I've had a specific request for an update on the activities of the band (more specifically the groupies of the band) that was staying at our hotel in Melbourne. Well, I'm as disappointed as you will be to report that today's rockstars really aren't like those of our generation ... Having heard no wild late-night shenanigans I asked the concierge as we left what they got up to, and the wildest thing he could report was that they got their laundry done! Of the ladies travelling with them one might indeed have been the Mum of one of the band members too, (allegedly)- I'm sure John Bonham's Mum never toured with him...

At the recommendation of Melbourne-based Targa competitor David Ogg, I found myself spending 45 minutes in the convivial company of Mariana from Sao Paolo, practicing my Portuguese ... Before you leap to conclusions, she was programming and cutting XL logos to stick on the car for Targa. Also ordered some logo'd t-shirts from some local 'dudes' who mainly do hoodies ... I had more to talk about with Mariana!

We've now moved down to Lorne, about 40kms down the fabled Gt Ocean Rd, fantastic scenery and views, but a Subaru Forester isn't what you want to be driving, even if it is a hire car!

Emily and I went to check on the TR yesterday, still sitting in 'jail' at Gibson Freight, pending completion of paperwork, Customs Bond is paid, Quarantine guys are booked, after that I can take the car away, but only far enough to get an inspection to then get the local VicRoads Registration papers that I will need to use the car on the road here. Been a laborious and time-consuming process to be honest, but hopefully we are near the end, although it's now clear that I won't get the chance for a daybreak blast down to the 12 Apostles in the TR, which I was hoping to do to test the in-car camera set-up. Shame. I can report that the car started, a bit hesitant, but after blowing six weeks of salt out of its throat it did run clean ... I think it's looking forward to getting out on parole!