We were invited to a Christmas Party at the Balnarring Country Race meeting and decided to take the van down and spend a few days touring round the Mornington Peninsula. Drove down Thursday and set up at the caravan park at Stony Point. Pleasant little place, mostly permanents, We got used to the rumble of the regular diesel train service next door. Lots of folk fishing and getting great catches of snapper, whiting and shark. On Friday we meandered down via Flinders and Cape Shank through to the new park at Point Nepean. We walked down to the fort at the point and toured the underground tunnels. Got a small shock while checking out one of the gun emplacements. Heard a hiss and looked down to see a rather large tiger snake right at our feet. Beat a fairly hasty retreat. The area is well worth a visit. Saturday was race day and we enjoyed the Christmas festivities at the course but lost all our money. On Sunday we toured through the Red Hill district stopping to pick cherries at a popular cherry orchid. Views from Arthur's Seat were very pleasant. Packed up and headed home Monday.