Working in Oz..

As a happy coincidence, on my last day of work we had a group photo done of all the people (and some of the machines!) that have been working at the site. Check these out:













































The last picture is the Golder massive posing in front of one of our 4x4's, or the 'Canyonero' as me and Mike liked to call it. Cheers guys, it really was great working with you all.

-Si

The next chapter....

Well, today marked the end of another chapter of our life in Melbourne. I finished work today, after being in the loyal service of Golders for nearly seven weeks. I must say that although I won't miss getting up at 6AM every weekday, it really was a good place to work - everyone I met and worked with there was really nice. And I'm not just writing that because they will be reading it, I promise! Thanks again guys for my leaving card and present, and for the pictures too.

In other news, Clare's friends Jo, Clair and Bec tipped up at our house last Friday after making the long journey from 'oop north' to us down under. Clare's been busy showing them the delights of the city we call home at the moment and they seem to be having fun.

My sister arrives tonight after her epic journey from home, it's going to be great to see her after getting on for six months. I've got a few trips planned, so hopefully there will be a few more cool pictures to post soon...

-Si

(UPDATED) The Grampians....

What with Clare and her parents off to Sydney this weekend, I found myself at a bit of a loose end for a couple of days. Me and my mate Mike from work decided that a trip to Grampian National Park, in the west of Victoria, sounded like a good idea.

We set off very early on Sat AM (no lie-ins this weekend for me!) and caught the train, then a couple of coaches, to Hall's Gap. Our main man Roy drove us the last section to Hall's Gap and took about half an hour driving us about, showing us where all the best walks were, some of the extensive fire damage this area has recently suffered, and most importantly where the pub is, before dropping us off at our hostel. Our hostel touts itself as an eco-hostel, complete with solar powered water heaters and recycling aplenty.

After checking in, we went for a stroll up Chatauqua Peak (I say stroll, it's a full-on scramble in some places, not a Sunday afternoon walk to take Grandma and the kids on) which affords you fantastic views of the mountains and valleys in this region.

We hit the pub for some mighty meat-based meals and a couple of pints before getting some well deserved sleep. Today we went for another mighty walk in the area, and even saw a few wild Kangaroos, one with a joey in it's pouch.

So it's back to work tomorrow, but the end is now in sight, only a couple more weeks to go before I finish. Here's a couple of pics:
































-Si

Brock and Dad on Tour

I now understand why that old people's holiday company is called 'Saga', because taking 'older people' on holiday is exactly that!

We have had a really lovely time, and although poor Si wants to pull his hair out (poor thing), Brock and Dad are having a whale of a time. Brock feels that she is a true back packer, although she some how managed to bring 22.5kg of stuff with her (and swears that she has packed light!). More weight than mine and Si's backpacks weigh in total!!

The Robbins's have now descended on Paula at Sydney. Paula who usually looks after her 2 children, has now been made responsible for 4 kids, who continued to get lost, and confused about most things.

Paula and Rob have been fantastic hosts, and the children have been great. We are all had a brilliant time and Brock has been keeping her Journal so she remembers where she has been.

After a whistle stop tour of Sydney, a fantastic harbour cruise, a tour of the blue mountains and
MANY beery nights, the time has come for Brock and Dad to head home. Both looking a little more tanned, and have now accumilated 50 kg of luggage.

Welshpool has been warned!!

The Great Ocean Road...

This weekend was a bank holiday weekend in Oz (Labor Day), and we decided to get a hire car (another ridiculously oversized V6 Holden, when we only ordered a little Toyota) and head down there. Brock (Clare's mum for those of you not up to speed yet) was most excited at the prospect of staying in bunk beds in a hostel for a night or two:




















And here's a pic of what driving down the GOR is all about. Watching the sun set over the 12 Apostles. Awesome.
















-Si

Adventures with 'Brock and Dad'...

Well blog fans, we thought that our blog has been a bit photo-dry for the last month or so, so here's a few pictures of what we've been up to with Clare's parents since they arrived in Oz nearly 2 weeks ago.

The Puffing Billy steam train:































The trip to the Neighbours set (and meeting Dr. Karl!):
































-Si

They're here...........

Well, they've officially arrived. Clare's mum and dad (Brock and Brian to most of us!) arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night, weary from a full day's travelling from home. After a couple of nights staying in a posh hotel in St. Kilda, they're now 'slumming it' for a few days with us in our little flat.

Clare's been giving them a whistle-stop tour of the city we call home at the moment, taking in such delights as Williamstown and St. Kilda pier. They're both getting redder by the day (despite putting loads of suncream on, Andy) but seem to be having a great time. Dad is very impressed by the trams and the big lorries that drive through the city, and Brock has found the local pub to 'try a few lagers', so all is good.

-Si