Last report from our first “road trip”:
Saturday morning started nagging on the phone at 8:30. Expected confusion between the Sydney base, Melbourne assistance centre, Brisbane depot where we hired and the local Ballina agent… So after about $20 of mobile calls… I was picked up and taken to the Ballina depot. Filled in the real accident report. And half an hour later was driving off in a Britz Hi-ace. Parked at the Emigrant Creek boat ramp next to the caravan park. Then moved the MB Sprinter out of the park… terrible crunching noises…
We swapped all the gear, locked up the MB left the keys at the park office, and at midday were away.
We organized our bus procurer to meet at his place at 2:00 and paid the balance for the Hino. We had really had enough for the day so headed back to Woody Point. Haven’t added the KM yet but we covered about 3500 km in 7 days on the road, met lots of friendly people, caught up with old friends, walked on some beautiful beaches, saw some glorious scenery – missed out on some too with Friday curtailed and no detours on Saturday…
We had fun and had some lessons learned or confirmed for us:
• A permanently made and accessible bed is essential
• A toilet shower big enough to stand up in and turn around in is essential
• Enough power for independent lighting, music, TV etc is essential (solar and big batteries)
• We missed the TV – news etc particularly, and (I) lost track of the days…
• Hot water from gas is fine. Gas and a heat exchanger would be perfect (diesel HWH are very expensive)
• Microwave was perfect for (plugged in) cooking.
• Off mains cabin heating is essential which means gas or diesel (Coonabarabran)
• Heading south at this time of year is a dumb idea…
• A smallish generator for daytime aircon would be sufficient.
• Honey needs her own seats front and rear depending on her mood…
Next plan is head North in September – when depends on plans of others…
Then it’s Mulwala for 6th November and Adelaide for 13th…
