Melbourne #9 (including Easter), Victoria, Australia

25th March – 3rd April 2018

25th March

After a long and tiring week, we finally got a little lie in on Sunday. The night before, Mo had suggested that we go out for the morning, for a coffee/ hot chocolate, so we were up just after 8. It was a slow process to get ready, as we slowly woke up, but we were ready to leave, just after 9.

We set off and head towards Altona, where we parked up by the beach and had a little walk. It was a little chilly and windy when we got out of the car though, so we didn’t walk very far, before Mo decided we should turn around. We took some photos (despite my tired face) and enjoyed the views, before walking back to the car.

As we were in the car, driving away, towards Williamstown, the sun started to come out and the weather brightened up.

It was nice for when we got to Williamstown though. When we got there, we parked up and walked towards the front, where there was a Farmer’s Market. We wandered through the market but didn’t plan on buying anything.

This all changed, however, when me and Joe were lured into a stall with free samples! We tried different flavours of brownie, and it tasted so good. As we had tried so much, we felt obliged to buy, so got one each – despite the fact that I had baked a tonne of things the night before. On the way out of the market, Mo stopped at a French pastry stall and ended up buying some treats from there too.

Once we were finished at the market, we walked back up the main street, stopping in a chocolate café (the same one we visited with Jan and Pete a few weeks ago). Me and Joe both ordered a hot chocolate, which was huge! It was good though, it was hot and very chocolatey – which is strangely rare for a café.

After we had finished our treat, we made our way back to the car, as Joe was working around lunchtime.

When we got home, we had some time for a couple of games of Yahtzee, before Joe showered and got himself ready for work. While Joe was working, I used my afternoon wisely, to catch up on blogs, sort through photos and videos, and get some things ready for when we leave, as we don’t have much time left now and we don’t want to rush. The photos and videos took me ages, as I had only just got round to sort all of the videos I recovered from my GoPro, and it recovered everything, so I had to delete duplicates and watch all of the surfing videos (of which there were around one hundred of), as there were two copies of each video too! It was good to relive parts of the trip though, it got me more excited to get back on the road.

Before everyone arrived in the evening, I hid some chocolate eggs around, as we were having our Easter a week early, as John and co were planning on going away on Easter Sunday. Me and Joe had bought some treats for the children, and so had Mo, so there was an abundance! It just a shame that Joe was working and missed it all!

Just after 5, the family started to arrive, as usual. Mick and Shelly arrived first and they had also brought some treats for the egg hunt, so they went out and hid theirs before the others arrived. Once everyone was round, the hunt begun. The children took a bowl each and they all ended up with a full bowl each, but they still made sure that they shared them equally so that they all had the same. Because they were sharing each flavour equally, I got all of the spares if there were any that didn’t divide by four – I am definitely the fifth child! My bowl was no where near as full as theirs, but me and Joe did still get a Lindt bunny each from Auntie Mo, she still sees us as children – it’s great!

It was a more chaotic night than usual, the children were all full of beans and there was just so much going on! Jeannie had decided she was making a ‘movie trailer’ of us all with the iMovie app, and I featured quite well in this. However, as she wanted me to feature so much, my acting skills were in high demand and I was up and down, being recorded doing various things! In between the madness, we ate dinner, followed by my cupcakes and rocky road (which was a big hit!).

After dinner, everyone left, and we were left to clean up (although Mick and Shelly had already started on the washing up, so this helped massively). It didn’t take long to do, and once we had finished, it was time to chill out for the rest of the evening. Joe didn’t finish work until 9.30, and had to ride home in the rain, with no raincoat – despite being told to take one. Luckily, he was only a little wet when he got in, as the rain had eased off slightly.

By the time Joe got home, time was already getting on. He ate his tea and I showed him what I had been up to with my film making skills throughout the day, before we went up to bed, as I was back in work the next day.

 

26th March

Waking up at 7.30 again was a near impossible activity, for me. I slowly dragged myself out of bed and got myself some breakfast, before setting off just after 8. The weather had turned quite a bit and the temperature had dropped quite a bit – the wind felt so icy when I was cycling (but I guess it doesn’t compare to the weeks of snow, back home).

I got to work and got myself changed before opening up the shop. It was a quiet morning, which is expected on Monday, but I found myself some jobs to do, to keep myself busy. Time passed pretty quickly, and I was fortunately only working until 1.30, so it was soon home time.

When I finished, I got changed and nipped into a couple of shops to pick up some bits and swap my water bottle, again! I’m hoping that I won’t have to make another visit into Typo again – the letter on my water bottle keeps washing off, so I got a different colour this time, which is apparently better. Once I had run my errands, I hopped onto my soggy bike and rode home, in the strong winds.

While I was working Joe stayed at home, as I was only on a short shift. He used the time to do some South East Asia research, as it’s getting so close now!! When I got home, we had a quick lunch before doing some more planning and organising.

As it was Monday, Mo picked Jeannie up from school and she was round for tea. Following the movie trailer making on Sunday, Jeannie was keen to make another one; and Joe was keen to feature as he missed out because of work. We had a violin recital first, before the movie recording begun. She was very good at directing us all and getting us to do the right thing to live up to our part.

Once the movie was complete, it was time for Jeannie to go home, and for Joe to go to work. The both left and the house suddenly fell very quiet. For the rest of the night, I was in a constant battle with myself to keep awake – I failed once or twice. I had a shower and did some blog writing, determined to stay on top of it all, while I waited for Joe to finish work (hoping it was a short shift, as it was Monday).

Joe didn’t get home quite as early as I would have liked. He got in around 10.30, so as soon as we had had a quick catch up about our days, we went off to bed.

 

27th March

Another long day was in store for me at work, but as it was one of my last shifts, I had the motivation to get up. I was feeling more tired though, so it was a struggle to get myself ready. Once I was dressed and had eaten my breakfast, I set off to work and took it very slowly.

Work was pretty much the same as every day. Joe came to meet me for lunch again, which I enjoy – it’s a nice break in the day. The afternoon was a struggle for me as I was so tired, I couldn’t focus on anything. As my shift finished, Robyn gave me a little going away gift, as she won’t be at Highpoint again before I finish. She got me some ‘Melbourne Tea’ as a bit of a joke gift – the idea was very thoughtful but as I don’t like tea, I wont be enjoying them.

While I was in work, Joe spent the day between home and Highpoint, doing some research for travels, which are getting so close now!

After work, I cycled home, as usual, but we had a different kind of night planned. As it was the first night that Joe had off since I got my new job, last week, and it was the only night we were both able to do, we were going out for a meal, as a date night/ new job ‘well done’ meal. Once I was showered and ready, Mo dropped us off – we were going to Joe’s restaurant, just in case he was missing the place on his only night off of the week!

When we got there, it was quite quiet, so we got to choose our table. We sat down and had a quick look at the menus, before ordering some drinks. For dinner, I decided to go with one of the specials, pumpkin risotto, and it was delicious. Joe got a pizza, for a change, and we shared a cheesy garlic bread, which was equally nice!

As it was our first and last date night in a while, we decided we were going to take our time and enjoy it. That being said, we were home for 9, after a long walk home to burn off some of the food.

When we got home, I decided I was going straight to bed, as I really needed an early night. By the time I had got myself organised and sorted, it wasn’t that early, but it was better than usual.

 

28th March

I was in work again the next day, and the earlier night definitely made getting up a little easier. Once I was ready and had eaten my breakfast, I set off on my bike.

Luckily, I was only working a short shift, so I only had to get through the morning. I kept myself busy doing jobs around the shop, until Olga arrived at 12. I was only meant to be working until 1 anyway, but as the shop was so quiet, Olga let me leave 10 minutes earlier if I went via the post office to drop off some parcels.

My early finish meant that I was home sooner, ready for our afternoon of packing. Due to shifts at work and plans that we have made, it was our only chance to spend time packing before we leave. Joe had my lunch ready for when we got home, so I ate that first before we started the dreaded job.

Packing took longer than it should have and it was definitely something that I haven’t missed. We managed to squeeze in most things and are hoping the rest will make it home somehow, even if we have to post it. Once our bags were packed, it was time for Joe’s next haircut. I’m a pro at the back and sides now but he needed some taking off the length this time. I was a little nervous at first but as his hair is so thick and there’s so much of it, it was so easy because it all just blends into one. It looked so much better afterwards too – even if I do say so myself.

After the haircut, we had a few hours to chill out before Joe had to go to work. We played some Yahtzee (making the most of it while we can) and ate our dinner, before he had to get ready and leave.

Once Joe had gone to work, I watched some TV, before having a shower and washing my hair ready for work again the next day. I had a chilled out evening, waiting for Joe to come home.

When Joe came home, it was already late and I feel constantly tired at the moment, so it was straight to bed for us.

 

29th March

One of my last early starts, for work, came round quickly. I got up quietly so that I didn’t wake Joe. I got myself ready and had my brekkie, before setting off.

As it was my last long shift in work, I had the motivation to get through it, because I didn’t have long left. I opened up and finished off sorting out the delivery from the day before. The shop was quiet and my day was broken up nicely with a visit from Joe at lunchtime. We enjoyed the last of my cake from Sunday for dessert, before I had to head back in.

While I was working, Joe popped into various travel agents, to price up how we could get from Darwin to Cairns – it’s not a cheap trip. Although we contemplated booking a different campervan to drive it, we ended up booking a flight in the end, as it was quicker and easier – and marginally cheaper, so that was my job when I got home.

I finished at 5 and got myself straight home. Once we had eaten dinner, Joe set off for his shift and I got set on organising flights and ideas for our time in Australia.

Joe didn’t get home until later from work, but it was the beginning of the long Easter weekend, so I wasn’t surprised. I couldn’t stay up downstairs and wait for him, so I went to bed. Luckily, he was home not long after, and I couldn’t wait to show him what I had been researching, before we fell asleep.

 

30th March

Although everything is shut on Good Friday, meaning we were both off work, we still had a relatively early start, as we were having our last family gathering with the McGuinness’. We got out of bed just after 8.15 and got ourselves dressed before having some breakfast.

Once we were ready, we were about to set off towards the train station. We had planned to walk up to the station, as Nic had said that she would bring us home later on, so we didn’t want to take the bikes up and leave them there. As we were about to set off, Mark said that he would take us up, to save us walking, so that was a nice treat.

As we were at the station a little earlier, as we got a lift, we had to wait for the train for about twenty minutes, but the sun was shining and it was starting to warm up. We got one train into the city, and then from Flinders, got another train out towards Frankston, where Nic and Mary were meeting us, to take us up to Anne’s. On the way up, Nic told us to feel free to nap, and it’s safe to say that Joe didn’t need telling twice, shock!

Even though we left the house before 9, we didn’t arrive at Anne’s until gone 12, as she lives far out in the countryside now, but it was so nice to get to out to see her though, and see where she lives. When we got to Anne’s, John Paul, Hayley, Steven and Sam were already there with the children, as they had stayed the night before, so we said our hellos before having a quick tour of the house. Not long after we had arrived, Cath, Les, Deb and Sean arrived too. It was nice that everyone, except Emma and Josh, were able to come round and spend the day together.

While the dinner was cooking, we sat around and had a chat and a catch up, as well as doing an Easter egg hunt. JP and Steven were in charge of hiding the eggs, and as long as me and Nic didn’t look where they were hiding them, we were able to join in! I tried not to be too competitive with the children, but I managed to find a few! Nic was slightly more competitive than I was and ended up re-hiding some of hers out of guilt. Joe managed to find a few too but he is much nicer to the children than we were!

For lunch, Anne had cooked lots of different fish dishes and we had salad and potatoes and other bits too, and it all tasted good. For dessert, Anne and Hayley had made a Toblerone cheesecake, some lemon pie things and ‘magic custard’ cake, which were all so so good – I obviously tried some of each!

After all of the food, we were all pretty full and could barely move. We chilled out and chatted some more, while the children (not me this time) went into the hot tub that Anne has in her back garden. Before people started to leave, we all got together in the back garden for some cousins pictures, and then cousins and aunties pictures, which was interesting trying to get one of the children to take them.

Once we had taken our photos, we started to say our goodbyes to everyone. I felt a little sad as we have had a great time seeing everyone in Melbourne. Nic dropped Mary off at her car, in Sandhurst (about an hour from Anne’s), before taking us home. Both me and Joe had a nap on the way back – I just couldn’t help it in the heat of the sun. We got home just after 6 and said our final goodbye, to Nic, before she left for home.

When we got home, we chilled out and enjoyed some time of doing ‘nothing’ for a few hours. We had a quick phone call with grandma, as it was her birthday. After that, we watched some TV and looked up more exciting things to do on our travels, before eventually heading to bed.

 

31st March

I had an extra early start on Saturday, as I was back in work but also needed to wash my hair before I set off. I got up at 7 and had my shower, and washed and dried my hair first, before getting my breakfast. Just before I was about to leave, I had a quick chat with grandma and granddad, on the weekly phone call.

Work was very quiet to start with, which made the morning drag. It eventually reached 12pm and Andrea arrived to keep me company. I had my lunch break, with Joe, for the last time, and then I only had two hours left of my shift. The afternoon was much quicker, as it was busier and I had company.

After work, I met up with Katie, for the last time in a while. We went to a café in Highpoint, for some cake, however, it wasn’t as good value as the last time we went for cake – it cost me $9 for a slice of cake that wasn’t even as big as the last one! The size of the cake didn’t bother me though, as I couldn’t finish it, as it was so rich. It was good to see Katie and have another catch up, as she is planning on staying in Australia for a year, so it will be a while until I get to see her again.

Once we had said our goodbyes, again, I rode my bike back home, just in time for tea. We sat down and ate dinner, before Joe had to shoot off for his shift. I cleaned up when Joe had left, before getting on with baking.

I was in charge of making rocky road for dessert for Easter dinner at John’s, after it was such a big hit last week. It didn’t take me very long to make, but I made a little bit more this time, as it all went pretty quickly last time.

After the rocky road was in the fridge, I took my things upstairs and ended up flaking out on the bed for a while, unable to move out of tiredness. I had a little rest before having a shower and chilling out downstairs, watching TV. Joe finished work quite late, and when he got in, I was already in bed, as we were having an early start the next morning, to have a morning trip down Mornington Peninsula before Joe had to go to his last shift.

 

1st April

As we had an extra hour in bed, as the clocks went back, we decided to make the most of that, but getting up at 6 probably wasn’t the best way to do this. We got up and dressed and Joe cycled into Seddon to pick up the rental car we had booked – it was right by his work, so he left his bike chained up there so that he could collect it after his shift later on.

When Joe arrived back with the car, we had some breakfast and finished getting ready, before getting on our way. We set off just after 7, which was definitely worth it. We drove around the city and down the peninsula, right to the bottom.

At around 9am, we arrived at Portsea, which is the furthest town down the peninsula. When we got there, we drove into the national park, but as it was so quiet, we were unsure whether we were allowed down there. We carried on anyway and eventually reached a car park, where there were a few cars.

Once we were parked up, we got out of the car and had a quick look at the map in the car park. We decided to go on the longest walk, which took us right to the end of the peninsula, which was used at a defensive fort, commanded by Fort Queenscliff, across the water, working to defend Port Phillip. We stopped at an observatory point along the way, which was on a cute little beach, before carrying on to the end.

When we got to Fort Nepean, we had a look around the different bases, going in the ones we were allowed. We walked under the tunnels and went in some of the lookouts, including looking at some of the guns that were used. The views were just beautiful.

One of the guns we saw was a hydro-pneumatic gun, also known as a disappearing gun. These guns were raised above the ground hydraulically and once they were fired, they would recoil back into the pit, ‘disappearing’. This is one of only two remaining hydro-pneumatic guns left in Australia which is largely intact and still in its remaining position, even though it is missing its gun barrel.

We walked to the very end, and couldn’t believe how close Queenscliff was. As a treat for getting to the end, we had our first Easter treat of the day, in the shape of a little chocolate egg. After we had finished exploring, we made our way back towards the car. As we were heading back, we noticed there were a few more people around and were grateful that we arrived so early. We didn’t quite realise how busy it was, until we reached the car parks, and all three of them were full – slightly different to when we arrived.

Once we were back in the car, we started to drive back up the peninsula, but only got as far as Sorrento, before we stopped on the back beach to have our lunch. For lunch, we had brought a pizza from Joe’s work, so enjoyed that, sat on the beach, watching the surfers. The Sorrento back beach has the sea water crashing onto it, which is a very different scene to the front beach, which had the calm waters of the bay. Once we had finished our pizza, we had another Easter treat, and a little rest, before we were on the move again.

Although I really wanted an ice cream treat, we were both too full to eat anything else, so we carried on up the peninsula to the Mornington area. We had one more little stop at Mount Martha beach, to look at the beach huts (or bathing boxes as they call them over her), which were all pretty and colourful. We had a little wander up and down the beach, before we had to set off back towards home, as Joe needed to get back for work.

We arrived back home just after 3, giving Joe enough time to get changed, before we set back out again. Joe was dropping the car back off on his way work, and dropping me off at the shops so that I could get our food sorted for our road trip.

The shopping ended up being a little heavier than I expected it to be, so it was a difficult walk back home, through the park, but I made it, after multiple stops to swap bags and arms. While I was in the shop, Joe managed to return the car and get to work just in time, for his final shift before our next adventure begins.

I eventually made it home with all of the shopping. I put some stuff in the fridge, before taking the other bits upstairs. I thought I would have a quick shower before we had to head to John’s but that didn’t end in the best way. While I was in the shower, I knocked over the water bucket and almost flooded the bathroom. My quick thinking was to grab the towels to absorb the water, which was great at the time. However, once I had got over that disaster and my shower was over, I no longer had a towel to dry myself with, so it was a long, drip drying process for me!

Once I recovered and managed to get dry and dressed, I confessed to Mo and got the towels in the wash. I then used the rest of the afternoon to pack, again! Although we had done it already this week, I wasn’t happy with how my bag was and had already practically exploded, so I had another go.

Before I knew it, it was time to go to John’s for Easter dinner, with all of the family, including Susan and Roger (Cait’s mum and dad) – it was such a shame that Joe had to work. When we arrived, we sat outside, chatting and eating cheese and crackers, while John got dinner ready. John also got the log fire going in the back garden, which was nice for the light and heat, but the smoke in the eyes was a struggle for me. We ate dinner, which was delicious as always.

After dinner, we sat and chatted some more, before I ended up playing Pictionary with Jeannie, Rose and Paddy – Danny didn’t fancy it. I was in a team with Jeannie, and although she questioned my drawing abilities at first, she was happy once we were winning. After winning two games, which Rose and Paddy weren’t impressed with, we packed up.

The next thing I knew, Dan started playing with his new ‘hey google’ device and we had music playing. It started off with just the boys dancing, but soon Jeannie’s requests were coming in, and as she wasn’t dancing, I went to encourage her. I then ended up being her puppet as she moved my arms to the beat of the music. It was good fun and a really good end to the night.

It was 9 o’clock before we knew it, so after a few songs, we all started to make a move. As it was Easter holidays, it didn’t matter too much that the children were having a late night – Jeannie was spending the next day with Mo and Mark anyway. The three of us walked home, and chilled out once we got there.

Joe had a later finish than normal because of Easter but it didn’t matter, as it was his last one. I waited up for him, but soon after he got in, I made my way up to bed.

 

2nd April

The one and only opportunity we had for a lie in, in absolutely ages and I was awake before 8! It was still later than what I was used to, but it wasn’t what I would normally call a lie in. I lay in bed for a while, but as I had a million things running through my head, of what I needed to do before we set off again, I couldn’t really relax for very long.

Around 9, I got myself up and ready and made my way downstairs. Jeannie was round for the day, as it was public holiday, and she was desperate to spend some time with me. I felt bad, as she wanted me and Joe to go out for a morning drink with them, but as we still had so much to do, we had to stay home and get on with it. Luckily, we were still at home when they got back, so I was able to spend some time with her, before I had to go to work.

As me and Joe had to pick up a few last minute bits from Highpoint, before I started my shift, we left at around 11.30. We cycled into work for the last time, and it was perfect cycling conditions, which made it nice. When we got to Highpoint, we did a little shopping before I got changed for work. Once I was changed, we sat and had lunch, and then got fro-yo for the last time – we couldn’t not!

When 1 o’clock came round, it was time for me to head into the shop, for the final time! It had been a busy morning, so I was thrown straight into it, after saying my last Ripe goodbye, to Andrea. The afternoon was full of busy and quiet periods, but to my luck, I got two customers in, fifteen minutes before I was supposed to close. I served the customers, while they tried on half of the clothes in the shop, and 5 o’clock soon came and went. I rang Robyn to let her know I was still open, but would be shutting up soon. I finally finished with the customer at ten past five, so I could close the shop and leave it, for the final time!

After work, I cycled to Mick and Shelly’s, instead of home, as it was time to return the bike! I met Joe there, as he cycled up, and then Mo arrived a little after, bring Jeannie back from her day with them. We stayed for a little while, but soon had to say our goodbyes and head home.

When we got back, we ate dinner, before I double checked some plans for the outback (as we will probably be out of signal and don’t really have the time to get lost). After all was checked, it was time to do more packing, although the room seemed to be getting messier rather than tidier and it was quite frustrating.

After a while, we had a little break from packing, leaving the room in a mess, while we sat downstairs with Mo and Mark for a bit, watching some TV. We didn’t want to spend our last night packing the whole time, so the break was definitely needed.

Once the packing was complete, we climbed into bed and had a quick FaceTime with home, before having our last Melbourne sleep!

 

3rd April

Our last morning in Melbourne was an early start. Joe had to nip to Officeworks to print off some details for our trip, we had our showers, and then we put our last bits into our bags, ready to go!

Joe made a phone call to the car hire company to make sure everything was all still good to go at 10, like we had planned, as he had had an email saying there might be delays. True to my travelling luck, we were delayed (I didn’t think that was possible when I wasn’t flying, but apparently it is!). As the car we were hiring was brand new, and it had been a public holiday weekend, they hadn’t had chance to register it yet (we’re not having much luck with registered cars over here) and the queue at Vic roads was huge, so we had to wait a few extra hours – it’s a good job we checked.

It was a little frustrating, as we had plans, but there was nothing we could do, but wait. We got our breakfast, and played one last game of Yahtzee – what else would we do with spare time!?

After one game of Yahtzee, the four of us went for a walk, through the park, to Antipasti, for a drink and a cake. We sat outside and the weather was getting nicer as we sat there. Once we had finished our drinks, we nipped into Coles, before wandering back through the park.

When we got back home, we gathered all of our things up and started to bring them downstairs. We had some lunch and sat and chatted, until John arrived at 12.30 to take us to Braybrook to collect our car. We said our goodbyes to Mo and Mark – the hardest goodbye yet – and set off onto our next adventure.

 

I can’t believe how quick the time in Melbourne has flown by. We have had an amazing time, seeing family and friends and doing lots of the ‘must do’ things in Victoria. The memories that we have made would not have been possible without the support that we were given by so many people – we could not be more grateful. Although we have had lots of fun, we are now both ready to move on with our adventure (although I am a little nervous). First on the itinerary is the outback, where we might be out of touch for a while.

Watch our three months in Melbourne squeezed into a seven minute video: https://vimeo.com/262807575

To travel is to live, Katie x