Gippsland Victoria

Day 2

Yanakie

Yesterday turned out to be warm and extremely windy, little did we know that a horrendous storm was brewing and heading our way. Before we knew it the wind had become so extreme it was impossible for us to stow the caravan awning away safely as I was not strong enough to hold it against what nature was giving us. We tied it down as best we could, consequently we spent a sleepless night listening to it banging and flapping about in the wind. Miraculously it was still in one piece this morning.

Today we heard that 40mm of rain fell over the area during the night and was much needed in this parched summer land. We found out that our little caravan was a safe warm place and COMPLETELY waterproof...ahh a sigh of relief. Last night we were ankle deep in water, this morning it had all soaked into the sand. 

We spent the day driving around the local area and exploring the small towns like Toora, Foster, Fish Creek, Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay.

Our little Pip had a good day and survived the storm with aplomb, she loved hiding under my pillow although didn't appear frightened at all. We managed to get a little closer to the water today too. She makes friends wherever she goes and seems to be welcome in lots of shops and businesses because she is so tiny. She's a great traveller so we anticipate having lots of adventures in the future.

Thunder and lightning doesn't scare me at all.

Not going any closer to that today thanks.

Miss Pip checking out Venus Bay 

Venus Bay

Where is that chauffer going?

Gippsland Victoria

Day 1, first book down.

Day 1
Yanakie

Watching the sun rise over Wilsons Promontory across the Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park this morning was magical. The coolness of the morning mist giving promise to another hot day.

We arrived at the Yanakie Caravan Park yesterday in the heat of the day and to our shock, horror and disappointment found that the huge shady pines along the shore had been removed to give way to large cleared blocks for campers. We choose a place positioning the caravan facing the water with our back to the barren camp...problem solved.

Nothing else has changed, the old bathroom block is as basic as ever but clean and functional, the newer 'South Block' a little too far away for a quick trip to the loo!

As usual I've had my 'first day incident' stubbing my little toe so badly there will be no hiking today. Fortunately no blood is involved this time so I'm counting myself lucky.

Huge motor homes seem popular with European families and of course there are lots of smaller vans with the youngies seeing the country. We have yet to meet other grey nomads but think they must be around somewhere, although a few of the camp children have migrated to our site, our small dog Pip is the definite drawcard, not us!

As the camp wakes up I can hear the usual human noises, most of the birds have moved away now its warming up, leaving only a few stalwart Silver Gulls and the ever present Sparrows. Perhaps they are waiting for a handout of the odd crumb or two. Earlier I watched a large family of black swans heading towards the sanctuary of The Prom and the soaring Albatross seem to have finished fishing for the moment.

Finally we can see the distant hills revealing themselves from the mist and haze, the breeze across the water guaranteeing cooler temperatures, at least for the moment.

Sunrise over Wilsons Promontory

Black Swans beginning their day

Morning mist finally lifting

She said "Pip loves me"

This 4 year old hails from London and is a wise woman in disguise.

Described by her Father as a free spirit.