It may look like we have been at our last stop for a while, however, I make no excuse,
I have been quite slack getting our last 'post' published. Sorry Uncle Mark :)
This being our last post, is bitter sweet.
A lovely little church in Port Fairy.
We had a nice little spot at the Warrnambool Greyhound Track, where Eliza was quite happy to take photos of them training. The kids were quite amazed at their speed.
It was lovely to catch up with our friends 'The Gliddons', who were so generous and made us very at home...
Benjamin getting a little bit more confident around dogs.
Phil and Benjamin went fishing with John...
We had a great catch up, after being shown the sites around Warrnambool, we were shown around their lovely home ending with a yummy bbq and great laughs.
The kids laughed so much playing darts, while getting some scoring tips from Mr Gliddon.
What a drive.
These 'natural' wonders are just magnificent!
London Bridge (above).
What a beautiful coastline.
My boys!
We met a lovely Californian girl Angelina (who was fulfilling her dream of visiting all seven continents in her lifetime).
Esther was so looking forward to seeing this Wonder of the World.
The colours of the rock were so pretty.
Just some really nice farm land, kept green by this large pivot.
Its a long way...
But a pretty one.
Just a glimpse, so sneaky...and steep.
Out of Esther's window.
Made it to Apollo Bay, where we parked in the main street overnight.
We woke nice and early and managed to find a take away open that made us fried dim sims for breaky...don't worry, its not the norm.
What a pretty view.
The cliffs along the road are quite steep to say the least and the kids were having lots of fun trying to make Phil nervous about driving...I don't think they needed to try very hard.
This was funny. It gave the kids more teasing power.
We are so blessed to have a supremely beautiful country.
Got to Lorne.
This house has featured on a few travel shows. Its quite unique.
The famous Bells Beach.
Where we stopped for lunch (2 minute noodles today).
Before continuing on to Geelong, where we are hoping to catch up with some more friends.
Hey Annette, we found something that reminded us of home...again.
We made it to Geelong.
We were so blessed to catch up with some old friends from Wodonga
who moved here a number of years ago.
What a fun time we had! Thanks Mario and Carol.
A room with a view...
This reminded us of a story my Uncle told us about a place he stayed that used mirrors to get..."ocean views".
Just something to look at while walking around the waterfront area.
Geelong footy ground.
Limeburner Kilns.
There's an interesting story about this site.
Its not well known, and for what reason, one can only assume, politics.
There were Portugese keys found at this site, dating back to the very early 1500's, well before English settlement. Who knows they might show up one day.
The kilns are actually hiding in this mess.
You would think that this could be made into a really interesting tourist site.
The children decided that we couldn't leave without visiting Airodrome in Geelong.
A mega trampolining shed.
Eliza really getting into the bounce.
Flying high!!
They had so much fun!!
After a timid start to the block pit, Eliza followed her brother in and there was no stopping her.
No stopping any of them!
What a roll!!
One hour was enough to wear them out though!!
Oh he's a funny boy!
I told you...no stopping her now!
We were back on the road by lunch time.
There was much excitement (and plenty of screams) when we saw the sign and then got into the traffic!
Welcome sight.
The West Gate Bridge.
Driving through the tunnel.
Having to pay tolls was something we hadn't done in a long time.
Sorry, couldn't help myself!
We decided to just drop in on Oma. Hope we fit in her Court.
Oma finally got to check out our wheels.
She was pretty happy to see us, and we her.
Oma holding her special bottle of wine from Seven Hills in South Australia.
Not only did we fit, but Phil was clever enough to turn the girl around.
Onto Narre Warren...
Baking her own birthday cake.
With the help of Calie.
Taking a rest with Bella.
Out for the day with her big cousin Tylah for her birthday.
I think they have missed each other.
What a decadent cake.
Chocolate on chocolate.
Happy 14th Birthday our beautiful girl Esther!
Love you heaps!
We had a visit from a coconut expert...Thanks Ricardo!
After the first one not being so good, the second one was delicious!
We made it back in time for Youth Alive in Melbourne.
The two oldest were very happy to see their friends, after a long five months.
Pre entertainment was so much fun for the younger two.
This is the horizontal bungy. Very funny to watch.
Eliza and I having a great time in the crowd.
What an awesome night.
We got to praise our God with friends and family and saw hundreds of young people decide to give their hearts to Christ.
It was so nice to have an Uncle and cousin that tinkered on the bus with Phil.
I actually think they had some fun.
And now, everyone will here us when we sound the horn!!
We had a really nice evening with Tony & Mandy in Cockatoo.
So relaxing!
We had a lot of laughs at Mario and Catalina's.
A previous boss, that has become a great friend to us all!
What a feast they put on for us. Three courses and a nice drop to go down with it.
Lots and lots of laughs with Dean & Jill and all the clan.
Father's Day doing the boy thing, checking out the Mustangs near Bundoora.
Never miss the chance for an adventure.
Making the most of every day.
Out to tea in Berwick with a few of our Dutch relatives.
It was lovely to catch up.
Mum and Dad even made the drive down, just because they missed us.
It actually hailed while in Narre Warren.
Esther had lots of fun with her big cousin Christine, who spoilt her with nail fun.
More baking, this time Eliza cooking chocolate cup cakes and decorating with her very clever Aunty.
Very proud of the finished product.
Eliza snuggling up on the couch after a yummy Dutch meal.
Saying goodbye, wasn't easy for some.
Benjamin really had a lot of fun with Great Uncle James.
On the road again.
Another stop to visit some friends in Kilmore.
A lovely catch-up with Greg and Carol that is always filled with lots of laughter.
Another stop...I think this might be our last before home.
A friend of Phil's that is a professional
Only a few kilometres to go...
Well...I've done some driving in every State.
It would be so easy to just keep on driving...Its only 600 odd kilometres to Sydney...
There looks like there's a few happy people to be home.
What a strange feeling to be in this house that is so big.
Just an update on the coffee beans we picked in Queensland...after soaking, husking and then roasting it on the road, it actually tasted really nice. Although it was only enough for one coffee.
The kids in town couldn't wait for Benjamin to get back.
In our Court, not wasting any time.
As you might have noticed, Benjamin is wearing his school uniform. All the kids couldn't be convinced to stay home during the last week of term. All choosing to get straight back to school, if only for a few days.
Looking very pleased with herself, Eliza even talked her way around all parents to have her friends sleep over and walk to school on the last day of term.
We have missed a lot of people and are happy to see them again, however, I know I am little melancholy...we loved travelling and meeting new people and the adventure of every day in our beautiful and rich country. I am thinking already of our next adventure!!
If I can encourage anyone who may be even just beginning to think of travelling around Australia, just do it. Its easy to dream, its hard to leave. Plan, prepare and pick a date and go!! (the "go" is the hardest part).
We have been enriched and blessed by many people and places.
We have discovered God has us in the palm of His hand, and not to underestimate His plan and purpose for us. We just need to stay in His will for us and bless Him at all times.
Take every opportunity and enjoy every moment.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
