Bashville in June

Arrived very successfully coming through 'crew' campground entry (point where all my volunteer shifts will be!). Travelled into volunteer section along Madigan Avenue, crossed over Mark Berry Road and ended up with our campsite between Madigan Av and Barnes Blvd beside Mark Berry Road. Not bad, not too far from closest toilet block (cnr Kelly Cres and Mark Berry Rd).
Settling into our campsite - awning out, long side wall in place and awning mat laid out etc. Lunch is sandwiches and cuppa made by Roger. After this we go for a stroll to check out the plaza area where vendors are....then end up at the Merchandise tent, and use the Vollie 'skip the queue' process that is only happening today. Roger doesn't feel the need to update anything - I decide to get a fleece blanket (throw size) and a 2024 hat pin $67 together. Quite warm and dusty this afternoon, so just relax in the shade of our van, reading, watching roll in and chatting with passers-by. Towards sunset we walk up Big Red and enjoy the views, then stroll back into the plaza area to get a photo with the new Big Bash statues 😍 Then we head back to camp for our tea. Perfect evening, calm and mild, enjoyed sitting out looking towards the stage area and listening to BashFM 99.9. Tea is reheated sausage casserole - no room for dessert tonight!
Well the rain arrived, heard it throughout the night, so Sunday morning get up to water/puddles laying everywhere, Brings back memories of last year - people walking around getting their footwear caked in sticky slippery clay...no vehicle movement allowed, only crew vehicles that have work to do.
We have a cook up breakie this morning, toast, tomato relish, shaved cheese with bacon and eggs, topped with chilli oil YUM. I go for a flounder in the mud (my poor Scalli boots- why didn't I know to bring rubber boots!!) as I do need to go to the loo...while out and about (and it's raining) I go to the Vol Hub and Event Control to check about my today's 2pm shift.....notice board in Vol Hub confirms that 10am Entry Point shifts were cancelled (as were previous 7am shifts - that was confirmed yesterday). Catherine (lady in charge) in Event Control tells me (now 10am) too early to tell about the 2pm shifts, I just need to listen to Bash radio and they'll make an announcement as to what is happening...on leaving to go back to camp I look over at Campground Entry where I'll be posted and see there is a Vollie Marshal there! Can't resist I slop on over, Tammy tells me Event Control has been in 2 minds about Campground Entry, one moment she's been told that even though 10am Entry points cancelled, Campground Entry will be exception....then once she'd gone to the shift, someone came over and told her that it's so quiet (no traffic movement) that she's not required, as Tammy's organising herself to leave - she gets a call on the 2 way that Campground Entry better continue for the day...oh well looks like I'm in for a very quiet shift this arvo!! Leave Tammy telling her I'll be back to relieve her at 2pm. Slow progress back to camp. Roger relaxing reading, I'll do similar. Listening to Bash FM now 11.15am and they've just announced that today''s 2pm volunteer shifts have been cancelled.....haha I've made my commitment to Tammy (volunteer Road Marshal) I'll go check what's happening for her at 2pm. Roger goes for a toilet break - so his turn at slush walking - when he returns he let's me know he went to Event Control and has confirmed Campground Entry and Main Entry are the 2 points that are still required to be 'manned'. I have a light lunch, yoghurt and pineapple, Roger makes up a sandwich. I get ready and head off for my 2nd volunteer shift. Takes a while to get there - mud and water! Take over from Tammy and start my shift by myself - soon joined by my co-worker (meant to work in pairs) Lizzie (Elizabeth age 71 travelling with her small dog Monty). We have a very quiet shift, but keep ourselves amused, chatting, tidying up our work tent, keeping outside fire going and generally socialising with anyone who was up for a chat! Weather was bleak, cool with scattered light showers, hopefully rain has stopped now...Shift meant to finish 6.30pm, but whoever rostered didn't show, replacements (husband & wife) arrive just before 7pm. Lizzie and I head across to Event Control to sign off then head back to our campsites. I have a horrid time getting back to my camp without a headtorch (have one but didn't take to shift), nearly lost my boots and footing a few times walking where it was deeper etc. Lovely to get back and Roger has another beaut meal ready, Chilli Con Carne on panfried pumpkin and potato. Dishes time, then relax snuggled in the caravan. Roger has a shower....thanks caravan!Читать далее