Great Ocean Road & Melbourne Cup 2015

8th October 2015

On the road again for a longish trip after several months of short and overseas trips and a bit of work for Russ.  Headed down the highway to Caboolture, through Kilcoy, to the pie shop at Esk, then through Gatton and a scenic winding drive to Clifton (many fires burning in the mountains) to our overnight stop at the Rec Grounds at Leyburn.  A lovely stop on the banks of Canal Creek (the original name of the town). Walked around town and visited the local pub (owned by Shane Webcke) for an enjoyable roast dinner.  Leyburn was the site of the original Australian Grand Prix in 1949 and sprint races are still held once a year through the streets of the town.  The art work on the concrete bollards is quite spectacular. Also visited Liberator Park - a memorial to Z forces of the second World War.  A very large airport was constructed near the town which was the starting point for many of their missions into the war zones.  There is also a museum at the local RSL.

10th October 2015.

Left Leyburn and headed southwest through Inglewood and then south through Texas.  The free camp on the river was quite busy there so we headed west to Yetman then south to a little town called Coolatai.  A one pub and not much else town but great for an overnight stay beside the hall.  Went for a short walk around town - the one claim to fame seems to have been the sighting of a black panther back in the 50's and several sightings since then. The black panthers (with red eyes which light up at night) now feature on the entry signs to town.

11th October 2015.

Onward from Coolatai to Warialda and Bingara, then a very scenic drive over the mountains to Narrabri. The countryside through here seemed to be quite green and productive. Then on through Wee Waa to the hot baths at Pilliga where we pulled up stumps for the night.  Russ enjoyed a dip in the warm water but the weather started to look a bit threatening.  Didn't rain but with storms predicted for the next day and being parked on black soil, didn't want to risk it and decided to move on in the morning.  Good move as they copped a storm on Monday.

12th October 2015.

From Pilliga, headed southwest to Coonamble passing lots of harvesters heading north.  Stopped at Warren which had a very attractive park (with green grass) on the banks of the Macquarie River.  Quite a bit of history here as Oxley, Sturt, Hume all passed through (or camped here) in the early days of exploration.  Made our way across to Tottenham which we had heard about as a lovely stopover and have to agree is a top spot.  Explored down town Tottenham (the closest town to the geographical centre of NSW) and enjoyed a couple of days R & R and caught up on washing etc.  Shared the park with a gang of shearers from Hay who were working out of town a little.

14th October 2015.

Left Tottenham and headed south through Tullamore and Fifield to Gum Bend Lake at Condobolin.  This is a man made lake and at the moment is close to empty.  We were told it is due to be filled next week and the council is removing the weed in preparation for this.  When full it is 1.75 metres deep and used for water skiing, bird watching etc.  A large camping area and very popular spot.  Went for a drive to Ootha to see the utes in the paddock.  This is a collection of 20 old Holden utes which have been painted/sculpted by various Australian artists and displayed in the paddock.

16th October 2015.

Had planned on going to Lake Cargelligo for a day or two but were told a fishing comp was on over the weekend so changed direction and headed south again to West Wyalong and then down the Newell to Mirrool.  Have stayed here before and the free park is a credit to the townsfolk.  The pub is a great old building and enjoyed a few beers and a hearty counter tea.  Missed the footy kick by a week (kicking a footy over the grain silos).

17th October 2015.

Just a short trek down the Newell again to Narrandera where we pulled up stumps at the showground to catch up on washing etc. prior to meeting up with Ken and Sandra tomorrow.  A storm rolled through but hardly enough to lay the dust in the end.

18th October 2015.

After a latish start, met Ken and Sandra just out of Narrandera and headed straight down the Newell through Finley to the camp site at Town Beach at Tocumwal on the Murray.  The brave ones enjoyed some dips in the Murray but we also explored the town on our bikes and walked into town along the river.  A very attractive town with lots of lovely gardens and we thoroughly enjoyed our couple of days here.

20th October 2015.

Didn't travel far today, just along the Murray through Cobram to a spot on the Murray just before Yarrawonga near Sharps Beach.  Had the spot to ourselves and enjoyed more swimming and walking.

21st October 2015.

Wound our way out through the river red gums to rejoin the main road, then headed towards Wangaratta.  Spent some time here replenishing supplies in this bustling town.  We were heading to Brown Bros Winery at Milawa to camp but were told there was a better spot to camp at Oxley Rec Ground.  Were not impressed with camp site so headed back to Oxley to camp beside the King River.  Took a drive out to Milawa to visit Brown Bros for a tasting and the camp site here would have been fine.  A storm came up and we had quite a wet evening and night but all good.

22nd October 2015.

Left Oxley and made our way through Myrtleford to Porepunkah near Bright where we had decided to stay for a couple of days.  An attractive little village with lovely mountain views and beside the Ovens and Buckland Rivers.  Went for a drive up Mt Buffalo, visited the Chalet (built in 1910) which is under restoration and went for some short walks to enjoy the spectacular views and waterfalls.  Drove to Lake Catani (the camping area) which opens next weekend, to the skiing area and to the highest peak The Horn.  The next day travelled through Bright to Harrietville and then up the mountain to Mt Hotham.  Crazy cyclists were everywhere - some were involved in a race up Mt Hotham (it was bad enough just driving up the Mountain) but spectacular views from the top and quite cool.  Drove across the plateau to Dinner Plain another little alpine village where we enjoyed lunch.  Some of the roads were still closed in the mountains although there was not much snow left.  Drove back down the mountain and on the way home called in at Wandiligong.  Gold was discovered here in the 1860's and the whole town is National Trust classified.  Walked to the Chinese Swing Bridge over Morse's Creek.  Stayed another night and cycled the rail trail from Porepunkah to Bright although we didn't don the lycra. A relatively flat 6.5km cycle to Bright where we wandered around this very attractive town which is a cyclist's paradise. The whole town comes alive for the summer with many festivals and the Tour Down Under riders making the area a base for training.

25th October 2015.

Left Porepunkah after a very enjoyable few days and made our way back through Myrtleford through some very green countryside to Yackandandah where we met up with some fellow travellers who have joined us for the run into Melbourne.  Walked up town to see the sights of this historic gold mining town and visited the pub where some entertainment was in progress.

26th October 2015.

On the road again into Beechworth where we spent some time in this historic town where four million ounces of gold were mined in 1852.  Visited the Burke Museum which is one of the most interesting museums we have visited in our travels.  Then went to the Ned Kelly Vault which has the largest collection of original Ned Kelly memorabilia - fascinating.  Also visited the cell that housed Ned's mentor Harry Power and had an outside view of the Beechworth Gaol which at various times housed all the members of the Kelly Gang and various members of the extended Kelly family. Enjoyed a pie at the Beechworth Bakery.  Left Beechworth and travelled via Everton, through Milawa and Oxley to the camping spot on the King River at Oxley where we enjoyed a camp fire.

27th October 2015.

A short drive down the King Valley through Moyhu to a great camping spot on the King River at Edi.  Set up and decided to go for a drive up to Powers Lookout named after Harry Power who used the lookout as a vantage point to spot approaching troopers.  A great view down the King Valley and the Quinns (Kelly relatives) had a homestead at the base of the 300 metre crag and a peacock which would screech a warning if anyone passed by.  Power had been a convict and escaped from gaol in 1869 and continued his illegal activities which included mentoring a young Ned Kelly.  Power was captured in 1870 on a stormy night and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and released in 1885. Also visited the little towns of Whitfield and Cheshunt in the King Valley - lots of vineyards. Stayed in this perfect spot another night and went for a drive to Greta to visit the cemetery where Ned Kelly and his family are buried in unmarked graves.  Continued on to Glenrowan where we went to a show Ned Kelly's last stand - quite amazing sound and light effects in this animated show then went for a walk around the siege area. The sites are all marked and although no buildings remain, the topography has remained the same and it is easy to picture the events of 1880.  Returned home via Winton Racecourse and Lurg.

29th October 2015.

Moved on from Edi back through Moyhu then Hansonville and Greta South to Benalla where we joined the Hume Highway. Straight down the highway to Bradford where we deviated from highway through Kilmore, Lancefield and Romsey to our next camp site at Riddells Creek.  A Scouts camp with lots of wildlife (kangaroos, rabbits, birds etc) and handy for a quick trip into Sunbury.

30th October 2015.

Left Riddells Creek and after a stop in Gisborne, joined the Calder Highway for our trip into Braybrook in Melbourne to our caravan park.  Arrived safely after only a few anxious moments - a nice spot to spend a few days.  Saturday was Derby Day and we donned our finery for a day at the races. The weather was unkind when we left - a storm had rolled through early morning and the rain continued.  After a bus and train ride arrived at Flemington and after a couple of hours, the weather fined up and we could enjoy the day even though it was still wet underfoot.  Didn't pick any winners but only had a small loss for the day so a win in our book.  Lots of sights to see and some beautiful frocks and also some odd sights and I guess there will be more on Tuesday.  My shoes were a casualty - they didn't survive the wet but made it home into the bin!!  Sunday was a rest day and catch up with washing etc and exploring the neighbourhood.  We ventured into town again on Monday for the Melbourne Cup Parade - another dampish, cold day but had a good view of the parade. The car carrying the Melbourne Cup and associated dignitaries broke down in front of us and had to be pushed off the road by the police.  The old champion horses all behaved well and there was a lovely tribute to Bart Cummings and his twelve Melbourne Cup wins.  Also strolled along the Yarra and through the Queen Victoria gardens until the cold got the better of us and we returned home.  Darren, Suzie, Zoe and Liam paid us a visit in the afternoon and we adjourned to the pub for tea.  Great to catch up with them. Tuesday was Cup day and the weather was fine but coolish to start with.  Warmed up nicely and ended up being almost perfect weather.  Caught bus and train and made it to Flemington in time for the first race.  Great to see history being made with Michelle Payne the first female jockey to win the Cup on Prince of Penzance.  Would have been nicer if we had won some money but the bookies were the winners on the day.  Once again a very colourful spectacle - the flowers, the fashions, the horses and hordes of people. Wednesday was another nice day so into town, caught a tram to Docklands and Etihad Stadium, then another to St Kilda where we enjoyed fish and chips and a walk along the Pier. Also hopped on the City Circle tram which provides a commentary and takes you past the main city attractions. Started raining Wednesday night and continued well into Thursday so not going anywhere for a while.  Stormy afternoon which caused havoc at Flemington for Oaks Day so glad we stayed away.  Friday was better weather wise but still coolish so ventured into the city to visit the MCC where we enjoyed a guided tour and then spent several hours in the Sports Museum.  This is a great display and far too much to take in with one visit but most enjoyable - the Olympic and MCG Museum display are outstanding.  Saturday is the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and our last full day in Melbourne and the weather is cool and windy - so Melbourne!!.

8th November 2015.

Said goodbye to some of our travelling companions - Ned, Malcolm and Evelyn and Denny and Barbara and packed up and left Melbourne with Ken and Sandra for further adventures.  Headed straight down the M1 past Avalon Airport and into bustling Geelong where we stopped at the Showgrounds and visited the markets.  Then went for a drive out on the Bellarine Peninsula where we visited Queenscliff which is where the ferry goes across to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula (the other side of the Heads). Queenscliff is a very historic old town with the old fort still in use today as a military training facility.  Lots of lovely old buildings - many heritage listed - and has become quite trendy.  Also visited Portarlington, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads - typical seaside villages.

9th November 2015.

After our overnight stay in Geelong, headed down to the start of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay.  Visited the famous Bells Beach, then passed through Anglesea and Aireys Inlet stopping at some great vantage points to the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.  Quite awe inspiring to realise that this road was built between 1919 and 1932 by some 3000 returned servicemen as a war memorial for their fellow servicemen lost in World War 1 using mainly hand tools and small machinery.  Continued on through Lorne to Cape Patton (great views) to Apollo Bay where we decided to stay for a couple of days.  Drove out to the Cape Otway Lightstation (established 1848 and has a giant lead crystal lens) which is a well preserved precinct with Telegraph Station, lightkeeper's cottages, radar bunkers and lookouts.  Climbed the lighthouse for great views 80 metres above where Bass Strait and Southern Ocean meet, then sighted koalas on the way home.  The koalas also kept us awake at night here with their grunting and other noises.  The next day went for a country drive up through Skenes Creek to Stevensons Falls (very picturesque) West Barwon Reservoir, then through farmland to Forrest, Barwon Downs and Deans Marsh before heading back down to Erskine Falls (184 steps but well worth the trek down to the base of the falls).  Visited Teddys Lookout at Lorne for one of the iconic views of the Great Ocean Road.  Returned along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.

11th November 2015.

Time to move on again so up and over to Glenaire, then Lavers Hill and rejoined the coast at Princetown where we pulled up stumps at the Rec Ground.  Drove to the Twelve Apostles for great views (along with several thousand Asian visitors), then on to visit Razorback and Loch Ard Gorge.  The two survivors from the Loch Ard were lucky enough to be washed into the beach here (the only beach among miles of rocky cliffs and headlands).  Continued on to Port Campbell - a seaside village nestled on a pretty little bay and visited the lookout.  The next day drove up to Simpson then on to Timboon (a very pretty little town and the centre of a farming community).  Then on to Peterborough - the site of several shipwrecks in the 1800's.  Visited the Grotto, London Bridge (part of which collapsed in 1990 stranding a couple of people) and the Arch.  All amazing limestone formations - the scenery around here is so spectacular.  Returned via Port Campbell and decided to do a helicopter flight over the Apostles.  Very enjoyable and gives you a different perspective of this spectacular coastline over the Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Muttonbird Island and London Bridge. Returned to camp and walked into Princetown on the boardwalk over the wetlands.  Hundreds of kangaroos call the Rec grounds home and also lots of cute blue fairy wrens.

13th November 2015.

Moved on from Princetown to the bustling city of Warrnambool via Allansord.  Walked into town, then made our way to Flagstaff Hill Village.  This village is located on the site of the Lady Bay Lighthouse and Warrnambool Garrison.  The museum holds some very interesting maritime relics from the various shipwrecks along the coast including the prized Loch Ard Minton Peacock recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878.  The Maritime Village is a recreation of an 1870's streetscape and was a very enoyable way to spend a few hours wandering around.  The next day went for a drive out in the country and visited Hopkins Falls at Wangoom on the Hopkins River, Logan's Beach (a whale watching hotspot during the whale season) and then to the cheese factory at Allansford for some cheese tasting.  Very nice cheese and also a unique little dairying museum.  Then visited the Fletcher Jones gardens which are in front of the old Fletcher Jones factory - closed down several years back.  Looks like a developer is trying to revamp the factory which has become a bit of an eyesore although the gardens are still worth a visit. Later visited the breakwater and the foreshore of Lady Bay as well as Thunder Point lookout.  Viewed Middle Island but access is prohibited as the island is home to the guardian maremma dogs which protect the little penguin colony from foxes and dogs.  The maremmas live at Flagstaff Hill when not on guard duty on the island.  In the evening went back to Flagstaff Village for the Loch Ard lantern walk and Shipwrecked show.  This is an amazing sound and light show which tells the story of the Loch Ard disaster.  Very well done and very enjoyable.

15th November 2015.

Moved on but not very far to Port Fairy (previously known as Belfast).  Went for a walk around Griffiths Island named after John Griffiths who established Port Fairy's whaling industry in the 1830's.  The lighthouse built in 1859 is still operational although the keeper's cottages have been removed.  The island is also home to a large colony of mutton birds which arrive here in September from the Aleutian Islands lay their eggs and then return to the northern hemisphere in April.  In the morning said goodbye to Ken and Sandra who have made their way to Mount Gambier and will be home a couple of weeks before us.  Went for a walk around the town admiring Fisherman's wharf and many of the 19th century buildings including government, commercial and private dwellings.  One of the buildings - Capt Mills Cottage c1843 - is believed to be the oldest house still standing in Victoria.  Many of the old cottages along the river have kept their frontages intact but have been extended down onto the river with lovely gardens.

17th November 2015.

Left Port Fairy and travelled down the road a little to Portland which was named in 1800.  Sealers and whalers visited the area until 1834 when Edward Henty arrived to establish Victoria's first permanent European settlement. Portland is now an industralised port with timber and woodchips being one of the main exports.  Graincorp has large silos and Portland cement and Alcoa alumina smelter also make their presence felt.  However, the townspeople have worked hard to make the waterfront attractive away from the port.  Drove out along the breakwater where some hardy fishermen were enjoying the windy conditions.  Went for a drive out to Cape Nelson via Yellow Rock to the 32m lighthouse built in 1884 viewing scores of wind turbines on the way which were working well in the stiff breeze!!  The next day the wind was much more sedate and drove to Cape Bridgewater to view the blowholes and Petrified forest.  The blowholes were not putting on much of a show but the flies had returned.  Visited Tarragal limestone cave and then to Point Danger to see Australia's only mainland colony of Australasian Gannets.  Saw a koala running through the park and up a tree where he allowed his photo to be taken. On the waterfront is a WWII memorial and a nice lookout but no blue whales to be sighted.  Russ' birthday and the fire brigade and CFA put on a nice display of flashing red and blue lights about 10.30pm.  We were evacuated by the police as there was a gas leak in a caravan across from us.  Luckily, after a trip to hospital the occupants were ok and we were allowed to return home.

19th November 2015.

Just a short trip down to Nelson through acres of pine forests. Nelson is a pretty little village situated on the Glenelg River and is quite unique with lots of "fishing shacks" situated over the water of the river.  Went for a walk around the town visiting the site of the first punt and first bridge over the river and went for a drive out to Estuary Beach and then over the boardwalk to Ocean Beach which is a lovely long sandy beach but dangerous for swimming (not that we were tempted with a temperature of 18 degrees).  Went for a drive via Donovan to Princess Margaret Rose Cave which is close to the SA/Vic border and a fine example of an old stream cave.  Very impressive little cave and well worth the visit.  Continued on to Port MacDonnell  known as Australia's Southern Rock Lobster Capital.  Visited Cape Northumberland (fairy penguins and the most southerly point in South Australia) plus the site of the original lighthouse which was abandoned when it became apparent that the lighthouse was going to vanish into the sea.  Called in at Piccaninnie Ponds which are crystal clear 85 metre deep ponds and famous for diving and snorkelling.  Port MacDonnell is also the home of Dingley Dell Cottage which was the home of Adam Lindsay Gordon for some years.

21st November 2015.

Continued on to Mount Gambier on the coastal route once again through acres of pine forests.  Visited the Blue Lake (which lived up to its name) then drove to Mount Schanck an extinct volcano.  Climbed to the top for spectacular views into the crater and to Port MacDonnell and Mount Gambier. Also visited the little Blue Lake (a local swimming hole) and then to Umpherston Sinkhole also known as the Sunken Gardens.  An amazing garden that was started in 1884 by James Umpherston, fell into disrepair and has now been restored.  Originally there was a lake in the bottom (now dried up) but it is still one of the must see sights.  Sunday went to see the movie "Volcano" which is an excellent documentary telling the story of the eruptions that created Mount Gambier. This was screened at the Main Corner which also hosts an array of interactive displays and is a credit to all concerned. Also visited the cave garden just next door which was the original water source of the town.  Beautiful rose gardens surround this garden which is not as spectacular as the Sunken Garden.  The next day explored the lakes precinct and it all made sense after seeing the movie "Volcano".  Leg of Mutton Lake and Brownes Lake are both dried up but Valley Lake is now the green lake.  The whole area has been turned into a recreation area and conservation park and is most impressive.  Visited all the lookout points around the area and walked up to the Centenary Tower which is on the highest point of Mt Gambier.  There is also an Adam Lindsay Gordon monument at the lake marking the point where Gordon leapt on horseback over the fence onto a narrow ledge and back again.  Not for the fainthearted.  Altogether thoroughly enjoyed our time in Mount Gambier.

24th November 2015.

Started our homeward trek leaving Mount Gambier and heading along the Glenelg Highway through sheep and cattle country to Casterton (claimed as home of the kelpie) and through Coleraine.  Coleraine was where Helena Rubinstein first started making her face creams in the early 1900s as there was an abundance of lanolin because of the sheep industry.  Not sure if she ever returned as she called it an "awful place".  Then on through Hamilton to Dunkeld which is at the southern end of the Grampians.  Little village which seems to have a great community spirit.  Went for a walk through the Arboretum and explored the town.  The next day had to go back to Hamilton to get the car serviced so made our way through Tarrington - this little town has made a feature of hay bales turning them into some amazing sculptures.  Spent the day in Hamilton visiting the botanic gardens, the lake and found an amazing bookshop with new and secondhand books.  The day was not very pleasant 30 degrees with 60kmh winds but thankfully no fires.  The next day headed up the Valley Road between Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt dodging all the fallen branches.  Returned down the Grampian Tourist Road stopping at some lookouts then climbing the Piccaninny for some great views.  The temperature struggled to reach 12 degrees, windy and showery with patches of sunshine.

27th November 2015.

Onward again taking the longer route to Halls Gap via Ararat and Stawell.  Both small towns of 5/6000 population, they started with the goldrushes in the 1850's.  We stayed at the caravan park near Lake Bellfield so walked along the one kilometre dam wall for some nice views down the lake to the south.  Then went for a drive to Silverband Falls - although small they are quite attractive.  The next day the weather was warm and sunny so headed out firstly to Boroka Lookout which boasts one of the iconic views of the Grampians - quite lovely.  Continued on to Reed Lookout - the site of a manned fire tower and then walked to the Balconies for some more spectacular views.  Next on the list was Broken Falls followed by Mackenzie Falls.  Mackenzie Falls was a little challenging as there were around 300 steps to be negotiated but the view at the bottom was well worth the effort.  There was quite substantial bushfire damage here in 2013 and the kiosk has gone and one of the lookouts is still being repaired. Continued on through Zumsteins picnic area and decided to visit the larger town of Horsham situated on the Wimmera River.  Very dry here now but the town also suffers from floods and bushfires.  Returned to Halls Gap via Dadswells Bridge (big koala), Lake Lonsdale and Fyans Creek.  The next day was cool and cloudy again so decided to make it an R&R day with a small excursion into town.

30th November 2015.

Left Halls Gap and after a short stop in Stawell (famous for Stawell Gift) we continued on through St Arnaud to Wedderburn.  A famous old gold mining town and Hard Hill Reserve is a free camp and where hopefuls still get out their metal detectors.  There is also a wood fired eucalyptus still on the site which was operating on the day, so we were entertained to a demonstration.  A friendly cockatoo took a liking to me and climbed all over - luckily he didn't bite. Decided to continue on a little way and ended up at the Rec Grounds at Boort.  Boort is situated on Lake Boort and the area is famous for olives, tomatoes, grain crops, canola and wool.  A storm came up and we were quite glad to be away from trees as the wind was quite fierce stirring up the dust even though there were only a couple of spots of rain.  Met up with some caravaners who we last saw in Mount Gambier. Because of the weather did not have time to explore the town or lake - maybe next time.

1st December 2015.

A bit of a late start but the weather was cooler so continued north to Kerang and crossed the Murray into NSW at Barham. Not a lot to see until Moulamein - a pretty little town on the Edward River - till we met the Sturt Highway then into Hay to Sandy Point camping ground on the Murrumbidgee River. A great free camping spot and enjoyed a walk into town but it had only been a while since we had been here.

2nd December 2015.

An early start but not a lot to see up the Mid Western Highway to Goolgowi then morning tea at Rankins Springs. Continued on to Lake Cargelligo which was a bit of a surprise - both the lake and the town were larger than expected and would make a nice stopover but decided to make our way to Gum Bend Lake at Condobolin.  The lake has now been filled with water so looks far more attractive than last time we were here.  The camp site was also quite sparsely populated so decided to pull up stumps for a couple of days.

4th December 2015.

Made our way from Condobolin to Parkes, then through Peak Hill and Dubbo to Dunedoo.  An attractive little town with a community-run caravan park.  Walked around town in the afternoon but the weather promised to heat up so decided to keep moving east the next day.

5th December 2015.

Left Dunedoo and headed towards Coolah (the Black Stump) and travelled over the worst roads we have struck the whole trip.  Went through Premier and over the Liverpool Plains to Werris Creek which is a railway town and also a coal mining area.  Continued on through Tamworth, Uralla and Armidale to Guyra where we camped at the Mother of Ducks Lagoon. We have stayed here before and the weather didn't disappoint being quite cool.

6th December 2015.

An early start and travelled straight up the New England Highway through Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Warwick, then on to the Cunningham Highway and the Brisbane Valley Highway to Esk (pie shop).  Almost home so continued on through Kilcoy and Caboolture and straight up the highway to home.  A big day!!!