Tallarook - Melbourne

Our first stop was Tallarook to visit Libby, Alan, Adelaide and Mitchell.  Libby is the daughter of our friends Val and Barry.  Val and Barry were still out cruising and not due back this year but insisted we stop and visit Libby.  What a wonderful time we had (so much so we did it again the next year for Christmas) Thanks Libby, Alan, Adelaide and Mitchell!

We had been reading about the drought but had not seen the affects.  As we drove south, Tallarook is a long two-day trip south of Southport (boy Australia is big), we noticed how much dryer things were.  Watering holes (Aussies call them dams) were dried up or very low and you began to see the problems with the shortage of water.

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The view from Libby's front room

Low water in the "dam" at their farm

While visiting Libby she wanted to get water from one of the dams on the farm to add water to her small pond and water some of the more desperate plants and shrubs.  They had a fire truck on the farm for firefighting emergencies and as Libby was fully trained, she had access to the truck and pump.  Well off she and Rick went in search of water.  As you can see from the following pictures, water was found and brought back to the house.  In the final picture you can see a kangaroo who didn't make it to the watering hole.

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While we were in Tallarook, Alan, Libby and kids took us on a scenic tour of the area.  The following picture was taken of the family at the top of a spectacular mountain overlooking the valley. 
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Another event while we were in Tallarook involved the Mechanics Hall.  These buildings are located throughout Australia, some in better repair than others.  Currently there is a movement to save and restores these buildings.  They were originally used to for seamen who needed a place were they could learn a trade for future employment.  Over the years these buildings were used for many other functions.  Libby became very involved in the local building and spearheaded an effort to restore the building and have it dedicated.  While we were there they had a historic day where they displayed historical information on the town, dedicated the revamped Mechanics Hall, and had a plaque presented by the government stating that this Mechanics Hall was now a heritage type site.  This took place the same day and the school fair.  It was a wonderful day.

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Libby and Sharon with plaque

Adelaide played the piano at the school fair
Before heading off to Tasmania we stopped in Melbourne for a short visit and to attend a birthday party for Alice, Val and Barry's granddaughter.  What fun to celebrate with our new Australian family.

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 Adelaide and Alice - the granddaughters

Rick celebrating with the girls

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Brett and Leslie.  Brett is Barry's brother

Rick still celebrating with the girls - This time its Mary and Debbie

Well after partying through Tallarook and Melbourne, we headed up the Great Ocean Road and then on to Tasmania.  We so enjoyed our new "family" and friends in Australia and were looking forward to seeing everyone again the following year.

Up Tallarook - Melbourne The Great Ocean Road Tasmania Sydney and North Home