Have decided to head home in the morning. After a very sleepless night, one in which the dog killed in a mouse in my grandaughters bedroom and I flushed it down the loo, I came to the realisation I have to get Myrtle right before I do anymore tripping.
Do all the things that should have been done, new in house battery so I have power, proper pull out awnings, get things set up more for a better trip.
So I need to head south tomorrow and not north, take my time going home. Once there get Myrtle checked out to what needs to be done and start ordering.
By next winter I will be ready for a better extended trip up to the north. Will be able to catch up with all my friends on here I promised to call in on this time and have a worry free trip.
Over summer I can do small trips around Vic and nearby, and iron out all the creases.
I feel much better knowing I am not pushing myself to keep going knowing there is so much that should be done.
Tomorrow first stop Kumbia for two nights.
Today saying goodbye to the family who I won't see till this time next year.
Firefly said
09:55 AM May 15, 2011
Now that sounds like a great plan Marj. You will be able to source things at your leisure and hopefully get good prices for each item.
Travel safe my friend and I hope you have a lovely restful trip home, don't rush.
gubby said
10:23 AM May 15, 2011
The main thing to remember Marj is to take your time and enjoy yourself..
I'm sure Myrtle and yourself will have many Happy kilometres and adventures together, You've broke the ice now, and there's only one way to cure itchy feet (and it's not with a scratch).
Once your happy with your rig there'll be no holding you back...
Keep safe and enjoy the Trip..
lilly31 said
11:00 AM May 15, 2011
Have a safe trip Marj ..thing will be better this time .... just take one day at time ....
Travel Bug said
11:07 AM May 15, 2011
Sounds like a really good plan Marj.
After this trip you now know from experience...rather than wonder about...what is really needed for your happy wanderings.
Don't forget to "stop and smell the roses" here and there on your way back home.
Safe and happy travelling to you and Myrtle.
Cheers. Pam.
HeadnHome said
11:26 AM May 15, 2011
Enjoy your trip home, take your time sorting Myrtle, adventure out around your own backyard amazing what you can see and do close to home, and hope to see you up this way next year!!
Helena said
11:49 AM May 15, 2011
Can only agree with what everyone else has said when we got our first van which was a campervan we just did short trips every month for about a year and got everything ironed out then headed off to W>A. was away for 3 months loved every minute of it and no trouble with the campervan. Take care on the road. Helena.
jack biggles said
11:52 AM May 15, 2011
Good luck Marj, you won't need it & by this time next year you will be an old hack at this game......I said hack!
rockylizard said
12:10 PM May 15, 2011
Gday...
It is better to make a decision than to not .... so glad you have focus and a basic plan.
Travel safely, enjoy the journey - it is usually better than the destintion - and ALWAYS have faith in yourself (oh yeah - and Myrtle).
It has been said that living is like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
Cheers and happy travelling (wandering) John
Beth54 said
12:57 PM May 15, 2011
This trip has been character building Marj. It can only get better from now on!
Take your time, and enjoy.
DellieMay said
03:12 PM May 15, 2011
Ditto to all above Marj..At least you had a go.
dazren said
04:03 PM May 15, 2011
Gidday Headnhome, love your avatar would you mind posting back to tell me were it was taken ???? thanks dazren
Opps ! sorry i started to answer HW's thread about going home, but got carried away with your avatar.
HW you are doing the right thing, come on home and iron out your LITTLE problems and get it all set up they way you want it, you have broken the back of the worry tree now, so just a little more Fine Tuning, and a couple of more practice runs to make sure it is as good as it can be !! then off you go! and then we will be reading your blogs, Saying been on the road 6 months now family wants me to come home. BUT I DON;T WANT TO .. so come on home, get it right.. and then Get Back Out There. regards dazren
-- Edited by dazren on Sunday 15th of May 2011 04:13:32 PM
Happywanderer said
04:06 PM May 15, 2011
I also want to get the hydraulic thing for putting up the pop top, will make it a lot easier on my wrists. Have been wearing a wrist support since I hurt it in Kumbia on way up. Thanks for all you good wishes. I know now Myrtle and I can put up with each other, she just needs a few tweeks. I'm fine the way I am, yeh right!! By the time I get home will have been gone 5 - 6 weeks, not bad for a first attempt. Now to find interesting sites on the way home to slow me down. Will spend two nights at Kumbia, just because I can, then may stay at Moonie a night. Is it ok to free camp out behind the road house or on the other corner opposite as you turn left going south.?? Does anyone know? Then maybe Goondiwindi, couldn't find any free spots there coming up, if anything interesting there will stop over. Just couldn't find my way around there coming up so went straight through.
jack biggles said
04:12 PM May 15, 2011
She's a happy little wanderer, dooo daaa, doooo daaaa !
Best thing is Marj, you don't have to stick to any plan, so if you don't make one location pull up somewhere else, have a look around and report back on what you see. Its important to keep a little diary, make some notes, what price you paid for fuel, where you saw it cheaper, notes on location of interesting spots, perhaps note down a camp that you might stop at next year & so forth.
Take plenty of rest stops, smell the roses, make a coffee, sit back and suck it all in........as we all know, your a long time dead & you & myrtle the turtle have a few million miles to cover between now and then. Enjoy!
Firefly said
04:13 PM May 15, 2011
HW look at Camps 6, 891, 40 klm south of Goondiwindi mate. Its called North Star Road Rest Area. We checked it out on the way home from picking up our new van two weeks ago. It has those hybrid toilets, no showers but not a bad spot. You can park back a bit off the road on the sealed park or get down in the trees behind it.
When we go in July, that will be our first night stop. Far enough away from Moree which is advisable right now. Listening to the truckies, they said there has been a fair bit of hoon trouble there of late.
Happywanderer said
04:16 PM May 15, 2011
You're right Jack, I'm keeping every town in mind from here to home and will stop when and if I feel the need, not necessarily everyone but know I have those options, will just play it by ear and if I do find something interesting will stay 2 nights.
Happywanderer said
04:27 PM May 15, 2011
Thanks firefly, in Camps 4 it doesn't have toilets. Have noted that in my book. Trying to think where I stayed coming up, now I'm confused. I stayed in Gilgandra at south Caltex roadhouse, then north of Moree the next night, not sure which freecamp it was now. Think it was Boolooroo 8 ks north of Moree. Will try the one you suggest, thank you. Will be a shorter run.
Firefly said
04:45 PM May 15, 2011
It was quiet a big one HW, plenty of choices where to park. We didn't want to go all the way to Nindigully on the first day again so decided to try this one.
HeadnHome said
07:18 PM May 15, 2011
Hi dazren - avatar photo was taken in volcanic lava tube at Undara QLD - not far from Mt Surprise, well worth a visit
goinsoon said
07:33 PM May 15, 2011
I know there were some problems for you on this trip, but I am sure you will be taking home some happy memories as well
Cruising Granny said
08:32 PM May 15, 2011
Go girl! Whichever way you go, go well, and take your time to enjoy wherever you travel. It's not just about the destination - it's about the journey, and the experiences you have on that journey.
jules47 said
09:03 PM May 15, 2011
Hey Marj - glad to hear you are now positive about you and Myrtle and your partnership. Good idea - head home, get the things done that you now know about, few small trips - out along the river near Whitfield is pretty nice, or the Buckland Valley near Bright pretty nice as well. Take it easy on the way home, make the journey a holiday, if something takes your fancy stop and have a look, even if it means you take a bit longer - remember I took five days to come back up from my trip - had a lovely time, arrived very refreshed. Keep us posted.
Happywanderer said
09:12 PM May 15, 2011
I'm hoping to take a couple of weeks as I know I came up too fast, as I said at the time I felt like a possum in headlights. Will be a lot more relaxed this time, a few places I drove past and wished I had stopped. I will stop this time. Not sure how much power I will have after Kumbia, will charge up laptop before leaving and hope it lasts a while. Been lovely staying here with the family. Will be sad to go, they have a lot to deal with since sons truck accident, its a whole new learning curve for them. Have had to do a bit of councelling to get them through, can only hope I have helped somewhat.
Sheba said
12:08 AM May 16, 2011
Sorry I missed you this trip Marj, but I might see you down in Echuca before this time next year. Take care on the way back, and enjoy it this time.
Glad you're feeling more positive about Myrtle and your own capabilities now.
Cheers,
Sheba.
jonathan said
07:09 AM May 16, 2011
.. Safe trip home, Marj ..
Your comfort zone just got a lot bigger .. so it just takes longer to adjust !
.. we'll 'coffee up' another time ..
Jon
jules47 said
02:15 PM May 16, 2011
Jonathan - is that your baby photo??????? Interesting to say the least!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jonathan said
04:32 PM May 16, 2011
.. me Fathers name was Ferdinand an' me Mothers name was Lisa ..
when I came along, they called me Fertiliser ..
well .. not really ..eh !
But .. rest assured .. not related to Biggles .. hehe !
Jon
Happywanderer said
06:45 PM May 16, 2011
Arrived in Kumbia about 3.30pm after leaving Biggenden about 11am. Stopped at every interesting town along the way. Firstly had a toilet stop at Ban Ban Springs, while there popped over the road to a roadside stall with an honesty box and bought a bag of Avocados for 5.00. Then I stopped in Murgon for a cake and coffee and some supplies at the IGA. Got 4 chicken maryland BBQ flavour on special for 3.99. Two for tea tonight with a couple of mandarins and two for tomorrow. Then I stopped at Wooroolin as I saw the caravan parking sign. Hadn 't realised it was there, good spot for camping, has toilets and a shower, the campers go through an entrance and park behind the toilets, quite a big area all grassed. Its 510 in the Camps 4 book. Have made a note for next winter. There were two caravans there setting up. Then stopped in Kingaroy to buy a woolen jumper I had seen at Best and Less in Maryborough. Was on special and know its going to be cold when I get home so a little pick me up.
The speedo stopped at 195999 as it did at 194999 coming up. So for the 30 ks from Kingaroy to Kumbia I had no idea how far I had come. It may turn over when I leave here or it may not. Staying for two nights, will catch up on some reading and go for a few walks. Lovely couple parked next door, did the happy hour with them, and a chap on his own who was on his way home from a bird watching site. They come from Crows Nest, he comes from Bundaberg. There's some huge rigs parked over the other side of lane, lucky I got the last power point. A lady came in a bit later in a very large caravan, couldn't hook up to power but does have facilities on board, she said just has to work out how to use them.
dogbox said
09:18 PM May 16, 2011
hope your checking your oil
Happywanderer said
09:32 PM May 16, 2011
Yes dogbox, Have learnt my lesson on that one and carrying a 4 litre of oil with me.
Have decided to head home in the morning. After a very sleepless night, one in which the dog killed in a mouse in my grandaughters bedroom and I flushed it down the loo, I came to the realisation I have to get Myrtle right before I do anymore tripping.
Do all the things that should have been done, new in house battery so I have power, proper pull out awnings, get things set up more for a better trip.
So I need to head south tomorrow and not north, take my time going home. Once there get Myrtle checked out to what needs to be done and start ordering.
By next winter I will be ready for a better extended trip up to the north. Will be able to catch up with all my friends on here I promised to call in on this time and have a worry free trip.
Over summer I can do small trips around Vic and nearby, and iron out all the creases.
I feel much better knowing I am not pushing myself to keep going knowing there is so much that should be done.
Tomorrow first stop Kumbia for two nights.
Today saying goodbye to the family who I won't see till this time next year.
Now that sounds like a great plan Marj. You will be able to source things at your leisure and hopefully get good prices for each item.
Travel safe my friend and I hope you have a lovely restful trip home, don't rush.
The main thing to remember Marj is to take your time and enjoy yourself..
I'm sure Myrtle and yourself will have many Happy kilometres and adventures together, You've broke the ice now, and there's only one way to cure itchy feet (and it's not with a scratch).
Once your happy with your rig there'll be no holding you back...
Keep safe and enjoy the Trip..
Sounds like a really good plan Marj.
After this trip you now know from experience...rather than wonder about...what is really needed for your happy wanderings.
Don't forget to "stop and smell the roses" here and there on your way back home.
Safe and happy travelling to you and Myrtle.
Cheers. Pam.
can see and do close to home, and hope to see you up this way next year!!
Gday...
It is better to make a decision than to not .... so glad you have focus and a basic plan.
Travel safely, enjoy the journey - it is usually better than the destintion - and ALWAYS have faith in yourself (oh yeah - and Myrtle).
It has been said that living is like driving a car at night.
You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
Cheers and happy travelling (wandering)
John
This trip has been character building Marj. It can only get better from now on!
Take your time, and enjoy.
Gidday Headnhome, love your avatar would you mind posting back to tell me were it was taken ???? thanks dazren
Opps ! sorry i started to answer HW's thread about going home, but got carried away with your avatar.
HW you are doing the right thing, come on home and iron out your LITTLE problems and get it all set up they way you want it, you have broken the back of the worry tree now, so just a little more Fine Tuning, and a couple of more practice runs to make sure it is as good as it can be !! then off you go! and then we will be reading your blogs, Saying been on the road 6 months now family wants me to come home. BUT I DON;T WANT TO .. so come on home, get it right.. and then Get Back Out There. regards dazren
-- Edited by dazren on Sunday 15th of May 2011 04:13:32 PM
Thanks for all you good wishes. I know now Myrtle and I can put up with each other, she just needs a few tweeks. I'm fine the way I am, yeh right!!
By the time I get home will have been gone 5 - 6 weeks, not bad for a first attempt.
Now to find interesting sites on the way home to slow me down. Will spend two nights at Kumbia, just because I can, then may stay at Moonie a night. Is it ok to free camp out behind the road house or on the other corner opposite as you turn left going south.?? Does anyone know? Then maybe Goondiwindi, couldn't find any free spots there coming up, if anything interesting there will stop over. Just couldn't find my way around there coming up so went straight through.
Best thing is Marj, you don't have to stick to any plan, so if you don't make one location pull up somewhere else, have a look around and report back on what you see. Its important to keep a little diary, make some notes, what price you paid for fuel, where you saw it cheaper, notes on location of interesting spots, perhaps note down a camp that you might stop at next year & so forth.
Take plenty of rest stops, smell the roses, make a coffee, sit back and suck it all in........as we all know, your a long time dead & you & myrtle the turtle have a few million miles to cover between now and then. Enjoy!
HW look at Camps 6, 891, 40 klm south of Goondiwindi mate. Its called North Star Road Rest Area. We checked it out on the way home from picking up our new van two weeks ago. It has those hybrid toilets, no showers but not a bad spot. You can park back a bit off the road on the sealed park or get down in the trees behind it.
When we go in July, that will be our first night stop. Far enough away from Moree which is advisable right now. Listening to the truckies, they said there has been a fair bit of hoon trouble there of late.
Trying to think where I stayed coming up, now I'm confused. I stayed in Gilgandra at south Caltex roadhouse, then north of Moree the next night, not sure which freecamp it was now. Think it was Boolooroo 8 ks north of Moree.
Will try the one you suggest, thank you. Will be a shorter run.
It was quiet a big one HW, plenty of choices where to park. We didn't want to go all the way to Nindigully on the first day again so decided to try this one.
I know there were some problems for you on this trip, but I am sure you will be taking home some happy memories as well
It's not just about the destination - it's about the journey, and the experiences you have on that journey.
Been lovely staying here with the family. Will be sad to go, they have a lot to deal with since sons truck accident, its a whole new learning curve for them. Have had to do a bit of councelling to get them through, can only hope I have helped somewhat.
Sorry I missed you this trip Marj, but I might see you down in Echuca before this time next year. Take care on the way back, and enjoy it this time.
Glad you're feeling more positive about Myrtle and your own capabilities now.
Cheers,
Sheba.
.. Safe trip home, Marj ..
Your comfort zone just got a lot bigger .. so it just takes longer to adjust !
.. we'll 'coffee up' another time ..
Jon
.. me Fathers name was Ferdinand an' me Mothers name was Lisa ..
when I came along, they called me Fertiliser ..
well .. not really ..eh !
But .. rest assured .. not related to Biggles .. hehe !
Jon
Then I stopped in Murgon for a cake and coffee and some supplies at the IGA. Got 4 chicken maryland BBQ flavour on special for 3.99. Two for tea tonight with a couple of mandarins and two for tomorrow.
Then I stopped at Wooroolin as I saw the caravan parking sign. Hadn 't realised it was there, good spot for camping, has toilets and a shower, the campers go through an entrance and park behind the toilets, quite a big area all grassed. Its 510 in the Camps 4 book. Have made a note for next winter. There were two caravans there setting up.
Then stopped in Kingaroy to buy a woolen jumper I had seen at Best and Less in Maryborough. Was on special and know its going to be cold when I get home so a little pick me up.
The speedo stopped at 195999 as it did at 194999 coming up. So for the 30 ks from Kingaroy to Kumbia I had no idea how far I had come. It may turn over when I leave here or it may not.
Staying for two nights, will catch up on some reading and go for a few walks.
Lovely couple parked next door, did the happy hour with them, and a chap on his own who was on his way home from a bird watching site. They come from Crows Nest, he comes from Bundaberg.
There's some huge rigs parked over the other side of lane, lucky I got the last power point. A lady came in a bit later in a very large caravan, couldn't hook up to power but does have facilities on board, she said just has to work out how to use them.