A few thoughts

Just a few thoughts to check in with. We are currently in Shepparton near the New South Wales state line. It has cooled down a little and we have seen a shower or two almost every day for the past few days. The past few days have been "maintenance" days ... i.e. grocery shopping; laundry; tire checks; generator fixed; and so on. We are probably going to have Bunyip's fluids changed here on Monday so that will be out of the way. We stayed in a Caravan Park last night and met a very nice couple - John & Lois Chester who were in town for their granddaughter's 5th birtday party. They were very friendly and offered us a place to park on their farm if we want. We may take them up on it.

We've been trying to decide about Christmas - when it will be HOT - as far as where we want to stay. This is a nice area and close to the Murray River but we aren't sure yet. We have been assured we will be able to find places around here - unlike the coast area.

Today (Saturday) is a state level election here in Victoria and so we have seen lots of signs and heard lots of campaign slogans. Ends up that voting here is compulsory and anyone 18 years of age or older MUST vote. If you are eligible to vote and don't you are fined. Therefore their turnout for every election is close to 100%. Makes our 62% turnout on the last presidential election pretty embarrasing.

We have also noticed that the Aussie's are very enviromentally conscious. More so than what we have seen in the states. Their autos are more efficient; they recycle more; they use effluent and reclaimed water a LOT; they use reusable bags at stores almost always; we haven't seen any sign of styrofoam used in "take away" (american - to go) meals and/or drinks; they use recycled plastic a LOT; they have "small" and "large" flush buttons on their toilets to save water; and their have been other things we've seen also.

On the flip side - their phone service SUCKS! There is just no other word for it. The different cell companies don't talk to each other (or at least don't seem to). We have been within spitting distance of a Telstra tower and couldn't use our Vodaphone. AND it is really expensive! We are trying to find out how I can use my ham license here and will probaby pick up a 2 meter hand held for emergencies.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and we didn't miss it - we had pizza for dinner but thought of our family and friends who were probably busy getting ready to cook THE bird!