Table manufacturing

A couple of shots to prove that the recent investments in power tool are actually being put to use. All is now in and advanced state and waiting the final coat of stain so by the time we get back to BBQ weather, we should be good to go.

Camping Mallacoota

Everyone goes camping in Victoria at Easter time so we decided to brave the camping ground crowds and give it a go ourselves. Easter was much later this year so despite the fact that the weather is traditionally sensational at Easter time, being later in the month we were a bit worried. But the forecast was reasonable and the reality was even better.

Since we had an extra day (Tuesday as well, for ANZAC day) we decided that it was a good opportunity to go somewhere a bit further away. Mallacoota got the nod, on the coast near the NSW border. It was a 7 hour drive each way and in Easter traffic it was a bit testing at times but not too bad.

The population of Mallacoota more than triples over Easter, the town is about 70% camping ground. It was pretty packed out too. It would be fair to say we had the most amateur looking set up too - the public facilities were not extensive s people had BBQ's. fires, mini spit roasters...the works.

Mallacoota beach - Mallacoota is situated on a river outlet and was very popular for fisherman, surfers and swimmers. I took my wetsuit but it was warm enough without it.





Crashing out on the sand dunes in a race with the kid whose body board I stole... The sand dunes were great fun for those who enjoy watching their significant other take themselves out in such a determined fashion - not so funny dealing with the sore neck that resulted though.



We were surrounded by National Parks and managed to get a couple of walks in.







A stop along the river.

Lionel Richie at Rochford

Fortunately the rain stayed away and we had a great time Dancing on the Ceiling to Lionel Richie at Rochford Winery in the Yarra Valley. Kelley cooked up a storm for a great picnic and the wine wasn't to shabby either.

A stroll around central Melbourne

A couple of snaps from the regular sight seeing wander, this time with Juliet and Kev on a perfect day for photos.

1. Looking down the river from the bridge between the Casino and the Aquarium



2. A few famous heads at Melbourne Park, outside Rod Laver Arena



3. The great Dennis Lillee in full stride outside the MCG



4. Street design out of beans, lentils and coloured rice at Federation Square



5. The laneways - Degraves St

View from the top

Where we are heading....



Some artwork on the side of the Eureka tower



Southbank



MCG and Melbourne Park



Towards St Kilda and further south.

Australian Open

Another super day at the tennis, some more big names including World No. 1 Caroline Wozniaki (who had a PR disaster at this year, claiming to have had a fight with a kangaroo) and Federer who made reasonably short work of his opponent, but didn't quite look himself.






But what's this, some real tennis players.....having a hit on Show Court 3. Didn't need tickets to see these guys.

Gippsland rail trail

I'd finally got the car kitted out with roof racks to carry the bikes so we packed up and headed east for the long weekend to do the rail trail from Leongatha to Foster in Gippsland. It was a nice drive to Leongatha, it actually reminded us of New Zealand. It was very green thanks to all the rain. Anyway, we made it there fine but after we had stopped off at the visitor centre, the car wouldn't start. After trying to push start it (of course didn't work) and trying every garage in town, we finally called the RACV and paid the whopping fee to join up. The nice RACV man got us fixed up and restarted and everything appeared to be fine so we got going on the cycling.

The trail was a great surface and of course very flat. It was a nice ride and we made good progress as the day warmed up.



No, Kelley hasn't had a little accident in the picture below, just some friendly wildlife.



And some more, check out this prickly little dude...



After all of my best laid plans had failed to come to fruition, it was time for Plan C and a nice spot a few km from the end of the day provided the opportunity for me to pop the question. It wasn't exactly what I'd had in mind but with the background of some sheep grazing on the rolling hills and a view towards the appropriately named Wilson's Promatory National Park, I asked Kelley to marry me and thankfully she accepted. All felt a bit surreal really but after we'd rolled into town at Foster, set up camp and called home, it started to feel a bit more real. We celebrated with a bottle of bubbles and a feed at the local pub alongside guests from someone else's wedding who were getting a few under their belt before the reception.

I don't like these type of photos but since I had such a happy look on my face after recently getting engaged, I had to put it in. Appropriate that I'm still in full cycling kit too, I mean, why should I take my helmet off for a proposal, what if she hadn't reacted well?



We took a slightly different route on the way back including some time on the road and some fish and chips near the beach, and a paddle.







Unfortunately the car troubles resurfaced on the way home. Lights starting flashing on the dashboard with about 80km still to go and we pushed on - by the time we got to the BP station in Cranbourne (about 40km from central Melbourne) almost every light was glowing on the dash and none of the electrics were working. We pulled in to the BP and weren't going anywhere after we'd filled up so after another call out and some confusing and frustrating phone calls, we ended up waiting for the most racist tow truck driver in Melbourne to come and tow us home. Poor car....