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Published: October 13th 2013
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We travelled north on a day with relatively strong winds. Driving was hard work. Our stone guard decided to play up again. The gaffa tape patching gave way under the strong wind conditions and buffeting from road trains so another patch up was necessary. Unfortunately this only lasted a very short distance so another operation was performed. Greg is hoping to do a more serious fix while we stay a few days with Marian.
We have maintained the over-taking average we set on our WA trip last year; one manoeuvre approximately every 3,000 km. Right on target we came upon one of those slow back-packer vans chugging along at 70 km/hour. We might be slower than the average vehicle but we are definitely not that slow. Joan was so busy taking a photo of the slogans on the van that she missed capturing the excitement of the moment yet again.
We are convinced the wind deflector we purchased before leaving on this trip has made a difference to our fuel consumption. Down by 10%, it will have paid for itself on this trip. We were excited to see another vehicle with a similar deflector. They
seem to be few and far between.
Fuel prices have been relatively stable between $1.55 and $1.60. We did see one place out in the middle of nowhere charging $1.67 but about 30 kms down the road was another for $1.49. Need-less to say, we stopped at the second. That was also a gaffa tape stop.
Driving into MacKay the traffic was super thick. Taking the van through the centre of town was a bit unnerving with cars parked at the edge throwing their doors open into our space. Finally at the Big4 Caravan Park we discovered our water line was about 5 feet too short so a trip to Bunnings (the first of many for the weekend) was needed.
Tristan and Zoe rocked into town mid-afternoon Saturday. It was great to see them. They took us to one of their favourite spots, Slade Point where they indulged us with a delicious BBQ dinner. This is quite a secluded spot with one picnic table so getting there early is essential. We score the table! Together with a refreshing breeze and gorgeous sunset the evening was perfect.
Sunday morning
they took us to another of their favourite places for breakfast. Yum! This was followed by a tour of the area. We drove past the sugar processing plant enjoying the caramel aroma permeating the air. We passed sugar cane fields on the way to the marina and harbour. 13 large ships were counted out to sea. Another visit to Bunnings, this time to buy a birthday present for Tristan and then to the Cane Land Shopping Mall for a Yum Cha lunch.
There was a very big presence of bikies and Police in town. Hundreds of bikes were parked at the civic Centre – not quite as many Police cars but plenty. This was the weekend of national Police action against the Bikies. We weren’t quite sure what the bikies were doing but assume it was some sort of protest. There is a big bikies presence here in MacKay so it was not surprising to see something happening.
After Tristan and Zoe left we drove the short distance to the nearest beach for a walk. The sand was really course and served as an excellent foot exfoliator.
This morning we make another big
move, about 25 kms out of town to spend a few days with Marian. We are looking forward to seeing her.
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Yvonne Bruce
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Rather you than me
Looks wonderful, I on the other hand am holed up in Albany hospital with dan waiting for him to have a small procedure, lots of waiting and no enjoyment. BAH HUMBUG