Temora deserved more than the two day stop we had allowed for as there was plenty to see and do, but we were on a tight schedule so needed to press on. Before we left we headed to Ariah Park, an historic village nearby which has been restored to its original glory. It was beautiful with a double row of peppercorn trees down the centre of the high street, originally planted as shade for the horses. The buildings all had information plaques explaining their history and the street was lined with brightly coloured, restored petrol bowsers, they advertise the place with the line 'Wowsers, Bowsers and Peppercorns'. Pretty as it was, Ariah Park was really just a tourist attraction. None of the shops actually traded any more but were just display items and there was only one cafe and a hairdresser which appeared to be in business. 

From Temora we were planning to spend the next night in Echuca, over the Victorian border about four and a half hours away. The journey was delightful through some gorgeous countryside and splendid little towns. The best of these was Coolamon which, unlike Ariah Park, was restored but up and running as a functioning town. The Up To Date Store had been closed up for around 50 years but was now being used as a museum and community space and was fantastic. The original gravity driven cash system still operated and the gentleman running the place was very happy to demonstrate by sending one of the little cash containers on its journey to the old accounts office. There were photos of the original shop and staff, it was a wonderful place. 

 As if that wasn't enough, an ex fire fighter had set up his own museum in the old fire station. He had an unbelievable collection of firefighters uniforms from around the world, including Russia, Japan, Romania and all kinds of unexpected places! The shops were smart and open and there were a number of excellent cafes, I would highly recommend this as a stop and we will definitely be coming back. 

Back on the road past fields with emus wandering amongst rapeseed, through Koonoomoo, home to The Big Strawberry, Grong Grong (A Small Caring Town) and over Turn Back Jimmy Creek and onto Echuca. We had read that there was free camping at Rotary Park so went to check it out. It was fabulous on the banks of the river and with fire pits and a terrific model railway, no toilets so only suitable for self contained campers but, that is us so just the ticket.

 Next morning we trotted into town to have a look at the paddle steamers Echuca is famous for. It is a lovely place but one of those towns where you are enticed into the historic dock area by cafes and old artisan shops, woodturners, weavers and so on but any views of the Murray and the paddle steamers were kept hidden so you had to pay to get to have a peep. Eventually we found a way to see a bit of river and some boats but it was a challenge. Shame really because it was a nice place but that sort of meanness puts you off going back. 

The rest of the trip was taken up with seeing Zoe and Shaun's lovely new house in Berwick then flying back at top speed via another night in sub zero Gunning to get home in time for the arrival of our concretors. It was only 21 degrees when we got home but felt really hot and humid after the chilly week we just had.