Tuesday 30 April 2013

Day 2




We had a great first day in the Grampians. It was a cold night, in the morning our milk and even the baked beans were frozen! Here i was worrying the fridge wouldnt be cold enough! After a cosy sleep in our snug little van we woke up to warbling magpies and kangaroos grazing nearby. When we went over to check them out more there were 2 big males having a punch on much to our excitement!! We sat and explored out the back of the caravan park for ages where theres a big rocky outcrop overlooking the whole park. After a cooked brekky of eggs on toast and baked beans with hot milo and an hour of school work, we headed off for our first bush walk to the Pinnacle. Just beautiful. Not an easy walk on the lungs and legs though! 2 1/2 ks up hill over rocks and up steps and steep hills but so worth it. It started to rain as we approached the top and increasingly got heavier on the way back. By the time we reached the car again we decided it was time to go into the cute little town of Halls Gap for a hot chocolate and then head home to cosy up and read and watch a movie. The heater works a treat in the van too thank goodness!
More homework, dinner and showers.. happy days!

Day 1



Well after a teary farewell we finally set off mid morning of the Monday as planned. Cant believe i finally got there to be honest!! Made it through the city and over the Westgate Bridge which was my first challenge and a couple of hours in we had our very first 'truck stop'! Thank goodness for truck/caravan parking spaces -no reversing required! We arrived at the Grampians after a 4 1/2 hour journey. The van i'm pleased to report towed beautifully. Managed to snag the only drive thru site at the caravan park and that did wonders for my anxiety levels after an emotionally draining day and couple of weeks for that matter!
What a stunning place and amazing caravan park. Within minutes of pulling up the boys were off exploring on their bikes only to discover an open space with goal posts so it was back for the football. We were set up in no time -the boys set up the bed ends by themselves which was a great help. As you can see above we settled in to dinner, writing in journals and a movie as a first night treat! Home away from home!