RichMax Round Oz

Day 1 - 19^th May 2010:  first night of ninety! J

Well off at last – we got on the road at 7.30 am with Kim crying floods of tears – something to do with throwing out her old sneakers (new ones bought specially for the trip); saying goodbye to Cassie, Titch (dog) and Bliss (cat) and of course our lovely little home.  Why is nothing in life ever simple?  One would think that the prospect of three months leave would delight the soul, but no, we (Kim - separation anxiety I think) left in a river of tears.

Two hours later and we were past the Melbourne traffic woes and out the other side – wow, we had forgotten how lovely the Grampian area is – especially at this time of year – Grampians towering in the distance, lovely deciduous trees putting on a colourful show that is absolutely stunning, the obviously rain drenched pastures a beautiful green all topped with a clear blue sky – what a day to start an adventure! We stopped for lunch in Horsham alongside the Wimmera river.

The drive was fairly long, but went well – we listened to a psychology lecture for my studies and Richard was enlightened about Forensic Psychology – just further adding to his huge fountain of knowledge!  We saw a few interesting things – a giant koala (why is it that small country towns feel the need to have a kitsch, ugly and enormous statue of something to represent them?) and a landrover on a pole (as you do!) .

We arrived at Murray Bridge in good time – reasonable campsite – Murray Bridge itself … well Rich summed it up:  nice Murray, nice bridge, but the general populace leaves a bit to be desired!  Oh well, we are not living here, just passing through.  Right now we sit on the banks of a rather dry and muddy Murray river listening to a Boo Book owl call.

Tomorrow, we head off through the Barossa and Clare Valley – should be gorgeous at this time of year with all the deciduous trees in full colour, and of course there is the prospect of plenty of wine tasting – not sure how that works with studying on the road and long distance driving, but I am sure we will work it out.