G'Day guys

We are back after a rest day yesterday!!

Caught the early morning bus from Sydney to Port Macquarie (6 1/2 hrs) and arrived there mid afternoon in the blazing sun. Our hostel gave us a motel room for the night for the price of a double which was a stroke of luck. Now 'The Port' as it is known to locals was a penal colony from 1821 and named after Governor Macquarie by John Oxley in 1818. The last convicts left in 1847 when it was opened up to free settlement.

As well as the historic significance the big draw in the town is the breakwall where you can paint the rocks with any design you like and it looks really colourful. Today as we didn't leave the port till 1.45pm we decided to visit the historic museum to check out the history. Next door there was an actual archaeological dig taking place to discover more artefacts from this period. There was a section where women could dress in old gowns which Mel did and we got a photo (will put on site at next opportunity)

There was also a register of all the convicts sent from all over and although there were no Winfields or Merediths there were plenty of Shaws!!!!

One in particular was Alfred Shaw from Camden, maybe a distant relative (dad is there anything I should know about!!!!!!)

It was then time for the greyhound again for a short 3 hour journey to our current location at Coffs Harbour. The weather has finally turned on us and it is lashing it down. So much for getting hotter as we travel North!!!!

Oh well at least we are not working!!!!

See you all later

Lots of Love

M & M

xx