Well we did indeed wake up early, El and I went for a swim in the pool at the campsite. Whilst Sa slept on. After waking Sa up we all went for breakfast, to be honest it was a pretty poor attempt at an English Breakfast which left us feeling a bit flat. I decided a trip to the market might be a cure for this.
I do enjoy a good market. This was sadly NOT a good market, the look however on Sarah's face when this chap ( who was advertised as the live band) started singing accompanied by his wife, I say accompanied she basically pushed the demo button on the keyboard and he sang his own songs over the top. He was an elderly gentleman and his voice was really not all that good, like I say Sarah's face was priceless.
We decided that enough was enough and set off for some animal sanctuary magic.
The next two days were spent either
1. looking at koala's
2. looking at kangaroos
3. looking at Sarah running around on beaches like a small child
It was a very enjoyable time. We got some great photo's and I will try and get El to post a link.
On the 2nd night we managed to have a BBQ at the camp site and make some really tasty burgers we also met some lovely locals who were cooking up fresh fish on the BBQ and delighted in telling us stories of the economy and the local highlights.
We had a really nice weekend and managed to visit the Penguins without freezing.
We travelled home via the Mornington Peninsula ( I say via it's actually a bit of a detour)
We took Sarah to the hot springs. It really is the best place, so relaxing, and good for you! At least that's what I tell myself. After our relaxing stay in the hot baths we hot footed it back to Melbourne.
The next morning we missioned it off to Aires Inlet - Sarah and I that is, El had to go back to work. Sarah's God mother lives half the year in Devon, and half the year 2 hours up the road from El and I !
We arrived on schedule at about 12 noon ( after a leisurely breakfast in Torquay) Lyn took us for a walk around the Inlet on arrival and then treated us to lovely lunch of cheese and bread and cold meat. We went for a swim ( more accurately Sarah and Lyn went for a swim, I sat on the beach ) We had a really relaxing day and after a refreshing nights sleep, hit the road again. We had the intension of camping at the end of the road and then we would drive back the next day, as it is we made such good progress that we stopped off at all the sights and then came back on the top road. The weather was glorious and it couldn't have been a nicer day for the drive.
We spent the rest of the week exploring Melbourne and manages to get the National Gallery, the library and a couple of local eateries!
On Friday the time came to accompany Sarah across the city to Southern Cross.
I cried all the way back across the city. I have to say that it was the best thing having her to stay, I'd look at her across the room and I just couldn't believe she was really here. Sarah definitely left at the right time. It is freezing here now. I know that you probably don't believe me but let me assure you, last night El and I had a sofa each both of us had a duvet and thick socks on and when it came to changing the channel on the TV neither one of us wanted to venture out of the warmth!!
It is cold.
Well we're half way through the week, we are spending a lot of time at the moment planning our upcoming adventures. This weekend we may go and explore some of the outer suburbs, we may go and buy some winter clothes, I guess you will just have to wait and see.
I hope you like the new blog, I thought it was time for a change.
Much love to you all
xxx
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
2 weeks with Sarah - part one
Well - I am as always behind, I guess that the problem is when I'm doing things I can't blog about it as I don't have time. When I'm not doing anything I don't really see the point in blogging, lets face it there is nothing more boring than reading about nothing!
The last two weeks have been busy, and today Friday 24th is a sad old day, Sarah has just left on the Sky Bus for Melbourne Airport and I have made my way back across the city in floods of tears. It is horrible having to say goodbye to people you love - again and again, sometimes I burst into tears when I put the phone down ( don't stop calling ! ) It's just for a second I forget the distance.
Well after a coffee I am stowed in El's shop whilst she deals with a chap who is quizzing her relentlessly on tax back ( twice I've nearly struck him over the back of his head and told him to piss off and leave her alone ) They really do ask her the most silly questions. She does so well, she smiles, and politely tells them the answers. I don't think I'd do half as well.
I thought I should catch you up on the last few weeks, you're up to speed with our camping adventure, but the lamp got a second outing ( oh yes we're gonna make him worth his $47 ) and Sarah and I took a drive down the Great Ocean Road. - let's start at the beginning - as Julie Andrews says in the sound of music " it's a very good place to start"
On Easter Monday up we got up at the break of dawn in order to meet Sa at Southern Cross and before I was even ready to leave she called to say she was getting on the sky bus. I ran to the tram stop in order to beat her there and despite leaving my house keys on the tram and having to chase the driver down the tracks screaming 'stop stop you have my keys' I arrived in time to watch Miss Bailey step of the bus. We went straight from Southern Cross to the Grocery Bar, it's a lovely little coffee shop in St Kilda and had a nice breakfast before dumping the suitcase at home and setting off for the Southbank - it was a nice day but Sa was sleepy - I know the feeling it's like being asleep on your feet it's not really being tired it's just like your head is stuffed with cotton wool ! Anyway, we took her to the Casino - it's the best way to start any stay in Melbourne. Sarah was cautious she took $20 and promptly lost it all I won $150 a great return on my $20 and El won $100 so all in all a great success.
We came back to the flat and then tried to keep Sarah awake till 9pm. El cooked a roast and we put on a silly film. soon enough Sarah was asleep so El and I sat upstairs and read.
The next day we had to work so Sarah pottered about Melbourne, her blog is linked to mine so you will be able to read about her exploits.
The week passed with out any major dramas, we had some nice dinners and made use of our evenings, a beer here a film there, just having her in the same hemisphere made me happy.
Finally Friday came.
Now we had decided that camping was the way forward, it really is the most cost effective way of having fun. Now as you know we have the one tent, it is perfect for the two of us we fit in quite nicely and there is just about room for us to chuck all our stuff in the tent as well. There is no way that 3 of us would comfortably fit in the tent. I had asked the week before if anyone at work had a tent, Rhonda, a lovely lady I work with advised that her brother had one we could borrow and she kindly delivered it to Rupert on Thursday evening, the fabric part was in a large Australia post bag, the poles in another large sack and the ropes in a crate, Rhonda asked me if I wanted the ropes, I asked if I needed them and she advised that she didn't think we did. I thought no more about it and on Friday night we loaded the tents the bags the towels and everything else one could ever need for a weekend away into the rental car and set out.
Now it gets dark at 6pm at the moment and the drive to Philip Island is at least 2 hours so we had set ourselves a 8.30 pm arrival time. obviously we didn't leave till late and ended up getting to the camp site just passed 9pm. we got the little dome tent up in about 4 minutes, but when we came to the pole tent - Oh dear. It is fair to say that the tent was from the early 1800's and although perfectly functional was not within our grasp. With no instructions and very little light ( we had the headlights on full beam ) we set about trying to work out what we were to do. two passers by took pity on us and between the 5 of us we tried several scenarios with no success. by 10.30pm we had the poles in he right holes and the tent looked like a tent. then came the question I was dreading Don - the chap who had stopped to help us asked " OK ladies where are the ropes" Quietly and slightly embarrassed I replied with the sad truth " they're in Melbourne.
A lively debate followed, the end result was for us all to let go of the bit we were holding, watch as the tent collapsed in a heap and follow Don and his wife Corrina back to their static home for a coffee ( for me ) a Baileys for Bailey and a beer for El. We spent an hour chatting to them and they kindly gave us all their contact info so we can stay in their static caravan when ever we liked for just $9 a night. Obviously we still had the problem of where Sarah was going to sleep. Luckily the guy who actually owned the camp site came along and heard of our plight, 20 mins later he was back with a small dome tent in hand and gave it to Sarah for the weekend.
30 minutes later we were all tucked up in bed and ready for the coming adventures.
Well I need a little break now before I continue, I may take El out for lunch.
The weather if not good, it is raining today and cold, it's pretty much like being in England, just without all you lovely people.
I'll finish up later
xx
The last two weeks have been busy, and today Friday 24th is a sad old day, Sarah has just left on the Sky Bus for Melbourne Airport and I have made my way back across the city in floods of tears. It is horrible having to say goodbye to people you love - again and again, sometimes I burst into tears when I put the phone down ( don't stop calling ! ) It's just for a second I forget the distance.
Well after a coffee I am stowed in El's shop whilst she deals with a chap who is quizzing her relentlessly on tax back ( twice I've nearly struck him over the back of his head and told him to piss off and leave her alone ) They really do ask her the most silly questions. She does so well, she smiles, and politely tells them the answers. I don't think I'd do half as well.
I thought I should catch you up on the last few weeks, you're up to speed with our camping adventure, but the lamp got a second outing ( oh yes we're gonna make him worth his $47 ) and Sarah and I took a drive down the Great Ocean Road. - let's start at the beginning - as Julie Andrews says in the sound of music " it's a very good place to start"
On Easter Monday up we got up at the break of dawn in order to meet Sa at Southern Cross and before I was even ready to leave she called to say she was getting on the sky bus. I ran to the tram stop in order to beat her there and despite leaving my house keys on the tram and having to chase the driver down the tracks screaming 'stop stop you have my keys' I arrived in time to watch Miss Bailey step of the bus. We went straight from Southern Cross to the Grocery Bar, it's a lovely little coffee shop in St Kilda and had a nice breakfast before dumping the suitcase at home and setting off for the Southbank - it was a nice day but Sa was sleepy - I know the feeling it's like being asleep on your feet it's not really being tired it's just like your head is stuffed with cotton wool ! Anyway, we took her to the Casino - it's the best way to start any stay in Melbourne. Sarah was cautious she took $20 and promptly lost it all I won $150 a great return on my $20 and El won $100 so all in all a great success.
We came back to the flat and then tried to keep Sarah awake till 9pm. El cooked a roast and we put on a silly film. soon enough Sarah was asleep so El and I sat upstairs and read.
The next day we had to work so Sarah pottered about Melbourne, her blog is linked to mine so you will be able to read about her exploits.
The week passed with out any major dramas, we had some nice dinners and made use of our evenings, a beer here a film there, just having her in the same hemisphere made me happy.
Finally Friday came.
Now we had decided that camping was the way forward, it really is the most cost effective way of having fun. Now as you know we have the one tent, it is perfect for the two of us we fit in quite nicely and there is just about room for us to chuck all our stuff in the tent as well. There is no way that 3 of us would comfortably fit in the tent. I had asked the week before if anyone at work had a tent, Rhonda, a lovely lady I work with advised that her brother had one we could borrow and she kindly delivered it to Rupert on Thursday evening, the fabric part was in a large Australia post bag, the poles in another large sack and the ropes in a crate, Rhonda asked me if I wanted the ropes, I asked if I needed them and she advised that she didn't think we did. I thought no more about it and on Friday night we loaded the tents the bags the towels and everything else one could ever need for a weekend away into the rental car and set out.
Now it gets dark at 6pm at the moment and the drive to Philip Island is at least 2 hours so we had set ourselves a 8.30 pm arrival time. obviously we didn't leave till late and ended up getting to the camp site just passed 9pm. we got the little dome tent up in about 4 minutes, but when we came to the pole tent - Oh dear. It is fair to say that the tent was from the early 1800's and although perfectly functional was not within our grasp. With no instructions and very little light ( we had the headlights on full beam ) we set about trying to work out what we were to do. two passers by took pity on us and between the 5 of us we tried several scenarios with no success. by 10.30pm we had the poles in he right holes and the tent looked like a tent. then came the question I was dreading Don - the chap who had stopped to help us asked " OK ladies where are the ropes" Quietly and slightly embarrassed I replied with the sad truth " they're in Melbourne.
A lively debate followed, the end result was for us all to let go of the bit we were holding, watch as the tent collapsed in a heap and follow Don and his wife Corrina back to their static home for a coffee ( for me ) a Baileys for Bailey and a beer for El. We spent an hour chatting to them and they kindly gave us all their contact info so we can stay in their static caravan when ever we liked for just $9 a night. Obviously we still had the problem of where Sarah was going to sleep. Luckily the guy who actually owned the camp site came along and heard of our plight, 20 mins later he was back with a small dome tent in hand and gave it to Sarah for the weekend.
30 minutes later we were all tucked up in bed and ready for the coming adventures.
Well I need a little break now before I continue, I may take El out for lunch.
The weather if not good, it is raining today and cold, it's pretty much like being in England, just without all you lovely people.
I'll finish up later
xx
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Weekend 4th-5th April
Well yet again more than a week has gone by and I haven't yet told you of our great camping adventure on the Mornington Peninsular.
We decided that it would be nice to get away for the weekend, and there is no cheaper way to get away than a quick stint of camping.
El had planned the route over her working week and I had spent 3 days getting very excited.
We set off on the Saturday morning bright and early, and for us, and for a Saturday it really was bright and early. We had the car and were on the road by 9 am.
First stop was the Australian Gardens, a sort of National Trust esk place, They had set out this garden with plants from all over Australia, built water features, and sculptures It is quite hard to explain so I am providing you with this link for you to peruse at your leisure. http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/australian_garden What I will say is that arriving at such an early hour meant that we had the entire place to ourselves and in the morning sun it was a very pleasant way to start our weekend. Armed with coffee we got back on the road and headed for stop number 2 Red Hill market. They absolutely love markets here, markets and food. We had a good look around the market and were tempted by many things, jams and chutneys as well and chocolate cake and yummy breads. We managed however to leave the market place having only purchased 1 earring. We drove to Arthurs Seat, this is a region that has it's very own scenic chair lift, the only issue with said chair lift is that it is broken. When I say it is broken what I actually mean is that it fell out of the sky and collapsed, they re built it and again it fell apart. You have to wonder at Australian construction, when we first arrived there was a considerable amount of hype regarding the Eye, it is pretty much an exact replica of the London Eye the only difference being that it lasted 2 weeks before the extreme heat buckled the structure. Call me silly but even I who have little knowledge of engineering may have factored in the extreme temperatures of a Melbourne Summer and worked that into my plans!
So with the chair lift in taters at the bottom of the hill we proceeded to the viewing point. I can tell you that on a clear day it would have been a wonderful view of the peninsula, the sad truth is that it was not a clear day and we could just about make out the coastline.
We next touched down in Rose bud and set up camp. The camp site was slightly scary, full of makeshift homes and caravans that looked as if their owners had arrived some 30 years ago and decided to stay. We however had the perfect little pitch right next to a track leading down to the beach.
After we'd set up our temporary home we decided to drive all the way along the peninsula. The sun had finally come out and it was really nice drive through all the different seaside townships. We stopped for lunch in Sorrento ( a rather posh little seaside town ) and decided that we could try and buy a camping light.
The following then took place;
We went into the first shop, a homeware store selling everything you can imagine under the sun, I approached the man at the counter and this was our conversation:
Me - Good morning
Him - Hello there how can I help?
Me - I was looking to buy a camping light
Him - Ok - like a torch ?
Me - no - you know the ones which you sort of …
With my hands gesturing the motion of pulling the top of the light up
Him - Ah - an inflatable lamp
Me - Pardon?
His colleague quickly took the lead and escorted me to the camping Isle. They did not have the lantern esk lamp I required, he advised that there was a variety shop up the street and we should try there. we thanked him and left.
As we walked up the street I was giggling to myself about the inflatable lantern, little did I suspect that things were about to get a lot worse.
As we entered the variety store my better sense of judgement should have told me to expect the worse, this dimly lit store was packed full of everything under the sun and there was a thick layer of dust covering most of it. El approached the counter
El - Hello we are looking for a lantern type camping light do you have one ?
Me - keeping my hands firmly at my sides trying not to laugh
Shopkeeper - Yes we have this one - Pointing to a lamp which could have lit the cutty Sark
El - emmm we were really after something slightly smaller
Shopkeeper - No that's all I have
El ( pointing to the shelf above the shopkeepers head ) emm What about that one?
Shopkeeper - ahh yes we do have that one.
Me - trying so hard not to burst into giggles
El - How much is that ?
Shopkeeper - $35 that is very expensive, I wouldn’t waste my money.
Me - could we look at it please?
Shopkeeper - I guess you could ( taking lamp down from the shelf )
** The shop keeper then dusts off the lamp, rips it out of the packaging and stands it on the counter**
Shopkeeper - You do know that this takes 4 batteries which will cost you another $12 -that’s $47 in total that's a lot of money
Me - Yes, thank you but we really do need a lamp.
Shopkeeper - what about a cheap torch
El - Emmm I think this one might be just the ticket actually.
Shopkeeper - Ok then let's fire him up.
** The shopkeeper then took 2 packets of batteries, and put them in the lantern, he then spent 15 minutes trying to get the top on the lantern.
He then tried to turn it on and it did not work**
Shopkeeper - sorry it's broken
El emmm maybe the bulb has gone?
Me Maybe the batteries are in the wrong way
Shopkeeper - come back later and I'll fix it
Me - Oh it's Ok we'll figure it out
Shopkeeper - hang on
** He takes the bulb out of the lamp and tests it on a bulb testing device he has behind the counter it is working**
Shopkeeper - Lets swap the batteries around
I am now laughing so hard I am crying, El is trying to make out that the whole thing is funny and the shopkeeper joins in,
After a further 10 minute struggle the light comes on.
El - that is perfect, thank you so much
Me - yes, thanks
Shopkeeper, are you sure you want it?
El and I - YES.
25 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING THE SHOP WE MANAGE TO LEAVE WITH THE LAMP.
It didn't stop there either.
On our way to the camp site I decided I wanted to stop in Aldi for some food. El was not at all happy with my super market choice which obviously made me want to go there even more! So we walked around with me buying chocolate and biscuits and then we came to the alcohol isle, I picked up a bottle of cheap bubbles and headed for the tills. When the teller came to the fizzy wine she says " does one of you have some ID " El produces her drivers licence proving her to be 28 years of age, I realise the woman is fixing her gaze on me. I looked at her, and she said
" and you " I looked at her in disbelief,
"I don't carry ID I'm 26 years old"
Her response to this was …
" Well I can't sell the alcohol to your friend as she could be buying it for you and you are clearly a minor"
My jaw hit the floor. El was delighted and we swiftly went to Safeway down the road.
We hit the beach then and decided to have a few beers and attempt the crossword puzzle book we had just brought but it was so so so cold that we had to concentrate just to be able to breath! We then had an inspired idea.
Earlier in the day we had driven past Peninsula Hot springs
Yes, even lowly back packer campers can throw caution to the wind and head for one of the most exclusive luxury spa's in Victoria for some evening bathing.
42 degree water certainly warms the cockles and an hour later after nipping between 38 40 42 and 2 degree natural springs ( the 2 degree plunge pool was like torture )
We were warn enough to head back to the camp site and sleep.
It really was delightful at the hot springs and we are going to take Sa there this week as a surprise.
The next morning we packed up the tent in 5 minutes flat and set off on our adventures, it was a horrid day and after a rather blustery walk half way up a cliff we were wet and cold and I was tempted to head back to the spa.. El was far more practical and despite her desire to do a 16 km walk in the teaming rain far more practical we went to a couple of the beaches on the backside of the Peninsula and started the drive back to Melbourne. Somehow, as we turned a corner there in front of us was a rather stunning steam train with a sign saying Mornington Railway. Now I firmly believe that if you are driving along a road, and you have no where you have to be, and you have the spirit of adventure and you see a steam train and you DON'T stop then you are a fool. So we stopped.
It was quite lucky that we did because as El pulled into the car park (in a rather dramatic style) the train was just getting ready to leave, apparently it runs just 4 times a day twice a month and we had just happened upon one of those lovely things that life brings. We had a coffee at our destination and within the hour were back at the car park and ready to resume the journey home.
It was a lovely weekend, the weather was rubbish but not even that could get us down - it just shows that a bottle of bubbles, some chocolate, ( Did I forget to mention the lovely breakfast we had ) and a copy of the puzzler will see you through, and camping with a lamp ( even if it did cost $47 including batteries ) is just the thing to put a spring in your step.
Much love to you all
Leah and El
We decided that it would be nice to get away for the weekend, and there is no cheaper way to get away than a quick stint of camping.
El had planned the route over her working week and I had spent 3 days getting very excited.
We set off on the Saturday morning bright and early, and for us, and for a Saturday it really was bright and early. We had the car and were on the road by 9 am.
First stop was the Australian Gardens, a sort of National Trust esk place, They had set out this garden with plants from all over Australia, built water features, and sculptures It is quite hard to explain so I am providing you with this link for you to peruse at your leisure. http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/australian_garden What I will say is that arriving at such an early hour meant that we had the entire place to ourselves and in the morning sun it was a very pleasant way to start our weekend. Armed with coffee we got back on the road and headed for stop number 2 Red Hill market. They absolutely love markets here, markets and food. We had a good look around the market and were tempted by many things, jams and chutneys as well and chocolate cake and yummy breads. We managed however to leave the market place having only purchased 1 earring. We drove to Arthurs Seat, this is a region that has it's very own scenic chair lift, the only issue with said chair lift is that it is broken. When I say it is broken what I actually mean is that it fell out of the sky and collapsed, they re built it and again it fell apart. You have to wonder at Australian construction, when we first arrived there was a considerable amount of hype regarding the Eye, it is pretty much an exact replica of the London Eye the only difference being that it lasted 2 weeks before the extreme heat buckled the structure. Call me silly but even I who have little knowledge of engineering may have factored in the extreme temperatures of a Melbourne Summer and worked that into my plans!
So with the chair lift in taters at the bottom of the hill we proceeded to the viewing point. I can tell you that on a clear day it would have been a wonderful view of the peninsula, the sad truth is that it was not a clear day and we could just about make out the coastline.
We next touched down in Rose bud and set up camp. The camp site was slightly scary, full of makeshift homes and caravans that looked as if their owners had arrived some 30 years ago and decided to stay. We however had the perfect little pitch right next to a track leading down to the beach.
After we'd set up our temporary home we decided to drive all the way along the peninsula. The sun had finally come out and it was really nice drive through all the different seaside townships. We stopped for lunch in Sorrento ( a rather posh little seaside town ) and decided that we could try and buy a camping light.
The following then took place;
We went into the first shop, a homeware store selling everything you can imagine under the sun, I approached the man at the counter and this was our conversation:
Me - Good morning
Him - Hello there how can I help?
Me - I was looking to buy a camping light
Him - Ok - like a torch ?
Me - no - you know the ones which you sort of …
With my hands gesturing the motion of pulling the top of the light up
Him - Ah - an inflatable lamp
Me - Pardon?
His colleague quickly took the lead and escorted me to the camping Isle. They did not have the lantern esk lamp I required, he advised that there was a variety shop up the street and we should try there. we thanked him and left.
As we walked up the street I was giggling to myself about the inflatable lantern, little did I suspect that things were about to get a lot worse.
As we entered the variety store my better sense of judgement should have told me to expect the worse, this dimly lit store was packed full of everything under the sun and there was a thick layer of dust covering most of it. El approached the counter
El - Hello we are looking for a lantern type camping light do you have one ?
Me - keeping my hands firmly at my sides trying not to laugh
Shopkeeper - Yes we have this one - Pointing to a lamp which could have lit the cutty Sark
El - emmm we were really after something slightly smaller
Shopkeeper - No that's all I have
El ( pointing to the shelf above the shopkeepers head ) emm What about that one?
Shopkeeper - ahh yes we do have that one.
Me - trying so hard not to burst into giggles
El - How much is that ?
Shopkeeper - $35 that is very expensive, I wouldn’t waste my money.
Me - could we look at it please?
Shopkeeper - I guess you could ( taking lamp down from the shelf )
** The shop keeper then dusts off the lamp, rips it out of the packaging and stands it on the counter**
Shopkeeper - You do know that this takes 4 batteries which will cost you another $12 -that’s $47 in total that's a lot of money
Me - Yes, thank you but we really do need a lamp.
Shopkeeper - what about a cheap torch
El - Emmm I think this one might be just the ticket actually.
Shopkeeper - Ok then let's fire him up.
** The shopkeeper then took 2 packets of batteries, and put them in the lantern, he then spent 15 minutes trying to get the top on the lantern.
He then tried to turn it on and it did not work**
Shopkeeper - sorry it's broken
El emmm maybe the bulb has gone?
Me Maybe the batteries are in the wrong way
Shopkeeper - come back later and I'll fix it
Me - Oh it's Ok we'll figure it out
Shopkeeper - hang on
** He takes the bulb out of the lamp and tests it on a bulb testing device he has behind the counter it is working**
Shopkeeper - Lets swap the batteries around
I am now laughing so hard I am crying, El is trying to make out that the whole thing is funny and the shopkeeper joins in,
After a further 10 minute struggle the light comes on.
El - that is perfect, thank you so much
Me - yes, thanks
Shopkeeper, are you sure you want it?
El and I - YES.
25 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING THE SHOP WE MANAGE TO LEAVE WITH THE LAMP.
It didn't stop there either.
On our way to the camp site I decided I wanted to stop in Aldi for some food. El was not at all happy with my super market choice which obviously made me want to go there even more! So we walked around with me buying chocolate and biscuits and then we came to the alcohol isle, I picked up a bottle of cheap bubbles and headed for the tills. When the teller came to the fizzy wine she says " does one of you have some ID " El produces her drivers licence proving her to be 28 years of age, I realise the woman is fixing her gaze on me. I looked at her, and she said
" and you " I looked at her in disbelief,
"I don't carry ID I'm 26 years old"
Her response to this was …
" Well I can't sell the alcohol to your friend as she could be buying it for you and you are clearly a minor"
My jaw hit the floor. El was delighted and we swiftly went to Safeway down the road.
We hit the beach then and decided to have a few beers and attempt the crossword puzzle book we had just brought but it was so so so cold that we had to concentrate just to be able to breath! We then had an inspired idea.
Earlier in the day we had driven past Peninsula Hot springs
Yes, even lowly back packer campers can throw caution to the wind and head for one of the most exclusive luxury spa's in Victoria for some evening bathing.
42 degree water certainly warms the cockles and an hour later after nipping between 38 40 42 and 2 degree natural springs ( the 2 degree plunge pool was like torture )
We were warn enough to head back to the camp site and sleep.
It really was delightful at the hot springs and we are going to take Sa there this week as a surprise.
The next morning we packed up the tent in 5 minutes flat and set off on our adventures, it was a horrid day and after a rather blustery walk half way up a cliff we were wet and cold and I was tempted to head back to the spa.. El was far more practical and despite her desire to do a 16 km walk in the teaming rain far more practical we went to a couple of the beaches on the backside of the Peninsula and started the drive back to Melbourne. Somehow, as we turned a corner there in front of us was a rather stunning steam train with a sign saying Mornington Railway. Now I firmly believe that if you are driving along a road, and you have no where you have to be, and you have the spirit of adventure and you see a steam train and you DON'T stop then you are a fool. So we stopped.
It was quite lucky that we did because as El pulled into the car park (in a rather dramatic style) the train was just getting ready to leave, apparently it runs just 4 times a day twice a month and we had just happened upon one of those lovely things that life brings. We had a coffee at our destination and within the hour were back at the car park and ready to resume the journey home.
It was a lovely weekend, the weather was rubbish but not even that could get us down - it just shows that a bottle of bubbles, some chocolate, ( Did I forget to mention the lovely breakfast we had ) and a copy of the puzzler will see you through, and camping with a lamp ( even if it did cost $47 including batteries ) is just the thing to put a spring in your step.
Much love to you all
Leah and El
Friday, 3 April 2009
As if by magic - Pictures!!!
Well hello there, its El!
I know I have been particularly poor with my efforts to contribute to the blog, in fact I think I have only written on it once! Anyway I feel these things are best left to the professional. Leah/Carly does the writing - I take the pictures!!!! In fact I am very happy with myself that I found out how to share all our pictures with those not on facebook. Here are the links to some of our adventures so far. I hope you like them and it gives you an idea of where we are and what were up to (when not at work that is!!) Take care and love to you all
El and Leah X
Brighton/Williamstown and the city
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240388&id=564650444&l=66395df528
Great Ocean road with Hele and Rach:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6119822&l=6c078c9c97&id=564650444
St Kilda Festival
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=218585&id=564650444&l=4214bf4276
Camping / Lake Eildon + marysville
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=208899&id=564650444&l=d2e038345e
Ballerat
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196330&id=564650444&l=ca5a63bf50
Ballerat Wildlife park
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196322&id=564650444&l=41fb8b8678
First Great Ocean Road trip
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=184212&id=564650444&l=0d129ae682
I know I have been particularly poor with my efforts to contribute to the blog, in fact I think I have only written on it once! Anyway I feel these things are best left to the professional. Leah/Carly does the writing - I take the pictures!!!! In fact I am very happy with myself that I found out how to share all our pictures with those not on facebook. Here are the links to some of our adventures so far. I hope you like them and it gives you an idea of where we are and what were up to (when not at work that is!!) Take care and love to you all
El and Leah X
Brighton/Williamstown and the city
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240388&id=564650444&l=66395df528
Great Ocean road with Hele and Rach:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6119822&l=6c078c9c97&id=564650444
St Kilda Festival
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=218585&id=564650444&l=4214bf4276
Camping / Lake Eildon + marysville
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=208899&id=564650444&l=d2e038345e
Ballerat
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196330&id=564650444&l=ca5a63bf50
Ballerat Wildlife park
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196322&id=564650444&l=41fb8b8678
First Great Ocean Road trip
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=184212&id=564650444&l=0d129ae682
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