Its Wednesday as I begin to write this.
We are leaving after work on Friday and will undoubtedly arrive at camp well after dark. Work to Grassy is almost a four hour trip. At this time of year the sun set at 17:35 and will be dark by 18:00
We need to run through pre trip checklists and not assume that all is where we think it is. First coffee. Can we wake and make a brew. Then clothing and food. Are all the kitchen requisites in the drawer? Do I have my favourite cup?
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| Monday morning walk to Scott's head |
Running through this is important. As I began to pack on Thursday I realised that our supply of firewood was diminished, so had to get the saw out and cut some more. Checklists are important.
Thursday evening,
Fuel in car, battery charged with the victron smart charger, solar ready (new 12 metre 6mm² very low resistance cable on this trip.) 12 meters is enough to find sun when we park in shade. Its quite thick so it still pumps the watts into the battery over that distance. Fridge down to 1 degree
Blankets, sleepwear clothing and recreational tools. Kindle, charge cables, bike and all the trappings that go with it. Need to be ready first up on Friday.
Friday morning...
So now I'm at work. Got up early and connected pod to car and then put bike on the roof. Its the first time the bike has been on the roof of the Nissan X-trail. I use a seasucker talon suction rack. It got us to work, where I parked in a spot so the solar panel on the front gets charge through the day. Will be interesting to see if the suckers hold the rest of the trip. Tracey will drive the first 2 hours south, and I will take over at dark. We ought to be able to pull in and not unhitch till morning. Then setup a better kind of camp.
Woo hoo. We made it.
Arrived a dark, parked and had a glass of red and chat with family we met up with. Saturday a ride through the trails of Yarabini. Then tie down the campsite properly in case of wind. Then a swim.
Sunday a beach ride via Stuarts Point. Swim and read on the beach (New umbrella got its first use) Then campfire under moonlight. Monday a moderate hike into Scotts Head before returning home to camp.
The Nissan 12 v battery had flattened again. This is the third time its happened. I keep a lithium jump starter, but its really annoying to pull stuff out of the back to access the battery to start the computer that starts the car. Drive home Monday.
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| The Pines picnic area Sat morning ride. |
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| Sunday morning beach ride to SW rocks |
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| Relaxing in the shade. Sunday Afternoon. |
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| Campfire: the moon, the clouds, and the stars |
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| Monday morning walk to Scotts head |
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| Stunning trail: From Grassy to Scotts. |
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