We breakfasted at the Coffee Club over the
road from the hotel before checking out and getting a taxi to Cheppa Campervans
out in the suburbs. It was finally our turn to be served and when it came time
to check out the campers, we found a few little issues that needed to be
addressed, like a number plate that was about to fall off, a gas bottle missing
as was the handle for the stabiliser leg. To top it off R&K’s vehicle
needed 2 new tyres so as not to be outdone I told them that our tyres had even
less tread so we needed 4 new ones. Of course all this led to inevitable delays
and we finally got to a supermarket to get provisions at lunch time. Despite
the problems with the vehicles they are very well laid out with plenty of
storage room, spacious interior for its size, and a large comfortable bed. It
even comes with 3 cookers – internal meths, external gas and portable gas
cylinder. By the time lunch was over with and provisions made we hit the road
at around 2:30 in the afternoon! Day one and we were behind schedule already.
But that said we are on holiday. Heading north along the Great Northern Highway
through farmland and small townships we stopped at a nice little camping ground
in Moora. On the way we passed through one interesting spot near Bindoon – a
rather large and imposing Monastery complex although we did not stop for a good
look as time was against us. This Monastery was built using 8-16 year old boy’s
labour. The boys were part of the child resettlements from England to Australia
that occurred from the late 1800’s up to 1970. The children were taken from
poor English families and in some cases the parents were told the child had
died or were adopted out in England. On the other hand, the child was told
their mother or parents had died. Up to 150,000 children were affected. An
incredible story well worth a read – “Empty Cradles” by Margaret Humphreys or
watch the film “Oranges and Sunshine”.
We have adopted the same pattern as our last
trip. Each vehicle takes turn about to lead and each person drives 2 days on 2
days off. This gives a 4 day cycle – lead driver, following driver, navigator
(lead passenger), rest (following passenger).
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