What food do we take on the road?

In our early days of caravanning, we used to pack the van with all the food that we could imagine that we’d need and a few pre prepared meals. Nowadays we just ensure that the basics are on board; flour, sugar, rice, sauces and a few basic canned goods, not to mention fresh roasted coffee and one pre prepared meal to quickly heat up if we’re tired from driving. We then load any fresh goods from the home fridge and take off. Our van has a 180 litre refrigerator freezer and I often wonder how long we could survive just … Continue reading What food do we take on the road?

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Having been keen trailer yacht sailors in our younger (read fitter) days, we always follow the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Most people query the meaning of Boxing Day, well it may be a strange name for a holiday but in Australia if you are at home it means sprawl on the couch eating Christmas leftovers and watching the start of The Race. The Sydney to Hobart. We have been lucky enough to watch the finish in Hobart on several occasions. Once on a ferry that followed the boats up the river to the finish, I doubt that they would … Continue reading Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Aussie Jingle Bells – Colin Buchanan

Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden Ute, Kicking up the dust, esky in the boot, Kelpie by my side, singing Christmas songs, It’s Summer time and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!, Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute. Engine’s getting hot; we dodge the kangaroos, The swaggie climbs aboard, he is welcome too. All the family’s there, sitting by the pool, Christmas Day the … Continue reading Aussie Jingle Bells – Colin Buchanan

What do caravanners do?

Over a few Christmas drinks a friend asked “What do caravanners do? For a lot of people the well known ‘Happy Hour’ comes to mind or a quiet read. But no, they don’t all sit around gazing at the bush with a cold beer in hand. It depends on you and how active you are and what your interests are. I tend to lose a little weight on long winter trips as we walk more than we do at home and that is because there is more to see. I find that I become bored of the same old area … Continue reading What do caravanners do?

Power’s Lookout

Harry Power was a bushranger and mentor to the legendary Ned Kelly. Transported to Australia in 1840 as a convict, Harry was to run foul of the law on many occasions before adopting the life of a bushranger. In contrast to his colourful life, he drowned at the age of 72 in the Murray River whilst fishing. Power’s hideout was located 300 metres above the King River in what is now the Alpine National Park. The lookout can be reached from the Mansfield Whitfield Road just south of the King Valley town of Whitfield in Victoria. For more information on … Continue reading Power’s Lookout

Neighbours

July 2016 We arrive back at camp to find that an unusual family have moved in next door. Somewhat pedantic, the father takes two hours to peg down two small nylon tents. The mother does everything else. I think we’re in for some entertainment here. Now let me explain these neighbours….the father speaks in a booming voice with over pronunciation, like a Shakespearian actor without a microphone. Number one son who is about 8 years old speaks the same. Number two son is about 6 years old and is considered inferior by #1. Mother rarely speaks except when #1 bellows … Continue reading Neighbours