Rambling around Southern Australia

Again, its been a big gap between posts - Internet connectivity has been difficult over the last few weeks, notably because we have been camping properly...in a tent! Consequently, this is the first of a two part epic.
Starting back in Sydney, we made the most of Howard and Sylv's city centre flat and pool as well as his underwater camera....Most importantly, though, congratulations to both of them on their up-coming wedding and big move.

Departing Sydney in our newly acquired (but far from new)  Ford Falcon, we headed into the Blue Mountains to stay with old friends of Ellen's family, Lyn and Mark.  We had a wonderful evening with them and enjoyed exploring the local hills.

From Katoomba, we took the back roads down to Canberra to visit Tony's brother, David and his family.  We were appallingly remiss in not taking any photos together, but thank you David, Dawn, Matt and Dan for your excellent hospitality.  We were also thrilled to be able to catch up with Colin and Julie, old friends from Ottawa.  Luckily, we did snap one picture of Canberra itself and several of the wildlife at Tidbinbilla Reserve.

Well fed and thoroughly relaxed, we finally set off on our long and circuitous journey across Australia to Perth. From Canberra, we dropped down to the coastline and followed it around Victoria to a rainy Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, and then drove through the wineries of the Clare Valley to Port Augusta.  The stormy weather made for an exciting coastline and a few windswept walks along the beaches and cliff-tops.