Bendigo, Creswick

 I survived Australia Day weekend at Greens Lake. Thousands there it seemed and DUST! Constant and sometimes very strong wind for most of the week I was there and with all the traffic there was just no escaping it.
Cars, tents, boats all parked along the lake edge. Surprisingly well behaved lot too - except for the people who dont care that others need to use the loo and leave some pretty disgusting messes there. At least all the rubbish seemed to end up in the big skip.
The swans, cranes and ducks all disappeared  pretty fast but were back again on Tuesday when the lake was back to just a handful of nomads.

Off to Bendigo Showgrounds for 4 days.  First thing was to clean the inside of the van and have a long hot shower!
I made friends with a lovely couple at Tom Price back in May. They have bought a motel in town and I had a wonderful 3 days with them. Was taken to Castlemaine (went to the Art Gallery - some really good and lots just so so), then lunch at Beechwood Bakery - delicious.  Drink at the Foundry then a very tasty steak dinner.

Next day off to Maryborough to visit their friends, and a quick look at the Railway station there. Such lovely old buildings in these ex-gold mining towns. and so good that they have been able to be restored. So often I feel there is just not the money to do that in some of these old towns.

 Day 3 - a bit of retail therapy - found a Mall! Then spent time doing spreadsheets for the motel.
A quick trip to the magnificent Cathedral was well worth it. I think Bendigo is a place I could spend more time in.

Saturday - off to Creswick to a Caravan park beside a Lake. Interesting drive though bush - big old trees very close together. Signs warning of 'ice, snow, frost!' Even 40km corners - 'Beware of ice'! Will go exploring tomorrow - passed cheese factory and wineries on the way in and some stuff I want to photograph. Will also check out Ballarat.