Summer finally here!

We had a long weekend last week in South Victoria, at a peninsula called Wilson’s Promontory. We went with Jon, Gail and new friends Neil and Claire. Fi actually managed to enjoy camping (mainly because she’d committed to buying a tent so decided that was that!) Gail organised an amazing overnight trek, where we walked about 45k in 2 days, through incredible landscape. It reminded us a lot of Tasmania. We had our tents, food and water on our back (although this didn’t last long due to the gruelling heat and possums eating our food overnight!) We saw some impressive wildlife as always in Australia- possums (grr!), wombats, wallabies, parrots, dolphins from afar, and a snake from up close (brown and massive, which slithered across our trail as we were walking) As Fi was the only medic she was quaking at the thought of being in charge of a friend being bitten by a snake with no phone reception and miles away from civilisation!!

The weather is so changeable at the moment. One minute it’s glorious sunshine in 30 degree heat, the next we’re awash with torrential rain. For example, we went to Melbourne’s ‘Derby Day’ at the end of October where we dressed up in our best only to get soaked! It’s horse races and the nation literally draws to a halt for a week, including a bank holiday. We won a combined total of $2.30 (Dave didn’t allow high bets!) It was good fun to be part of a Melbourne event, despite the downpour.

Dave’s also turned a year older since our last blog. On his birthday his work had a ‘team building’ day in Mornington at a winery. It basically involved a slap up lunch and cellar door wine tasting-he was happy! We also had a BBQ at our house to mark the event (with more impressive rain) where Fi made a slightly dodgy pavlova-come-trifle! Dave also had a flying lesson in the Yarra Valley as a present from Fi and was actually allowed to fly the plane which was awesome.

Dave also had a weekend in Brisbane, with school friend Rob, as Fi was working. Dave went to Moreton Island where he did sand-boarding, snorkelling and had a few beers in the sun. That brings us up to date to this weekend, where we are having a quiet weekend watching the Ashes (Dave’s boss has noted that Dave pops out every time there’s a wicket, to watch the replay on the foyer TV!!) and Fi’s going to a work ‘spit roast’ out in the sticks, true Aussie-style. We can’t believe it’s almost December, we’ll be home before you know it!