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Post Info TOPIC: APRIL UPDATE
Dougwe


Chief one feather

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APRIL UPDATE
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How,
 
Remember last month I spoke about the brakes on the van, well the dealer came good and covered the high cost IN FULL and no questions asked. So he should anyway, I had all the proof that could have caused him a little trouble.
 
I must say that this van of mine has really put the after sales service of the dealer to the test big time and not once has he failed the test. The only thing is it looks like they may not have serviced the van as good as they could have. Everyone has different ideas of how to service I spose.
 
I spent the first few days of this month washing all my bedding and towels etc from the van in readiness for my journey north to Townsville. Gee, after all the hand washing I had to ask Mr Google what a washing machine was. What a good invention. 
 
I saw a local GP while in Milton about my back pain and little finger. He ordered a Bone Scan for the back and that showed up nothing apart from some signs of Arthritis here and there, so back to square one. He said wait till I am Townsville and get the finger sorted then, as I was not in Ulladulla long enough. I actually felt like I was brushed off. Never mind, if I am still having trouble when I get to Townsville in a few weeks I will sort it out then, I hope. 
 
I also managed to get a Flu shot that the local Chemist was providing, a new thing this year, easy as, must book in. The local doctor I was seeing said I could make an appointment to get script then come back for the shot. Yeh! At $60 for the visit and $25 for the shot, not this little black duck. I only look stupid. $25 at the chemist.
 
Easter arrived and with it so did the Ulladulla Blessing Of The Fleet on Easter Sunday so took myself off to check out the Street Parade. They close off Princes Highway from 9.00am till 10.00pm and divert traffic around the town.
 
It was good to see a small town on the coast put on such a good parade. It is preceded by a Princess of the Fleet Ball a week before and the crowning of the Princess. The winner and her partner from the Ball sit on the first Float and each participant and their partner take pride of place on the other floats. 
 
You can see the hard  work and commitment that went into each float and the people manning the floats all show their pride and have a great time. It was good to be in the crowd of 1000's lining each side of the road for about 2km. 
 
Unfortunately I missed the actual blessing take place due to the 1000's I had to fight through. I hate crowds so gave it a miss. The day ended with fire works that I heard 6km away early in the evening.
 
I met up with a few GN's during my stay that live in the area and it was good to see them again and enjoyed a meal and chat.
 
Around mid month I had some extra work done on the car so I can run the van fridge better on 12v while mobile and had a different electric brake controller fitted to the car as the one I had wasn't suitable for the size van I now tow. All should be good now. 
 
A few days later I rigged up heavier cable direct from battery for my Inverter so it should now work better also.
 
I have also got the weight down in the van and now will be legal. See how that all works for a while then weigh the van again later. The car is no problem.
 
Now 20,21,22/4, boy did we cop it, heavy rain gail force damaging winds, so much so I was stranded in Milton. I was hoping to leave 22/4 but no way known could that happen. Thursday 23/4 was a really nice day so got everything ready for a early departure the next day, Friday. I kept an eye on 3 sections of the roads I needed to travel on as they were flooded. By late afternoon Thursday the roads looked as though they would be OK by midday Friday when I would start passing through those areas. 
 
Friday and I headed off heading for Port Macquarie. Boy was there damage around, everywhere I travelled through had signs of the last few days fury sent by the weather gods. Trees down, flooded fields and still some roads, cars broken down, cars on their roof, even pushed up against fences. I even saw cowes dead in fields and on the side of the road, something of a first for me. I've been involved in fires before but not floods as souch.
 
Water, Water everywhere. However,  I did make it through with out any dramas. In fact I am extremely pleased as to hour the van travelled on the back of the Collie. Has made my decisions of Tug, Den and the rear springs upgrade well worth it.  
 
Now while staying at good friends Alan and Adele, Alan is better known as "Mongrel", in Port Macquarie my van and car were parked opposite with permission from the office manager. Alan and Adele live in a retirement village. The next door neighbour was told about the parking arrangements and he had no problems then, but Sunday he saw me out front and asked how long I was going to be there as he didn't like it. I nearly packed up and left then not wanting to cause trouble for Alan and Adele. They spoke to the office and someone came down and said to me know way was I to leave, they will deal with the neighbour. 
 
I left there Monday just gone and arrived at my next port of call, Byron Bay, one of my favourite places. So here I am all set up and with the awning out as well, until 10/5 at this stage, in the land of the hippies. Oh! and this funny smell in the air :)
 
Byron Bay!  What a great place, just love it. Be good to be young again. 
 
Well that's it for this update.  I will be relaxing at Byron so don't do much out there please, I won't. 
 
Some pic's below as usual. 
 
Keep Safe
DOUG
 
Ulladulla Blessing of the fleet Street Parade
image.jpg
 
Street Parade 
image.jpg
 
Looking down at part of Port Macquarie (on a dull day)
image.jpg
 
Looking down at a lovely CVP in Port Macquarie 
image.jpg
 
Port Macquarie Lighthouse
image.jpg
 
Looking down at Lighthouse Beach...Port Macquarie
image.jpg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
the rocket


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Hi Dougwe, Port Macquarie caravan park looks lovely. It is great to see parades in small towns. When I see the troubles you have had with your new van I am glad we bought secondhand. anyway, when passing through north Brisbane be sure to call in. I will put the kettle on. cheers. rocket n strop



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jules47


The Happy Helper

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'we have friends in Port Macqarie, they have large property - go down to Lauriton for fish and chips - yumbo!!!

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jules
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roadtourer


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stunning photos looks like a gorgeous place!

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June


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How, Dougwe,

Firstly, beautiful photos and interesting up-date information on your travels.  Sorry about your aches and pains but as you are on your way to Townsville, I would recommend the services of Dr. Sherry Coons-Mueller, Chiropractor, who resides there and has done wonders on my, at times, very painful back.  

My daughter and family live in Townsville and I drive up there several times per year, great trip, love the drive.  

If you go to www.back2health.com.au and have a read, all the info. is there.  They are not cheap but they sure work magic and relief is instantaneous.  

Cheerio, June C.  



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rockylizard


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Gday...

Thanks Chief (Doug) - good read and good pics ... good to see wot ya up to

Also good to see the 'niggles' have been sorted in the van. All looking good for the rest of the trip (and life )

Cheers - John



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KFT


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Great report Doug, thanks mate

Jeez mate you got ripped off re the flu vax, they are doing them in Tamworth for $9.99. so I suppose you paid coastal price.

Mrs KFT swears by Chinese acupuncture for her aching bits. It has worked so much better than the chiropractor.

Very nice photos too mate.

loved it thanks for a good read

frank



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Avagreatday.

Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Dougwe


Chief one feather

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Thanks all.

I will check into what you suggest June when in Townsville.

Not worried about the $25 KFT, as long as I get it. I'm used to being ripped off smile That's me not my clothes B&B biggrin

Just need to get rid of some "niggles" in the body Rocky and life will be better than it is now.

Will be moving non stop through your area on way up from Byron Rocket, maybe if I come your way on way down, no plans there yet.

Not in P.M. now Jules.

Thankyou Maxx, coming from one who knows photography that means a lot.



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Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
Cupie


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Good report.  Makes me want to hit the road.

 

We were lucky on a visit to Ulladulla many years ago.  Just pulled into a park just opposite the beautiful harbor when the crowds started to build up.  Walked across the road & got a good spot for a picnic among the animated Italian families with their beautiful ethnic based luncheon spreads.  Turned around to watch the parade. Then were close enough to see a bit of the blessing of the fleet ceremony. Into the van after the road opened up & off we went.  A fantastic memory.

 

SWMBO always says that The Port is a place that she could move to (perhaps after the Grandchildren grow up).  We often stay on one of the breakwater edge sites & watch the lycra brigade do their thing. S in L has done their Iron Man event several times.  Love Port Macquarie, and SWMBO loves the shopping just across the road from the CP.  Good kayaking there too.  Lots of very good & often quiet beaches around the place as well.  Suits us & an easy drive from home.

 

In the days of our long touring trips we got into the habit of making Byron our last stop over before we got home.  Used to treat ourselves with lunch or dinner in a resturant overlooking the ocean.  Beautiful beaches but as few bities about.

 

We had our flu shots yesterday, for free.  One of the benefits of getting old.

 

It's a great feeling driving a rig that you have absolute confidence in.  Good on you for the decisions you have made.



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See Ya ... Cupie
Dougwe


Chief one feather

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Cupie, It's the first time I have paid for the flu shot since they started many moons back so not complaining. I too should get free but it was in a chemist and the rules are different, this year anyway, being the first time.

I think that pic I put up the the CVP is the one you refer too. I had lunch at that place in Byron the first day, still nice then.

__________________

Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
Phil C


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Love the updates Dougwe, sounds like you are doing well. I may do the same when we head out to Broome next year, that ones on my bucket list.

Enjoy your travels mate
Cheers from wine boy and his hose.disbelief



-- Edited by Phil C on Friday 1st of May 2015 01:51:04 PM

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Dunmowin


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Great update Chief.  Make sure you have breakfast out at Clarke's Beach Café.  Pancakes of every description, if they are still doing it.



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yeoeleven


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Great report as usual Doug. Thanks.

John



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iana


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Thanks for that Doug. A nice read well done.

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aussietraveller


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Great update Doug it's good to see what other forum members are doing and their thoughts on events and places and as Cupi said makes one want to get out in the big playground again, thanks for the update I will be looking forward to the next one.biggrinbiggrinbiggrin



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