Its a Dog's Life

Hi Everyone,
While we were visiting Melbourne at Easter, we did a trip on the Ferry from Williamstown , up the Yarra River right into the heart of the city. We had our daughter and two Granddaughters with us, this was the first time for the girls on a boat. Beautiful weather on the day. When we returned to Williamstown, I went on the navy ship that is permanently docked there. It is now a museum with a great collection.

This is one way to see the sites of Melbourne

Or try the trams

Flinders Street Station

A big day, little legs get tired

Just one of the many bridges we passed under on the Yarra

Melbourne City here we come

Navy ship at Williamstown

 The art work on the bridges

a view from one of the many ferries that travel up and back on the Yarra River

 The Navy Ship is now a great museum

 Deep Sea diving gear










TIP OF THE WEEK:
Most of us have owned or do own a dog, which we love to take with us as a traveling companion. We owned a dog and she came with us on many trips in the caravan. If we went into a shop, she would sit outside and wait for us without a leash. If we went to the showers she would sit and wait outside, she has been known to try and get inside with us. Unfortunately it is getting harder to find places that will except pets while traveling. Some caravan parks now days want to see the pets vaccination papers, other parks won't let you leave your dog unattended at the caravan and more and more caravan parks just won't allow pets period!!!
A week ago I read a story where a truck driver was sacked because he had a dog in his truck with him. Company policy being that NO DOGS ON SITE. This poor driver had nowhere else to keep the dog and it was his traveling companion.
Have a safe and happy travels, cheers

The High's and Lows of Caravaning'

Hi Everyone,
We have been traveling so much lately that we have decided to stay put for awhile and REST.
Our trip to Melbourne was great and the weather was surprisingly pleasant. One of the places we visited was an 'open garden', this is a private residence who has opened their garden up for the public to come and see.
At this time of the year the autumn colours are truely beautiful.The property is called"Tieve Tara' In the Mount Macedon Ranges in Victoria.

Grassed tennis court

The property has a man made lake with ducks and geese. Along the walk way we came across a childrens play area complete with cubbie house and dress up clothes, great for the girls.

Here I am feeding the geese with the granddaughter.

 some of the trees were of the very unusual shape.

 TIP OF THE WEEK:
What I didn't know and I am sure most of you don't know either, is the Tow ball Height(not weight). As my good friend Greg pointed out there is a recommended/legal height.
It is 350mm - 460mm from the ground when the van is connected and loaded on level ground.
It is just a guide as there maybe some issues if you need to claim insurance. We hope you never need to.
So cheers for now and stay safe, happy traveling.

Easter In Melbourne

Hi Everyone,
Well we had a horrific start to our trip to Melbourne. After driving 1 hour to the airport and having to be there 2 hours before departure, we then found out that the plane was delayed. Instead of leaving at 11am we left at 2.20pm. Not happy Jan. oh well better late than never they say.
 Surprisingly the weather in Melbourne was ok. On Good Friday we did the tour of Williamstown, starting with a visit to the play area with the grandkids. We had just as much fun as the girls. After that we then went to our daughter and son-in-laws restaurant called 'Amorosa' in Williamstown just look for a very GREEN door. Great food and wine. We then went for a drive around the area. Came across a ' Ball Tower.

Ball Tower in Williamstown. Victoria

'Amorosa' Restaurant

TIP OF THE WEEK:
Two weeks ago we had an mishap with the glass top over our stove in the caravan. There are three gas hot plates and one electric hot plate. There is a built-in safety switch for the gas hot plates, (the glass must be up for the gas to turn on) but no safety for the electric hot plate.  The knob was accidentally turned on, and the glass broke. After many phone calls later, one being to the insurance company, I found that I may not be covered. This was not the news I wanted to hear. After many more questions, they said to put in a claim and they would asses it.!!!!!! But couldn't tell me if I was covered. I then rang Camperland in Brisbane and found that they could order a new glass top and it would cost me less than the excess on my insurance policy.
Within a week I had my new glass top on. Great service from Camperland. It pays to read your policy to see just what you are covered for.
Happy and safe travels, till next time.
Cheers from Bazz