Day 32 – Echuca Day 2

It should be a quiet day all round.   Other than going to the cinema there won’t be too much on.

When we realised that our plans were going to change, and we won’t be home for Liam’s birthday, Justine needed to do some frantic new shopping in Bendigo a couple of days back.  Books are always a great option for Liam, so a trip to Dymocks was in order.  After speaking to the salesperson (owner?) she got some great recommendation in the Young Adult section. Then a brisk walk across town to the music shop. A few days ago the kids were eyeing off some cheap harmonicas. We almost got them but the queue for the checkout was massive, so we let it go. Justine decided to get Liam a real harmonica – now that Liam can play the guitar, he will have a better understanding of the notes to learn the harp properly.

That just left a card & wrapping paper. As we got held up yesterday, we ending up with the kids all day, so no opportunity to get anything. So after the kids went to bed (late) it was time to get creative with Caitlin’s pencils – see pic for Justine’s efforts (please note it was 11.30pm, and a few wines down).  Needless to say this information couldn’t go in earlier posts as some one reads them.

Liam’s a good sport about it, while disappointed that he’s not home, he understands it not normal back home so he wouldn’t be able to spend it with his mates.  He loves the books, but is really taken with the Harmonica.  He immediately tries to break out the start of “Piano Man”, and after a bit of practice is not bad (By the end of the day, we’re a bit over Piano Man!).

Into town and bakery for a bit of Brunch, while eating the Stage Coach goes by, so it’s interesting to see it from the other side. Onto the Cinemas for 12, on the way we can see the Booze Bus setup on the main road out of town.  Only we’re pretty sure they’re not looking for drunks, but New South Welshman without the right permits.  You can see the bus from 500 or more mtrs away, and there are dozens of side streets, so it seems a little pointless. 

We see Black Widow, Liam loves the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe for those playing along at home), being midday on a Tuesday, the Cinema is pretty empty so mask off seems OK. 

An afternoon snack from the Golden Arches.  Given we’re not sure what we’ll do then next few days so a bit of shopping. Justine starts Liam’s birthday dinner request, but without measuring spoons and only one small pot is making it interesting to say the least.  But it all turns out in the end.

So in the end a quiet day, but that’s the way the Birthday boy wanted it, so that’s OK. So we don’t quite get a “Best Birthday Ever” this year.

We discuss our plans, do we go west or east?  West is Swan Hill and maybe the Grampians.  East, Kelly country and maybe hit the coast and finish the loop.  In the end east wins out, but we really don’t know how far we’ll get.   It’s clear the Sydney lockdown will lasts at least two more weeks, maybe more.    While part of us would love just to stay away, real world obligations seems it will force us home sooner.