Big Adventures of a Little Muppet Dog -Part III

Big Adventures of a Little Muppet Dog

Part III

April 18th to May 13th

We drive through Nanango, fourth oldest town in Queensland, stop at Kilkivan which Ma raves about the antique shop here and I heard her say she'd buy heaps if they weren't living in the tin can. Along the way we witness a car/caravan accident. Looks nasty but not deadly. Lucky my folks drive safely.  Into Maryborough we land, I meet Aunty Gary and Aunty Sue and their pooch, Turbo. I like this dog and I hear he doesn't often like dogs but it's only natural he tolerates me as we have good chat and decide to be buddies. They leave us dogs at home and head out to an old mansion called Baddow House I believe and when they came back we were all spoilt, my favourite thing.

 

Here is a picture of me enjoying the sun whilst they're out!

 

 

 

 

After dinner and yakking, more planking ensued and the next day we decided to head into Hervey Bay for a peek. Walked along Urangan Pier and had fish and chips for lunch.

 

 

 

 

Smallish place, gorgeous beach, lots of beach type trees around. Turbo and I had a ball running in the water, I think this is his favourite thing. So many dogs smells here, this place is dog haven from what I'm smelling. We soon say ta-ta to our mates and head to Bundaberg where we stay with Aunty Evan and Aunty Kay for ten nights. I love it here, they let me on the couch, feed me treats and give me loads of cuddles. Their backyard is paradise, imagine big green Palm trees mixed in with ferns and other green specimens. They have a small fish pond out the back, this is where you'll find me a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only time I shrieked was when I stood on this squishy thing one night, woof, it gave me a fright (Cane toad- EN) . Everyone laughed at me but I got cuddles so totes worth it. These creatures come out at night and just sit there, you can gently kick one and it barely moves. Weird things. It's great having this amount of time here, got to visit many places like the stunning beachy town called Bagara, Elliot Heads and 1770 - this is where Captain Cook first came to shore and anchored his ship. The monument below is dedicated to Cook and Co.

 

 

 

 

 

Nearby this town is Agnes Waters, we all had a fab outing here. Jolly stroll through the place but only a short walk as time to get home. 

Whilst in Bundaberg we caught up with many other family members throughout our time here and I had many cuddles and I managed to sneak a few licks in, especially toes, humans don't like that at times, bark! One day here they got up at the crack of dawn, (Anzac Day - EN) and left me planking but took me to the big March later on. So many people around, someone speaking on a microphone, planes going overhead and lots of different uniforms. I was on my best behaviour here as it felt important. 

 

 

 

 

One day Pa wasn't feeling well so Ma and I drove to the 'mystery craters' to check out the phenomenon in a town called South Kolan. I was taken to yet another cemetery on our trip back and then we headed home to check on Pa. He was feeling much better so I jumped on him, glad he was well enough to cuddle me again. 

The next day we left Bundaberg and headed further north through Gin Gin, Skeleton Creek and into Rockhampton where they'd planned to stay the night but even I thought the river free camp looked dodgy then the other place was closed! We continued onto a place called Yeppoon, yeah you try saying that, and after we unhitched and the chickens came out to greet me, yummy, I was harnessed up with the go pro and taken across the road to the beach. I let them put fancy shit on me as it makes them happy.

The beach was ominous as dark clouds slowly rolled above, the waves were crashing in and I was running flat out, the breeze circling through my ears and I was having a ball. It rained most of the night so we hung out in tin can and they watched some show about bikie gangs, I planked. 

The following day brought about sunshine, Ma was glad as this caravan park had a big pillow so she went for a play, I wish I could go on it. I just sniffed the grass as it smelt like those weird cane toad things. After this we walked around Yeppoon and driving out the folks pointed out the effects of a cyclone, I don't know what that means but sounds  ghastly. Tonight we made it to Ilbilbie, stayed overnight in a Truckee stop. I thought if grandma could see us now, she'd not like us staying here. On our left is a train line which had long trains coming through every hour until 8.30pm then thankfully nothing till early morning. On our right hand side is the roadhouse and ahead the truckies pulling in. I was most surprised we all slept here. See, can't judge a free spot by its scungy looks. 

As we travel further north there are more and more cane fields, Eagles, and I hear the folks yelling the word 'spotto ' less, not sure what it all means but I'll just raise my eyes and ignore their odd human ways. Into Mackay we go to visit Aunty Beth and then into Airlie Beach, what a tourist town it is. Reminiscent of a much smaller Queenstown I heard Ma say. I hear many strange accents from people's mouths and this place is surrounded by beaches, warm weather and adventure activities.

The caravan park here is divine, green grass which is nice for my paws, Palm trees, and a huge furrie living next door to me. I stay clear of big furries but he seems harmless enough and we come to a secret agreement not to growl at each other and this pleases both our folks. 

The next day was exciting as it was ma's birthday, they went off jet skiing in the morning and I planked in the tin can. I did think I could jet ski surely, I love water but when I heard about it afterwards, it sounded hairy and Ive got enough of that. They came back for me and we headed out to the markets, walked around town then into Shute Harbour which smells of rich people. That night they walked into town for Mexican birthday dinner. They smelled of alcohol when they returned which makes them talk to me even more than normal, one day they'll get it.

Picture of Ma and her birthday present from Pa!

 

On the road again we head past the Big Mango,

and eat lunch at Guthalungra, then back on road where I peaked and had to sit on ma's lap. The big Eagles were circling me, I just knew I am their favourite thing. We got to Aunty Lisa and Aunty Grumpys home and chilled here for two nights in Home Hill. For some reason Ma likes the birds here, whistling kites, ibis and her favourite, curlews which scream like banshees. Their three kids, Jemima, Zan and Matthew are awesome, I get cuddles here and try to avoid stalker lesbian furrie, Rosie. I remember Rosie from last year, it's as though she's never seen a dog before! I just let her sniff my butt and follow me around, I hear we are going back there so I'll have to have a good chat to her if the constant butt sniffing continues. 

 

We have fab two nights here a Home Hill, I got to boogie board, my new favourite thing, in their pool whilst about a dozen whistling kites soar above me - I keep one eye peeled on these birds, ibis are on their green lush grass and Rosie who wants to hop on my boogie board. What a relaxing day, ending with nice decent sleep, not in the tin can!
 

It took a while to leave the next day due to the tin can lights not working. Eventually got them working and off we went to free camp at Blue Water, bit of a bogan place. People come here in droves and the Europeans like to park right under our windows, the folks think it's for either safety or where they live it's so full of people that it's the norm! Not here maties, not too close I tell them.

Even though we're like sardines it's not noisy and the day day we are off through Ingam, Cardwell for lunch where I spot an 'actung ' warning sign for crocodiles. Didn't smell any of these oversized lizards but I whine anyway. The sign also states not to feed the crocs, I hope they don't mean feed me to them, I shut up for at least ten minutes. We continue on to Tully for two nights and free camp at the Showgrounds, on concrete, so hot! We spend one day checking out Mission beaches. Four beaches and I got to swim in all of them, yippeee.

 

 

 

Two beaches are netted due to marine stingers and I'm a bit dubious when the folks take me in for a swim, looks too deep for me and I paddle like there is no tomorrow. Three beaches are typical coast beaches, with the warm weather, golden sand, blue skies, waves and only a few people around. The last beach, Bingil Bay, is more rocky and smaller but picturesque. We could see across to Dunk Island from here. A quick walk past black cockatoos and then a brew at Shrubbery Tavern before leaving back to Tully for the night. Very quiet here, the sports ovals have heaps of locals playing various activities with balls and I restrain from running to play with them. 

Rained overnight as we leave for Murdering Point Winery, I must remain outside whilst they dabble.

Through Innisfail, where these big furry things, kangaroos, are just wandering around humans homes. I wouldn't mind a pet kangaroo, I must subtly ask th folks if we can take one home with us. Home, where is that....

We follow beautiful mountain ranges, cane fields and lush green colours everywhere till we get to Babinda. We end up staying here for three nights. Many funny speaking humans here yet again. The campground is set up with toilet block, shower block and trees all around. The folks leave me, yet again, not always my favourite thing, in the tin can and head to the boulders. It's very picturesque here and they plan to head back. Loads of trees and bush and at one end is a watering hole and the other has large rocks I'm told, forming smooth boulders where a river passes through them.     

We settle in for the night and chat to many humans. I meet a few furries who seem okay. Next day I am placed in the bike basket and we ride around the one street town. Little but adequate. Ma checks out what the locals call 'the best op shop in the northern atmosphere' and pa and I walk around. Soon enough we ride around and check out as much as possible, doesn't take long and woof, home we go! 

Ma and Pa head back to the boulders in the arvo and had a swim which I believe is cold and refreshing. Wish I could have gone with them, but adorable furries aren't allowed. 

Next day we head into Cairns for a few hours.

Too hot for me. We sit on the edge of the water and eat but not much else to do for a short time so we decide to head back to the boulders for a longer swim. The folks leave me in the car and take bread down to feed the turtles, sheesh, where's my bread? They swim with about twenty turtles, an eel and a yabbie I hear. Not impressed I had to miss out but I did catch up some sleep. The next day is our last and we ride the bikes through the cane fields where I'll swear a kite was eyeing me off for morning tea.

 

We had to go into the outskirts of Cairns again, past the big Captain Cook - that exploring dude, then into Kuranda for lunch. Lovely Rainforest neck of the woods here. We continue on and stay in Mareeba the night with Aunty Irwin and Aunty Karen, the humans we met at Maclean. They look after my folks and me. I smell those weird cane toads again and woof, there they are at night. I also smell green tree frogs near the tin can, funny things too.  In Mareeba the folks sort out the tin can for our next adventure I'm told, whatever that means. So hot here so I'm just planking away.  After a couple of nights here we leave the tin can with the humans and head away in the car, my favourite thing, with many other aunties - Cossie, Christine, Hauley, Phil, Gary and Jill. The 'wherethefuckarewe' gang head north and apparently the plan is to go until we can't head north anymore, sounds mad! 

Our three week trip to Cape York next......now is  my time to catch up on planking, my favourite thing.

 

 

 

 

 

Big Adventures of a Little Muppet Dog -part II

Big Adventures of a Little Muppet Dog

March 24 to April 18th

 I know a dog only has one tail but this adventure requires multiple tales to be told. 

So sit back, grab a bone, scratch that itch, my favourite thing, and read about my adventures part II. 

Now, where were we....ah yes - Meriwa - lovely town west of Hunter Valley. Many shops and homes here, a rather dry looking town, not much rain here lately, but friendly nonetheless. We found the Leagues Club and the folks were allowed to stay in the gravel car park just off the golf course here. I thought it was a park for me to run in but found out quickly that I couldn't run on the dry grass, which I discovered the next day, as it made my tootsies sore. I just peed on it instead. It was rainy not long after we arrived and even some thunder, the folks thought that was just grand as it had been a while since rain. They pulled the table into the tin can and played some games that Aunty Robyn had bought them. Pa won most! I planked and kept an eye peeled on them in case they left without me, not my favourite thing. Once the rain ceased, the folks took me for a nice walk and then headed into the Club for dinner. I heard they met some nice locals and had some brews. Brews, I must find out if they have brews for the furry variety. 

Day twenty-three and we drive into town to fuel up and check out the shops. Ma's new mate Aunty Kelly makes home made soap and sells in a shop so Ma checks the wares out. Pa ties me up and they buy some soap and donate money for a few second hand books to take with them. Pa has learnt to read books again and Ma takes the piss out of him asking 'who is this man!' And I want to say "it's Pa" but I can't move my jaw to make that sound, so a woof will do. Later on that day we drive out to Battery Park which is a nice shady place with areas to eat their lunch and where there are rocks that are 35 million years old. Very odd formations due to lava freezing in these shapes, really cool. See Pa below.....

 

The folks head back to the tin can for a short time and as Pa can't sit still we head nearby to a lawn where they roll heavy looking balls along the grass. (Lawn bowls -EN) I hear they are using the presidents balls which is a privilege. Ma says, barefoot, bowls and brew! Later on that day Pa and his new mate, Aunty Patrick, head to a tin shed near the club with stringed instruments in their hands and balls, oohhh balls, my favourite things.  Instead of throwing the balls to me they hit the balls like maniacs in a room. I don't get it, Ma watches but takes me for a walk on and off, much better than seeing two men sweat. After the boys have finished I'm taken back to tin can whilst they have a few brews, can you see a habit forming here?!, with the locals in the bar until they came back to me and we all have dinner in the tin can then met up with the locals again at the pub. I think pubs are one of their favourite things. Aunty Kelly and her hubby joined them, and guess what?!, I'm allowed in to meet them all. I know they want to meet the famous Muppet of the South - licks all round. After many laughs they must call it a night and ta ta to their new friends who all said they must visit us again next year, I'm sure they just wanted to meet me again, but I'll keep that to myself for now.
 

The next morning we all head into a place called The Hunter Valley. I'd better behave here in case I'm hunted I first think, but I soon discover its a wine making region. We meet Aunty Whitey and pull up outside a homestead where we are given full run of the place. The folks feel very privileged and we all laugh as Aunty Whitey thought my folks would be in their sixties and that the boys would have to be on their behaviour! In we all settle, I meet all my new six Aunties who love me of course and we chillax out here for four nights. Every day by the pool and tin can are these big brown furry things. Goodness me they're huge (kangaroos with joeys! -EN) .

I growl at them to let them know not to come near us but I get told off, so much for protecting my family. I have run of the house here and enjoy my cuddles and when I hear my new aunties want me to be their future mascot, I nearly bark at the chance. But I'd miss my folks too much. The area has many grape vines, that even these kangaroos enjoy hopping through,  with trees around and weather that is warm the entire time we are here. The reason my folks have come to this place is for a concert. A Day on the Green which they often go to in Melbourne.  I get the feeling I may be planking a lot this day. Saturday comes round and I hear the folks got wicked passes for behind the scenes and hang out side of stage for Choirboys, The Angels, Cheap Trick and head into the crowd for Billy Idol. I guess I'd better forgive them for leaving me alone, but they did cuddle me extra. Ma says the show was fantastic and that they had free meals and drinks and they even got to meet Billy and Steve Stevens! I would have liked to meet Billy too as I've been listening to the music so much.

My new Aunties want us to stay the week, meaning me of course, but we must move north in the tin can. We spend the final night watching something called cricket finals (ICC -EN). Everyone is happy as Australia beat New Zealand. I'm happy for all the extra cuddles I get as we all sit around focusing on the tv watching a ball being hit by a wooden stick, seems a waste of time to me when we could all be outside and I could be chasing a ball, my favourite thing. My folks feel so lucky and also sad to leave the mates they've been staying with. Aunty Marcus makes sure to see us as we leave the next day and I get a ride on a golf buggy, my new favourite thing, and he cuddles me extra. I think I'm his favourite thing!

 

We head north and into Coolongolook cemetery where we end up having lunch, it's a dry cemetery with huge trees in the background - cemeteries are one of ma's favourite things to check out and woof, have we seen a few. We drive out through Taree and into Macksville where we plank the night. It's rainy on and off and after being spoilt the last few nights, I am pooped! The next day we head into Coffs Harbour where we catch up with Aunty Jerry and Aunty Denise. They've got a divine home on the river which we are told floods at times. I watch the water dragons on the grass from the balcony as the humans catch up wishing I could chase the lizards but I'm not allowed to go on the grass area as that word 'ticks' springs up. They are the reason I get this stinky liquid on my skin every two weeks, rotten ticks.  The area is so lush and many birds swoop in to eat the bugs that have gotten stuck in the doors on the balcony,  stupid birds but funny to watch. After lunch we head to their basement and the folks are allowed to have a hit of Aunty Jerry's digital drum kit and Ma pulls some funny faces when she drums. 

A few hours later we head off to visit the big banana then onto Maclean, which is one of Ma's favourite towns so far. It's Scottish heritage I hear her say and the power poles around town have all various tartan clan colours and Scottish names painted on them.  I look for my ancestors but couldn't find them, but I think they come from Alveridge. It's a small town but decent shops and loads of trees. 

After we check out the town we have to check out the cemetery which is huge. There are these stinky flying things living in the gardens (bats -EN) and Ma is in her element saying she is going to buy a house overlooking the cemetery and bats. I give Pa a glance to say weirdo and he acknowledges. We have a day trip from Maclean into stunning Yamba with its beach fronts and expensive shops. I get a beach run, the sand feels soft on the paws as I sprint down and tread into the cold waters, ah, my favourite thing. After this we all head to the Yamba pub for a bevo and then off back to the tin can again in Maclean. The folks made friends with the humans next door, their tin can smells better than ours apparently. (Newer-EN), Aunty Irwin and Aunty Karen have two dogs, one just barks at me and the other wants to play. We all head out to the 'Cane Cutters' pub but us dogs stay in our cars. After a while we all head home to plank, my favourite thing, in our tin cans.

 

Up early the next morning and through Ballina and Lennox Head to Byron Bay we head. It's packed with humans here, my goodness the smells. The folks say it's day one of a blues festival today but we spend the day on the beaches, the folks treat themselves to lunch and dinner at this town. At one point Ma and I chillaxed whilst Pa visits the lighthouse - the most easterly point in Australia. Dogs aren't allowed there I'm told, so we cruise in a park nearby to wait whilst walking past two snakes. I could hear them but as they didn't smell I tried to get a closer look, but got yelled at. Not my favourite thing.

 

What a glorious day, the beach had lots of other dogs so lots of bum sniffs and plays in the water and relaxing in the sun until it was time to head out that night to a rest stop called Sleepy Hollow. I planked into a deep sleep chasing bunny rabbits, my favourite dreams, and the folks slept on and off with the road noise so we had lovely sleep in and then finally we drove into Queensland! Woohoo, more beach runs. I can feel it in the air. Here, we meet up with Aunty Karen and Aunty Kara and their dog Maisy. We all walked to Broadwater, via the beach, yay, and had lunch. Another warm day in paradise, the sun is up high in the blue sky. They all caught up on life and Maisy and I ripped through the beach, well I ran in the water without hesitation and chased some items I thought may be food but turned out to be rocks and sticks. Day after day of beaches I could totes, (haha, a word I hear Ma use), get used to this life.

We then headed only a short distance away and stayed with folks friends, Aunty Madison and Aunty Scott, the night at the Gold Coast and their playful dog, Bodhi, who wouldn't leave me alone. Seriously, I know I'm cute but you know....! Their home is divine and again, we all got spoilt. After much yakking it was nighty night and into another deep slumber I fell. I could get used to this life you know.

After brekkie we left these aunties and headed a few hours west to visit Mama and Papa in Dalby. We spent two weeks here, the folks catching up with family and I caught with cousin Oscar who is my mate. We have fun times together, he's so cute I may have a crush on him. Papa loves his pond in the backyard and I admit I was a little slow in working out there are fish, my favourite things, in the pond and I eventually decided to tread into the pond. I couldn't catch the blooming things as they are too slippery, I decide to hide behind the ferns and see if one comes to the edge, I may be able to bob my head in and get the fish, alas my time is wasted on these things and I just end up pushing a rock into the pond and my game is given away. I enjoy my two weeks here, playing balls, bike rides in my newly fitted basket that is attached to Pa's bike and lots of nibbles come my way. We have a couple of days visiting humans in Toowoomba during that time and they eat waffles, that could be my favourite thing. The folks get things fixed to the tin can and I watch on making sure everything is done properly of course.  Mama loves to knit beanies and Papa loves to eat chocolate. They gives me pats and treats, I like staying here, it's like a retreat, eating and sleeping and occasionally sniffing oscars butt. The day we left Dalby the tears were there again, I just know they are going to miss me!!

 

Big Adventures of a Little Muppet Dog

Big Adventures of a little Muppet dog

March 3rd to March 24th  (editors note - EN)

Started out as a semi normal day, woke up in a tin can and pondered the fish smells until Ma and pa let me out, I could roam here freely, next to a big white building (The Palais Theatre - editors note) until I'm told it's time to go see all my aunties. So we wander up to another large white building, although the smell this time was rather revolting mixture of yeast and old food offerings (The Espy - EN). Ma and I took refuge in a particular spot until all my aunties came to visit ME! Goodness me, I had so many cuddles until Mr stinky pants arrived and took some of the attention away from me (Hudson - EN). Anyway, after what seemed like forever we were walking towards this tin can called Destiny I overheard. It was too hot out it the sun and I was just pooped, till finally, after what seemed like a zillion dog years and many hugs and a few tears, we were off. Off to where? Who the frack knows.

We popped briefly into grandmas house and then to Aunty Timeth and co's house when we lived on the dirt road outside their place for two nights. That was fun, I got to run around all day off the leash, cruising the dirty road and sneaking off to the forest until I heard snakes lived there, so I was back to the tin can very quickly. After two nights I heard that we were "on our way". Not sure what that means, but sounds like it could be my favourite thing. Grandma shed tears, naturally she is going to miss me, and off to Lakes Entrance we were headed.  On and on we drove through towns such as Moe, Bairnsdale where the hills and paddocks from my window looked inviting but it was onwards till we found our destination.  Our first official caravan park which I overheard the folks saying is quite nice, seemed quiet but had few other furry counterparts nearby and one in particular liked to growl at me, sheesh!

Dinner time came around, our first night we sat by the beach which is my favourite thing, and watched sunset whilst they ate fish and chips. Pa did sneak a few my way, shhh, don't tell ma. It was all serene till we got back home and Pa broke his St Kilda AFL chair, we all had a laugh. That summed up the saints season joked Ma. 

The next day was the best. I heard we were heading to Lake Tyers to kayak, my favourite thing. We had a few hours on the lake and I tried to catch the birds (cormorants and Pelicans -EN) even though they are bigger than me, so I whined at them till I was told off! Our first visitor arrived tonight, Bridgett, the folks enjoyed the visit, as for me, I was in la la land already from the hectic day.

After an eventful night, pa woke us all up at 3am thinking he'd been bitten by a spider which ma laughed at (oops-EN) and said he was probably dreaming, (no bites - EN), and the winds howled stronger than I ever could. The folks all ran out around 5.30 am and brought in their items and they even put the roof on the tin can down. Let's just say this day was spent doing nothing, my favourite thing, and then they decided to cook a roast in something called a camp kitchen, jeez that smelt nice, Pa snuck me some meat when ma wasn't looking, again!!

The dude next door to us gave us an idea of where to go next so off we went. Seemed to take forever and I was just happy to snooze on my section of the car, ahh snoozing, my favourite thing. Soon we'd parked at a place called Genoa. We all went to the pub and they had a beer, their favourite thing, at the Hoey Moey I heard Ma say, although she said the lady working there didn't even crack a smile.
I counted about thirty tin cans at this camping spot, counting is my favourite thing. Not many fur balls which I was happy about so I placed my scent around just to show any other future furballs whose boss. That afternoon we drove to Point Hicks lighthouse, well as far as the track would take us, I was left in the car as I heard the words "no dogs allowed past this point", what a silly sign but that's what national parks are about they said. That's okay, I get to snooze again.  I heard the folks did a one hour walk to the lighthouse which was blooming windy but worth it.

Next day we headed into Mallacoota and more kayaking and before I knew it, another day was over and off we went again. Ma said cheese a few times, that's her favourite thing, and we visited Bega cheese factory. Ma bought a few cheeses, wish I could eat some it as I keep hearing 'not good for little muppets', meh. From here we ventured into Pambula where more kayaking was done (amazing spot -EN)' Merimbula and Eden. All part of the Sapphire coast.

Off again through, Tilba (what a gorgeous place -EN), Mogo and into Batemans Bay. This place didn't seem as nice as what I've overheard and the folks pondered where to stay the night and ended up staying on bay front with its bay views. Apparently I wasn't allowed on the beach so more whining ensued in case they changed their minds. They didn't. I was allowed to smell the beach though, so many crazy smells, my favourite thing. Another van was camped next door so I felt safe here.

Ma got up at crack of dawn and watched sunrise, I thought pfft, I'm staying in bed with Pa! Apparently it was worth it. We headed north and checked out Ulladulla before stopping into Nowra where I met Aunty Cyndy. The next day we all did this long walk, my favourite thing, along 'bens walk' and then dropped Aunty back home to then continue on to check out Jarvis bay. My kind aren't wanted where we went so the folks found a place I could visit called Hanly beach which was totes worth it and then we headed further north up through Berry (bought uber cool day of the dead beer-EN) where we stayed in an odd place, somewhere we hadn't stayed before - a rest stop I overheard them saying it's called.  Trucks in one section and other cars in another. There were four camper vans with us this night. The folks had a bbq dinner before the rain came in and the folks watched a movie. It was all too much for me and the eyes rested big time.

Woke up to the noisy interstate and a dude selling hot liquids and food. I tried to telepathically tell Ma I wanted one of those meat in a roll, my favourite thing, but didn't work and dried food it had to be.
Into Kiama we looked around, checked out the water shooting up high out through the rock (blow hole -EN) and then we settled closer to the beach (Bulli Beach- EN). Gorgeous place with birds, my favourite thing, all around, I tried to eat one but got told off. The folks had some gig on in Sydney  (DAAS-EN) and when I heard Ma singing the song about doing naughty things to dogs I was a bit apprehensive about them going. I must remember to keep away from them for a few days.
The next day I caught up with a stack more Aunty's as folks had lunch before we left them and enjoyed the gorgeous costal route back to the caravan site.

We cruised west to The Blue Mountains and we stayed at a camp site in Metalong, surrounded by more pesky birds. All day they ping (bell birds -EN, plus gang gang cockatoos and possums!). I have spent much time biting at the little flying bugs around, to no avail. Hit my noggin under the car today whilst trying to get at one of these things. I will not stop!
The route in and out of this valley is tight and windy and panic hit on the way down as the caravan hit the guard rail but not much damage done, phew. Not looking forward to driving back up there said Ma.
The folks took me to Three Sisters, in the Blue Mountains and even I thought it was divine. Ma made me an honorary fourth sister which I feel made sense. We all walked heaps here then headed back to camp where we met some people who spoke strangely (Swedish and Canadians -EN), and the folks and I hung out with them for dinner over a few nights.
I was left for a few hours the next day whilst they apparently walked a few hours to some Horseshoe Falls (gorgeous walk with stunning views - EN) , I was able to plank for a few hours which is my favourite thing.

Upon leaving Metalong (had four nights here-EN) via the freaking windy road we meandered to Wallerawang, yep, you try saying that town name, and what a perk this free camping site is. A free leash park for me, a lake to kayak on, bicycle tracks and drinking water I hear the folks say. We initially left the tin can there to drive to a town further west known for fast cars (Bathurst -EN), where pa does a lap first and then Ma takes the car for a spin, pa kept telling her to slow down but I was secretly egging her on to drive faster as the wind blowing on my face is my favourite thing. Very warm day but the next day was hot (hottest day for March on record) so we hung out at camp, the folks washed all their clothes and seemed happy about that. I was happy to plank some more as too warm for a walk although Ma took me to the off leash part for a bit. That afternoon we drove through windy mountain range to some large rock formations, Jenolan Caves I believe. The folks didn't click that no dogs could be brought here and as they drove one hour to get there for some night tour, I was hidden in the back and towel were placed on windows. I get the feeling they parked miles away but I was nice and quiet. I'm not wrecking my ride! Off they went for a few hours for the night tour whilst I spoke with the wildlife that came out for a sniff. I heard they enjoyed the caves which are something like 350 million years old, that is like a trillion years for a dog like me, not worth thinking about.

It was a late drive home and they had to be careful about the wildlife that may come out. They did see a wombat which they seemed to think was awesome. Personally I didn't see the fuss, they stink!
The next day was rather quiet, then at night they said they were going out for a couple of beers to the local pub. They came home laughing about the locals they met and how Ma had sat in one of the locals chair and when she went to the toilet, this guy zipped into his normal chair but when Ma came back she told him to get out of her chair and the pub apparently erupted into laughter and high fives. They were laughing about it when they got home, I gave a big wide noisy yawn which is as much of a laugh as I can produce!

The next day we drove to Mt Piper Power Station where they have daily tours. I was left in the car (not a hot day-EN) and as they were only people on tour they got an extended version. Off to Lithgow where we checked out the town and had lunch in the park and then headed back to Wallerawang where the folks road the bikes and I ran alongside, on a leash though, which is my favourite thing.

Now we're up to day 21 and into Capertee Valley we went. It's the biggest canyon on the world! What a big drive it was to see it all, through Glen Alice, Glen Davies and finally lunch at the Pearsons lookout. Back to the tin can and I got to kayak with Pa where I overheard I was a pain as I whined but if only they understood!

After five nights free camping we leave Wallerawang and head north through central NSW as well as Mudgee where we had a walk then drove to a place called Merriwa before heading to The Hunter Valley. Ma seemed excited about meetings some rock dude at a winery....

more on that later my furry friends