The Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme

The Snowy Scheme is Australia’s largest ever engineering project as well as being one of the world’s most complex. Located in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales it was begun in 1949 and completed in 1974 and it was a source of work for many post war refugees. According to http://www.australia.gov.au there are 16 dams, 7 power stations, 1 pumping station and 225kms of pipelines, tunnels and aqueducts yet only 2% of construction is visible above ground. It covers an area of 5124 square kilometres. In summary, it collects snow melt from the region and diverts most of … Continue reading The Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme

An Open Letter to Caravan Parks

An oft heard phrase amongst the grey nomads is “we don’t want jumping pillows and playgrounds.” Most senior caravaners like to keep their costs down whenever possible but that doesn’t mean that we’re always out in the mulga. Sometimes we nomads enjoy a few days at a seaside town or a popular spot and all that it entails. A bit of shopping, dinner out or a round of golf. However when we do choose to stay at a caravan park we expect to get a level site, good roads and clean amenities. We also expect modern clean washing machines. Now … Continue reading An Open Letter to Caravan Parks

Fridge Incontinence

Our fridge runs on 240 volt power, 12 volt from the car or bottled gas depending on what is available. Which means that while we’re driving along it is charged by the car. Once we stop for the day we change it to gas or 240 volt (more modern vans determine their power source automatically, I can only wish). But there is an added complication that arises when the weather is warm…the drip tray that is often frozen thaws and dribbles out the door onto the floor! For the life of me I cannot work out a solution, so I … Continue reading Fridge Incontinence