EVEN MORE DUDS AND SNAGS (part 3)

We did so much with Eifion in Melbourne that I'd be here until it was time to fly to home if I were to tell you everything but we had some more great walks - around the lush Botanic Gardens and on the city walking trails, where the paths follow the banks of the Yarra River and across parkland and bush. He also knows of some great places to stop for a coffee on the way and breakfast when we're done.

We spent a day at the Healesville Animal Sanctuary where you are guaranteed to see all of Australia's famous animals, reptiles and creepy crawlies without having to root about in the bush or leave the comfort of your bed to go shining a torch up a tree. We saw just about everything, except for the wombats who were snoozing under a log and all we got was one furry little bum. Marc seemed to be taking a keen interest in the kangaroos and we found out why a little later, when we ate at the Victoria Market and he ordered the Roo Burger. He was obviously eyeing up the best cut. I ordered a Crocodile Burger but after telling 'that' joke all my life, I chickened out of saying it at my first opportunity and I've been kicking myself ever since. We have also eaten camel, emu and ostrich since we've been here (not whole ones ...)

We spent a bit of time at the National Gallery and Immigration Museum - sounds boring but was very interesting and found time for a couple of swims in the old Victorian Public Baths. The Immigration Museum tells the history of immigrants in Australia over the centuries and has a replica of a creaking ship's hold where the $10 tourists, looking for a better life would be packed into for the long and arduous journey. A notice invited to 'touch anything we liked and use any of the furniture' so I made Marc wear an old life-jacket and get into a bunk to take his photo.

Our last day in Melbourne before leaving for Adelaide was spent back at Dunmoochin, where Ali, Simon and Sally's Art Exhibition was taking place. We arrived half an hour into the exhibition and already most of Sally's ceramic animals had been sold! We quickly bagged ourselves a bilby before enjoying the paintings and having one last swim and game of sharks with Sally and her friend Carys before making our way back to the city and the overnight journey to Adelaide.

We must thank everyone so much for making us feel so welcome here, especially Eifion who completely gave up his Christmas holidays for us. We will definately be back - sorry ...

p.s. Duds are long trousers that Bernie wears to go walking in the winter, snags are sausages (great with mash and onion jam) and sticky-beaking, well I think you've got a good idea.