Visiting

So when you want to circumnavigate the country it is likely that your route may pass the doors of some old friends and relatives. Given that you don't often pass that way is the done thing to arrange a visit and say hi on the way through.

It feels like the early stages of this trip involve a few processes of getting underway. Firstly there are the "learnings" (aka the stuff ups, where you realise you can't do that again or you will never make it). There are a few early 'learnings' we have discovered about our camper trailer, especially the how to get the pitch of the tent and the drape of the canvas just right - or be faced with major leaks! Unfortunately we "learned" that unless you get the centre ridge pole perfectly upright - the left side sags a little and the rainwater can pool on the canvas and seep through and trickle access the bed platform resulting in a mattress that is one giant wet spot. Thankfully a good warm dry day today to dry it out.
The other major learning is that when you have chosen a life outdoors, you have to accept the life outdoors - including the constant downpours that have hit us every day. Thankfully technology ( weather zone app) has helped a little with deciding when roc pack up and go, and when to just hang out. The timing of departure from Woody Head near Iluka, was perfect - no sooner had the trailer been fully packed and hitched, we were driving out the exit road when the heavens opened and the plan was readjusted to  forget the owning walk - just drive! Similarly on arrival in Burleigh, the moment the camper was fully set up, it pissed down, creating puddles under the kitchen etc. But we were set up, sorted and ready for it.

The other early process is the visits. There is the family (Lisa's parents in Port Stephens, and Uncle Ray and Auntie Jean in Woolgoolga. Then there are the old friends like Brad and Tara in Coffs Harbour. So despite being a school night, much yummy food and drink is consumed and memories dragged out out to compare and laugh at.

 In Lennox Head we caught up with Louise in a delightful cafe. Despite our North Coast Location, nobody ate or drank anything with Kale in it!

Now we in Queensland there is much fewer people to see so the focus with flick to ourselves and how we function as a travelling family, both together and individually. A little less rain  and bit more swell should also help. If only I can find somewhere with the Swans game showing Live!!