So this is Christmas.....

December 25 arrived, and with a big chimney and fireplace, Santa would have no trouble delivering my presents. I raced out to our tree and there I found a new dress and thongs for Dave (finally he has matching ones).
After a long sleep in we departed for Christmas lunch with

Christmas Day- Jonnie

our ol’ friend Jonnie Weaver, Matt, Matt’s brother and Matt the author of two books. Champagne was served with a selection of seafood. We then moved to the dining room for a traditional roast - rather exceptional. I had been a tad worried by the endless smoke emitting from the kitchen. The Aussie culture was blended in nicely at the end, as we feasted on Pavlova for our pud. I say feasted- you should have seen the size of Matt’s piece (see the photo......)

Check out the size of Matt's pavlova, Christmas Day

We then retired to the lounge room and enjoyed drinks, friendly banter and laughs........ All too soon it seemed, we departed for our next appointment- Christmas night drinks with 3 of my cousins, partners and friends. Having had no plans for Christmas day, we were rather pleased with how it turned out, we enjoyed ourselves immensely- a big thank you to all involved!
Then it was off to Tassie.
Leaving Melbourne, bound for Tasmania

The port was literally a 5 minute drive and we were soon aboard the Spirit of Tasmania bound for the Apple Isle - on a day sail no less - even caught the ferry going the other way

Passing the Spirit of Tasmania, Bass Strait

With a 9 hour sail ahead of us, we made use of the free cinema to watch some locally produced docos. We have all heard the stereotypes of Tasmania- they have two heads- marry their sisters- and generally a bit slow. The 3 documentaries we watched did nothing to ease these stereotypes. Dave and I were in fits of laughter, only it wasn’t a comedy...... the first featured local artists- who make Nimbinites look completely sane. Need I mention the purple skivvy, brown jumper wearing banjo player, Frosty the rapper, who is tone deaf, or the ‘Art Film’ where a dementia suffering mother asked her daughter ‘you still a licker (lesbian)?’ I guess ‘she was still a licker’ as she then tried to slip the tongue into her Aunty. Mmm tasteful viewing........... The theme of this film was death, divorce and how new comers aren’t really welcome. Again.............. mmmmmmmmmm............ welcome to Tasmania!!
We spent our first night in Devonport. Really just a place to lay our weary heads, but Tasmania produced her typical weather for us- cold, wet and windy. As I type the camper is ‘swaying in the breeze’, the 75km per hour breeze that is...... But we can’t complain we are now staying at Ross- a picturesque Georgian village with much convict history still standing. We have set up camp on the bank of the Macquarie River, just near the famous convict built Ross Bridge.

The famous Ross Bridge, Ross

A short stroll away is Lovers Lane, complete with a Love Seat, where you can sit and gaze at the flowing river and intricate carvings of the bridge..... or are you supposed to gaze at your loved one?.....
Lovers Seat, Ross


Ross Bridge at night

We plan to enjoy a coffee in the Heritage Listed sandstone bakery in the morning, before setting of for Port Huon, where our friends Kel and Dean reside.

Coloured Houses

Shepparton- home of ‘mooo-ving art’ and our friends Terri, Richard and 5 year old Jay. I originally met Terri about 15 years ago working at The Mosman Daily. She was the Editor, me the up and coming Advertising Exec. Being on opposite sides (advertising and editorial are traditional newspaper enemies) we never really formed a relationship. However, at various functions over the years, and a mutual friend being her sister- Nat, those ‘ice’ barriers have broken down. Terri and her husband Richard are both very interesting and indeed hospitable people (not like Editors at all............ hee hee, just had to get one dig in).
So, we found ourselves enjoying good food, wine and laughs until the wee hours. Mind you- this was all well deserved. Having arrived at the ‘White House’

Terri, Richard and Jay's home, Shepparton

(as their new home is known)- I was soon roped into the ‘bring a friend night’ at Boot Camp. I was keen (Dave not so), but it would be my first Boot Camp session since June this year- was I still fit??
The session was rejuvenating and a little different to the City style I am used too. We used the moving art cows as props

Mooving art, Shepparton

and then swam in a heated pool- mmm perhaps more civilised than the ocean at Balmoral.
After 2 nights, and enlightenments from Jay (Santa can hear you when you speak, so only say good things), it was time to move to ‘our apartment’ in Melbourne. We love this apartment (thanks Jo & Jamie) , well who wouldn’t, the bedroom alone is twice the size of our entire camper, and comes complete with a dreamy king size bed. I almost need to call for a taxi each morn to see if Dave is awake on his side of the bed.
After putting up the Christmas decorations (our little Xmas tree, and a few cards we have collected along the way), we set off for the local Farmers Markets. With a complete kitchen at our disposal, the cooking possibilities are endless, we were ready to stock the fridge! Alas, we are used to real Farmers Markets, located on a farm, with prices reflective of the 1930’s warm greetings received. We were now in Middle Park, where the focus is on ‘organic dahhh-ling’ the more expensive the more ‘genuine’. However, we did buy some yoghurt and an Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, before setting off for IGA.
St Kilda Markets and Acland Street better deserved our attention, and we managed to spend a penny or two on a few little items to put under our tree for each other. I am eagerly awaiting Santa to arrive down the real chimney here!
A visit to Melbourne is not complete without catching up with my relos. Our first port of call, was the ‘Purple House’. The ‘Purple House’ is multi toned shades of purple, and the new purchase of Cousin Natalie, Iain and 10 month old Oliver.

Oliver in his new house

They are mid renovations and as we arrived Iain was attempting to tame the garden (did he mention he has a new lawn mower....

'Iain now owns a lawnmower'

and Nat was attempting to assemble an Ikea Kitchen. Hopefully she does a better job than Iain, who put the back of a cupboard on back to front.... (too busy dreaming of his new lawn mower). I was impressed with Nat’s organisation (she produced beer and champagne for us), but we made our escape, before we were kitted out with tools and Ikea instructions.
Only 3 sleeps until Santa, I hope you have all being good boys and girls, and enjoy the Chrissy break!

Contentment

As the ocean tumbled beside us a wave of contentment washed over me. We were back to ‘our life’ in South Durras, were the friendliest kangaroos in Australia shared our campsite. The weather however, was not the friendliest and we endured gale force winds. Dave seemed concerned that our camper would blow over, and at one stage I was concerned too, as our camper shook from side to side. The wind storm brought down tree limbs and the power. The ‘no power’ extended down to Batemans Bay. No power also meant no water in the caravan park, where we were staying. I guess we were the lucky ones- we are pretty self contained and used the power from our battery. As I turned on our hot water, I looked at the guests in cabins with nothing.


Pebbly Beach



Kangaroos galore at South Durras

After bushwalking Pebbly Beach, a childhood haunt of Dave’s, we headed towards Braidwood. The town of Braidwood is heritage listed but is in need of repair. We arrived on a Sunday, however many shops were closed, others running on empty. So after a pie in the bakery we headed for our nation’s capitol.
Have any of you been along the King’s Highway in the past couple of years? If so, you will know I am not lying when I say that I spotted a monkey, bear, crocodile and panda along the roadside on the way into Queanbeyan. During the Melbourne Comedy Festival in March of this year, we caught a show by Tom Gleeson- he too had seen these animals, and shared his story. But to save you confusion- the ‘animals’ were stuffed toys, roped and nailed to various trees. I understand Tom has also started this fad in Melbourne.
But back to our nation’s capitol- I think we really give Canberra a hard time for no good reason. There is really much to see and do, and it is pretty easy to navigate your way around. Our stay here also coincided with our 8 year anniversary. Eight years- WOW. I pondered why the last 8 years have been so easy with Dave and decided it is because I amuse him. He is able to laugh at my idiosyncrasies and love me for them, while others may find them annoying. So with that in mind, I declared that I shall extend the contract, we are in it for the long haul.
On our journey around Australia, we are visiting many friends and relatives. So it was only fitting that we visit the War Memorial to see what we could find of my paternal Grandfather and Dave’s Great Uncle (?). My Grandfather

My Grandfathers name on the wall of rememberance, Australian War Memorial

died as a prisoner of war in Borneo. We easily found his name on the remembrance wall, but a search in the archives was restricted (we can apply to get access to the file). However, there was much information about Dave’s relative to be found and we learnt many details about the man and how he died (we also discovered he was a ranga). As a kid the War Memorial was somewhat exciting, with guns, planes and real life diorama’s. As an adult, it is a more sombre affair, showcasing how pointless war is. War will never stop, we will never learn.
It was our anniversary- a time for joy, so we left the War Memorial and chose to see the Degas exhibition at the National Gallery. Degas is one of France’s most renowned painters (he also was a sculptor and photographer). He delighted in painting scenes from the ballet, to horseracing and women in various stages of chores. My favourite was a ballet class scene. I pointed this out to Dave, but if he was to buy it for me, we would have no money to continue travelling.......... for the next 100 years. Oh well, I bought a postcard of the painting instead.
We are currently free camping, beside the Murray River near Howlong. Not quite sure whether we are in NSW or Victoria. I don’t mind- I am just glad we have left the locust plague behind. Driving here was like a scene from a horror movie-

Locusts in the sky....... end up in the radiator

the road covered in the dead bodies and the air thick with locusts. As they hit our windscreen, it sounded like we were driving through a storm. After a while it rather amused me, and I braced for the next onslaught. Over the crest of a hill and there they were, ready to do battle, lined up 50 deep. Of course we always won, although the windscreen ended up looking like a bad Pro Hart.

Shipwrecked

Toot, toot, honk, honk, beep, beep, crash, bang, thump. It was fast and furious, but we survived our ‘stopover in Sydney’. It was truly great to see friends and family, but now that we are ‘recovering’ in picturesque Kangaroo Valley, I know we are not ready to rejoin the city life just yet.
Leaving Sydney I did have some apprehension- are we doing the right thing, when will I see you all again, what is install for the future. As these thoughts raced through my mind, just south of Sydney the weather closed in. A thick fog blanketed our vision, and I couldn’t help but muse that it was rather symbolic of my state of mind. Then as we began to descend, the pea soup fog suddenly cleared and we were greeted with a view of a most glorious valley- so tranquil and serene. All of a sudden my dark mood lifted and I knew we were going to be OK.

Outhouse at the cop shop - heritage listed in Kangaroo Valley

Reflecting on the past week, a smile spreads wide across my face. The laughs between Chrissie (as she is now known), Haggis, Matt the Vet and Ivana. The surprise on Nat & Pete’s and Robin's face at the Oaks (we hadn’t told anyone we would be there). Sarah & Ameila, who went out of their way to see us, even if only briefly. Running into Nat- my friend from kindy right through to high school and beyond. The ‘day after’ giggles at lunch in Manly with V and Kiz. (We giggled at Dave who still had on some of his Jack Sparrow pirate outfit from the

Jack Sparrow and his wench- Jo's 40th

party the previous night). The generosity of Zelks, who moved out of his bedroom and onto the couch, for 3 nights, Sam & Michael pumping up our bed for a night and Jo & Jamie.
Jo is the reason we were back in Sydney- well her 40th Birthday party mainly. After a busy previous couple of days, I remember looking at my watch at 10.30pm and thinking, boy..... I am wrecked.... how am I going to last the night? Alas, the next time I looked at my watch it was 5am. Now I was thinking boy- WHAT A PARTY!! I was having so much fun the hours seemed to melt into minutes. Jo had set a J theme for her party. With limited time to arrange our costume, we went as pirates. Um... pirates start with a p...... oh well. But, I am cleverer than I think- we were congratulated on the ‘Jack Sparrow’ get ups! (Jack Sparrow was the pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie). Yes.... I had planned that all along...... Some other very clever costumes arrived, including jellyfish, Jack & Jill, JFK & Jackie Onassis, Jihadists,

Manager display, Kangaroo Valley

The Jetsons, all topped off with Jo as ‘I dream of Jeannie’ and Jamie as a Jack in the Box. Some select pics have been uploaded for your viewing pleasure, some from the early hours of the morning are not (hee hee).

Jack in the Box Jamie and me- Jo's 40th



Jo and the Jetsons- Jo's 40th

Last but not least, it was great to see our family- my Mum, who especially stocked up on our choice of Lite & Easy meals (they are actually very good!!). Dave’s parents Don & Brenda, who washed our home and cooked a great roast. We also managed a visit to see Dave’s sister Merrilyn, nephew Sam and niece Abbey. On our way back into Sydney we had a night with my brother and Adrianna, and of course my 3 nieces- Aneika, Leisa and Kayla. Actually the night we stayed over (along with Mum), it was Aneika’s graduation from pre-school to ‘big’ school. The graduation was complete with black cap and performance. Being only five, it was a comedy of errors, but certainly a moment to treasure.


Aneika's kindergarten graduation

But, we are ‘back on track’ and are heading south for the summer. After a sojourn in Melbourne we cross the Bass Strait on December 27- the Apple Isle our next extended stay.

Hidden Treasures

The power of music can make your heart soar or leave you crying. It truly can set the mood. As we crept further south and left the Celtic Country behind, the ambient sounds that sung from our stereo had a definite haunting ‘Braveheart’ quality to them. Our eyes were presented with countryside that would not be out of place in Scotland, as our ears also in tune with said country. Mist encrusted hills tumbling over themselves to a patchwork of vibrant green paddocks defied the grey sky above. We were now leaving Glen Innes, and the ‘Standing Stones’-

'Stonehenge' Glen Innes

similar to Stonehenge in the mother country. It is easy to see why so many Celts settled here, not only for the familiar countryside, but also the cool climate.
Living in Sydney, we were constantly reminded of water restrictions and drought. Having now travelled inland, whilst we know water is a constant struggle, there is certainly no visual evidence of drought- and the plentiful rain has also given paid to such! Rain certainly brings life. Vibrant green shoots bursting from both the ground and trees above....... and bugs.
Rainforests thrive on rain and ‘come alive’ after heavy falls.

Can you see the top of Dave's head (above rocks), Washpool National Park

Flies are my new found friends- you simply shoo them away, or swat them with one easy blow and voila- gone, not like the creepy crawlies I have encountered. Washpool National Park, a rather ‘unknown’ rainforest was to be our walking destination, as the rains eased. Rangers were out in force ‘mopping’ up after the storms- widening tracks, clearing fallen trees and reinforcing landslides. The track mostly reduced to a thick pile of fresh leaf litter, spongy on the feet, but as hard to walk on as soft sand. After swatting various unknown bugs and spiders out of the way, we sat on a huge granite boulder to enjoy lunch. It was then we noticed the ticks walking up our legs- lucky we were wearing long pants. After ‘refuelling’ we continued our Indiana Jones style journey through the rainforest. We were soon stopped again- this time by a Carpet Python, relaxing on the edge of the track.

Snake on our walk, Washpool National Park

He did not slither away as most do upon hearing humans. Perhaps he was deaf. Figuring his eyesight still worked, we threw sticks, stones and then rocks near him. Still he would not move. I also would not move until he did. Lucky I had plenty of water- this could be a long standoff. Eventually he slinked away, still not venturing far from the track. As a former District Long Jumper (no need to mention it was back in Primary School), I prepared for my run up and then sailed high and long in the air to escape my captor. Safe at last however, the track deteriorated even further after ‘the encounter’ and I was glad to finish that walk! I then proceeded to drive us home- some 80 odd kms- only managing to find the wrong gear twice (I am getting better at driving the beast). No comments please Dave.... just enjoy playing passenger, and watch the passing fields covered in daises, with the odd jersey cow to break up the sea of white.
The New England Highway holds many surprises for the inland traveller. Apsley

Tia Falls

Falls, crashing into a massive gorge below, Tia Falls cascading into uncharted territory. As we began our descent down the mountain, leaving Walcha behind, we arrived in Ellensborough- our latest free camping destination. We were now over the range and once again closer to the coast. Our free camping was successful, but fortunate we were not a day later. The annual bikie convention was on for the next two days- evidenced as we moved on- bikes, leather, beards and bellies converging on the roads.
Civilisation awaited us. That is my Uncle Terry and Aunty Sue’s farm at Hillville- near Taree. Take a long dirt road to the very end and the farm awaits you, hidden in a pretty valley, with a creek running by.

Cows surrounding our camper, Uncle Terry & Aunty Sue's farm

The farm is nestled in an old volcanic crater- hence surrounded by hills.... isolated from the outside world....... and any phone or TV reception, but catching up on stories meant we did not miss either. They are stocked with both cattle and horses. Cows are funny beasts, or maybe just ‘dumb’. I was in peals of laughter as Pied Piper Dave had the cows follow him on his walk over to move our camper. Once behind the wheel, they then trapped his path. No amount of shouting or tooting would move them- he eventually had to get out and physically push them aside. Lucky he hadn’t seen the bull then...
Other friends also live on the other side of the outskirts of Taree, and was our next squatting site. Their home is also on a very pretty block, complete with a lily filled dam. It was truly great to see them and catch up on the ‘gossip’, however I was not a fan of their dogs. Or rather the dogs were not fond of me. Jessie, took a big dislike to me and growled whenever I went near. She was soon muzzled, but that still did not stop her attempting to take a nip. By the end of our stay I would not move unless escorted by Emily and Paul - much to everyones amusement. However, after being treated to their culinary delights, we were also taken sightseeing and beach driving – I thoroughly recommended a stay at their joint.
For those that like to track our path- we are now in Hallidays Point- topping up the tans that have been fading. Tomorrow beckons a day at the beach, but for now it is off to prepare dinner.

QLD... perfect the next...

I have said before to be careful what you wish for. I wished for rain. After the dry heat, dust and onset of flies of Central QLD, I craved her coolness and cleansing qualities. The closer we got to the coast, the closer we got to her fury. As we approached Toowoomba, it was as if we were back on the Mt Buller Ski fields- a complete white out in the early afternoon. It felt so strange to experience this ‘wet stuff’ from above and I found myself reaching for a jumper, it was only 14 degrees here! A far cry from the 36, only days before.
As the black sky descended it was no use going sightseeing. Armed with a local wine guide, advising who was open, we set off for the Governor’s Choice winery (Toowoomba has many local wineries- mostly reds). Alas, our guide was incorrect- our selection was only open on weekends. Dam, we had driven all this way in the rain. As we conceded and walked back to our ute, the ‘rather dishy’ owner was pulling up on his 1972 Massey Ferguson (tractor). We showed him our guide, and with the obvious look of disappointment on our faces, he decided to open up- just for us!
The vineyard grounds were spectacular, rolling green lawns, framed by cottage flowers, creating a runway to the vines. As the mist danced against the mountains, we were poured our first taste (aka half a glass). By the third taste I was feeling warm and cosy and we shared camping stories with our host. By now he was joining us in the tasting and decided we should finish off the bottle of port. Having sampled all his wares, we selected our purchases, and as we expressed our thanks were handed a free bottle of wine. He was supposed to be doing the paperwork- and wished to thank us for the excuse to get out of it.
We had actually planned a visit to a winery to arm ourselves with gifts for our Gold Coast hosts the next evening- Bern and Gary. I used to work with Bern at News Limited, and we had a laugh about our lives only a short time ago. Dave and I now ‘on the road’, Bern and Gary now settled on the Gold Coast, only if arriving a mere 3 weeks prior. The new domestic life is certainly agreeing with both of them- a relaxed and welcoming feel greeted us as soon as we arrived (lucky cause I brought all my washing with me.......). Their home has been made complete with a couple of boxers from the pound. They really have turned into the Griswalds. Never a dull moment. Gary announced plans to build a dog kennel. Dave was consulted, although overhearing the plans, I think the dogs may be better building their own....
As you no doubt have heard on the news, Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been experiencing ‘a little bit of wind and rain’. That night down it came, the noise deafening. This would have not been so bad, and perhaps we would have got a little bit of sleep, if it hadn’t had been for Storm (the boxer) and her kennel cough. I really did feel sorry for her, but every half hour, she coughed up her lungs, right outside our bedroom window.
Oh well, at least the 6 inches in two hours filled the pool to the brim. Gary ‘Griswald’ decided to drain the overflow, but uh um, drained too much. In went the hose to fill it back up............ they certainly are relaxed.
All good fun was had though and we bade our hosts goodbye. After a quick stretch of the legs on Broadbeach and a splash in the cool ocean, we set the new GPS for Lamington National Park. Driving through Mt Tambourine, we viewed the devastation from the Sunday night storm. Swollen creeks, fallen trees, landslides and damaged dwellings. The road further on, had only just been reopened. I was wishing it was still closed, having had not much sleep, I was not in the best state for a ride on the ‘ghost train’- well that is what it felt like to me- narrow winding roads, blind corners, one lane passes and recent evidence of landslides. The fun park

Tree Tops Walk, O'Reilys (scary!)

experience continued with the Tree Tops walk. I was a little scared on the rickety, uneven slats 20 metres above the ground. The signs asking for donations to narrow the gaps of the slats, didn’t help in easing my nerves, especially as they started half way along.
Monument to plane crash, O'Reilys

Back on terra firma, we went for an amble in the rainforest and I began to appreciate the beauty of this National Park and her wildlife. King Parrots,

Regent Bower Bird


Satin Bower Bird

Regent and Satin Bower Birds, Rosellas (and those dam Bush Turkeys) landing on anyone holding some seed. All too soon, we were back in the car and headed for Boonah. Ignoring the storm damage, the hinterland region was very pleasant on the eye- and were relatives of Dave’s grandfathers era had resided.

Great Uncle Stubbin, War memorial, Boonah

They have been immortalised at the War Memorial in the Boonah Park, and with photos taken, we made our way back home to Toowoomba.
You are reading this blog, so it is obvious we arrived safe. However, as we ascended up the mountain, so did the next storm. All vehicles, including us, were travelling at 10km per hour, as the rain, hail and winds pelted us from all directions. Arriving ‘home’ the storm cleared, allowing us to prepare for the next one.
A warm sunny day greeted us the following morn and we made our way to Stanthorpe, but not before a sojourn to the Toowoomba Japanese Gardens. We will certainly spend more time in future in this beautiful garden city.

Japanense Gardens, Toowomba

We are settling here in Stanthrpe for a few days of R&R. Lavender Gardens, local crafts, National Parks and many wineries are the attractions in this ‘Granite Belt’ region, and I must now sign off- Dave has selected a winery that specialises in liquors. Perfect for after dinner.

Fair Dinkum

Roma certainly partied well into the night, after the ‘Roma Cup’. Me- I was tucked up in bed by 9pm. The following morn as I proceeded to shower I was amused by the sights- girls with obvious hangovers and some arriving ‘home’ still in their cup finery at 8am. I think a fair few ‘got lucky’, perhaps we will see a population increase in 9 months time.........
Dave and I giggled at the sights around us as we packed up and headed for Chinchilla. The road out of Roma was a steady stream of utes, with cops at the ready to breath test ‘the morning after’.
As with many a small town, tourism brings dollars. There are usually free camping sites, some with basic amenities. Here at Chinchilla, down by the weir, the free camping comes complete with a toilet block and power- such luxury! We were only to stop one night, but our ‘free camp’ is so tranquil and the outlook so ‘pretty’ we have decided to stay for two. We are positioned on a grassy bank, which is dotted with blue gums.

View across the weir, Chinchilla

The water has a slow, smooth rhythm as it gently laps at a little grass island, which is home to many variety of birds. We are not alone at our campsite, our neighbours having checked us out to ensure we are trustworthy or in need of anything. By law you can camp here for 2 nights. Pete- ‘our one legged neighbour’ has been here for a few weeks.

Pete the bushie, oven he made me in foreground

This is OK with the local council though, as he is here for some R&R after heart surgery. A real ‘bushie’ he did not want to stay in town. Pete has also taken a shine to me, and has taken it upon himself to make ‘the Mrs’ into a ‘real little bushie’.
As we mostly cook outside, Pete decided to make me a firewood ‘cooker’ from an old LPG bottle. It actually is an ingenious idea, and can be used with a camp oven, grill rack, wok, frypan or as a heater. After cutting, welding and much chinwag between all the ‘blokes’ camping here, my cooker was ready. I was summoned to see if it met with my approval. I made all the right ohhh and ahhhhs and proceeded to make a celebratory cup of tea.
I think ‘our weir’, is the best attraction of Chinchilla. We did explore the area and embarked on the Barakula Forest Drive. This ‘tourist drive’ is basically a poor road in the scrub. Full stop.


Deep into the forest we came across a local, who had been collecting honey (boy can country folk talk). I don’t think many tourists, ‘do’ this drive and he stopped us to see if we were OK. We showed him our tourist drive brochure, but he said ‘what a joke’- nothing to really see. Phew- glad it wasn’t just us who thought it was lame. Even the local wildlife seemed to want

Cows wanting to escape the boredom of Barakula Forest Drive

to leave. A young kangaroo tried to commit suicide by jumping into our car- luckily no real damage done to the car or kanga- he may have a headache though. As we then approached a cattle grid, we were greeted with a herd lined up, seeming to wish they had the gall to step over and escape.
Leaving the forest behind, we drove over a grid at the dingo fence. This fence also has a sonic deterrent, which with the windows down you can very easily hear.
Tomorrow we leave our oasis (complete with green frog in the ladies) and head for Toowoomba- a big town. Should be no frogs in the loos there!