The Mighty Murray

Tonight we are resting by the Mighty Murray.
We did the typical tourist moment and ate lunch at the state line (after admiring the beauty of the Grampians from afar.) Will pulled the van up in Victoria so after taking a snap shot of the 'Welcome to South Australia' sign I walked interstate, admired the pink flowering gum and ate lunch there.  That was our only stop for the day except for a quick look around Ararat which I've put in my 'Must Visit properly one day' list.
I'm very excited to be sleeping by the Murray in Murray Bridge. A quick walk this evening while Will did his check of the vehicle saw me spotting Pelicans, Water Hens and many more birds on the wetlands just outside our caravan park - Avoca.
We wandered down to the shared kitchen facilities where we chatted with a lovely grandfather and his granddaughter as Will caught up on his two favourite TV shows - yep,  but unfortunately we had to leave before Outback Truckers came on. However we have joked about them throughout the day and having travelled with a CB radio on, I've learnt a whole new language. I heard a number of times how our "mate" is sitting just up the road a bit and I even learnt that when a "windscreen" is just around the corner you are in fact far more likely to see a police car than an actual windscreen. The CB has come in handy as Will has been able to apologise to truckies for our slow meandering and they have negotiated safe over takings for the trucks which has lessened our angst, which is important. Even after 11 years of time together we still finding new stories to tell each other and new laughs to share with each other - I'm grateful for that.
It's funny the memories that return when time goes slowly and nothing electronic is in your way. Each time we pass a historical marker and cemetery sign I think of trips with Aunty Ursula. No doubt I didn't do that many with her but I still remember the first dim sim I had from a proper Chinese restaurant was with her  and my first 'social' visit to a cemetery was too.
Last night I thought I'd climb into bed and enjoy my new book - only to find the strength of the light and strength of my reading glasses weren't compatible. So tonight, I'm pouring the hot chocolate put a coat over my knees and enjoying a good read.