Left NSW now in Victoria

A rude awakening last night from a sound we hadn’t heard in a while. A loud drumming on the caravan roof which got worse as the minutes progressed. Yep, it rained and rained hard. Thought the rain beating down on FS's roof was bad enough but this seemed 10 times worse. Being parked under a tree didn't help and then wanting the loo and knowing we either used the porta potty supplied by the hire company (we had decided only to use in emergency or if we freedom camped) or brave the elements, the porta potty won. All the locals say the weather is not normal for this time of year and that winter seems to be dragging its heels, and they just can't see an end to the cold. At between 17 and 20 degrees we laughed and said if they want cold, go to the UK. Reading some of your blogs frost and minus temperatures are already with you.

So today we donned our jumpers hitched up the van and travelled the 259 km to a place called Nowa Nowa which is near to Lakes Entrance on the South coast. We are also now in Victoria having crossed the border about 50 km south of Eden. The caravan site we found is small and family run and dogs and chickens had to be avoided at all cost so we didn’t upset the owner. Them chooks kept getting under the van as Ian was reversing into our spot and had me running around shooing them away whilst still trying to shout instructions at Ian!  We also get to see the odd glimpse of the river below from where we are parked and the added bonus...... how very quiet it is. The toilets and shower are nothing to write home about but they are sufficient for our needs and we do get an electric hook up thrown in with the 30 dollar price.

The river can just be seen

The wooden structure seen from our van. Found out what it was, The Stony Creek railway bridge

Having settled in we thought we may as well head down to Lakes Entrance to see the wooden sculptures carved from huge tree trunks. On route a sign pointing to a historic trestle bridge. Had to go see so 3 km down a dirt road we came upon this.

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We found the sculptors after leaving Stony Creek Bridge, another 20 km down the road.  Lakes Entrance is like any typical English seaside resort, plenty of eateries and touristy shops. 90-mile beach is also part of this resort although this photo doesn't do it justice.

  Along the main street of Lakes Entrance, we found the huge trees trunks sculpted into statues all with a war memorial theme based on the First World War. John Brady was the man responsible for producing these wonderful carvings.

No light pollution whatsoever from this camp site. What a shame the stars are covered by the clouds!

Oh and the dead animals littering the Princes highway was ridiculous. over a dozen Roos, 5 Wombats, one echidna and a red coated fox.

Just had to show you some of the signs along the Princes Highway

not sure if it is a good idea to power nap while travelling at 100 kph!

 And wildlife,

Magpie

On my jumper but not deadly