View across the Murrumbidgee - the final resting place

Murrumbidgee River, Gundagai

View across the plains driving out to Hay

Viv and Dan along the Murray River, Mildura
View along the Murray River, Mildura

Monday 27th April, 2009
Here we are camping-in-style (that’s code-word for sitting in a Deluxe Suite Cabin) in Mildura. It has rained since the day we left and we’ve opted for a bit of extra comfort. Cam and Dan are crying because they want to be in the tent. They say, “We’re supposed to be camping – we want to sleep in the tent!!!” Frustrating, but it bodes well to the amount of camping they are in for.

We started our journey a couple days late, and left the mountains on Anzac Day. Time was getting away from us and we didn’t want to start this adventure stressed and pushed for time. After all, what’s a couple of days in a 12 month plan right? We’re creating our own path, so chose to pack peacefully.

Day one brought us to Gundagai. It was bucketing with rain and around 4 degrees, so we chose to book a cabin for the night. Our purpose in Gundagai was solely to scatter my Mum’s ashes on the Murrimbidgee River. She passed around 7 years ago, and this was her final wish. Now was our moment to grant it. Cam was 10 months old when she passed, and Dan wasn’t even thought of. I wasn’t sure how they would understand what we were doing so Steve told them that we were scattering memories of Grandma. I was so surprised when both of them said some very touching words that brought tears to our eyes – I didn’t think they had it in them – as they say, “from the mouths of babes”. They did us proud. Now that Mum was home and free it was time to continue.

Day two brought us to Hay. Again, not much to write about, just freezing cold and raining again. We did set up the trailer though, and I must say “I LOVE JOHNNO!”. The whole set up was terrific. We were fully set up with kitchen and bedding within 15 minutes – and that’s the first time! We were enjoying an open sky night, but soon had to set up the awning also, which gave us plenty of room for table and chairs and everyone to sit under to eat. What more can you ask for. The drawer access and under bed storage was a treat too. I feel like I’m camping in a palace.

Day three brings us to Mildura. The drive here was a stark contrast to the Blue Mountains. The farms and fields stretch as far as the horizon, and not a hill or mountain in sight. The greenness of Gundagai, stretched to a dryness of Hay, back to the green/lush properties of Mildura. We are waiting to get to the Mungo National Park which has currently closed it’s access due to the amount of rain we’ve had. Not a bad thing though, we’re right on the Murray River and it’s at least 13 degrees warmer. The car seems to be sagging in the arse a bit, even with the rear poly bags set at 30 psi. We’re going to pop into the local 4WD workshop and see if we can get some new heavy duty springs fitted. Fuel usage is a bit of a surprise as well. While the Paj is doing well with the new exhaust which has added a few extra horse power we need to slow down, relax and sit at 100K to get better fuel economy. We will get about 800K from 160ltrs at highway speeds but expect to do better on the dirt as we will be going slower.

The hardest part right now is understanding that we don’t have to be in any hurry. There are no timetables, no rules – just adventure. Steve and I often look at each other and have to prompt each other to say “Who Cares? Tomorrow’s another day. We are looking forward to spending our first night “in the middle of nowhere!” It can’t come soon enough.