Here We Go Again - Chapter 8 - Woodford to Hervey Bay

Our time with Walie and Suzy is over and we need to move one but not before I spend some time with Wallie looking at some bookkeeping issues he has.

Suggesting he will be moving at day break, I get moving early, look to refresh the fire, again easily done as the coals are still hot. Silver Leader is moving as well. He needs fuel for his generator. He very kindly had run his all day yesterday to charge our van and now finds his van is devoid of power and in urgent need of a working generator.

The reciprocation  rule applies in spades as our jerry can is still relatively full and I obligingly fill his generator to the top. It kicks in instantly and within moments is charging his van to ensure there will be hot showers before we leave for Hervey Bay. Unlike me, who simply used me generator on its platform attached to the van, Silver Leader takes his to the expansion of the power cord before starting, meaning bhis occupant will probably remain asleep whilst the power inputs the batteries.

WE have all learned a lesson in power conservation in the days here. The time the inverter is used is just as important as how long, the sun does not replenish batteries via the solar panels when it is cloudy or the van is shaded by the trees and you need to ensure you have a working generator if you want to have power when all else fails, when you need it in your van.

That under control I head off for the main house. The tracks through the 100 acres are easily followed. I venture to the top of the rise behind the site and take a picture of the vans, smoke rising from the fire and shrouded in a foggy mist. The longhorns are just on the other side of the rise. The wet grass and the  steepness of the hill make for interesting times when I hit the brakes and the ABS takes over (or fails to as the vase may be). There is a disconcerting slide for a moment, then control is restored as I “let the pony have its head” and simply steer the Cruiser through the labyrinth of twists and turns into the creek, around trees and onwards towards the house.

The view from the house is much more spectacular than that from the valley where the vans are situated or the latest site behind them. Wallie is high enough to see over the fog and the shots from here with the silver reflection of the sun on top of the “clouds” is stunning. We sit and sort out his bookkeeping issues.

I need to return to the site for an 8.00am meeting. The drive back is just as treacherous as the one to the house. I leave a couple of skid marks in Wallies loose bitumen. He will see them as he heads out this morning via the site to another Secret Mens Business Meeting.

Every second Tuesday I meet up with a group of like minded business people, all part of the  Business Blueprint organisation and we discuss business, particularly related to our plans for the quarter and our successes and failures. Today Brendan is off to moderate business convention. He is dressed resplendently with a bow tie and waistcoat. Only one chance to make a first impression and although  not speaking personally at a “technical” level he is looking to channel some learnings from the last Business Blueprint Conference – we have one every quarter – to almost ambush market his knowledge and abilities whilst introducing and moderating sessions.

The others on the call marvel at the vista I can show, simply by moving the laptop around. I am sure they will be like you (the reader) feeling the chill, being annoyed as the smoke from the fire seems to follow me and marvelling at what Oz has to offer.

Meeting done its now unfortunately time to get ready for the road. There is no tyranny of distance any more. There is no real “he is out of the office” when you can arrange a Zoom Meeting or any other such video platform, all you need is the internet. Thankfully there will be lasces along the way where even that will be insufficient for a video call and I can only wait. Messages seem to come through constantly either Messages, Messenger or email. I know I can simply turn them all off but people rely on me, still.

Attempting to hook up the van I make another “rookie” mistake. Because of the spilling of the fuel in the Cruiser yesterday I have left the back window open. I wonder why I cannot see the van in the reversing camera. I am stumped. Silver Leader sees what I am trying to do and as he goes past closes it. Aha – all working again.

Just about to go and Wallie wanders past. He is sad to see us go but quips in super sledging style, should we wish to return for another stint he will ensure they are not here. He is happy we have had a great time despite the power issues and the longhorns and deer trying to make us feel unwelcome. The hospitality and the fire with seemingly endless supplies of wood, have been warm and inviting. Suzy has sent us all a note wishing us well from her hospital bed, she had to return for the next round of antibiotics.

Hooked up, we head to the gate. The fording of the creek is “treacherous” today. Forbsy, leading for the moment, discovers a longhorn – that bull longhorn – is across the track right at the fording point. Unable to simply run into the creek and elt momentum do most of the work, he has to stop and wait for the beast to move before crossing. Its a Mexican standoff until finally the bull wanders off and Forbsy can manoeuvre through which he does with no issues, other than an increase in the mud spots on the sides of the Cruiser and van. He does comment however he feels the back may have scraped but he is uncertain and it wont worry my van as its height is far greater than the road hugging others.

Through the solar powered gate, the first ever installation by Wallie’s son Erik, which has now turned into a most lucrative business based on good old fashioned service and components that simply work. Wait Rose is out of the Cruiser and heading for the van. Looks like a “One Job” moment. Thankfully they have stopped well past the gate and we have had no issue in being past it as it shuts.

The sledging begins and initially there is no reply. Silver Leader explains. Rose had this awful feeling she had not latched the shower door and was wanting to check. Nothing worse that a door like that bashing around in the van over a three hour trip, especially when the first part is Burke Road. Fears allayed, the door had been latched and now she was ready to answer the vicious sledging with self applied critical acclaim with a wave of her hand (figuratively at least).

Off we go heading for Hervey Bay.

The road from the farm to the highway is windy. Not dangerous in any stretch of the imagination but bereft of long straight stretches. Anyone caught behind us will be there until we hit the motorway north. Having said that, we make good time managing to keep close to the speed limit.

As we slow and meander through Porchester we see the meeting of the Secret Mens Club. I toot and Wallie waves. In New South Wales that is a driving offence – but who cares, I just wanted to acknowledge Wallie. I wonder if “a fly on the wall” of the meeting would see much gnashing of teeth as Mark raised the agenda item of re-application to the Club of the “itinerants” given the very poor attendance at Sunday night’s meeting. I think they saved their livers very well if Wallie’s bruises from the fall over the timber and his apparent headache are anything to go by. There was very little of the 2 rum bottles left, the Gentleman Jack was gone and only about one swig of the Jack Daniels remained. They are all left in the appropriate receptacle for the next meeting as promised.

Back on the road and the vagaries of the “other drivers” abound. They must be in front of the Cruiser and van but fail to realise stopping distances are vastly different for larger vehicles or that larger vehicles can quite easily do the speed limit. The number of times we were passed where overtaking lanes provided (in fact at times we slowed to let the apparent long line of traffic to pass) only to be “on the brakes” and well under the speed we had been travelling because the  now leading vehicle decided their speed was slower than that at which we wanted to travel. The “Weeties Box” had plenty of drivers licenses in them up here.

Forbsy and I lose Silver Leader at one of the many road works stops. It seems you get through some road works, get up to speed and you are slowing again. One place, there were so many signs all suggesting you slow down to the requested speed, one transitioning from 40kph to 60kph suggested slowing to 60kph, I think someone got the order out of whack. Another “One Job” moment, but it gives me a chuckle.

A lolly pop traffic guide stops Silver Leader and we catch back up to him and Rose. We are not far from our intended destination now but Forbsy makes the “he needs to spend a penny”. In fact the “penny is burning a hole in his pocket” comes across the UHF. Silver Leader takes us into a roadhouse and ablutions are utilised and for us ice creams and Forbsy refills on a sandwich and potato scallop. 

The ocean rises in the distance. We must be getting close. In fact we are coming into Maryborough. The GPS heralds us away from the city centre and into the back streets somewhat. Other than a stop sign across a mainish road, the GPOS has done well. Hervey Bay is only a short ride away. The rivers and creeks we cross are very dirty. I wonder if recent rains have been an issue.

Hervey Bay and the road along the beach, keeps you on your toes when dragging a caravan. It looks and feels much more claustrophobic that I susytec it actually is. There are travel calming devices and pedestrian crossing to negotiate all along the Esplanade. We get to the van park and are instantly breathless. Whereas the farm was an idyllic site nestled amongst the hinterland of Woodford here we are literally “on the water”. Our sites abc onto the railing protecting the park from the beach. Silver Leader has outdone himself this time.

The park manager is extremely helpful getting our vans into the spaces. I have a tree to negotiate but his instructions are such that it is done the first time. 

He leaves us to set up and momentarily he is doing the same again to the next visitors. I must admit though their idea of adjacent to their concrete slab was much different to what I would envisage. Not sure why, perhaps its because they are on a corner site but he has parked diagonally across the slab, not unhitched and plugged in as he arrived. It will be interesting to see if they leave quickly in the morning or if, as are we, intending on an extended stay.

Again the park is by no means full as we have been warned. There are a number of parks not far from us. One in particular is a large “gated” community and back from the water. We certainly have the pick of them here.

Robyn’s computer battery has died and we need to get it replaced. She trolls the internet for a suitable organisation that might do the deed and finds one not far from the park. We decided to walk to it. We need the exercise after the long stint behind the wheel. I also need to post some letters and I notice the Post Office is not far down the street.

Walking accomplished its now into the Cruiser looking for the industrial area as the computer technician is unable to help but knows of another repairer who may. The Stocklands Centre is some 4 kilometres away – not really a walk, especially at 4.00pm looking to be there and done by 5.00pm.

The directions take us to the appointed spot but it is confusing. We have stopped well short of the actual Stocklands Centre. Time to ask for directions. A lady is waiting to use the ATM at the local ANZ bank. SHe knows not of what we ask but suggests there is a phone repairiner next to the bank and ues its the repairer we were looking for. If it had, had teeth it would have bitten us. In our defense the signage was minimal. 

The owner takes a long look at the laptop, takes down the details of the model etc and sends us on our way with the promise of a call in the morning after she has spoken with her supplier who will have well and truly closed by now.

I want to  go to Bunnings and get some tie gowns for the waning. During set up a pedalr wandered past and sold us a suitable apparatus but it does not come with the actual roers of the gound locking mechanism. Gaz the Bunning employee we rope into the discussion, totally changes our perspective on what we need, costing Bunnings significant cash, as he comes up with a much cheaper option adding components together rather than looking for a one off purchase solution.

I think his options are a far better result as well. Again in the country with old fashioned, country-like service even in a multinational establishment. Its not that hard is it?

The sun is setting now and I snap a couple of quick shots of the orange ball falling behind some trees. Robyn needs to get back and set up for a meeting with a client from England. 

When we get back “cheese and bickies” time has started at the back of our van, in the sun and overlooking the view that is Hervey Bay. The sunset along the beach beckons more photographs as do the vista viewers, collected around Forbsys table enjoying the repast and the view.

Robyn joins us momentarily, the call completed. Tonight we are going to have leftovers and I might break out the fishing line and wet a line. First I need bait. There is a service station a little back down the road, so another walk in search of some pilchards and prawns. Silver Leader threatens to get up at the crack of dawn and toss some lures at the ocean but for me, I pack up the chair, grab my collapsible rod, fishing tackle and 4 pieces of pichard and head to the beach for a try.

No joy at night, but there is always tomorrow.