GARAGE SALE 2/TRAVEL TRAINING

SATURDAY 2.4.2011: Garage Sale was held at LTP. We improved on the previous earnings, but there are still many trips to be made to the Salvos and the tip! Literally closed the door on the Garage Sale and headed off on our three day Training Trip 001. The decision was made to venture forth into untried territory. We travelled an hour from home to Clarence Town which enabled us if need be, to retreat to the "LTP Safe House" - baby steps! We managed the unpowered site relatively well - higlights included:

• On day 2 finally locating the pump button for water supply.
• Locking ourselves "in" the main area of the van and having to exit through the driver's cabin.
• Smugly sitting (with drink in hand), under the awning we had methodically set up, only to be told that with the slightest wind gust the awning would recoil uncontrollably against the motorhome. We had forgotten the main support bracket!
  

  

  MADISON STALKING THE PREY!

• Julie Andrews (Carole), standing in the farmer's paddock arms outstretched yelling "Shayden come", as Shayden chased the cow across hill and dale. He ran through two paddocks and managed to muster the entire herd back to the barn. The only hiccup came when he ran into the wire fence and scared himself otherwise we felt the final sighting would have been the white blur disappearing over the horizon. Cannot emphasise the value (or not), of Obedience Classes!

GARAGE SALE 1

SATURDAY 19.3.2011: First of the pre-travel Garage Sales held at Helen's (Carole's sister), place. Did not quite pay for the trip, but an enjoyable time was had.

RETURN TO LEMON TREE PASSAGE

SUNDAY 6.3.2011: We stayed with Anette (Carole's sister), and Ron. Prior to departure we advised both to return indoors whilst we methodically went through the "check list".

 

With the Tom Tom programmed, car manual in Carole's hand, Sybil finally found the ignition!  Grand farewells were made and Poodle Palace drove off to the dulcet tones of "turn right, turn left....."! It was soon realised that we were about to pass Anette's place - yes the incorrect "home address" had been logged in! As the royal drive by was completed the rear view mirror revealed a hysterical Anette and Ron. Heading home at last - except for a brief stop to close the motorhome door which had swung open on the Freeway! Carole spent half of the trip absorbed in the manual following ongoing driver requests such as how to operate the cruise control, where were the wipers, there were no headlight controls - and on it went! Finally the statement was made that no further assistance was to be provided!

THE ROYAL DRIVE BY!

COLLECTION DAY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAT 5.3.2011: Woke to driving rain and on arrival at Watson's Caravan site witnessed the caravans and motorhomes being moved to higher ground due to the "flood alert". Did not augur well for the day's tuition! Sales Manager Kris Watson was responsible for the motorhome handover. He showed great resolve through the answering of the 5,000 typed questions we produced. 

SO BEGINS THE JOURNEY!

FRIDAY 4.3.2011: Madison and Shayden are visiting with June, John and Bernie. We are sitting on the Country Link train (packed lunch in hand), headed for Coffs Harbour and collection of "Poodle Palace."