Caravan and Camping Experiences

 

.

Tales from John and Jacqui’s Qld trip.

John:

Detailed minded John told us of the occasion they visited Ross and Jo at the latter’s friends place. It took John a long time to cover all the details (and I mean all the detail) time of day, duration of stay, details on those present etc. etc. Perhaps sensing us old people only have a short attention span or that we were losing interest, he then moved onto the ‘guts’ of his story. It so happened that this detail minded individual John had picked up on these people having an English accent. He inquired as to whether or not they would have known a ‘Mike Laws’ who lived in Yorkshire, England. (Now consider for a moment readers: Yorkshire has a population of 5 + Mil, it is larger than Sydney, larger than Wales or Ireland and for conversation sake detail minded John asks these strangers that he had just met did they know a ‘Mike Laws’?). An elated John told the group of swimmers that “they did know Mike Laws”. The swimmers were so excited.

Jacqui:

Not to be out done, Jacqui was eloquent and cut straight to the chase. She had had a harrowing experience. During the trip they stayed one night at a showground. The attendant took their money and briefly touched on a problem they were experiencing with the ladies showers. The following morning it was shower time. Jacqui then went on to describe how she went and hopped under the shower, thinking it may just take time for water pressure or hot water to come through,  ….  she then began to describe in graphic detail how she stood under the shower, she turned on the water and POW … the swimmers jaws dropped.

Jacqui in her own animated way began to describe what could have been.

==========================================

 ..

Ross and Jo spend time at a ‘Nut Farm’ ?

 

Read Ross’ report: (critiqued a little) The trip (with no salt water in my veins) has been nothing but depressing. We spent a wet weekend in Sydney, almost got bogged at the Morisset showground, the water at Port Macquarie was dirty and full of tree trunks, Maclean; I didn’t feel comfortable swimming in the Clarence River, Helensvale was just too far to the beach and the park pool was of full of kids.

So we checked in at this Nut Farm just out from Maryborough. It was so peaceful, similar to bush camping, I soon felt my sanity returning. Jo’s sister is also staying at this nut farm, so it was so good to catch up on her. The Nut Farm residence is over a hundred years old and I think the shower was too! (see photo). Nonetheless sometimes you need time out like this.

After two weeks we arrived at Coolum and managed to set up before the rains came. I find Coolum therapeutic with it’s van park right on the beach where I can look at the ocean at any time. Hi to all. Ross, Jo and Zak

==========================================

  .

Go West young man!

.

Marlene and Dougie enjoyed an invigorating 12 day excursion throughout western NSW following the Country and Western music concerts held in Forbes, Parkes and Goulburn. There would be a concert one day followed by a talent quest the next day involving participants aged from 4 years old to 70 +, all performing throughout the day from a 9.00 am start through to a 10.00 pm finish. They could just come and go throughout the day.

Their little ‘Dougie-bago’ didn’t miss a beat. They even ventured to the old mining town of Peak Hill.

But invigorating it was, Marlene mentioned that every night was just so cold in bed. It wasn’t till near the end of their trip that they met this nice fellow at a camp site. She explained to him in conversation that Dougie really feels the cold. The sympathetic camper suggested they put the doona on top of the bed blankets to trap the heat rather than under.

Marlene said it made all the difference, it was just a pity we didn’t meet this gentleman at the start of our outback excursion rather than at the end.

.

Grant is undertaking an adventure of a lifetime. He is going by bus up the Pacific Highway to Noosa and then as a special gift to Valarie, he is planning to take her to see and experience the real outback and spend time at Lightning Ridge. He even checked out the road conditions and surprise surprise, the main roads are all sealed.

==========================================

 .

The Pines Camping Resort:

 .

Louise files this special report: 

Prior to leaving, the gang gathered at Monte’s house to arrange a driver reviver destination for their long trip…. then they were off, heading south they arrived at their destination and the race was on….. who could set up first.

Louise & Blossom had little Swifty up in less than 20 minutes while Jackie & Brian struggled like two possums in a sugar bag with their camper trailer. After a lot of anxious moments they managed to have the camper up in some sort of fashion. YEAH! finally we could settle down, get the fire started, open a bottle of beer or two and begin the vacation.

Then would you believe, Michelle & Big D arrive and began to set up their new marquee prior to dark. Erecting their tent, Big D’s voice got louder as he asked Michelle where are the tent poles? “Yea, Big D had forgotten to pack the poles needed to erect the tent!

By mid afternoon the next day we were all settled and at peace, then low and behold word reached the neighbours, they started rolling in having heard that Chef Brian Oliver was preparing a banquet for that evening. Val contributed bringing yummy chicken noodle balls and Grant’s contribution was a chair for himself (typical).

After a few more drinks things became pretty relaxed as we ate, laughed and bantered with each other around the camp fire.

The merry campers were each sworn to secrecy, that ‘what went on down south at the resort, stays down south’.

 

 

==========================================

  .

Portugal a beautiful & historic country

 .

Heather’s provides an update on her trip thus far:

Here are some snaps of our trip for you. It’s been wonderful, Portugal is a beautiful country and the people are lovely I feel very comfortable here, we are on our last 4 days now and then we head to Spain. We have seen some great sites historical and beautiful. I’ve been eating a lot, yummy seafood and the wine is so nice. Love the Tinto. It has been great catching up with Briony for a short time. Take care guys, thinking of you, as always love, Heather xxx

 

==========================================