To upgrade the caravan or not. Oh my goodness. What a decision!!

      How Difficult is this decision??

Full vans, pop-top caravans, motor homes, roof top tents and many other varieties of portable accommodation choices are currently traversing  our wonderful land.

So what are you travelling in?

We purchased our Roma pop top three and a half years ago. And we have loved her and enjoyed our travels in our little home away from home. It was interesting back then as some family members tried to turn me off caravan travel. I must admit I had only ever camped out once, so I really had nothing to base caravan  holidays on. Our times away  in  little Roma have only consisted of  staying in caravan parks, so consequently we have not stepped up into the exciting and challenging world of free camping.

Occasionally, throughout life, our contentment can start to sway slightly. And this is when our discussions started !

We have enjoyed our travels, so now may be the right time to upgrade slightly.

One sunny bright winters day we ventured into a caravan sales yard to look at newer model caravans.

Well how complex are the choices. And taking the time out to visit caravan shows only opened our eyes to more choices.

Firstly: do you buy a new van or a second-hand van.  Now that really depends on your bank balance.

I must admit , there are some very nice second-hand caravans around.
We were lucky when we purchased  Roma. It was like she was sitting in the yard just waiting for us to arrive.

The day we collected our first caravan

How many members of the caravanning world are also trying to get their head around all the choices out there!
Some things are easy.

What length caravan depends on how many people will need to be accommodated. We are lucky. There is only the two of us. But then do we go from a double bed to two singles.

And don't get me started on water tanks. How many tanks and how many litres do they hold.
And then there has been the discussion on grey water tanks. Is that a yes or no !

This is doing my head in ! It wasn't this hard the first time !!

And for free camping you are going to need a good solar set up, and don't forget the ensuite. And then is that all necessary ensuite big enough to accommodate a larger framed person or one who is not as flexible as they were when younger.

Single axle or dual axle! 

Aluminium frame or meranti frame!

Oven or just the stove top and grill.

Café style dining or L shape.

And the decisions continue !

And this is all before you find the brand that you like; then you start with all the questions again.

We eventually settled on a couple of brands!

But then the decision becomes more complex as they are full vans which means there is a problem with height access into the yard. Previously we removed our roller door so Roma could be reversed into the driveway, so the problem with a full van is a bit greater! Could just sell up and head off I suppose!!

Over the years caravans have evolved into modern travelling homes. And many people need this as they no longer have a permanent home base. So a home on wheels with some useful mod cons makes life a bit easier.

But some caravanners are content with just the basics.

And there is nothing wrong with anyone's choices.

We are all free to have what suits us, our bank balance and our life style.

But I think I may pour a wine! All this thinking is giving me  headache!

National Celtic Festival was a great weekend

Roving entertainers

Hubby and I attended our very first music festival on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Why oh why did we wait so long????

Thank you, National Celtic Festival at Portarlington

We had an absolutely fabulous time!

And thank you Bellarine Bayside caravan park.

It took us a while to decide whether to go or not. In fact, I did not buy the tickets until we had hitched up our van and was ready to drive out of our driveway.

We had already booked our site in the caravan park so even if we decided not to attend the festival we knew that there was plenty to do around the Bellarine region.

The staff are always so welcoming at the Bellarine Bayside and even though this was a busy weekend for the town, the friendly smiles were still plentiful.

The caravan park was quite full, but I have no idea if that was because people were going to the festival, or just looking forward to a relaxing long weekend.

But we were very fortunate as we could still look out over the bay from our caravan. Yes, our little Roma pop top was positioned nicely on an ensuite site. And we were lucky, as it appeared that all ensuite sites were fully booked.

And how lucky were we to have such great neighbours in Ensuite 9.  Darryl and Bron were so willing to share their knowledge about music festivals to us first timers. They had really spent some time going through the program as there were many events that they had highlighted. As novices, we were fairly limited, as we had little knowledge of many of the performers, but Bron and Darryl were there to offer advice.

So off we headed to the Portarlington park, armed with knowledge and excitement all ready to hopefully have a great time. Marquees and tents, of all sizes, were spread around this beautifully treed park, which is situated nicely on the hill overlooking the bay.

Performers were scattered throughout the park halls, marquees and neighbouring church halls. Once you had received your wrist band you had access to all venues. But the choice as to who to see was difficult as so many exceptional artists were on at the same time.

Our Saturday was spent enjoying the very deft finger work and foot tapping music of the Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club, and listening to the wonderful entertaining stories and songs from Colin Lillie. 

The Parks Hall was very popular on the Saturday evening and we were very pleased that we arrived early enough to find seats towards the front. Damien Leith knew how to involve the crowd and keep everyone spellbound with great music and snippets. Trouble in the Kitchen and the Paul McKenna Band kept the tempo upbeat, which was needed on such a cold night, but I must remember a knee rug next time.

Such a diverse group of entertainers, from well known to those who are just finding their feet in the entertainment industry. One thing was for sure though, all the music had you tapping your toes or clapping your hands. And many of the audience were singing along, not necessarily in tune, but that did not matter.

It was so wonderful to see adults and children swirling and twirling around in the vacant space below the stage. The smiles and laughter from people enjoying the music and atmosphere flowed through all venues and left audience members uplifted and in high spirits.

The weekend was all about fun and inclusion. And you did not need to spend money on a ticket to be part of the fun, as there was plenty of free entertainment to keep you captivated. Market stalls selling a variety of foodstuffs to fulfil the appetite, from the typical baked potato, hot soup or Scottish shortbread, or for those who were tempted, haggis. We thoroughly enjoyed a large plate of freshly made Dutch pancakes, mine sprinkled with sugar and drizzled with lemon.

Hubby was so pleased to grab sausage in bread for a second breakfast

 Sunday was a repeat of Saturday: fabulous entertainment, clapping, singing and toe tapping. And not enough time to see everyone whom we had marked in the program. But I will keep this year’s program with my written notations so I will know who to attempt to see if we are lucky enough to be able to return next year.

In conclusion, it took me quite a few years to finally attend a music festival, now perhaps the seed has been sown and I will hunt out a few more.

                                      Happy and safe travels everyone.

Even us seniors are never too old to learn.

Caravanning and camping teach us many things.
Every time we go away we have the potential to learn something. It does not matter how old we are, there is always something to learn; and it is  a blessing to be around to be able to learn.

We are all very lucky to be able to travel around our country, whether it be long distances or just short trips
As many of you may already know, hubby and I spend quite a bit of "chill out " time at Bellarine Bayside caravan park on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria.
                                         https://www.bellarinebayside.com.au/

Our early June four day break was to celebrate my sister's 60th birthday. And reaching a number with a zero on the end is always a reason for a good celebration.

                                                  So again, Deb, happy 60th birthday.

And I believe she is still out there celebrating while we had to come home to work!

So I will share what I have recently learnt. Nothing spectacular, mind you, but learning does not need to be an explosion of lights , it just needs to be something that makes life a little bit easier.

A couple of recent trips that we have had, has taught me how expensive internet can be while travelling away from home. 

Whenever we go away I usually make sure that I have the laptop with me. Yes sometimes a work email needs attention.
Oh, roll on retirement !
I admit that I am not clever with technology but this trip I learnt something. Yes, many of you know heaps about computers and internet, but my knowledge is limited. 
And I am not afraid to admit that.
Anyway the last couple of times that we went away I went through 5gbs of internet in two days, with not much time spent using the computer.
After finally getting  my grey matter to work, I figured out what I was doing wrong. So from now on I will be turning off my Telstra wi fi dongle when I am not using it, and also turning off updates on my computer. The windows updates that come through are so frustrating so they can wait until we return home, where I have unlimited internet.

There is a saying that when you learn something as a child, you will not forget.

Well I learnt that I can still ride a bike.

You see we bought two second hand fold up bikes.
My brother in law bought them off ebay and we decided to buy them from him, as he was unable to use them.
And they fold up nicely in the back of the BT 50.
Now I have not been on a bike for close on 50 years; yes that will give you an idea of my age.
When walking around my neighbourhood at home, I often see "seniors"  tackling the bike paths and their level of fitness is a credit to them. 
The shared paths around the Bellarine Bayside are well maintained. Many walkers, joggers and bike riders constantly traversing them throughout the day.

So while we were away for our recent stay, I decided to get on my bike.
Well the balance was not good and by gee it takes some effort to pedal.
I am glad no one came near me as my steering was not great so I was relieved  for the safety of others.
Bike riding really takes some effort. Whoever thought that this was going to be fun
My poor aging legs did not like the action required to push pedals so the following day was pay back time.
Why did we buy the bikes ? I really have no idea. Will we use them when we go away?
Well that answer is anyone's guess.
All I know is that I need a hell of a lot more practice! And even if I do get more practice I really think that I will only ride on flat ground, yep I will most definitely stay away from roads and hills !
                                 Happy and safe travelling everyone.

A banjo shark

All those who are travelling our great land with an illness or disability, I applaud you .

In life many people have health challenges, either physical or mental, and sadly, sometimes both. So I think it would take a huge amount of perseverance to face the immense difficulties of organising a holiday under these circumstances.

I love reading stories written by those who are heading off, or are out there touring around our country, whilst battling an illness. Trying to get around medical visits and prescription repeats, and all the other allied health schedules that may arise. 

And I congratulate you for facing that challenge head on and not letting an illness tie you to your home.

Both hubby and I have relatively good health (touch wood; yes I touched my head !!) for our born in the 1950’s  age group.

So we are lucky.

But many people are not so lucky and no longer have the chance to get out and see this great country.

Being self-employed we can choose our work days, so we can organise things that we like to do, whether that be a few days away or just a meal out.

For the last few years we have made certain that we are home and available to participate in our local Relay for Life.

 
And that event is something that opens your eyes to many who are facing uphill battles to survive.

The Bendigo Relay for Life is such a friendly event with a community feel.

 Decorated tents are set up around the perimeter of the football ground with many relayers also placing their swags beside them, preparing for a sleep under the stars. And I use the word ‘sleep’ very loosely as  I am led to believe that not much sleep happens, as I do not partake in the overnight camp out.

Bright outfits, comical hats and sturdy sensible shoes seem to be a prerequisite of the day. People in wheelchairs or using wheelie walkers, or even on crutches are not afraid to take to the grassed track.  

 Many activities are scattered around the oval to keep young and old entertained. Participants stop and chat, with many sharing their stories; whether it be about their fight, or sadly a loved ones’ lost battle.

When you read stories on the web sites or Facebook pages about caravanning, camping or other forms of travelling, there are often people asking for advice as to how to travel with certain illnesses or disabilities.

And how wonderful is that! These people are showing the determination that they have.

They are determined not to let their illness keep them sitting at home.

                        Happy and safe travelling everyone.

Easter in Bendigo

Easter means different things to different people but for some, it is a four-day holiday where they can hook up the caravan or camper and head off.

My home town of Bendigo is renowned for its Easter Festival. And I wonder how many caravanners have set up camp here for a few days, to enjoy the variety of entertainment that has been on offer.

A Bendigo stay at Easter time, will give you a diverse range  of activities to choose from, with all ages catered for. There are art displays and photographic displays. Antiques and woodworking displays. Or maybe you would like to browse a second hand book stall. Try the Book fair as there are plenty of books to choose from. Are you a good golfer, then how about a go at the Hole in One. For the younger ones you can head to Rosiland Park, where the activities are quite friendly on the wallet.
The teenagers will be happy with all the noisy rides that are dotted along some of the city streets. 

The Easter fair has had some changes to its program schedule over its 148 years of existence. The most recent changes have seen the Gala Procession switched to Easter Sunday, which leaves the Monday for  tourists and locals to visit all the exhibitions.
The Torchlight procession which is now on the Saturday evening is a way for everyone to honour the dedication of the emergency service personnel.

This year hubby and I decided to go to the Torchlight Procession. Now I admit that it has been many years since we have taken up a position on the side of the street, waiting in the half dark for some fire trucks and firies to march by.  But I must say I was impressed! Fire men and women marching proudly in their dark uniforms holding their flaming torches; gleaming fire trucks with sirens blaring and red and blue lights flashing. S.E.S and Forest fire management groups also displaying their well equipped vehicles, and  marching alongside were their highly trained members.

Brightly lit trucks followed, adorned with business logos, and carrying proudly cleaned and polished equipment. Pamphlets were distributed by runners along the parade route, or lucky kids may have received a high five from a participant dressed as a super hero. Floats carrying children  waving happily to the crowds, or pole dancers and rock and roll dancers entertained those lining the streets.

How did they manage to exercise on those poles while being on the back of a truck ?

Friendly conversations start up with others around you while waiting in anticipation for the procession to begin. It is good to share a bit of local knowledge with any visitors. James, a newly arrived resident from Sydney, was interested in all that our town had to offer. He had heard about our Easter festival and was very pleased to be able to experience it.

Bendigo is so close to other towns who have great Easter entertainment. You can head to Rheola to see tractor pulls, sheep dog trials or footraces; or Rushworth to see working horse displays or perhaps a wander around  the market.  

Easter Monday saw us venturing down to Maldon, where they also put on a fabulous Easter Parade. Pipe bands, brass bands, gleaming duco on cars from long ago. Penny farthings and a variety of other bicycle contraptions; and they were being ridden up the hill. How fit were those riders?

Maldon is an old fashioned, family orientated festival. Watching the egg tossing in the main street, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of the contestants went home smelling like scrambled egg! The Central Victorian Lion Team, with bright colours and agile movements kept the crowds wanting more. And you could hunt down a rabbit ear adorned official to buy a ticket so you could take your chance at the spinning wheel. Oh well , no luck for us, but all funds were gladly donated.

If you are thinking about heading this way next year for Easter, then you will have plenty to keep you entertained. And just maybe you will be here to witness the arrival of our new Chinese Dragon, Dai Gum Loong.  Our current dragon, Sun Loong, is due for a well earned rest and much needed restoration, after serving Bendigo, the Chinese association and the Easter Festival, well.

     Happy and safe  travels  everyone and continue to enjoy our beautiful country.