waves just off the light house.

Retracing our path to the turn off we continued the loop back towards Invercargill. The road was gravel surface with single lane bridges crossing the many rivers. A very interesting drive. Forty kilometres short of Invercargill the fuel warning light came on and we drifted slowly conserving fuel into Invercargill. Running on fumes we pulled into the first petrol station we found and tanked the car, sixty litres!

We found a motel, The Admiral Court. We did a wash load and while we waited used the motels wifi to check emails and upload the latest to the Blog.

Dinner, we found a Pizza Hut and sat down for an all you can eat deal. With full tummies we returned to the motel and put the laundry on to dry before driving south to Bluff, until recently believed to be the furthest south point of New Zealand. Also the start of Highway One that runs the length of NZ. Then back to the motel to repack the cases and bed.

Sunday 31st December 2006

Drove to Queenstown, Puzzle World was mobbed, unfortunately the bank holiday weekend crowds are out. The Kiwi House looked quiet so we paid the NZ$30 each entry and received our personal commentary headsets. We saw two kiwis in a darkened building, talk about funny looking,

We have now seen all four of the large flightless birds (ostrich, emus, cassowary and kiwi). The walk around the park was nice and we also saw kia's. We missed the bird display but we weren't to disappointed. Needing coffee we went into the cafe. We got a bit more than we expected a twenty-five minute Maori show, complete with bulging eyes and sticking tongues. The town was very busy with young extreme sports fans and there was no accommodation available.

Driving on to the next town, Wanka we found that to be just a crowded and also no beds available. Getting a little desperate we headed to the next town Haast. Halfway at a small tourist centre called Makarora we found accommodation. Unfortunately no rooms with double bed so we ended up with a 12 bed dormitory. Fortunately we had it to ourselves we pushed two of the beds closer together and made them up, grateful we were not sleeping in the car.

Going back to the visitor area we got a coffee and sat on the veranda watching the cars go by and the aircraft opposite. Dinner turned out to be an all you can eat deal consisting of roast beef, lamb chops, rice, baked peppers, cabbage & bacon, tomato & pasta and carrots. As it was New Years Eve Jackie had a bottle of chardie and Martin had diet coke out the back.

The manager lit a fire in a traction engine stood on end that formed a fire place and chimney. She asked us to keep an eye on it. So we kept it going a log at a time. After a while she came out and complained that the fire was too small so we chucked on about eight logs in quick succession and the fire was an inferno, We talked to and ex-pom who had a near miss with a trapdoor spider, every time he told the story the spider got bigger much to the groups delight. The live music turned out to be worth what we paid for it - nothing. We went off to bed, only slightly disturbed by a sneezing / spitting something outside in the dark.

Monday 1st January 2007

Dragged ourselves out of our individual beds at eight o'clock and showered and tidied the room before leaving. Most people were still asleep following the nights excesses. After an hour we arrived a Haast and filled the cars petrol tank. Leaving the station we drove for five minutes with the feeling that things were not right, finally turning around and retracing our tracks back to the filling station we discovered our mistake. We had missed the turning due to being in the petrol station.

Next stop was Fox Glacier. When we arrived we tried to phone Steph with no luck as the pay phones wouldn't work and Martin didn't have a signal on his mobile. So we sat down to a cooked breakfast outside. We had to pay a 20% surcharge as it was a bank holiday. Jackie was horrified, Martin was just hungry so we paid up. Halfway through eating a very nice brekkie it started to rain so we had to take our plates indoors. With settled stomachs we went to the glacier viewing area, then to the footpath to the base of the glacier. After five minutes walking the path became too rough for my ankle and we had to turn back, never mind we had been very close. We decided to move on to Franz Joseph Glacier and found a nice walk to a lake near the face of the glacier for a few photos.

Having seen the glaciers and accommodation being hard to find we drove north to Hokitika and checked into a flag motel. Looked around town and after a successful afternoon gold panning we picked up a take away dinner. At half eight we went down to Sunset Point to watch the sunset. Very nice and loads of driftwood on beach. After returning to the motel and watching most of Jackie's favourite film (Run Forest) we went out again.

It was half eleven and we drove to the glow worm grotto. To keep out night vision we walked slowly up the path to the grotto. There were already people in the grotto making a lot of noise and using torches and flash photography. As we got to where they were they were moaning about having had to pay to see glow worms in a cave and this display was better. They were horrified to find that they were not alone when they shone their torch our way. Once they had gone we stood quietly and waited. Hundreds of little green lights appeared all around us it was like looking at the star filled sky on a clear night. Happily we returned to the motel for a sleep

Tuesday 2nd January 2007

Leaving Hokitika behind we headed north again. After half an hour we pulled into a picnic area by the sea and went to look for jade pebbles on the beach. Having found some we continued driving. With the temperature rising we stopped in a lay-by to swap jeans and trainers for shorts and sandals. We pulled into Greymouth to cash a travellers cheque as we were down to our last days expense money. Small problem, the second of January is also a public holiday in NZ and the banks are all closed.

Carrying on we stopped at the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes of Punakaki. Very scenic, the pancake rocks looked just like stacks of pancakes but the blowholes were not blowing as the tide was wrong. While we were enjoying the view a pod of dolphins came in a swam around, probably fishing as the gulls took a great interest.

From here we drove to Buller George where a swing bridge spans the river, a distance 110 metres. For a mere five dollars you can walk across the bridge. It's a bit wobbly and a long drop to the white water and rocks of the river below. Crossing the bridge is bad enough as it sways as you walk but you can hold on with both hands. However when you need to pass someone going the other way you have to let go and lean away from the centre of the walkway.

Feeling hungry we started the hunt for lunch. Forty kilometres later we arrived in Murchison and sat down to wedges and chicken burger with a cup of tea. Having satisfied the pangs of hunger we looked at our next moves. We decided to head further north to a fresh water spring. Turning off the main road we cut across country coming out at Motueka. Having failed to find a motel with a vacancy we headed to Richmond and again "No room at the inn" we started to feel like Joseph and Mary expecting to sleep in a stable. When we got to Nelson we managed to find a room however that only left us twenty dollars so we picked up cheap nibbles from Woolworths and retired for the night.

Wednesday 3rd January 2007

Getting up we headed back to Motueka. Arriving at ten o'clock we continued with our plan to drive further north. From Motueka the road climbs rapidly through multiple swithchbacks up into the mountain range at Takaka Hill (791 m). Stopping at the top to look at the view called for a ten minute walk to the viewing platform. What a long way down. Setting off again as we crossed to the other side of the mountains. We entered cloud at ground level and did not emerge until we were less than one hundred metres from the valley floor. Picking up chicken salad rolls and lolly cake for lunch in Takaka we arrived at Te Waikoropupu (known locally as Pupu) and at a picnic in the car as it was drizzling slightly.

The springs here pump out 14000 litres per second. And that's a lot of water. Part of the springs is called dancing sands as sand is thrown up by the flow as it emerges from ground at the bottom of the pond. It's hard to believe that the river that leaves the site is made up entirely of the output of the springs. Leaving the German expeditionary force to picnic on the benches that they had put their towels on earlier we drove off. Forty five minutes later we arrived at Cape Farewell the furthest point north on the south island. That completed our drive the length of the south island. Retracing our drive we returned to Nelson. As we descended Takaka Hill we passed a cycle race up the hill. Grateful to be in a car we arrived in Nelson, this time we stayed in a motel in the Stoke area.

Thursday 4th January 2007

On the road to Picton. Half way there was a side turning that also went to Picton along the "Queen Charlotte Drive", we thought it would be a good thing to do as the owner of last nights motel recommended it. It was VERY twisty with an extra order of twistiness thrown in. Fortunately we had toast and tea for breakfast before we left the motel and this settled our stomachs otherwise it could have been nasty.

Arriving in Picton we found the Interislander Ferry terminal and enquired if we could bring our crossing forward as we were two days early. Five minutes later we were booked on the half past two sailing and had an hour and a half to fill. Driving into town we parked and found coffee. After coffee we brought ham salad rolls from the bakery and some stamps from the post office. Browsing the shops we picked up some post cards and then drove round the corner to a nice bay where we parked and had a picnic lunch.

After lunch we went and sat on the sea front in Picton. At half one we joined the small queue waiting to check in for the crossing. Once we had checked in and waited to be boarded we drove onto the ferry and turned round to face out as we had to drive out the same way we came in and the ferry is not RORO. Going upstairs we sat on the top deck for a while but the sun was too hot so we moved down one deck and into the shade.

Once we had sailed and left Queen Charlotte Sound we went in for coffee. All of the tables were taken so we sat at the workstations as no one was using them. It was an ideal time and place for Jackie to do some post card writing. Disembarking was quick and we were on the motorway within seconds.


Pulling off at Lower Hutt we started to look for accommodation. We found a motel by the sea front in Pentone and checked in. Jackie put on a load of washing whilst Martin uploaded the latest to our Blog as the motel had Wifi. With the washing done we went out for dinner, oh dear everything closed again. We decided to drive around "The Esplanade" thinking cafes and restaurants, not a single one. We had no choice but to have a McDonalds as that was all that was open and even that closed as we collected our order.

Friday 5th January 2007

Heading north again we drove for three hours and then stopped for lunch at the New Zealand Army Museum at Waiouru. They had a very nice cafe and loo. Whilst eating we saw a scenic drive off of the main road and leaving the museum decided to take it. We passed close to three volcanoes, two of which are active. The middle of the three was used in Lord of The Rings as Mount Doom in Mordor. We found a side road and turned up it towards the volcano. It rapidly turned into a gravel road but we continued right up to the foot of the volcano where the road ended.

Re-tracing out tracks we continued the drive, and hour later rolling into the town of Taupo by the lake of the same name. We found accommodation and went for a wander. Shopping in Woolworths we returned to the motel. In the evening we dropped down to the lake front for dinner by the water, bread selection starter (pesto, herbs, garlic and cheese), lamb & roast vedge, steak & chips and drinks. After dinner we drove out to Huka Falls small but well formed. We also checked out where Craters of the Moon were for the morning as the gates were locked.

Saturday 6th January 2007

Back to "Craters of the Moon", an hour walk round the fumaroles and boiling mud and water. Got in free as the staff hadn't sorted out the cash drawer yet. We were the only ones to do the ridge lookout. We saw a coach party walking around in their group (poor sad people).

Leaving Taupo behind it was a short drive today, only an hour and we were in Rotorua. We came across "Te Puia" a Maori and geothermal park. As they did an evening meal and Maori experience we booked in for it. After watching the Maori welcome and show we went for a walk around the park We saw the geysers, bubbling mud and water we also saw some kiwis. After a couple of hours we left to find a room for the night.

Checking into a local motel that had a private spa behind our room we sat in the geothermally heated spring water drinking our cool drinks. When we got out we showered to remove the sulphur smell and went out to cash a T-cheque. After a short shopping trip around town we went back to Te Puia. After walking around the park and visiting the Kiwis again we joined our dinner party and watched some more Maori demonstrations.

We had a go too, Martin tried the Haka and Jackie the poi (pompoms), she was doing brilliantly right up until the girl next to her sarted hitting Jackie with her poi. Afterwards we sat down for dinner. A bit European we had been hoping for a more Maori meal but it was very nice. After the meal we went home to bed. Off again tomorrow whilst today was interesting we are looking forward to not smelling sulphur all the time.

Sunday 7th January 2007

Driving north again this morning. Across to Hamilton and then north to Auckland. By passing the city on the motorway and across the harbour bridge. Things were going very well, however I hadn't taken into account New Zealand Police's weekend traffic blitz. Overtaking up an overtaking lane Martin had accelerated to 120 kph when a police car came over the crest. All the highway cars have radar guns pointing out the windscreen. Then nice officer gave me a note to take to the bank in the morning with NZ$120, oh well never mind.

We stopped at Warkworth for a ham, cheese and pineapple pannini with a cup of coffee in a little cafe in the town centre. Driving on we pulled in to Whangarei for petrol and to book a room for the night. We had decided to continue to Kaitaia but wanted to be sure that there was a room for us rather than having to drive two hours back if we got there and there was no room. With the room booked we could take our time so went to the Whangarei Falls. Very nice waterfall and worth the walk to see the view.

Driving on saw us in Kaitaia at half four. A visit to a supermarket for breakfast provisions and a chill in the room before dinner. We decided to dine in the motel restaurant. Chicken schnitzel for me and lamb cutlets for Jackie.

Monday 8th January 2007

Drove up to Cape Reinga (furthest point north). Two hours drive and the last twenty kilometres on gravel roads. The view from the light house was nice seeing the Tasman Sea to the left and the Pacific Ocean to the right. This is the opposite end of Highway One to Bluff in the south island. We have driven from the southern tip of NZ to the northern tip in a week. Leaving the cape we drove to the giant sand dunes then to Ninety Mile Beach. Returning to Kaitaia was the only option as it is the only road south.


At Kaitaia we stopped at The Kauri Factory for lunch and a shopping opportunity. We purchased a piece of kauri filled with resin as our present to ourselves. The tree that the wood came from grew sometime around 50000 years ago and was buried in a swamp. It is the oldest workable wood in the world. After lunch we took a side turning on the State Highway(SH) 10 past the Bay of Islands and then on to the SH12 to the kauri forrest and saw the largest trees in NZ. Then a short twist drive to Dargaville and our motel for the night.

Tuesday 9th January 2007

Breakfast was delivered to our door this morning, cereals, muesli, toast and marmalade. Drive to Auckland via the scenic route, Jackie forgets every time, scenic = twisty. Not much in the way of scenery either because it has been raining all day and the clouds were very low. Not too worried though as this is the first really rainy day all holiday. Arriving in Auckland we drove into town and did a little shopping, but not too much due to the rain.

After leaving the city centre we went to the airport and checked out the international departures and hire car return. Next on the list for things to do was accommodation. Having tried ten or more motels near the airport, either full or minging, we finally found a good one a little further away and booked in for two days, so we are here until the flight to Sydney. For dinner we drove in towards town and ate at Valantines an all you can eat buffet. With groaning stomachs we returned to the motel for the night.

Wednesday 10th January 2007

Waking up to a much nicer day, no rain. Toast for breakfast and out we go for a sight seeing tour. We drove up the motorway and then off towards the coast. Arriving in Browns Bay we found Oban Road where the Toets used to live and then drove down to the sea front. While we were there we went to the bank to cash our last travellers cheque and pay my speeding fine.

We then drove south to Devonport where we drove up Mount Victoria an extinct volcano for the view of Auckland city centre across the bay. As we neared the top driving up a narrow road with a steep drop to one side and occasional passing places we were nearly forced off of the road by a police car coming down with it's lights flashing but no two tones. Martin backed up as far as he could go and the police car squeezed past. Shaken we stopped at the top for a rest the enjoyed the view before exploring the gun battery at the top.

Driving back down we drove into the city and parked in an underground car park and went up the "Sky Tower". Whilst looking at the view over Auckland we saw some one doing a cable arrested base jump off of the tower. He dropped into view in front of the window and then after a pause dropped to the target on the ground. We then went up the sky view level for a higher view and to see a jumper go off from the platform below us. Returning to the ground level we collected the car and drove to a shopping centre for a sandwich for lunch.

Leaving the shopping centre we drove along the coast to Thames stopping at a wool mill for some souvenir shopping. Thames was not what the guide book made it out to be and was closing anyway. On the way back to the motel we pulled off of the motorway and cut through some back roads to avoid the very heavy rush hour traffic. In the Motel we repacked the cases into flight mode for the return to Sydney tomorrow. When this was finished we went out to post some post cards, fuel the car and get a take-away. Returning to the motel for dinner and bed

Thursday 11th January 2007

Loaded and off to the airport. Good by New Zealand. Steak pie in flight meal. In-flight movie "The Guardian" SAR Swimmer story like "Officer and a Gentleman". Arriving at Sydney for the fourth and last time this holiday we breezed through immigration. Only hiccup,

Immigration Officer "What is the address of where you are staying?"
Martin "Somewhere in the Blue Mountains."
Immigration Officer (frostily) " Surely you have a hotel booked?"
Martin and Jackie "No!"
WHY book a hotel?

Talk about a funny look we thought we were going to be refused entry but we weren't. Clearing customs having declared the NZ wood. We picked up the hire car and drove out of town up into the Blue Mountains. We were heading towards Blackheath as Martin knew there was a Motel there. At Katoomba Jackie spotted a Best Western Motel and we pulled in. Jackie checked us in getting the standby rate as it was past six o'clock. Getting the usual shopping and returning it to the motel fridge we went out for dinner. Most of the restaurants were either Thai of Jazz live show joints.

We didn't fancy either so we found a small Italian Restaurant, Jackie had pasta carabonara and Martin had a pizza. As it was a BYO Jackie nipped next door to the bottle shop and picked up a local chardonnay. After dinner we went for a short drive to Blackheath and back. The amount of dual carriageway that there is now is amazing. Back to the motel for the night.

Friday 12th January 2007

Last full day in OZ before we fly home tomorrow. We thought we would try to take in a few sights and do a little shopping. So leaving the hotel we dropped down into Megalong Valley to see how much it had changed. Some but not too much. Following a phone chat with Elaine we remembered the tea rooms in the valley and decided to have breakfast there if it was still open. Fortunately the tea rooms opened at nine o'clock so we went in. No change at all, exactly the same as we remembered.

Ordered the big breakfast and tea. Whilst we ate the second best breakfast ever (Kyle's recommendation was better...just) we listened to the birds chirping and squawking and watched them flit in and out of the trees. The temperature got up to 42 degrees C, it was a superb setting for breakfast sitting on the verandah. After breakfast we drove back out of the valley. On the way up a lyre bird crossed the road in front of us, that's another first sight. We started following the tourist route Jackie had found in the pamphlet, yes it was "scenic" if you know what I mean (twisty again).

After 50km the road narrowed and got even twisty-er and narrower. We started to see signs that turning back up the road was forbidden between 11:30 and 13:45. After 15 minutes of this we arrived at the Jenolan Caves the road disappeared into the mountainside then through a cave and out into a little village. We decided to stop and walked back through the cave to a small lake.

The reason for the road signs is that the road closes to traffic to allow coaches to get through the twists and narrow points that the couldn't do with traffic going the other way. We left up the other road and continued the drive. We somehow lost the signs for the tourist drive so followed the signs for the next town on the route. About halfway there the road changed to a gravel road and slowly got worse, but we got through safely and some how came out 32km further away from Lithgow towards Bathurst than we should have. We cut the drive short and drove straight to Penrith to go shopping.

Arriving at two o'clock we had a late lunch honey chicken and noodles. We brought a new bag for overflow due to souvenirs and found a work ware shop. Martin brought five dayglow shirts and a dayglow hat. Needing petrol we filled up and took a long time paying as the cahier charged the woman in front of me for my petrol and it took ages to sort the mess out.

As it was dinner time we stopped in at the Silver Spur in Penrith. Garlic bread starter, cheese / chicken schnitzel and Steak / rib combo. Having been fed and watered we decided to finish the drive in a reverse direction. After a nice drive through the blue mountains watching storms move through the hills we arrived back in Katoomba. We went to the lookout at the Three Sisters and looked at the view. The lookout has been improved since our last visit, really flash now the rusty old fence has gone.

As it started to rain we got back in the car and started to return to the motel. The rain was cleaning the underside of the car so Martin drove past the motel to allow the spay to do a good job. Turning around the sunset looked nice so we found another lookout and watched the sunset with a storm just to the side. Spectacular and weird. Returning to the motel we repacked the bags for the last time.

Saturday 13th January 2007

Getting up on our last morning in Oz. Loaded the car and started the drive down out of the Blue Mountains. At the start of the motorway we decided to have our last Australian breakfast at Darling Harbour. Bacon and Toast for Jackie and the works for me. After this a last shopping opportunity and Jack brought herself a polo shirt to travel home in.

Leaving Darling Harbour we drove towards the airport but as we were early we went to Botany Bay and The Prince of Wales Drive. We parked up and took a walk to see the view. Then we got changed into our flying clothes before driving to the terminal. As we were walking away from our hire car two cars reversed out from opposite sides of the road straight into each other. Well I guess that got their holidays off to a bang.

We checked in and were not allowed to change our assigned seats. When we got on board we found that we were right at the back row. And we had a window and aisle seat on our own. The seats looked slightly wider than the seats in front of us, lucky us. The in-flight movie was Flyboys (how the Americans won the air war in the first world war)The stop at Singapore allowed a comfort break and a walk round before getting back through security to re-board the plane.