November 2006

 

Tailem Bend

I am sure it must have been with great relief that the mighty 'Grand Tourer' finally departed from Wayne and Tracey's driveway. We were there for just on 3 weeks and it must have looked like we were never going to go. They should never have let us move into the house. Far too comfortable and very hard to leave. Their generosity and hospitality were unsurpassed.


Our first stop this month and only a couple of hours up the road was Tailem Bend. It was not actually on our way but we wanted to see Danny, Tina and the boys once more before heading east. We first met these guys in a free camp on our way out to Tom Price in WA many, many months ago. We have been bumping into them ever since and last saw them in Alice Springs. They have now been home just over a month and are desperately trying to fit back into normal life. They are planning to take off again mid 2007 as they too have the travel bug. Who knows, we might see them out there again. We ended up staying with them a couple of nights and had a ball. Their house is on the Murray River and have to say that sitting on their front balcony having a beer looking out over the river was most enjoyable. Their house is also a little unique in that they live in the grounds of 'Tailem Bend Historical Village'. This amazing village was built and is owned and operated by Danny's father. There are over 100 buildings and numerous streets. On our first night Danny and Tina took us over to the village and put on a very old movie in the picture theatre. It was sensational and was great to actually get up into the projection room to see the old arc projectors in operation. It was really fascinating. The next day while our hosts were at work and the kids at school we spent the day in their village. You know you are getting older when you remember some of the older items from your childhood. This is a great place and if you are in the area and have a bent for our yesteryear make sure you visit.

Danny and Tina were great hosts, great fun and we really enjoyed our time with them. Hopefully we can return the favor when they come across to QLD next year.




Renmark

Next stop was Renmark. This is a special place for me as it was here that we had our family Christmas holidays each year when I was a kid. They are great memories of camping, skiing and being surrounded by friends. The down side is that it also the place that my dad was killed back in 1974 during one of our Christmas holidays. We stayed in the caravan park where the accident happened, and in fact camped very close to the actual spot where it happened and funnily enough I felt quite at ease with that. This is the first time I have been back to the park since that fateful day and it was great to see it hadn't changed at all. It was also nice to explain to the boys what happened to their grandfather all those years ago. I did get myself into a bit of a sticky situation while having a shower with little Harry, when he asked me what 'Dead' meant. He put me 'on the spot' a bit and somehow while fumbling around the subject I ended up trying to draw a parallel to a dead kangaroo.Why I'm not sure, but my god, the more I said, the bigger hole I dug for myself. People in the other cubicles must have been rolling around on the shower floor in laughter.
We spent 3 nights in Renmark and did a trip to Berri, Barmera and out to Monash where they have a great adventure playground. It is pretty amazing, not to mention free, and the kids had a ball on the slides, swings, wooden structures and flying foxes. Of course the boys insisted that I also went on the flying fox. I thought I was going to dislocate my poor old shoulders, but boy, did we have some laughs.

Late one afternoon while we were sitting outside admiring the view of the river, a most amazing houseboat went past (houseboat is probably a slight exaggeration). It turned out to be a guy called Frank who spends about 4 months a year at 'Daley Waters Pub' doing nightly shows with his performing eagles, that are actually chooks. He pulled into the shore and performed one of his songs all about wet toilet paper and smelly fingers. As you could imagine we were all in hysterics but especially the boys who have, to our distress been singing the songs ever since. What an absolute card and a great ambassador for Australia.





On our last day we did a cruise up the river on a 'steam powered' paddle steamer. The P.S.Industry only runs once a month and is completely manned by volunteers. What a magnificently maintained piece of Australian history. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. The ladies make scones and cups of coffee and chat to the passengers.
Renmark certainly hadn't changed much over the last 30 years and it was good to visit again.


Merbein- Mildura

We left Renmark after lunch and found a great free camp right on the river only about 10 kms out of Mildura.What a set up. You can camp anywhere you want along the river and the track goes for absolutely miles. The local "Lions" club have taken over control of this area and have put in toilets and a thousand bins that they regularly empty. We pulled up and found a nice spot only metres from the river. There was a lady and her young daughter fishing on the banks and the kids all started playing together. She was very friendly and we all chatted for ages. Her husband was out in their boat fishing and when he came back and saw that his wife had company and was happy, he grabbed me and we all went back out fishing. What incredibly nice country people. We were out fishing for a couple of hours, had lots of laughs and story telling but not many fish. Tell me where else other than traveling can you pull up and be taken out fishing with total strangers all within an hour of arriving. I have said it many times before, traveling is a very unique experience full of opportunities and experiences that you just don't get staying at home.






Robinvale

We would have loved to spend a bit more time at Merbein but we now have a time line. We want to be in Eden in NSW by the middle of the month to do some major caravan improvements as mentioned in 'October in Summary' last month. On the way we also want to go into Melbourne to see a very good friend with whom Chris went to primary school. So for the first time in 11 months we have to get our skates on.
Our next stop after spending the day exploring Mildura was Robinvale. What a gem. We pulled into the first caravan park we saw just over the big bridge into town. This well maintained grassy park is absolutely right on the Murray. The owner operators could not have been more friendly, happy and helpful. What a change from the endless cranky caravan park managers we have encountered over the months. And the best part was all this and a powered river front site for $18.00 a night for the family. And you guessed it! The park was full with very contented guests. Most other parks we have visited lately have been empty. Just goes to show that even out of season if you provide a good product at a good price you will remain busy. Has to make good economic sense.


Echuca


Once again 'Camps 3' had us off to a great free camp again right on the banks of the Murray. Another perfect spot. Only 8 kms out of town was again endless kms of riverfront camping spots, complete with pit toilets. What a view we had. Camped on the bend of the river with great views both up and downstream. This is houseboat country and we had a constant parade of both petrol and steam powered craft to look at.
Now Echuca would have to be one of the most charming towns we have visited yet. To see the wharf area with it's numerous paddle steamers really took you back to how life would have been in the early 1900's. The whole area has been beautifully restored with entire streets looking just like a century ago. Blacksmiths and carpenters working away producing some amazing pieces that are all for sale. This place oozes charm, serious charm.
As most would be aware, this part of the country like many, is in the midst of a serious drought and it is difficult to know what the immediate future is for the Murray River. Although it appears full and with good flow it is in trouble. Unless the catchment area receives substantial rain the river will be virtually dry in 24 weeks. That is in less than 6 months and the long range forecasts do not look promising. A river without water would bring this and all towns along this mighty river to a standstill. The river is not only the heart but also the soul to these towns and without it who knows the consequences. Should the worse actually happen it will in fact be the first time the river has dried up since the weir and lock system was introduced around 1917. That's what I call a drought. It would appear that lack of rain and inappropriate farming (ie cotton and rice crops that require ridiculous amounts of water to produce a handful of product) are the two major contributing factors to the impending disaster. Obviously one of those causes cannot be controlled, but the latter can, and steps are being put in place to ensure this does not happen again. Some very nervous times ahead for these town folk.
We only spent two nights here and could have easily spent a week. As seeing Victoria was never part of our plan for this trip, even seeing a tiny bit is a bonus. This is certainly a state that will require another visit and some extensive exploring.






Melbourne


Next stop was Melbourne.The drive from Echuca to Melbourne was beautiful. Hills, green paddocks and cows as far as the eye could see was a nice change. Our only reason for entering the second biggest city in Australia was to see Robyn, Mark and the kids. Chris went to primary school with Robyn and have been good friends since. Unfortunately Mark was in Hong Kong for work so we missed him this trip. Our first job was to go to their new home of about 12 months to see if we could get the van into their driveway. All looked good so into their cul-de-sac we drove only to realise we didn't have room to turn around, so out we backed and then had to back all the way in again. I am not sure what the neighbours in this upmarket inner city suburb thought when they saw this van backing up and down their street! We did fit in their driveway, just with a few delicate manoeuvres. All good except Robyn couldn't get her car in the driveway or the garage and had to park on the street. A small price to pay for our outstanding company I hear you say. Ha Ha!
It was so good to see Robyn and the kids again. It has been at least 5 years, even pre Harry since we saw them last. Their new house is absolutely outstanding with a yard to rival any botanical garden that this country has to offer. Harry's eyes nearly popped out of his head as he looked around the house.
Now lets get straight to the weather. We arrived on the Thursday and it was hot, sunny and still with no visible pollution. Friday was even hotter and Saturday, the day we left , exactly the same. We must have had the best 3 days this year. Apparently the couple of days prior to our arrival were absolutely bitterly cold, wet and very, very miserable (Melbourne Cup Carnival). On a good day, Melbourne is a hard place to beat. The trick is getting one of those perfect days!!! On Friday Robyn escorted us into the city. We caught the tram at the end of their street and spent the day exploring. It is extremely trendy so I felt right at home, and expect a few of my fashion statements will soon take off down this way. Mark rang us a couple of times during the day from Hong Kong to make sure we were seeing all the important sights. Tha's pretty good service I must say. It was a very enjoyable day. The highlight for the boys was when Robyn bought them an icecream called a 'toadstool'. This thing was about the size of a tennis ball, and was icecream coated in chocolate that was about 10mm thick. So here we are at lunchtime in the middle of the city at some trendy eatery surrounded by suits and more suits and !!!!! the chocolate faced monsters. Harry had chocolate from his eyebrows down to his chin and around to each ear. I think Robyn was amused as we used 264 napkins and a packet of nappy wipes to try and clean him up. Alex didn't look much better.
The city has maintained its 'old world' charm and although busy, is a great place to visit . The Yarra River still looks as muddy as ever but the parklands and walkways along its banks are outstanding. Right in the middle of the city is a new area called 'Federation Square'. I am not sure who designed this thing or what chemical substance they were using at the time, but let me tell you it makes a statement. It rates very highly as the 'ugliest and most out of place structure' I think we have ever seen. With good reason it has caused quite a stir amongst Melbournians. It looks like something you would see in a 'Star Wars' movie or perhaps as part of a space station. (Harry was pretty taken with it - says a lot for his taste!)
We had a great time, the kids had fun playing together and Chris and Robyn spent hours catching up. In life some of us are lucky enough to have friendships that last a lifetime, people who you might not see all the time but remain close. It was obvious that this was one of those friendships.


Our next stop will be Eden/ Merimbula and major caravan modifications. I am really excited about getting this job done and can't wait to get into it. We are all equally excited to again see Bryan, Jane and the boys. They live in a small seaside holiday town called Merimbula about 20 kms north of Eden. While I am working my guts out Chris and the boys will have fun exploring the area and going to the beach which is a 30 second walk from the house. While we are working on the van we will be staying downstairs in the house. I estimate the van will take about 2 weeks to get up and running, although Bryan says we will be working 20 hours a day and should be gone in 3 days. I think he is joking, or is he?????????.

Updated 9-12-06
Merimbula


We ended up driving from Melbourne to Merimbula in one day and although we covered a lot of kms it didn't seem like we spent all day in the car. This is a very pretty area and even greener than our trip to Melbourne. It was explained to us that this area is currently experiencing what is referred to as a 'Green Drought'. What that means is that they have had enough rain to make it look green and lush but in fact the area is 'Drought Declared'. This is certainly an area that will require further exploring in the future.
We arrived in Merimbula late in the afternoon and set up the van in the Hammond's front yard. Bryan was in Melbourne for a 'Boys' horse racing and drinking weekend and wasn't due home until the next day. It was great to see Jane and the boys again and had a great night catching up. We first met these guys in Perth, and saw them again in Kalbarri ,Coral Bay and Exmouth. It was over a few beers one night than Bryan suggested we come home via Eden and we would fix up the underside of the van. That might end up being one of those alcohol induced suggestions that he will regret for a long time.


Well all good things must come to an end and it was time to pick up Bryan from the airport. I volunteered to go and thought it would be best to try and embarrass him as much as possible. It is a great thing being in a town where nobody knows you because you can be as stupid as you want and 'who cares' (like I would care anyway!).
So as you can see I turned up as the chauffeur and must say had a few looks. I think I successfully managed to make a dick of myself and also embarrassed Bryan although he denies that.


In all we had just over 3 weeks with them. Most of my time was spent working on the van or helping out with bits and pieces around their business. They have a great business in Eden (ARV Caravans) selling new and used caravans and have a huge workshop with a few (like 6 or 8) of Bryan's half finished projects scattered around. He must have a great reputation as people come from all over NSW, Vic and the ACT to buy vans from him. So first thing Monday morning into the workshop went the 'Grand Tourer' and after a bit of fiddling around using the car hoist and the forklift we managed to get the van about 3 feet off the ground. Enough room to sit and work under it in comfort. I spent the first few days cutting off the old axle hangers and drawbar, cleaning up the chassis and removing plumbing, gas and wiring in readiness for the new chassis/drawbar. The main purpose was to put new springs under the van. This really should have been done before we left home a year ago but I simply ran out of time. I also wanted to raise the van up a little so we had a little more clearance on dirt roads and to make a longer and stronger drawbar. So what we ended up with was a 75x50 RHS welded to the bottom of the existing chassis and a 150x50 RHS drawbar and a brand new ALKO Roller Rocker 3 tonne 7 leaf suspension. We also ran some 55x35 beams across the van from each chassis rail to strengthen the floor. What an incredible difference it has made. The van has been raised 90mm which gives great clearance without making the van look top heavy and silly. The drawbar is over 500mm longer than the old one which means we can now open the rear doors of the car when the van is still attached, not to mention the fact that it is infinitely stronger than before.
We also put new drop down legs on and the plumbing and electrical looks so much neater now. In all, I could not be happier with the completed product.






Finally the van came down off the hoist and a few more days were spent on the finishing touches.


I know I have said this many times before in this webpage, but when else other than traveling would you meet somebody who, after knowing them for such a short time would open their home, their hearts and then spend countless hours working on somebody else's van, while running their own business and want nothing in return (except maybe for us to finally leave!). You meet exceptional people on the road all sharing the same dream.


While I was 'working my guts out' Chris and the boys enjoyed catching up on journal work and exploring the local area. Bryan and Jane have a great home only metres from the most stunning beach in a very cute area called the 'Fishpen' in Merimbula. On one side of their house they have the ocean and at the back the lake. As well as tourism this area is well known for its oysters which can be seen in the lake. You could not imagine a nicer place to live except for, winter. It does get very cold down here, as we experienced during our stay, and that was early December.


Before we finally left we helped them put sprinklers in the back lawn and the footpath and the lay 230 metres of turf. It was a fun couple of days with everyone including the little guys pitching in. The yard now looks great and has really transformed the place.

Thanks guys for not only housing us for all that time, spending countless hours on the van but also for making us feel so welcome. You are a truly remarkable family.

November in review

My god, another month gone. I just seem to keep repeating those words, but boy is the time flying by. We are now moving a lot quicker as our journey draws to an end. This month saw us leave Adelaide, visit Melbourne and rebuild the underneath of the van. There have been no health issues and no mechanical problems from either the car or the van. It has been yet another month of smooth sailing. This would have to be the first year ever that we have all experienced a cold free winter. Amazing! Is it lack of exposure or lack of stress that has kept us all 100% fit and healthy???? I am pretty sure I know, and I bet it isn't the former.
December will see us visit Sydney for a few days to catch up with Tim, Katie and the kids, then hopefully drop into Inverell on our way to the Sunshine Coast for our 3 weeks over Christmas. It will be good to see family and friends again, and that we are all excited about.


Until next month.



To resist the influence of others, one must have knowledge of themselves, their strengths and weaknesses. Only then can you make decisions and choices, about you and for you.