BACK ALONG THE COORONG AND ON TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Having traversed these lands only three weeks previously we feel a little like were retracing our steps perhaps a little too soon. Still, this landscape has so much to offer and so many hidden gems that it would be stupid and naïve of us to feel like we'd 'done' this place already, for as we know, you don't 'do', places aren't 'done', as we learn as we take Chaz to see some of what we've seen and stumble on some things we haven't.

We manage to score some local produce driving through the Coorong, some fish caught fresh that morning and sold from someones house, and some local honey, no tender just a fridge next to the road and a trust box for the fee. It doesn't get much more local.

After weeks in a car park, a campsite is a godsend. Having not yet seen kangaroo's in the wild (alive), Chaz is slightly overwhelmed (as are we) when we arrive in a camping spot down the road from the Twelve Apostles to a field full to the brim of roo's roaming AS free as they like. To see so many (50+) so close, can be somewhat intimidating, still they keep to themselves, eating, boxing each other, not paying much attention to us happy snapping.

Kuala bears are odd creatures, not particularly keen on doing anything much, spending they're lives sitting around, getting high and eating. Which is funny, because our dear friend Chaz shares more than one of these qualities. We pull up in the Otways park flagged down by a small asian man, pointing furiously to the top of our van, “ah, another Hiace fanatic no doubt”. No, he's pointing to the Kuala hanging from a branch not half a meter from our roof, a little shocked but unscathed.

Chaz instantly scales the front of the van to get even closer, imagine if you will: The kuala high from the eucalyptus leaves, Chaz high on whatever's to hand, a couple of feet between them, two furry, stoned and bemused creatures, not quite understanding the situation, nor understanding each other. The situation climaxing in Chaz attempting to make contact, raising a finger as if expecting the kuala to follow suite, hmm . . that or shredding his wrist! We persuade Chaz that it's probably not the greatest idea.

Jaimie who of course has seen it all before and is as excited by the Kualas the second time round as she is road signs, attempts to draw attention from the tree hugging marsupials!

After loosing Chaz, our plans focus on Tasmania and a month of adventuring and trekking. But . . after catching a glimpse of our finances, we rethink our game strategy a little, and decide that perhaps its time for some city living, and some work! Time to recuperate the funds somewhat, this country is extremely expensive to live and travel in if your not working.