Christmas 2011 and into the New Year 2012
We had decided to take the bus on it's first extended journey over the Xmas period. Mainly to see how well it performed whilst free camping, It would also enable us to see how we liked the idea of travelling this great country on a permanent basis.
Not wanting to feel pressured on this 15 day/night trip, we decided to visit in and around mainly Victoria, with a possibility of skipping into the ACT.
The bus was duly loaded and before we knew it we were off to our 1st destination.
24/12/2011.
Willow tree park rest area, Rosedale.
Casper enjoying the shade of the willow trees.Latitude -38.14266
Longitude 146.79245
Dump-point - No
Toilets - Yes (Porta loo)
Water - Yes
Pets - Yes
Shower - No
Length - 11 mtrs
Level - Yes
Noise - Medium
Grassed - Yes
Cost - Nil
Time limit - 36 hrs
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25/12/2011 Christmas day
Blue pools camp-site, Stratford.
Latitude -37.78021
Longitude 147.11234
Dump-point - No
Toilets - Yes (Drop)
Water - No
Pets - Yes
Shower - No
Length - 9 mtrs ?
Level - No
Noise - Very low
Grassed - No
Cost - Nil
Time limit - 48 hrs
A very secluded small campsite with limited access into the site, however we managed fine. First impression are that it appears a bit rough. That said we decided to set up for a quiet Christmas day.
The crowning glory to Blue pools camp-site Is the pool itself!
Nestled away a short distance from where we parked. It looked brilliant and felt as good as it looked.
Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Cheers.
And Cheers from my wonderful partner Andrea, Three Crackers at the table!
We were the only campers at Blue pools, wonderfully peaceful and as the thunder and lightning started we were already tucked up inside ready for a peaceful nights sleep.
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The show grounds, Sale
We over nighted at the Sale showgrounds, where Bonnie keeps a good, clean and informal site. A great place to meet other campers and only a short 2 kilometres walk into town, where you will find all you need for supplies.
Latitude -38.09200, Longitude 147.06636, Dump-point -Yes, Toilets -Yes, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower - Yes, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise -Low, Grassed - Yes, Cost - $15 Un-powered
Time limit - 58 days
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Tostaree cottages, Tostaree.
The bus is in the centre of the photo.
Casper was in his element. Especially since he had a choice of logs!
Biggest is always best in his eyes.
Casper enjoys nothing more than a walk with friends. Greg and Vicky's pooches loved the challenge of trying to remove Casper's stick, though were never able to.
Always up for a walk Andrea strides out. Although the Chocolate Lab thinks she is going in the wrong direction.
We had a wonderfully relaxing time at Tostaree Cottages and would highly recommend a visit, especially if you are looking for total peace and quiet!
Latitude -37.74745, Longitude 148.18449, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower - Yes, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise -Very low, Grassed - Yes, Cost - $10 Un-powered
Time limit - No limit
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29/12/2011
Bellbird hotel rest area
Bellbird hotel rest area is a small patch of grassed area behind the pub. Secluded and out of view from the main road. Quite a picturesque site and just right for an overnight stop.
Well at least Andrea looks relaxed with her glass in hand!
Latitude -37.65210, Longitude 148.81720, Dump-point -No, Toilets -No, Water -No, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - 11mtr, Level - Yes, Noise - Low, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil
Time limit - 24 hrs
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30/12/2011
Wallagaraugh river, Genoa
A nice spot besides a river, that was once was a camp-site so most amenities are still in place. The showers are cold but bearable. The access down to the river is a little hazardous and the river is quite silty.
Andrea had gone for a shower and I decided to take Casper for a stroll (I had him on his long lead). We were only about ten meters away from the bus, when Casper decided he was going to lunge at a Galah that had landed near by. The poor bird would not have stood a chance had I not yanked him back!
In a fluster of feathers the stupid bird took flight. She didn't get very far though and landed on my shoulder. So now I have a parrot on my shoulder a dog baying at my side for blood and feathers and no Andrea to assist.
I had just about managed to tether Casper when the stupid parrot again took flight, this time to the nearest tree.
Well that was that I thought and carried on doggy sitting. Andrea returned to the bus asking why Casper was tied up? "I thought you were taking him for a walk?" Mmm I was I answered.
"Back in a minute love, I'm just going to see a bird" as I walk towards the tree. A few whistles and cooing noises at the Galah twenty feet up in the tree and I was soon walking back to the bus with a parrot on my finger! "Look what I've found" OMG came the response! So now we have a new traveller with us.
I made a make-shift cage from two pull out wire baskets tied on one side with black ties. Andrea made up some porridge oats and we fed our new found friend. We called her Lulu and decided to take her with us, at least till we could find her a good home. We now need to find a pet shop and buy her a proper cage and some real parrot nosh!
All four of us settled in for the night, hoping that there were no more surprises. Casper still had his beady eye on the noisy feathered beast residing in the bus, but resigned himself to accepting her as a member of the family.
SPOOKY!
SPOOKY!
I had just finished a glass of whiskey and placed the empty glass on the table. I heard a ping and was flabbergasted at what i saw.
The top part of my Whiskey glass had sheared off! The cut was so precise it was scary. I have no idea what had caused the demise of my glass. Maybe we now have a fifth member travelling with us? A POLTERGEIST 
Latitude -37.44410 Longitude 149.63576, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower - Yes (cold), Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise - Low, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil
Time limit - No limit
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31/12/2011
Mirrumbena RV and M/H Park
Not a great deal to say about Mirrumbena RV park. It's just an open field. Not much to do or see. We were however shocked when we went to pay our bill. The costing was not as advertised ($15 per night).
When we mentioned this, the owner stated that it was peak season and he could charge more. Rather than argue the point, we put it down to experience and drove away. Lesson learnt though. We will ask prior to setting up in future. Not impressed.
Latitude 36.388738,Longitude 149.87025, Dump-point -Yes, Toilets -No, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise - Low, Grassed - Yes, Cost - $25 per night (rip off)Time limit - No limit
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01/01/2012 Happy new year
Bodalla forest park
I'm unsure if Casper is eyeing up Lulu for lunch or loving his mom or maybe a bit of both.
Slightly scruffy in appearance but OK for an over night stop, Bodalla forest park has some nice walking tracks leading to a large lake. Fire pits and toilets, although they need to be cleaned more frequently.
Latitude 36.15100
Longitude 150.09520
Dump-point -No
Toilets -Yes
Water -Yes ?
Pets -Yes
Longitude 150.09520
Dump-point -No
Toilets -Yes
Water -Yes ?
Pets -Yes
Shower - No
Length - 9 mtr
Level - Some
Noise - Low
Grassed - No
Cost - Nil
Length - 9 mtr
Level - Some
Noise - Low
Grassed - No
Cost - Nil
Time limit - 48hrs
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02/01/2012
Arulen creek park
We travelled from Bodalla to Arulen turning inland at Batemans bay via the Kings highway to Braidwood and then onto Arulen.
What we didn't know when we set off was that the Kings highway is a damn steep twisty winding mountain road. The outside temperature was a silly 38 degrees (very uncomfortable) in the shade.
I really didn't think we would make it, especially as we were banked up behind a slow moving horsebox doing approx 10 kph.
There were lots of overheated cars, towing trailers and caravans with their bonnets raised. It took an age to get to Braidwood.
Turning left at Braidwood to Arulen creek, again we didn't realise that it was a 20 kilometer steep downhill this time. We were not having a great day.
Once we arrived at Arulen it was obvious that we wouldn't be staying at this disappointing camp site. There wasn't a breeze, it was stifling hot and we had had enough after an hour and decided to leave!
Back up the hill we went.
Now I have always had concerns about the speed of the bus as it attempts a hill climb. However if there is one lesson learnt today it is to trust in the vehicle and to keep the revs low. Many people have convinced me that she will get up most hills albeit slowly.
We decided to head for Lake George just off the kings highway. However before we got there we came across a good looking site called Warri creek and decided to stay for a while.
Back up the hill we went.
Now I have always had concerns about the speed of the bus as it attempts a hill climb. However if there is one lesson learnt today it is to trust in the vehicle and to keep the revs low. Many people have convinced me that she will get up most hills albeit slowly.
We decided to head for Lake George just off the kings highway. However before we got there we came across a good looking site called Warri creek and decided to stay for a while.
Latitude 35.62420, Longitude 149.79359, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -No, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise - No, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil,
Time limit - No limit
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02/01/2012
Warri creek
Warri creek was just what the doctor ordered after the day that we have had. Stinking hot weather and no air conditioning in the bus as yet . The creek was beckoning!
Now although it was quite a peaceful location the amenities
were not fantastic. The toilets were really bad and we gave them a very wide berth. That said it was a good location and we enjoyed the tranquillity.
Now although it was quite a peaceful location the amenities
were not fantastic. The toilets were really bad and we gave them a very wide berth. That said it was a good location and we enjoyed the tranquillity.
Casper wasted no time and was in like a rocket, myself and Andrea soon followed him in for a swim. It was divine.
It seemed such a pity that Lulu couldn't join us in the water, however she was fine in the shade annoying the neighbours with her screaming!
Thank goodness the temperature dropped during the night, although it was still muggy it was more bearable. I will have to get the air conditioner sorted this year!
Casper was in his element!
Unsure if Coordinates are accurate
Latitude 35.20390, Longitude 149.4415, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -No, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise - No, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil,
Time limit - No limit
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04/01/2012
Gurney V.C. Lake George
When we first researched our trip away I had lots of plans for the holiday to include quiet days with a rod in my hand. This however had not yet happened and I was looking forward to getting a line wet on Lake George.
Lake George is an Endorheic Lake, as it has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans. At 25 km (16 mi) long and 10 km (6.2 mi) wide and dating back to the Ice-age, surely there must be some big buggers in there?
Foiled again!
The only thing I would have caught if I had cast a line would have been Sheep! The damn Lake had dried up!
Due to the ongoing drought in Australia, Lake George dried out completely in November 2002 and has remained so since. I really don't know why they call it Lake George? Maybe drop the Lake and just call it George.
Any way we found a nice secluded spot at Gurney V.C campsite and settled in quite nicely, oh and once again Casper found some extra large sticks to play with!
We think Casper really enjoyed his holiday and was more laid back than Andrea or myself. Obviously this bodes well for what we may plan in the future. If our plans come to fruition? Casper will be coming with us!
Latitude 34.99965, Longitude 149.38222, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -No, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - 11mtrs, Level - Some, Noise - Medium, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil,
Time limit - No limit
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05/01/2012
Jugiong pool and rest area
Nice views from our seating area.
Latitude 34.82499, Longitude 148.32767, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower - No, Length - Any, Level - Yes, Noise - No, Grassed - Yes, Cost - Nil,
Time limit - No limit
Dappled shade, peace and quite. What more could a pooch want?
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06/01/2012
Tallangatta showground
There are a limited number of area's within the Tallangatta showground for camping, all seem nice. Good showers and quite a nice spot situated on Lake Hume.
Casper was unable to contain his excitement when he saw Lake Hume. Well at least he was once we got going towards the water.
Some nice views were to be had at Tallangatta and the town was a delight. The butcher was especially helpful towards Casper! Who was very grateful.
Dappled shade, peace and quite. What more could a pooch want?
Oh thats It a bit of shut eye!
Latitude 36.21860, Longitude 147.16953, Dump-point -No, Toilets -Yes, Water -Yes, Pets -Yes
Shower -Yes, Length - 9 mtrs, Level - Yes, Noise - No, Grassed - Yes, Cost - $15 un-powered,
Time limit - No limit
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We concluded our holiday at Tallangatta 0n the 7th of January and headed back for home exhausted! Although we enjoyed the experience there were a lot of things we would have done differently. We have learnt so much from this first trip and would definitely do things differently next time.
In future we won't be in such a rush to squeeze in as much as we did over the given period.
Lulu was taken to Keysborugh animal rescue centre (where we found Casper) on our return and found a new loving home within two days. All's well that ends well.
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