Tuesday, January 29, 2013

11th January to 29th January 2013


I1th January 2013
We left the showgrounds and helicopters and moved into Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park which has some level sites overlooking the river complete with pads.  Unfortunately we are on one of the others in the centre of the park that are very uneven dirt sites without pads, so we are hoping it doesn’t rain, which is not what the firefighters want.  The weather report is for a couple of cooler days then more heat wave and windy conditions which definitely doesn’t please the  fire fighters.
12th December 2013
We now have the dates for Richard’s next visit on the 19th and have booked the site immediately behind us to retain the family group.
15th January 2013
We drove into Canberra and parked outside the American Embassy and strolled around the area to check out some of the other Embassies.  They are spread over a huge area which requires moving the car to other parking areas and walking around the streets close to the car. 
 
In several cases we saw Commissions, rather than Embassies, subject to the country involved. As you would expect, America has an area six times bigger than anyone else, with the buildings almost completely hidden, whereas the interesting ones are all on view.  This took care of the afternoon and we probably didn’t see half of the total embassies, so we may have another trip later after acquiring a map highlighting where they all are.
17th January 2013
This was forecast as being a hot day so rather than going to the Botanic Gardens we took advantage of the air conditioning at Parliament House.  We have been there before in 2002 but a second look never hurt anyone and we did get to see more this time.  We toured both old and new buildings and checked out the gardens of the old building, which we didn’t do last time. 
 
The only drawback with the visit is the 3 hour parking limit, meaning you have to return to the car and move it after 3 hours, even when there aren’t many vehicles in the car park. We were in both buildings for more than 3 hours each plus there is a fairly long walk between the two.  The views from the roof are worth taking in whilst you are there.  There is a small entry fee to the old building which is now the Museum of Democracy.
18th January 2013
This was predicted to be another hot day, so other than a quick shopping trip we stayed at home in the air conditioning, although the air conditioner did struggle a bit.  The temperature turned out to be much higher than predicted, giving Sydney a new record high of 46.8 degrees. Here in Queanbeyan, we only reached 46 degrees, which is what we used to be used to in the north west of WA for many years, but the aging progress makes hot weather less tolerable.  
19th January 2013
We pitched the tent in the site behind our caravan in the morning in readiness for Richard’s arrival. The ground is so hard here that we had to buy a long 6.5mm drill to drill holes in the ground prior to knocking the tent pegs in, and it was still hard work and bent a lot of pegs.  It also systematically destroyed the drill.  Richard arrived at 3.15pm and on arrival at the park finished off the last few details to turn the tent into his temporary home.  
21st January 2013
We collected the grandkids after a very roundabout route provided by the Navman which did literally find as many roundabouts as possible, and then continued on to the suburb of Woden to a medical clinic for Richard  to undergo a drug test  requirement for his next contacting job.  The kids and Richard spent the rest of the day at the swimming pool, the skate board park and a walk through town, etc.
22nd  January 2013
We drove into Canberra to a Pancake Parlour for a Pancake breakfast to celebrate Richard’s Birthday. Unfortunately Jack was not feeling 100% and couldn’t finish eating his huge meal, which is somewhat unusual for Jack who is now a almost 6fft tall and similar shape to a broom handle.   As he was not in perfect shape we changed our minds about going swimming/walking at Coota in the extreme heat and went to Belconnen instead to the Hoyt’s cinema and suffered ‘The Hobbit’.   As yet, the point of the film hasn’t emerged other to slash and bash their way around the New Zealand countryside.  The later part and the special effects where good, and as luck would have it (for some people) it ended with obvious intentions of a sequel to continue the pointless journey.
23rd January 2013
The day started out with a drive through Canberra, everywhere we go seems to be via the centre of Canberra, to the Cotter Dam where we checked out the swimming possibilities ay Casuarina Sands and where not initially impressed.  We drove on to the Cotter Dam picnic area which offered even less opportunity options nut a pleasant place to have our picnic lunch.  We walked up to the lookout that only provided a view of the concrete wall which is being modified to a greater height.  We drove back to Casuarina Sands and made the most of it.  This lasted for about an hour or so before Aboriginals that think they have the right to ignore the ‘No dogs’ signs  don’t apply to them.  We pointed out this slight error and then underwent about half an hour of foulmouthed inane racist ravings, which of course is acceptable when directed at white people.  When Richard and the kids returned from their swim we departed homeward via another Navman tour of Canberra to go to the Black Mountain Telstra Tower for the view over the City.  When we finally arrived home Richard discovered that he had damaged his laptop screen when he carried it out of the caravan in the morning.  It was still open with a program running but had the power pack sitting on top of it and the carrying partially closed the screen onto the power pack which cracked the screen.  Not a particularly good day other than the picnic and the view from the Telstra tower, although Richard and the kids enjoyed their swim.
24th January 2013
After numerous phone calls to computer repair specialists it was determined that there was no quick fix for Richards computer screen as there wasn’t one available to replace it with.  We drove out to Fyshwick and bought a new one and he will get the other one repaired in Perth when he gets back there.  The new one, although only six months younger, has much more to offer in the way of hard drive and RAM capacity, and was $1000 cheaper.  The other semi planned activities for the day were put on hold until tomorrow so that Richard can load his required programs, etc, after the kids spent some time in the local swimming pool.
25th January 2013
In order to have another swim we drove Richard and the kids out to Kambah Pool, but to the so-called beach area this time where they were able to swim in the Murrumbidgee River.  We drove round to the rock pool area after the swim and had a primitive BBQ lunch and then left the others to explore the rock pools which didn’t last too long as it was full of people fishing.
26th January 2013
We initially drove through Canberra to a mini-golf course that is no longer in existence but found someone who knew where another one does exist, although apparently only for another week,  we dropped Richard and the kids off and visited the Royal Mint and then went to Redhill Lookout, Mount Ainslie Lookout and Mount Pleasant Lookout before heading home.  The others met up with one of the campers from Mystery Beach and walked round some of Lake Burly Griffin, and still happened to be out there in the open when the predicted storm hit town.  Karen took them back to her place and came up with some loan clothing.  They had Pizza for dinner and arrived home whilst it was still raining at about 10.00pm, courtesy of Karen.   The river that the caravan park is alongside, had been allowing a dribble of water to pass over the town weir which is beside the park, but as it started to get dark and after an hour, or so, of rain it was allowing a torrent of water to pass over it.   Being a sloping park we also had a river running through the annex once more.  The countryside looked quite dry from the lookouts when were up there but will have to go again to see the difference that the rain makes.  More is forecast for the next few days.
27th January 2013
We took Jack and Rory home this morning as they are due to start school soon and then drove on to Belconnen shopping centre to drop Richard off again to meet up with his new found friend.  We stopped at the shopping centre for a coffee and met Karen who actually seemed rather nice and a vast improvement on anyone he has introduced to us before.  He may have finally learnt how to avoid lame ducks, so we are hoping that the several thousand kilometres that will separate them when Richard returns to WA doesn’t affect the relationship, assuming a relationship is developing. 
28th January 2013
We managed to take the tent down without rain although it thought about but despite being packed up we will get it out again when we get a good opportunity to make sure.  The tarps that were under the tent still need cleaning and drying, which may happen soon if the weather improves.   Karen came over and went out with Richard for a few hours and returned him in time to take him to the airport.  His flight was booked as a straight through flight to Perth which turned out to be great as he usually has to go to Sydney first.  Sydney airport was reduced to one runway due to diabolical weather conditions with many flights cancelled.  He was due to catch another plane in Perth to the Northwest tomorrow morning so he should have avoided any problems.
29th January 2013
It rained through most of the night but not hard and appears to want to continue today, or at least threaten it, so there will not be much activity today.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

27th Decenber 2012 to 10th January 2013


27th December 2012
The work on the car didn’t happen due to strong wind and dampness, and also the Boxing Day test match.  Today looks a little brighter and without the wind but we have to go shopping and start packing up to leave early tomorrow for Canberra.
28th December 2012
We arrived in the Eagle Hawk Caravan Park which is actually still in NSW about 200m from the border with Canberra, and about 17kms from the city centre, at about2.00pm and set up our camp spot in its entirety including the annex as we will be here for a week.  On the way down here we only used the awning to keep the rain/dew of the items stored outside overnight.  The park is very large and relatively new, and like most parks these days are tending to fill them with cabins of all shapes and sizes with relatively small areas for caravans, and the caravan bays are designed to just fit you in, rather than allowing a bit of elbow room.  That was one of the really good points at Wangaling Beach, near Mission Beach, you could really spread out.  The ablution block is good because of the newness and the fact that the cabins are self contained, therefore to a large extent, only used by the caravan owners (trailer trash). 
29th December 2012
The weather is warm during the day but has now become cooler at night so in the last few days we have gone from a sheet only with the overhead fan on, after using the air conditioner to cool the van done prior to going bed, to now include a blanket and bedspread.  Barry took the better weather and nicer caravan park as an opportunity to change the fuel tank sender unit.  This meant removing the roller draws from the rear of the vehicle to be able to lift the carpet and sounding material to gain access to the floor plate.  Once this was removed it was a fifteen minute job to replace the sender unit, but removing and replacing the roller draws stretched the task out to five hours and will be completed with about an hour’s work tomorrow.
30th December 2012
The car has now been completed and the roller draws refilled and we are free to get back to tourist stuff and to see if the $360 for the unit was worth the time and effort.  Nissan wanted over $300 to install the sender but we suspect they hadn’t taking the roller draw removal/replacement into account.  Even so, they were going to charge heaps for a one hour job without the roller draws.  They would only need to remove 6 screws to release the carpet, 4 screws to remove the access plate and 6 screws, 2 small hosepipes and an electrical plug to remove the sender unit and then reverse the process.  Barry did discover that the small hose must be removed before the larger hose as this depressurises the tank and avoids pumping diesel out.
31st December 2012

This was a big day out at the National War Memorial that kept us occupied for the full seven hours that it is open.  We got there shortly before opening time and the underground car park, that is just high enough for us to get in, was relatively empty. 
 The first hour inside was really good with so few people around that allowed us to get a lot of photos without stay bodies in view.  Barry prefers photos without people unless the photo is specifically of people or required to demonstrate the size of something.   As you enter you are confronted with the garden pathway leading up to The Hall of Memory.  In front of you is a hedge lined pathway around the Remembrance Pond with an eternal flame burning at the far end.  Going up to the higher level brings you to arched corridors on each side overlooking the pool with the Remembrance Walls along each side that leads you to The Hall of Memory.  This is very cathedral like with its very high, beautiful domed roof and huge pictured walls of soldier/sailor/airmen and nurses achieved with mosaic tiles, all set off with stained glass windows also depicting our armed forces.  In the centre of the floor is the grave of the ‘Unknown Warrior’ in remembrance of the fallen that never received a proper grave.  From here you wander into a labyrinth of huge rooms containing equipment from numerous wars that Australia has been involved in and includes at least a dozen fighter aircraft and a Lancaster Bomber, tanks, armoured cars, trucks, a submarines, a helicopter, etc,  and how they got them all in is beyond imagination.   There are film shows in many of the separate areas showing the roles the various types of war such as the bomber crews, the fighter pilots, the seamen, nurses.   There are numerous 3D landscapes of many of the better known battle fields highlighting the conditions the battle was fought in.   There is also an area highlighting our decorated heroes with the medals on display.  Each day the memorial buildings are locked up after the playing of the ‘Last Post’.
1st January 2013

We caught up with Rory, Jack already had plans with his friend, and we took her to her choice of venue, called Kambah Pool, which is a natural riverside setting with a beach in one area and a rock pool in another.  Her choice was the rock pool that turned out to be not a lot of fun, probably due to Jack being absent, and only a bit of rock hopping happening.  We decided to leave and took her to Cockington Green Gardens which is a beautifully laid out gardens including miniature villages, with typical English flavour.  We had a picnic lunch prior to entering which had been supplied and prepared by Rory.  There were several interactive miniature railways plus a ride-on train to add to the kids‘entertainment, plus an international area with impressive abodes of the wealthy from numerous countries.  None of the plants are Bonsai, they are all naturally mall but during the winter, any that have grown too high are removed and replaced with smaller ones.   There ia also a hop with a couple of very impressive dolls houses.  After leaving we called into a Dinosaurs Museum just down the road were we parked in their car park and took photos of the outside display before heading back to the caravan park where Rory used the swimming pool for a short while only, due to Canberra type water temperatures.
2nd January 2013
We returned to the War Memorial to check out the surrounding gardens and statues along with the outside display of guns, tank and the complete bridge of HMAS Brisbane that we saw on the inside a few days ago.  We then drove down the impressive Anzac Parade towards the Houses of Parliament to take photos of the roadside memorials to individual wars.  Having accomplished that mission we headed out to a Hoyts cinema and watched Les Miserable’s which was a really good film and should win some awards if the Yanks can get past their bias towards their own inferior films.  We saw the live stage show some years ago and were pleasantly surprised how well the film compared.
3rd January 2013
Most of the day was spent packing up ready to leave early tomorrow morning but included a trip back to the cinema in the hope of reclaiming Barry’s wallet which has gone missing.  His believe is that it worked its way out of his pocket whilst lounging in the cinema.  The theory proved to be correct as the wallet had been handed in and we were able to retrieve it. But it cost some time and fuel.  The caravan park has turned into a shambles as there is a local event happening involving old cars, most of which seem to Holden and have been restored to anything except original.  The engines have all been replaced with the biggest V8 engine available and fitted with the noisiest exhaust system available.  The usual 10kms speed limit in caravan parks doesn’t seem to exist anymore, as it mandatory for them to see what speed they can obtain between speed humps.   It also seems that the only form of amusement for these overgrown children is to sit revving the guts out of their cars for hours on end.  If they did it wherever the event is held to please their show pony needs it wouldn’t be a problem, but around the park is not appreciated, and the management is not about to do anything about it as they have suddenly filled about a dozen cabins for several days, which is a bigger earner than caravans.  
4th January 2013
We headed out at 7.30am and parked and unhitched the caravan in a vacant area alongside a huge shopping centre near the airport so that we could collect Richard from the arrivals area without having to drag the van around there with us.  Jack and Rory had already been delivered to us at the caravan park by their mother prior to us leaving.  We drove the 230kms to the Mystery Bay campgrounds on the NSW coast south of Bateman Bay.  It isn’t quite what we had hoped for and we’re not too sure it is the best place to be as far as occupying the kids, but it is only for 5 days.  It is very rough, ready and packed due to the school holidays although we had been told on the phone that most people would have left by now, but that was exactly true.  No-one was available at the check-in so we had to simply find a spot where we could.  At $25 a day it is not really worth it as by the time you add on the extra costs that you don’t need in a recognised caravan park, such as running the fridge on gas, petrol for the generator, the extra fuel used to drag 260 litres of water with us.  These extras probably push the overall daily cost up to $30 which in most cases would cover the cost of a caravan park with better facilities such as better toilets, hot showers, swimming pool, BBQ facilities, etc. However, at this time of year with school holidays the coastal caravan parks will have pushed up their prices to peak season rates and need to be booked at least six months in advance to get in to them.  You can’t just turn up and expect to get in.
 6th January 2013
During the last few days, Richard and the kids have done some exploring through this extensive campsite and along the coastline.  The immediate coastline is a cliff with a rough track down to the rock strewn beach, but further along the coast they have found somewhere to swim, snorkel and fish.  They actually brought some fish home for breakfast but now have to find a volunteer to eat it. 
7th January 2013
The fish had to wait until the evening meal and even then most of it was thrown away as there were too many small bones to contend with. During the day we went into Dalmeny to a camping shop and to check out the local campsite, which had a really lovely ocean outlook and beach, but considerably more expensive but does offer hot showers.  On the way back we went up to Bar Rock Lookout for the view over the harbour entrance and then walked along the jetty an observed a large turtle.  On the way back, via the lookout, Barry spotted a Superb Blue Wren, but it unfortunately didn’t wait to have its photo taken. 
8th January 2013
We have been put on to a total fire ban as there are fires north of here (about 100kms away but the wind is in our direction), and we are in the midst of an extensive forest area.  We are heading into Narooma for lunch today as it is Jack’s birthday as we can’t take him out for dinner as we need to start packing everything away ready for an early start and departure tomorrow morning, as Richard has to catch the 3.00pm flight out of Canberra.  Having eaten out at lunchtime we didn’t need to light an open fire for cooking.  With leaving early we also hitched up the van which would allow for a quick exit, if required.  Surprisingly, it rained during the night, but not heavy enough to be of any use to anybody.
9th January 2013
We headed for Canberra but had to do a 60kms detour to get around one of the 134 fires currently ablaze in NSW which had closed the Kings Highway.  Both of the Canberra caravan parks that take dogs are full, so after dropping off the grandchildren at home and then dropping off Richard at the airport we headed out to the Showgrounds at Bungendore.  Due to the fire that had closed the road the showground was being used as the refuelling area for five fire-bombing helicopters to add to our entertainment.  The long uphill climb from Batemans Bay was not as punishing as we had expected, although we were down to 40kph for several long spells, but it was actually harder holding 5 tonnes back on the way down the mountain using bottom gear, and some braking.
10th January 2013
We spent most of the day cleaning and drying the tent and tarps that got wet prior to packing them away, to make sure they don’t go mouldy, and then repacked and stored them on the roof rack for the next holiday visit in about a week’s time. Meanwhile the helicopters are still refuelling every couple of hours to fight the fires in the hope of having them dealt with before the weekend when the next heatwave is due to begin and start fighting more fires.