Where did that month + go

I am not going to try to catch up by days, as all my good intentions to finish my trip around Tasmania the day after my last post obviously went wrong. 

On Fri 9th March - I attended a concert at the Hobart Casino of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, I had planned this since January and was not dissappointed, staying behind to have them all sign my Uke.  Saturday visited the Botanical Gardens then drove up Mt Nelson & Mt Wellington and it was a beautiful clear day, I was there in 2006 and it snowed on Mt Wellington.

The Foxhunters Return

On Tues 13th - I was given a tour in Campbelltown of the "Foxhunters Return", (usually only for paying guests) this is a beautiful B & B incorporating an amazing bookshop underneath which was once quarters for the convicts building the nearby bridge. This old building has so much history and I was included because a cousin once owned it in the 80's, they were part of the restoration process (the local council wanted to knock it down!!)  On Wednesday evening I boarded the Spirit of Tasmania, it was a long wait but next morning meant I was the 4th vehicle off and arrived to a noisy welcome at the Robert's home, for a few days was treated to Cath's great cooking, she in turn had some time out while I had fun with the girls.

Sat 17th - the 4 girls went to Daylesford for the day, Cath had wanted to see this little town before leaving Victoria.  After checking out the shops we had a picnic, hired a paddle boat, had ice creams and visited the Chocolate Factory.  On Sunday afternoon we 4 girls went to the city, afternoon tea at a River Cafe and dinner at Crown Casino.  Jonathan was happy at home quietly watching the Grand Prix. 



Therese, Louise & Helen (hippies)

 Wed 21st - I headed for Yarram to attend the Solo Rally, my last experience was at Macksville 2 1/2   years ago so I stopped at Morwell and bought Wellie boots and a hooded raincoat, which were both well used for a few days.  It was a great week, I met old friends and made lots of new ones, improved my Ukulele skills slightly, had fun at the Hippie Ball and so much more.  There were bus tours (I went to the Tarra Bulga National Park), workshops and I did enjoy the Poet's breakfast.


Sunrise at Port Albert



Thurs 29th - it was all over, I had lunch with Helen & Therese in town before leaving, we were all going in different directions, I had booked the Van in for a service, unfortunately for him I didn't fit into his shed!!  He sent me across the road to the opposition but a mate who did a fine job at short notice, one of the good things about small towns.  Drove to Port  Albert and found about 12 others from Yarram also there, it was a lovely spot beside the Marina. Next day as I contemplated where to spend the next few days, friends from Bundaberg found me and invited me to go with them to Boolarra.  I followed Arthur taking the scenic route over the Strezelecki Ranges, it was a lovely drive.  We camped beside the Pub and I met many of Arthur & Wendy's Forum friends.  A huge Hunstman spider decided to camp in my van and Allan was no help saying it was harmless, it may be but after an hour I caught it and threw it and the collander it was in out the door, lights out 10pm.  I rode my push bike part way along the Grand Ridge Rail Trail the next day, a few of the men went the whole way, but I know my limits.



A Fly Past just for us at Sale



Wed 4th April - Met Helen in Sale to drive into the Rally together, this was my 1st big rally and a bit daunting.  Like Yarram it was lots of workshops, dance lessons, Ukulele lessons, and wonderfull entertainment.  We looked through the assortment of new vans on offer and checked out the many market stalls.  At 4pm it was Happy Hour somewhere, I attended different ones but Blaze Aid was to learn about volunteering.  Met past owners of my van and Ian wired in an LED light and checked out the hot water system while at the rally, I have been invited to visit he & Gail when next going past Caloundra.  Left Sunday morning to meet friends from Qld attending a function at the Melbourne Convention Centre.  Drove to Cath's and she put me on the train to the city, after dinner at a lovely waterside restaurant I stayed the night in their apartment and we talked till late.



It's a dogs life!!

 Mon 9th - A timely visit to the Robert's family again to help with the week before their move back to Sydney.  On Sunday we all went into the City to visit the Eureka Skydeck, 85 floors up!!!  Jonathan, Lily, Georgia & I survived The Edge (a giant glass cage that slides out from the building), Cath took photos. 

Mon 16th - This was moving day, a giant truck with 2 containers pulled up outside, I kept the girls occupied at the park and having picnic's in Grandma's van.  They left to drive to Albury at 4pm.  I stayed to let the cleaners in next day etc. 

Wed 18th - I started housesitting in Costerfield (near Heathcote in Vic) for 3 1/2 weeks, on a small property in the bush, I have 2 dogs, Gemma a Beagle and Jack a Terrier.  Not sure if they are company they sleep most of the day and bark mostly at the birds or rabbits.  I have had a chance to do lots of crafting, making rugs for the Wrapped With Love foundation and finishing off some of my UFO's.  Apart from pulling out a few weeds there is not lots to do so I am relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Autumn days.
Today Sunday 29th April - After Church in a small local hall at Tooborac, stoped at a roadside stall for local fresh supplies then had a restfull afternoon watching the movie Snow Cake (a beautiful movie) knitting another Beanie for my grandaughter Renae's Rep Hockey Team pals.