So, in true holiday style, we haven't let a 'HOLE' in the caravan stop us from making tracks! Trent managed to get into the Hardware store early Monday morning and by 10am we were on our way. Using some gal sheeting, some silicone and some screws, we have managed to patch things up enough for us to cope these past few days. It was only last night when it started to rain that we though we'd best make our way to Brisbane a little quicker for assessment of the van than first thought! Yes, I woke to drips on my head last night, so a few more repairs with more silicone today and I am hoping for a better night tonight, coz it's still raining here!!!!!! Didn't sign on for this wet stuff when we set out, but I guess its gotta rain some time.
Trent's patch up job!
On our way again!
Anyway, our first stop out of Barcaldine once repairs were made (and Trent also went into the Police station to make a report of the incident) was at Blackall. Here we had some lunch outside a Bakery, which we brought our lunch from. Next it was on to the town of Augathella, but after a drive through town and realising that the only caravan park was the Roadhouse on the main highway, we decided to move on. I can't remember if I have mentioned this before, but here in outback QLD there are soooooo many stations, some with some great names too. Our favourites for this leg of our journey were 'Rodney Downs' and 'Alice Downs', two names very close to our hearts. They also had Creeks named after them, which makes us think that the stations were given the names because of the creeks.
So, after a fairly rotten nights sleep and feeling rather tired, we pushed ourselves onto Charleville. So pleased that we did this.
We stayed in Charleville for two nights, just so we could try and catch up. The park we stayed at was close to the main part of town, but in a bush kind of setting. Tuesday we slept in, or should I say I got up with the kids and Trent stayed in bed while I kept them busy! We had pancakes for breaky, I did some washing, a late shower and then we went for a look around the town. Went for a walk along the main street, a nice town, perhaps a place I could be if we had a purpose to be there. There was also an Astronomy/Cosmos centre there but we didn't go in when we got there because 2 kids were sleeping and we didn't want to 'rock their boats' at this point. We had some lunch out at a bakery/cafe, it was yummy. Back to the van, I got the washing in and then got Flick into bed for another sleep. Finally she settled and I got my chance to have a nap on the bed while Trent let the kids watch at DVD or two and set them up with some drawing outside! He kicked back in the camp chair, but he told me he was very busy watching the kids!!!! Late arvo we all took a trip to the local Super IGA Supermarket and stocked up again. Its a never ending thing when you have limited space to store stuff, but we manage it all very well I think! Dinner was 'bangers and mash'. We packed up most things so that in the morning we didn't have to do too much.
Hotel Charleville.
This was a 'cool' quad bike that Maurice and Trent saw in a motorbike shop that we had to take a photo of, esp. for Papa to see!!!
It was also Benny's birthday while we were staying in Charleville, so this is for Ben! Happy Birthday, we hope that you celebrated well and that your new cousin Coco joined in too!!!! We were all thinking of you and can't wait to see you when we get back!
We have now hit Wednesday morning. We got the kids organised and were about to jump into the showers when we got yet another phone call from someone else to do with the insurance claim for the van. Anyway, we were basically told to get the van to Brisbane or the Sunshine coast because Rockhampton was too busy. We decided that we would head Brisbane way, not really sure how long we would take to get there. They were happy with this, so it was all good.
From Charleville we headed East, first through the town of Morven. Before we got to Mitchell, everyone was a little peckish, so we stopped at a place on the side of the road that had some toilets and a little cafe. We made our own lunch in the van, wraps and followed by mint choc ice cream! Kids were happy with this. Next we travelled through Mitchell, then Roma, then Miles. There were also very small little towns in between all these major places, but it's just easier to mention the major ones. Once we got the Chinchilla Trent had decided that it was enough for the day, so we found the one and only advertised caravan park in the town and got the last site avail. there. Un-hooked and then went and looked around the town. Pretty big, with lots of everything that you would need from a town. A John Deere Dealership, so Maurice was pleased! Lots of headers to see!!! When we got back to the park we asked the owner what the place was famous for. These days he said 'Watermelons' with the Watermelon Festival that happens each year. Its also a major Cropping and Agricultural Area. Pasta for dinner - Thanks mrs guye for teaching us how to whip this one up! And, a reasonably early night for us all.
This morning I woke to scratching my head and then realising that it was actually rain drops on my head. It was of course raining outside and it was around 2-3am!!! Great! Towels out and a different sleep position for me! It got to 5.30am and I was well and truly awake, so I went out to the loo, only to find Felicity next to Trent when I got back! By 6am Pheobe was up, then Maurice. Trent and I looked at each other and we were thinking the same thing - lets go!!! So, milk for all the kids, got them dressed, a quick shower for us and we were on the road by 7.10am!!! World record for us to be on the road by that time. We got to Dalby and of course saw the 'Golden Arches', so we stopped for breaky and a play in the play ground. The rain was still coming down, but it was covered in, so it was great for the kids to burn some energy. Back on the Highway, into Toowoomba. A very steep descent getting out of this place, so we snuck in behind a truck and eased our way down the road with him! Trent said thank goodness it was raining, we still have some issues with our back right breaks heating up when we really need to use them! Anyway, we made it safely and headed to Ipswich way.
Into Brisbane and we made our way to the address of the place that the assessor told us to take the caravan to be quoted. Here, the people were very nice and very thorough with checking over the van. We came to the conclusion that it wasn't a write off, it could be repaired. Anyway, we found a Big4 caravan park near by and booked in. John the assessor finally phoned us and then made his way out to us. He also looked over things and took some photos. He told us that it was approved for repair and it was up to us as to what we wanted to do. So, we have decided that because the people at Arrow Caravans (the place we took the van earlier for the repair quote) were good with us and they can repair before we are due to go home that we would go with them. So, Monday morning we will leave the van in their hands and get some accommodation elsewhere. We only have then 4 nights to fill in before our time in Noosa that is already booked. The time we have in Noosa is for another week, so they think it should all be done by then.
And there you have it, our past few days! Not too sure what we will get up to whilst here in Brissy, but there is lots to do and we also have to pack up the van and our things so we can leave it with the repairers. Hope the rain stops so we can see the sun again. I'll be sure to fill you all in of course as to what we get up to.
Just a quick message to Nan/Gran. We know that you are keeping up with this at times, so once you are home from Hospital this is for you. GET WELL SOON and no more heart attacks while we are away! Hope you feel better now that you have had some more stenting done! Keep on top of those Kidneys and we will see you very soon. Love you lots!!!!
Anyway, hope everyone is keeping well and we can't wait to see you all real soon. It's hard to believe that our time is almost over, it has gone so quickly.
Take care everyone,
Love The Guye Gang! xoxoxo
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