on the road again, direction south east to Burra

It takes us an hour to completely pack up, starting with Walter washing the dishes, and putting the coffee machine into the sink, while I put everything inside away, and take the pillows off my bed and strap down the duvet etc.  Then I take my handbag and water bottles to the car.  

While I pull down the pop top, and clip it, Walter packs away the hoses and electricity cord.    We put the back bed up together, much easier.  Then I roll up the new cover that goes over the back bed  The outside matting gets folded up and put into the car.   By this time Piper is also keen to get into the car too, just in case she gets left behind.   Not a chance.

Walter watches me as I wind up the steadies, a kneeling job.   Then I reverse the car again under Walter's watchful eyes.    At the moment we are both trying to hitch up the car, but I confess Walter has more strength in his arms then me.   I attach the chains, and relevant plugs to the car, another kneeling job.  We both make sure we take the chocks from the front and back of the caravan wheels.   We have flattened numerous ones by running over them.   And most importantly check the handbrake has been released on the caravan.   So easy to forget.

Walter checks the lights at the back of the caravan are working, and then off we go.   Then we stop around the corner for a final check of everything.  It is so easy to miss something, and we have done this, although we have never left the caravan behind!

Interestingly we watch other people packing up their caravan, and there are some people who are very quick, but thankfully there are many who seem to take forever.

We wind in the awning and put the chairs in the car the night before so cannot add that to our slowness in packing the caravan up before leaving the site.  

First stop yesterday, was coffee in Boolerroo Centre, the farming centre with the massive bits of machinery.   The only shop we could see that sold food said 'take away'.    We tossed up as to whether we should take a chance on what could be dubious coffee.   But desperation for a morning coffee hit won.   

Once inside the shop I was greeted by a huge coffee machine, with an assortment of different sized cups plus plenty of cakes.   And a very competent barista.   This was a cafe, not just for 'take away' food.  A different interpretation.

 Interestingly it was a cash only place.   Luckily I had been withdrawing cash in order to obtain coins for the washing machines in the caravan parks.   So could oblige notes, and not have to part with any of my precious coins.   I even received more coins to add to the stash.   

Just a thought.   What if I had no cash.    We were desperate for our morning coffee at this stage.

We drove through various little settlements, plus a couple of small towns, on a route that was not the most direct one.   I think we travelled about 140 km.    Interestingly, once we arrived in Jamestown, 64 km from Melrose, the countryside looked green and lush.   At first I thought they had been watering the fields, but no water around, and they would not be allowed to do so anyway.   It was just good rainfall.   Many of the farmers were out cutting some of their crops, and it was so lush

The caretaker at the Melrose showgrounds told us that the area around there had had little to no rain for months.  They were concerned that a drought was beginning to take hold.   I must admit the crops around Melrose and Booleroo did not look healthy.   Farming in those areas can still be heartbreaking. 

Burra Camping Ground, which is a five minute walk from the town centre.   So very central.   It is a small camping ground, no secure gates and no key pads for the ablution block.  Life is simple here.   The sites are large enough to put the awning out and park the car beside the caravan.   It did take a while to get used to having caravans around us, rather than the wide open space of Melrose Showgrounds.   Still one of the nicer camping grounds we have stayed in.

Interestingly it only takes us half an hour to set up the caravan, which also includes rolling out the awning and putting the chairs out.   Why does it take an hour to pack it up?

The beautiful park beside the camping ground.

                                         

This afternoon I took a pile of small, but heavy coins, that were weighing down my handbag.  A pile of 50c, 20c, 10c coins were exchanged for $1 coins for the washing machines.   I felt very happy.

Tomorrow, I must withdraw some more cash.   It is always best to be prepared for the shop that will not accept cards and most importantly the greedy washing machines.