Returns

It feels like it has been forever since we last posted. We returned to Melbourne, to meet up with Jessica's friend Amy who was flying in after a trip to Africa. We stayed at a wonderful caravan park (read: campground) North of Melbourne, which ended up costing only slightly less than the hostel we lasted stayed at in Melbourne. On the other hand we didn't have to pay as much for parking, and the facilities were exceptionally clean. We visited the Melbourne Museum which was enjoyable (and free) but overall unremarkable, but we still did not manage to get to the Immigration museum or the Ian Potter National Gallery, which we have been intending to do.

We met up for coffee with Amy in Fitzroy, Melbourne's oldest suburb. We hadn't managed to make it into Fitzroy yet, but were glad we did. We found great used book store to stock up on books (we spend a great deal of time reading), had lunch at an amazing vegetarian restaurant, and returned at night for some live music - Fitzroy is a hub for Melbourne's live music scene.

After three days back in Melbourne, we decided to return to Wilson's Promontory National Park for a couple more nights camping. We hiked over to Oberon bay, and did some short walks down to Whiskey Beach and Picnic Bay as well. We enjoyed "the prom" as much this time as on our last trip, but the flies seemed to be worse this time, especially on our hikes. Eventually we will have some great pictures to share from here.

Unfortunately, our relaxing time in the prom had to come to an end, and we returned to Sale, where we signed the lease for our new 3 bedroom house. Even though it is much larger than we need, it ended up being much nicer than the other options in the same price range. The house wasn't cleaned before the last tenants moved out, so our first day was spent trying to bring it up to our standards. We spent one night in the house, which was a nice change from the tent, especially with the stormy, rainy, weather. However, the electricity cannot be hooked up until after Chrissy (read: Christmas), so we will be spending the next week or so in Maffra, thanks to Steve's boss.

Steve is still trying to sort out the paperwork needed to practice in Australia - insurance quotations started at $12,500 for the year, but thanks to some advice from colleagues other sources which are up to 4 times cheaper have been found, but some require membership to Chiropractic associations - which means more paperwork. Registration with the State is also needed, but they are closed for Chrissy until the middle of January, so work will have to wait until then for Steve.

A few more photos have been uploaded to the address in the last post, and we will try and get some more added when we can