So the first few days did not go exactly as planned. First stop Robinvale, Victoria. Lovely spot by the river, if we still had the boat and were off on an Easter jaunt with the Cooks and Rouda's it would probably have been fun.
Problem:
1. It is school holidays! Did we not consider this at any stage....no.
2. A CMCA gathering had just taken over Robinvale during the previous week - apparently up to 1000 motorhomes on show with a significant number still left behind.
3. We had just got to set up chairs, sit down to a wine and relax and it started to rain. It didn't stop for the next 3 days.
4. Next morning set to run out fast, bus wouldn't start (never done this before). Dirty solenoid apparently.
5. Where we are parked we appear to be on full show to the whole park - we have been getting to used to people admiring Jaws fabulous art but it felt a bit full on here....not sure I'm ready for this.
Never mind, we'll hit Mildura and it will be wonderful. Booked ahead to a highly recommended caravan park (CMCA member) specifically for Lola - 2 pools and a jumping mat.
So off we go, arrive in Mildura at a Caravan Park looks lovely, shame for the rain.
And so it rained, rained, rained, rained and rained some more.
I know, tell me to stop whining, I'm sure the locals loved it and I know all my loved ones back home were also experiencing it.....but you're weren't spending your FIRST 3 DAYS EVER LIVING ON A BUS!
I think I carried myself exceptionally well, not forgetting the little book of calm I'd swallowed just a few days prior, I ignored so many factors and quietly went about keeping occupied. Cannot say the same for my usually placid husband....grumble ass he is.
So by end of our stay, we have broken several rules of good caravan park citizenship:
1. I hogged the laundry! It was vacant when I started (and I had lots of laundry to do), I was actually marvelling at my own thoughts of finding this laundry thing quite relaxing, new book in hand. So I thoughtfully filled only 3 washing machines, leaving 2 free.....and then they swarmed! What was I to do, but bury my nose in my book and offer an occasional smile (was not in the mood for chitter chatter). And of course my washing had to be dried, so again I created a rapidly extending queue of long termer caravan park women, waiting, patiently I should add, a little toe tapping. Not a word said, but vibe felt! I did donate left over time on the machines saving them a gold coin or two as appeasement. Awkward. Sorry ladies!
2. It is 11.20am on departure day and we are long past the departure time (usually 10am I'm told with a tut tut from another diligent CMCA member).
3. I got absolutely sick of answering the question "are you the artist". I know, again, Julie stop whining, but seriously, was not in the mood. So I didn't pop out to greet them all, caravan park faux pas number 3.
4. I did stop and chat to Ronnie and her Sassie Lady. Ronnie believes passionately in her cause, a solo traveller in her late 50’s, she is determined to share her views, the writings of historians and insistence that we revert to the ways of the Ancient Egyptions. All the while Ronnie adamant she is not preaching, not religious, just deeply spiritual and passionate (and refers to God, the creator a lot) – determined to share with like minded people such as ourselves (Brad and I).
haring the photo she took of a star from exactly our location – not just a star but the "all seeing eye" of the ancient Egyptions.
Yes I see the resemblance. I was sure to call Brad and include him in this revelation.
Thanks for your gift Ronnie, I sincerely do appreciate it. If we meet again I will share with you my philosophy of life and future - however it may differ somewhat from assumptions. No matter, good luck with your writing, and safe travels, until we meet again.
So after all that, our plans to head to Broken Hill and Bourke were abandoned, simply not in the mindset for this adventure today....so back in the direction from whence we came.....the rain has finally stopped.