Thursday 30th May 2013 - Barham

We had a bit of rain overnight, which sounded nice on the canvas, but some had pooled under the kitchen area. Paul dug some drainage channels, and as it looked like it would be set in for a bit, we decided we would do the river walk across the border into the town of Koondrook anyway, and just put our wet weather gear on. It was a light drizzle, no wind, and about 15 degrees, so it was actually quite pleasant.

For lunch, we were going to a cafe that looked nice but unfortunately the outside seating was not under cover, so we went back to the town of Cohuna as Paul had a hankering for fish and chips and we had seen a take away place that did it. Should have done that myself, as their chicken and chips was insanely salty.

Getting Indy into the car, he did a big shake off and split the tip of his tail again. This had been problematic since we had picked them up from the kennels, and wasn't healing. So we took him to a vet that shaved the top third of his tail and wrapped it up, saying to leave the dressing on for 2 or 3 days. The dressing was lucky to last 2 hours, so Paul re-dressed it back at camp much better. Ah well.

Wednesday 29th May 2013 - Echuca - Barham

Today we intended to camp at Gunbower Island, about an hour north west of Echuca. We did a drive around, but maybe our standards were getting high, but the place just wasn't nearly as picturesque as Paradise Beach. Nearly all the vistas across the water were of other people's homes on properties or of a caravan park. The weather report wasn't looking so good, with a high chance of rain, and we figured we would be a bit miserable if we were camped in mud.

So we continued on to the town of Barham, across into NSW, and found a pleasant little caravan park with sites right on the river bank. We had just about finished setting up when we were joined next to us by another camper trailer. As we put our feet up and cracked open a cider, we heard a "stop rubbing it in" so we invited them across for some bikes and cheese when they were done. Bob and Coral were from Adelaide, travelling to Melbourne to visit their daughter, and were very pleasant neighbours for the 2 days we stayed.

Tuesday 28th May 2013 - Echuca

We seem to typically get away after 10.30am these days, so once we have had breakfast it is nearly time for lunch. So be it! We went into Echuca to the old part of town for a wander, and had lunch at a nice cafe that allowed us to sit outside with the boys. It was then time for our 1 hour paddle steamer trip, where we got to sit up the front and the boys got lots of pats from other patrons, which they duly soaked up. It was quite a pleasant trip and well worth it, apart from the "period" music of Foster and Allen.

We got off and had a bit more of a walk around the town, did a groceries run and found "The American", a newly renovated pub with a beer garden and overhead heaters that let us eat outside with the boys. Asking pleasantly has never resulted in a knock-back. As expected with a place named like that, our meals of gnocchi and jambalaya were enormous and couldn't be finished. As it was dark at 5.30, we were back home by about 7.30 and in bed by about 8.30.

Monday 27th May 2013 - Paradise Beach - Echuca

Another pack up to head this time for Echuca. Once there, we spent some considerable time trying to find somewhere to stay, which was a bit annoying, as it was time for another laundry load. We finally found a spot about 16km back the way we came which was also just about empty, but very welcoming. Unfortunately, they had a single washer and no dryer, so that meant a 2 night stay which we were trying to avoid, but never mind. The upside is that I had read on the 'net somewhere that dogs were allowed on the paddle steamers, and I rang up the tourist information centre and had that confirmed, so that would be one of tomorrow's activities.

Sunday 26th May 2013 - Paradise Beach - Tocumwal

Today's adventure was to drive up to Tocumwal, then a quick drop in to The Big Strawberry. Bought, strangely enough, some strawberries, some strawb jam, but passed on the $6 bottle of strawberry or cherry wine.