14 Jan: Crackenback, NSW --> Boolara, VIC (Victoria).

Picture of where we stayed that reminded us of being back in Provence

After a great stay at the place in Crackenback, it was time to move on. The owner of the place we stayed at was really wonderful in ensuring that we had the quickest way to get to our next destination and told us where we would realistically be able to grab a decent meal, etc. When +Marc and I hiked Mt. Kozi the day before, she researched the latest on the fires and then gave us reliable websites for us to check going forward. And she LOVES America and we now have her thinking about the Pacific Northwest since she has been loads of other places with her family.

Most of the day was spent on the road. We encountered another kangaroo hopping across the road in front of us (7, I think now?) and saw signs for wombats, emus and other creatures. The wombat thing had me thinking - I thought I remember Luke Skywalker mentioning killing wombats when he was a young lad. I would have asked resident Star Wars expert, JCV, but the time zones made that not a good idea. But yes - young Luke did mention wombats just as he was about to blow up the Death Star in episode IV:

View from the B&B in Boolara

“It's not impossible. I used to bullseye wombats in my T-16 back home, they're not much bigger than two meters.”
~ Virgin Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker

HA! I knew it. Anyway the wombats in Australia are big and can destroy grills on cars so you need to be careful. If you hit one, you need to pull over and check to see if it has a baby wombat in its pouch. Then you need to call animal control. It's a process. Anyway, I digress.

We were doing our first AirBnB stay, so we picked up some groceries in a small town to head to our residence for the next 2 nights in an even smaller town. It felt good just to pick up some $15 bottles of wine, some meat and veggies to stir fry for the next 2 nights. We arrived at the property and got into a bit of a stall going up a dirt road uphill. The proprietor came out, gave Marc some tips and the tank got up the hill. 

Sunset over the hills over Boolara

[NOTE TO JILL: Change all car rezzies to 4WD/SUVs. This was the 1st stall, but we have already had some of the highways be made of gravel or of dirt because of construction. More to come, I imagine.]

Anyway, Jen was super nice and set up the telly to watch the Aussie Open. Unfortunately the local guy, Hewitt, lost his match but we had a chance to learn a bit more about our destination tomorrow, "Wilsons Prom" (aka Wilsons Promontory), and some of the surrounding area. It was great. Also the place where we are staying is very much a reminder of a French farmhouse (a la Provence), so the surroundings are very relaxing and quiet.

I am excited for tomorrow. Even though we had to switch hikes because of the trail I selected was closed, I think the conditions and scenery are going to be great! Hope so!