Lee and Azzie - The Life I Want Tour: Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....

Lee and Azzie - The Life I Want Tour: Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....: Hello again.... Well it is almost Christmas, and therefore we are staying off the roads during this busy time. We have returned to Qld, th...

Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....

Hello again....

Well it is almost Christmas, and therefore we are staying off the roads during this busy time. We have returned to Qld, the place where Azzie was born and raised and an absolute beautiful part of Australia.

I have quite a lot of preparations to do for items to be sold and the profits to go towards our fundraising goal. The life we have chosen is such a rewarding one. On a personal level, I am in a happy place for the first time in years. In fact, at times I can't believe how totally relaxing and wonderful it is. I am so fortunate to be able to do this, and so glad I made the decision.

The last few weeks have been so fullfilling, just getting into the swing of life on the road. In fact, now that the festive season is upon us, I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.

I am finding that old mindsets and habits are fading away, the feelings of being 'stuck' in a rut or bogged in routine have gone, even though I have new routines now. It is quite amazing how we can become slotted into the fabric of the societies we live in, and the opinions and views of 'the masses' overtake our innermost desires. I do not miss this at all.

Having the focus of finding a cure for brain cancer keeps it always in my mind. I take the opportunity to discuss it at every opportunity. However, the time I have taken to 'get used' to our new life and also the festive season has taken me off the front line, so to speak. This does not mean I am abandoning our goals, but rather am gathering strength.

In the New Year we will be revealing exactly how we will be reigniting our fundraising goals. But until then, I want to add an incredible example of what can be achieved towards this goal...

Please watch this video...

An amazing example of generosity towards finding a cure and funding research....

Until our next post...

Azzie and I wish you  a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year...filled with laughter, love and joy xxxxx

( our xmas tree xxx )

Day 57 - Urunga NSW - 8/12/2017....with reviews of our stopovers since our last post...

Hello from Urunga. It has been almost a fortnight since our last post because we have been free camping and out of internet service in places.

I must say that I personally am starting to adore this way of life. A sense of freedom has overtaken me. This has been enhanced by my decision to take a few weeks off from fundraising and just 'being' in the moment, and may I say there have been some fun moments.

I will list our stopover places in a timeline since our last post...

After leaving Red Head, we travelled to Wingham. We spent three nights there free camping on the river. It was a lovely place, although some of the locals were a tad 'out there'. As I was reversing the van into it's position, another camper decided to 'try' and guide me. I appreciate the efforts but all he did was confuse me with his somewhat garbled directions. Needless to say I levelled and parked in a corner with temperate rainforest on two sides.

During our time there, I walked through the town and also successfully tried fishing. I caught a flathead, legal size and it was delicious. It seems I was the first person to actually catch anything for over a week....yayyy me.

Photos of Wingham:

Next stop Coopernook Hotel:

Two nights here were lovely, despite being lead into a deadend by "dora the explorer" (satnav) on the way. I am so proud that I was able to turn the rig around successfully lol.

This is a free camp as well behind a lovely old pub on the edge of a river. 

From here we went to Wauchope and stayed for a couple of nights and then to Frederickton Golf Club, where we were the only van on the place. Sadly the restaurant wasn't open on the Sunday night we were there so I popped into the clubhouse and bought a couple of 'chardy's'...was a quiet stpot and again free.

Lastly we arrived at a farm stay which I discovered online almost 9 months ago. Located at Eungai Rail, Madrigal Farm was a pure delight. They only take two vans or campers at a time, I arrived early and took advantage of power for the three nights we were there. Peaceful, serene and surrounded by native bushland and wildlife. The livestock on the farmlet kept me thoroughly amused, especially the chickens as you will see in the following photos and videos...

If you would like to view more videos and photos of our travels, please visit our Facebook Page where daily updates can be found. 

Until our next Blogger entry, tatahh for now. And thank you all for reading.. :) 

Day 44 - Red Head Beach NSW...25/11/2017.

Well we have two more nights here and then we are travelling again. Had to visit a GP for some treatment so stayed an extra few nights to rest up. It was well worth it.

I have been waiting for some creative inspiration or urge since I left. Last night it happened. I have collected hundreds of shells and bits and bobs on my beach walks and although the possibilities are endless for how they can be used, I needed something different. So I shall combine my love of words, and these jewels of nature. So far the planning stage is complete, but I shall begin to put it all together in a couple of weeks when I am settled for a while.

These gems of the sea will be made into quirky items to be sold along the way at markets etc, and profits from these will go towards my Cure Brain Cancer total. I shall also be dying clothing, towels etc to sell as well. November has been a 'holiday' time for me, and I am glad I made the decision to do this. I have needed it.

My fishing attempts have been put on the back burner as I need to rest and recover a tad. But I will eventually wet a line somewhere again.

Just a reminder that donations can be made towards my fundraising goal at the following link:

SPONSOR US HERE!!

Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and a receipt for your donation will be issued via email. Thank you to those who have already contributed.

So until our next entry...

Love and Best Wishes from Lee & Azzie 😍😍

Day 41 - Black Head Beach NSW....just north of Tuncurry/Forster - 22/11/2017

Well hello everyone.

Yes it has been a while since my last entry. That is because I have either been free camping and/or didn't have phone service for a mobile hotspot.

In any case we are both still alive and enjoying our trip. I made the decision after the Centennial Park W4BC event that I would spend November in holiday mode and I am so glad I did. I have 'tootled' along in the van from various free camps to here in a tourist park. The reason I hook into van parks is to do the washing and also utilise their power rather than rely totally on my own resources. Another advantage is the security and ability to go and do some shopping as well.

Now to fill in the gap since my last entry.

On Wednesday the 8th November, I decided to have lunch with several other women who travel alone around Australia. The group is known as the Rolling Solo's. The lunch was held at Blacktown, only a 25 minute drive for me and after spending time with these lovely ladies, I felt even more empowered and pleased with my decision to travel. I look forward to having more meetings with members of this group in the months to come.

After we left Pitt Town we journeyed up to Buladelah. It was a free camping spot on the river. I met some interesting people there and also some of the wild life. A Red Belly Black snake decided to slither into the grass near my van on our second last day there..(spent the day indoors lollll).

Then moved onto Booti Booti....our first beach stop....just loved it....now we are at Black Head Point...north of Tuncurry.

There is something about the ocean that brings me peace. LOVING ITTTTT!!!!

If you would like to see more images/photos/videos...

visit us on Facebook via: https://www.facebook.com/thelifeiwanttour/
or... https://www.facebook.com/lee.condon.10

Our fundraising so far is $961....not bad for a nobody and her cat.....plus I also raised $160 for the walk in Centennial Park......but I have 18 months now to hit my target of $20000.00.....and once December starts, I will be out there spreading the word. But for now, I need a quiet time to knock a chest infection on the head and make my way up to the Gold Coast.

Until next time....take care of you all and your loved ones xxxxx

Love Lee & Azzie

Melbourne Cup Day 2017...Still at Pitt Town...07/11/2017

Hello from Pitt Town....

I made the decision that we would stay here for an extra few days. Given the crazy weather that hit the place I was planning to travel to yesterday...it was a wise choice.

Today, Tuesday the 7th November, being Melbourne Cup Day, I decided to hit the local club for the main event. I arrived at the Lynwood Country Club at 1.40pm...10 minutes prior to Race 4, which had a horse in it that someone I know owns. It ran third and I won on it, plus during the 10 mins prior to the race, I won on a poker machine yayyyy.

I hung around the club till after the Cup run, and between keno, horses and pokies I walked out $1000 up. Woohoo for me.

Apart from the obvious high points of the day, I also felt the pangs of distance. Habits are so hard to break. I missed talking to the usual people about the wins etc. It is okay though. This is what my journey is for, to make a new life for me and of course for the Queen...Azzie lol.

Of all my Melbourne Cup days.....today was the most successful financially, this is amazing given the emotional pulls. It is al okay. Life goes on, and moves and changes for all of us. Change is always uncomfortable..but I actually welcome it.

Given my luck, I also made the choice to donate 10% of my winnings towards Cure Brain Cancer, this brings my total up to almost $1000!!!

So hooroo for now. We are ready for dinner and sleep.

We  hope you all had a lucky day too xxx

Day 22 - W4BC event Centennial Park Sydney 5/11/2017

Hello all, today I participated in my very first Walk for Brain Cancer event.

I stood there surrounded by over a thousand strangers, and yet felt like I belonged as we were all there for the same reason.

I had considered bringing Azzie along, but the fact that is was drizzly rain, big crowds and dogs made me realise she would not have enjoyed it. I did however dress her in a bandana when I got home to our caravan.

The first thing I did when I arrived at the starting point was find Chris Hicks. This man is responsible for my official fund raising status. What a lovely young man he is, with a gorgeous beaming smile. I also met many others who work for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and to put faces to the names of those I have been in contact with via phone and email was a true pleasure.

I also managed to meet Johnny Ruffo, who is travelling his own personal journey with brain cancer. May I say, I watched the Australian Idol series which he competed in, and as an ex vocalist was very chuffed for the opportunity.

I also had a lovely conversation with Alex Cullen, who was the MC for the event. He is currently facing and dealing with the reality of his Dad having the same type of tumor that my own Father did. His words during the opening ceremony were so moving, yep brought me to tears.

The walk was fantastic, despite the fact that my stupid left leg gave out around the 4km mark...but I kept going. I am so proud to have been part of this, and am determined to attend even more events.

This cause is so important. So many people are affected by this insidious disease which does not discriminate who it attacks. No matter the gender, age or lifestyle, brain cancer can strike. We need to keep the funding going to find a cure, successful treatments and predictors so that generations to come do not have to suffer.

I  would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far, and ask that you spread the word. I am only a few weeks into my fundraising tour and already have had an amazing response. My goal is $20k, and I am determined to make it.

I am adding a link to my official fundraising page, and remember, all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. You will be issued with a receipt upon your donation. Please spread the word and help the cause.

https://www.curebraincancer.org.au/my-fundraising/10412/www.thelifeiwant.online

 Here are some photos and videos of today's events. :)

Video 1 of today's W4BC event

Video 2 of today's W4BC event

Thank you all for following our journey,

Lee & Azzie xxx

Day 21 - Moss Vale NSW - 03/11/2017

I am settled into the park at Moss Vale for tonight. It has been an interesting few days on the road. I have met still more amazing country people and have a list of camps worth stopping at between here and QLD.

After leaving Urana, I stayed one night at Boree Creek in the free camp behind the pub. Fantastic place, I was the only one there. It was Pizza night at the pub so I scoffed a supreme and several wines while chatting to the locals. I can thoroughly recommend this place and will stop in again when I am back down that way.

Junee was my next stopover. Again I was the only camper at the free camp at the golf club. It was quiet and I took time to go and visit the Chocolate & Licorice Factory (yummmm) and also the museum. Both are definitely worth a visit should you be in the area.

From there I went through Gundagai and onto the Hume. Two lanes thankfully, as I steadfastly drive the speed I feel comfy with given the conditions. Was an okay trip and I stopped the next night at Gunning. Now this is a pretty little spot on the map. Population of 1000, and a fantastic free camp near the hotel. Toilets and hot showers. By 8.00pm it was totally full of other campers.

Azzie has had another total 'cat' day, meaning she wouldn't look at me, talk to me, come near me lol. She doesn't like single night stops. Our 6 night stay at Urana spoiled her for regular travel, and if I must admit me too. Normally as I drive I will chat to her and she will offer various meows in reply. However, for the entire 220km trip to Gunning, she didn't make a sound. Nor would she look at me. I really knew she was NOT happy.

As always food will sort her out, plus snuggles when it is bed time. She finally dropped the 'you bitch' attitude and we had a good nights sleep. Today she was the opposite, about 40kms into our 115km trip she started vocalising. It may have been because the car and van was being buffeted quite a lot from the frightfully strong crosswinds. The car and van handled it well but it still makes for uncomfortable driving.

Tomorrow is supposed to be wet, so again it will be a slow and steady pace for us as we make our entry into the Sydney area. Already I am missing the country life, and sparse traffic. However, it will be worth it when I participate in the Walk for a Cure for Brain Cancer event at Centennial Park on Sunday.

JUNEE PHOTOS:

GUNNING PHOTOS:

Day 12 - Urana NSW....25/10/2017

Well we have just spent a lovely few days at Tungamah. It has taken me all this time to be able to say and spell the name right as my silly brain kept throwing in Tumbulgum/tumbarumbah and god knows what into the mix lol.

I camped at the Lions Park along the Broken River. It was so quiet and so picturesque. I nabbed a position right on the edge of the water, perfect for fishing....or so I thought lol. The only thing I caught whilst there was a turtle...and about 5 large mozzie bites haha. The closest I came to an actual fish was after packing up the fishing gear and watching a 25-30cm perch jump out of the water RIGHT OUTSIDE THE VAN...ffsk...damn fish hahaha.

I was amazed at the bird life there. There were a family of Kingfishers nesting in the tree above me...and ducks, and hawks, and finches and sulfur crested cockatoos and kookaburras. I need a decent camera methinks as the phone just could not zoom into the available shots of these gorgeous creatures.

I spoke with a couple who were also camped there but further up the river. They were from Tasmania, and amazingly the wife grew up in...HAMILTON..wow and was related to the Neylons there, some of whom I know. Wow the world is small at times.

The last morning while walking Azzie, I noticed that two welds under the van along the metal strapping under the draw bar had given way. OMG I thought...what the hell will I do here? So I packed it all up and decided to visit the local and only garage. The lovely couple there who own and run it were so helpful I sipped on hot coffee while the welding was done, and even more surprisingly, when I asked how much I owed....they said nothing. I simply couldn't believe it. No I declared at least take $50...but no they insisted and then suggested I donate the $50 towards my fundraising towards finding a cure for brain cancer. So I did.

I have placed a sticker on the back of the van to promote them, and shall be sharing my great experience with every blog, Facebook page, app etc that I can.

Our next stop was Urana in NSW. I had read via WIKI-CAMPS that the caravan park there was a good one. Well let me say that 'good' is an understatement. There is a lovely young couple who have only recently taken over and they are awesome. The park is clean, neat and welcoming. I have never experienced a place quite like it. If you are travelling and need a place to stay in the area, I can thoroughly recommend it. In fact, I have decided to stay an extra couple of days. It is too good to just skip over.

So the last few days, although being out of phone/internet service, have been very eventful. I have experienced the kindness and friendliness of country people in Australia and may I say it is very rewarding. It kind of restores the faith of humanity.

https://youtu.be/unCn-puqZ2A

Day 9 - Last night at Lockington 22/10/2017

Have had a lovely few days here. This morning drove up to Echuca/Moama and wandered around the Sunday Markets. Wow there were heaps of people there and the roads were jam packed with traffic.

I stopped at Cheap As Chips in Echuca, which is conveniently located next door to Dan Murphy's lol.
A couple of mats were required, one for outside the van and one for just inside the door. I also stocked the wine levels up...have to maintain happy hour status lol.

Azzie has enjoyed our time here too, and last night I finally saw what the hell she has been staring at the house over the road for during our stay here..a black cat. She has insisted on sitting on the step for an hour every night, not walking but just sitting there. She has had a few wanders around the caravan and in the adjoining park and playground but not as curious as she has been in earlier places we have stayed. Possibly due to the many dogs that are wandering about.

Helen's Takeaway here in town is just over the road, and may I say, the hamburger with the lot was awesome....actually couldn't eat it all. They also do a mean pizza and fish and chips...so no, not much cooking by me lately haha.

I have regained my enjoyment of reading, which is something I have not done for years. Strange really considering I was a prolific reader earlier in my life. It is all part of slowing things down and living in the moment I reckon. I also pampered myself today as well, facial, mask, pedicure sigh...life is good.

I am not sure when my next blog entry will be as I will be free camping for a few days. So stay tuned for that...however, I can highly recommend this park for all travellers :)

Day 7 - Lockington VIC 20/10/2017

Hello from Lockington. It is a quaint little place with an IGA supermarket/hardware store, a petrol station of sorts, a take away food shop that looks to do a roaring trade and a cafe. There is a hotel but it looks to be closed.

I am at the Lions Park and was welcomed by the lovely Dorothy. She is an animal lover and was quite excited to hear that I was bringing Azzie. However, The Queen Azz has decided to crack the shits today. And does not want to be sociable with anyone lol. She is currently buried under and behind the pillows on the bed haha.

My last two days in Bendigo were great, especially as I caught up with an old friend who is such an inspiration to not only me but all who come into contact with her. She fosters teenagers and has done for 10 years. So far 97 young people have benefited from her amazing ability to encourage others to grow. We had a nice lunch in the mall and all too soon two hours had passed.

I hitched the van up this morning, much to Azzie's annoyance lol, not that she is a problem in the car, she travels very well. The ESC seemed to be working too so that is a good thing. I checked all the tyre pressures before I left and all seem ok. I decided to only travel about 90kms to the next spot being Lockington. I am still tired and adjusting to the new life and was amused that the Sat Nav in the car took me along not so busy roads. I arrived here at about 11.30am and soon met up with Dorothy. She was very generous and gave me a $20 donation for Cure Brain Cancer and then wandered over later in the arvo with the remains of a BBQ Chook for Azzie. Madam will love that for dinner :)

As I am only 35kms from the Murray I might take Azzie and find a spot to fish tomorrow. Will see what the day brings.

There are only about 3 other campers here, and even if all the bays are full it only holds about 8 in total. At only $15 per night for power, water and hot showers and a camp kitchen, and dump point, it is great value.

So until the next entry, taa taa for now :)

Hitched up ready to leave Bendigo

A Line Tourist Park Big Hill, Bendigo

Travellers Rest Lockington

The Queen Azzie found her spot to settle.

Day 5 - Bendigo 18/10/2017

Well today threw me a tad....I am not sure but I believe my driving a small way without the Hayman Reese bars attached threw out the ESC on the van. I visited a mate in Creswick late morning and then put the bars on....however, quickly realised within a few Km's that the ESC wasn't working properly. So as I tentatively progressed I brainstormed the possible reasons..and suddenly thought ohh....what if I stop disconnect it all and re do the lot...sort of a reset.

It sort of worked but my nerve had dissipated somewhat lol. So I snaked through Daylesford and Hepburn Springs...and then hit the main highway to Bendigo....too sketchy to do more than 80kms per hour. Hahaha....sorry all those that got stuck behind me. Luckily I only had to travel 75kms to my stop for 2 nights. The A Line Holiday Park just south of Bendigo. I was so jittery and tired that I managed to convince the very nice man Dwayne to back the van into the site for me. I actually reversed it out of the Creswick site with ease, but my nerves were shattered during the ensuing trip. Yep I am a newbie and I will always choose caution hahaha.

The park here is lovely, and the people friendly. I have opted for an ensuited site so have my own personal bathroom. This is a luxury I cannot get used to but as it is still early days and I am still working out the teething problems I reckon I deserve a treat hahah. I set the van up and then went to Kangaroo Flat Shopping Centre to buy some supplies. I also went to the HUGE Pet store and bought the Queen Azzie a scratching pad thingy....It is supposed to be assembled as a free-standing unit....but I used a part of it to attach to one of the cupboard doors in the van for a permanent feature so that she will us it instead of the upholstery lol.

It is so humid and hot tonight with no breeze so the aircon had a run....but the cat is out cold on her seat here. I am here for two nights and will get onto a friend later to see if she can catch up with me tomorrow.

I am so tired and suddenly aware of my huge decision to do this trip....I knew this feeling would come and it is no less than I imagined. I am so proud of myself for recognising the emotional tugs and pushes...and will not let it beat me....it may slow me down...but I will not stop!!

Tomorrow shall be checking the tyre pressures as this may have contributed to the less than stable trip too. If all else fails....I will give the guys who fitted it all a call.

Day 4 - Creswick 17/10/2017

Wow, well this is nothing if not a learning curve lol.

So yesterday I free camped at a lovely river side camping ground in Avoca. I opted travelling via my favorite place in Victoria, Halls Gap in the Grampians. It was a great choice as there was not much traffic between Cavendish and Ararat, where I stopped to have a second key made for the Pajero. Once that was completed, I then traveled onto Avoca and picked out a nice level bit of ground. It was quite warm so once the van was set I thought I would drop down the awning. Therein was the problem. One of the nuts was cross-threaded and it would not budge. I remember the fellow who completed my handover when I bought the van had trouble with it and as I hadn't tried it thus far...I was buggered.

After much swearing and frustration, I put Azzie in the stinking hot van and jumped in the car to find some cold water for us both. By the time I got back I realised that the other few people in the reserve had left and I was the only one there. This presented me with a couple of considerations....one being I wasn't in the shade and needed to move the van, and the other, me alone all night...I needed to hook the van on and leave it like that all night.

So, despite my fatigue, I hooked it up and moved to a shady spot in a position to capture as much breeze as possible. Once satisfied with my second position, I then thought ...I need a drink lol. Fortunately a group of locals had gathered for a Tai-Chi class, so I wandered past them and asked if they could keep and eye out on my van while I walked to the nearest (and only open) pub.

I was hot, sweaty and irritated at the non usage of the awning. So I decided then and there to travel the 45 minutes back to Ballarat to where I bought the van from.

Azzie went for a lovely walk when it was dark (this is her favorite time, well she is a cat and they do hunt at night if let out). I then suddenly realised I had no hot water, and that I hadn't actually tried to use hot water in the previous days. I dragged out the AVAN pouch containing all the relevant paperwork for all the appliances and decided to leave it rather than stuff around with the gas while the car was attached. This too would be rectified the next day at Ballarat.

So today I arrived at Jayco Ballarat at around lunchtime. They remembered me and were more than happy to help me out. So in the space of 20 minutes everything was sorted. Yayyyy. I then drove over to my friend Jenny's place and spent a few hours chatting and catching up with her. I decided to spend the night at Creswick with power to recool the fridge as I had stupidly put it on the wrong setting the previous day and so no refrigeration...doh me. (lesson one lolll)

I arrived at the park at Creswick and it is so quiet and clean. Very impressed with it. Lesson two was when I successfully used the ramps on one side of the van to level it....and then promptly realised I had forgotten to chock the opposite side when the van rolled forward once I took it off the towball....lol. Wow I will not be doing that again hahaha.

I pulled down the awning, turned everything on and am now about to hit the laundry and showers. I am stuffed from the days adventures. Too tired to attend a lovely picnic with some friends here, but that is okay as I will probably be winding my way back through this area in a couple of months, so will catch up then.

So that is the latest update from Lee and Azzie's crazy adventure.

old train set in a shop window in Avoca

Avoca Second spot lol

Creswick site 

Someone is tired...she has been sooo good !!

Day 2, still at Cavendish - 15/10/2017

It is a gorgeous day here today. Blue skies and all the other campers have left so it is only me at this stage (2.30pm). I drove to the local store and grabbed a paper, a delicious sausage roll and yes some ciggies. I plan to give up but as I am still adjusting to the 'new gypsy life' I am still puffing away. (yes I know this is an excuse but the cost of them cannot be sustained)

I set up the comfy chair outside this morning after my shower, and also the cat's outdoor pen. Azzie however was not impressed. She is a real cat and prefers outdoor activities at night. She put up with the pen for about half an hour but then started vocalizing her dissatisfaction with it lol....so I let her back into the van.

I have now finally put all my clothes away and found 'homes' for everything else in the van. My back is still a tad sore and my energy levels have fallen so this arvo will be spent resting again. This is the joy of my new life...I only have to do what I need to do and then...pfft can relax anyway I want.

I had planned to try my luck fishing, but seriously, cannot wrangle the energy to walk down to the river yet. Maybe later on today, and if not...that is quite okay by me.

I opened my card from a friend in Hamilton who I only recently found a connection with. Totally unexpected but if I was to try and describe it...it would be a lightning bolt moment for both of us. To put it another way, I shall quote ( maybe not word for word but...) my favorite author, Stephen King, from one of his books..."we approached each other and immediately recognised our similarities." I wish I had of gotten to know her before I did, but then again, it would never have been possible up until that moment, as previously life wouldn't have allowed it. Absolute serendipity methinks!

I shall take some photos to accompany this entry later on today....and if the mood hits....add some more words.

Day 2 is pretty darn good :)

...I went for a walk along the river...sooo beautiful...the sounds of the bush are interrupted only by the continuous whirring of a pump that fills the damn by the oval. Azzie opted for the usual afternoon sleep and is still snoring away lol.

afternoon snoozes

down to the river...

there has to be fish here...

and here too

the sheep are actually standing in the water lol

Day 1: Cavendish VIC-14/10/2017

After a frantic two days finishing up at my old house in Hamilton, I decided to only travel a short distance to Cavendish.  The physical and mental efforts of donating furniture, selling household items, cleaning the house and saying goodbye to everyone took its toll, and my poor old back was screaming by Friday afternoon.

Azzie was so good in the car and only meowed for a short time, which is very different to every other time she has traveled with me. Perhaps she sensed my calm or maybe it was the smaller carry cage I decided to use. Cats like to feel enclosed when strange things are happening.  I drove out to Tarrington, 11kms from Hamilton, where my van had been parked at Rob and Di Barker’s property. They are the loveliest people and I will miss them greatly.

I hooked up the caravan, and then we were off. The drive to Cavendish was filled with many different emotions. Excitement as our journey was beginning, sadness at leaving behind great friends, amazement because we were finally on our way and impatience to finally set up the van so I could rest. I was exhausted.

Upon entering the camping area there was only one other occupant. Great, I thought, it will be quiet. I picked out site #2 and parked the van. As I was unhitching the car, the caretaker Steve came over and introduced himself. He is such a nice friendly bloke and he explained all the amenities and local area completely. As I opted for a powered site for three nights, the total fee was $45, which I think is very reasonable. 

Once the van was levelled and stable, I put Azzie inside. She spent a good half hour sniffing all over it and demanding to look inside every cupboard. I am sure if she was able to she would be contacting the Avan builders questioning why she cannot just pull open the cupboard doors like she used to at home

.

The first half an hour was spent searching for the pain killers to ease the scorching sciatica that had set in and I washed them down with a glass of my favorite chardonnay, The Drives. I was totally spent.  Rather than unpack and sort things, I opted for a hot shower and then early night. I slept like a baby until about 5.30am when a flock of screeching cockatoos infiltrated the trees surrounding us. Poor Azzie didn’t know what they were and was quite upset by them. However, once daylight hit I opened up the blinds and she could finally see what the hell was making all the noise.

My back really needed rest, so after a mandatory coffee I popped my favorite DVD into the TV and laid back relaxing watching Disc 1 of the complete series of Seinfeld. I must admit that today has been a very lazy one, but I don’t care. I have pottered about and found homes for things and now as I write this my first entry, I feel at peace.