The "Buena Vista's" & the "Lisa Kay's"
April 21, 2015

With big hugs and many thank you's we bid farewell to our lovely hosts, Anne-Marie and Les, and pointed our faithful motor home south towards Melbourne. Melbourne is where our cruising buddies, Debbie and Don Robertson from S/V Buena Vista have settled for awhile as they have decided to sell their boat as well, which they have left in New Zealand. Debbie and Don were our first cruising friends we made in Ventura, California, where we purchased the Lisa Kay in 2009. We never cease to be amazed at what a small world it is, and are excited to catch up with our old friends. With stops for food and fuel, the ride from Canberra to Melbourne was about nine hours, and once again we had a lovely home to stay in with gracious hosts.
Melbourne is a vibrant city with incredible architecture and a more layed back feel than Sydney. We had a great time exploring the various alley ways that are now bustling with cozy bars and cafes, and rode around on the free city tram - making a pit stop to hug Karen (from Marsden Cove Marina in New Zealand) who is now working at the D'Albora Marina in Melbourne! Don't miss Hosier Lane, where spray paint and tagging has become a work of art. We enjoyed a beer or two at the famous Young & Jacksons Pub, across from Flinders station - circa 1861, after peeking at the famous nude painting of Chloe upstairs - a historical piece of art due to the stiff culture of that time. (I have since found out that Chloe sadly committed suicide within two years of being painted - due to unrequited love.) Mike, from S/V Allegresse, whom we met with his wife Tracey in Vanuatu and became fast friends, just happened to be in Melbourne for work, so another reunion was had over a delicious meal at the oldest building in Melbourne, the Mitre Tavern built in 1835. Once again I must say, it is a small world we live in!

The next day we caught up on laundry and grocery shopping, reminding us how important it is to build in a few extra days on a road trip like this for the necessary tasks in life, and with a newer plan in place and a good night's sleep, we set our course for the Great Ocean Road - not to be missed or so we've been told!