Four days since we departed and we are yet to actually partake in any endeavor that may be considered touristy. Being that Sydney wasn’t originally a planned stop for us, today is also not going to set the world alight for excitement. The only reason for which we have stopped at all, is because it is only a matter of minutes down the road from where I bought ‘The Beast’. It was thus that we decided to stop in and say “G’day” to John and Ben at Trucks ‘N’ Toys. At the same time, I figured I’d get them to give ‘The Beast’ a quick check over, as well as pick up a few filters, spare belts and other spare parts that we might need for the remainder of the trip. I’m expecting to need at least a couple of complete services before we get home, so may as well get the bits now, rather than try and source them in the middle of the outback.

So with the alarm set for 8:00AM, I left Bec and the dogs sleeping, and headed off to the nearby workshop. I had originally planned to drop ‘The Beast’ off, then ride the 10Km or so back to the van on the pushbike. It was a great plan, that unraveled when Ben offered me the use of an old work ute. I weighed up my options and decided there is plenty of time yet for me to get back in the saddle of the bike.

Once I was back at the van, we decided to spend the day relaxing and doing not too much. Having had such beautiful weather yesterday, we had been hoping to pull out the awning and kick back in the sun outside. The weather turned for the worst however, and whilst we didn’t get anymore of the rain that had teemed down overnight, it was decidedly cool and rather blustery. Instead, we started the morning with a leisurely breakfast indoors, before pulling out the planning literature, computer and itinerary. We massaged the itinerary a little to change a few things around over the next week or so. This will give us a few shorter days on the road and a little more rest time as well. That said we are still due to hit the road again tomorrow, but only for a couple of hours.

With the itinerary re-written, Bec lay for an afternoon nap. She didn’t sleep so well last night, with her neck giving her a few issues. This saw her walking around all day with her head on a permanent tilt.

A bit after 1:00PM I got the call that ‘The Beast’ had been declared to be in excellent health and was eagerly anticipating my arrival to collect it. I spent a little time while at the workshop, admiring a couple of the other trucks there that are in the midst of being converted. I wonder what Bec would say if I took one home for her? Actually, no, I won’t even ponder it, because my life wouldn’t be worth living. That said, I did pick up a few ideas for some modifications I wouldn’t mind investigating when we get home.

I am still amazed at the work that these guys put into each and every one of these trucks, and speaking to John you get a real understanding of the passion that is involved. He was as excited to see ‘The Beast’ and the modifications I’ve made to it since we last since drove out his gates, as any father would be of re-acquainting himself with a long lost first born. It was this passion that stood out initially and truly helped make my decision to buy ‘The Beast’ from these guys an easy one.

Back in my trusty steed, I picked Bec and the babies up, and we all went out for a spot of shopping. After nearly burning my arm off taking a mug (which we now know is not safe for microwave usage) out of the microwave the other day, we figured it would be an easy undertaking to purchase a mug that is safe. Naturally, it didn’t turn out to be such a simple task, but after a couple of hours running around a massive shopping center, we managed to find one that ought to be up to the job. By this stage Bec had about had enough, as her neck was giving her buggery. At least the dogs got a chance to try out their mobile dog kennel, sitting comfortably in the rear of ‘The Beast’ while we went on our shopping expedition.

We were on the way back to the van, when Bec decided that her neck was in dire need of an adjustment. So in a mad flurry of phone calls, barely an hour before I would assume most practitioners would be closing up for the weekend, we managed to find a near by osteopath that agreed to see her at such short notice. The treatment was just what the doctor ordered so to speak, with her neck just about back to normal, so that her head is now only on a semi-tilt. We will be keeping a close eye on it, in case she needs a bit more of an adjustment in the coming days.

Finally back at the van for the evening, Alvin obediently strolled from the car to the van. Buoyed by his obedience, Bethany was up next and immediately made a furious dash for freedom. A quick sprint under the van, and she was off, exploring the next two caravans. We finally caught up with the rotten little scallywag just as she was making eyes at an inviting hole in the park fence, thankfully wrangling her back into the van. She really doesn’t like this whole notion of being cooped up all day. We are going to have to make a concerted effort to get them out and about a bit more. She will go stir crazy otherwise.

As I write this, our hopefully delicious roast dinner is almost ready to be taken out of the oven, so I’m going to keep it short, bid you all good night and with any luck, participate in some touristy activities tomorrow, upon which I can report.

The blog comes together, with a little help from Bethany.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun and don’t forget to write.