Thurs, 17th Dec, 2015 Retail Bend, Murray-Kulkyne Park, Vic to Butlers Bend, Mildura, Vic

It was 21 degrees at 4am. Was a lovely morning but warming up quickly, 29 degrees at 9am. Clear blue sky with lots of birds singing. A group of pelicans enjoyed soaring on a thermal. It looked so wonderful.

Steve went for a last swim while I washed my hair. Peter from Tinaroo, who we met at Gunning, rang to chat to Steve about the heater. They are heading to Mildura in early January so we might catch up with them on the road.

Packed up and headed off along the dirt track up on the high banks looking down over the river. Spotted a kangaroo resting in the shade and then an emu but that’s about it. So dry considering all the water in the river.

Turned away from the river to go around the Kulkyne Station. Travelled along the side of a red sand dune.

Turned back to the river and Tarpaulin Island. Another lovely beach area.

Out of the bush into citrus groves south of Colignan. Back onto bitumen. Getting quite hot today. Continued through more citrus and vineyards – so green and lush after all the dirt and bush we have been travelling through.

Towards Mildura we turned off to find a camp spot on the Murray. Drove down past Kings Billabong.

Stopped at Pysche Pumps – will check it out tomorrow. Took a photo of the map then headed downstream along the river to find a shady camp.

Found the perfect spot and we can walk straight into the water for a swim. It is 41 in the van.

Had lunch then headed into town to get fuel, gas and food. Put the air conditioner on as it is bit toasty in the truck. Around the bend stopped to look back to our van.

Into town to the Mall – that’s a big deck chair.

Drove over the bridge – lots of houseboats. Into Buronga to check out fuel prices in NSW.

Back over the bridge in Victoria – looks like they used the old bridge in the new Marina.

Stocked up with food and drink for Christmas – a stuffed chicken and Asti Ricconda!! Back to the van to unpack and have a swim. It is 43 degrees in the van so into the Murray for a swim. No current here as there is a weir downstream so I can just float on my hammock and watch the ski boats go by.

Mum rang to say Val is out of hospital and back in her house – she is so amazing. Will give her a call tomorrow.

Steve got the bush cooker out and cooked dinner right on the edge of the river. Malcolm rang to say he was hot – 26 degrees in Westbury – then I said it was 43 degrees here so he didn’t complain. Sophie’s birthday today so we said to wish her all the best.

A paddle boat came to the bend then turned around, tooting his horn. A ski boat zoomed past him – the old and the new!!

9.15pm and we are still in our togs and headed inside as the sunlight fades – put the fan on as it is 39 degrees. Not worrying us as there is no humidity.