We had a great visit with Charles and Beatrice – it was different actually visiting while not driving vast distances (in the past we’ve spent our time together driving between Duncan and Prince George (or vice versa). We had thoughts of catching the practice for the Melbourne Ice but the practice didn’t start until 10:15 and we’re still falling asleep early – it would have been too hard to drive back to the hotel late at night so we had to pass. Joey’s brother, Vinnie, plays for the Ice.

Another early morning, but this time on purpose. We wanted to get an early start so that we could catch the 9 a.m.

ferry from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to start our journey at Queenscliff on the Great Ocean Road. And yes, we did voluntarily decide to take a ferry! It took just about 1 1/2 hours from the motel in Dingley to Sorrento but we were at the ferry in time to board the 9:00 ferry. The crossing takes 40 minutes and cost $60 for the car, driver and passenger – and included a free copy of one of the Melbourne newspapers *s*. There was a snack bar on board so we got a cup of coffee – we ordered large black and got a coffee that was the size of a small Tim Horton’s. And it cost almost 3 times what Timmy’s does for the same size. The ferry is a catamaran and is quite nice inside. There are comfy chairs and tables in the lounge area, and in the forward passenger area are a number of table and chair sets. There were also tv’s in a number of locations.

The Great Ocean Road is beautiful – a little twisty and narrow in spots – kind of reminds us of the Malahat when it was only 2 lanes (one each way). We stopped at various

pullouts and

lookouts and kept marvelling at the colour of the ocean and the land formations. There were lots of places to pull over and gaze at the scenery without stopping on the road. We ran into some mosquitoes at one of the stops, they sent us back to the car in a hurry. Guess we need to get some insect repellant.

We enjoyed seeing the Memorial Arch on The Great Ocean Road and finding out that the road was built and designated as a memorial to the World War 1 veterans.

Chris at the Memorial Arch

John at the Memorial Arch
Of course, the highlight of the trip was seeing

The 12 Apostles and

Loch Ard Gorge.
They are fantastic – and draw visitors from all over the world.

Instead of driving the entire road at once, we decided to stop at Port Campbell. There is a Best Western here and since it’s a chain we know, we thought we would try it. The room is small but clean and comfortable. Tomorrow we will head to Warrnambool and then to Ballarat. Of course, plans may change and we may go further on The Great Ocean Road or not as far. It’s Anzac Day in Australia tomorrow (the same as our Remembrance Day or Veterans Day in the States) and there are daylight ceremonies going on at the cenotaphs and memorials. They even sell poppies for people to wear in remembrance.

The temperature was really hot today – or as John says (sorry Paul, you can’t read this out loud) fuckin’ hot *lol* Actually it was 25 C – total sun, no wind or clouds. I was wishing I had my shorts on but someone had told us that it was windy along the drive *s* Apparently, the forecast for the next few days is showers – we should head to the drought areas as the rain seems to be following us – oh well, at least it’s not snow!