After the Flinders Ranges Workshop we returned to Adelaide, picked up our truck from storage and headed south to Robe, a small fishing village. After two weeks of perfect weather for the workshop, we drove south into howling wind and rain.
The coastline around Robe is rugged and isolated. We had a couple of days in Robe then turned east to follow the Great Ocean Road along the Victorian coast. By now the rain had eased but the wind was still howling in from Antarctica – Chilly, but spectacular.
We caught up with our kids in Melbourne for a few days then headed up to the Snowy Mountains
Always a great place to camp along the Swampy Plains River at Geehi. We were surprised at the number of rabbits (and foxes) – the calicivirus seems to have no effect here.
From Geehi we drove up over the mountains, Past Thredbo and on to the Murrumbidgee River on the Long Plain Road. We often camp here when we are in the High Country, but were amazed to find the area coated thickly in white next morning. Spectacular, but freezing cold!
A fisherman dropped in around 9am on his way to Tantangra Dam. He said the temperature readout in his Landcruiser was saying -5, so I dont know what it got down to overnight. Our water pipes were frozen, the hot water heater had frozen and burst and, in spite of filling with what we thought was winter diesel, couldn’t start the truck till after 10am.
Leaving the snowy, we drove up to the Warrumbungle Mountains to spend a couple of days. This time of year encountering snakes is unusual but this big Red Bellied Black snake decided to cross the path right in front of us. We left him to crawl off into the bush.
Splashing Paint 
Absolutely stunning photography John! 😍😍😍
Frankie Sharman Customer Service Devotee
Thanks Frankie
Great fabulous photos, from my fave couple . Needing a boost in the painting dept ! love Annie and Richard ps, wish I could paint like you and cook like Di . 💗🎨
Haaa!
Cheers Annie – Great to hear from you
Fabulous photos, an artists eye is evident
Thanks Wendy
Just love the photos, especially the mountain with one eye.
Thanks Gayle – I didn’t notice that eye until I loaded the photos onto the computer. Looks kind of creepy!
Great trip and great photos. I’m looking forward to spending a few days in the Warrumbungles on the way up to Qld.
Looks like a fabulous trip home. We are looking forward to spending a few days in the Warrumbungles on our way to Queensland.
Hi Mark
Some great walks there – Not sure if they are doing tours of the observatory at Siding Springs near by. We drove up there but the gate was closed – might be a covid thing. Did a tour there years ago and it was really interesting. Worth checking at the Nat. Park visitors centre when you are there.
Enjoy your trip
Hi John and Diane. What wonderful trips you take. I must admit I am very envious. You were so lucky to see your kids in Melbourne. Well timed. Valerie
Hi Valerie,
We sure were lucky – we just beat the Qld quarantine deadline over this last outbreak by 2 hours
Hi John and Diane,
What beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing your adventures! When are you two heading back to the states? We miss you and hope to see you soon. Cheers, Gail
Ps. Any new dvd’s or books in the works?
Hi Gail,
Not sure when we will be back in the US. Our boarders are still pretty well closed to international travel due to covid. Hopefully 2022 will see things change.
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey with us
Thanks Shah
thank you for sharing your trip and amazing photos Mercedes
Thanks Mercedes
Always love your commentary and your photos are spectacular John.
Thanks Pat
Wow what an adventure, glad the snake kept on it’s way, I was hiding under my chair at home here when I saw it. You have captured this beautiful country in a stunning fashion once again.
Hi Pam,
Dianne wanted a chair to hide under too when that big black snake slithered out in front of us.
wonderful photos John. Thank goodness Dave and i did a lot of camping for many years. Wont happen now hes gone but I have wonderful memories and you revive them for me. Thankyou
Thanks Joan, Glad you are enjoying the photos
John and Diana
Great to see you guys are continuing to travel and of course your photos are great as usual. I forget that you are heading into your winter as we are already pretty warm here in Florida. I hope you will have more workshops here in the states soon. Great to hear from you.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Our travels are confined to Australia at the moment. Hopefully this vaccine will turn things around and we will be able to return to the US again soon.
Great blog. I love following your travels and amazing art.
Thanks for posting. I love following your blog and artwork.