Wednesday 22 April 2015

New Home & 3 year travel map



Big decision - after almost exactly 3 years on the road have traded the old Jayco for a 2011 Ranger with single beds, solar panels on roof, 2 batteries, wind up TV aerial & TV, plus a radio with remote control so I can flick it on in the morning without getting up, LED lights, ensuite, diesel heater, inside and outside 12v plugs, drop down table outside. Is 19' compared to the 18' Jayco but certainly doesn't feel any bigger, and is definitely a bit lighter - or is that because I had to get rid of so much stuff as I don't have as much storage now!!!!! Nice to have a van that sits higher off the ground also. Maybe wont scrape so much getting out of some petrol stations! 
A few teething problems. Had to reseal around a window that was leaking on to the bed. Hasn't rained since so still don't know if that sorted the problem.
Toilet leaking but hoping a new cassette seal has fixed that. 
TV aerial wouldn't wind down one day so had to wander the streets of Burrumbuttock until I found a lady with a ladder. At least I know what the cause is now!
Couldn't open the water tank to fill it - found a bloke who sorted it..... Ah the joys of a new home. Heading towards Scone now then up to MacKay.
Am enjoying a fridge that has the bars on the shelves so things don't fly out to meet me.  Getting used to seeing myself everywhere - didn't have mirrors in the old van! Don't have to squeeze into the bathroom now. Can sit at a table to eat - was sleeping on it in the Jayco so that I didn't have to keep dropping out the bed ends:)
I wasn't going to keep the blog going but since there have been lots of 'views' lately maybe I will..... and start a new map for the next 3 years I think!

Such a change being back on the mainland. Driving today north of Wodonga to Narrandera took me through flat farmland - not a 'hill' in sight compared to Tasmania. Lots of very young lambs around. The land looks pretty dry still although there must have been some rain recently as there is a lot of water sitting around in the paddocks and along the road gutters.

Nice to be warm again too. Has been surprisingly cold everywhere until today.
Camped at Carcoar dam under trees. Cool and then a nasty thunderstorm with hail. Thought I had escaped leaks but arrived at Greens Point, Sofala to find my bed and couch both very wet. Rain coming in a cupboard! Bloke offered to seal around solar panels but that didnt work I found out later.
Interesting finding two other guitarists at this camp. Ian (Kiwi) plays at folk festivals. Fun having people to play with. Woke to a heavy frost one morning.
On to Cassilis camp for a night. Big area and clean loos. Then to Blandford to stay with a friend. He took the solar panels off and has done a very thorough reseal job so lets hope that works!  Getting sorted for the Postie Bike Variety Dash from Newcastle in November. Also sorted a trip home for sister's 70th.
Called in to The King of the Ranges on Sunday for a few hours.