Road Trip MEL to BNE

Okay, let me preface this by saying, when you think you have a good idea to try something different, expect problems.

For our journey down, we tried a different route.  Aside from a few minor misplacements, we made it to Melbourne and truth be known, we would do it again as it was very nice.

Going back we thought we'd try another different route.  Looking at going via Sydney, the route showed motorways virtually the whole drive through, especially around Sydney.  I have no issues paying tolls, its a convenience I am happy to pay for.  Well Sydney lived up to its reputation as being a clusterfuck to drive in and we did not even go near the city.  Somehow the motorway became some backwater 6 lane suburban transgression that was gridlocked.  And then we learned that Sydney drivers cannot drive up hill at the speed limit.  Every time we came to a slight incline, gridlock.  We decided after 11 hours of driving to pull over into a town for something to eat for a late lunch (we started at 4am).  That gave enough time for the majority of idiots to dissipate.  We then encountered more gridlock in the Newcastle area.  Once past that it was destination Port Macquarie hopefully, we settled on Taree instead with what was probably the last room in the town in a motel which was very ambitiously described.  After a pub meal which was quite nice, though the clientele left a little to be desired we hit the hay.

Next day we were up at 3:15am leaving by 3:45am, quick fuel stop and we were on our way again luckily beating most of the traffic.  A stop for brekkie in Grafton had us basically non stop for 3.5 hours of driving to home.  Nothing was stopping us from getting there and it was such a pleasure to drive in Brisbane non-traffic.

Photos
2017-12-27 - Road Trip MEL to Taree
2017-12-28 - Road Trip Taree to BNE

Photography Workshop

Today was a photography workshop for TOGuy at night, daytime was a primary school reunion for TOGirl and a few friends who settled in Melbourne.

The work shop was really good, learned a few more tricks, got to try out some ideas and had a great time traipsing through Melbourne.

Until our road trip, the next couple of days are personal ones with family and friends so we will not be posting anything about those for privacy reasons.

Photo Workshop

Luna Park

Well I have to say my days (TOGuy) as a carnie participant are well behind me.

On entering Luna Park I was convinced to go on The Spider, there were only two of us and I was needed to balance out TOB2 (That Other Boyfriend of daughter 2) on the ride since we were the only ones riding.  That only took 2 hours to recover from, especially since I rode the Scenic Railway soon after it.  I had to eat 2 x Dagwood Dogs, some Onion Rings and a Churro to settle the stomach down.

TOB2 however, once the kids of our very good friend arrived, of he was, running from ride to ride.  Everyone had a great time.

Photos
2017-12-22 - Luna Park

Phillip Island

Today was a trip to Phillip Island via a friends place.

Phillip Island has much to offer, but we arrived mid afternoon so only really able to take in "The Nobbies", Cowes for dinner, and the of course the Penguin Parade.  Some very awesome scenery and wildlife which the photos just cannot do justice to.  To really take it in, you need to spend some time waiting for the perfect shot.

It would have been nice to spend a few days at the Island as it has so much to offer, including:

• Koala Reserve
• Surfing
• Grand Prix Circuit
• Museums
• Shopping 
• Bush-walking
• Cycling
• Tours
• Beaches

Photos
2017-12-21 - Road Trip start to Phillip Island
2017-12-21 - Phillip Island

Melbourne Zoo

Today was taking our youngest and her boyfriend to the Melbourne Zoo.  At 21 years old, he was like a kid in a candy shop, racing from one exhibit to another excitedly enraptured with the animals.  The highlight being tigers where it was pacing in its new enclosure, right past the perspex pane so you were literally inches away from its face with your own.  The other highlight were the lemurs which are in an enclosure you enter and they are running around.  TOGirl was enamored by the elephants and gorillas.

Photos
2017-12-20 - Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Xmas Holidays (did someone say road trip?)

While this trip is not necessarily abroad, the feeling of going somewhere like Melbourne after being abroad provides you with a new perspective.  I grew up in Melbourne and knew it before it really exploded into what it is today.  Prior trips had always been to the 'burbs to stay with family, so this time, traveling and staying inner city was to us like traveling abroad and seeing Melbourne with fresh new eyes.  So far it has not disappointed.  For me personally, when visiting Milan this year, I was reminded of Melbourne.  Now being here, this very much reminds me of Milan.  Melbourne is very much a Euro style city, right down to the trams.

What makes this trip even more special is that our youngest is bringing her partner, he has never been to Melbourne.  Experiencing it through his eyes and seeing the joy he has in this trip so far is wonderful.

So far we have been to:

• ACMI
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Shrine of Remembrance
• Old Melbourne Gaol
• Queen Victoria Markets

With the Melbourne Zoo to come today.

For the road trip, we took a completely different route for a change with only minor similarities to the past.  Usually most people take A39 (Newell Highway) via Warwick.  This time it was via Toowoomba, then ontop familiar roads, but then we detoured via Mendooran, Dunedoo, Mudgee, and ending in Bathurst (1,000kms).  A very nice overnight stay, a lovely town to stop in.  From there it was Cowra, Young, Cootamundra, Gundagai and then the Hume Freeway to Melbourne (800kms).  A very enjoyable trip and nice to have a different drive to make the trip a little less boring.

Photos
2017-12-16 - Road Trip BNE 2 Bathurst
2017-12-17 - Road Trip Bathurst to MEL [SFH]
2017-12-17 - Road Trip Bathurst to MEL [LTH] 
2017-12-18 - Apartment View
2017-12-18 - Melbourne CBD & Art Gallery
2017-12-19 - Old Melbourne Gaol
2017-12-19 - Shrine of Remembrance