Our first night was in Canberra. We checked into the Canberra Motor Village. This resort is at the edge of the city but allows you to feel as though you are a great distance from any town commotion. They offered all kinds of amenities, rentals, pool, and convenience.

The following morning, we took a bus tour that began at 9 a.m. and went first to Cockington Green. This is a miniature village of buildings, homes and gardens of Great Britain set on the most beautifully landscaped piece of property you can imagine. Homes, pastureland, churches, farms, castles, a golf course, cricket field, etc. Attached to the same area was a shop for country crafts and I, of course, had to buy a pig to add to my collection at home! Lynn decided that we needed a rest stop so we headed off to a pub. We discovered that this country has the best beer in the world! We have grown quite fond of Victoria Bitter.

We went to the Parliament House for a tour and lunch. We were able to see Parliament in session and that was an experience ... yee gads. We saw the Embassies, including the biggest (The US), the Australian War Memorial, and then went to the House of Commons where we again caught a session in progress. We were instructed to bow as we walked in and again when we left. All of the judges were in black robes and wore white powdered wigs.

We left Canberra and drove to Echuca. There, we rode on a paddle steamer down the Murray River, spent some time in a great little winery and toured the town.

The next night we spent at a great little RV (caravan) Park in How Long. There we tried an "en-suite" site. That meant that each RV site (called a caravan site in Australia) had its own private bathroom complete with sink, shower and toilet.

The following morning the park had a pancake breakfast for all guests. We found it fascinating that pancakes are served not with butter and syrup but whipped cream and jelly - {called "jam" Down Under). "Jelly" in Australia is gelatin.