A few more miles...

G’Day!

I didn’t think that I’d be blogging today, as not much to write about – but actually, there is!

First off, we left The Windsor Hotel in Melbourne right about 7 a.m. Even with morning traffic, it wasn’t too bad getting out of the city – R did a FABULOUS job navigating – and I even managed to avoid getting hit by or run over by a tram! (And that’s an accomplishment, believe me, if you’ve ever been to Melbourne!) Then came the LONG, and I mean LONG drive to Merimbula. I know I’ve said this before, but OZ is a truly HUGE country – and it takes a lot of time to get from place to place! Today’s drive was 8 hours; somewhere about half-way between Melbourne and Sydney. Stopped for lunch in Orbost, which calls itself the Snowy River town … from the movie, I’m thinking! Had decided that if the choices were as limited as Keith, that we would move on, but found a café and R had yet another steak sandwich (this time without beet root!) and I had a beef and veggie pie; just fine for lunch!

We were almost to Merimbula, about 3 p.m., when we were pulled over by a police person by the side of the road – and they were doing random sobriety checks! How odd! Fortunately for us, I’d been existing all morning on Coke and something called Soto Lemonade – so I passed with flying colors! Scary though! But not sure how many folks they were thinking they’d catch at that time of day, especially as there was absolutely no wine country in the area!

Made it safely to the Best Western Fairway motel, and checked in. Nice room; second floor, lovely balcony overlooking the pool and spa; full kitchenette. The owners have a watch golden lab who guards the doorway – a real cutie! Dropped our things and then headed the mile or so into town. Visited the combination aquarium/restaurant (?!) and looked for places for dinner. Unfortunately, with the combination of Monday night and slightly off-season, there weren’t many choices! Decided to try the golf club across the street – and it was GREAT!

First, there are TONS of kangaroos all over the golf course!! We stopped counting at 35, as they were bouncing all over the place! Big ones, little ones and in-between ones! And the golfers still playing just walked right through them, and nobody seemed concerned at all! The restaurant had a spectacular view, so we could just eat (and drink) and watch! We both had avocado halves with wonderful fresh prawns in sauce. Then for main course, R had fried prawns and chips and salad, and I had a fried ham steak with pineapple, chips and salad. On our way out, I wanted to look at the “pokie” machines – had never really seen them before; they’re electronic slot machines. I wanted to play, as they had 1 penny machines!! We both tried a dollar each – neither of us having a clue as to what we were doing!! And I won $22.50!!!! How ‘bout that!! So, the evening wasn’t terribly expensive after all! Still have no idea what was going on, but fun just the same!

Back to the motel for this posting, and an early night – another long day tomorrow, but we’re meeting Norm and Marg at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, so it will be nice to see them! Then on to Sydney!

So, for now –
Take care and much love!
m