Retirement journey take 2

Well we have finished our two month layover in Melbourne. Whilst the weather was ordinary to say the least we did get to the footy, ride on a tram , visit the city and explore some of our old haunts.We caught up with some old school mates, rellies and family friends and made the most of our longest stay in Victoria since escaping to the north in 1979.


Just before flight with "floaties" not lunch boxes.

As we have three weeks to spend before flying back to Qld for brothers wedding we thought it opportune to do the Great Ocean Rd and spend the gift given to me on my 65th just before retirement. Many thanks to my dear friends at MCCGC for the fabulous helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles (only eight left now).
What a buzz the flight was. It was a big chopper and took 7 passengers on a flight covering the Apostles, London Bridge ( what's left of it) and Port Campbell. The view was fabulous and the weather was the best it had been for days.

Coming in to land after flight

My girls on Johann Beach

Loch Ard Gorge

The Great Ocean Rd gave us a wonderful trip down as the sun shone for most of the journey and the off shore wind made for a beautiful ocean view.



Bay of Martyrs

Our first night was Joanna Beach a great free camp on the western side of Cape Otway and one I would recommend to free campers. Our next stop was at Princeton just short of the Apostles, it was not a free camp but reasonable and very handy whilst we awaited the right weather for the flight.


 

Bay of islands

                             We then found a great forest free camp just inland from Portland It was at a place known as Sawpit Park. Another free camp worth remembering. Met an intrepid Irishman who had travelled down from Qld via Innaminka and basically followed the state border south to the coast through the dessert. A wonderful character with lots of great stories.

Yesterday brought us to Beachport SA where will spend a couple of nights to catch up on washing and recharge batteries after some dull days. Next stage will be the outskirts of Adelaide where we plan to visit some friends and rellies.



Beachport