The dinner is $40 per person and includes a 2 course meal. The night will commence at 7pm and guests will hear from inspirational guest speakers  Jan Howard and Mary Holley – the 2019 Australian Sailing NSW SheSails Award Winners. Jan and Mary will discuss how they established the successful women's training program at NCYC. As they are both veterans of many Sydney Hobart races, they wanted to give other women the opportunity to enjoy sailing as much as they did, and set up training programs specifically for women to learn in a very supportive and collaborative environment, focused on skill and confidence building.
 
The booking link is as follows: https://www.trybooking.com/BEFRC.

Wednesday 26th & 27th June.
Our next stop Grafton where we meet up with our dear friend Bevan Williamson who is on route to Pottsville, but beforehand he is going to join us and spend the next two days relaxing in Grafton. We decided to check into the Gateway Lifestyle caravan park, which as the name suggests is also a retirement village. Once settled into our van sites we decided to take a walk around the park and get a feel for the place. This is a very neat, well established caravan park, with manicured gardens and plenty of lawn particularly in and around the retirement village. The caravan sites were large and easy to get into, also we were fortunate as our sites were very close to the amenities. For such a great quality caravan park we were surprised to find the daily fee at only $25.00. very reasonable. 
The private homes in the retirement village were all modern and well maintained with great gardens, individule driveways and sizeable garages.                                                                                              Bevan noticed a leak on our van, water coming from a water hose leading to the toilet the plastic fitting had split. A quick trip to the plumber supplies part purchased and back to the park to replace the broken part, job done time for dinner.
Today is a shopping day, topping up the food supplies and trying to find the Information Centre. Try as we did, we just could not find the information centre even our GPS, which took us to the so-called location, it just was not there, we guess it has moved address. 
Grafton is situated on the mighty Clarence river with a population of around 20000, the greater Grafton area has a population of some 50000. In 1851 Governor Fitzroy named Grafton after his grandfather the Duke of Grafton a former Prime Minister of England.
Grafton was originally opened up because of its Cedar forests known as red gold a much sought-after timber. Today Grafton is known for logging, beef cattle, fishing/prawning, sugar, manufacturing and tourism.

Friday 28th June.
Our next stop Hastings Point Caravan Park situated on Mooraback Creek a tidal creek, which opens up through sand banks to the Ocean. The caravan park is on a bend of the creek and looks out towards the entrance. Opposite is a hill over looking the beach and from this point it is possible to spot whales frolicking on their way to the breeding grounds.We met up with Rhonda & Howard dear friends originally from Mt Eliza, Rhonda & Pam share the same birthdate the 1st July as such a birthday drink at the local watering hole, a lovely night.

Saturday 29th June through to Sunday 29th July.
Breakfast with Rhonda then on our way to our daughter’s home at Tanah Merah Brisbane. Parking the van at our daughter’s home is by far the most difficult parking I make, enough said. But I must admit I always enjoy the challenge. On previous visits we have only spent a couple of weeks with Tracie and the boys but this time Tracie had a number of jobs, which needed doing also she had a very busy period at work as she had only recently arrived home after an overseas holiday, as such our timing was perfect for her.  I repaired her pool chlorinator, serviced her motor mower, repaired some damage on a wall, adjusted her curtain mechanism, mowed lawns and became Oliver’s driver with school pick ups and soccer training/playing runs, all very satisfying. Pam washed clothes, cooked meals, house cleaned, and helped Tracie with designing a display for her companies’ exhibition to be held in Sydney in just a few weeks’ time, they walked every day, exercising, but most importantly enjoyed some great Mum and Daughter time together. we were both thrilled to help out and isn’t that what parents are for, there is no doubt as a single Mum she does a great job and we are very proud of her.   I also took the opportunity to make repairs and polish the caravan and the cruiser both badly in need of attention.
Pam has a number of relatives in Queensland and we took the opportunity to catch up with as many as we could some lovely lunches and catch ups. We also caught up with Adrian and Daisy, friends we met on a Canada & Alaska cruise, a great couple and good company.

Tuesday 30th July.
With the van all packed by 11am we were soon to start our next journey, to negotiate the gate and get onto the road one must drive across the road and onto the nature strip opposite, normally I can then get onto the road and align on the bitumen, not today, as I got out of the gate the garbo turned up leaving me little room to negotiate. Being in a hurry I drove out of their way only to hit a deep guttering slicing a hole in the side of the front tyre. Off to get a new tyre, back to hook up the van finally on our way. Our next stop Scarborough to visit Neil & Lois sailing friends. Last time we called in N & L had a few Butcher Birds, which they fed each morning one named squeaky, well Squeaky knew he was on a good wicket inviting the rest of the family to join him, not a good move as he and his family became unpopular and got evicted. Neil’s Mum was over from Tasmania enjoying some warm weather, a delightful Lady, much talking about sailing, Tasmania, politics and just having a great time. As usual Lois cooked up a storm enjoyed over a glass or two.

Wednesday 31st July.
After coffee with Neil, Lois and Neil’s Mum we set off heading towards Bundaberg, our overnight stop the Woodford show grounds. This is a great overnight stop, good facilities quiet and close to the village. Woodford is known for its folk festival, which is held each year over the new year’s holiday period it is very popular especially with the young. Woodford has been kind to our Daughter Debbie who for some years had a stall there selling her clothing range with great success. She had a double bonus as she also loved joining in with the festival activities.
                                                                                                                                                  

Thursday 1st August.
This morning we head to the Maroochydore Bush Botanical Gardens to meet up with Robin & Faye White who are staying close by at the Cotton Tree caravan park. The Botanic Garden is well worth a visit when in this area, the gardens are an eighty-two hectares eucalypt forest with walking tracks and winding creeks some flowing into large water holes. One of the walks has been dedicated to the arts with many sculptures placed around the walking track created by artists from around the world. As we had done this track before we chose the river walk, which we all enjoyed, afterwards coffee and cake at the canteen. We were served by a Downs Syndrome girl who did a great job and was very ably assisted by one of the volunteers working in the canteen, it was great to see. Time to move on to our next stop Chatsworth Park, which is 6km south of Gympie a free overnight stopover. The Gympie council have done a great job setting up this parking area, the sites are all clearly marked and easy to manoeuvre, at the park are clean amenities and the park land has three large ponds with many varieties of water bird species. The area is about three hectares and Pam and I enjoyed walking around the area. One big draw back it is on the Bruce Highway and very noisy.

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th August.
For the next four days we are staying at Moore Park Beach with Bill & Leslie who built their home here 12 months ago moving from Brisbane and what a great home they have created. The lay out of the house works very well and complimented with an outside covered barbeque area. We were parked alongside the house the lead in to Bills rather large shed where he stores his caravan. Bill and I fished the top end of the Kolan river over two days and between us caught six fish unfortunately all undersize, one cod fish looked to be OK but it measured 2mm undersize at 38mm. bugger. Bill, Pam and I walked the beach on three of the days Pam setting the pace her little legs working hard with Bill and I at a more leisurely pace lagging behind. Leslie is an accomplished artist she has created some wonderful paintings and is once again turning her skill to making two lead light windows, the first one giving her some grief as she is a perfectionist, however she also has incredible patience. Leslie & Bill introduced us to a game called funergel a dice game and great fun, I can’t wait to introduce this game to our grandchildren. Our time with B&L was very relaxing and we are looking forward to seeing them in Mornington later this year.

Tuesday 6th August.
We bid our fair wells to B & L and headed to Miara situated at the entrance of the Kolan river, the caravan park runs along the river front and is a great fishing spot. What I like about this place is that I can leave the boat in the water safely. We were introduced to this park by Ron & Jan Sweetser both previously members of MYC, Ron the Class Captain for trailable yachts when we joined. As I was reversing the van into our site who should be parked alongside but Ron & Jan, it was great to catch up. After setting up the van launching the boat, I was now all ready to put fear into the fish stock. Speaking with Ron I learned that the fishing was slim pickings all put down to a lack of rain during the summer, however I was not daunted.Ron was right after three days fishing the only taker was a 45cm Flathead a lovely fish. It was not that there were no fish, there were hundreds of Toads, I must have caught 25 of the buggers, some small flathead with some catching whiting and bream but not many.  However, sun beamer’s with Ron, Jan and friends was pleasant and Pam very wisely stocked the fridge, so no shortage of food. On our last day there one fellow caught the biggest Flathead I have ever seen it was 73cm just a monster I was now wondering why we were moving on.

Saturday 10th August.
Today we head to Eumundi, staying at the show grounds, our preference was Maroochydore but all the caravan parks were full. Our reason to stay here was to catch up with friends Chris & Glenys Leighton and Robin & Faye white both couples staying at the Cotton Tree caravan park. Is it any wonder all the caravan parks were full, this is a busy place, 40 years ago we stayed at Cotton tree with the ankle biters then it was a lovely seaside village a  relaxed place, today it is fast becoming another surfers paradise with multi storey buildings along the river and more under construction? The Leighton’s, White’s and ourselves went to the Coffee Club for lunch a very popular place afterwards back to the White’s site, which is looking towards the mouth of the river a pretty spot. Chris told us of their visit to Lightning Ridge where he bought a ring featuring a brilliant green opal and of a cave where one fellow had carved figures into the cave apparently quite spectacular. We have yet to visit Lightening Ridge it is now on our radar.

After Eumundi we start heading south our next stop Bribie Island.                        

Request for help for The 2020 420 Australian Championships 1st- 9th Jan 2020

• We have two jury members that we need to billet for the regatta, one juror will have his wife. If we can billet them it will save us paying for their accommodation. Ideally close to the club as they some times have late nights with protests and again, if possible, not with competitors.

 

• Are you medically qualified? We are looking for a nurse or doctor to be at club or a float at all times boats are afloat. Happy if people can only do a day or two and we arrange a roster.

 

• Do you any corporation with a reasonable size Marquee? We are happy to hire one or borrow one and promote any brand associated with it.

 

• BBQ/ Lunches, yard , and canteen; If you can help for a day in any way during the event on or off the water please let us know.

 
Please contact Chris Jackson Yachting@aquariuspools.com.au if you can help (or 0412591451 after hours if possible)

ORCV Coastal Sprint Races is a new initiative from ORCV Sailing for 2019/20 season in response to skippers asking for more Category 3 races.  They have been designed to provide crew development and a pathway for longer ocean races.  Each ORCV Coastal Sprint race aims to have skippers and crew home Saturday evening.

Being Category 3, there is no requirement to for HF Radio, Satellite phone, storm sails or life rafts (for those under 12m). 

Come try ocean racing or utilise them as a training together with the ORCV Melbourne to Stanley prior to Christmas ocean races of ORCV Melbourne to Hobart or Rolex Sydney to Hobart.
The first ORCV Coastal Sprint is November 23rd 2019.  Entries are now open.

For more details https://www.orcv.org.au/sailing/races/coastal-sprint-series

Saturday 15th June.
After sorting through the Henderson wine cellar, a farewell morning tea it was time to hit the road again. We enjoyed the pizza night at the Watchbox Winery, time sightseeing in Beechworth, Art galleries, Sculptures, Gem store, the bakery and much talk about sailing. A great two days. Our first stop Wodonga to fill with fuel then along the Hume highway our overnight stop Jugiong.  We stayed in the Jugiong show ground, which is below the highway and on a creek, a large grassed area but no power or water not that impacts on us. 
The Hume highway once went through Jugiong but now travels along the hill top leaving Jugiong isolated in a gully, one can see the traffic on the highway above. 
For a while Jugiong was adversely affected by the bypass but that is now changing. The Sir George hotel the major business in the town has gone through a major renovation with the old stone hotel regaining its charm, the owners have also added a number of up market timber huts surrounding a courtyard with landscaping enhancing this complex. Complimenting the hotel is a bakery/pizza café this an old country town timber building with an open fire and wholesome food. Jugiong caters well for the traveller and those heading to the snow. There is also an historic police station and a monument to a police sergeant shot by bush rangers.

Sunday 16th June.
It was freezing last night an extra doona on the bed and hot water bottles made life a little more comfortable I think I will have to invest in a diesel heater. On our way by 9.30am our intention to stay in the North Ryde national park, which is in an ideal central location near Sydney, we have stayed there quite a few times. When near the Sydney outskirts we rang Ray & Lyn to let them know we would arrive in Sydney today, Lyn was adamant that we park the van at their home. I had some reservations as the roads to their home have tight roundabouts and they don’t have a suitable place to park a van. However, we decided to travel there and if this didn’t work out, we would go to the Narrabeen caravan park, which is close by. It all turned out well as Ray had arranged a great spot in front of the neighbour’s house, which did not impact on them, power connected now time to socialise with Ray & Lyn who are very astute people as they are supporters of the Sydney Swans. Lyn had prepared dinner, which went down well, afterwards we watched the footy on TV.

Monday 17th June.
Overnight it started to rain and by morning heavy rain had set in, earlier we had arranged to go to lunch at the Bella Vista Café at North Head meeting Peter & Meagan people we had met during our recent cruise. What a great place the café overlooks the Sydney Harbour heads only one problem it was so overcast visibility was very poor, at times we could not even see the heads, but the food and company was great. Later we adjourned to Peter & Meagan’s house in Manly interesting home the main room being octagonal with 270-degree views. Coffee, Cheese and Bickies much chatting then on our way back to R&L’s home.  Although the rain had eased, Ray had to take a longer return route as many roads were flooded, the big disappointment there was not much rain in the catchment area.

Tuesday 18th June.
We bid our goodbyes. R & L who are lovely people generous and welcoming.  Our objective is to travel the pacific highway to Brisbane and we set off towards Newcastle, the rain had stopped and leaving at 10am meant that the traffic through the suburbs was light. Our first stop a roadside stop on the Hawksbury River. Coffee from the mobile coffee van a stretching of the legs then on our way again. We decided to stay at the Dunlieth Tourist Park situated on Lake Tuggerah great park looking across to the town and only a short walk to the surf beach. After setting up the van we walked to the surf beach then to the entrance, which was very shallow with a strong outgoing tide.   Fishermen were along the lake and standing in the water in the middle of the lake, we saw two fishermen walk from one side of the lake to the other and the water did not get passed their waist. We then decided to walk to the opposite side but taking the bridge on the highway a long walk but good exercise and it gave us a chance to get a feel for the town, this is a great summer holiday destination.

Wednesday 19th June.
 As we have travelled this route before we wanted to get off the beaten track and decided to make for Old Bar a fishing / holiday village on the coast, the Old Bar caravan park is close to a surf beach but behind sand dunes, which gives protection from the wind. Another fantastic beach starting at Halliday’s Point and finishing at the Manning River approximately 10 kilometres long, lovely fine sand but I would feel dangerous for swimming particularly at present as the sea is rough. The caravan park was almost empty as such we could choose any sight. The amenities were clean, the park tidy, staff friendly a great place to stay. Considering that Old Bar is on a dead-end road we were surprised to come across a huge public school with some works in progress this a three-storey building covering a large area as we learned it is to be a teacher’s college. It seemed an unusual place to find such a large complex in a town with a population of only 4000.  
When I was setting up the van, I noticed some beetles in a bush, hundreds of them and brightly coloured, vivid reds, orange and iridescent blue with small black spot and stripe markings, quite special. Google advises that they are called bright coloured beetles and can be poisonous.

Thursday 20th June.
We left Old Bar late as I needed to install a security app to my computer it took some two hours but at least it is now done. Our next stop Manning Point on the Manning river only a short drive arriving at manning point by 11.30am. We parked the van near the boat ramp and then walked to the beach, another amazing beach and like the others very few people there. We walked to the entrance of the Manning River a spectacular sight, wide with a rough sea running. This beach is again about 10 to 15 kilometres long and again a superb beach.  Our walk from our entrance to the beach to the heads and back again was about four kilometres some good exercise. Now time for lunch at the water front seafood restaurant, we enjoyed calamari and flathead fillets washed down with water. Yes Water. Our next stop North Haven again hugging the coast, there were several caravan parks in the area but only one on the water’s edge, the Diamond Waters caravan park at Dunbogan. Again, the park was almost empty and we were given a large site not far from the water. This is in a rain forest area dense with Paper Bark trees, Sheoaks, Mangroves and eucalypts, a swampy area and quite special. The lake looks quite shallow and near to where we are camped there are numerous oyster farms. A nice park the only minus our site was a long way from the amenities also it had a large number of permanent sites.

Friday 21st June.
On checking the map, we decided to head to Stuarts Point a small village on the Macleay River another fisherman’s paradise. We checked into the Stuarts Point caravan park, which borders the river. Once again, we had a choice of numerous sites choosing one in the sun with a view over to the river, our intention to spend one night here. As we were setting up, I spoke with our neighbour who was returning from a fishing trip he had five very nice flathead, which he had caught with soft plastic lures. After getting all set up Pam and I went for a reconnaissance and close to our site was a boat launching ramp with a hand winch very handy for launching and retrieval. We then walked to the beach and all we can say is that this area is blessed with fantastic beaches. After our walk we went to the local café for coffee then back to the van for dinner. Over dinner watching the news we learn that tomorrow is fine but thereafter we are in for rain all up the coast. As such we decided to stay here for one more day and do some fishing so up early tomorrow, but first to watch the Swans Hawthorn match.

Saturday 22nd June.
Up early took about an hour to set up the tinny soon off fishing. We first went towards the heads the tide had just turned, the best time to land a fish, the river is shallow and finding one’s way around the sand bars was testing we were zigzagging up the river following the markers, it was bit like my golf, also there was a very cold southerly blowing.  After fishing for about 90 minutes with no success we decided to head up river and get away from the wind. The water past the bridge was deeper but the wind following us however we persisted with fishing and after a long time on the water with only two bites and no fish we headed back to the park, my reputation as a fisherman intact.  Now when in Tasmania I caught two lovely Squid, on our return Pam cooked up two squid flaps for lunch and they were delicious. Tomorrow we move closer to warm weather.      

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. 23rd to 25th June.
Our destination Uranga, which is at the mouth of the Bellingen River. This is our third visit here and one of our favourite coastal destinations, firstly we enjoy the Reflections Caravan Park in our opinion it is six stars, it gets better with every visit. But at $43.00 a night it is up there. Having said that there are deals and we saved $25 00 by joining the Reflections club. The caravan park is on the river about a kilometre from the entrance, pretty spot with large sites and excellent facilities. Close to the park is a board walk which traverses over a wet land area to the river mouth and another amazing beach. On the walk you can often see Kangaroo and in the swamp stingray swimming and feeding.  The caravan park is also across the road from the shopping centre, very convenient. The golf course & boat ramp are just a three-minute drive away. Pam & I played golf on the Sunday a nice little 9-hole course with plenty of water hazards.  On Sunday evening the promised rain was starting just a few showers to start with but building, as such on Monday we decided to go to drive along the waterfall way to the Dorrigo National Park a magnificent rain forest. The waterfall way passes two small falls the Newell & Sherrard Falls both are right on the roadside passing under the road. 
On our arrival at the Dorrigo National Park we picked up a map and set off on the Wonga Walk firstly to the Crystal Shower Falls to the Tristiania Falls back to the ranger station. After the rain and with some rain during our walk the forest was just a magical wonderland the leaves on the palms, ferns and trees glistened in the sunlight, the rain had revitalised the mosses and fungi, everywhere was so green just beautiful. Magnificent Black Box gums reached for the heavens joined by Stranger Figs, Coachwood, Sassafras, Crab-apple and climbing vines all competing for the sun. This was a testing walk of some seven kilometres.                                                                                                                 
We enjoyed this walk even if rather stiff and exhausted when we arrived back at the van as such, we returned on Monday to walk the Never Never walk and it was raining steadily, now I must say that although the walk was uncomfortable the experience was well worth the effort. Our aim was to walk to the Red Cedar Falls the most challenging walk in the park. However, as we arrived to the track to the falls a tree had covered the track making it impossible to pass, we photographed the area for the parks management and marked on the map its location. Rather than retrace our tracks we headed towards the Coachwood Falls the rain now set in but not heavy thankfully, the walk was challenging but again special and not surprising we were the only people on the track. Arriving to the Coachwood falls we could see the falls through the trees a narrow stream of water making its way between a rock crevasse into rapids. Above the falls was a small lagoon the river gently flowing into the lagoon a relaxing sight before the rough and tumble of the falls.                                                        
   Our return was along a rising track back to the car park by this time we were drenched and looking forward to a coffee at the ranger station. Our walk took two hours and we walked about five kilometres. Once back at the ranger station we informed them of the blocked track and of a motorhome stranded in the middle of the road they could not get traction to get up the hill the road was muddy and slippery. Back at the van warm dry clothes and now planning our next destination.

1.VIC – All  Female Only Club Race Officer Course – Mount Martha Yacht Club
 Date; 29th June 2019
Time : 10am - 4pm
Venue: Mount Martha Yacht Club
Female Club RO course.
Please register at the link below.
There will be a small charge this time to ensure commitment but the course is still heavily discounted if you use the following discount code:  FemaleCRO19 when you register
Female Club Race Officer Course MMYC click here to register
 

1. Safety Boat Operators Course – free to females - – RBYC  - 28th / 29th June 2019

 
Thanks to a Victorian government grant AS are able to support female entries into coaching to improve female engagement in sailing.
AS will cover the entire entry fee for females into the below mentioned courses in order to get more female coaches engaged in sailing in Victoria.
To be eligible for the 100% discount you need to enroll in both a Safety boat Course & Sailing Coach Course, or if you have your safety boat operator certificate just the Sailing Coach Course.
The end goal is to get more female coaches!
RBYC will be running the Safety Boat Operator Course on June 28th and 29th.
This course provides the skills needed to support water-based activities at clubs, schools and outdoor recreation centres. You’ll learn about race course design, practise on-water rescue of dinghies and gain an awareness of techniques to support kite surfers and kayaks. It’s designed for participants who wish to support their Sailing Club as a support boat for either racing or learn to sail courses. This course is also a prerequisite for becoming a Sailing Coach.
Thanks to a grant from Change Our Game Victorian government, in collaboration with Australian Sailing, women looking to get the Sailing Coach qualification can enrol in the course for free, by using the code FemaleSafetyboat during registration.
In order to benefit from this discount, you must also enrol in a Sailing Coach course (also free! If you do not have your safety boat operators certificate already) by using the code FemaleFreeCoach (links below)
Click here to register for Safety Boat course

1. SAILING COACH COURSE 2nd – 4th August 2019

Dates
Friday 2nd August 16:30 - 20:00
Saturday 3rd August 08:30 - 17:00
Sunday 4th August 08:30 - 17:00
 
Venue: Albert Park lake
Female entries prior 30th June can ENTER FREE!
Please follow the discount code instructions to register for the coach course on the Sailing Coach Event Page.
Female entries after 30th June 2019 will NOT be able to redeem the discount or reimbursement.

Monday 10th June.
Its that time of year again, the cold weather has arrived and it’s time to head north to a warmer climate. On the road by 10am our first stop Shepparton staying overnight at the Victoria Park caravan park, which is situated on the Victoria Lake and close to the Goulburn river with only a short walk to the Shepparton shopping centre.                                                                                         Although there has been some good rain and the paddocks are green the countryside is still in drought, a green drought. At least the grass is coming back and soon the farmers will have feed, this will be a huge saving as the cost of hay has skyrocketed.

Tuesday 11th June.
It was freezing last night and we were pleased to be on power and able to have the electric heater running, a comfortable night’s sleep. After breakfast we went for a walk along the Goulburn river past some magnificent old River Gums with fungi starting to come through after the rain. This is a popular track with joggers, cyclists, and people walking their dogs in what is a beautiful area.
We so enjoyed the walk we lost track of time and had overstayed our time at the park as such our pass word would not operate to open the boom gate, fortunately a kind young lady assisted and we were soon on our way to Yarrawonga where we caught up with Phil Clarnette a previous neighbour of ours, coffee with Phil and Ros caught up on some family news then on our way to Rutherglen. Phil mentioned that Yarrawonga is booming several new estates and two new golf courses being developed, which we noticed as we were leaving this area, lunch at a parkland bordering the Yarrawonga Lake, great spot with some very nice modern houses in this area.                                                                          
We arrived at Rutherglen by 3pm and checked into the Only caravan park in Rutherglen, which borders a small lake currently being given a face lift considerable land scaping being carried out, it will improve the area and benefit the caravan park. The promised rain is starting, with a forecast for damaging winds and heavy rain, we were battening down the hatches in preparation.

Wednesday 12th June.
Up early the rain was only light during the night and now with a break in the weather we decided to take a walk around the lake to the golf course with a view to playing nine holes but the weather put a stop to that. As such off on a drive and we called in to see if Bill Chambers was at the winery, his son informed us that Bill was at home and we should call in to see him. As we neared the house we saw Wendy in the garden collecting some veges, we called out to her and she was pleased to see us, we walked together to the house where we were invited in for coffee.                                                                          
Coffee turned into lunch then into afternoon tea, a lot of catching up to do and as always Bill and Wendy were magnificent hosts.                                                                                                             Our reason to call into Rutherglen was to catch up with old friends and I was hoping to arrange dinner with Colin & Prue Campbell and Chris & Robyn Pfeiffer, however three weeks prior Colin had passed away from cancer, Colin was a great friend and no doubt he will be sadly missed by his family. I had asked Chris if he thought Prue would join us for dinner, he suggested dinner be at their home, which he felt would be more comfortable for Prue, however she declined as she was not ready to circulate, understandable.                                                                                                  
Chris insisted we come to his home with Robyn preparing a roast lamb in the wood fired oven. We arrived at 7pm bringing Cheese, Chocolates, Portuguese vintage port and a Mataus Rose. Robyn had organised a beer, cider and ginger beer tasting, which was interesting and a bit of fun, all went down well with the cheese.                                                                               
The lamb was to die for washed down with some Pfeiffer medal winning cabernet and the lemon tart went marvellous with the port.  
A toast to absent friend’s discussions about the industry and the Rutherglen area in particular made for a wonderful night. 
Andrew Hickenbotham asked me to pass on to Chris two bottles of his award winning Pinot Noir, which I did. Chris suggested I call in tomorrow morning to pick up two of his award winning Cabernet to be passed on to Andrew, these I will nurse until put into Andrews safe hands.

Thursday 13th & Friday 14th June
The rain had been steady all night but nothing like what had been predicted and now it was starting to ease, We packed up the van and drove to the shopping centre to buy flowers for Prue Campbell, this done we took the flowers to the winery and passed them to the fellow at the tasting area who said he would make sure Prue received them that morning.                           
Off to Pfeiffer’s to pick up the wine for Andrew and to pass on the book I promised to give to Chris, which I forgot to bring with me last night. Robyn offered coffee and we talked about their wine distribution in the UK and Canada their two biggest export markets, the weekend being the Winery Walkabout weekend all sorts of activity was taking place at the winery removing Marquees and furniture and a general cleaning up. As we were about to leave one of the stakes holding the marquee when removed caused water to start flowing from the hole, the stake had punctured a water pipe. Chris now with plenty on his hands, we bid our goodbyes and got out of his hair. Our next stop Morris Wines to hopefully catch up with David Morris, but first lunch at the bakery as we have heard that they have great and interesting pies. Pam wanted a pastie but they were all sold out so she settled for a beef pie, I had a kangaroo pie, which was delicious, it even had a kangaroo shape on the pastry. 
On arrival at Morris wines we were informed that we had missed David by about 10 minutes and they were not sure how long he would be, I asked that David be told of our visit and that we would catch up next time through. 
Our next stop The Indigo Valley to catch up with the Henderson family arriving at 3pm we set up in our now reserved position connected to power then called down to the house Sarah hadn’t realised we had arrived. Some excitement the police had arrested two suspected terrorists at Barnawatha we had just driven through that area where there was a small police presence gathering information.   
We spent two relaxing days with the Henderson’s. During our stay Sarah mentioned that someone had purposely contaminated their water tanks whilst they were in Melbourne a white powder was found in the guttering of the house and on the top of their tanks with a hatch forced open on one tank with white powder around it. The water had a terrible taste and was found to be strongly acidic, but the foreign material was not able to be identified. They involved the police but no finger prints were found nor any other factors that could identify the offender who they believe they know. A security camera will soon be installed. Tomorrow we head towards Sydney.