Friday, 26 July 2013

Day 1, New Brighton, Northern NSW





OK, here we are, only 24 hours into our Great Turning Left Tour and already we’ve landed in the best camping spot of all – Ray’s sister and brother-in-law’s house at New Brighton, just a stone’s throw from the beach.  We plan to be here for the weekend, after which we shall Turn Left yet again and meander down the coast until we find another perfect spot.

We missed our deadline yesterday by 6 minutes, driving out of Ormiston Springs at 12.06, after a couple more farewells (thanks Paul, I don’t REALLY think we’ve had more farewells than Melba!)  After a visit to Moreton Shores Nursing Home to say au revoir to a couple of friends (Ben and Mick) and unfortunately missing Margaret at Victoria Point, we headed south on the M1.  All went well until we neared the Gold Coast when the traffic became much thicker and slower – the only impediment we could see was that everyone had slowed down to watch a painter decorating a huge wall with sea pictures – there was no other obstruction on the road.  Reckon the Council should have erected a barrier so no-one could see him!

All went well until we neared the Yelgun turnoff, at which time we got stuck yet again.  Evidently there’s a HUGE music festival here this weekend,  and to cut a long story short, He Who Shall Be Nameless was asleep in the passenger’s seat when he should have been my eyes, and I managed to turn left into the Festival traffic instead of taking the second road (unmarked I might add) to New Brighton!  After a slightly heated discussion about whose fault it was that we now had to drive 7km at a snail’s pace before we could turn, I spotted a couple of  traffic supervisors at the bottom of the hill.  As we reached them I informed them that I was about to do a U-turn and go back up the hill.  They weren’t happy about it, but you’ve seen the motorhome; would you argue???   I managed to do a 3-point turn (go me, on a narrow road) and trundled back up the hill and the 10 minutes to our destination.

We’ve repacked the van to accommodate all the last-minute items we threw in and plan on spending a lovely Friday night with drinks and nibbles on Ann and Ross’ back verandah.

The van is working perfectly, we’re comfy and cosy and really looking forward to the next however-long we’re on the road.

Thanks to all and stay safe and healthy while we’re gone.

Sally (and He Who Shall Be Nameless)

3 comments:

  1. It's only 'Splendour in the Grass', one of the biggest music festivals around!

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  2. So what? They were in my way!!

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  3. Well Sally what had 'he who shall be nameless' been up to the morning of your departure to make him fall asleep within moments of leaving home? I suspect there was a little bit of last minute polishing, changes to the fit out, extra tidying etc? There is no doubt about him ... he is simply precious so just keep him busy!

    On a blog housekeeping matter .... I had a quick peek this morning before I went into the city and read this post but didn't have time to comment. When I came home there was the email containing this post in my inbox. I checked with previous ones and they are sent by email to me around 12.30 each day. So if one is anxious to find out news it is wise to look directly at 'simply letting go'.

    I think Splendour in the Grass doesn't finish till Sunday so as you 'turn left' on Monday there may be a bit of traffic again.

    The photo is very green and lush just as we know northern NSW to be. The orangutan hanging in there looks well rested and ready for anything!

    bisous L

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