Two days at Lake Macquarie

Just before everyone in Sydney takes off to discover just how nice everything around Sydney is, I decided, spur of the moment to take myself up to Lake Macquarie to discover the camping facilities in this area. In the past I have spent many a weekend sailing the lake with my friends Brian and Cherri, who also happen to live on Fisherman's Point, high above the waters with a wonderful view to boot.

Naturally, I met with them and we spent several hours catching up.



The Lake was beautiful and tranquil as ever, not too many visitors before the big rush over Easter and so turned out to be most relaxing, giving my van the first basic workout, as well as myself. My pull-out sun roof did indeed pose some challenge until I figured out exactly HOW it all works. On my second night I was already an expert and it took no time at all to set it up.

The Swedish two-burner stove also performed well, surprisingly quick in heating my daily dose of hot water for my obligatory pot of coffee each morning. I have used a similar type of stove fired by methylated spirits on a Yacht before and can't remember anything negative from that time either.

First Trip West to Bathurst Area

Ok, so its time to run the first "Test". Having made numerous alterations to the interior, like battening down lose fittings (table top and stand as well as the extension to form larger sleeping area), 2 Fire extinguishers, checked out cooking facilities etc. etc. Working out a Check list for what needs to be done prior to any departure was also part of the exercise.

Now its time to give it all a run and to discover what may still be missing or what needs to be altered. My friend Eckhard and his lovely wife Suki have suggested to do that run together. We want to leave after the Easter School holidays - so we will be leaving in the early part of April for a few days. I am very grateful to have the company and input from two long-time friends who are "old Hands" at this Campervan business - so their input will be much valued in a true hands-on environment.

I am also looking forward to re-experiencing some of the highlights around this area, particularly "Hill End" an old Gold-mining town which I have last visited more than 40 years ago! Of course there is lots more to discover. My camera is ready as I will be reporting how it all went.

Below a couple more pics showing the van in all its "Glory" in front of the house.




Nearly forgot to mention, I discovered that the installed Radio was set to japanese FM frequencies - totally useless of course in Australia. I had a new Radio installed with CD Player that also playes MP3 and WMA files. Great Sound!