Leongatha

Our first opportunity to take our new caravan for a trip away. Have been having a few things not quite right in it so have already taken it back to the factory twice. Unfortunately we discovered another issue so this time we will be dropping it off at the factory on Sunday on our way home. We are in a campground which is only an hour or so from the factory so at least it's not a special trip. We also can try out all the caravan features and add any problems to the list of warranty repairs. So far we have no extras which we are pleased about as we do love our van.

We picked up the caravan from Gareth's and Jess' house as they are storing it for us then headed away and arrived at Leongatha just after the local Anzac parade had finished. The Australians do Anzac Day remembrance really well. Lots of local dawn parades and usually another later in the morning to catch the late risers. Parked up the caravan at a very small camp where the new owners have just moved from Brisbane to buy the business. A walk into the town for supplies ( coffee and milkshake) and a look around the closed shops being a public holiday. A typical small Australian town feeding the surrounding area. Friendly, a couple of pubs and an RSL. Found some local wine to try for dinner and then back to the caravan to try our first meal in our portable home.

Friday after Anzac Day was actually a work day for us both so we studiously set up our laptops and started work at 7.30am. Was a very productive day for both of us work wise. The weather helped as a large storm hit for most of the day with gales and sideways rain and very cold. No incentive to leave the warmth of our space. Had a break about 1pm for a quick trip to Vinnies thrift shop for a new book and browse. After work we drove all of 500 metres to the RSL for dinner. Rain was still coming down. Not like us to drive but it was miserable.

Saturdays weather wasn't any warmer but less rain and wind. A walk into town as it was open. We tend to support the local businesses so came back to the caravan with coffee, cake, a large mat for the caravan, and a couple of books from Vinnies ( again). Then we braved the weather and got on our bikes and headed out along the Great Southern Rail Trail to Koonwarra. Mostly downhill on the way so uphill home. Was really cold and windy so not the most enjoyable ride. Better weather would make this a great ride as the trail is well maintained.

On Sunday we woke to thick misty rain so wasn't much fun packing up the caravan. But as we left the campground the sun shone. A short drive to Wonthaggi to grab lunch which we ate at Kilcunda which is on the Bass Coast. The gusty crosswinds tested the caravan and driver as squalls of rain came off the sea. Swung by Pakenham to drop the caravan back to the factory for its final fix ( hopefully) then home before 5pm to prepare for the work week ahead.Read more