Going East

I decided not to stay in Launceston. A city is a city. I wandered around a bit and ended up in Scottsdale. This is an RV friendly town with quite a large free camping area on the outskirts of town. There are twenty or more groups here in caravans, campers and tents. I am impressed with the hardy souls cycling or hiking around this mountainous state. They arrive, pitch a tent, cook a meal and look as though they have just done a pleasant stroll.

The local tourist centre is extremely helpful. I got a lot of information and planned a day of sightseeing. My days of course are only half days by the time I get started. I am very thoughtful and try to let those who want to get on the road early have first use of the amenities. There are good facilities here, although a hot shower costs $3 - but that is very cheap camping as this is the only cost to stay. There are efficient bbqs and plenty of taps with fresh water. The resident ducks wander around the camp grounds and obviously don't fear for their safety - probably too old and tough for the pot! A platypus lives in the creek and some campers saw it last night. I will do my little vigil tonight and try my luck.

During the day I went for a drive to the Ralph Falls which are among the tallest falls in Tasmania. They must also be the narrowest falls. No doubt there are times of the year when there is a better flow but today they seemed to be about 50cm wide for most of the fall, and a metre of so at the widest part. That was after a hike down from the car park. The information I got from town said it was an easy 20 minute walk. I've actually done a few walks recently and manage Level 1 walks with no problems. This was not an easy walk and others agreed with me. I went back to the tourist centre and suggested they edit their information as several people who were on the track with me said they would not have started the trek if they had known how difficult it was. There were a few young people who just about ran down and back up, but for oldies the material was misleading.

On the way to the falls I stopped for a while in the very small township of Legerwood to admire the carvings. A number of trees in the town were to be removed because they were becoming dangerous. A forward thinking group raised money for the trees to be carved as monuments to local men killed at war. Each tree features one serviceman e.g one shows a fellow armed and on duty on one branch, asleep and dreaming of his lady love (also carved) on another branch, etc. They have obviously been treated and polished and are a great sight lining the Anzac Park. Another couple are in the park in Scottsdale.

After Autumn, Winter and Summer this last week, it was back to pleasant mild weather today. The scenery is wonderful on a clear day with so many mountains and valleys and trickling streams everywhere I walk. Camping at night is fine. I rarely bother putting up the awning as the van is very cosy at night. There is always someone to talk to and to share a drink or a cuppa. People who are lonely on the road only have themselves to blame.

Evandale

This little town comes alive for the Evandale Fair (and maybe at other times of the year which I don't know about). The main feature of the fair is the National Penny Farthing championship. There were 68 competitors today, mainly Australian but others from Germany, India and Canada. It was quite exciting to watch with sprints, slalom and novelty events. As well as the championship races, there were races for kids (on smaller penny farthings), women, novices and age races with events to age 60 plus.

The downside of the day, for me who hates the heat, was the temperature - in the high 30's. For the organizers, I am sure that was a plus as there were good crowds. The drinks and ice-cream stalls did well as did the cafes and pubs. I'm not so sure about the service clubs with spit roasts etc. It may have been too hot.

I had been expecting to catch up with Marilyn and Paul and Nancy and Geoff later in the week. However they turned up at Avondale today. I didn't spend much time with Nancy as she had come on a bus which was returning early. But I had a couple of hours with Marilyn. She and Paul are going to the east coast soon, as I am, so we will try to spend some time together then.

This is my second night (of three) spent at the Longford Caravan Park. I met up with the Red Hatters from the north coast yesterday and have enjoyed socialising with them. Tomorrow some of the Hobart ladies and local ladies will meet up with us for lunch. It will be good to make some contacts for my visit to Hobart next month.

Staying at caravan parks can be very expensive but this one isn't too bad at $25 a night. Some are nearly double that. In some ways that balances out the fuel costs which are less if I stay in one place for a while. My budget would blow out if I travelled with other people for long. Just last night and tonight there were shared meals and wine - and more to come tomorrow and tomorrow night. I have decided I can't afford to be a park based traveller. Although there is always happy hour on the road, it is just as likely to be a cup of tea as a glass of wine. For me, if I do have wine, I take one glass along and sit on that for an hour or so and then people disperse to their evening meals.

Always Take the Weather With You.

I'm sure there is a song about that. And I think that must be what I am doing. I'm carrying the rain with me. Someone told me that I couldn't possibly do that as most areas of Tasmania cling to their weather, especially the wind and rain.

Rocky Cape

 Yesterday was a long day. I had another drive around Wynyard with Chris to look down on the town. I then stopped for an hour or so in Somerset to have coffee with Merlene, a Red Hatter, who is organizing a get together on Sunday in Longford. Merlene and some of her fellow Red Hatters meet the cruise ships and welcome visiting Red Hatters to Tassie. I stopped again in Burnie to buy a few nibblies, then headed south.

A couple of times during the day the lights on the dash stayed on when I started the car. Eventually I decided not to risk driving on and stopped in Waratah and called the RACT. With a new battery and a new alternator recently, I couldn't believe I was having trouble. The mechanic tightened the bolts on the battery and all seems to be well. He said both battery and alternator are fine and I can expect trouble-free travelling.

I was running out of options for somewhere to stay by then as it was pretty late but decided against the caravan park at Waratah and went on to Cradle Mountain. There were several rigs in the parking area at the visitors centre so stayed the night.

This morning when I got up, it was Autumn. The van is warm during the night so it was a shock to step outside and be hit by icy air.It has rained all day. People are asked not to drive into the national park unless they are lodging there. Instead a shuttle bus takes you in and drops you at different spots. I went on a paid tour to get the historic and geographic background so there was nothing much to see, scenically - just rain and fog. It has been quite different type of country. The basic area is volcanic and the plants don't have much soil to get rooted in. Even huge trees have shallow root systems and grow slowly. In other places there are large areas of dead and dying trees as though drought stricken. Tomorrow has been forecast as a fine day so I will sleep over and hope for better weather and scenery tomorrow.

This morning (Friday) it was Winter! I had ice on the windscreen which didn't clear for about 3 hours. Once again, I was surprised by the crisp air as it was so warm in the van. But what a beautiful day! I was up very early, before the sun, I think and caught the first shuttle into the national park. The bus was full of walkers making the most of the great weather. I had done a couple of short walks yesterday (500 - 800 metres) and another two this morning about the same length. There weren't many walks available between that length and half day treks which I was not about to embark on. So by 10.30 I was on my way again.

I wandered around the small town of Sheffield which is known as the Town of Murals. The idea came from Chemainus on Vancouver Island which I have visited a couple of times. Ten years ago the town was dying and someone who had been to Chemainus suggested this as a way to revitalise the area. It has worked well. Buildings all through the town have been decorated and each year at Easter there is a competition with good prize money to prepare more.

 

The next town Railton has grown topiary sculptures and has many more under way. Once again it has been a community attempt to build a tourist base for the town. I didn't stay long as I had just had lunch in the previous town. There is only so much coffee a person can drink, even to support the towns which make us welcome.

Tonight I am in luxury (well, comparative luxury) in a caravan park at Longford. I will probably stay here for a couple of nights as I have met up with some Red Hat ladies. We have just come in from dinner after an afternoon drink at one of their on-site vans. They are part of a group meeting on Sunday but making a weekend of it to tie in with the Penny Farthing Festival at Evandale tomorrow.

Too Far From Coffee

Not that I am addicted to coffee, but I do need my regular fix. So for the past few days I have been far from coffee and out of range for blogging. Someone asked me how I was handling the trip by myself. I got a bit of a shock because I hadn't really thought I was alone. I've been out and about among people, having access to the internet and phone most of the time. When I was reminded, I realised I didn't have any routine or anything I needed to be doing - and it didn't worry me at all. It may be hard to get back into things again when I get home.

I headed west from Wynyard, spending the first night at Peggs Beach campsite. I was so proud of myself - a long walk on the beach several times a day. As usual I met up with a few people. There is always someone to talk to. Just like my parents and grandparents, some of them always have the kettle boiling.

Nighfall at Murrawar, my annex at the side

Next day I moved on to Montague where I met up with Chris's friends and got the promised fish which lasted me for five meals. There was more than enough for me but once it was out of the freezer, I had to use it quickly. I had dinner one night with a couple of young fellows, one from Hobart and one from Melbourne. I supplied and cooked the fish and they tossed in the veges - what a feast!

Arthur River - Edge of the World

Whoever coined the phrase 'as changeable as the weather' was probably thinking of Tasmania. The rain had driven me from Peggs Beach but the weather was beautiful at Montague. However, there were several kilometres of dirt roads and when it looked like closing in, I moved on to Marrawar to a small free camping area. Once again, lovely long beaches and rugged rocky areas. Unfortunately I had rather noisy neighbours with unsavoury vocabularies so decided just to stay the night. I have been moving faster than I had planned, just keeping ahead of the rain when possible. I had hoped to go on the Arthur River cruise but it was pouring with rain and decided against it. I did go as far as the plaque at 'The Edge of the World'. I stayed over at the Rocky Cape Tavern which provides free camping. This has been the first time I've had an afternoon drink since I left home. I also had dinner at the Tavern. Nice!

Then there was Stanley. What a gorgeous town! It helped that it was fine and clear by the time I got there. In my ignorance, I thought that the Nut was the only reason to go there. I don't think I have ever seen so many variations in the colour of the sea, from pale aqua to almost purple.


The town itself is quaint and old fashioned with dozens of beautifully restored or maintained homes. It seems to cater well for tourists with many gift shops, coffee shops etc. I was ready for coffee as soon as I arrived and another before I left in the afternoon. I had left Ye Olde Chocolate Shoppe till last - and then forgot to go back. Can you believe I forgot chocolates!   I spent a couple of hours roaming around Highfield House which gave a great look at the early history, good and bad, of the early settlement days. The displays were extremely varied and imaginative and I got glimpses of life from the point of view from the administrators, the women, visitors from the olde country and indentured servants. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes I think the historic places are too repetitive and uninteresting. This was very well done.


I have come full circle. I've arrived back in Wynyard tonight. I have had a few things I wanted to do to the van. I wanted to anchor a couple of boards which needed to be screwed down. Chris did that for me so they won't be sliding around. There's always something to do - just like housework (if I can actually remember how that goes!) Lovely fresh veges for dinner again tonight and home grown apples with ice-cream to follow. I may need to return! Many thanks to Helen and Chris.

Wynyard

Lovely weather in Tasmania. I love the cool days and chilly nights. I only did a few hours yesterday, from Devonport to Sulphur Creek. I stopped at a little camping spot right on the water. I went for a walk from one end of the beach to the other when the tide was out. At full tide, the water was right up onto the rocks. The sound of the sea helped me to sleep well. Apparently several trains went by during the night but I don't think I heard them at all.

As usual there was an interesting mix of campers. An older single lady (Joyce) from Victoria camped next to me and made me a cuppa. She invited me to join her for dinner, a steak and egg sandwich, but as I don't eat much meat, I thanked her nicely and declined. I had a drink later with two other couples. I was just about to settle down later to my biscuits and cheese, when one of them arrived with a curry and veges. I was told it was for either dinner or breakfast so I couldn't very well say no. So that was my lunch today. There were probably nine or ten vans there during the night.

After Sulphur Creek, I had a look around Burnie then went on to Wynyard to visit Nikki's parents. I arrived with photos of our mutual grandson, Cooper. Helen cooked up a meal of lovely freshly-picked veges and meat, followed by an apple crumble - just in case I'd forgotten I was in the Apple Isle. Chris is going to take me for a drive around this area tomorrow. He has also rung friends who are camping at Montague. They have promised me fresh fish when I arrive there on Saturday.

Infant child of Lighthouse family

Lighthouse at Wynyard

Some of the family history of Lighhouse keepers

Fossil Bluff

Opium Poppies. Pyrethrum also grown nearby.

From Canberra to the Coast

I have had a leisurely trip down from Canberra. I stayed at a service centre last night. These have their good and bad side. The good side is cafe style food and generally good coffee. They also have hot showers, usually free. The bad side is that the truckies stay there as well and they come and go all night. But I have learned where to park to escape most of the noise and lights. The previous night I stayed at a nice little road side place. The southern states do 'roadside' well with the stopping areas well back from the road, toilets and covered tables and varying standards of amenities. There is usually an interesting mix of travellers who introduce themselves, a good safety measure.

 I made a quick detour through Gundagai to see the Dog on the Tuckerbox and the story of Bill the Bullocky. I'm not sure how true the story is but I guess it is as good as any other. While I was on the way, I couldn't resist calling in to Glenrowan where Ned Kelly still stands tall in his home-made armour and weapons.

I made my first visit to Wangaratta. I love the name. It's one of those Aboriginal sounding names which is typically Australian. The town itself is full of interesting contrasts. The Anglican cathedral is traditionally styled, right in the middle of town. Near it is the war memorial. Over the road, completely different is the ultra modern cultural centre. It was well worth the trip into the town.

Today I put my trust in my navigator (GPS Jane) and she took me on the metropolitan ring road to Port Melbourne, missing most of the traffic but going through three toll booths. I had over estimated the time it would take so spent some time at a shopping centre waiting for the ferry. I must say I am impressed with Jane. She accepts whatever I do and calmly gives me a new route when I ignore her. Not that I do that often! My problem is when she tells me to do something in 500 meters and I do it in 400, then she has to get me back on track.

When I got to Port Melbourne, I asked her to find me a ferry. I had a choice of five but the Spirit of Tasmania was at the top of the list and less than a kilometre from where I was. I roamed around a shopping centre for a while as I waited for the ferry to start loading.

The overnight on the ferry was quite okay, very little swell and clear skies. I thought the loading was bit slow. I was comparing with the Vancouver Island ferries which really have loading down to fine art. However the off-loading was much quicker. When I booked, I wasn't given the option of a recliner seat, only a cabin. That worked well. I had a good night's sleep. I had been given a top bunk so I tossed my stuff on it and went down to the bar for a couple of hours. When nobody else had arrived in that time, I took a lower bunk. I bought a 2 month National Parks pass at the on-board tourist office.

Now I am in Davenport. I will ring Marilyn Robinson (O'Rourke) and see where she is before I go much further. Then I'll decide where to go tonight. It is so good to just go as the spirit moves.

The Abbey

I had a wonderful day yesterday.  I visited Sister Agnes at the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo NSW. She has been there for 25 years after 25 years as a Josephite. I took along a school photo taken when I was in Grade 7 at Caboolture of me and five of my brothers, which is probably how she would have remembered me. We followed up on mutual friends and I also showed off my 365 Project album.

The Abbey is tucked away on a mountain road at Jamberoo. It is a delightful spot. Because the abbey is closed on a Thursday, I had a personal tour of the public areas. I spoke to the sister who makes cards and came away with a few cards for different occasions. The candle making area was closed unfortunately. I have seen the range online and last year the JAN group had bought a Mary MacKillop candle but could have been tempted. The chapel is open to the public and has huge glass windows looking out over greenery.

Sister Benedetta, the guest mistress, got up early cooked a lovely chicken meal and bread and butter custard especially for my visit - then I was sent on my way with a care package, enough to last me for days. Next time I will stay for a few days and enjoy the serenity of the place. I was made so welcome by everyone that I spoke to.

Although I was invited to stay, I decided to push on to Canberra. An hour or so along the way, I began to regret that decision. It was raining and I was suddenly too tired to drive. I pulled over and had a snooze, so easy to do with the bed made up in the back. After a good break, I was grateful for the meal I had with me, just as nice cold as hot, especially with smooth fluffy mashed potatoes!

Dianne and John were as welcoming as ever and Anthony was also home. We stayed up far later than Di usually does and she is drooping a bit this afternoon. John and Anthony had enough sense to go to bed when they were tired. I've told Dianne that they don't need to keep my hours, especially as I don't get up when they do in the morning. (It is not that I want to stay in bed late! I think it's important not to disturb the morning schedules of the household. Does that sound convincing?)

Tomorrow we are planning to go to the National Gallery and see the Renaissance exhibition. I will leave on Sunday as I have to be at Port Melbourne to catch the Spirit of Tasmania on Tuesday evening.

Reluctant Move

After two nights at Bundeena, I moved on today very reluctantly. It was such a beautiful peaceful spot. A Sydney ferry runs every hour from Bundeena to Cronulla and then you can use other public transport to get into the city. So you could have a restful holiday and still get in a bit of shopping or sightseeing. Apparently the campsites are booked solid during the school holidays but in the off season, it is easy to get in. As I left today about thirty hikers, none looking less than 60 and some considerably older, arrived looking quite fit and feisty. About 10 minutes later I passed two small buses which I assume had dropped them somewhere not too far away.  They might have made a bit of a queue for the facilities.

I had a leisurely drive to Wollongong, stopping occasionally to admire the view but not tempted to take many photos as it was quite overcast. I met several people along the way. There had been four Dutch families at the National Park - none related. Then I met another Dutch couple when I stopped at a lookout area. A trio from Argentina and a Chinese couple from Canberra were admiring the view down onto the Wollongong coast at another viewing area.

As I had arranged, I met Catheryn at a school where she spends some time. After 18 years she has the job under control. I was impressed by the efficiency of her recording. After seeing the half-hearted results at some schools at home, it was interesting to see that kids in her system starting their second year at school were regarded as needing intervention at levels 10 -14. Considering that Cory is probably one of the best in his class at the same stage and is reading 10, it is obvious that our expectations for our prep kids aren't high.

Catheryn and Delyn and I went out for dinner and a few drinks. We popped in to Catheryn's place but I am staying with Delyn as her place is more accessible - and she has a huge comfortable bed in the guest room. (Remember the first rule of travel!) I don't expect to see her in the morning as she leaves for work far earlier than I stir.  Delyn has bought a house and is gradually transforming it from a typical 60s style with pink bath, blue checked laundry tiles etc into a very interesting, modern house. There is still masses of work to do but what is complete is beautiful.  The house is built around an atrium and the whole house is filled with light. Her artistic eye is obvious and, as she says, the house has good bones to make worthwhile all the effort needed.

The International Reading Recovery Convention next year is in Sydney. I wonder if we could get some of the old groups together, for socialising while others work. Some of our old trainers will be presenting. Could be fun!

Bite the Bullet

Yesterday I went a bit further than I planned to and couldn't find a spot to park so I stayed at a caravan park at a place called Raymond Terrrace, quite close to Newcastle. Bad move! The name was familiar but the park was grotty and expensive but I was too tired to go further. Everything was worn and untidy - and they started mowing the next site at 8.30am when that couple moved out.

I decided to bite the bullet and get south of Sydney today. I was surprised at how easy it was. I set the GPS and just followed directions. Somehow I skirted the city and hit the coast south of Bankstown.  Then I looked at my Camps 5 book and took myself to Bundeena which I had never heard of. It is gorgeous - lovely wide beaches and a nice little town. There is even a Toastmasters club but it doesn't meet in the next couple of days. There are some holiday style houses but also some very expensive luxurious homes.

I am staying at Bonnie Vale Campground in the Royal National Park. For $14 a night I have the same view and the same bracing breeze as the owners of the fancy houses on the hill. I regret paying for just one night as it means I'll have to go into town to pay for another night - if I don't get blown away tonight. I have put up my little rear annex and decided not to try for a tarp. It will probably be enough trying to keep the annex attached. There are probably  a dozen campers and vans here and several tents. Because they are spread over several acres, they are close enough for security and far enough away for privacy. The day visitors gates are closed at 8.30 so the local yahoos don't visit during the night.

At lunch time I bought a spinach and feta muffin which will be lovely for dinner tonight. I think I'll go for broke and put a saucepan of water on the barbie and have a cuppa before it gets too dark. All the comforts of home and million dollar views!

Dwarfed

This photo shows my van parked at Clybucca during the night next to a huge truck. I didn't realise how large those rigs really are.  I couldn't capture the half dozen rigs in a row with my Little Lucy (Toyota Lucida) at one end and a couple of campers and caravans at the other. However, it was fairly noisy as most of the trucks left at midnight. I assume their travel times are calculated on a full day's driving. I stayed at a service station rest stop and appreciated a long hot shower this morning. By then it was 9am so I got my usual night's sleep.

Once again I only travelled about three hours in total yesterday, most of it at 80kmh. I shouted myself to some lovely fresh prawns which I had for dinner last night - ten beautiful large tiger prawns for $4 - and some brie to go with bikkies for lunch today. I've had to turn on the fridge for the first time. I probably won't use it all the time unless I am somewhere with power. It seems very noisy at night and I'm sure it has to be draining the battery when the car is not running.

I have done my usual stop at Macca's to write up my blog. I won't stay long as I can't plug in to power. I asked one of the young workers for a power point and he told me that they don't let customers use power. That was how he worded it. I asked him to speak to a manager who still didn't give me power because of health and safety issues - that Maccas might be responsible if I electrocuted myself! It is so good that they are protecting me from myself. How did I ever survive for more than sixty years plugging into electricity grids all around the world?

Nature Arrgh!

I knew it was too good to last. Last night I stopped at a campground in a National Park - Woody Head near Iluka. I tried to do the right thing and appreciate the natural environment. I walked on the beach, well down to the beach! Really, I would have walked on the beach but the tide was in for a very long time! Then I found a shady table and sat there, having no trouble with the birds and the scrub turkeys and the kangaroos in the background but when a couple of furry grubs landed on my arm, I went back to the van and sat quietly at my own table and chair and did some knitting. Nature is so much better in the abstract!

I don't think I've ever seen or heard so many kookaburras all together at the same time. I can understand how the early explorers thought they were being mocked. I'm sure they laughed at me every time something fell from a tree onto the van. In fact, I wouldn't discount them pelting me with seeds and sticks just for the fun of it.

During the night I had the moon roof open. What a brilliant sky! I even got out my iPad at about midnight to use Sky Walk and identify some of the stars. The next time I opened my eyes it was drizzling with rain and I had put my little annex (back door privacy screen) up. By the time I got it down, it was damp so it is rolled up in the back until I can get a good clear day to get it dry.

There aren't many good things about getting old but I found one! National Parks NSW give free membership and day entry to all parks just for registering a government pension card. I saved $7 just last night. Just one problem, they have to post the card to the address on my concession card to ensure it goes to the right person. Maybe I will have it in time to drive back through NSW if I can find an address to have it redirected to.

Tonight I am staying with Tracie and Darryl and their young adult kids Jaz and Gy. I've been told that the first rule of camping is, Never turn down a good bed and a hot shower. Far be it from me to break the rules, especially the very first one. I worked with Tracie at Humpybong, including team teaching for two years. I have brought several photos from that time which I will leave with her.  Tracie and I talked non-stop for about 6 hours. We went through some old school photos and reminisced about our teaching together. We spent ages identifying former colleagues and relating events which have stuck in our minds. I had a pile of snaps and we had fun recreating the events and working through some of the kids where one of us knew their histories. It doesn't seem possible that this all happened twenty years ago. We were thoroughly compatible as teachers, and as friends it has been wonderful just to sit and take ourselves back to those days. She is still teaching as she was newly graduated as a teacher when we shared classes. We will have to be more regularly in contact from now on.

Busy Spot

Last night I got to Ocean Shores. It was quite a pleasant trip with a bit of rain to cool everything down. I went in to a few little towns along the way and then I stayed at a rest area called Yelgun - a busy little place. It is very well set up with a top parking area for big trucks and a lower area for smaller vehicles.

Where I parked were several covered areas and a couple of bbqs and a toilet area - unfortunately no showers. There were half a dozen campers there when I arrived and I parked between a woman from Adelaide and an almost-local couple returning from north Queensland. After dinner, the four of us got together for a cuppa. Later two young French women in their early twenties arrived and provided most of the excitment of the evening when they locked their keys in their van.

By the time we had decided that none of us could help, it was raining. We waited for the NRMA to arrive from Brunswick Heads. Apparently a Ford Transit van is quite difficult to get into and the mechanic, with six of us giving advice and holding torches, took more than half an hour to get the van open. At that stage we had become friends, sharing stories of our own disasters on the road. This all suited me well because it made for a late night (11pm) so it wasn't too much of a shock to my system. I was a bit concerned that travellers go to bed early and also leave early. That did happen, of course. there were twelve vans there last night and only three when I woke this morning.

I'm only planning to do two or three hours driving today. I guess I can't expect that every evening stop will be as interesting as last night so it will take things as they come.

On the Road at Last

In a few minutes I'll be out of Queensland - not something I am usually keen to do. But I am heading for a place called Ocean Shores in northern New South Wales. Yesterday I didn't get far. I hadn't planned to. I wanted to spend the night with my best friend, my cousin Carmel in Ipswich. And that meant probably my last really comfortable bed for a while.

Some people take pets. This little fellow hitched a ride to Ipswich.

This has been the first test of my packing. So far nothing has come adrift or started flying around the van so that part is good. Over the next few days I know I'll find things that should be better located. In fact, I know already that the little space where I usually put my handbag isn't easily accessible but I haven't worked out what to do about it yet. I really want to have everything close but of course that is impossible. With the multi-charger, at least I have the phone, the iPad and the GPS all within reach - and charged.

I had forgotten about Daylight Saving in the southern states though I'm not sure whether I have just lost or gained an hour - not that it matters when I don't have any time constraints. Maybe in a couple of days I'll be ready to jettison my watch and just go by the Lord's time.  In the meantime, I'll hit the road again and decide where to stop tonight.