Steve & Bronwen's Escapade

[T1 Terry]

So, are you coming down the NSW south coast on your way back home? You are welcome to drop in here for a cuppa as well. Best ring first so I can put the kettle on, I'm not sure you will have the time spare to wait for it to boil
I thought I was a rip tear bust traveller, just the loop to Darwin and finishing there in a 6 week trip would be pedalling it along, but 3 weeks there and 3 weeks to get home via a different route, i hope Bronwen has a fast reflex camera so she can see where she has been when she gets home ... Ok, so I jealous, lucky buggas

[SteveW]

As we travel and sort out our return route I'll keep in touch and catch up with whoever we can. Thanks for the offer - black, no sugar

[Dot]

Maybe you could finish Rustic Inn off for him then he would have no excuse

[SteveW]

No doubt some of you are sitting on the edge of your chair waiting to read about the departure on the Escapade. Well, if you go back to the initial post, it was subject to the arrival of Bronwen's spectacles; they are due tomorrow so Wednesday it is. As it happened, she won tickets on the radio to the Tex Perkins Johnny Cash Man in Black show tomorrow night so all is well.

Do you reckon I can get onto the Wellington ferry, Dot? I haven't tried it because, each time the opportunity has been there, I have been coming from your side and it's a long way back if it doesn't work. However, this time, coming off the Princes Highway the detour is minimal if I decide not to cross on the ferry.

[BruceS]

I can't see the back of your MH Steve but I doubt you'd have much trouble unless you've added PVC pipes etc out the back.
The ferry operators are VERY used to motorhomes & caravans hitting the "ditch" at 40-45 degrees to avoid the scrape. Take your time. watch for silly cars & keep right over to one side & swing back to hit it at as big a angle as you can.......... slowly... very slowly.
It's when the back wheels hit the lowest part that's the problem.
With the extra axle you should be no worries.
You there Russell??? He would have been over a few I'd reckon.

[Dot]

Personally I wouldn't as your MH is rather low but you can always turn around. Also depends on the water height of the river. We scraped the bum of our winnie when we went on it plus the road from Wellington isn't the most enjoyable..

[RussellB[SA]]

I can't see the back of your MH Steve but I doubt you'd have much trouble unless you've added PVC pipes etc out the back.
The ferry operators are VERY used to motorhomes & caravans hitting the "ditch" at 40-45 degrees to avoid the scrape. Take your time. watch for silly cars & keep right over to one side & swing back to hit it at as big a angle as you can.......... slowly... very slowly.
It's when the back wheels hit the lowest part that's the problem.
With the extra axle you should be no worries.
You there Russell??? He would have been over a few I'd reckon.

Only done it a caravan and 23 Van, no problems when river in the water and high like now.

I reckon your little wheel will be used.

[SteveW]

Well, finally got away. Off to a flying start on time at about 0615 hours. Doing well until a message from Bruce warned us that the Dukes Highway would be closed most of the day due to a fatal. Took our time as far as Keith and waited it out rather than divert through Pinaroo. Only had to wait for the time it took for tea and scones. Luckily we didn't detour because the road opened not very long after we would have commenced the 1 hour 20 minute detour.

Overnighting at the Strathalbyn Orphanage. Thanks Dot and George. Lazy day in Adelaide tomorrow catching up with some family stuff then heading north Friday.

Crossed the Murray on the Wellington Punt. No problems. The tail wheel touched down on and off the punt but nothing to worry about.

[Dot]

And the "Orphans" have flown the nest. 0830hrs saw them on their way to Adelaide.

[SteveW]

A photo of Mother Superior giving us her blessing as we depart the Strathalbyn Orphanage.

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After a battle with strong head/cross winds we are in Coober Pedy where it has been an unusually cold day. I am ensconced in the mobile office.

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Sleep in tomorrow - the first in a while.