Sat 29th, Sun 30th & Mon 31st October – Brisbane to Melbourne

 

Day 1 Sat

Met Kate & Paul at the rendezvous point on time…  where Tracey and I discussed who was responsible for packing the camera (which was currently not in the car), so back home to grab the camera.  We meet up again and on the road at 6:30am.

       

Even on the first day, had to take a short cut…

   

Then on to Pilliga Baths for our overnight first camp, outside temperature 28 degrees, water temperature 37 degrees… lovely.  Flies annoying. Fantastic first astrological night… 5 shooting stars and 3 satellites were seen but we must have lost some of our outback skills as we could not find the Southern Cross.

   

 

Day 2 Sun

Unfortunately none of us slept too much as the wind howled from 1am.  We left around 8:30, stopped in at the Parkes Radio Telescope...  Checked out the big Dish and watched some interesting 3d videos, chatted through the whispering dishes.  We left feeling the enormity of the heavens and how insignificant we are in comparison.

   

Arrived at Lindy’s and Ross’ place at Leeton around 6pm.  I know its only the second day but fantastic to not have to put the tents up in the wind again tonight.  Lindy and Ross were great hosts and had beds already prepared and after we all had hot showers we were off to the pub for a meal.  Then back to their house for a few red wines.

Thanks very much Lindy & Ross.

                                    

 

Day 3 Mon

After some breakfast (and a visit to the physio for Tracey – Thanks Ross for organising), we were off again towards Melbourne.

The further south we headed the more water we encountered just lying about after the heavy rains a few weeks ago.  In Queensland these waters would have been gone ages ago.  The Murray River at Tocumwal was also apparently well and truly higher then normal but still a very nice spot for lunch.

   

Then into Victoria we went.

                                     

First night of 3 in a cabin in Melbourne, the Melbourne weather started brightly for us.