Day 1 (and a little background) – NSW Road trip 2020
After struggling with the head colds over the weekend, we were behind on the packing.
Picked up van on Tuesday – late (owner was running late) so home in the dark.
Slight problem with a small pin in the jockey wheel (if we couldn’t fix it we wouldn’t have been able to unattach van from car – not handy at our house). Unusual for anything to go wrong as the guy who owns the van is very particular.
No worries – Fixed it with a nail, all good.
Being behind in the packing we didn’t leave first thing in the morning as planned but we were finally ready to go around 12.30pm. No worries – first destination can be amended.
Go to hitch up and one leg won’t wind up. Another bloody pin issue. A fair bit of stress and another nail and we’re on our way. Late but on our way.
Get the huge 7kms to the Ourimbah turn off and stop at the rest stop to do out one last check over before hitting the freeway.
Caravan wheel bearing is red hot 
Call owner – Peter.
Gingerly tow caravan with now smoking wheel back to Peter and Jo’s house where they remove wheel to discern bearing has disintegrated.
Que caravan (still attached to my car) on jacks, both wheels removed and full “somethings” (wheel assemblies) purchased and process to replace begins.
Meanwhile the girls and I somewhat move in to the owners (Peter and Jo) house as I can’t go anywhere. Thankfully they are the nicest people on earth.
Girls celebrate when owners daughter comes home as they get on like a house on fire – que Taylor Swift dance party in lounge room.
The lovely Jo delivers the girls and I home around 6.30pm – complete with half a chicken for dinner (their dinner – bless).
Garth stays to repair caravan with Peter – finally home around 8.30pm, cold and exhausted.
Van’s back on the driveway. And we will attempt to do it all again, successfully, tomorrow.
Phew.
Who said life isn’t an adventure.
Positives though – epic sunset, dance parties, great new dog and people friends and a story to start the adventure with!
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the Darkinjung/Guringai lands we explored today and pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging.
Knee Deep Travels 