Melbourne

January 9.2009.



Arrived in Melbourne- staying a relatives in Epping. On Saturday we went down to city , by tram, train and just walking. Walked through the Victoria market, large food, clothing market. Would love to just pick up the food, fish and meat part and export it to Prince George. There is nothing that you can not find in it. Had lunch in the market, tried something different. Lebanese. We sat out and ate and had live music to enjoy. Another thing to export.



Went to the Ron Laver park where the Australian Open is played and also around the lake in the city where the Grand Prix races are held in Australia.

Had not charged the batteries for the camera so did not get any photos.



Turned in the camper van - was too costly on gas. Have now rented a small SUV and will continue the trip in that.



Going to do the great ocean highway tomorrow and for the next day. Then off to Portland to see some more relatives. The Logan's. Then we are going to Adelaide and on to Alice Springs etc.

Hay - January 8, 2009

Wheat storage just north of Hay.

Very dry area around Hay - was 40+ when we passed through

Winton to Hay to Melbourn

This is a road train - they can be up to 39 meters long

Loader used in underground gold mining

open pit gold mining in Corbar

January 8,2009

Have been putting on quite a few miles since leaving Winton - going down through the middle of Australia, wheat fields, gold mines and bald plains. We are currently at Hay, Victoria . The area around here is bald plains, large cattle and sheep stations, it would be a very harsh live here, yesterday when we arrived it was 40C and there was a strong wind blowing that was whipping up the loose soil on the fields creating a mini dust storm. Have taken some photos but have not down loaded them yet. Short blog today as we have to make Melbourne by this evening to be able to keep on track to go all the way back up to see Alice Springs and the Red Centre.

There has not been much rain here for the past year so things are pretty dry. Up near Winton ,we passed areas that had only had 2 to 4 mm of rain last year and although most of the cattle and sheep were in fair condition, some were very thin. Saw lots of wild animals but did not stop to take many photos.