Phew, another terrifically hard day of doing zilch was ahead of us again today. We were so far behind the eight ball after a much needed sleep in, that we didn’t even sit down to breakfast until almost midday. Funnily enough, it was while we were eating breakfast, that we were discussing what we should do for lunch. Then, it wasn’t too long after that we were invaded.

Becs cousins kids were staying for the weekend, and they soon came knocking on the door to say G’day and play with the dogs. The oldest didn’t stay for long, but the young ball of energy wanted nothing more than to roll about with the dogs. I was a bit worried that Bethany, who usually doesn’t take to little people, especially girls, would become a bit savage, but I couldn’t have been further from the truth. Alvin was definitely his usual stand offish self, snorting his disapproval now and then. Bethany on the other hand had a grand time playing and lavishing the cuddles.

Bec got roped in once the dogs became a source of boredom, watching videos and playing tea parties or some such thing, as girls are want to do. I on the other hand surrounded myself in travel brochures, and inferred that I was much too busy for such activities. In actual fact, I was, having to do a bit of on the hop planning for our next series of destinations.

I found out today that one of the routes that I had planned on taking, between Atherton and Hughenden, is unsuitable for caravans, and the alternate route will add close to a days driving to our itinerary. Hell, we’re already looking at getting home late. I don’t know that we can afford a whole half a day extra.

So, out came all the books and guides, as I tried to work out a new itinerary around the northern most part of Queensland, which will keep us on track time wise, without the need to miss out on too many of the sights. The bed was soon covered in unfurled maps, spread eagled guide books and little bits of paper, all covered in scrawled notes. I may have worked through a few of the major issues that were facing us, but I still ended up with an almighty headache and there are still a couple of things I’m not too sure about. Stay tuned for more on this topic in the near future of course.

All the while, I was making sure to keep a close eye on Alvin, who really didn’t take to having a little princess swanning about in the caravan, although Bethany was lapping up all of the attention she could muster.

By the time we started to get dinner ready, Bec was frazzled. We’re not used to having kids about, especially one fuelled with such a high level of energy and stamina, and it was exhausting. I honestly don’t know how people do it full time, and I didn’t even do so much. Bec however went for a walks about the property to look at butterflies, bugs and frogs, pushed the billy cart around for a while, watched a movie and even made time to prepare the salads for the barbeque dinner that we’re having cooked for us tonight. What a trooper. Whilst Bec was about ready to crash, our little visitor was still happy to bounce about and keep Bethany enthralled. I was glad I’d entrenched myself in the travel planning, because I don’t think even I would have kept up. I was wearied purely from watching.

With dinner done, thanks so much to Becs cousin, we sat around chatting for ages, before calling it a night. It wasn’t too late a night, but considering we have to be up at a reasonable hour to get the whole shebang on the road again tomorrow, it was late enough.

While I think of it, I had an email enquiry the other day about the fifth wheelers we were looking at in Gympie. I may not have explained myself too well, as the question was, what is a fifth wheeler? In laymans terms, they’re a BBC or Bloody Big Caravan, towed behind a ute or small truck, using a hitch similar to that used on a truck and semi trailer combination. As a result of the hitch set up, they are a lot more stable to tow, and offer a lot more living space than a comparably sized regular caravan at a much higher price naturally enough.

Now that’s what I call a BBC!

And what about the interior?

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