Tuesday, December 25, 2007
25 December - Christmas Day
As being in this area of Melbourne is not common for me, we had a look around. At around noon we came across a fish and chip shop which was open, and which had received rave reviews in the local press for the quality of its food. We had some lunch there and messaged some friends for Christmas at the same time. Then we went back to the motel, where Fran had a rest and I went on the Internet and updated information.
Just before 3, we went over to Vanda's place and saw an industrial kitchen in action as Vanda was catering for around 20. We chatted with the others as they arrived and met the family. By just after 7 all was ready and we sat down for dinner (photographs at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougmullett/sets/ ). By 11 the guests started to depart and we left not long after and back to the motel.
I managed to "shrink" the photos and then eventually upload them to Flickr and so they are there for the viewing. Tomorrow we expect to see Jason and Lisa and perhaps go out with them. Thursday is not yet planned!
Monday, December 24, 2007
24 December
We stopped for a quick break in Coonalpyn and then turned off the Dukes Highway at Keith onto the Riddoch Highway. Another quick stop followed at Willalooka and then a longer stop at Penola for eating sandwiches and getting the Melbourne papers. A good run down to Mt Gambier was followed by a slower run across to Port Fairy, with many slower and older drivers on the road.
We stopped in Port Fairy to say hello to Doris and see the renovations Sandra and Peter were doing. Then it was a slower run to Geelong and up to Werribee. Here we stopped for tea at the RSL (the first time I have eaten a meal in the general dining area) and to refuel (845 km for 73.60 litres – 8.71 L / 100 km, not the best consumption I’ve had).
We left at 8:30 and arrived, after a slow trip down the Nepean Highway, at our motel at 9:30. We booked in and then dropped around to say hello to Jason, Lisa and Vanda. After leaving there just after 11, it was back to the motel for a well-earned sleep.