Paynesville with Dave and Sam

We headed off to Paynesville again to scratch the itch, but this time with some friends. We finally stopped at Old Gippstown Heritage Park to have a look, and we were blown away. We then left for Bairnsdale to see the local markets before we headed to Paynesville to see the koalas and enjoy dinner at Sardines.

Getting a smack

We booked months ago to visit a mate I work with to experience the Blues on Broadbeach Festival, which happens each year. We stayed at a mate's place, who has a fantastic apartment on the beach. We spent the time exploring the local area and even took a trip down to Byron Bay. Besides the festival, Georgie wanted to visit the Mud Brick Herb Cottage, which was the only online supplier that provided dried herbs during the scamdemic. By chance an 80s new wave band (Mi-Sex) was playing at the Cooly, so we decided to drop in. It was a great break, and hopefully the boys will join us next time. LOVE THE PLACE

The Cooly

Go-Karts in Meeniyan

2026 just ticked over, and we decided to head back to Meeniyan to see a few things we missed the last time. The first thing was hitting the go-kart track in Stony Creek, where I realised that an extra 23 kg does not help your cause. 

After that, we mosied down to Foster, where we learnt about the history at the local museum before eating lunch at the fantastic Gurneys' Cidery.

From there, we returned to Fish Creek to check out some of the things we had missed. After that, we returned to Meeniyan to check into our motel, drink a few beers at the local hotel and eat dinner at a fantastic (and rustic) Italian restaurant.

Fun times

New Year Golf

Happy new year, all.

We started the new year with a game of golf at the Royal Sward where Martin sucked so bad that I demolished him, which is not the norm, I'll have you know. I'll put it down to a late night for the boys and a bit of luck on my side. After golf we went for a pho at Le Feu before coming home to unload. We decided to pop down to The Epson in Mordy with Mom for an overpriced cocktail on the terrace before going back home to enjoy the fantastic weather.

A bad day at the office

Sandown 500

Just a quick one today. Martin and I went to the Penrite Sandown 500 which is about a 15-minute drive from my house. It was a fun day at the races, where Melbourne brought its usual 4 seasons in a day. It was a little rich paying $24 for a souvlaki and $11 for a can of mid-strength beer, but hey, you only live once.

PS We also got some sweet Penrite merch. Pure Aussie, mate.

Race Day

Martin turns 18

Just a quick post and a very happy moment as Martin, our youngest, is now officially an adult. It was a simple birthday, as he has his physics exam tomorrow, but dinner was a little special with raw meat and oysters. Presents were opened and enjoyed, and now it's back to reality until we enjoy the weekend, but not too much, as there are still a couple more exams to go.

Turns 18

Canberra 2023

This was a trip with No.2 to Canberra. The coolest thing about this trip was discovering where Ned Kelly was captured. Saying that we met our friends who moved there during the scamdemic and had a fantastic couple of days experiencing our Capital City. Smiths was the highlight where we saw Raising Ravens and some comedy improv. There are so many interesting things that another visit is in order.

A LONG LONG Video

Fish Creek

What a strange year 2025 is/was and also the end of an era as Martin is about to complete year 12. I've been wating to go to Fish Creek for years after reading this post of Victorians quirkiest towns and I finally made it there. We drove past to have a look at the majestic Sandy Point to take in the views before heading back to eat at the iconic Fish Creek Hotel. After lunch, we stopped by one of the best cideries (Gurney's) I’ve ever been to, enjoyed a tasting paddle, and soaked in the beautiful views.  We then drove to our Motel in Meeniyan where we chilled out, had some pizza and a eclectic Italian restaurant before retiring and then headed back the next morning. We can't wait to go again.

Fish Creek

Oktoberfest continues

Martin and his mate, Gaku, joined us at Boat Rocker for their Oktoberfest festival event. We ordered some delicious food and enjoyed some typical Bavarian music. The Melbourne weather turned on for us, and we enjoyed a sunny Saturday and are now looking forward to our trip to Paynesville next weekend (minus my drone, which I flew into the sea).

I miss those drones

Karl Jnr's 20th Birthday at Hofbräuhaus

Just a quick blog for Karl Jnr's belated birthday this weekend at Hofbräuhaus in Melbourne. While Martin was on a maths camp, we hooked up with my talented mate Jake (please check his work here). We had a blast, and Karl even jumped up to dance to the silliest tunes. October is going to be wild with tonnes of activities lined up.

3 Left Feet

Melbourne Show 2025

Yes, we attend the Melbourne Royal Show every year. It's a family tradition which I hope to continue long into the future. This year, the weather was great, and we once again enjoyed the fabulous food on offer. But for a change, we watched the blacksmith make a horseshoe. WHY? I've just finished over 120 hours of gameplay where I was a medieval peasant in "Kingdom Come Deliverance 2", where, you've guessed it, I was a blacksmith.

My eldest son Karl also turned 20, so it was an even better day.

The Blacksmith

Gold Coast with Dave and Sam

It was an awesome few days with our mates Dave and Sam at Broadbeach. I tried to sneak in as much sun time as possible at the Star and got burnt. I took Dave and Sam to Den Devine and Miami Marketta, which was well received, but I ended up being trumped at Moo Moo's on our last night. I cannot wait to go back.

Send me back

Paynesville with Jnr

Once again, Martin had schoolwork, so the trio went off to Paynesville. As always, it was fun, including me flying my drone into the river, but that is another story. We visited the art museum in Bairnsdale, shot pool at the local, and ate at one of the best restaurants in town. We are going again in October and may even settle in this place.

Love the place