We left early on Boxing Day, a cool change had arrived and it rained/drizzled the whole 5 hour drive to our camp on the Murray River in the north east of the state (Victoria). Probably the best soaking rain parts of the state had had in the past 6 months. Just on our arrival the rain stopped,
these next pics are from around our camp the day we arrived.
Next morning I was up early and took these pics as the sun made its way over a distant mountain and then shone on our site.
Those observant may have seen an additional tent in the pic of our camp. Jen’s daughter Kristie joined us for the first four days, she would then return to the big smoke in time for New Years Eve celebrations. Sitting with the oldies and hitting the sack well before midnight was not her Idea of how to see out the year Ha!
I never tired of the beautiful scenes just in front of our van.
Late in the day the setting sun cast some lovely colours over the trees and river, so peaceful and serene.
Kristie and I put the Kayaks in the river just in front of the Jingellic Pub, about 4 ks up the river from our camp. (There is a free camping area between the pub and river)
These are the remains of the old bridge that was once the main crossing here, before a new bridge was built a short distance downstream in 1957. The original bridge took 5 years to build (must have had some long smoko’s) and was finally opened in 1892, what remains now is deemed significant historically as it shows an example of bridge construction that is no longer used.
Here are just a few pics from that exhilarating, adrenalin pumping trip downstream.
Just before we got back to our camp, we stopped at this delightful spot for a quick swim, you can see the van in the distance between the trees.
Spending so much time in the river as we did, you always had to be safety conscious and not take the river and it’s currents for granted. Every year people drown in the Murray although I think this time Kristie took the safety aspect just a little too far Ha!
Another beautiful end to another sensational day on the Murray.
That night I took a photo of the stars. The sky although nice, was not as brilliant as I had seen it here, this was mainly due to the moon being nearly full and although it had not risen yet, it did have an effect on what I saw. During the taking of the pic, a satellite passed through the sky and was captured during the camera’s 30 second exposure.
The serenity and vistas of the river never ceases to amaze me for it is always changing and when you think you have seen it all, there appears another mood, another scene, no wonder I never totally relax ha!
Kristie’s time with us was up, the train from Wodonga which would take her home didn’t leave until midday so we had a few things planned before then as we made the trip to the station.
These next couple of photos were taken on the northern bank of the Murray as we made our way downstream towards the Hume Weir. The mighty Murray doesn’t look so mighty here as it winds it’s way through the hills heading west.
For a bit of excitement we took Kristie across the upper reaches of the Weir on the Whyma Ferry, successfully crossed we paused to allow the heart rate to return to normal before proceeding further.
We then stopped for morning tea at the main picnic area of the Hume Weir. It was only when I downloaded my photos did I see I had captured more than what I intended. Well that’s my story and I’m sticking with it Ha!!
Kristie as a school teacher has an interest in our countries history. So to expand on her knowledge we next called in at the former Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre now called the Bonegilla Migrant Experience/Museum.
The main entrance/welcome area and the Beginning Place/Whispering Wall.
It is said that nearly one in 20 Australians today has a family connection to someone who had passed through this centre. At it’s peak it housed over 8000 people at any one time.
A former World War 11 Army Base, it was an ideal location for what would become the first, the largest and the longest-operating migration reception centre in Australia.
The Centre was once made up of 24 blocks, it had its own churches, banks, sporting fields, cinema, hospital, police station and railway platform. Today, an area known as Block 19 is all that remains of the original site. The centre brings to life the stories and experiences of the people who travelled through the centre.
Some of the remaining dormitories.
Not a lot of space inside them either.
Inside one of the mess huts, were these models done by immigrants reminding them of what there previous lives were like and in some cases what they had left behind, they were really well done.
Around the complex were a number of art pieces reflecting on the journeys these people had under taken for a chance at a new life.
The stories of so many people are told throughout the complex through interpretative signs, sound and visual displays. Many were sad indicating the suffering and hardships they had gone through prior to coming here. Every person over 16 whether an assisted migrant or a displaced person had to sign a contract stating they were willing to work for two years in any job, in any part of Australia.
Qualifications, work experience and education were not considered when placing anyone with work.
What a terrific display, so educational and quite moving as well. We really enjoyed our time there, what a great contribution these people made to our, and now there country.
A side note; on leaving the reception area I made comment to a middle aged assistant behind the desk that we haven’t learnt about the benefit of migration and what a difference these hundreds of thousands of people had made to our country. She looked at me confused, I then pointed out our treatment of current peoples seeking a better life and a chance to live away from the war zones of today. She said straight away that they’ll take our jobs and we should look after our own.
We haven’t come all that far as a country after all, for she had no compassion at all for the current refugees. Considering where that lady worked, I would have thought she may have had a different outlook on things. Maybe she hadn’t actually stepped out from behind her desk and seen what was on display, and how those people shaped our country into what it is today.
After dropping Kristie off at the station we headed back to the river, I stopped to photograph this old church at Talgarno, (yes I know, another church) it was just a short distance from the Weir. It was sold last year to a private buyer for a home, along with more than half an acre for $59,000 In really good condition, what a bargain!
Back on the river we got back into the swing of things real quick, hard work this holidaying stuff but someone’s got to do it.
That night the sunset had a little bit of colour to it.
Where ever we go at Xmas, we always try to keep in the spirit of the festive season. Each night as we sit outside we have our flashing, La De Da Xmas tree doing it’s thing. Many a jealous camper has eyed our tree with envy Ha!
That night I took a few more star pics, again there were a couple of satellites captured.
After a week on the river in near perfect conditions, the weather started to change. We were soon to leave here and wind our way through the Victorian Alps back home, but the forecast in that region was pretty crook so we decided to head west where the weather was to be a lot better than that in the east.
At least I got a few shots in before the heavens opened up.
Well that’s where I will end the first report from our trip.
Regards from Col and Jen.
------------- The worst day above ground, is a whole lot better than the best one under it. Live life to the fullest while you can.
This particular holiday the weather was not as hot as it usually is. But no complaints as we still swam on nearly every day with the temps being in the low 30s. You can burn very easily in the Aussie sun, getting sunburnt doesn't relate to the temperature but the radiation the sun gives off. Being out in the sun on a 25 degree day for any reasonable time without protection will result in problems.
The water is not cold so the shade is the way to go and when out in the sun we use rash vests for protection. Surfing, playing football and working a fair bit outside when I was young has done it's damage to me. The great Aussie lifestyle has other dangers than a just the critters that can kill you, so far I've had over 20 skin cancers removed.
No probs if you get on to them early enough.
I love our lifestyle and never take it for granted so each holiday is full of new experiences and destinations as you will see in the next reports.
Glad to share it all with you, this internet stuff makes the world a lot smaller so I hope my trips bring you some enjoyment.
Regards from Col & Jen
------------- The worst day above ground, is a whole lot better than the best one under it. Live life to the fullest while you can.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Col & Jen`s Xmas Hols 2015/6
