Well what a day today has been - we kicked off this morning waking at 5am and on the road in total darkness by 5.30am after camping at a truck stop 180km north of Port Hedland. Have just arrived in Derby about 8.30pm after spending around 5 hours in Broome on an unscheduled stopover. The original plan had us arriving in Derby early afternoon but we have had ongoing battery problems affecting the camper fridge so we decided to purchase a new battery for the camper trailer. We found the local Battery shop and after utilising some expertise in this area we found out that the trailer actually did not have a 12v lead from trailer connection to trailer fridge. When this problem was resolved by adding a new 12V wire we then found that there was no earth wire connection. We then had to add an earth wire to the battery serving the fridge. Roger from All Volts also added a controller to manage the battery condition. He was a wealth of information and had been in location for 10 years so there was not much he had not seen re caravan and camper trailer wiring and battery management. We were very lucky to get the work done then and there given how busy the town is. We saw three Engel fridges sold in the time we were there and countless batteries walking out the door. Anyway on reflection, I am not sure why a manufacturer of trailers would not add something so basic in wiring given that a fridge compartment is provided as well as a battery. We just had no means of charging it other than using a 240v connection or a generator. The wiring will enable us to charge the battery as we are driving or when the engine is running. After what appeared to be a long stint in the one place we departed Broome at 5.30pm and had a quick bite at the local fuel stop before heading to Derby.
Given we were going to be late to arrive at the Kimberley Gateway Caravan Park in Derby I called to advise (we had booked ahead) and found out that the place was being run by an old teachers' college mate and hockey player, Ian McKay. Well he had no problems with us coming in late and told us to phone him when we arrived. We have one of the better sites in the caravan park and given that it is powered we can now recharge all our electrical implements.
We have also decided to delay our departure for one day and use tomorrow to consolidate and repack and sort out additional items like buying perishables, It will also give us a chance to relax as we have reminded ourselves that we have not done this yet and here I am three days into my retirement. This is just not on! We did not even have an alcoholic beverage for three days. Must be some sort of record. Ian said he will sort out extra accommodation for us - the park was totally full with 500 persons in it so without an advanced booking one had no hope of staying an extra night.
Paul has just come back from the shower and now smells like a rose after 3 days (I think he forgot to wash his feet) of BO- for a person who religiously showers and shaves every day he must be congratulated. Sue you should see what he looks like - the grey is very becoming although he could get away with a dark moustache (no colouring required). I think he is looking forward to moving out of the camper and setting up his own tent. With Roberts arrival tomorrow morning by plane we will see what occurs. With all of our personal gear, fitting 3 into the camper van will be very tight.
Sorry about the photos - the last thing I have wanted to do was play around with this but given I will have some time tomorrow I will endeavour to download some photos. Cheers for now.
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