Grampians in May .......

We decided to go away on the weekend of 10/11 May - last chance with Company car and petrol. Even so, didn't venture too far - just to the Grampians. Before I get into the trip story, I have deliberately placed a photo of the Silverband Falls right at the start - take a look at it to the left. Now, what is missing in this photo? If you can't figure it out, I will tell all at the end of the narrative.

We stayed at the Halls Gap Best Western Colonial Motor Inn. I MUST start the story with something about this Motel. We ordered a couple of Best Western vouchers to cover the accommodation costs, but they didn't arrive in time. When we got to the Motel, Kimberley was incredibly understanding and helpful. She volunteered to charge us just at the rate they would receive back from Best Western, then, when the vouchers arrive and we send them on, she will credit the accommodation charges back on our Visa. Absolutely no obligation for them to do this - just a case of GREAT service. Add to this the fact that the room was very nice and the food at their Darcy's Restaurant was worth the trip in itself. To the Colonial Motor Inn and Kimberley, 11 out of 10 on your scorecard.

The Grampians, like most of the State, is very drought stricken, so the various waterfalls were certainly not at their best. All in all, we probably walked about 10 kms on the Saturday, mostly not too arduous. Splitters Falls, at Wonderland, was probably the most difficult. We didn't do the Pinnacle or Grand Canyon. From there we went on to Boroka Lookout where the mist tended to spoil the view a bit. We did notice the novel decking here, where they obviously went to great expense and trouble to save one tree when the lookout was built. I guess, if I can paraphrase the Monty Python song - "Every tree is sacred", they obvioulsy felt that the Grampians were short on trees.

From the lookout, we took a back way round to the Lake Whartook wall. The water level here (as with all the lakes in the area) is well down on the last time we visited. From there a short stint to MacKenzie's and Broken Falls. The guy working at the Kiosk here was very helpful with advice on various places we might find interesting. On his advice we proceeded to Zumstiens where we took the 6 km round trip to Fish Falls. A nice easy grade walk (the most difficult bit was avoiding all the animal poop scattered along the track). Got up close with a kangaroo on the walk back - one of the few we saw on the entire trip.

Sunday morning we saw the Silver Band Falls and then took the Glenelg River Road (all unsealed) west, to come out on the Henty Hwy. north of Cavendish. Into Hamilton for lunch and then home.

Okay, have you worked out what was missing at Silver Band Falls. Here is a closer picture. What would one normally find at the bottom of every waterfall? A pond or pool where the water collects before continuing onwards as a creek or stream. Well, this just doesn't happen with these falls. The water disappears immediately into the bed rock at the base and then proceeds underground for a way. We reckon it's some sort of magic trick, but it does give a very unusual finish to the falls.

A new chapter set to begin ........

I have resigned my job at British American Tobacco, effective on 15 May 2008. So, a new beginning, hopefully full of new challenges awaits me.

I have been unhappy in the job for some time. The constant travelling and being away from home so much (I think I have missed almost every family anniversary, birthday, event, etc. over the past two years) have been taking their toll. As a result, the quality of my work has also suffered, which was an added burden because I do like to maintain a certain standard in everything I do. So, it is time to move on. I will have a short break and will then be back with, hopefully, new part or full time work - but definately localised around Warrnambool.

I have had a great time at Rothmans/BATA and they have been very good employers over the past 14 years, so I have no negative feelings or comments to make.

Roll on the future ................

Brave Chloe .....

It isn't all that long ago that you couldn't even get Chloe to go into the aviary, what with all those wild "animals" in there.

With Ben's encouragement, however, she has started venturing in there to check out the nest, look for any chook eggs, feed the birds and repair perches, etc.

Now she even lets our friendly cockatiel, Jake, alight upon her. Jake has a fascination with hair and any adornments that one may be wearing on one's head. Chloe has beautiful, long, curly hair which Jake has obviously taken a liking to. Hope he doesn't mess it up too much as it can be quite a job combing and brushing her hair so that is does her justice.

Port MacDonnell, Caves and Lakes .....

Just spent a weekend in the Mt. Gambier area. Stayed at the Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park, in their on-site flat. A bit old, but spacious and comfortable - only downside was the cleanliness (or lack of it) in the unit. Stove (oven & grill), toilet and washing trough were all putrid - not even up to one star standard. Left for there after work and Ben & Chloe had finished their school days (Chloe's at kinder now) - an easy trip so we could stay that night and get a good start to our touristy things on Saturday.

Started Saturday with a nice walk along the beach (after we all slept in) and then on to the playground at the Brown Lake centre, which made a really good contrast in colour to the Blue Lake. From there it was on to the Umpherstone Cave or sink-hole (which we returned to after dark - much more interesting). We then visited the tourist info centre for some ideas. After Macca's for lunch we checked out the Cave Gardens. From there to the Tantanoola Cave for Ben & Chloe's first caving experience, which we were a bit nervous about, but they really loved it. We had planned tea at the South Eastern Hotel, so headed back to the unit to have a quick break before returning to the Mount.

Checked out the Mini Blue Lake on the way back to Port MacDonnell. Some kids (one named Ben) were diving in there (from about 15 metres height). Really spectacular and frankly, a bit scary, but they seemed to handle it well.

A short rest and then into the Hotel for tea. I had $70 worth of vouchers I had won at poker on some previous visits so this went a long way towards paying for the night. After tea, we went back to the Umpherstone sink hole, expecting, hopefully, to see a possum or two. Well, this was the highlight. Possums everywhere, and really tame. Everyone except Chloe (too nervous) got up-close and personal, being able to pat and feed them. This experience rounded of a great Saturday.

Sunday, we headed home, with a few stops on the way. First was the Princess Margaret Rose Cave. This was much deeper, narrower and bigger than Tantanoola but everyone ventured forth without any problems. From there we had a wander at the mouth of the Glenelg River at Nelson. Ben had a run-in with a tiger snake but handled it exceptionally well. Did everything right. Warned the rest of us, didn't panic, kept his eyes on it and stayed fairly still until it went off into the undergrowth. Aido would have been really proud of him. We had lunch in Portland after getting up close to the Gas Rig moored in the harbour and the whale skeleton in the info centre. Interesting to see a quote in there from John Brabyn Mills, a direct line ancestor of Ben & Chloe. John and brother Charles were pioneers around Portland and Port Fairy.

Plain sailing then back home. A very interesting and successful trip.

Robbie's gone to Rio ... not de Janeiro ...

The old Magna was getting a bit old, worn & tired - bit like me actually, so we decided it had to go (but not me, thankfully). Shopped around a bit, priced a few used cars that might have been suitable. Looking for something that would drive as easily as the Magna but a bit smaller (AKA easier to park), friendlier and economical. Thanks to Nicole Kelson at Clinton Balch's Warrnambool Nissan and KIA who expertly steered us into the new car section, we have ended up with a metallic red KIA Rio LE Hatchback. Their trade-in offer was pretty poor, but got that increased and they agreed to fit Cruise Control for cost at the first service - so the deal was done, signed, sealed and delivered.

Picked up the new wheels on Friday, 1st February. Robbie is fair whizzing around the place, terrorising all and sundry, especially in all those tight parking spaces she used to avoid. I was pleasantly surprised by its get-up and go and how quiet it is at speed (100kph or so). The fuel guage has hardly moved since we got it, in spite of Lorelle having a good test drive (and then refusing to give it back!). Ben and Chloe love it, although Ben is disappointed that he can't sit in the front due to the passenger air-bag. It'll be a while before Robbie goes into town "the back way" - via gravel roads, as she won't be wanting to dirty her little treasure.

A Christmas feast, even for Stanley .....

Even snakes have to eat, so it was a special Christmas rat for Stanley. We didn't gift wrap it as we figured he might have problems unwrapping it - what, with no arms or hands, could prove to be a little difficult.

I had hoped to get a picture of him a little bit earlier in his feasting, but he was a bit quick. Once that rat started goind down the gullet, things happen pretty quickly. Do snakes have a throat? If so, where does it start and where does it end? Who knows? It may look as though he's got a long, thin tongue, but that's just the tail end of the meal. He went and had a nice sleep soon after.

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The way 'stupid cat' (Maisie) has been acting lately, the next picture just might be of a fluffy, grey tail disappearing down the serpant's throat.

And a happy New Year was had by all ......

New Year's eve was a stinking, hot day - up around the 40 celcius mark. So we thought we would get a little wading pool so that Ben & Chloe could have a bit of a cooling romp in the back yard when they and Lorelle dropped in for the usual New Year's eve get together. Picked up a cheapie at K-Mart (it was even an extra 20% off for some reason). As you will see by the pictures, it didn't take much to set it up. What you might call "The Dehydrated Pool" - simply add water. It's actually the same as the one Adrian & Matt "sank" into the back yard for the ducks.

Along with a backyard 'shower' contraption, the pool was a real hit. Kids love water, and it doesn't even have to be hot weather. They were in and out of the pool all afternoon and into the evening. It must have been very refreshing as Chloe decided that she'd round things off with a good dancing exhibition and Ben added his bit with the air guitar - all to the accompaniement of some of Robbie's CD's - REM, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, etc. You get the picture and now probably sympathise with me over her choice of music.

Chloe even gathered together all her friends around the display pond so that they could watch on. Only visitor during the evening was the ever reliable Albert who joined us and saw in the New Year. It was really nice just sitting out the back, especially once things started to cool down in the evening. Only problem was the occasional mosquito - they really get stuck into poor Chloe. She ended the evening with a number of prominant red welts on her face, arms and legs. Amazingly, in one of the pool photos, we actually snapped one about to land on her cheek. Check the photo and you will see the little bugger about to set down on her right cheek.

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After Lorelle and the grandies left, Albert, Robbie & I retired to the lounge and took in a bit of TV until midnight rolled around. The usual greetings for the new year, and I won the 'pinch and a punch' but as expected Robbie says this doesn't count for January. She certainly has problems with accepting defeat.

Christmas is for kids .......

We had a slightly different lead up to the big day this year. Adrian was going to be in Western Australia over Christmas, so we had the family get together a bit earlier than usual. Followed our normal patterns, though. All the pressies placed under the tree, and then the family gathering and present opening ritual.

Everyone seemed pretty happy with what was on offer - this year we all decided to scale down a bit to save money, at least as far as the adults were concerned. Chloe was most impressed with her doll's house/bookshelf - although I doubt it will be a tidyness 'magic bullet' (a bit too much too expect from Miss Drop-it-anywhere). Ben was absolutely wrapped (no pun intended) in a new bike (DON'T LET AIDO RIDE YOUR BIKE, BEN!) from mum and a microscope kit from Grandma & GP.

Santa still came through on Christmas morning so they picked up a few more things. Chloe very impressed with her special make-up model. They then went on to spend the day with Dad and the rest of the Watts' clan for their family celebrations.

Duck down, fish gone ......

The holiday break has not been kind to our menagerie.

First of all, one of the ducks died. Robbie found it in the pond one morning. Sign of what appeared to be a superficial wound, but nothing to suggest it died a violent death or anything like that. The amazing thing is that since then, and even though I have emptied and refilled the pond, the surviving duck will not go in it - they used to love the pond. Go figure!

We have also had some sort of fungal disease spread through the aquarium. All fish, except for the walking fish died within a couple of days. The walking fish, which I have affectionately called "B Double", still survives apparently in quite a healthy state. I have treated the water a couple of times so we have added just a few, cheap fish - to test the waters, so to speak. Have also added a heater, as we may as well go tropical, which provides for a greater and more interesting variety of fish.

Why "B Double"? I hear you ask. No, not because of its size, but B-Doubles have lots of axles - think about it and the penny may drop; if not, drop me a comment.

The long awaited hockey video ....

Way back in March 2006, I published details of the new hockey facilities at Warrnambool, and told how Robbie had come out of retirement for a bit of a mid-week run. At the time, I said I had a video showing her scintillating skills on the artificial surface. I have now, finally, uploaded it; so, sit back and be enthralled by the absolute wizardry on display ......

Christmas Lights 2007 ......

Did our annual tour of the Christmas light displays again this year. On holidays for a couple of weeks, so we had a clear back seat in the car. Reminiscent of the big Queensland holiday - Lorelle in the front, Grandma in the back between Ben & Chloe. At least we didn't have very far to travel this time.


Night was a bit cold with a little rain sprinkling about, so we didn't do much walking. Mostly just surveying the sites from within the car, driving slowly past the better offerings. Did get to wander once, as testified to by the pictures.

Lorelle navigating meant that we got a pretty good run and actually saw all of the Warrnambool entries that were listed by the local paper - the Standard. Finished up around 11 pm, which of course is a bit late for the youngens, but they had a great time and were very well behaved - relaxed and happy, although Chloe was getting a bit tired by the end of the night.

More for the menagerie ......

We've inherited an aquarium from Lorelle. When she shifted, the new house was a bit smaller than Dennington, so she didn't have space for a few things - such as a 6' fish-tank and a couple of other, smaller tanks (in fact, we don't think she has space for about 80% of the stuff she took with her, but that's another story - and she seems to be getting organised now).

Now that I've started a couple of weeks holiday, thought I'd get stuck into tidying up the outdoor area and garage. This caused me to immediately get sidetracked into setting up the aquarium. A bit of a clean, setting-up power outlets and away I went. Didn't take long before it was furnished and filled. A bit of 'conditioner' to kill off the chlorine and other foreign additives we get in the town water supply and it was ready to be populated.

Called Robbie out, and with great pride, asked "What do you think?". Her response was to grab her purse and say "Let's go, we've got fish to buy!" Visits to three different pet shops and 'voila!' - we are now the proud parents of 27 new additions to the menagerie - one large gold fan-tail, 20 comets, two 'uncoloured' fish - to add a bit of colour, two orange-capped whatsa-ma-callits, one black walking fish (which you never see because it hides at the back behind the rocks) and last, but not least, a medium sized black moor. One thing we have discovered is that fish prices have definately kept pace with inflation - the last time we had an aquarium was several years ago.

We're into day three of 'the tank' and we haven't lost any fish yet - so things are looking good.

Yet another visitor from over the fence ....

We've started getting regular visits from a couple of neighbours - a peacock & peahen. Probably attracted by the variety of bird life in the aviary and the hope of some spare seed scattered around.

They never venture close to the back door, or even onto the lawn for that matter. Only problem is, they keep landing on the aviary roof - we hope that with their extra weight, they won't break any of the roof wire. They linger for a short while and then off they fly, back to whence they came - about two doors down as far we can tell.

Just another couple of additions to the Marr menagerie - but at least we don't have to house or feed these ones.

Another visitor from over the fence ...

Up early on Sat 18th August (at least Robbie was) as we were lucky enough to be going to the Essendon v Carlton match at the G - in the Corporate Box, no less.

Slumbering quite contentedly when 'she who annoys me' announced - "There's a Koala in the chook pen". Well, my first thought was 'It's not April 1st is it?' and when consiousness started taking hold, realised, 'no, it's August something' so thought I'd better check things out.

Sure enough, there was a young koala climbing up the wire on the inside of the chook house. Warned Rob NOT to approach it and I would get dressed. Eventually ventured out and sure enough, she was in the chook house trying to do something to/with the koala, which by this stage was well and truly trapped in the corner. Some people just can't be told.

By the time I got the camera ready, it had managed to get around her and had bolted for the tree next to the chook pen. We were happy to leave it once it had escaped from the chook house and was safely up a large gum tree - and besides, we had a footy match to attend. Essendon duly, but not convincingly, defeated Carlton. By the time we got back home there was no sign of the beast. Thanks to the one-hundred gazillion candle-power spotlight given to us by Adrian, I checked out all the trees and surrounds and it was definitely gone. Probably taken off back across the back paddock to the large stand of gums a few hundred metres away.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've settled in to my new gig and all is going well. My new details are listed below.

Adrian Marr
General Manager - Field Operations
The Bailey Group and Powerforce

25 Ellingworth Parade
Box Hill Victoria 3128

Direct: +61 3 9843 3125
Phone: +61 3 9899 6622
Facsimile: +61 3 9899 6633
Mobile: 0424 162 740

Email: adrian.marr@powerforce.com.au
Website: www.powerforce.com.au

The Big Holiday...... Day 19 (Last Day)

Up bright and early again. Breakfast matched the meal last night. Got away by 8.30.

Easy run home - Castlemaine, Ballarat, Terang and finally Warrnambool. Dropped Lorelle, Ben & Chloe off first. It was great to see how excited Ben & Chloe were to get home. Bit of shopping at Safeway, collect the mail and it was our turn.

Place looked a treat, thanks to the Baggs, our neighbours across the road. They were looking after the menagerie while we were away, and bugger me dead, Karen even mowed the lawns last weekend. Now that's dedication and service for you. They dropped in and we were able to give them some little presents as thanks. Didn't seem enough, really, but Karen was happy just to have been of help. And the girls, Madeline & Chelsea, evidently really applied themselves to the task. I think they've won over the hearts of Katodo, Maisie & Micki while we were away.

I guess that's it. A great holiday, enjoyed by everyone.

The Big Holiday...... Day 18

Got away from the Motel (and Big Ram) bright and early. Actually, have done really well for the entire trip, getting on the road by about 8.30 am every morning.

Linked up with the Hume almost immediately, and from there it was a great run – 110 kph and divided highway most of the way.

Detoured to Wodonga for lunch and petrol. Found Red Rooster easily and at least they weren’t repainting this one and the toilets were working. Couldn’t locate a Shell so, with about 160 kms in the tank, pushed on to Wangaratta, where I know the location of the Shell service station.

Back to the Hume for some more 110 kph coasting and took the Bendigo turn-off just past Benalla. Easy run from there. No problems finding the Motel – Best Western Heritage, which we have stayed at before.

Nice room, two bedroom family unit. Booked into the restaurant for a birthday dinner and then just killing time until then. Wireless available, so that helps. Cold, but not as bad as Goulburn this morning, where it was ‘freezing the balls on the big ram’, if I can paraphrase the well known saying.

Last night of the trip. Had a "surprise" birthday party at the restaurant. Really great. Ben & Chloe (and, of course, Rob & Lorelle) really got into the swing of things, with a few decorations and they organised a 'birthday sparkler' with dessert. Would HIGHLY recommend the Heritage - staff are GREAT, and really related well with the kids, plus food the best of any motel we have stayed at this trip, at a reasonable cost. An easy run home tomorrow, so should get in early afternoon.

The Big Holiday...... Day 17

Well and truly got the Gold Coast behind us now – next stage is Taree to Goulburn, via Sydney.

Uneventful trip for the most part – that is until Sydney. Now, I’ve done this trip, through Sydney and on to the Hume a number of times. But this time, I wanted to go over the bridge. Successfully negotiated that bit but I’ve got to say the signposting in Sydney is a load of shit.

Combination of coin fed tolls and I don’t know how many e-tag tolls were required to negotiate the north to south journey. I guess I’ll know when the fines for non payment of tolls arrives in the mail, because I’ve got no idea where the tolls started and finished. A couple of wrong turns due mainly to the crap signage (you get a warning of where to go about the same time as you’ve got to be madly changing lanes to make the exits; and in medium traffic levels it means the turn is missed and you’re fucked). Did get introduced to a heap of tunnels as we were trying to get back on track.

Still, it did mean we got to go over the Anzac Bridge which was a treat in itself. Around the airport, same thing. Only this time it was much more difficult getting back on track. Followed my nose and figured if I got back to the Terminal area the sign posting should lead me back to the M5, or Hume Hwy (31) and ultimately on to Goulburn. This turned out to be the right tack and we were on the right way again.

Getting hungry by this stage and running short on petrol, so took the Campbelltown exit. Red Rooster first attempt, but stank to high heaven due to fresh paint and toilets not available, so on to Maccas. Then, searched in vain for a Shell, eventually tried a Mobil but the site was ‘shut down’. Across the road to a Caltex where you have to pay first before filling up – first experience of this. No big deal, just gave them my fleet card while I filled

Pretty good run from there. Sitting in motel now (Best Western A Trappers Inn), post dinner which was disappointing. Room however (2 bedroom) is excellent.

The Big Holiday...... Day 16

Last morning at the San Simeon. Got everything into the car (boy you wouldn’t want to try to get anything else in the boot – reminds me of the last scene in the ‘Mr Creosote Man” Monty Python sketch). Tossed out a few foodstuffs, dropped off the keys and away we went.

Have decided to take the coastal route, through Sydney then link up with the Hume, finally cutting across to Bendigo and home from there.

Good trip all the way. Lunch at Coffs Harbour and on to Taree where we are availing ourselves of Best Western hospitality again. About 530 kms today, so tomorrow we plan an easy trip through Sydney (hopefully I can take the correct turn-offs to go over the Bridge) and then finishing at Goulburn which is already booked.

The Big Holiday...... Day 15

Last day on the Coast, so we need to pack and get everything ready tonight.

Used up as much of the brekky stuff as we could and then it was off shopping (Lorelle still looking for that elusive pair of size-5 shoes) then on to the Aquaduck and, if time, a trip on the monorail at Broadbeach.

Tried Australia Fair and Runaway Bay shopping centres but no shoes for love or money. Booked the Aquaduck 3 pm trip (just missed the 1.45) and wandered around for a while – some more shoe shops, but still no shoes.

Ben & Chloe loved the Aquaduck – the bouncy trip on land and then the watery cruise – especially the “high speed” water entry which caused a huge splash and bow wave. Both were given a chance to briefly “drive” the duck when it was in the water (for which they received their driver’s certificate) and they also bought an Aquaduck whistle – the blowing of which was immediately, and forever, banned from being used in the car (honk, honk, honk – you get the drift).

Got to Broadbeach just as it was getting dark and took a round trip on the monorail. Had a cabin just for the five of us so it was very comfortable and peaceful. Discovered that you get a good view of the Sandpiper tower from on the monorail – this, of course, has some sentimental meaning to us as we spent a week there when Adrian & Lorelle were pre-teens. Then, off back to the unit for tea and our final packing.

Top priority, of course, was one more visit to the hot spa pool. Been trying all week, but left still not getting Chloe to stand in the deepest part (which would just be over her waist).

Once everyone else was settled (including Lorelle, who of course, was completely inconsolable at her inability to purchase that “ultimate” size-5 prize), Rob and I adjourned to the balcony for one last time. Well, we had to – we still had two stubbies, one half-bottle of red and two bubblys that we had no room for on the trip back. So, in the interests of efficient packing, we stuck it out and “did our duty”.