Water, water

Like an iceblock on a scorching summer’s day, water is both soothing and calming to camp by.

Our campsite at Swan Hill, watching the horses that came down for a drink

After a relaxing sojourn in Swan Hill, where we camped by the Murray River, we journeyed via the bygone era port town of Echuca to a river campsite, a few kilometres north. We presumed we were again camping by the Murray in NSW, but it appears we may have been camping by the Goulburn River in Victoria. It didn’t really matter; we were again away from the lights, noise and the general hub bub of ‘civilisation’. We both really enjoy our time away from it all, relishing the simple things, watching a Kookaburra catch his dinner, the family of kangaroos who came down for a drink at dusk, the male kangaroos then fighting, Dave covering himself in mud for a ‘Murray Mud Treatment’ and slow cooking a tasty meal in our camp oven.

If only Dave could catch one..... Giant Murray Cod, Swan Hill


A certain contentment is to be had snuggling up in a warm, cosy bed, where outside it is pitch black. With torchlight you can see possums peering out of tree hollows in search of our fresh herb garden (which we now lock it in the car at night), and over breakfast we listen to the sounds of squabbling magpies. Being happy means the lack of facilities seem insignificant and life seems to plod along in an easy manner.
This is perhaps a good thing, considering my agreeance for a night of ‘rough’ camping in the Barmah Forest. We were both keen to see this forest, which is infact the largest River Red Gum Forest in the world, and now heritage listed. After finding our way in, thanks to a local (there are not many signs to the entrances), we were both in awe of the scene before us. As far as the eye could see where River Red Gums, with no other trees or shrubs overshadowing their beauty. The thick stands of trees stood tall, like a regiment of proud soldiers, as we drove the length of the forest.

River Red Gums, Barmah Forest

We then turned and looked at each other in despair. Having not seen any ‘facilities’ during our drive through the forest, we had to find another camp for the night, or ‘use the shovel’ for the first time. The forest was so magnificent, so we opted for the shovel......
Seeking out a suitable spot we stumbled across Boss’s Beach, located at a bend in the Murray River, and what was to become our favourite camp spot to date! We set up home and ventured along the sandy beach to the water. The water temperature was perfect, and being the only ones in the entire forest, I got out the soap and shampoo! After all we were going to be staying with friends for the next couple of days, so one must look presentable. I sat at the waters edge and shaved my legs, prior to immersing myself in the cool liquid to wash my hair. The bath session was topped off by the application of lotions and potions, perched upon my towel, after an eternity in the bath. I was now as sweet smelling as our paradise. Our only neighbours were the many Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, a vivid white against the background of River Red Gums.
After a restful slumber, we awoke to the news of a blue green algae outbreak in the Murray River......... mmmm perhaps Dave’s ‘bath’ was the culprit (hee hee), but we were off to visit our friends Terri, Richard, Reid and Jay once more in Shepparton. A stark contrast to our previous night, we enjoyed many games of pool, christening the newly covered table. Many, many laughs were had, but no one could seem to remember who was on their team or which balls they were going for! With very hospitable hosts, the next day we were taken to the Tatura Show, an annual event of all things country. If we had thought we had laughed ourselves silly the previous night, we were in for a real treat.

Terri & Leisa at Tatura Show

With an entrance fee of $8 per person, I thought that the show was sure to be of a high standard. We passed side show alley, which consisted of 3 rides and a couple of laughing clown games. Oh well, perhaps here they focus more on the animals and country wares. Mmmm with a blink of an eye we then passed all the craft, food and toy stalls, including the one show bag stand. The best was yet to come. Inside the ‘pavilion’ were the art/ craft and vegetable displays. My favourite part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show has always been the fruit and vegetable displays, so it was with some ‘shock’ that I viewed the scene before me.
The section of ‘Creative Vegetable Display’ consisted of a potato with toothpicks sticking out of it. A couple of sultanas made the eyes of this ‘echidna’. This show was about a hundredth the size of the Royal Easter Show, and it appeared the talent in the same scale. Still it was all very amusing, I mean interesting to look at. A ‘Mr Smith’ (name changed) seemed to have an entry in each vegetable category. With a stroke of luck Terri and I got to stand near Mr Smith and learn the tricks of the trade of displaying your vegies. Step 1. Wash vegetable (many still had dirt attached). Step 2. Prune any excess dangly bits (eg the eyes from your potatoes). Step 3. Arrange on a pretty plate, preferably with some kind of flower pattern around the edge. I was not sure of the judging criteria, but I too would have awarded that plate of 6 eggs first prize.......

Vegetable Display, Tatura Show

We were however, aware of the judging criteria for the Miss Tatura Showgirl competition. Having only had one formal entry, the call went out for any last minute entrants. Alas, only teenagers were allowed, otherwise I would have had my eyes firmly set on that sash. With the ‘line up’ complete, it was obvious who the ‘original one entry’ was- a girl donned in a bonnet with matching shirt and skirt ensemble. The last minute entrants were donned in shorts, jeans, singlets and thongs. The winner was chosen by her answer to ‘What do you think of the Tatura Show? With the judging finished, it was an agonising wait until the winner was announced......... the girl in the bonnet and matching rig out! Gee who would have thought...... even the judge couldn’t drum up any acting skills to look surprised.
With the Showgirl excitement over we walked past the animal displays and the Christian Puppet Show to the dodgems.

Best Cock in Show

Jay and Richard took one vehicle and Jo (Jay’s friend) and I the other. I didn’t bother listening to the instructions, Jo and I decided our objective was to bump into Jay & Richard at every opportunity. I displayed some very strategic driving skills, so was shocked to learn an audience member had remarked as to where I got my license (hee hee).
All in all we did have a very enjoyable and fun day, capped off with the purchase of some Fairy Floss. So if you are in Tatura/ Shepparton durig March next year, be sure to visit the show!
Jay & Jo, Tatura Show

With our quota of excitement over, we departed our friends and headed for Rushworth and Whroo, both old gold and ironbark towns. Rushworth has a National Trust classified heritage streetscape, however its heyday is well and truly over. Whroo is a completely deserted township and we spent an afternoon discovering her relics from the past. Once a booming mining town, you can still walk into the open cut mine at Balaclava Hill and through the 100 metre underground tunnel, once used to haul gold out by tram.

Mining tunnel, Whroo

Grassy patches and peppercorn trees are all that remain of the homesteads, but the cemetery and a couple of buildings still remain. Just be sure to watch where you walk though- every inch of this area has been dug in the search for gold.