We are back in Narooma, staying with friends again for a couple of days. We went and cheered our friend's daughter Anna as she compete at the district swimming carnival which was held here in Narooma. Both Aidan and Cody were jumping at the bit wanting to get up on the blocks as well. They got their chance when we went back to race at swim club again, brotherly rivalry very hot.
(They send their best wishes to all the St Mary's kids who are competing at Southern Region this Tuesday!)
We are just back from a morning at Nippers. They had a ball on the paddle boards and competing in the flag races with the two of them up against each other in the final each time. We were asked if they could stay in Narooma to become permanant members of the the surf club!
We are heading up towards Sydney tomorrow, with a stop over at Greenwell Point near Nowra. We will stay in Sydney for about a week to catch up with family and because Michelle has some work to do and a meeting to go to before we start making our way up the north coast.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bemm River, Victoria
We travelled onto the town of Bemm River (well it is sort of a town, it has a pub and a very small shop and doesn’t sell fuel). It is located on the coast just east of the town of Orbost in Victoria. We spent a couple of very successful days here fishing in Sydenham Inlet in the boat.
Aidan and Cody did most of the fishing, flicking soft plastics around and pulling in bream and flathead, one after the other. Aidan’s comment at one stage was “This is soooooo much fun, and soooooo much better than sitting at school!”
Aidan was quick off the mark both mornings, pulling in very impressive sized bream and flat head, but, much to his disappointment, Cody always came back pulling in the bigger fish. Cody’s record sized fish were an impressive 40cm bream and a monster 65cm flathead (which we re-released). At the end they were bringing in so many flathead we were letting them go as we had already caught the maximum legal bag limit (not something we do very often!!). They were just enjoying the sport of catching them.
We all very much enjoyed eating fish for dinner for a couple of nights, particularly Michelle who was most impressed that the boys were catching one of her favourite eating fish – bream!
Cody also is the current holder for the smallest fish caught. We tried a bit of fishing one night off the banks after dinner we were having no luck, just enjoying a pretty sunset when Cody did one more cast and pulled a tiny little bait fish.
Something we did see down there as well was a whale which had apparantly died at sea and had been washed up into the inlet. It was a sad but very interesting sight to see.
Aidan and Cody did most of the fishing, flicking soft plastics around and pulling in bream and flathead, one after the other. Aidan’s comment at one stage was “This is soooooo much fun, and soooooo much better than sitting at school!”
Aidan was quick off the mark both mornings, pulling in very impressive sized bream and flat head, but, much to his disappointment, Cody always came back pulling in the bigger fish. Cody’s record sized fish were an impressive 40cm bream and a monster 65cm flathead (which we re-released). At the end they were bringing in so many flathead we were letting them go as we had already caught the maximum legal bag limit (not something we do very often!!). They were just enjoying the sport of catching them.
We all very much enjoyed eating fish for dinner for a couple of nights, particularly Michelle who was most impressed that the boys were catching one of her favourite eating fish – bream!
Cody also is the current holder for the smallest fish caught. We tried a bit of fishing one night off the banks after dinner we were having no luck, just enjoying a pretty sunset when Cody did one more cast and pulled a tiny little bait fish.
Something we did see down there as well was a whale which had apparantly died at sea and had been washed up into the inlet. It was a sad but very interesting sight to see.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Reeves Beach VICTORIA
 |
| Reeves Beach - enjoying miles and miles of beach all to ourselves! |
It was Aidan and Cody’s turn to cook dinner here and they choose to cook us hotdogs on the open fire.
 |
| Our campsite at Reeves Beach. The boys are about to cook us dinner |
 |
| Cody reading to us |
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wilson’s Promontory
Aidan made friends with a bunch of Crimson Rosella's, and we saw a number of wombats who would just wander through the campsites at night. The boys enjoyed a swim and playing cricket with some other boys their age.
There was a minor AFL team down there on a pre season camp, training on the beach, so we showed them how to play the real footy!
 |
| Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Prom. |
 |
| Aidan with a few of his new friends |
 |
| Aren't they strong! |
Friday, February 11, 2011
Phillip Island
We had a quick one night stop over at Phillip Island to go and see the penguin march.
While at Phillip Island we went and checked out the chocolate factory – a big favourite of us all!! We wish we hadn’t just eaten a big lunch before we got there!
We also went for a walk up around one of the headlands to see the Pinnacles – which are rock formations made from pink granite, and at the bottom of them were these huge round rocks like marbles.
That night we then went to see the Penguin March – Aidan and Cody both think this was “awesome”, unfortunately we can not show any photos of the penguins as no cameras or video cameras are allowed at the penguin march – but you can look it up online to see what it is like. http://www.penguins.org.au/
Phillip Island is a great place with heaps of things to do and we think it would be a great place to come for a weeks holiday. We are heading to Wilsons Promontory now.
While at Phillip Island we went and checked out the chocolate factory – a big favourite of us all!! We wish we hadn’t just eaten a big lunch before we got there!
We also went for a walk up around one of the headlands to see the Pinnacles – which are rock formations made from pink granite, and at the bottom of them were these huge round rocks like marbles.
That night we then went to see the Penguin March – Aidan and Cody both think this was “awesome”, unfortunately we can not show any photos of the penguins as no cameras or video cameras are allowed at the penguin march – but you can look it up online to see what it is like. http://www.penguins.org.au/
Phillip Island is a great place with heaps of things to do and we think it would be a great place to come for a weeks holiday. We are heading to Wilsons Promontory now.
 |
| Looking over Phillip Island |
 |
| Jaime and the boys up above the Pinnacles |
 |
| Aidan and Cody exploring the marble rocks - can you find them in the photo? |
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Melbourne Zoo - WHAT AN AWESOME DAY!!
We caught a bus into Melbourne CBD this morning and then jumped on a tram to Melbourne Zoo where we met up with Jaime’s mate Dan (who he met on the Wipeout show). Dan is an elephant trainer at Melbourne Zoo and he arranged for us to come behind the scenes with the elephants. First we went into the bull elephant’s enclosure, where the zoo keepers bring him inside and give him a wash every day to check him over. We all got to help out washing him, using a broom dipped in soapy water. They then got him to pose for some photos for us after his bath.
Dan then took us up to see the baby and female elephants where we were going to be able allowed to pat (the bull elephant is too dangerous to do this with.) We were very lucky because there are 2 baby elephants at Melbourne Zoo at the moment and they were very inquisitive of all of us. They would wrap their trunks around our arms and sniff our shoes and let us pat and rub their trunks and heads. This whole experience was FANTASTIC!
After visiting with the elephants we spent the rest of the day wandering around the beautiful Melbourne Zoo, checking out all the rest of the animals, like a normal zoo visitor.
We didn't get home until very late that night because after the zoo closed we went and walked along the banks of the Yarra River in the middle of Melbourne before going to Dan's place for dinner, then caught a tram and bus back to the caravan park.
Off to Phillip Island tomorrow.
Dan then took us up to see the baby and female elephants where we were going to be able allowed to pat (the bull elephant is too dangerous to do this with.) We were very lucky because there are 2 baby elephants at Melbourne Zoo at the moment and they were very inquisitive of all of us. They would wrap their trunks around our arms and sniff our shoes and let us pat and rub their trunks and heads. This whole experience was FANTASTIC!
After visiting with the elephants we spent the rest of the day wandering around the beautiful Melbourne Zoo, checking out all the rest of the animals, like a normal zoo visitor.
We didn't get home until very late that night because after the zoo closed we went and walked along the banks of the Yarra River in the middle of Melbourne before going to Dan's place for dinner, then caught a tram and bus back to the caravan park.
Off to Phillip Island tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Travelled to Melbourne
We arrived in Melbourne today – had to sort out an inverter, solar panels and Jaime’s mobile phone before arriving at a caravan park – Aidan and Cody described this part of the day as BORING, but they did watch a couple of movies in the car in our travels. They also enjoyed a swim in the caravan park pool and a play on the giant jumping pillow and watching a movie that night in the caravan park recreation room. Looking forward to our big day at the zoo tomorrow! We did have a couple of very friendly ducks at our camp who we could hand feed.
 |
| Watching a DVD in the car |
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lakes Entrance to Rosedale
Today we drove from Lakes Entrance to Rosedale which is between the towns of Sale and Traralgon. We didn't want to do too big a drive today, and tomorrow night we need to be in Melbourne.
At the campsite, Aidan and Cody met a boy named Alex who is 10 years old from a farm at Bermagui. He has justed started a 10 month trip around Australia with his parents and sister as well. They all enjoyed playing a game of french cricket together.
At the campsite, Aidan and Cody met a boy named Alex who is 10 years old from a farm at Bermagui. He has justed started a 10 month trip around Australia with his parents and sister as well. They all enjoyed playing a game of french cricket together.
 |
| Leaving Lakes Entrance |
 |
| Cody writing in his diary at our Rosedal campsite |
 |
| Aidan doing homework and writing his diary at Rosedale campsite |
Monday, February 7, 2011
Message to Yr 3 and Yr5 at St Marys
Hi everyone, Aidan and Cody send a big hello to you all. We are having a great time - but don't worry they are still doing school work as well!
We assume the swim carnival was on last friday - the boys would love to hear the results from the swimming carnival, so please drop them an email and let them know how everyone went in Yr 3 & 5. But if Mrs Basha once again broke the drought with the choice of carnival day, then good luck to everyone for the carnival.
We assume the swim carnival was on last friday - the boys would love to hear the results from the swimming carnival, so please drop them an email and let them know how everyone went in Yr 3 & 5. But if Mrs Basha once again broke the drought with the choice of carnival day, then good luck to everyone for the carnival.
Headed to Lakes Entrance
We did a bit of driving today, headed down to Lakes Entrance after checking out the 1km long Navy wharf in Twofold Bay. We stopped at Orbost along the way to have a look at the end of the Snowy River, before arriving at Lakes Entrance.
 |
| 1km Navy Wharf |
 |
| Feeding some black swans at Lakes Entrance |
 |
| Lakes Entrance |
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Left Tilba and headed to Eden
MORE PHOTOS TO COME - Will upload in the next few days
We left Tilba and headed down to Eden, stopping at Merimbula for lunch. At Eden we went down to the wharf, where a fishing trawler was just arriving back. We watched them unload the first truck load of the 170 boxes of fish they had caught that day! We then went further around the bay and found a seal resting on the rocks, which the boys found exciting as they were able to get up close to it.
We visited the Whale Museum. It is great that whaling in now illegal, but it was very interesting to learn how they used to catch whales and drag them back into shore all while in row boats. The most amazing story was to learn about ‘Old Tom’ the killer whale, who would assist by herding in a larger whale to be killed, would then ‘cry’ out to the whale hunters and would even be known to grab hold of ropes on their boats to tow them out to the whale and then help tow the harpooned whale back in again.
That night we camped on a beautiful secluded beach just south of Eden at Saltwater Creek. We planned to do a bit of fishing there and have a swim but a change came through and it rained so we spent most of the time in the tents! But Aidan and Cody did enjoy patting the wild kangaroos around our campsite as we set up camp.
We left Tilba and headed down to Eden, stopping at Merimbula for lunch. At Eden we went down to the wharf, where a fishing trawler was just arriving back. We watched them unload the first truck load of the 170 boxes of fish they had caught that day! We then went further around the bay and found a seal resting on the rocks, which the boys found exciting as they were able to get up close to it.
 |
| Merimbula - stopped for lunch and a quick dip |
 |
| Watching Trawler unload it's big catch |
 |
| Seal at Eden |
We visited the Whale Museum. It is great that whaling in now illegal, but it was very interesting to learn how they used to catch whales and drag them back into shore all while in row boats. The most amazing story was to learn about ‘Old Tom’ the killer whale, who would assist by herding in a larger whale to be killed, would then ‘cry’ out to the whale hunters and would even be known to grab hold of ropes on their boats to tow them out to the whale and then help tow the harpooned whale back in again.
That night we camped on a beautiful secluded beach just south of Eden at Saltwater Creek. We planned to do a bit of fishing there and have a swim but a change came through and it rained so we spent most of the time in the tents! But Aidan and Cody did enjoy patting the wild kangaroos around our campsite as we set up camp.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Rock Hopping Up Tilba Creek
Had a great adventure today. Wazza took us rock hopping up Tilba Creek. After meeting a red belly black snake on the path and then getting a few leeches on us, we came across the creek , which is also the water supply for Tilba Tilba. We had a fantastic 4 hours up there, rock hopping our way up the creek, swimming across beautiful rock pools and climbing up waterfalls to continue our way upstream. We found a big water lizard sunning himself, an eel in one rock pool and caught fresh water crayfish in other pools. Aidan and Cody loved the fact that we could drink the water as we went.
The bush land around us was alike a rainforest, in places it looked liked scenes out of Avatar, we saw huge stag horns and ferns up in trees, one looked just like “King Jullian” out of the movie Madagascar 2. At the end we arrived at a massive waterfall, but the fun didn’t finish as now we had to rock hop and swim our way back down again. Aidan and Cody’s favourite part of this direction was sliding down the huge rocks into the rock pools – natural slippery slides. There were some fantastic photo opportunities but unfortunately because our camera is not waterproof we could not take it along!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Leaving Narooma Today
We are leaving our friends place in Narooma today. First stop will be Tilba Tilba (not travelling very far today!) to stay a night with our other friends. This will be our first night camping, and yes it is raining!!
We have had a really nice last few days of swimming and fishing. Cody is the fishing champion for Narooma.
We did a great snorkel from the wharf in Narooma and floated in with the tide up river and under the bridge. Saw heaps of fish and some massive stingrays which gave Aidan and Cody a fright each time - no matter how much we tell them they don't really believe that they are not going to hurt them.
Aidan and Cody very much enjoyed Monday, when all other kids started school and they headed out on our boat for the day! Although they have started doing Maths each day and writing in their diaries, other work will start once we get to Sydney and get the other text books.
After Tilba we will start heading down towards Melbourne.
We have had a really nice last few days of swimming and fishing. Cody is the fishing champion for Narooma.
We did a great snorkel from the wharf in Narooma and floated in with the tide up river and under the bridge. Saw heaps of fish and some massive stingrays which gave Aidan and Cody a fright each time - no matter how much we tell them they don't really believe that they are not going to hurt them.
 |
| Aidan feeding the birds at Podge & Janes's |
 |
| At Podge & Jane's with the kids, after their holiday haircut!! |
 |
| At Jo & Wazza's in Tilba. Little Drom. behind |
Aidan and Cody very much enjoyed Monday, when all other kids started school and they headed out on our boat for the day! Although they have started doing Maths each day and writing in their diaries, other work will start once we get to Sydney and get the other text books.
After Tilba we will start heading down towards Melbourne.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
