Day 27 - The Penultimate day

This morning we woke with a touch of sadness knowing it was probably our last night sleeping in Vanie.  Today was to be an easy 350 km drive down freeway to my sister’s place in Wodonga, where we would spend the night in doors before the final leg home on Saturday.

We went back to the War memorial for a few more hours in the morning and then up to Parli House, and then Mt Ainsle lookout before heading off in the full heat of the day.

A heat wave had hit the Southeastern part of Australia with Wodonga reaching over 44 degrees in the shade.  Our normal 2 x 100 A/C method with all the windows wound down, became  challenging with the air temperature on my right arm scorching. My I-phone even gave up the ghost thee times due to it over heating so our easy run down the freeway became a little more of an ordeal than expected. We tested the limits of Vanie’s fuel reserves and drank every last drop of water we were carrying to stay hydrated. 

I actually contemplated spending the last night sleeping in the Van on my sisters front lawn, but the offer of a bed inside the air conditioned house was too good to refuse, with temps still in the High 30’s late into the evening.

Day 26 - Quiddy’s link to the ANZACs

Today was very special as we headed inland from Bateman’s Bay, specifically to visit the National War Memorial in Canberra. This was Quiddy’s idea as he has been keen to visit Canberra and in particular the war memorial.

Just recently Quiddy learnt of his great great uncle, Lister Beryl Foreman who fought with the 37th Australian Infantry Battalion, in France and Belgium during WW1. Lister was killed in action by an artillery blast on the 4th of October 1917, whilst fighting at Ypres in Belgium. He was 26 years old. 

Christopher was very moved to find his great great uncle’s name on the remeberance wall of the memorial.  He left a poppy, respectfully bowed his head and reflected in silence with his own thoughts. If was very moving to witness. From the questions this experience illicited from Quiddy, I am certain this will be a great inspiration for him to learn more about the ANZACs ahead of his school study trip to Europe where he will visit many of the WW1 and WW2 battle fields and the Menin Gate Memorial In Belgium where his great great uncle is memorialised. 

We then enjoyed the amazing exhibits and diaramas on display, only to realsise that two and a half hours simply isn’t enough time. We only got thru the WW1 and WW2 displays so have decided to go back again tomorrow to see the Vietnam war and more recent middle eastern conflict displays. 

This place is an absolute must see when in Canberra.  And if you have already been, like I had a few times, know that it seems to always be changing and updating as there was so much there I had not experienced before.

Day 25 - Back to the lake, a blat in Soylent Green

In 1988 whilst temporarily training in Canberra, a mate I had not know long (Pete “bop bop” Austin) taught me to water ski behind the legendary Soylent Green ski boat.  Then it was 10 years old and a veteran of many Hawksbury River bridge to bridge ski races.  We had a blast that weekend at Pete’s Lake Conjola weekender.  Fast forward 31 years and I am taking my 14 year old son back to the lake to be towed behind the now 40 year old Soylent Green.  It’s got a few more scars and bumps (like Pete and I) but the old girl can still get up and boogie.  Quiddy has a ball on the tube and then an attempted swing into the lake (Tarzan he ain’t!!!).

Back to Pete’s for a BBQ and a quick break and enter into the local NSWPOL Highway Patrol Cops house (neighbor of Pete whose wife locked herself out of the house). Quick trip up the ladder with a screw driver and job done !!!

Had a ball Pete.  The Green machine at full throttle was definitely a highlight.  I might even keep my eye out for one if those water front house to moor a nice stealth inboard out front of in my retirement !!!!

Thanks again Pete and we hope to see you one day in Melb so we can return the hospitality.

Hi 

Day 24 - Half way home (return of the Portuguese Man of War)

Smashed out another long day on the road.  Now in saying that 500 odd Kms in our modern, cruise controlled, air conditioned sedans is really nothing. But our 2003 Vanie takes a little more out of you. We mainly use the old school 2 x 100 A/C system (you know- windows wound down at 100kph) , as using the actual A/C is like having an asthmatic 90 year old blowing out the vents at you (I know that doesn’t sound good but you get the idea). Also the A/c takes about 10% off the engine grunt so going up inclines on the freeway at 110 becomes a Nigel Mansell style run thru the gears to keep pace with traffic.  We also take going in a straight line for granted in our modern chariots. Not so in Vanie, where a strong gust of wind can cause an involuntary lane change !!!!! Anyway I wouldn’t change a thing about Vanie Mc Van Face as it is all very much a part of the experience of getting back to basics. My point is,  remember long road trips in your first car and that will give you some idea of the experience.

So we drive about 370 kms from Forster to Bulli, which is just North of Wollongong (just under 5 hrs driving). It also took us right thru Sydney where as a side bar the fuel prices can vary from as low as $1.10 cents to $1.41 cents per litre within a few hundred metres.  That is for regular 91 RON unleaded (when you can find it).  Apparently NSW is leading the way introducing E10 ethanol mix fuel, which unfortunately is not great for older cars like Vanie. Anyway stay clear of Shell (who seem to always be the very last to reduce their prices (if at all).

By the way we loved Forster,  it is an awesome little place that we highly recommend if up that way.  Also massive fans of Bulli.  The drive in was magnificent with steep down hill runs from over the mountain range to sea level. The Bulli Beach Tourist Park has an unpowered site for $43. It is nestled right on the beach adjacent to the towns cemetary.

Quiddy and I had bacon sangas for dinner then took  a long stroll along the beach to watch a magnificent blood moon rise from the ocean.  The photo from I -phone simply couldn’t do it justice. Suffice to say we were both blown away.

Woke up this morning to sounds of an incredible thunderstorm and spectacular lightning show.  It passed from South to North, just off shore with us copping the fringe rain.  I was in my absolute happy place, enjoying an early morning coffee (good ol Nescafé instant in a tin mug) under our awning in a rain storm.  

When I finally wheeled Quiddy out of bed about 7.30, I insisted on a dip in the ocean whilst it was still raining (still a balmy 25 deg C with 83% humidity).  Swimming, or better still surfing in the rain is one of my all time favorite past times. Anyway he agreed and we raced the short distance to the beach.  Quid was literally a foot from the sea when the emptinesss of the beach struck me (despite it pouring with rain).  I then got a feeling I imagine you would get when you realize you have inadvertently wandered into a mine field.  I called for Quiddy to freeze and look down.  We were literally surrounded by thousands of beached blue bottles with hundreds more being washed towards us with every wave.  Their metre long stingers strewn in every direction.  We tiptoed out of the jelly field and this time fetched the camera. A very close call indeed.  

Will break camp shortly and head off to Pete’s place on lake Conjola (about 2 hours south) where we hope to get out in Soylent Green (Pete’s ski boat). Plan is then to head inland to visit Canberra and then my sister in Wodonga before a quick blast homeward on the Hume.