Blog 10

23th April at Stanley

I spent all day on the computer trying to down load my Blog. I wanted to go out with Linda but I had free internet, so I was stuck inside. I must say this site is great and well worth the money. It’s a Big 4 caravan site at Stanley. Bob Little had a problem with his rear wheel bearing and I could not help him, because I was blogging, what a bummer! Still I had to down load my Blog, as this was the first and only opportunity I had.

Anyway we met up with all the Morgan group for a fantastic free BBQ on site. We all had a fantastic time, well done Geoff and Stephanie for the organization. Lots of good tucker and great fun. Unfortunately it was the last night that Stan (NBC) and Bianca will be with us, so Geoff had a little presentation for them. Also Bianca earned her morgan wings, so she can drive the mog herself. Well done Bianca, just hope she looses the splinter in her foot, so now she can put it down!

Today was a very wet day so I did not really miss out on much. Linda only visited “Highfield“ historic site, Joe Lyon’s (past prime minister of oz) birth house, and a walk up the Nut (headland) at Stanley.

24th April at Stanley

I down loaded yesterdays photos, before heading west to Tarkine Forest. It was fine when we left but we drove through torrential rain before arriving there. I found lots of bargains there because it is closing down permanently next week. I had a great lunch and the rain stopped so I took the opportunity to enjoy the temperate rainforest. The air was really fresh, the forest sparkled with new rain and it was an invigorating experience. Wonderful really. I can’t understand why Forestry Tasmania is closing the site, it will be a real loss to the region. It has some wonderful boardwalks, magical forests, great explanations of the forest animals, and the staff could not have been more helpful. Dismal Swamp ( a sinkhole) was not in the least dismal, it was fascinating.

I then journeyed on to the Edge of the World. This was at Arthur River, where the sea was roaring and the wind howling. I drove back via Marrawah and Redpa seeing lots of milking cows and passing the Duck River Butter Factory, at Smithton. It was most unusual to see herds of Jersey cows for milking. Usually I see the black and white Freisens. I also saw black Angus and Hereford beef cattle. The countryside was coated in a velvet green after all the rain. Absolutely wonderful morgan touring country. I came home and ate everybodys left overs from the BBQ, last night. Dined like a king on steak, salad, stewed apples and ice cream. Yum.

25th ANZAC Day Stanley to Sheffield

I let Sheffield after a pleasant stay at the Big 4 caravan site. I had the privilege of driving Geoff’s green plus 8 which zipped along well. The scenery was outstanding, I stopped at Boat Harbour, which was so scenic we decided to have a morgan photo shoot.

Then I drove on to Penguin, but the roads were shut with the ANZAC Day marches, so I had a few detours. Some morgans stopped for fuel, so the group ended up as two groups. We rejoined our group at Seven Sheds Beer Brewery, Railton. I had a beer tasting before I had a full glass of my favorite beer. Then I had a tour of the brewery with the owner and master brewer. I lunched there before going on to Sheffield were I am staying for two nights. Sheffield can only boast dial up internet, so had I a look about and found lots of very interesting murals all over the town.

Blog 9

9th April

I finished a few jobs at the farm that required my attention. Then packed up my clothes ready for Tasmania. I still had to put two cigarette lighters in Linda’s Morgan, so we can use the satnav and charge the phone, simultaneously. I spent much of the day on the net downloading my blog, reading my thousand emails, and deleting many of them.

!0th April

We are off!! (almost) Linda got me up at the crack of dawn. I was packed and Linda was flapping around, made me a cup of tea and toast and packed a few sandwiches for lunch. Then we said our good byes. I had some goggles for the Morgan as Linda had her aero windscreens up with no full windscreen. Linda took a fancy to my goggles and put them down in the garage, after inspecting them. I could not find them when it was time to leave. So we had to almost unpack the Morgan before we remembered that the last time we had seen them was in the garage.We drove off in good time to meet up with the others a two and a half hour trip.

Linda then discovered she had not got her Morgan top so we went back again. Fortunately we did as she had left it on the tonneau and it had fallen off onto the road. She picked it up from the middle of the road, and we were both relieved to find it. We caught up with the rest of the Morgan gang at Sutton Forest. We also saw Bob and Noelene Bailey that came to see us off.

We travelled in convoy to Yass, lunching at Coronation Park. I managed to burn my right index finger on the new cigarette lighter, while trying to explain to Linda how the blo-dy thing worked! So Linda passed me the water bottle and got some paw paw cream at a nearby shop just to make me feel better. Really it was a lot of fuss about nothing except now I have some interesting ring burns on the end of my finger. We stopped at the “Dog on the Tucker Box”, 5 miles from Gundagai. Our next stop was Poets Rest Motel at Gundagai, where Linda washed the road dust off Noddy before enjoying a convivial meal with all the morganeers. The meal was delicious. Then off to bed.

11th April

Linda was up very early to go for a walk with Geoff. I was still asleep just trying to unwind after all my work at the farm. Linda got me breakfast in bed with a cup of tea. We packed up hurriedly in the end because I was late getting out of bed. Still we were just ready by 9.30am for the days run. We drove through some amazingly cold weather and grey snow clouds, before being engulfed by rain. (We still had the hood down, which was fine as long as we didn’t stop!) We stopped at Holbrook for fuel for Noddy, and top hat on, tea and coffee for us humans. Also we ate all our fruit and veg before crossing into Victoria, where they would have been confiscated because of disease concerns. This included lots of tomatoes. We also saw the submarine HMAS Otway. Our lunch stop was at Chilturn, which is classified by the National Trust of Australia. It was like stepping back in time to the 1880s. Linda had a ball with all the old tins and really found some bargains. I didn’t realize till then how valuable tins were. She bought an old Arnotts Biscuit Tin for $1, while round the corner it was for sale at $70! Our next stop was at Glenrowan, where Ned Kelly made his last stand, at Anne Jones “Glenrowan Inn”. Ned is one of my heroes. We saw a live theatre re-enactment of Ned’s life from the day of the seige at Glenrowan to his hanging in Pentridge Goal. We had a lovely coffee with the Jodikins, Stan and Biancia. We arrived late back at our digs because Linda was driving so fast we went past the Benalla Leisure Park, our accommodation place! We had a frustrating drive around Benalla before finding the Park. We were relieved to find our Morganeer mates had cooked us a lovely BBQ dinner. Geoff was glad we had eventually turned up, like two bad pennies! We had a really lovely evening swapping stories for the day. The best one was Vern running out of petrol and being rescued by the Chatfields. Last night Vern was bragging how economically his car was running! No wonder if you don’t bother to put fuel in it! Several reds later all was forgiven and I staggered off to bed.

12th April

Linda had a good look around Benalla tourist centre while I rested in. Geoff called by and said we were meeting there for a 11 am kick off. Linda came back and collected me and the gear and we both went to the centre. We saw Ned Kelly’s original green silk scarf that he won whilst a child when saving another child from drowning, and he wore at the siege of Glenrowan. Also the witness box that the Kelly’s often appeared in from Benalla Court House. Also saw the goal door on which Joe Byrnes body was suspended while being photographed. Saw Ned Kelly’s horse’s bridle, which had a bullet hole in it. The Kelly Gangs horses were shot during the siege to prevent the outlaw’s escape. We lunched at Broadford and meet up with Peter Ffrench another Morganeer. We travelled in convoy to Melbourne to Chris Van Wyckes morgan dealership, where he had laid on a good feed. We meet Tony Brown, NBC, who owns a beautiful green flat rad. Next we drove to the ferry to Tassie in convoy being piloted by the morgan agent. Fantastic workshop at Zagames where we meet the principal and a lot of his staff. Including his son who has put in an order for a new aero 8, as well as being a brilliant coffee maker. Waited for ages in queues before getting on board “The Sprit of Tasmania”. Had a twin cabin berth, very tiny and not worth the money. Hardly any sleep all night!

13th April

Huge queues again to get disembarked. We were all invited to Mac & Marji place for breakfast. We had a fantastic breakfast, cereal and cooked with fresh Tasmanian produce. Including champagne. All hosted and supplied by Mac and Marje of Devonport, trophy winner at Targa. Also met up with other Tassie morganeers, Sally Brian John and Jack Frost from Launceston.

We eventually managed to drag ourselves away from his 25 car spotless garage! It was the shed to die for, we were all very envious. Our first stop was at Westbury where the Smiths had a flat front tyre. Barbarra thought the steering was very heavy but Ian thought she was exaggerating. However the tyre was very flat when they inspected it! Typical male! We were on the job very smartly and had the problem solve in no time at all. Next wet off for Campbell Town were we meet some more Tassie morganeers. They said we must go and see Ross and Oatlands. This we did. Ross was very interesting but Oatlands apart from the windmill, was hardly worth the long drive. We got to our billet by 6pm, exhausted and hungry.

14th April

Sleep in horaah Linda went off to Freycinet with David to do a 3 hour walk at 8.30 am. I stayed in to download my Blog and do some shopping for tonights dinner. Geoff called to say Roger and Richard were passing, so I called and arranged to meet them at the local bakery for a coffee. I saw Rogers rebuilt plus 8. It was absolutely fantastic! Lots of new chrome bits, upgraded brakes and all sorts of new goodies, under the bonnet.

Went back to our digs to attend to Linda’s very stiff passenger door, which refused to open or close easily. I fixed it! I spent the rest of my time doing my pictures. Linda arrived back exhausted after her trek at Freycinet. All the morganeers went to the local bakery/pub Bark Mill Tavern, where 30 plus people all enjoyed dinner, drinks and a convivial evening.

15th April

Early start on the road by 8.30am, off to Port Arthur. Hope they don’t detain me and allow me back to jolly old England!

I was driving south on Tasman Highway today and what fun I had! Linda had kittens when I past about 6 Morgans and a saloon car. I just got fed up with following sedate Morgans. Our first stop was Sorell for morning tea, really my breakfast. I drove on to the blowhole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, all very interesting geological formations. Our digs were Port Arthur Caravan Park, so we unloaded there before going to the historic site. I had a poke about there, but it was a very cold day Linda was absorbed by the history, the museum, and artifacts. I tried on some leg irons, which were very heavy! Glad I don’t had to wear them every day! We had a cruise round the harbour. Saw isle of the dead where 1100 people are buried on a rocky knoll of 2 acres. Also Point Puer, where the first boys prison existed. This was the first juvenile prison any where in the world. Cutting edge detention? Well at least it kept the kids away from the harden adults and gave them some skills and education. Still the kids literally got away with murder there! Souvenirs seemed expensive there and I had a long cold wait for Linda. Glad to be home and feed (T bone steak) and wined! Good digs and excellent cooking kitchen. Linda was off for a ghost tour of the historic site and wasn’t back till late, I was asleep.

16th April

On the road by 9am. Well almost, that was before Stan turned up and asked Julia for a screw! He had diagnosed a distributor problem and needed a new screw to replace a self tapping screw! I replaced the screw and fixed it, so it would hold firm. The mere males were amused that I could solve the problem that was insurmountable to them. Linda travelled with Stan for moral support and Bianca drove Linda’s mog to John W’s home all the way to Dodge Ferry. Where his wife had put on a sumptuous morning tea, while he rethreaded the distributor and solved Stan’s problem permanently. However Stan did say I was the best screw he had had in a long time.

We stopped at Richmond and meet Robert and Peta Russell. They were pleased to see a 4 seater in the flesh. The first they had ever seen. Peta recommended a hairdresser in Hobart at Salamanca, and Robert phoned them and made an appointment for me that afternoon. I was desperate for a haircut. This was the first opportunity I had to achieve this. The hairdresser meet me with a large glass of red wine, which turned into two. I had a wonderful style cut and was thrilled with the result. It made my day! Linda was waiting for me to chauffeur me back to our digs. This was surprising since I had given her a hard time earlier in the day! Naughty me! Good night sweetheart time for bed.

17th April

Up early at 5.30am, very excited about all the morgan display at Parliament House today. Can’t decide what to wear! Gave Linda an early morning cuppa but I don’t think she really appreciated it. Can’t understand why, its her birthday and its only 5.30am! Busy morning preparing Noddy for the display. He has had a wash and sparkled, with aero windscreens at the ready. We were first out ready to go, makes a nice change really being ready so early. All the mogs fell in line behind us. Now we are only waiting for Geoff and Steph to take the lead. Oh no, they have snuck out the other exit and we aren’t second! Hope we don’t get left at any lights on route. Phew we made it to the display. All mogs sparkling and all eyes on the seventeen morgans, as we drove through Hobart Town. We caused quite a stir. We even had local morganeers with us too. Richard and Roger arrived later. The NBC then included, R & R, Stan, Vern, Linda and I. I talked to lots of people, had coffee etc. Found some good bargains at Salamanca Markets and in the local shops. Then we visited Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia. Lucky I bought that leather/ fur vest as we went up Mount Wellington and it was freezing but a great view over Hobart. Unfortunately it was a bit misty and the sun was in the wrong place. Returned back to our digs in time for dinner out at the Soho Pub with all the morganeers. We had a jolly time and the night just flew by. 10pm now so off to bed. Good night all!

18th April

Robert and Peta Phillips lead a mog run to Franklin and Cygnet, south of Hobart. We left about 9.30am, following the TARGA route via Mt Wellington before grabbing the main rd south.

I had a lovely long back coffee and macadamian chocolate nut slice at the “Court of Petty Sessions” Franklin. Next we saw the wooden boat building place at Franklin. They use Huon Pine exclusively for their boats. This pine grows only in Tasmania. It can stay on the forest floor for 100 years and not rot. This is because it has natural oils. It floats well is light weight and light in colour. Next I had picnic lunch at Cygnet. Stopped on the way back to Hobart at Margate where a stationary train has been converted into shops. I had a lovely dinner with Steph and Geoff, Sue and Peter, before repacking and off to bed.

19th April

Early start on the road at 8am. First stop Salmon Ponds at Plenty. These were fabulous. I saw lots of different trout including albinos and tasmanian salmon. It was a very worthwhile stop, with beautiful mature trees.

I had coffee on route before stopping at “The Wall in the Wilderness”. This was absolutely amazing, stunning in fact. No photos were allowed to be taken so I can’t post any on the web! You will just have to visit for yourself. It was a 12 foot wall mural carved out of Huon Pine. Queenstown proved to be very interesting. It is a gold rush town established in the Victorian era. Lovely drive down with beautiful scenery to our digs at Strahan. Tired after a long drive.

20th April 2010

Up early for boat trip to enjoy the wilderness. Just got mog roof on in time before it started raining quite heavily! Drove to dock and caught “Lady Frankiln” boat, had a wet but lovely boat trip down Macquarie Harbour. Excellent lunch with lovely Tasmanian Smoked Salmon. Stan and Bianca paddled down the river in a tour group from our boat, and I was very jealous, because I wanted to go too. The rainforest was amazing but wet. Sarah Island was enthralling. It was a penal settlement in 1822 established to house the second offenders. That is convicts that were repeat offenders. It was very savage punishment meted out. Three cats of nine tails were woven together to make a 27 tail cat (whip) that was soaked in salt water to make it stiff and cut into their flesh more. 100 lashes were not unknown. The authorities put ergot disease in the wheaten bread to cause it to go mouldy early, so the convicts would not store the bread for escape. Problem was the ergot was hallucinogenic and the convicts enjoyed the trip! Convicts made pacts to murder one and the other be hanged for the murder so they could be buried in consecrated ground, and they would go to heaven. Life on Sarah Island was really bad until a scotsman came along and voluntarily settled on the island and used the local Huon Pine and convict labour to make ships. He would train the convicts in ship building then employ them in his dock in Hobart. Escapes became less frequent and the convicts had vocational training plus a job of trade to go to on release. Really the first TAFEs in Australia. The convicts had negotiated their work conditions with a tot of rum, fishing and free time on Sunday, and extra rations. Really the first work place negotiations in Australia. History in the making at Sarah Island. Really an enchanting island with an amazing past.

21st April 2010

Another early start to catch the wilderness railway to Queenstown. I had a nice day going up the mountain in the rack and pinion railway. We began with a diesel engine then changed half way to the rack and pinion steam engine. Unfortunately I couldn’t take to many photos. The boat trip was much better yesterday. The ancient rainforest was lovely to see. The train trip was only one way from Strahan to Queenstown. The return trip was via coach. Luckily we were dropped at our digs on return and saved the taxi fare back ($2 each). Linda went out and bought some T bone steaks and veg for BBQ dinner. Then off to bed for another early get away tomorrow.

22nd April 2010

Slept in till 7am. Then Vern popped in to say he was a little off colour and would I drive his V8 today. Well I was really chuffed to be asked and thrilled to have the opportunity. I drove from Strahan to Zeehan.

We went to the Mining and Mineral Museum in Zeehan. Zeehan is name after one of the ships Abel Tasman sailed in his voyage of adventure (1642) to discover Tasmania. Tasman actually called this land Van Dieman’s Land, which is what the Island was called until it became self governing. The museum was fab. I don’t usually go for museums but this one was outstanding. Apart from the minerals and gems it had all the local history, thearter, police station, court house, blacksmith shop, and masonic lodge all faithfully preserved, as a time piece. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Zeehan. I drove to Hellyer Gorge in convoy with the other mogs, I went third, very boring for Vern’s hotted up V8! So after lunch I voomed out first and let the V8 had its head. Well what an exhilarating experience it was, we simply flew to Stanley. I didn’t notice the wonderful scenery, I was too focused on driving. We arrived first in our group, of course, and booked in at our digs. Very nice accommodation, possibly the best so far. Last stop was dirty and no room to swing a cat.

Blog 8

Blog 8

27th March Saturday

I got up late, Linda went off to spray blackberries, James and Bindi off to slash the paddock for the Easter campers. Bindi came back with the ride on mower because it wasn’t cutting the grass. This needed my attention when I arose. I found it was stuck with long grass clippings. I cleaned it, tightened the pulley, hit it with a hammer and unjammed it. This solved the problem. However by the time Bindi got back to the paddock it wouldn’t work, so she put it in the shed. What a waste of time! It had broken itself again while going back to the paddock. All the machinery round here is old and needs humoring, just like a man. It obviously needs a women’s gentle touch.

We decided to go swimming for some relaxation. Linda did her usual 2km. While I managed 10 laps, not a bad effort for me. I must admit I did feel refreshed after the dip and the sauna. Next I got on the internet to up date my emails, blog 7 etc. At night we watched a good movie called “Enigma”, about the code breakers at Bletchley Park, Milton Keys, during WW2, while enjoying a good bottle of South Australian red wine.

Up for midnight feast of more red wine, cheese and cream crackers. Unfortunately there was only Linda and I to enjoy this! Where are all the hunks?

28th March Sunday

First job today is to reinstall the dish washer in the kitchen. This could prove a little tricky as the pipe broke when I was taking it out. Old brittle plastic pipe is difficult to handle, just like men. Next we defrosted and moved out 2 fridges to the back verandah, in preparation for tiling the laundry floor.

29th Monday

We both had an early morning swim at 6.30am at Fairmont Resort Leura. Great swim but terrible time of the day to be abroad. After a good breakfast and a chat on skype, we went to Richmond where I had a good look about the town. We did some supermarket shopping at Coles (like Sainsbury). Back to Penrith to get more tiles for the laundry and exchenge gas fitting that didn’t seal properly. Also got some more outside power points and electrical cable (another job awaiting me!) (think I’ll have to come back next year to do all these jobs!)

30th Tuesday

Linda off for another early swim, I needed a sleep in after all our adventures. I went on line to update emails etc. Back at the farm we defrosted the freezer and moved it to the back verandah. Removed the gun cabinet, which was bolted to the wall and the washing machine and laundry tub. O no not another drain problem! Now I have discovered a 2 inch pipe that empties into a 5 inch pipe and low and behold they don’t line up, nor does the drain hole in the laundry! Looks like I have to go under the house again! Bug-er, Sh--. What a fiasco this job has turned out to be! One job just demands the attention of another. I think these convicts that come out really earned their keep, just wish they knew how to plumb! Just for some light relief Linda said we had a flash flood in the kitchen with the dish washer in action. I was really pis--d off now! I went to investigate just to find she was only joking! Then we had a really good laugh. We took the old linoleum tiles up and discovered we had a concrete floor instead of a wooden floor. That will be a challenge for new plumbing! What a challenge we have, what a laugh we have! Guess you have to smile as you go under!

31st Wednesday

Last day before all the marauding hordes arrive. Up early to carry on, first sorted motorbike battery before removing cemented tiles in laundry. Really looking forward to meeting the odd 50 or so of some of Linda’s extended family. It should be a hoot if Linda is anything to go by. Very chilly today, I think we need to light the rayburn (aga) wood heater. It’s really 15 degrees Celsius, not bad by English standards but it does feel cold, guess it’s because its raining the chill factor kicks in. We had 30 mL rain yesterday and 29.4mL rain today. Think it will be another wet easter having a drink or three around a wet fire that won’t light! Better get to work just to keep warm. Bloody drains again, now the bathroom drains are leaking! Can’t believe how long it takes to get jobs done. We had to go all the way to Katoomba to get washers for the drains. Even then we couldn’t get what we wanted. This was a three hour trip! What a waste of time. Put battery in motorbike, fixed jockey wheel trailer with correct U bolts, realigned bolt in ride on lawn mower, put diesel in tractor, connected slasher, all before I could start on the laundry floor. Managed to sand floor and apply sealant before making rissoles for dinner. Linda back by 8pm after slashing orchard and lane way. Another eventful day on the farm. You never know what will happen next here! Also we lost a chicken tonight. 11 chickens went out for a run but only 10 chickens came back! Mother chock was very upset to loose one of her brood!

1st April

“All Fools Day” today guess I must be a fool to be here! Those blo-dy drains strike again. This time the laundry drains needed sorting before I started tiling! Another excursion under the house to investigate again! Think I can sort it but don’t want to waste another day on drains so decide to begin tiling laundry. First though I have a big cooked breakfast courtesy of Linda. While she is cooking I tried to stop the diamond tile cutter from wobbling. Very frustrating, so I sent Linda off to Blackheath to get another washer or disc. I began tiling. All going swimmingly till Linda decided to do some clothes washing and caused a flash flood on the back verandah. Difficult to stay focused on the job with all the distractions Linda throws up! Guests began to arrive first Dave with caravan in tow. Then Ben and Finlay in BMW coupe. Eventually Gwen and Jack rock up. Gwen is stunned by the finished kitchen floor and really appreciates the gas stove! WOW! I am still tiling trying to get the laundry floor finished by the end of the day but I didn’t quite make it. I had a quick bath and off to the camp site for a few well earned Bushmill whiskeys. Dave’s wife Jenny had arrived and as the night wore on so did two of their children, Sandy and Angela. Next to rock up was Mitchell another young motor bike fanatic. We all enjoyed a roaring fire and great yarns. Several bushmills later we toddled back home to enjoy dinner which Ben and Gwen had prepared.

2nd April “Good Friday”

Day off work today! I’m not doing anything! Linda washing clothes this time minus the flash flood, thank goodness, because I fixed it before she started! Phoned home to make sure David was coping ok and wish the kids a happy birthday. People started arriving for the easter break. Several people walked to the Cox’s River about 3 miles distant but 1500 vertical feet drop. We picked them up in a four wheel drive ute. Wonderful scenery lively company, much frivolity.

3rd April

More people arrived to celebrate easter. More socializing with more of Linda’s family. There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of relatives, food, drink and good fun. We walked down the hill through the paddocks (3 miles) to Glen’s farm next door. More food, Gwenda had made a yummy fruit cake and celebrating before returning home to a delicious corn beef from Megalong Beef. Further company was enjoyed with the campers round the camp fire, which was enlivened by many sprits much alcohol and good company.

4th April

Everyone exchanged easter eggs. I think ozies must be chocaholics, with the amount of chocolates consumed today. Chocolate eggs, chickens, chicks, bilbies, blocks and even easter buns! The assembled family of some 50 odd enjoyed the ozie BBQ and salads of all descriptions. We indulged so much that dinner in the evening was skipped. All the children participated in an easter egg hunt. The kids were armed with a plastic bag each and went off to look for chocolate easter eggs and chicks. The easter egg hunt seems to be a tradition in oz. All the little ones were well satisfied by there haul. We rounded up a wonderful day by enjoying lots of stories round the camp fire.

5th April

Generally went from camp to camp chatting to most people. The weekend was rather on the hectic side to say the least. By 5pm most people had gone and the house was quite again thank goodness. So I laid a few more tiles in the laundry room. Ben turned up to have a chat with Linda, two people siting in the kitchen did not bother me at all, after all the gathered clan had left.

6th April

I did some grouting and and cleaned up the tiled laundry room. Watched a DVD of PD James a murder series and promptly fell a sleep, after de-stressing with several whiskeys.

7th April

Started to put back the sink and washing mashing and that meant crawling under the house again, yes you got it, I fixed the drains again! A trip to Blackheath for more pipes and parts. Then I went under the house again only to be distracted by the ginger cat “Boot”, who was crawling all over me! Boot tried to get access to the house via the hole in the floor. Boot needed a cuddle before I could go on. Next Linda’s two great nephews, Heath and Finley, wanted to inspect under the house also. Typically inquisitive little children, they wanted to know what was going on, plus they found all sorts of interesting junk. Hurrah all the drains done! Now for a bottle of Champagne unfortunately we have none! Ha Ha the jokes on me!

8th April Thursday

Chickens off for a holiday. We have to farm out the house animals so we can head off to Tasmania. I put the gun cabinet back in place and secured it to the wall. Also put the fridge and freezer back in their respective positions. This accomplished I fixed a new chrome drain cap so it was level with the new floor. Along came Fran to say good bye with her 4 lovely young children, so that took up an hour or so. Back to packing and ironing, when there was a knock on the back door which meant we had two complete strangers in the camp. These two poor lost soles, Owen and had been tramping all day since 7am and had just walked up a hill 1500 vertical feet in three miles. Needless to say they were exhausted, so I revived them with a hot cup of sweet tea and Linda drove them back some 6 km to their car.

So now out came the Whiskey and the Red wine, while waiting for our dinner to cook. We had had quite a few drinks before eating. I couldn’t work out why dinner was taking so long to cook. Then I realized I had the gas cooker on low, so no wonder dinner took so long. Oh well better have another drink! 10pm is rather late for dinner though. Especially since breakfast was so long ago.