Well its been a while........but we are back!

We had been hiding away for a few months whilst working to earn money to fund further travelling. Neil got the short straw and whilst I was working with some great people in an air conditioned hospital, he was engaging in some physically demanding work often outside in a 30 degree heat. Initially at the time having a base, working and having some sort of routine seemed enjoyable although it was probably just novel and very soon wore off. However whilst working we made the most of our time off and enjoyed some brilliant weekends away 4WDriving and beach camping and not forgetting the weekend of the Warwick Rodeo. Which was surprsingly as much about 'pulling' as it was about men riding bulls. There was even a group of girls there on a hen do. I imagine it was not too dissimilar to a saturday night at the 'Riverside'!

We also had a trip to Thailand to catch up with friends which lasted longer than expected due to the troubles at Bangkok airport

We left Brisbane just before Christmas, a few days later than initially planned as Matlida's roof was desperately in need of some serious repair. Not that I am biased but Neil did an absolutely brilliant job, dont actually need tarpoline anymore! We decided it was time to leave Queensland and headed straight to New South Wales (NSW). We spent Christmas camping in Yuraygir National Park doing what we love, relaxing, swimming and fishing. We cooked the fish Neil caught for Christmas dinner on the open fire and drank Champagne. Budget was blown on the Champagne so it was just cheese sandwiches for Christmas lunch. It was a small and quiet affair but perfect.

We gradually made our way along the North East coast of NSW arriving in Sydney in time for New Year. Although we did not get a prime spot on Sydney Harbour we were still able to soak up the atmosphere sitting on the grass next to the bridge with our cheese sandwiches and esky full of beer whilst enjoy the fireworks, which were absolutely amazing. Sydney really is a pretty city. We did all the usual tourist type of thing such as taking the ferry to Manly, eating a fish basket at the famous fish market, browsing around Paddys market and taking a trip to Bondi Beach, which is probably one of the most busiest beaches I have ever seen (beautiful sand covered in beautiful people). I also got to meet up and spend time with one of my friends from home.

We left Sydney after about a week and began making our way along the South East coast of NSW staying a numerous National Parks along the way. By this time I had come to adopt the attitude 'if you cant beat them join them'. Neils love for fishing was too strong so I too began to fish. However when purchasing a fishing rod I ensured I satisfied the slightly akward streak in me by opting for a bright pink rod. This was due to a comment made previously by Neil about how he could not understand why manufacturers where trying to turn fishing rods into some kind of fashion accessory. He said this whilst gesturing towards some pink fishing rods!

We finally entered into Victoria which initially did not go well. It was so hot, must have been about 40 degrees and there seemed to be absolutely no shade. Matilda felt the heat too and began over heating. We were all over heating! Matilda was sorted out and we found a lake and just jumped in. Shortly after we heard a lound noise from the wheel and a hissing. Flat tyre! Started to dislike our initial experiences of Victoria. The spare was put on. After having driven 19,000km so far in Australia and all the off roading we have done we were surprised the following day to discover that the cause of the flat was the entire end of a spoon handle going right the way into the tyre. However things began to improve and it was here in Victoria that I managed to catch my first fish big enough to have for tea and it was delicious.

We found many wonderful places to camp around Victoria and we spent a couple of days driving the Great Ocean Road which was amazingly beautiful with an abundance of wildlife. You would be driving along with lovely rugged coastline on one side and then lush green rolling hills on the other. It seemed so strange. We had a lovely surprise one day driving along when we thought we saw a dog in the middle of the road but when we got closer it was a koala crossing the road, its movements were so strange and slow. We managed to get a picture and ensure it crossed safely. We later got to see a lot more koalas in the trees. They are truely lazy creatures. I was so please about this as I especially love to see the native animal in their own habitat. I dont want to go to a zoo and pay to cuddle a koala. We had another wildlife surprise. We were walking along the pier in Apollo Bay when a graceful seal appeared moving elegantly through the water. Well that was it then, I wanted to see more so we booked to go on a kayak trip, but unfortunatley it was cancelled due to the windy weather and we had to move on the next day. Victoria also brought about our first sighting of kangaroo's, we have seen lots walabies but no kangaroos. So all in all Victoria turned out to be quite a wonderful place in the end.

Afer only a day in Melbourne we caught the ferry to Tasmania. Which brings you to where we are now. Fingers crossed I will get to see one of those Tasmanian Devils or at least a wombat!

Tan and Neil x