Well we left our friends at the Bendigo North Anglican
church and headed east on the Midland highway, steaming towards Shepparton, 8900km of travel, the summer solstice and
Christmas all at the same time. It was only about 120k to Shepparton, so it was
an easy drive. After arriving early afternoon, stopping in at the
visitor information centre, settling into a nice quiet caravan park near the
SPC factory, heading to the shopping centre for some lunch, we rested for the afternoon
as it was hot and I think Fiona was
correct. I sensed a little travel weariness setting in as if we need to lay low
over Christmas and prepare for Tassie. However, we should not miss out on the
potential gems that Victoria still has to offer us. Did anyone know that SPC Ardmona stands for Shepparton Preserving Company, that it started up and still operates out of Shepparton?
Shepparton was a scheduled short one night stay with two
important assignments. Firstly, late afternoon we rallied to wash the car (Scooby).
This was not my idea (nor was the car’s name). I thought travelling almost 9000
kms , the natural dust, dirt, evidence of travel portrayed on Scooby was a sign
of legitimacy that grey nomads and fellow travellers would acknowledge and even
expect from us to gain their respect and membership of the club as we rolled
into caravan parks across southern Australia. However, I was beaten down by the non-stop
protests from my family to wash the car. Being the very reasonable person I am
who puts his family’s interests before his own, I finally obliged, but with a
reluctant and heavy heart. I can almost picture the scornful looks of the
veteran travellers as be pull into camp with a shiny new car. Disgraceful! So after almost 2
months of wear and tear, only one member of the family (Scooby) as had the
desperately needed makeover and is looking brand new and top of his game.
Look how happy and smug they are. Do they know what they have done?
The second assignment was to finally attended a community
Christmas carols service. So we headed down to the main park in town for the 40th Annual
Shepparton Carols by Candlelight. I have to say it was a great night with all
of Shepparton turning out, some wonderful entertainers and a grand finale
fireworks display that was surprisingly impressive. The only frustration was at
times the kids did not appreciate the entertainment in front of them and were
shamefully and transparently focussed on the next hot dog or ice cream on offer
(which I had to line up for in long queues, such was my dedication to satisfy
their base needs). Well, after a long
night of hot dogs, ice cream, fireworks and wonderful singing, we were well and
truly satisfied with the evenings events. It was a great night and finally the
Christmas spirit was ignited in us and burst forth from our hearts as we made
our way home.
Well done Shepparton, missions completed.
Next stop, Ned Kelly country, Wangaratta
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