Are We Allowed to Say Golliwog?

We head off today towards Merimbula. On the way, we fancy a break for a coffee and dip off at what looks like a shack on the edge of the road. Upon venturing in, we see it IS a shack on the edge of the road, but a wonderful one in fact. The couple who run the place have filled it with all sorts of weird and wonderful items, including stuff they had bought whilst travelling in England. We sit on a comfy sofa with a pot of tea admiring the decor. And right next to us is Noddy in a car, sitting next to Golliwog. Haven't seen one of those in a while! The owner's husband said that the Golliwog was made by a lady in a village nearby. We explained that we don't often see that in the UK these days.

Back on our route, which winds it's way through fantastic forests then along incredible beachside vistas, we reach Merimbula and our lovely campsite called Merimbula Beach, run by NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association), perched on the top of the cliff. We have now left Victoria and are in New South Wales.

So, let's explore. It's about 15 minutes to walk into the town, which is quite compact but pleasant enough. Along the walk near the harbour we spot an Australasian Darter, perched on the side of a boat, that appeared to be waiting to show off its enormous wingspan; well, it was a great photo opportunity and the prima donna wetland bird clearly enjoyed being photographed! We stop off at a beachside cafe called the Waterfront Cafe and just enjoy a bit of people (and bird) watching for the next hour. Keith spots a slimmer lookalike version of Jo Brand; or is it her after a world record diet? Then off to our motorhome to have a home made chicken curry, which is quite tasty, although the smell of the food in our confined space suggests we should have done the cooking in the kitchen that is on site!