does not get better than this

At the border we had forgotten we had to discard our fruit & veg before entering SA. So we quickly cooked 7 apples, ate the plums, grapes and half a kiwi fruit. Had to destroy the rest and hand over some delicious honey from Taree markets. The still hot apples passed scrutiny. Thought we were complying and had cut up the lemons and put them in the freezer. Caught out! The half hour they were in there wasn’t long enough as the official said they were “too soft”. Consequently there was a discussion with the supervisor, a redirection to the office, 2 forms filled in, and photos taken of the lemons and Gary’s drivers license . Decisions & probable fine after documentation is sent to Adelaide. OVERKILL nanny state, waste of resources!

We spent a very pleasant day at Berri on the Murray River while the van was being serviced nearby. Riverside walk, coffee and Loch #4. Our overnight stay was at the van park by the river too.

Our overnight stay was at Narrandera Showgrounds and we went to the Exservicemen’s Club for dinner. Unexpectedly, Wayne and Glenda were also there on their way to Deniliquin. We had not seen them for about 30 years! We joined them and had a delightful time catching up.

The Captains Walk and the birthplace of Donald Bradman – lunch stop.

Stunning autumn colours as we walked in the town.

On our walk we chatted to a stall holder. He was 71 year old Philip, a farmer from Orange, who came every Sunday with his truck of fruit & vegetables to, in his words, “feed the town – they depend on me.” He sleeps in his truck while there because the local pub lost rooms due to floods. Philip cares for the elderly, the pensioners and in particular a struggling young mum with 3 children. He puts extra produce in their orders. The closest fresh fruit & veg is in Yass, 50+ kms from Gunning. He passionately discussed politics but finished with, “it’s the people who are important, the people.” We said our goodbyes, shook his hand and went on our way, carrying fruit he insisted giving us, feeling we has been privileged to meet such a wonderful gentleman.

Bang, Crash, Rookie error. The tow bar tongue was not inserted fully so the safety pin was not secured through the bar receiver hole. The caravan abruptly separated from the car. The hitch fell to the road and was dragged by the safety chains. A shocking sound of scraping metal seemed like we had finished our trip before we had started. Assessing the situation, we placed 4 chocks behind the van wheels, raised the hitch from the road with timber blocks & Big Red Foot. This was a two step move with support needed under the hitch and the electric jack. Amazingly there was no damage. After 35 minutes we were on our way again, a bit shaken, but thankful.

One month to go. Excited and feeling so blessed 🙏 for what promises to be our most challenging adventure.

Plans and preparation are complete 😊. Replacing the Jeep with a Ford Everest Sport and undertaking modifications (GVM/GCM upgrade; snorkel; bull bar; winch; airbags; better all terrain tyres) make it a car better adapted to on & off road travel. Other additions include a water bladder and a firewood box on rear of van.

Quick & uneventful return home to prepare for Christmas 🎄