up, up and away

We are finally underway on adventure # 3. The truck has not been repaired because as usual Avida (Winnebago) let the team down. Parts were ordered (and paid for) by the repairers a week or so before we took it to them. Two weeks after dropping it off the parts still hadn’t arrived. Couldn’t wait any longer. Had the repairer make safe and away we go. The repairs will now have to wait until we return.

Night before departure (Wednesday) and Ben and Megan with 3 gorgeous little  rug rats finally appear to camp out in the driveway. Then Thursday morning Anne and Alex arrive just as we are packing the last bits into the truck. Ben et al depart and Robbos book in to caravan park where we will be in Melbourne for next few days. They’re down for granddaughters wedding  on Sunday May 3 whilst we are down at this time for niece Madelaines wedding on Saturday 2nd May. Alex and I get to go to club meeting on Friday.

The “maddyanguswedding” on Saturday was terrific. Ceremony in Melbourne Town Hall an historical treat. Reception at south wharf a delight. And Maddy and Angus were sublime. Altogether a great event and I’m still loving the lolly bar. Sorry no photos – dumbass left the cameras back at base camp and forgot the phone takes photos as well.

Sunday found me struggling to put names to faces at a 50 year luncheon at the old school. Actually 52 years after leaving the school I was presented with my 50 year leavers badge. A wonderful re-union with an awful lot of people with whom I went to school and a great luncheon into the bargain. Then off to the Van O’s for a farewell dinner with Bib and Gerry and Bob and Glenys (thanks guys).

Monday had us in a shitty old Rodeo ute (sorry Pete) whilst the Suzi and the Winnie were serviced. Up to Healesville to get an update on the Fergusson cottage, lunch with the Fergs and then back to pay the bills on service and two front tyres on the truck. There went over 2K !!!!!! – no lunches for a lot of days or a lot of free camps to pick that back up again. Catch up with Mags and sister Helen for din dins.

We’d planned to head to Swan Hill on Tuesday to see bro. Graeme for what was expected to be a last time but unfortunately his illness got the better of him on Friday 1st May so we delayed to arrive in time for a funeral on Thursday. A very fitting and honourable end to a lovable larrikins life. Dianne and Craig and the grandchildren did a wonderful job and bro. Ian highlighted some  tales of Graemes’ early life. Headed off after the funeral for Adelaide to meet our newest entry into family life……..

no not Gramma, the little one – Edith Natalie Monk-Payne. Born to Justin and Jane on 3 April 2015, grandchild number 5 to Anne and Quentin and Barry and Judy. Wow, never thought it would happen.

Now in Adelaide for a few days visiting.