I'm in Kumbia, 30ks from Kingaroy

gillyb · Senior Member

RE: I'm in Kumbia, 30ks from Kingaroy

Happywanderer · The Master

Arrived at sons in Biggenden after 2 night in Kumbia spent with the damn mouse. Thought he had gone but last night he spent all night walking front to back and reverse, across my pillow. I could actually feel him going past. Then he would chew away for a while and go back the other way. Cleaned the bag out here this arvo that I had on the front spare seat. 4 Mentos bags, nibbled a large hole in each and the mentos out in the bottom. Van now locked up in the carport with rat pellets open all over it, will keep it locked as dog here and kids about.
It can stay there for as long as it wants, Myrtle is now The van. I'm over it. Some pweople can do this but its not for me. I like my home comforts too much.
Will work out what to do when I'm rested. Cheers.

ChiChi1 · Guru

HW, Get a good rest. Don't give up yet. Re the oil problem. Have a look at the sump plug. Mechanic did'nt tighten mine properly after oil change. Drove 500 k's and there was not alot of oil left after that. Like you I would have freaked out with a mouse running around. Cheers

Happywanderer · The Master

Oil ok this morning after yesterdays fill and a nice sit and rest. Checked before I left Kumbia and still full. Done just under 200 ks today.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Oh, Marj how disappointing for you - after all your preparation - take it easy now, don't make any rash decisions - enjoy your family and keep in touch with us on here - pm me any time

Beth54 · Guru

I'm so sorry you've had such a rough trot Marj. I know what you mean about the comforts. Maybe after you've had a good rest up and with your son's help, it can be sorted out, so you can be on the road again.

Keep your chin up! smile

jack biggles · Senior Member

Marj,

You are such a lovely person on this forum, always getting behind other people & never short with pleasant comments.

Now, you are on the official SHAKE DOWN trip with poor old mert. You are just getting to know each other and she's throwing you a couple of curve balls to keep you on your toes.

I don't know what oil capacity she has, but there could be a chance she holds 6.5 litres and your mechanic only threw in 5, thinking, "she'll be right" and maybe she used a litre over 2000km's & hence the empty. An engine that age is always going to burn a little, not a big problem and your son is 100% right, old mert will probably be around chugging along the highway long after jack biggles is pushin daisy's.

Anyway, the mouse is just another little thing. Truely, I expect a really funny trip report out of you at the end of this. We might end up with a comedy novel that you could sell for quids and end up driving around in one of those flash million dollar motorhomes.

Glad ur with the family now, be kind to mert & she will take you many places & I guarantee one day you will have many laughs around a camp fire about your first adventure.

chin up

regards jack

glassies · Guru

oh i too just came through those towns whilst at jondaryan we went to moonie and the bunya mtns then also to dalby and a drive to broadwater lake
i wish i had of known or seen you i would of helped out, might do you well to see if you can purchase a book to your type of van.

ya poor bugger, you must of been so stressed i cant imagine, lucky you found help and got settled stay safe take care glad its getting better for you
i agree dont give up you will be sorry later on in life ,keep up the good work xx

valnrob · Guru

Sorry to hear of your woes Marj, sleep on it before you make any major decisions. Anyway only you can tell yourself what is best for you, take care, Val x

patrolst · Senior Member

Happywanderer wrote:
Hi Beth, Yes I said way back if the odometer not working just what is the true reading, it could in reality be at least another 100,000.
Definitely not blowing any smoke, I would see it for sure, nothing. But it did do a couple of good backfires the other day, frightened the living daylights out of me.
No oil leak, there would have been oil on my park at home which is concrete so it would have showed up.

Now I'm wondering if I will ever make it home in Myrtle, makes you wonder. What else will go wrong.
We've had some heavy rain here tonight, Had to put the top down when it started as quite a heavy wind with it. Just calmed down a while ago so might go get some sleep. Have been watching a DVD. The Cook and The Chef Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant.

Hi HW

I'm glad you arrived safely at your sons place it sure has been an eventful trip, sorry to hear about the possibly demise of your travel companion, they never no when to give up with the annoyance.

With your reference to the back fire it sounds like the timing may be out, It is not a hard fix but would require a compentent Mechanic with a timing light.

I am sure your vehicle has the 18R engine and from memory the sump holds 4litres and an addittional 1/2 litre if the oil filtre is replaced.

I had a 1983 Hilux 4x4 and my Daughter had a 1977 Hiace camper and they both had the same engine, the service intervals I used were every 2,500 klms as they only had small oil filters and sump capacity.

But as mentioned previously an workshop manual would be handy.

Regards Jim

-- Edited by patrolst on Wednesday 27th of April 2011 06:54:37 PM

Firefly · Guru

Marj before you give up mate, may I suggest you do a trip in tandem with someone else? You would have the support and company but your privacy at the same time. smile

There are heaps out there who would enjoy travelling together and it may be the way to go for you. I would be a bit lost doing it on my own too mate. wink

Just a thought Marj.

Sheba · Guru

Hi Marj,

Sorry I haven't been back to you. Just after I talked to you the other night, the Laptop got a Bug would you believe ?

So yesterday and today, I've been up at my friends' place, getting her husband to fix both of them.

It happened just after I had talked to you, and was in the middle of downloading a Pic. of a Hi-ace Motor to send to you when it happened. Needless to say I swore a lot.

Sounds like your access is different to mine anyway. Sorry if I mislead you.

Hope you're closer to being all fixed now.

Just read the rest of this page. Please don't give up yet Marj. Will you still be in Biggenden in June ?

I can't get away 'til then.

Re. the mouse, they hate the smell of Peppermint. A few cotton balls soaked with it, should have him finding the nearest exit quick-smart.

Cheers,

Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Wednesday 27th of April 2011 11:52:39 PM

jack biggles · Senior Member

Sheba wrote:

Re. the mouse, they hate the smell of Peppermint. A few cotton balls soaked with it, should have him finding the nearest exit quick-smart.

-- Edited by Sheba on Wednesday 27th of April 2011 11:52:39 PM

I've camped near the odd rat or two in my day, but unfortunately the more they drunk the worse they became and somehow I don't think a bit of peppermint was gonna scare em away biggrin

Sheba · Guru

Had one in a drawer [living on the Cape at the time, a loooooong way from shops,] in the sink cupboard. Put a few peppermint soaked Cotton Balls in, and shut it. That mouse left, literally screaming.

That is not a sound I ever thought I'd hear. True event.

I don't post this kind of thing, unless I have had personal experience of it working.

Cheers,

Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 28th of April 2011 01:28:32 AM

Happywanderer · The Master

Van in lock up with rat pellets throughout. They have been eating madly as chewed up pellets through everything and green mouse poos as well. The vans a mess, am taking everything out washing it all. Even the dishes container has chewed up pellets in it. When I'm sure they have gone I will vacuum out the left overs and give it a good wash.
They even crossed the aisle and pood among my clothes, the washing machine been going all day. Now have emptied every cupboard and waiting to make sure no more action
Thank goodness I don't have to sleep in there at the moment, Have a nice big bed in sons house and had first good nights sleep for a week last night. Not interested in getting back in there at the moment, maybe that will change, maybe not. I'm enjoying being able to walk around upright and not have a burning back.
Not sure how long I will stay here at sons, wasn't supposed to be a long term thing, just a call in around grandaughters birthday but now here early and not sure, don't want to outstay welcome
They are quite happy for me to be here and as the house is 2 story I can keep out of their way and we both have privacy.
Went for a drive into Childers today for grocery shopping and tomorrow going into Bundy with them

Beth54 · Guru

I'll be passing through in June Marj, as planned.

I can understand you being turned off by your experience, but don't give up just yet. Firefly's idea of a tandem trip is the way to go. Just recoup for now, have some fun with the family, and maybe by June you'll feel like heading a little north with us, or someone else is sure to be tripping somewhere in the area.

Cheers!

Smokeydk · Guru

HW.....we went away for Easter......had to get some 12 volt work done thursday morning......popped the caravan roof to allow the chap more head room.....and the 2 right side roof struts snapped off....the screws holding them on snapped off the heads...he fixed them for us..

Monday night taking the camp oven out of the fire....I forgot I didnt put a glove on and now have scorch marks accross 3 fingers from the camp oven handle....

take a deep breath and soldier on..it be worth it

jack biggles · Senior Member

Smokeydk wrote:

Monday night taking the camp oven out of the fire....I forgot I didnt put a glove on and now have scorch marks accross 3 fingers from the camp oven handle....

take a deep breath and soldier on..it be worth it

Years ago I did something similar to that, although I was a little slow on the uptake.....I thought what the hell is that burning.....then realised it was my fingers took quite a while for that to heal up....LOL

jimricho · Guru

Had a similar experience with a mouse in the car a couple of weeks back while returning from South Aus. Had tyre blow out just out of Hay. Suspect mouse may have got in there or perhaps at West Wyalong where there is a bit of a mouse plague at present. Maybe Marj that's where you got yours!

Set a bait when I got home and left door open so it could get out like they're supposed to when baited. It didn't though did it! After a few days its demise inside the car was becoming obvious. But Where! Cleaned all my junk out of the car, started taking panels off when a blowfly appeared. Aha! have I got a job for you Mr. Blowfly! Sure enough, the blowfly made a bee line for the source of the smell (mmm I think there's a mixed metaphor there, sorry I digress) I watched where it went, pulled aside a panel, Voila! one very deaddy-bones mouse.

That got rid of the dead mouse smell but still some olfactory evidence of it's recent residence so Glen 20 to the job. smell gone, inside of car neat and tidy. It's amazing how many rattles disappear when one removes or the junk from inside the car!

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

HW, just sit back and think before you make any rash decisions, you hang in there.

Me thinks you need some hugs

Cheer up

Your mouse

Pam · Guru

battery,oil,mouse.
You should be right now HW. Don't things happen in 3's?

blaze · Guru

I think one of the possibilties is your oil may have only been filled to the low mark, probable not top up after a run to fill the filter. Theres a couple of litres there, burn a bit more over 1600km and theres nearly your problem.
little story
When I was young I had a cortina that the engine was that worn that it required aurostart (ether spray) to start the engine and I had a can on the breather so I could recycle the oil.
Your engine could well be worn but may well go for another 10 years by simply checking your oil and water daily (in the morning before starting). Now the mouse, I think you should have named him, maybe Micky. I also think you may have been happier if you had kept your dog for company, they listen well and dont complain.
Just to let you know HW if I am ever near and your need a hand I extend mine, not much help ATM unless you want to make your wat to albany
cheers
blaze

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Marj sure started something with this trip didn't she? -Wombat - love the hugs and stuff - stories about mice I don't like at all - but am going to be putting oil of peppermint on cotton wool balls into the van while it is sitting here - I am sure from all the outpourings on this site Marj will come to the right decision once she has a rest up and think about it all, hope so anyway!!

Cruising Granny · Guru

Jeez HW you must have had a run in with a very influential Chinaman.
Talk about rotten coincidences!
Mothballs deter mice. It doesn't kill them, just deters them.
Many years ago there was a massive mice plague out Ceduna way. I was at a friend's farm west of town, and as we sat on the screened verandah the mice would run behind the cupboard, peep over the top and just toddle off, avoiding the mothballs. It became quite entertaining, The little buggers didn't seem afraid of humans at all.
Out in the chook yard there was a sheet of galv iron. When lifted thousands of brown, fury critters scuttled off in all directions, scaring the chooks.
The ground in the paddock was like walking on thick sponge. The network of shallow tunnels destroyed the ground.
So now you've had all these experiences, you need to rethink your motives for starting out with Myrtle in the first place, and get back to it when you're confident again.
I have a feeling you were a little under-prepared for your big adventure, and it's bitten you on the b-m. So now you're better prepared, and with the Grey Nomad cheer squad behind that bitten b-m, you'll be a happier traveller, missing mouse not withstanding.
Have a spell, talk about your concerns with your family, and get back on the horse, or in this case, back in the driver's seat. Little steps.
Once again, think about why you're doing this, what you want to see, what you want to experience, where you want to go. Don't wait too long, but you will need to go when you're ready.
You've grabbed everyone's attention and support. We have faith in you. Now you have to have faith in you. We're behind you all the way.

jimricho · Guru

Cruising Granny wrote:
So now you've had all these experiences, you need to rethink your motives for starting out with Myrtle in the first place, and get back to it when you're confident again.
I have a feeling you were a little under-prepared for your big adventure, and it's bitten you on the b-m. So now you're better prepared, and with the Grey Nomad cheer squad behind that bitten b-m, you'll be a happier traveller, missing mouse not withstanding.
Have a spell, talk about your concerns with your family, and get back on the horse, or in this case, back in the driver's seat. Little steps.
Once again, think about why you're doing this, what you want to see, what you want to experience, where you want to go. Don't wait too long, but you will need to go when you're ready.
You've grabbed everyone's attention and support. We have faith in you. Now you have to have faith in you. We're behind you all the way.

I'd like to endorse Christine's comments here, very well put, especially the "falling off the horse" metaphor.

Now that we all have the benefit of hindsight, perhaps not just Marj, but all of us can take something positive from the experience. Again with the benefit of hindsight, I think one thing it highlights is the value of doing one or two short "shakedown" trips before setting out on a big one with a newly acquired rig.

Marj, I can understand the experience dampening your enthusiasm but all of us here hope that it doesn't extinguish it completely.

One day you'll be sitting around a happy hour campfire relating the experience in a humourous way and you'll have your audience in stitches of laughter, but they'll be laughing with you, not at you.

cheers and best wishes,

Jim

Cruising Granny · Guru

The wisdom of 20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Ron and Shirley · Senior Member

Yes Jim shakedown trips not far from home are a must for any new van.Not only to sort out equipment/packing/camp routine, but it builds confidence in oneself and the van.

Amazing how everything works in the driveway at home but get a couple of hundred kilometres away from home and things just dont go smoothly. In the past we have been caught out with and aftermarket addition to our van.

A couple of trial trips was suggested to HW in another thread, she agreed but was waiting on the installation of the inverter. Her power problem (appeared in the first couple of days) would have shown up and been sorted from the comfort of home. Maybe she would have found that her and Punky would have handled the camping thing and she would have had companionship on her trip north, plus maybe a mouse deterrent.

Never mind she has now done a big shakedown trip, found a few problems that need sorting, then as suggested by others she needs to give it another go starting with a couple of little trips in the warmth of the Qld sun to regain that confidence.

Then there will be no stopping her.

lilly31 · Guru

I hope marj dose not give up .. some much to see out there i have only just started myself ..just doing small trip but can not wait till i am out there full time small steps maybe ...And her van was only new to her too ..once you get to know your car -truck -whatever you usually can spot trouble before it gets to big ..and once marj gets to know her camper van well thing may not be such a worry ..will be intresting so see how much oil i will use now ,,maybe it was never full to begin with has happen before will happen again ....as for flat battery well that just wear and tear ...as for mouse welll what can we say ,,just wanted a easy ride didnt it ...lol
And in way this was good..better for all this to happen on major road then in outback somewhere ...... have break marj and we see you out there again soon.... cheers

jonathan · Guru

Gee Marj .. you dont wanna go an' let all your dreams run free without you .. As we mature and settle in our personal ways of life, its often harder to achieve what we want when its something quite alien to what we normally do ..

lotsa folk here to lean on .. we still are all individuals first and do have similar concerns in life .. though we do approach our objectives in ways that we best know to suit ourselves ..

Keep the dream alive Marj .. because we've all seen what it means to you .. sure, you had a rough start to the learning curve which nobody would have enjoyed .. but just remember, you can put that episode behind you now .. and look what you've learnt from it that will serve you well in your travels ahead.

It wont be long .. and soon you will be suffering under that same 'spell' that tends to draw all us gn's to this way of life ..

Jon

Father Ted · Senior Member

Happywanderer wrote:
New thread the other one was getting a bit worn. Well what a drama. Packed up at Moree and when pulling down the pop top I wrenched my right wrist. It is so sore have to rest it on steering wheel and hurts to pull on anything. Feels nearly like when I broke my left wrist about 2 years ago. So that was enough in itself and feeling so stressed out.
Was able to check my bank account on line last night to find they have paid pensions early this week so shouted myself a good meal of bacon and eggs at Moonie with a lovely cappachino. First bought meal since I left home.
THEN left Dalby at 2.30 thinking it so early can make it to Kingaroy, Its hard to find things to do or look at when by yourself, probably not if you are a seasoned traveller but a newbie like me doesn't know where to start so just mosie on. Only to havethe oil light start coming on about 20 ks out of Dalby. Had no idea what to do, so kept driving for about 40 ks thinking I wouold find somewhere to pull over and sort it out, ring sinL or RACQ. Nothing anywhere there are no campspots along there at all. Pulled into a driveway and rang SinL lopoked up and saw a sign Kumbia 4ks. So he said to drive into there and ring him back.
When I got in here found a lovely camping spot with all amenities and a lovley couple in a caravan next door to where I parked, Pat could see I was really upset by this stage and gave me a hug took me into their caravan and made me a cuppa and cake. Lovley couple. Nev got his extra lead and plugged me into hte power here which is a donation and I now have all plugged in charging up.
Rang back to daughter and got a good telling off as I said I was selling the van when I go into Bundaberg and getting a car to come home in. Said I have had enough, don't want to know it anymore. As she said and as some of you have said on my last thread first time out lots of problems to be ironed out. It will only get better once its sorted. And as daughter said days on the road lots of driving is enough to make anyone tired fraught and stressed. Chill out, sort it out tomorrow and once done get on your way.
Only 146 ks to sons in Biggenden. He doesn't know I'm so close so will surprise them in the morning.
Working out what to do, I can ring Pat and nev said they think there might be a garage here. I will chillout over night, go for a walk inthe morning and if so ring SinL and find out what oil I need, buy it bring it back here and get one of the lovely gentlemen here to show me where it goes.
If all goes pear shaped being a holiday tomorrow and in my case anything is likely, will stay 2 nights, can't hurt and will give me a chance to revive.
Was so close to chucking it all through the whole of today. Wonders what a yelling daughter can do to you isn't it. She said hubby, SinL, jealous I am out there and wishes he was in my spot.
H.W.Dear Lady,relax stop punishing yourself for lifes little hiccups.Remember "Pay yourself First",you are the only one who counts the most.I can't sleep worrying about the next pickle you will get into.Talk about an extended family because that what this forum is all about.I hope that you are smiling when you read this,I am trying to make you indeed the Happy Laughing Wanderer.Happy Travels Marj. .

-- Edited by Father Ted on Saturday 30th of April 2011 02:46:34 PM