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January 2015

01 January 2015

On the road again...

02 January 2015

One day after New Years Day and on our first day back on the road we took a day off. Heyfield makes for a great stop and even more so with temperatures around 40 deg C and a catastrophic fire warning forecast for the state. This town goes out of its way to make travellers welcome by providing not only a nice grassed area to camp but a potable water tap, toilet block, dump point at the RV Park but also by way of a personally delivered welcome pack consisting of maps, brochures, fridge magnets and local information, and there's even discount coupons for local businesses (some of which received our patronage.

It might be delivered in a brown paper bag but...it's really nice, and useful.

3 January 2015

Despite the heat building up to 40 deg C we enjoyed our day in Heyfield which included a trip to the market and then sitting outside in the shade as the day cooled off, sitting later on in the shade of a tree with some other campers and enjoying a chat late into the evening, courtesy of the trick daylight saving plays on you.

4 January 2015

Rain overnight and the place cooled off quite nicely and so after a longer than anticipated stay in Heyfield we made our way through Maffra and onto Bairnsdale where we topped up with food and fuel. Driving just out of town we stopped at a nice park near the river for lunch and for a look at the start of the Rail Trail that we rode back in 2002 when we were cycling around Australia.

Leaving behind the flat plains around Bairnsdale we began to climb up into the Victorian Alps, enjoying the ever beautiful views but not the narrow and winding road eventually bringing us to a spot called Tambo Crossing where we decided to call it a day.

Crossing the Tambo River we found ourselves a spot on the river flat and immediately began to relax to the sound of the river passing over the rocky creek bed just 20m from our door. It's a large area but with only three other campers it was not going to be crowded unless a heap came in late.

Our campsite from the bridge, the old coach road in the background leading to the farmers house.

Despite the overcast sky it was a very pleasant spot to be, thrashing in the river similar to salmon working their way upstream meant an investigation was required and sure enough there was a trout in the shallows, though trying to get a picture of him was proving hard and even wading into the river proved to be unsuccessful. No doubt the trout has head humans walking in the river in search of him before and took evasive actions.

The trout, caught on a zoom lens from the bank.

Joanne captured this view further upstream.

5 January 2015

Leaving our river camp as the sun was trying to break through we headed off towards Omeo, more winding road and beautiful views of the river as we went. Eventually coming out of the forested area we were now among grassland hills again as we dropped down into and passed through the small town of Swifts Creek.

Coming to Connor's Hill we stopped to admire the view of the hills which looked like they were holding the sky up, the view down the valley and an old shed in the paddock.

The view towards Omeo from the lookout.

The old shed at the back of the lookout.

More climbing and descending before we came to the town of Omeo, the main street being on the side of a hill and requiring some effort to walk around. Courtesy of wikicamps we located the RV stop where you can rest (not camp) for a maximum of 36 hours. It's a nice little spot just 500m from town and next to water where past users have indicated they caught a trout and saw a platypus and at the time of typing this, the local kids are swimming and jumping off the bank into the water having a great time. Thank you Omeo.

Our spot at the RV Rest Area

6 January 2015

Last night in Omeo was so quiet you would be forgiven for thinking you were not even in a town. The only noise to be heard was the frogs in the Livingstone Creek next to where we were parked. Their call sounded like they were knocking on a half hollow log or even like the first dozen heavy rain drops on a tin roof. We awoke to a nice day with clouds on the hills.

Leaving town we were headed to Benambra for a look at the town and Lake Omeo which is almost always dry but to get there we had to do some climbing, the long slow climb providing glimpses through the trees of what we would eventually see at the top. Taking a steep gravel track we found ourselves at McMillans Lookout where there was just enough room to turn around and to park. Those glimpses through the trees on the way up came to fruition with view's of the sub alpine grasslands laid out before us.

The view back towards Omeo.
The town is nestled in the valley underneath where Mt Livingstone in poking head ut of the clouds on the right)

The view to the North

Dropping down onto the flat (?) we passed an interesting place up on a hill and stopped for a shot of it.

They make their vehicles last around here.

Arriving in Benambra we came to a small town but saw nobody around. Taking a short tour we came to a house with a hangar and two aircraft in it with the sign "Alpine Aviation" and "Joy Flights", and where the road was part of the runway. Lake Omeo was nothing but a huge grassed area with the occasional track across it but the dirt road we took around it was a nice drive. Then the road took an upward direction with nice views at the top, the descent was another matter and with the engine in first or second gear it was a long slow trip down.

Back on the bitumen we arrived at the Mitta Mitta River and the Hinnomunjie Bridge (believed to be the last remaining multiple truss bridge left in Victoria) which was built in 1910. Axe marks from it's being hand hewn are still visible in the wooden structure which is now held together and strengthened by steel girders. Taking the track down to the riverbank we passed the numerous campers set up enjoying the school holidays, canoes of various types all lined up on the bank before we went back to the bridge for photos and morning tea.

The Hinnomunjie Bridge.

The Hinnomunjie Bridge taken from under the new bridge.

Looking upstream. See the axe marks in the timber frame?

Leaving the campers and the Hinnomunjie Bridge we made our way back into Omeo and then after a check of the Oriental Diggings (where the Orientals dug for gold) we made our way up the hill to the Mt Kosciuszko Lookout and parked in the 3 hour RV Rest Area as the storm clouds build up. With any luck there will be some photos of the storm over Omeo tonight if it eventuates.

7 January 2015

Well it did rain last night during drops there was just enough time to get a last shot of Omeo as the lights came on and an orange moon began to rise. From there on it was just the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof until..."You will want to see this" Joanne said after a quick look over the lookout. There in the valley was cloud covering everything except the far off mountain tops as their heads stuck out the top of a fluffy blanket.

The lights come on in Omeo as the moon begins to rise.

Omeo under a fluffy blanket of cloud.

A little closer to the action.

Photos and getting ready over we began heading down the road through open farming land with beautiful morning light views everywhere. Taking the turnoff to the Victoria Falls we were immediately on a narrow dirt track as it led down to the camping area where three lots of campers were just starting their day. Crossing over the ford we continued along a the narrow road that is nestled between the embankment on one side and a fairly severe drop into the Victoria River on the other. Thankful we had not met anyone else along the track we eventually arrived at a small turnaround area marked as a lookout. Getting in there however necessitated a 6 point turn so we were facing the way out. A short 50m walk down the steep bank led us to a small viewing area and now way of going any further unless we had our mountain goat shoes on or some abseiling equipment.

Down in the valley was the falls, in two stages and flowing quite nicely. The photo's from the bottom would have been really good but...

The falls sit deep in the landscape.

A little closer to the falls.

Taking the 5km of track back to the road we had to herd and then get past some cattle, some of which took a leap of faith over the side while the others just kept on going in front. Back at the road we began to climb up to the locality of Dinner Plain, the trees going from tall gum trees of varying types to short snow gums. Pulling into DInner Plain we took a tour around the chalets before stopping for morning tea and then use of the dump point in the carpark where, with a permit you can stay for 7 days. No real views from there but it would be fun to camp there for free while others pay a small fortune to stay in the chalets, but we didn't.

Leaving the chalets in Dinner Plain behind we made our way along the highway with its tall red Snow Poles complete with light on top and a sign telling everyone to keep to the left of the poles and its yellow fog and centre lines. Arriving at JB Plain Hut we stopped on the outside of the gate and walked in some 300m to where the hut stands among the snow gums with their beautifully coloured bark and just above an alpine meadow. The original burnt to the ground in a fire but the replacement is still very interesting.

Opening the door and going inside there was the distinct small of the last use of the fireplace, a small room for a kitchen and another with wooden sleeping platforms like bunk beds inside, but it was the photo's outside we were interested in.

JB Plain Hut in the stunning Snow Gum Forest at Dinner Plain.

It would be nice to see this covered in snow.

Hut inspection and photos over we continued on, climbing until we came to Hotham Heights where the small winter paradise sits looking out over the Alpine Region of Victoria. Chair lifts were shut down, the chairs themselves stocked in neat rows like shopping trolleys near the terminal. Shops and other parts of the town were still fairly busy and the Police Station has one of, if not, "The" best view of any.

Climbing out of town we passed through a tunnel where snow traffic cross above your head during the snow season before finding ourselves on the top of the world. Just like the Top of the World Highway in the Yukon Canada this highway follows the ridges of the alps and provides commanding views everywhere you look. Ski runs could be seen everywhere as could the dead trees from the huge bush fire the place had a few years ago. The skeletons of those trees making for an interesting sight.

Mountain Hut at Diamantina. Mt Feathertop and Razorback in the background.

White skeletons and yellow mountain daisies everywhere.

Just one of the many beautiful views.

Dropping down further we took turn after turn, hair pin bend after hair pin bend until we were down under what would be the snow line and then even further down again, looking back up at the balding hills as we passed through the dead trees, this time the remains of tall gum trees until we came out at the small town of Harrietville.

A quick inspection of the small camp area at the entrance to the rec reserve (and outside the caravan park gate) we drove on to the small locality of Smoko where we eventually stopped at a free camp on the banks of a very disappointing Ovens River some 20 km from Bright.

8 January 2015

Thankfully the humidity left by the time we went to bed but we awoke to another day of it as the clouds and storms formed over the mountains. Leaving our camp we stopped in Bright for food, fuel, gas and water. The town was a buzz and there was almost as much bicycle traffic as motor vehicles. Lycra clad speedsters right through to parents and kids on holidays and they were everywhere. Coffee shops and the like doing a good trade with the tourists and so we were glad to leave the hustle and bustle of the place and to get back out into the countryside again.

Up and up we went heading to Mt Beauty which is not a mountain at all but a town sitting in the shadows of Mt Bogong. Dropping down the other side of the Gap we found another town that was smaller than Bright but had the same coffee shop, touristy vibe and a heap of cyclists again.

Mt Beauty as it sits around the regulating pond for the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.

Making out way out to Mountain Creek Campground we found a nice spot in the National Park that was surrounded by beautifully tall gum trees and very undulating parking spots. So with storms predicted we figured it was best not to be somewhere things can fall on you and departed.

Passing through open farming country we eventually stopped for a look at a camp at Boyd's Bridge near the locality of Gundowring on the Kiewa Valley Highway as it makes its way to Tangambalanga and Lake Hume near Wodonga. We could have parked near the bridge but decided to venture down the back to see what was there. Just fitting under the trees over the driveway we found ourselves at a small clearing next to the river and only one other camper in residence. So selecting a spot on the riverfront and near the gravel boat ramp (of sorts) we settled in as the storms and rain also came and settled in.

The river at our doorstep.

9 January 2015

Yesterdays weather forecast was backed up by the rain radar which showed a sweeping front coming right for us, and sure enough the rain began to fall quite heavily and steadily. Awaking at midnight we assessed and considered our position eventually deciding to stay put and reconsider in the morning.

We awoke to a wet and cloudy day with more rain on it's way. The river had only risen about a metre on our measuring stick and while we were in no immediate danger of being flooded out we chose to leave because with more rain forecast (100mm is some places) the river could come up even more and more importantly if the area we were parked on turned to mush we would be stuck, so we left before breakfast and made our way back out onto the hard stuff lamenting the loss of such a nice camp but glad at the same time.

Heading up the highway a little more we stopped to check another campsite that we had seen on wikicamps at Kergunyah but the situation was the same as where we had just left (and on the same river) so we continued on headed for Lake Hume at Huon.

Cresting the hill we were presented with a view of the lake surrounded by hills and the waters edge a long way down from where it had been when Google Earth last looked at it, but still a nice view. Pulling into the carpark/picnic area we saw half a dozen campers down along the waters edge and a number in the car parking area. We stopped to chat with a man at his caravan who turned out to be Ron Moon who has traveled the world extensively, including where we have cycled in Alaska and Canada. Ron and his wife Viv travel around the world for about 8 months each year updating their travel books and guides (www.guidebooks.com.au) but are now heading for Mitta Mitta and the Mountain Cattleman's get yearly together.

Leaving Ron to pack up we ventured down onto the grassy plain that now sits where the water should be. Finding a levelish spot not far from the concrete boat ramp that extends all the way down the the current water level and which is our escape plan should the rain get worse. We could have stayed in the carpark but the trees would have blocked the almost 3 amps of solar power that was coming in despite the cloud and rain.

The view from our front porch, including the boat ramp.

With the rain easing off Joanne decided to go for a walk along the rail trail that goes past here as it follows the old Wodonga to Cudewa railway which ceased to be in 1981 and was used between 1949 and 1974 to haul concrete and supplies up to the Snowy River Scheme. Along the way she came to the Sandy Creek Bridge which is also part of the trail trail and which originally opened in 1936.

The rest of the day has been taken up with enjoying the view, having a snooze and watching the weather roll in and out again, watching campers come and go as well as the odd sticky beak and fisherman.

10 January 2015

Rain, rain and more rain but so welcome by those in this area. Almost everyone you talk to is happy to see it after such a long dry spell. Leaving our camp in the lake we took a drive into Wodonga and then over the border to NSW where we stopped for some spare parts.

Stopping for a look and some photos of the bridge across Lake Hume at Bethanga and then it was onto the Hume Dam for a look at the reason Lake Hume exists in the first place. The road across the dam is closed to traffic so it was a case of taking the scenic route around it and then onto Tallangatta.

The view from the NSW side.

Looking back across the bridge to NSW.

Arriving in Tallangatta we went to the showgrounds where for $20 the first night and $15 each night thereafter we booked ourselves in for the weekend, and the view is not bad either, the lake out on one side and the hills the other. Hopefully the rain will pass soon and make touring slightly nicer but in the meantime we are settling in to watch TV and enjoy a cuppa from rain water off of our awning.

11 January 2015

With the sky darkened and rain falling we spent the day getting little jobs done, watching TV and Joanne took a walk into town and back and even managed to snag a couple of good tree photos.

The bark makes this tree look great.

The branches flailing and the trunk colour took Joanne's eye.

12 January 2015

Waking to clear skies this morning we packed up and headed off so see what we could find, and it wasn't long before we were pulling over and reaching for the camera. The end of Lake Hume was a sight to see with the sun in the right spot providing great light for photo's.

Everywhere we looked there was a beautiful view.

Looking back towards Tallangatta.

Looking down the Mitta Mitta River to where the old bridge (foreground) and railway bridge pylon's (middle right)are just showing.

Moving on a short way we came to a lookout over where the original town of Tallangatta was located until it was relocated by the State Water Commission for flooding on the site as part of the Lake Hume construction. Apart from some homes up out of the waters reach all you can see of the old town is the foundations and marks on the ground where buildings that made up the commercial part of town once stood.

We continued on towards Corryong and stopped to look at a trestle bridge and old road bridge that are part of the old railway through here and which are now part of a Rail Trail for cyclists and horse riders.

The now disused trestle bridge which trail users now detour around.

The old road bridge that crosses the trail and which is near a small parking and trail user camp spot.

Arriving in Corryong some 35 km later we found the cemetery where Jack Riley aka The Man from Snowy River is buried. Seems he was in his later years and fell ill and was discovered in this state in his cabin at Tom Groggin by some cattlemen mustering in the area. They mae a stretcher and began the task of taking him to Corryong but he died in a winter cabin overnight on the way.

There are signs all the way from in town to the Man from Snowy River Grave.

Back in town we enjoyed lunch before heading over to the Man from Snowy River Museum where we spent a very enjoyable hour or so wandering around looking at the exhibits of the town and of yesteryear, a WWII POW story involving knitting, and of course the Man from Snowy River story.

Leaving Corryong and heading for our campsite for today we noticed the dozen or so hand gliders riding the thermals around a very high hill and it would have ben nice to go up for a look but...the track up was a four wheel track that was exceptionally steep and one that AJ would not have made. Oh well, another time maybe.

After climbing the shoulder of the hand gliders hill we were looking down a valley and again at the Alpine Region of the Snowy Mountains. We could even see one of the large white pipes that transports water over the mountains and could imagine what the scene would look like with snow on those mountains.

Arriving at our intended campsite at Indi Bridge we found a nice large open grass area near the bridge, a bend in the river and only one other camper in residence. We selected a good level spot that would give us plenty of sun for the solar panels, which had some nice shade of a tree for us to sit under next to the river and of course where the water was running over the river rocks enough to hear when in bed.

Our little piece of heaven for a day or two.

Enjoying a natural foot massage in the river.

Another look at the foot spa.

13 January 2015

Drifting off to sleep to the soft sound of the river burbling away outside the window was wonderful, as was waking to the sound this morning. It's such a nice spot we think we will stay another day. The other campers have left and we are now the sole occupants of this lovely piece of the Murray River.

14 January 2015

The river was up about a metre this morning and with the weather improving it was time to move on. Before heading back into Corryong we took the short drive around the block through Indi and Biggara both of which are localities and dairy farming ones at that. Arriving back in town we used the excellent dump point facilities and even managed to give the motorhome a hose over before stopping at the tourist information centre and then filling up with fuel and heading out towards Bluff Falls.

Passing more dairy farms we wound our way through the valleys and up into the hills, running out of bitumen as we entered the National Park. Climbing the narrow gravel road, dodging trees and branches we made it to the parking area. Umbrella and rain coat in hand we took the short 250m walk up the hill to where the falls came into view. A small drop down to the base and Bluff Falls came into full view.

Bluff Falls from next to the viewing platform.

Photography skills were tested at this point as the wind and spray off the falls mean't the umbrella being used to shield the lens while the shot was composed and then it was off with the umbrella, photo taken and umbrella placed back in front of the lens. This went on for some time as various shots and compositions were taken.

Leaving the falls proper we descended the walking track towards the lower picnic area and stopped on a small bridge. Looking back up to the falls we could see various parts of them through the trees but settled on getting this shot of a small fall instead.

One of the many small falls as the water makes it's way down the hill.

Back down the hill and then on towards Tintaldra where we found a small hamlet consisting of a pub, store, post office, a few houses and a bridge over the river into NSW. Tintaldra and all of the valley (including Corryong) were in a blackout courtesy of a tree across power lines so we moved on to check out Clarke Wildlife Lagoon Reserve which was very nice, so nice that all the good spots were taken. Moving on to Neil's Bend Reserve we found it had only a few spots worth having, and of course the best one was taken so we moved on again, enjoying lunch at a roadside stop overlooking the valley we had been driving through.

Pulling into the small town of Walwa, which looked quite nice we stopped for Joanne to visit and tick off another Op-Shop before heading over into NSW for a look at the Jingellic River Reserve which is a small area nestled between the pub and the river. There were about seven other campers in and the only spots left were down in a muddy hollow or on a sloping grass area without a good view of the river, so after a couple of photographs, we moved on.

The old bridge pylons at Jingellic.

Looking the other way towards the bridge.

Wikicamps did say that Jingellic was a popular place during the holidays etc so we drove the 3 km or so down the road to Gadds Bend Reserve to find an area around 20 acres in size empty with the exception of one other camper. Pulling in via the tight, steep entrance that makes you double back on yourself we followed the grass and rock track down along the riverbank and found ourselves a nice spot right at the end with 270 degree views of the river as it comes down, bends around us and continues of it's way.

Looking back towards Jingellic.

Looking the other direction as the clouds build up and then disappear again.

Sunset (almost).

15 January 2015

The stars were bright and plentiful last night, the sky was sparkling like someone had sprinkled gold dust on a black cloth but sleep was tempting more than getting up to spend an hour outside, but this morning...

Waking to a quiet and slightly cool morning a quick look out of the bedroom window revealed the need to get up and out with the camera. The area around us was blanketed in low cloud with fog everywhere else and steam coming up off of the river. The sun still behind one of the huge tree covered hills that surround us provided some interesting light and with so many photo's available to be taken it was a case of "which one first!"

A little bit of a pea soup-er.

Just another beautiful view to enjoy as the sun begins to light the area.

The fog lifted to reveal this before coming back in again for one more go.

And then the sun came out from behind the hill to drive the cloud and fog away.

So the rest of the morning was taken up with playing with photographs, tossing out the duds, processing the good ones, Joanne going for a walk and then pancakes with Maple Syrup for lunch. The rest of the day was then taken up doing very little.

16 January 2015

Waking to a clear morning we packed up and left our camp as one other camper was trying to catch breakfast. Passing through Jingellic again we were headed for Holbrook and on the way were passing through some very nice countryside, the large open sparsely covered hills ideal for sheep and there were plenty of them to be seen.

Arriving in Holbrook we marveled at the nice slow pace of the main street compared to how we remember it when the Hume Highway and the very large volume of traffic went right through the heart of town. We stopped at the travellers rest area to view the Victoria Cross recipient honour boards that have been erected in the park near the fin and outer casing of the ex HMAS Otway. Joanne's Great Uncle Alfred was a Victoria Cross recipient and sure enough there is his board among the others.

The VC Recipient Boards. Alfred's is the first on the left.

Leaving Holbrook we attempted to travel along the old highway but only got about a kilometre or so out of town and the old highway was blocked off which forced us to then use the new Hume Highway. Thankfully the highway still uses some of the old route and it was kind of a trip down memory lane from when we used to travel this way en route from Sydney or Nowra to visit family in Melbourne many, many moons ago.

Turning off onto Little Billabong Road we made our way through State Forest to Rosewood and then onto Tumbarumba where we found a nice little town on the side of a hill. Lunch, dump point, water fill up and some shopping and we were on our way again.

Stopping to check out a camp at X we decided to continue on, arriving not long after at Paddy's River Falls though via a 2km narrow winding road that just went down and down.

Our first view of the falls.

At the base of the falls.

More of the falls.

Paddy's River as it comes down to the falls.

Paddy's River as it comes to the top and falls over the side.

Climbing back up the hill we got back to the main road and then climbed some more. Eventually the road turned downwards and we arrived at Paddy's River Flat where we found a nice flat grassed area bordered on one side by Paddy's River (more like a creek) and trees and forest on the other. About 18 campers were spread along the sides. There is a 6m separation rule here and so not wanting to wedge ourselves in between anyone we went back up to the entrance and took the first spot, right next to the water as it flows over the rocks and which will lull us off to sleep tonight.

Paddy's River looking back towards the road. Our camp spot is just 20m away to the left.

17 January 2015

After a very peaceful night we were awake early and so decided to get moving and have breakfast elsewhere. Heading down Elliot Way we were driving through some very nice bush where we saw a deer and three brumbies before descending down a very steep road in second gear towards a large body of water.

The closer to the water we got the more we could see there was steam coming off the water and that mean't photo opportunities! Arriving at the O'Hare's Rest Area we found six campers around the carpark area and the sun just beginning to light the water further down. Driving past the campers we found ourselves a nice little spot on a gravel bank. Breakfast and a shower would have to wait a bit while some photo's were taken.

Our view this morning.
This is actually the South end of the Lake which stretches North almost to Tumut.

Photo's over we began to ascend a similar grade to our descent with plenty of second and third gear driving, one eye on the road the other on the temperature gauge. Slowly and steadily we climbed and climbed until we arrived at Cabramurra, Australia's highest (1488m ASL) permanently occupied town. The town is actually the home of the Snowy Hydro Scheme workers but it does have a post office, store, bistro and a lookout that the public can use. We went up to the lookout and after some photo's enjoyed morning tea looking over the world, or so it seemed.

Cabramurra from the lookout.
All the buildings look like they would be right at home in a Ski resort, their long sided roof's designed to shed snow and ice.

The view towards Mt Kosciuszko (36 1/2 miles away as the crow flies according to the sign) from the Cabramurra weather station and helipad.

Our plan had been to go to Cooma from here but the lady in the Post Office/Shop said the road to Khancoban was one not to be missed especially as the road is closed during Winter, so we changed tack and headed off along the ridge towards Khancoban instead. Heading along the ridge we were struck by the very bright/silver colour of the dead trees as they stood out over the landscape. We were descending again down towards the Tumut Pond Reservoir which was a long way down from the top and of course there was nowhere to pull over to get a photo.

As we were almost at the bottom of the hill Joanne mentioned that she wished she had bought one of the jackets that were for sale at Cabramurra and so that was a good excuse to go back up the hill to get a photo or two as well, and so we did.

The Tumut Pond Reservoir from about halfway down.

The White/Silver Trees

Jacket purchased and began to descend yet again, this time making it down to the bottom where we crossed the dam wall and parked not far from it in a lay by for lunch.

Lunch over it was then another ascent to where we located the Bradley's and O'Brien's Hut as it sat on the side of the road with an Alpine meadow behind and snow gum's as far as the eye could see. We turned in and parked up and immediately there were squadrons of very large horse flies swarming around the motorhome. Two other vehicles were there, the occupants of one enjoying lunch out of the very strong wind and the horse flies and the other vehicles occupants were quickly heading back to their vehicle.

We donned jeans, long sleeved shirts, boots and a hat and then ventured outside for a very quick look around and photographs. The kill count for the flies was rising and taking a photo was a six stage affair. The stages were: 1. Swat flies. 2. Compose the shot. 3. Swat Flies. 4. Take the shot. 5. Swat flies. 6. Move to the next photo opportunity while swatting flies and doing the fly swat dance then repeat. We managed to get bitten once each but the flies took a direct hit with at least seven (and two possible's) no longer being able to bite anybody.

Bradley's and O'Brien's Hut

Another view of Bradley's and O'Brien's Hut.

We were tempted to camp at the hut but decided not to (and later regretted not doing so but...) and continued on, descending yet again and eventually arriving at the Tooma Reservoir where after almost stopping in the parking area near the spillway we continued on and found a nice little camp just on the side with 270 degree views of the water.

Our little camp spot at the Tooma Reservoir.

Then the sky turned like a fire at sunset.

18 January 2015

We awoke to a very cool morning and a fog across the surface of the lake. The fishermen were up early and trying their luck again as we enjoyed breakfast and then headed off on the final leg to Khancoban. Plenty of descending and through some spectacular road cuttings twice as high as AJ which seemed barely wide enough for us let alone anyone coming the other way and then one long final descent and we were out of the hills and on the doorstep of Khancoban.

Driving into town we were not sure what the place would be like and so after filling up with fuel we drove into the town center consisting of a two or three shops and not much else. A stop at the National Parks information office and we were on our way, climbing yet again. Stopping for a look at the one of the Snowy Hydro Plants for a look before continuing onwards and upwards, with an emphasis on up.

The position of the sun made it hard but we managed to grab a shot of one of the power making plants that is part of Australia's biggest engineering project.

Climbing some more we arrived at Scammels Lookout where we could see down the valley and the Western side of the Main Range and to where we were headed ( the mountains that would have looked much better with snow on them :-)

Arriving at the Geehi Rest and Camping Area as it sits on the banks of the Swampy Plain River we drove straight to the parking area at the Geehi Hut which was built out of river stone in 1952 and used by the Nankervis family who owned 1560 acres from 1929 to 1960. Each summer the family would take 3 mobs of cattle to the high country for grazing and they used this hut when doing that and checking on stock.

The Geehi Hut as it stands with the river behind it.

Driving back to the camping area we set up in a nice spot, grabbed a quick bite to eat and then set off on foot to explore the area and find some of the other huts in the area.

Not far from the Geehi Hut is a rocky 4wd track that takes you across the river and so we waded across and continued on about a kilometre to where the Keebles Hut is located and four other campers had set up next to the river.

Keebles Hut.

Inspection and photo's of the hut over we continued along the track for around another kilometre and came to a sign informing of Doctors Hut but we couldn't find it until we realised it was on the other side of the river. Finding a suitable location to get into the water and with Joanne remaining on the bank I headed across the deeper and faster than initially though river until I reached the bank again.

Out of the river it was a short 50m walk through an over grown clearing to where the hut stood. A one room building it is also built of river stone. No information was available on it's history and presumably it was a Doctor that lived there in years gone by, hence it's name.

Doctors Hut

Inside Doctors Hut

Not a very big room but...

The things we do to get a photo!

Wading back across at the campground.

Just as the sun was going down this afternoon we spent a short while watching two men wading very slowly up the river, fishing rod in hand. Fly fishing looked fun but being in that cold water didn't. Anyway, he caught a small trout and released it.

No where's that big trout?

19 January 2015

Such a nice spot by the river and this morning there were eight kangaroo's and their joey's feeding right next to us and a big mob of them out in the clearing all of which made it was hard to leave this morning. Climbing up the range we were heading for the closest accessible place on the Murray River that can be accessed by two wheel drive. We did plenty of climbing through the forest which was thick enough to block the signal to our GPS before it was time to descend to the campground at Tom Groggin. Pulling in we negotiated the trees over the track before checking the place out and stopping for a look at the river.

The Murray River at Tom Groggin complete with children's wading pool.

Leaving the campers and a huge mob of Kangaroo's in peace we climbed again and again and again until we crested that part of the mountain and descended to Leatherbarrel Creek where we pulled into the rest area and then left again without really checking the place out. Just as we left we crossed a single lane bridge and the view upstream caused us to reverse and go back into the rest area. We managed to obtain some photo's of the creek by standing in the middle of it both up and down stream, legs going numb from the knee's down before leaving, only to find that the motorhome battery was flat. So now what? Well out came the portable solar panel which we connected to the battery and after giving the terminals a bit of a clean and some time to let some solar power in we turned the key and away we went.

Leatherbarrel Creek.

Climbing and climbing some for some time we knew we were again passing snow poles alongside the road and then we were at Dead Horse Gap named because Brumbies often died after being trapped in the snow here. The sky no longer covered in trees and a view down through the valley to the mountain resort town of Thredbo showed we were at the top at a height of 1582m ASL.

We stopped at a place called Cascades and spent some time exploring the beauty of the creek as it makes its way down to Thredbo and for Joanne a short trip up the "Bob's Ridge Trail" before going back to AJ, having a quick lunch and continuing on our way.

Cascades Creek.

Joanne spotted these flowers (name unknown) on the Bobs Ridge Trail

Heading down the hill and past Thredbo (we have been there before) and on to Jindabyne where we did some shopping and then checked out a free camp on the shores of the lake. We found a spot but there was no way to be able to level ourselves off and decided not to stay (we later thought we should have just dug a hole under the wheels on the high side, but...).

Climbing out of town and all of a sudden we were passing through big sky country with the open plains of the high country laid out before us. We eventually decided that a flat spot outside the old stone church at Beloka was a good spot to stop for the night.

 

The key is even in the door to let you in.

As evening came on the view across the hills was quite spectacular and we settled in for the evening.

20 January 2015

From the mountains to the sea was the theme for today and it turned out to be quite a big distance day for us. Leaving our church camp early we began heading East, enjoying the expansive views of the rolling grasslands that make up this area. Our minds eye was seeing plenty of photo opportunities but we didn't stop. Having just got up and driven we were intending on stopping at Dalgety where we figured there was a good spot to stop for breakfast and a shower beside The Snowy River. Crossing the old bridge (circa 1888) we found the parking spot at the river taken up with the bridge and road repair crew, so we just kept on going.

We did stop for some photo's at a little place called Jimcumbilly where there is nothing but a house and an old disused station near a cattle race that was located so as to load or unload cattle or sheep.

The disused station at Jimcumbilly.

We eventually stopped for breakfast and a shower in a gravel pit at the junction of the Snowy River Way (which we were on) and the Monaro Highway. Turning South we were headed for Bombala and anywhere South. Arriving in Bombala we drove around the historic looking town before heading out to the Platypus Reserve to see if we could spot any platypus, but were disappointed, we did however see two birds that we haven't seen before.

Crossing back into Victoria again we took a short goat track to see what Beehive Falls were like but came away disappointed. Back on the highway again it was just like we remembered from when we cycled in the opposite direction on our trip around Australia. The forest eventually gave way to farmland and before we knew it we were in Cann River. The weather the last time we were here (when we cycled through) was wet and miserable but the sun today was just great. Inspecting the caravan park where we stayed last time was interesting and it seems to have improved.

More forest driving up hill and down dale before we turned off towards the Cape Conran Coastal Park and then the drive along the coast to the small town of Marlo. Stopping to see the sea where the Snowy River meets the sea was great. This is the first time we have laid eyes on the ocean in at least twelve months.

The Snowy River meets the Sea.

From there is was a short 5km drive to some free camps along the banks of the Snowy River where we took up residence on the nice grassed area next to the river. The grass was sort of long and not long after we had settled in a man came along with a ride on and mowed the lawn for us. How nice.

Our spot before the lawn was mowed.

21 January 2015

Rain on the roof woke us up this morning and when it was passed there was a brilliant sunrise. Not wanting to get out of the motorhome the moon roof was the perfect way to capture the event.

The clouds and the sun coming up were spectacular this morning.

Packing up we left our riverside camp and dropped into Orbost for fuel and water before heading off once more, but not before a stop to get some photo's of the Victoria's longest timber rail bridge as it sits decaying in the Snowy River Plain.

Click on the photo for a larger version (opens a new window).

Dropping into Nowa Nowa to see the caravan park where we camped after cycling the rail trail and then not wanting to get caught up in the tourist and holiday traffic we took the back road around Lakes Entrance until we arrived in Bruthen where we turned North from three weeks ago, thus completing one very large circle.

Arriving in Bairnsdale we turned South West and took some very pleasant back roads through farming country until we arrived in and then just drove through Sale and some 30 km's later we were pulling into the seaside RV Camp at Golden Beach. The local council and community have turned the old tennis courts into a self contained RV parking area with six bays on the bitumen and around the same just a bit further on where you can park on gravel, and all for $8 a day (max stay 48 hrs) 100m from the shops and 200m from the beach.

The RV Camp.

And after fish and chips for lunch we spent some time down at the beach watching the breakers roll in before going back to AJ for the afternoon. After tea it was time to venture back to the beach for some photography during the golden hour and sunset.

This is why they call the hour around sunset The Golden Hour.

Sunset, and that bloke was still fishing.

Sunset came and we did have intentions of remaining there for some more photo's but we were on the bug menu and there was a lot of guests wanting a meal so we beat a hasty retreat back to the motorhome.

22 January 2015

After drifting off to sleep listening to the ocean last night we awoke this morning to a nice day. Leaving Golden Beach we took the beach road out of town thinking we'd be able to enjoy the view of the ocean as we did so, but alas no. The road is lined with T-Tree bush and there was not a drop of water to be seen for a very long way. There were plenty of bush camps along that stretch of the road none of which had ocean views and we are sure plenty of mozzies.

Passing through some nice farming countryside we eventually made it onto the highway and before we knew it we were in Drouin where for a week or so we will be helping a family member get back on their feet and hopefully into a better lifestyle. We will also take this opportunity to get a few little jobs done on the motorhome as well as other things that we never seem to get around to.

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Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.

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