The washing machine Saga

It was while at Red Cliffs that our washing machine decided it didn't want to drain or spin. Brandt managed to remove it from its cabinet but when it kept blowing fuses with a loud bang he decided that an electrician should look at it.
So we took it in to Mildura.







Betta Electrical also managed to make it go Bang. Some wires had fused and they were unable to repair it. Luckily there was a Jayco store that we had passed on our way to Betta Electrical and they just happened to have some RV 2.5 kg washing machines in stock. Our previous one was only 2.2 kg. so the new one has a larger capacity, but it is smaller and lighter. We duly purchased one and headed back to camp. However on unpacking it we were unable to find the filler hose so it was back to Jayco who gave us the one from the shop display model.





In the evening Brandt set to work to take the old machine apart





He was after the bowl - for a fire pit. Eventually he was triumphant and we now have a (stainless steel) fire pit that fits snugly into the A frame at the front of the van.





Now, to dispose of the remains of the old washing machine.





Our new machine is successfully installed and doing a load as I write this. It is quieter than the original. So at this very early stage I am very happy with my new washing machine (also it isn't stained with red dust)





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Swan Hill to Red Cliffs

Swan Hill, whose claim to fame is the Murray Cod, also has an historic village. We decided not to take a close look as we went through an historic village, Sovereign Hill, at Ballarat.







We had hardly finished parking the caravan when I heard a neighbour saying to Brandt, "you haven't long been back have you?" He was not a 'member' of the grey nomad forum but had been reading posts there for the past two or three years

From Swan Hill we drove to Ouyen and called in to see if the church there needed us to do any work. The answer was "No" so we drove North towards Red Cliffs an stopped at a free camp overnight.




Next day we drove on to Red Cliffs.



They were expecting us, but we arrived on the Vicar's day off, so spent the night in the caravan park. Next day we met Dale, found what work was waiting for us, then moved the van to park in his driveway.

There is pruning at both the church and the vicarage for Brandt




and I helped out in the op shop, sorting donated items ready for pricing and going into the shop





prepared some boxes for food parcels and helped with Little Ducks.














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Catalina Museum, Lake Boga

The Catalina Museum on the banks of Lake Boga is full of memorabilia. The lake is the secret location where the flying boats were repaired during the Second World War. Lake Boga was chosen because of its relatively isolated location and also because the lake is almost perfectly round, which meant that the flying boats could land from any direction that the wind dictated.









The bunka has been restored and shows the communication system of the day. This was an area highly security conscious .









The generator room was seldom needed so one end was used for resting and they also set up one side as a mess.



And of course they needed a toilet.



Back up top in the main hall is SO much stuff. The thing that took my eye was the size of the Catalina









When the lake was empty a few years ago, volunteers took the opportunity to locate and recover anchor blocks, which are now placed in the grounds. (In fact with the water level low boaties were hitting them and damaging their boats. It was also dangerous for skiers.)

I recommend this museum.

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Heading North

Having left Dalyston and just as we were at Pakenham, Brandt said to ring Jules and Billeeee (grey nomad friends) who were at Seymour. We duly booked in to the same caravan park as them, and of course did a short stroll up town to take a look at some history,


the old log lock up,


and some war memorabilia.









Two days later it was on to Greens Lake, where it was beautiful on our arrival



However, it was rather unpleasant when we woke the next morning.

So on to Echuca with its Thong Tree



Of course there were many opportunities to cruise the river.



It intrigued me that dogs were welcome on a cruise. Don't know if they travelled free or not.


A pile of wood ready for the paddle steamer


Have often thought I should take a photo to show how bad the floods can be.
Amazing how much water must fall to put the river in flood.

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SouthWest Gippsland

We spent a very pleasant 3 days with Michael and Barbara at Dalyston


They took us for a drive around the coast and to Eagles nest, a rock that has kind of been weather beaten and now has the remains of the eagles nest


On the horizon one can just make out the hazy outline of the most southern point on mainland Australia. I asked Brandt to see if he could zoom in on it with his camera but he misunderstood me and zoomed in on Eagles nest . By the time I discovered this it was too late to get the photo I wanted.


Then it was inland for more scenery


I believe Gippsland is a good area for dairy farms.


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Spray Point

In the morning Brandt checked the bearings and brakes on the caravan





That done, we went to Spray Point. The photos will tell why it is so named












During this visit to Rye I have often said that the coastline here reminds me of The Great Ocean Road






It is absolutely beautiful here

Then it was back to fixing the electric brakes by soldering broken wires back together.






Thanks for the help Brian.

So, with mixed emotion we left Rye and went to visit Michael and Barbara.