Sitting ducks.

 You'll be pleased to know I've finally added more photos.
 Been 8 weeks now and gosh its flown.If we keep spending this much time in towns, we'll never get all over Australia...
Our 1st week here we were invited to a BBQ, (must've looked lonely) but since then,we've been out n about with locals, enjoying the Richmond way of life.
 Roo & pig shooting, has been an experience for John, coming home at 2am, bloodstains on his gum boots with story's to tell !
(photo coming later)
 Jack (the eldest) got lucky, did a bit of mustering, while John worked at a cattle station.Jack returning with a shanghai, specially made for him....( Thank's Jack, MUM will find that handy!)
Mitchell's enjoyed boxing practice, also a footy training session with the local U'8's .Shame he missed the sign on's by 2 weeks, as he seems a natural on the field & REALLY wanted to join the team.Oh well, footy can wait......we are travelling remember.
 
Although we're missing the daily adventures of life on the highway, it's fine to be 'sitting ducks' in a small, but friendly town.Getting the opportunity to visit local camp spots, do some 4wdriving, fishing, plus the boys have front row seats of what's travelling, East to West & West to East, along this ever so busy highway.They've seen everything from wide & long loads, to huge travelling set-ups, Buses towing trailers, 5th Wheelers, smelly cattle road trains, more smelly cattle road trains.But the best so far, has been an old Holden Kingswood, towing an old silver Viscount caravan (remember them)....Yes, they were driving slow & I wondered if related to Mr Bullpit !
Each day I hear a " Mum, check this out!"..."Wow, look at that!" Today it was a convoy of Army trucks, with every Army vehicle they need for exercise, in tow.
Laughed when our 8 year old yells "Hey, is that legal?" referring to a small Ute with an extra tall parcel.Way, way too high for it...says Mr Policeman himself!
 
The gist of home schooling is getting easier, as the boys absorb their school work, and I'm not yelling- as much.
Learning lots of different things, penguins, processed products, making puppets,even acting out a play! (believe that or not) Amazing the craft stuff I jammed into this van!.Distance Education is very "Australia-na",so hopefully most of the subjects learnt,the boys can discover as we go round.Mitchell has learnt about the rare Dunnart, found only in the Julia Creek area.Jack's knows more about Penguins and is looking forward to watching them wobble on Phillip Island.Ben's learning how each family is different, along with numbers, letters, words & yes, it's all a juggle, but we're making it fun & getting there.Don't you worry,a wine or panadol is never far away!!  
 
We've all adjusted to caravan living, putting things BACK WHERE THEY LIVE also negotiating the passing of each other, in the narrow hallway.When John rolls over the whole van shakes & when Mitch accidently hits the roof of the van (top bunk) at night, it sounds like a rock's hit the roof! Jesus! If any one sleep talks, we can listen to the conversation.Mitchell's the one who does this the most....Hmm he talks day & night that child! Showering with artesian water is different, the warmth & smell of it, also the beautiful colour the calcium leaves behind... Must see photo album.
 
Something learnt:
 
When a child wakes you up at 2am to tell you they feel sick......believe them.
.... If your wondering...yes I got the sick bag...just in time.
 
 
CruisinDownUnder...
Snail's pace.

We're almost 'locals' -Richmond.

Um.....Did we mention 'slowly' travelling Australia.
Wondering WHY we are still here??
 
 Well,29th June, we departed the Van park & moved to a house block. 
Located on the highway west & next to the railway line.(you can image the rest)
Yep,no gums trees or flowing creek here, just traffic & noise, and a cheap home base, till John's next project's gets the go ahead.
As Council delays hold it up & we're staying longer than anticipated, it's given us the chance to met locals & explore the area.
 
So while based here,we're lucky enough to have friendly neighbours, who help each other with meals, tasks and yell conversations across the street each day.....don't see that in the city's much.The little boy next door has gained 3 instant brothers,which I think, he loves.
 
Richmond's a friendly town of around 800 people,known for the Fossil Capital of Australia, and although you could drive from one end of town to the other, in 2 minutes....It's worth the stop for a day or two....or in our case 6 weeks!
 
 
 
Lesson's learnt:
 
Making a living is not the same as making a life.
 
 
 
Where ever u r
Who ever u r,
Safe travels.
CruisinDownUnder..