Welcome to my February Update but first, a U turn is required back to the start of said month, then sit back with a cold drink or cuppa and read away, if ya game :)
The month started warm, yes warm, not hot but warm, mid to high 30c. At least that's better than mid to high 40's. The weather continued through the month with not much change and no rain to speak about. The month also started with a visitor arriving. Gwynnie called in to say hi, we had never actually met face to face but speak a lot by email and occasional phone call. I spose in the old days we would be called pen pals. We both cant say we have never met face to face now. Gwynnie set up just over the driveway from me and during her stay we managed to solve all the worlds problems and even had a lovely meal at the local pub. It was great to finally meet her and I'm sure we will both keep in touch as we travel around the playground. Thanks, Gwynnie for going to the trouble of calling in to say hi.
Early in the month I went for one of my drives over to Eldorado, about 30 mins east of Wangaratta and about 30 mins west of Beechworth. I had heard about a large Bucket Gold Dredge (Co cks Dredge) from years gone by so went to have a peak. This was the largest Bucket Gold Dredge built in Victoria in 1936 and in the southern hemisphere at the time and measured 100mts long and weighed in at 2142 tonnes. BIG. It was decommissioned in August 1954. It was electric powered and each bucket held 3.6 cubic metres, also BIG. It provided many jobs to locals in its 18 years of operation. Its good to see something with that history still there for generations to see.
From there I headed to Beechworth but decided to go over the mountain and not the easy way around and on the black stuff. I needed to put the Collie in 4x4 on a couple of occasions and even came a cross a tree across the track. Luckily another 4x4 came the other way and had a chain saw. That fired up and the tree was removed enough to keep going. I arrived in Beechworth and had a quick look around and lunch at the famous Beechworth Bakery then back to the Aluminium Tent via the black stuff road this time after a nice few hours spent but had had enough by then.
Ooops! The 16th arrived and was a warmish night so around 10.00pm decided to take a warm milk and Manuka Honey and sit outside and drink it before bed as I have found it helps me get to sleep these days. I was going out the door and noticed bugs everywhere so gave a quick spray then in my wisdom turned the light out and as I started down the step misplaced my foot and down, I went like a ton of bricks. I hit the metal arm of my chair in the right side of my chest and right shin on the step. Winded, I laid there not even able to call out for help. After about 10 mins I was able to move although only just and with a lot of pain so managed to get in the van when I notice blood on my right shin, bugga damage down there as well.
I managed to get through the night but in a lot of pain, until around 1.00pm the next day when it all got too much and called an Ambulance. Off I went to Wangaratta Hospital and stayed there for 4 days on oxygen, with two broken ribs and a small puncture in the right lung. Also, and as well even and no pain was a big gash on the right shin.
What can I say about my stay? Well without going into detail here it was s..t. I was actually kicked out on the fourth day without a listed Xray, blood test and Physio visit not done. I also will not go into detail here. My family and close friends know about it though. So, here I am back at the Aluminium Tent still in pain and stranded for a little longer. I finally have that specialist appointment on the 6/3 and hope my silly set back doesn't hold that up. Time will tell. I have put arrangements in place to get to Canberra for the appointment so hope all goes well.
The rest of the month was spent recovering and unable to pack up and leave as planned but that will take place hopefully soon. I will add here that the manager of the park I am staying at has gone well beyond her duties and helped me heaps, she has checked up on me every day and was the person who picked me up from hospital and took me back the Aluminium Tent. She also took me to a couple of appointments to get the leg attended too by a local nurse. Thankyou Kylee. More on the park and management in the next update after I have left.
The end of the month arrived and another visitor arrived to stay a couple of nights. My good friend John, known to many as Rocky. John is a fellow Grey Nomad and was in Sale, East VIC heading to see his brother in Ararat, West VIC and decided to take a detour and visit me. Mmmm, not a little detour mate but one I really appreciate. It is always good to catch up with John as we tend to solve the countries problems with our long chats. A very big thankyou Rocky.
So, that was my February, not the best month I have had I spose but could be a lot worse and not all months can be good I spose. With all that said it brings this update to an end, so until next time, take care everyone. I will try extra hard now knowing what it is like to fall out a caravan door and not step out.
Some pics below as usual
DOUG
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 1st of March 2019 02:45:03 PM
Gaylehere said
10:13 PM Mar 1, 2019
Oh dear Dougwe, not a good month at all. Take care.
biggles2 said
06:46 AM Mar 2, 2019
.. not good mate ! Gotta start now with the healing !
slow and easy steps Doug.
Jon
rockylizard said
07:38 AM Mar 2, 2019
Gday...
Twas good to catch up agen young Dougie.
Ya'll be on the mend soon ... despite the medical mob.
Cheers - John
Woody n Sue said
08:24 AM Mar 2, 2019
Geees mate if ya cant handle your milk and honey ya better give it up .
And I thought the land of milk and honey was supposed to be a good place .
But seriously thats a bit sad I hope the pain has subsided and all is good again .
Very nice to hear a positive about your hosts at the caravan park sounds like an exceptionally nice person .
Sounds like a good first half of the month though, might have to head over that way and check out that dredge sound interesting especially now with my new crissy present of a metal detector .
Antill we meet again see ya
Woody
Dougwe said
09:50 AM Mar 2, 2019
Thanks everyone. Much appreciated.
I thought I had turned a small corner early in the week but not to be. Mid week the pain hit with a vengeance and even the pain killers are not helping much or for long. Was back at GP yesterday and I just keep doing what I am doing. Another Xray but haven't heard anything yet so no news is good news I spose.
Tony Bev said
01:09 PM Mar 2, 2019
Another good read of the local area, you had visited Doug, so thanks for that
Sorry to hear about you fall from the caravan, hope that you are quickly on the mend, health wise
Granty said
02:08 PM Mar 2, 2019
Broken or bruised ribs are very painful and take a while to get over. Doug take care, take it easy and you will be hitting the road before too long. Rod.
Raha said
02:56 PM Mar 2, 2019
Enjoy reading your updates Dougwe. Sorry to hear of your pain and suffering and hope you are improving each day so you can get back to doing what you love.
Raha
Kaid said
05:56 PM Mar 2, 2019
Sorry to hear bout your troubles Dougwe. Hopefully you are on the mend now though.
Wishing you all the best at the Specialists app too.
Felicia said
06:08 PM Mar 2, 2019
Doug, thanks for the read. Hope your pain becomes bearable soon.
Lynda
Cadpete said
07:00 PM Mar 2, 2019
Thanks for the update Doug. Can relate to falling injuries - slipped on a step more than 10 years ago and landed on the cocyx. No sigh of damage by Xray and MR scan but the pain is a daily thing, much reduced now but still flares up on occaision. Hope your recovery is better than mine :)
STRETCH ARMSTRONG said
02:01 PM Mar 3, 2019
Sounds like one of your trips was not very enjoyable. You certainly picked a painful injury. Glad your ok and hope you recover quickly.
Pondy said
09:21 AM Mar 4, 2019
Sorry to hear about your fall hope you are soon on the road to recovery
Kisha said
05:59 PM Mar 4, 2019
I sure hope your on the mend soon. Your step accident is similar to my friend Christine who had a nasty fall, she was terrified as there was no one to help, after what seemed forever she managed to get back behind the wheel, got to an emergency centre, ended up with badly gashed forehead and leg cast. She said it made her realise just how dangerous it can be to travel solo, that was her last solo adventure.
I wish you all the best.
Kisha.
Dougwe said
07:48 PM Mar 4, 2019
Thanks again everyone. Still in pain but biting at the bit to get back on the horse Kisha.
Possum3 said
09:52 AM Mar 5, 2019
Sorry to hear that you are not fully up to par Doug although I'm pretty sure your positive attitude will get you to where you want/need to be. I love your scenic shots, many of them serve as reminders of past travels and your narrative is always interesting.
I always wait until I have got time to relax with a cup of tea, before reading Cuppa's and your Blog's just so I can enjoy them a little more.
Dick0 said
11:17 AM Mar 7, 2019
Was good to catch up with you at Greens in Feb. Keep well and stay safe.
Travel Bug said
12:09 AM Mar 8, 2019
Thanks for another good read and some great pics Doug.
You've certainly been in the wars...but ya' can't keep a good nomad down...especially The Chief.
I hope that your next trip is better. Ooops! The devil made me say that.
Cheers.
moamajohn said
12:56 PM Mar 8, 2019
Jeeze Doug ! Did you kill a chinaman ?? Bloody hell Gotta take care of ya good self mate where would us normal nomads be without your good self to be on hand with wonderful details of your adventures !!! Cheers John
Lily2018 said
02:54 PM Mar 8, 2019
So hope you're feeling somewhat better by now Doug and thank heavens that you found such a kind hearted person like Kylee to help you through. I won't say what I would like to about the doctors tossing you out of hospital - I've already been through similar circumstance when dealing with my own mother and her health. Broken ribs are extremely painful, never mind puncture to the lung, and I frankly I don't know how you managed lying on the ground then getting back into the van with no help. You are surely one tough person.
All the best from now on and look forward to hearing how you're getting on.
ken thomas said
05:09 PM Mar 8, 2019
good read Doug, but you have to look after yourself, got well soon
Ken
Peterpan said
10:55 AM Mar 9, 2019
I see you're getting famous now Doug, got a write up in the GNTimes.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and new journeys to cover.
Victors.
Ooops.
Welcome to my February Update but first, a U turn is required back to the start of said month, then sit back with a cold drink or cuppa and read away, if ya game :)
The month started warm, yes warm, not hot but warm, mid to high 30c. At least that's better than mid to high 40's. The weather continued through the month with not much change and no rain to speak about. The month also started with a visitor arriving. Gwynnie called in to say hi, we had never actually met face to face but speak a lot by email and occasional phone call. I spose in the old days we would be called pen pals. We both cant say we have never met face to face now. Gwynnie set up just over the driveway from me and during her stay we managed to solve all the worlds problems and even had a lovely meal at the local pub. It was great to finally meet her and I'm sure we will both keep in touch as we travel around the playground. Thanks, Gwynnie for going to the trouble of calling in to say hi.
Early in the month I went for one of my drives over to Eldorado, about 30 mins east of Wangaratta and about 30 mins west of Beechworth. I had heard about a large Bucket Gold Dredge (Co cks Dredge) from years gone by so went to have a peak. This was the largest Bucket Gold Dredge built in Victoria in 1936 and in the southern hemisphere at the time and measured 100mts long and weighed in at 2142 tonnes. BIG. It was decommissioned in August 1954. It was electric powered and each bucket held 3.6 cubic metres, also BIG. It provided many jobs to locals in its 18 years of operation. Its good to see something with that history still there for generations to see.
From there I headed to Beechworth but decided to go over the mountain and not the easy way around and on the black stuff. I needed to put the Collie in 4x4 on a couple of occasions and even came a cross a tree across the track. Luckily another 4x4 came the other way and had a chain saw. That fired up and the tree was removed enough to keep going. I arrived in Beechworth and had a quick look around and lunch at the famous Beechworth Bakery then back to the Aluminium Tent via the black stuff road this time after a nice few hours spent but had had enough by then.
Ooops! The 16th arrived and was a warmish night so around 10.00pm decided to take a warm milk and Manuka Honey and sit outside and drink it before bed as I have found it helps me get to sleep these days. I was going out the door and noticed bugs everywhere so gave a quick spray then in my wisdom turned the light out and as I started down the step misplaced my foot and down, I went like a ton of bricks. I hit the metal arm of my chair in the right side of my chest and right shin on the step. Winded, I laid there not even able to call out for help. After about 10 mins I was able to move although only just and with a lot of pain so managed to get in the van when I notice blood on my right shin, bugga damage down there as well.
I managed to get through the night but in a lot of pain, until around 1.00pm the next day when it all got too much and called an Ambulance. Off I went to Wangaratta Hospital and stayed there for 4 days on oxygen, with two broken ribs and a small puncture in the right lung. Also, and as well even and no pain was a big gash on the right shin.
What can I say about my stay? Well without going into detail here it was s..t. I was actually kicked out on the fourth day without a listed Xray, blood test and Physio visit not done. I also will not go into detail here. My family and close friends know about it though. So, here I am back at the Aluminium Tent still in pain and stranded for a little longer. I finally have that specialist appointment on the 6/3 and hope my silly set back doesn't hold that up. Time will tell. I have put arrangements in place to get to Canberra for the appointment so hope all goes well.
The rest of the month was spent recovering and unable to pack up and leave as planned but that will take place hopefully soon. I will add here that the manager of the park I am staying at has gone well beyond her duties and helped me heaps, she has checked up on me every day and was the person who picked me up from hospital and took me back the Aluminium Tent. She also took me to a couple of appointments to get the leg attended too by a local nurse. Thankyou Kylee. More on the park and management in the next update after I have left.
The end of the month arrived and another visitor arrived to stay a couple of nights. My good friend John, known to many as Rocky. John is a fellow Grey Nomad and was in Sale, East VIC heading to see his brother in Ararat, West VIC and decided to take a detour and visit me. Mmmm, not a little detour mate but one I really appreciate. It is always good to catch up with John as we tend to solve the countries problems with our long chats. A very big thankyou Rocky.
So, that was my February, not the best month I have had I spose but could be a lot worse and not all months can be good I spose. With all that said it brings this update to an end, so until next time, take care everyone. I will try extra hard now knowing what it is like to fall out a caravan door and not step out.
Some pics below as usual
DOUG
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 1st of March 2019 02:45:03 PM
.. not good mate ! Gotta start now with the healing !
slow and easy steps Doug.
Jon
Gday...
Twas good to catch up agen young Dougie.
Ya'll be on the mend soon ... despite the medical mob.
Cheers - John
And I thought the land of milk and honey was supposed to be a good place .
But seriously thats a bit sad I hope the pain has subsided and all is good again .
Very nice to hear a positive about your hosts at the caravan park sounds like an exceptionally nice person .
Sounds like a good first half of the month though, might have to head over that way and check out that dredge sound interesting especially now with my new crissy present of a metal detector .
Antill we meet again see ya
Woody
I thought I had turned a small corner early in the week but not to be. Mid week the pain hit with a vengeance and even the pain killers are not helping much or for long. Was back at GP yesterday and I just keep doing what I am doing. Another Xray but haven't heard anything yet so no news is good news I spose.
Sorry to hear about you fall from the caravan, hope that you are quickly on the mend, health wise
Raha
Wishing you all the best at the Specialists app too.
Lynda
Thanks for the update Doug. Can relate to falling injuries - slipped on a step more than 10 years ago and landed on the cocyx. No sigh of damage by Xray and MR scan but the pain is a daily thing, much reduced now but still flares up on occaision. Hope your recovery is better than mine :)
I sure hope your on the mend soon. Your step accident is similar to my friend Christine who had a nasty fall, she was terrified as there was no one to help, after what seemed forever she managed to get back behind the wheel, got to an emergency centre, ended up with badly gashed forehead and leg cast. She said it made her realise just how dangerous it can be to travel solo, that was her last solo adventure.
I wish you all the best.
Kisha.
I always wait until I have got time to relax with a cup of tea, before reading Cuppa's and your Blog's just so I can enjoy them a little more.
Thanks for another good read and some great pics Doug.
You've certainly been in the wars...but ya' can't keep a good nomad down...especially The Chief.
I hope that your next trip is better.
Ooops! The devil made me say that. 
Cheers.
All the best from now on and look forward to hearing how you're getting on.
Ken
I see you're getting famous now Doug, got a write up in the GNTimes.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and new journeys to cover.