"No matter where you go, there you are."

GIPPSLAND – VICTORIA

WONTHAGGI

WEEK ONE 7^th December – 13^th December:

We settled into Kim & Phil’s backyard with the van. It’s a good spot to stay over the Christmas period away from the crowds of holiday makers and a good chance to catch up with family.

It was John’s Mum’s (Joan) birthday on Friday 8^th so we took a drive over to Phillip Island. Kim drove us around and showed us some of the interesting spots on the island. We stopped at “The Nobbies” to view the spectacular coastline. The surf was up and there were lots of surfers catching waves. We passed the Phillip Island Racetrack and stopped to watch the V8 Supercars doing there laps. It just happened to be the first day of the final round of the year for the supercars so we got a real taste of the sights and sounds. We had lunch at San Remo overlooking the water before heading home.

On the Saturday night we went out to the Wonthaggi Workers Club to catch a live show, “Walkin’ the Line – A Johnny Cash Tribute”. It was a great night out.

Sunday saw high 30’s temperature and smoked filled air from the fires in north Gippsland. We ventured out to the local Wonthaggi Market but didn’t stay long as the heat was unbearable (even for us north Queenslanders!). We were suppose to play bowls in the afternoon but even that was cancelled so we headed to the beach at Inverloch. Kim and I went in for a swim, the water was freezing but worth it. Ferg dipped his toes in!

We can’t get used to the Victorian weather, Monday dawned to a cold and windy day. It was way too cold to do anything.

Tuesday 12^th, Jess arrived down from Townsville today. Ferg and I drove up to Melbourne to collect her. We left early and called into the Queen Victoria Markets before heading out to the airport. Great markets we spent 3 hours wandering around them. It was fantastic to see Jess again.

WEEK TWO 14^th December – 21^st December:

We decided to head up to Dandenong Markets on Friday 15^th to get our last minute Christmas presents. It was bitterly cold, after wandering around the markets we headed over to the shopping plaza for a further shopping fix.

On Saturday, Ferg planted a new front garden at his mum’s unit in the morning then played bowls in the afternoon. Jess and I watched a DVD then I went of to bingo with Joan. Kim, Phil and Ferg went fishing in the evening and caught a couple of whiting. It was too cold for Jess and I, we stayed snuggled up in the van.

Sunday 17^th, I drove Jess up to her friends place in Narrewarren to stay overnight. I spotted a couple of markets on the way home which I just had to stop at. Meanwhile, Kim and Ferg drove over to Kongwak markets so we all got our fix.

Tuesday 19^th, we took a drive over to the Mornington Peninsula. We drove to Frankston then followed the coast down to Sorrento. There are cute little beach huts on most of the beaches down this way. We picked up Jess on the way home.

Wednesday 20th, Jess and I are off to Melbourne to stay overnight. Ferg dropped us at the bus in Wonthaggi at 6am and 3 hours later we pulled into Spencer Street Station. We dropped our bags at the motel then headed downtown to the shops. We spent the next 6 hours shopping. It’s amazing how the time flies when you’re having fun. Footsore and very weary we got back to motel late in the afternoon for a rest. Later we walked down to the Suzuki Night Markets to grab some dinner and take in the atmosphere of the live African band. We finally dragged ourselves home at 9pm. We decided to try out the rooftop spa, wow, it was fantastic. We had the spa to ourselves and the view over Melbourne was spectacular.

Thursday, we were up and away by 8.30am. We visited the Queen Victoria Markets then walked downtown to catch the free bus out to Chadstone Shopping Centre. It is a massive complex with DJ’s, Myers, Cinemas and 100’s of boutique shops. We spent several hours checking them all out. We were completely shopped out by the time the bus returned to the city. I was glad to be on the bus heading home to Wonthaggi. It had been a long day but we had both had a lot of fun.

WEEK THREE 22^nd December – 28^th December:

Too tired Friday! We did absolutely nothing for most of the day. It was good to be back with Ferg. He had spent the last two days bowling. Ferg, Jess and I drove down to Inverloch via Cape Paterson for a walk along the beach. The scenery is quite spectacular along the road to Inverloch. Twistie enjoyed the romp along the beach.

Saturday was another quiet day, Ferg went bowling. Jess and I mooched around the van. Sunday was more interesting. We went gold prospecting for the first time. Kim and Phil took us to a place near Foster and showed us the ropes. We had a great time even though we didn’t actually find any gold. We dug up lots of metal trash and learnt a lot along the way. We’re hooked!

Monday, Christmas Day! It was quite cold, a unique experience for north queenslanders. Kim had Christmas lunch organized and cooked throughout the morning. We all sat around eating chocolates and nibbling nuts. Joan arrived and we opened all the pressies. It was nice to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch on a cold day. We were all stuffed afterwards and found the nearest place for a snooze.

Tuesday, Boxing Day Test! Sydney to Hobart Race! What else but to sit around eating leftovers and watching the Cricket. Doesn’t everybody?

Wednesday 27^th, time to do something, the sun is shining. We set off early for a sightseeing tour of Phillip Island. Our first stop was the Vietnam Vets Museum on the island. Unfortunately it has just moved to the new premises and was not quite set up. It was still very interesting. We drove on to “The Nobbies” and took a stroll along the boardwalk. It is nesting season at the moment and we saw lots of nesting seagulls and the odd penquin. Most of the little fairy penquins were hiding under the boardwalks. The scenery is spectacular and it was worth braving the icy cold wind blowing of the water. We moved onto Cowes and stopped there for lunch and a walk along the main street. There were lots of Melbournians down for their summer holiday.

Thursday 28^th, we took Joan and Jess to the movies at Leongatha. We saw “Happy Feet” and thoroughly enjoyed it.

WEEK FOUR 29^th December 2006 – 4^th January 2007:

Friday 29^th, Ferg bowled in a pairs tournament at Wonthaggi Bowls Club. Jess and I headed up to Cranbourne to ….. (you’ll never guess)….. Shop!! I’m a bit over shopping now after Christmas. Ferg did well in the comp and only just missed out in winning overall.

Saturday 30^th, packing day for Jess as she heads home tomorrow. I went to bingo with Joan in the afternoon. Ferg cooked up his special spaghetti bol for dinner. It was early to bed for all of us as we had to be up by 3am to drive up to Melbourne.

Sunday 31^st, bleary eyed, we drove through Melbourne and out to the airport. The freeways were deserted so we had a good run through. I said my farewells to Jess and she boarded her plane to Townsville at 5.30am. Ferg and I then drove back through Melbourne and stopped at the St Kilda Markets on the way home. We didn’t stay up for the New Year.

Monday 1^st January 2007, Happy New Year! Ferg and I were up early and we were on the road to Foster by 7.30am. We were off on our first solo prospecting trip with great expectations. We spent the morning detecting and digging up metal trash. Great fun! We continued on after lunch until a rain storm came over. We got home late afternoon, very tired but we had enjoyed the day.

Tuesday 2^nd, my arms are very sore this morning from wielding the pick. I will have to develop some muscles. Ferg’s watching the fifth cricket test and I’m finally catching up with this blog.

Wednesday 3^rd, Ferg’s bowling again today. I dropped the Pajero off for it’s 22500km service. It’s amazing we have clocked up that many k’s already.

Thursday 4^th, Ferg and I both played bowls today in 35 degree heat. We just can’t get used this weather. As it was our last day in Wonthaggi we took Kim, Phil and Joan out to dinner at the Inverloch Chinese Restaurant. It was very crowded and noisy but the food was good.

Friday 5^th, on the road again, yippee! It took three attempts to get the van out of the backyard without taking out the house or the shed. Finally we were away and heading for the goldfields in Central Victoria.