The adventure begins

We finally drive away at 4pm Monday 5th September.

The extra time allowed us to drive away with a well packed car, over packed caravan, (hanging out for a weigh bridge to see what it all actually amounts to!!!)and far less stressed parents and kids.
Our first stop will be Big 4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park.
Note ,it took 45 minutes for the first 'how much longer till we stop?", courtesy of Boaz.
After much research and much chatting to those more experienced we find ourselves driving away with some added extras to our car and van.......
I think the store owners are still smiling after our many trips back and forwards...

*UHF Radio
*Snorkel
*Diesel Power Chip
*Satellite Phone
*Roof Racks
*Roof Basket
*Engel 40 litre fridge
*2nd battery for the car
*2nd battery for the caravan
*new tyres
*all manner of straps, safety equiptment and gadgets we didn't even know exsisted!!

I still can't believe we are actually doing this.........can't imagine how it is all going to be.

First night is in Bendigo, in a Big 4 - with those famous jumping pillows and a mini golf course. What more could the kids ask for. Not a bad way to start off the adventure.

All finally asleep. Exhaustion sets in.....

Next morning head off towards Mildura -get lost trying to get out of Bendigo which provides us with a lovely unplanned tour of the beautiful city.

First stop to stretch our legs is Kerang where we have to dump all our fruit and some vegies in preparation for crossing the fruit fly exclusion zone.

Drive past the most incredible fields filled with flourescent yellow flowers- canola.

Next stop the first touristy thing of our adventure - pictures with the first of many BIG things - the Big Murray Cod in Swan Hill. - His name is Arthur.



Then across the Murray River to find ourselves in NSW, only to recross the border back into Victoria, for a night in Mildura. The kids convince us to stay at another jumping pillow park!!!

Trying to upload pictures, finally get them but as yet lacking the finesse in editing. Decided to post this off anyway and will try again in the coming days.

All very peaceful here in Mildura..............sweet dreams to all.

P.S. Leading up to this trip we were very conscious as to how the kids would manage without the mod cons of their electronic toys. I know it is only day 2, but the one with the problem is actually Linda and the laptop!!!xxxxxx