The Wanderer

FEATURE: BATTERY AND SOLAR BASICS Space for one more panel? LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGERS A lithium (LiFePO4) battery QHHGVHLWKHUDVSHFLÀFFKDUJHU or at least one that includes a cycle for lithium batteries. This LVGXHWRGLIIHUHQFHVLQYROWDJH OHYHOV$IXOO\\FKDUJHGOLWKLXP EDWWHU\\ZLOOKDYHDYROWDJHRI 13.3–13.4V, whereas a lead acid battery is around 12.6–12.7V. At 20 per cent capacity, a lithium EDWWHU\\ZLOOKDYHDYROWDJHRI about 13V but a lead acid will be approximately 11.8V. That YHU\\VPDOOGLIIHUHQFHLQYROWDJHV for the lithium battery means a PXOWLVWDJHFKDUJHUZRQ·WZRUN DQGPD\\GDPDJHWKHEDWWHU\\ /LWKLXPEDWWHU\\FKDUJHUVZRUN on the basis of a constant YROWDJHFRQVWDQWFKDUJH DOJRULWKPZKLFKDOORZVIRUIDVW FKDUJLQJRIWKHEDWWHU\\ZLWKRXW WKHULVNRIRYHUFKDUJLQJ – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 51

FEATURE: BATTERY AND SOLAR BASICS Typical flat-roof installation isn’t ideal for sun-gathering SOLAR PANEL CHARGING RVs and motorhomes are ideal It’s not simply a matter for a solar panel installation, of connecting a solar although there are some energy panel to a battery ORVVHVLQEHLQJÁDWUDWKHUWKDQ pointed more directly at the sun. Installation is a fairly straightforward process but given the characteristics of solar panels, it’s not simply a matter of connecting a solar panel directly to a battery. For a start, most solar panels have an output voltage that is higher than that necessary for battery charging. Secondly, a solar panel output cannot emulate either the multi-stage cycle of an AGM battery nor the constant voltage/constant charge cycle of a lithium battery. A regulator, otherwise known as a solar charge controller, is required to provide the most effective charge to the battery without overcharging. It also prevents the battery back-feeding the solar panel when the installation KDVEHHQFRUUHFWO\\FRQÀJXUHG There are two types of solar panel regulators — pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) — and both operate quite differently. Shading a panel from the sun even slightly reduces efficiency – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 52

Get there safely with rvSafe rvSafe is a campaign designed to increase road safety awareness and èçøæä÷ìòñöóèæìĤæ÷ò÷ëèÛßìñçøö÷õüÝëèóõòíèæ÷ìöéøñçèç÷ëõòøêë÷ëèÏèçèõäï Ðòùèõñðèñ÷öÛòäçÜäéè÷üÊúäõèñèööäñçÎñäåïèõöÏøñçäñçóõòøçïüöøóóòõ÷èç åü÷ëèÌäðóèõùäñäñçÖò÷òõëòðèÌïøåòéÊøö÷õäïìä Find out more at www.rvsafe.com.au An initiative of

Portable panels can be angled towards the sun PULSE WIDTH MODULATION will slowly increase, and the MAXIMUM POWER A PWM regulator operates as it regulator will output the higher POINT TRACKING suggests: it pulses power into voltage and shorten the width MPPT regulators operate a the battery, and modulates the of each pulse, in effect reducing little differently. They have two length of the pulse. the charging current to avoid separate circuits so that the heating and gassing. output from the solar panels If you imagine a simple voltage goes through one circuit and verses time graph, the pulse That might sound okay, but then there’s a second circuit looks like a square wave with the there’s a technical problem that that does a voltage conversion voltage turning on and off for a results in a solar panel not being at level suitable for battery short period of time. Every time able to give its full output. Here’s charging. For example, if 13.5V the regulator turns off, it makes a simple example. Let’s take a is required at the battery a measurement of the battery 180W solar panel. Let’s assume terminal, then that’s what voltage and adjusts the next it’s putting out 10A at 18V. Note the regulator outputs. It’s pulse accordingly. that solar panels do not operate not dependent on the battery at 12V. Power is a product of voltage at all. The mathematical A characteristic of PWM voltage and current. However, equation looks something like regulators is that the voltage after the regulator, the voltage this, still using the 180W panel. output is just above that of the is say, 13V and multiplying The input voltage looks the battery. The large load of the that out 13V times 10A gives a same, that is 18V times 10A battery causes that effect, and power of 130W. That’s a loss of gives 180W. On the output side, the battery voltage cannot be 50W, or only about 70 per cent since say 13V is required, then boosted in any way. of the solar panel capacity can the output current is 180W effectively be used. What happens is that as the battery charges up, the voltage – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 54

FEATURE: BATTERY/SOLAR BASICS An RV’s roof is mostly unused space Indoor installation is more protected Even smaller RVs can benefit from some sun-worship divided by 13V, which gives a the solar panel, be it in full NEED FOR CONTROL current of 13.8A. Nothing is sunshine, partial shade, or full Apart from anything else, that SHUFHQWHIÀFLHQWEXW0337 FORXGFRYHUWKH0337WUDFNV does make it necessary to have regulators at best are around 90 the optimum voltage level to a fairly sophisticated control per cent, so the power output is maintain the highest output. system — not only to monitor DERXW:7KHHIÀFLHQF\\FDQ battery loads, but also to control vary though, as the temperature 7KDWPLJKWVRXQGOLNHD0337 battery charging voltage and of the solar panel rises, the UHJXODWRULVWKHÀUVWFKRLFH currents, particularly when voltage output drops (something EXW3:0UHJXODWRUVGRKDYHD there are multiple sources for like 4% for every 10°C). couple of advantages: they are battery charging simultaneously. cheaper to purchase and, due 7KDWLVIURPDPDLQVFKDUJHU 0337UHJXODWRUVKDYHDQRWKHU to simpler circuitry, they have a generator and solar panels or asset, and it’s in the name higher reliability factor. from a tow vehicle via a DC- — maximum power point to-DC charger. A basic battery tracking. Without getting too 3:0UHJXODWRUVDUHJRRGIRU charger, even a multi-stage one, technical, what that means smaller power systems and won’t handle that. is the whatever the output of ZKHQV\\VWHPHIÀFLHQF\\LVQRWVR critical. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 55

FEATURE: BATTERY/SOLAR BASICS BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Much like a battery charger but more sophisticated, a fully equipped battery management system will not only charge a battery, either AGM or lithium, but it will also have an in-built solar regulator and accept an input via a DC-to-DC charger from a tow vehicle. That all might sound quite simple, but a BMS is quite a complex device. Some manufacturers include a built-in distribution board for HDVHRIZLULQJDQGIDXOWÀQGLQJ and more than one includes a Bluetooth facility so that the system condition can be monitored from a smartphone. Some systems can include an external shunt to accurately monitor load currents, while a quality BMS will have protection features like reverse polarity, current limit, overvoltage, and fuse protection. Dedicated power-management cabinets are built into modern RVs Next issue we’ll get the calculator NEXT ISSUE out and crunch a few numbers A single article could not cover this topic properly, so next issue we’ll get the calculator out and crunch a few numbers on 12V loads, battery capacity, and solar panel requirements. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 56

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HISTORY OF DISC BOWLS From humble beginnings to a gradual proliferation, Ron Penfold looks into how the game of disc bowls won travellers over. Many people have asked WORDS AND PICS RON PENFOLD N7313 the rules were subsequently me how the game of published in The Wanderer (date disc bowls originated. by the name of Colin Teece (sic). unknown). I have travelled back How they came to produce these in time to track down the history bowls is something that might be It is quite amazing that these and background of the game. known by someone reading this original rules remain unaltered feature, as I have not been able to today. ,EHOLHYHWKHJDPHÀUVWVWDUWHGLQ track this link down. the early 1960s at the Newcastle With this decision, the CMCA Ambulance Social Club picnics. It I am not sure when, but to asked Ken to make the discs, was then just a social game, a bit turn disc bowls into a genuine which he did so on a wood lathe of fun between work colleagues, competitive game that could in his garage. Ken also ran more mixed in with some cricket and ÀWLQDNLWEDJRIDPRWRUKRPH than 30 disc bowls competitions tennis. enthusiast, Cyril Hutchesson over many years of rallies. from the Hunter Coastal Altogether, Ken made a total of The discs were handmade by Wanderers and Ken Collins from 5000 discs in his home workshop, DQ$PEXODQFH2IÀFHUE\\WKH the Sydney Wanderers agreed to matched only by his success as name of Don Moir. They were get together to establish a uniform a master player, winning many very primitive, circular wooden set of rules of play, court size, and competitions. discs with a hole cut in the the weight/measurement of disc middle, much the same weight bowls. When Ken retired from running as today’s discs. The game was the disc bowls competitions, Keith played to a basic set of rules Cyril wrote up the rules to Proctor from Sydney Wanderers which were highly subjective, incorporate the agreed changes assumed the mantle. Keith ran DWWUDFWLQJVLJQLÀFDQWGHEDWHDQG and submitted them to Ken for the disc bowls at many CMCA controversy. FRQÀUPDWLRQ&\\ULODQG.HQ rallies, which by this time saw then presented the rules to the large numbers of teams playing. The next batch of disc bowls CMCA Board for consideration Competitions at Chapter outings were made by the Warragul and acceptance for competition were also becoming popular. Victoria Hospital Sheltered play. The rules were endorsed by Workshop, supervised by a man the CMCA Board. Diana Warner ,WZDVEHFRPLQJYHU\\GLIÀFXOWWR was President at this time, and ÀQGWKHULJKWPDWHULDOVWRPDNH – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 58

MEMBER FEATURE: HISTORY OF DISC BOWLS Ken Collins N2113 the discs. Many of the discs in would be produced in a variety use were battered and bruised, of colours including pink and Cyril Hutchesson N2773 having been used for several blue to support breast cancer A group of punters decades. The new discs in use and prostate cancer charities. were being made from materials Over the past four years, these imported from China. They new discs are now used at just were not up to the job — all the major championships chipping, splitting, and prone to — the National Disc Bowls being affected by water. Championship in Casino, New South Wales, the Australian After the Bathurst Rally in Championships at the ‘Stone 2016, many of the discs were the Crows’ Festival in Wagga unusable or of different weights over Easter, CMCA rallies, and and sizes. It seemed we were back at Chapter meetings all over ZKHUHWKHJDPHÀUVWVWDUWHGLQ Australia. terms of materials. Something needed to be done. With the success of the sport in Australia, our motorhoming Geoff and Cathy Napthali cousins throughout England, realised there were major issues America, New Zealand, and South with the wooden discs, so in Africa are now playing the game. June 2015, they decided to carry out research and development I am sure many of you reading on new materials to produce the this history will have more discs that would be better suited, LQIRUPDWLRQWRÀOOLQWKHJDSV tougher for the constant use and or at least very fond memories hard surfaces, and produced with playing disc bowls, whether for no variation in weight or size. fun or for competition. The game has evolved over the years in a After several different materials positive way, creating friendships, were tried, a new set of discs and has been a mainstay of were machined from a special many of the rallies and chapter polypropylene compound meetings around Australia. material as a trial and sent to various chapters to see if they I would like to thank the were suitable. The feedback was people that have helped me put overwhelmingly positive, and it this together, particularly Cyril was decided to proceed with the Hutchesson, Ken Collins, Keith manufacturing of these discs. Proctor, and Geoff and Cathy Napthali. I would also like to The home of disc bowls is thank the CMCA for its foresight Australia, and Geoff and Cathy in commissioning Cyril and Ken (who have now set up their family to draw up the rules. business known as Disc Bowls International) were determined Who would have thought what to see the discs manufactured was meant to be a game among here. A Newcastle company was a group of friends would become commissioned to manufacture the much-loved past time and at these discs. WLPHVDÀHUFHO\\FRPSHWLWLYHVSRUW of motorhomers and caravanners :LWKVRPHRI&DWK\\·VÁDLU*HRII Australia-wide? was convinced that the new discs – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 59

ADiverse Paradise Located just over an hour from Perth is one of Western Australia’s best-kept secrets —Waroona is not your typical tourist destination. Diverse in nature and rich in culture, this shire offers both exciting adventures and peaceful exploration opportunities. WORDS ROBYN PITMAN-WILLIAMS PICS SUPPLIED Esunrjrooyutnhdesboefanuattifuurle Creativity is in the Waroona DNA – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 60

SPONSORED: WAROONA Picturesque scenery is plentiful Looking to learn more about fertile farmlands to the pristine a relaxing break from their usual the history of what was coast and the lakes of Yalgorup day-to-day routine. once a typical South West National Park. timber town with links to a Waroona is also the perfect coastal lime kiln, or hoping for a Within the Shire, the localities base from which to explore the holiday brimming with adventure? of Hamel, Lake Clifton and broader South West and Peel Perhaps you’re seeking a relaxing Preston Beach, and the township Regions of Western Australia. break, full of natural beauty and of Waroona itself, all have With several small rural towns solitude. No matter what you’re something different to offer which nearby, the Shire is also close to after, Waroona has it all. makes this the perfect area for the coastal cities of Mandurah STANDING OUT an all-in-one holiday. There’s and Bunbury, both just 45 FROM THE CROWD plenty to keep you either on minutes away. This central The Shire of Waroona stretches the go or relaxed depending on location in a quiet and welcoming from the Indian Ocean to the ZKDWÁRDWV\\RXUKROLGD\\ERDW country town, combined with a Darling Range and a short The diversity of Waroona and its variety of short-term and long- drive will take you from the outlying locales extends beyond stay accommodation, provides peaceful jarrah forests and its natural offerings. It’s perfect you with an opportunity to rest for art enthusiasts, history buffs, up and to fan out to explore nature lovers and those seeking IXUWKHUDÀHOG – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 61

AN ARTS HAVEN coastline, or rural landscapes you Creativity is part of the DNA of are seeking. Waroona, and local parks and buildings come alive with an The cool forests of the ancient eclectic mix of art including fun Darling Scarp are home to such and colourful yarn bombing, gems as Lane Poole Reserve fabulous murals and sculptures, with its four-wheel driving, mosaics and carved heritage cycling and walking trails, as bush poles that tell the cultural well as numerous camping stories of a small close-knit areas; Waroona Dam set in state community. forest and a favourite for skiing, ÀVKLQJDQGEXVKZDONLQJDQG Several of Waroona’s talented the spectacular Cypress Farm artists have their studios & Gardens set in 160 acres of open by appointment, and the remnant forest with 12 acres Waroona Visitor Centre also of formal gardens that include houses an art and craft gallery waterfalls, fountains, ponds, and representing over 50 local and KXQGUHGVRIPDJQLÀFHQWWUHH regional creatives. The gallery ferns. is home to the iconic and much-loved Mooriel, a life-size Set closer to town on the soft, ÀEUHJODVVFRZORYLQJO\\GUHVVHGLQ rolling hills of the Darling Scarp is different ‘cowture’ each month. Drakesbrook Weir — a favourite spot for picnics and barbecues, NATURAL DELIGHTS swimming, bushwalking, and One of the biggest tourism IUHVKZDWHUÀVKLQJ$QQXDO draws of the area is the diversity releases of trout mean a feed is and beauty of the unspoiled certainly on the cards. Both the natural scenery. Tranquillity is Weir and the showgrounds in guaranteed, whether it’s lakes, WRZQKDYHÀYHKRXUIUHHVWD\\V for fully self-contained RVs. Waroona and Fishing adventures await surrounds are known for their peace and beauty – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 62

Heading into the farmlands, The perfect spot for 3UHVWRQ%HDFKKDVD Hamel offers visitors a taste of a family holiday KRXUIUHHVWD\\DUHDIRUIXOO\\ modern farming and agricultural VHOIFRQWDLQHG59VFDPSLQJ history. Hamel Eco Park — WA’s <DOJRUXS1DWLRQDO3DUNZLWKLWV at Martins Tank amongst the ZDONWUDLOVDPLGDQDEXQGDQFHRI SHSSHUPLQWWUHHVWKH)RRWSULQWV ÀUVWH[SHULPHQWDOQXUVHU\\NQRZQ ÁRUDDQGIDXQD Holiday Resort, and holiday formerly as Hamel Nursery — is homes for that authentic beach $ELUGZDWFKHU·VSDUDGLVHWKH house feel. QRZDSRSXODUSLFQLFVSRWZLWK 5DPVDUOLVWHGZHWODQGVRIWKH its babbling brook and shady <DOJRUXSODNHVV\\VWHPDUHWKH A little further north in breeding and feeding grounds Lake Clifton, on the edge of WUHHV7KHZLGHYDULHW\\RIWUHHDQG for thousands of endemic and the lake of the same name, is SODQWVSHFLHVPHDQVQXPHURXV PLJUDWRU\\ELUGV6SHFLHVLQFOXGH a colony of rare and ancient birds make the area home. A WKHDPD]LQJDQGWLQ\\UHG URFNOLNHVWUXFWXUHVNQRZQ QHFNHGVWLQWZHLJKLQJLQDWRQO\\ as thrombolites. Built by VKRUWGULYHDZD\\DOLPHVWRQH JZKLFKÁLHVWKRXVDQGVRI microorganisms too small for ZDONWUDLOOHDGVWRHSKHPHUDO kilometres to nest in the Siberian the human eye to see, these ZHWODQGVWKDWKROGZDWHURQO\\ WXQGUD,QGLJHQRXVVSHFLHVRQ living communities of diverse after substantial rains. During the lakes include Australian LQKDELWDQWVZHUHWKHRQO\\ VKHOGXFNVEDQGHGVWLOWVUHG NQRZQIRUPRIOLIHRQHDUWKPRUH WKHVHSHULRGVWKHZHWODQGVDUH FDSSHGSORYHUV$XVWUDOLDQ than 650 million years ago. A DQDWXUHORYHU·VGHOLJKWZLWK UHHGZDUEOHUVSDFLÀFEODFN ERDUGZDONIRUYLVLWRUVSURWHFWV QXPHURXVIURJDQGELUGVSHFLHV GXFNVDQGPDMHVWLFEODFNVZDQV the thrombolites. Nearby is WRVS\\ /DNHVLGH/RRSDNPZDONWUDLO For golfers, an undulating and UXQQLQJSDUDOOHOWRWKHODNH 7UDYHOOLQJZHVWWR3UHVWRQ FKDOOHQJLQJFRXUVHUXQVSDUDOOHO Beach, visitors can enjoy miles WR<DOJRUXS1DWLRQDO3DUNZKHUH 2II1HZQKDP5RDGLVWKH dozens of kangaroos sit quietly to historical Lime Kiln and Walk RISULVWLQHFRDVWOLQHIRUÀVKLQJ ZDWFKDQGDVVHVV\\RXUWDOHQW Trail that meanders from the VZLPPLQJDQGIRXUZKHHO RULJLQDONLOQXVHGGXULQJDVKRUW GULYLQJULJKWRQWKHGRRUVWHSRI lived commercial lime venture in the early 1920s, through SHSSHUPLQWDQGPHODOHXFDWUHHV to the edge of Lake Clifton. This is DEHDXWLIXOWUDLOZLWKLQWHUSUHWLYH VLJQVWRH[SODLQWKHKLVWRULF cultural, and environmental VLJQLÀFDQFHRIWKHDUHDDQG DWDONLQJFLUFOHZLWKDUWZRUN UHSUHVHQWLQJWKHVL[,QGLJHQRXV Noongar seasons. TOURIST ICONS 7RXULVPLVDQLPSRUWDQWSDUW of the broader Waroona region DQGYLVLWRUVDUHZHOFRPHGZLWK RSHQDUPVDQGFODVVLFFRXQWU\\ KRVSLWDOLW\\7KHUHLVSOHQW\\WRVHH and do at every turn — not only ZLWKWKHKLVWRULFDODQGQDWXUDO SODFHVDQGVSDFHVEXWZLWKVRPH other offerings that should be high on any itinerary. Drakesbrook Antiques and &ROOHFWDEOHVLVWKHZRUOG·VODUJHVW Moorcroft retailer and has a stunning range that needs to be seen to be believed. Home is the 1935 Bank of NSW building ZKHUH&KDUOLH%HDUVZDU memorabilia, kitchenalia, and a host of other collections are EHDXWLIXOO\\GLVSOD\\HGWKURXJKRXW )RUZLQHORYHUV'UDNHVEURRN – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 63

CONTACT DETAILS WAROONA VISITOR CENTRE & GALLERY 37 South Western Highway, Waroona, WA, 6215 Ph: (08) 9733 1506 W: waroona.wa.gov.au E: [email protected] The perfect place to pitch a tent The vibrant arts scene charcterises Waroona Wines grow seventeen varieties Nearby, Lake Navarino guides Sebastian and Jamie in the picturesque hills above Holiday Park (a CMCA Dollar offer a multitude of ways to Waroona. Guests can enjoy a Wise Park) is the perfect base enjoy the region with salt (water- glass or bottle in the licensed from which to explore. Situated based) and bush (land-based) picnic area overlooking the lake right in the jarrah forest, with tours. Visitors can explore from and there are free gas barbecues idyllic scenery a guarantee, DND\\DNRUFDQOHDUQDERXWÁRUD with packs available for it features cabins, cottages, fauna, and geology on a walking purchase. Drakesbrook Wines glamping tents, and plenty of tour. Night astrology and bush has a Halliday Four Star rating traditional sites for motorhomes tours are also popular and and is a Hipcamp site. and campers. Just a stone’s provide yet another experience throw from Waroona Dam, it’s that must be lived as part of any KDQG\\IRUWKRVHZKRVNLÀVK Waroona adventure. and bushwalk. Lane Poole Reserve is only 15 minutes ACCOMMODATION & DINING away for adventurers who are For the foodies, Pinjarra Bakery looking for white-water rafting (Waroona Store) is always a and mountain biking. favourite with its award-winning pies, wraps, baguettes, and Closer to town and on the mouthwatering sweets. Other gentler slopes of the Darling dining and takeaway options Scarp is Langford Hill Riding include DnD’s Lolly Jar & Farm. For horse lovers both Tea Room, Hairy Lentil, Cafe novice and experienced, it’s a Waroona, Waroona Roadhouse, must. All riding gear is supplied Vibe, and Tom & Jerry’s. For for guided rides through accommodation in town there’s farmlands and forest. Lessons the Drakesbrook Hotel Motel and school holiday camps are and Waroona Hotel (both also available. serve meals) or motorhome and camping sites at Waroona Another great way to see the Caravan Ensuite Village. Waroona Shire is as part of Salt & Bush Eco Tours. Naturalist – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 64

FEATURE: THE GREAT OUTDOORS ANNUAL EVENTS 83km from Armadale, 42km from Jan/Feb – Live@theWeir Mandurah, 72km from Bunbury, April – All Australian Car Day and 77km from Rockingham, it August/September - Troutfest really does make the perfect base September – Vintage from which to explore the South Machinery Rally West region of Western Australia. October – Waroona Show PACK YOUR BAGS THE WAROONA SPRINGBOARD Waroona offers natural While Waroona itself is the ideal adventure, hospitality, solitude, tourist destination, it also serves rich history, and a vibrant arts as an important base for exploring and crafts scene. As well as being nearby regions. Located just a popular destination itself, it also serves as a launchpad from Taste the local fares which to explore. While offering the tranquillity associated with rural towns, it is far from isolated. Town services include banks, churches, medical facilities, a library, fashion boutiques, a supermarket, and more. Located a convenient distance from Perth, it’s perfect for a weekend escape or a longer adventure. So, pack your bags and tick Waroona and surrounds off your Western Australia travel bucket list. Home... to Australia’s favourite those who RV-friendly active like to roam. lifestyle village, perfect for over 50s. Specifically designed and built for the travelling lifestyle, at RV Homebase you can enjoy the freedom to travel and when you return home have the space to store your RV in your garage. 1300 391 711 rvhomebasefc.com.au [email protected] 50 Iindah Road East, Tinana, Maryborough QLD

Towvsi.nCg ycling Rohan Matthews on why he opts to cycle over towing a vehicle. WORDS AND PICS ROHAN MATTHEWS N73402 Pedal power! Be sure to pack your bikes carefully – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 66

The Winnebago MEMBER FEATURE: TOWING VS. CYCLING Leisure Seeker has done several Big Laps Cycling has many advantages :HKDYHEHHQ UHÁHFWRQWKHEHQHÀWVDQG VRWUDYHOOLQJDWKLJKHUVSHHGV RZQHUVRIRXU GLVDGYDQWDJHVRIWDNLQJRXUFDU EHFRPHVIDUPRUHHIÀFLHQW :LQQHEDJR/HLVXUH YHUVHVMXVWWDNLQJRXUELNHVDQG 6HHNHUVLQFH XVLQJWKHPRWRUKRPHRQWKH 7KHREYLRXVSOXVRIWDNLQJD ,QWKDWWLPHZHKDYHGRQHWZR RGGRFFDVLRQZHQHHGWRGULYH FDULVLIZHZDQWWRJRLQWRDUHDV IXOOODSVRI$XVWUDOLDDVZHOODV VRPHZKHUH ZKHUHWKHUHDUHURXJKURDGV PDQ\\RWKHUWULSV:H·YHDOVR ZHFDQXVHWKHFDUUDWKHUWKDQ XVHGLWDVRXUKRPHEDVHZKLOH ,QWKHODVWÀYH\\HDUVWKHRQO\\ PLVVLQJRXWEHFDXVHZHGRQRW GRLQJUHOLHIGXWLHVIRUZRUN WLPHZHKDYHWDNHQWKHFDUZLWK KDYHDQRIIURDGPRWRUKRPH EHIRUHHQMR\\LQJOLIHDVUHWLUHHV XVLVZKHQZHDUHDWWHQGLQJ +RZHYHUZHKDYHIRXQGWKDW 7KLVKDVOHGXVWRSXWWLQJRYHU PRWRUVSRUWHYHQWV:HRIWHQ WKLVLVDYHU\\UDUHRFFXUUHQFH NPRQRXUYHKLFOH LQFOXGHWKHVHPHHWVDVSDUW DQGLVVRXQFRPPRQWKDWZH DQGJLYHQXVDORWRIWLPHWR RIDODUJHUWULSRUKROLGD\\DQG KDYHGHFLGHGZHZLOOKLUHDFDU ZHNQRZWKDWLWDGGVDOHYHO RU:'RQWKRVHRFFDVLRQVRU RIGLIÀFXOW\\WRÀQGLQJQLFH JRRQDWRXULIRQH·VDYDLODEOH FDPSVLWHVDQGYLVLWLQJVRPH :H·UHFXUUHQWO\\GLVFXVVLQJ WRXULVWVSRWVDQGOHW·VIDFHLW VHOOLQJRXUFDUHQWLUHO\\SULRUWR MXVWORFDWLQJDVXLWDEOHSDUNLQJ RXUQH[WWULS7KHPRQH\\VDYHG VSRW RQUHJRDQGLQVXUDQFHZLOO HDVLO\\FRYHUDQ\\KLUHFDUFRVWV 2QHVXUSULVHLVWKDWWRZLQJ DQGWKHRGGWRXU,IZHGRQ·W WKHFDUJHQHUDOO\\PDNHVQR KDYHDFDUWKHQZHGRQ·WQHHGD GLIIHUHQFHWRRXUIXHOHFRQRP\\ FDUWUDLOHUVRSHUKDSVWKLVZLOO ,WKLQNWKLVLVEHFDXVHLW JRDVZHOO³PRUHPRQH\\IRU LPSURYHVWKHDHURG\\QDPLFV KLUHVDQGWKRVHEULOOLDQWWRXUV RIWKHUHDURIWKHPRWRUKRPH – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 67

Bikes allow you to get closer to the action Ready for adventure GETTING CLOSER PLQXWHVWRORDGRURIÁRDGWKH TO THE ACTION car, including the tiedowns. Another consideration was that when we are staying in I’m very good at reversing an area, we tend to stay close trailers — it always gets noticed to what we want to do, be it when you reverse parallel park cycling, kayaking, standup a trailer. So manoeuvring a paddleboarding or just walking trailer is not an issue for us, and hiking. but I have sure seen some protracted attempts to back Again, many of the nicer places trailers into simple spots. If we have been don’t have room you’re not good at reversing, for a motorhome, car trailer maybe the headache isn’t worth and car, so taking the car off it. Our Iveco is an automated the trailer can be an issue. Our PDQXDOVRLI,ZDVQ·WFRQÀGHQW ÀUVWFDUWUDLOHUZDVTXLWHODUJH in reversing I could sure do and was a problem everywhere some damage to the clutch as we went, so we sold that and these gearboxes need to be used bought a trailer that was just well to achieve a long service big enough for a small car. This life. We are very happy with certainly improved travel, but this gearbox, but I wouldn’t it still seems more trouble than say no to one of the new fully it’s worth, and this is with a DXWRPDWLFWRUTXHFRQYHUWHU trailer that only takes about two eight speed boxes! – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 68

MEMBER FEATURE: TOWING VS. CYCLING Electric bikes make life much easier FLAT-OUT NO WRXV$QRWKHUPLQXVIRUÁDW WKDWDFPYHUWLFDOPRYHPHQW An option we looked at before WRZLQJLV\\RXQHHGWRJHWD DWWKHUHDUD[OHEHFRPHVDRU VSHFLDOSHUPLWWRXVHDQ$IUDPH FPPRYHPHQWDWWKHEDOO7KLV EX\\LQJRXUÀUVWFDUWUDLOHUZDV LQ:HVWHUQ$XVWUDOLD FDXVHVDZKLSODVKHIIHFWRQWKH WRÁDWWRZRXUFDU7KHPDLQ IURQWRIWKHWUDLOHUGXHWRWKH UHDVRQZHGLGQ·WOLNHWKLVRSWLRQ HITCHING CONCERNS VSHHGDWZKLFKWKHKLWFKULVHV LVWKDW\\RXFDQ·WEDFNDÁDW 2QHWKLQJDORWRISHRSOH DQGIDOOV2YHUWLPHWKLVZLOO WRZHGYHKLFOHVR\\RXPXVW GRQ·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ÁDW HIIHFWRIDQ\\YHUWLFDOPRYHPHQW QRWRQO\\JLYHQXVDEHWWHUULGH WRZDVRXUFDUWUDLOHUFRVWDQG 7KHUHDUD[OHULVLQJDQGIDOOLQJ EXWDOVRLPSURYHGRXUDOUHDG\\ \\RXDUHZHDULQJRXWWKHFDU KDVLWVHIIHFWPXOWLSOLHGE\\WKH JUHDWIXHOHFRQRP\\ZKLOH DV\\RXWUDYHO,WDOVRLQYROYHV GLVWDQFHWRWKHWRZFRQQHFWLRQ WRZLQJ,I\\RXORRNRQWKHLUVLWH YHKLFOHPRGLÀFDWLRQVUHTXLULQJ 7KLVDOORZVWKHWUDLOHUWRKDYH RUDQ\\RIWKHRWKHUFRPSDQ\\·V DQHQJLQHHU·VFHUWLÀFDWH³\\RX DJUHDWHUHIIHFWRQ\\RXUUHDU ZHEVLWHV\\RXZLOOVHHPRUH FDQ·WMXVWGHFLGHWKDW\\RXZDQW VXVSHQVLRQJLYLQJ\\RXD GHWDLOVRIWKHEHQHÀWVZK\\WKH\\ WRWRZDQGRII\\RXJR$VZH URXJKHUULGHEXWWKHUHYHUVHLV ZRUNDQGWKHDGGHGVDIHW\\WKHVH DOVRUDFHRXUFDUWKHDELOLW\\WR XQLWVSURYLGH FDUU\\DEURNHQFDUZDVDWWUDFWLYH – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 69

Packing bikes is a lot easier than towing ON YA BIKE stay in good condition and stay Folding We took our bikes on a carrier bikes make on the rear of the motorhome FOHDQQRPDWWHUKRZPXFKGLUW DQGGXVWZHGULYHRQ$ELJZLQ packing a GXULQJRXUÀUVWODSRI$XVWUDOLD 7KHRWKHUQLFHWKLQJDERXWRXU breeze EXWWKLVDOVRKDVLVVXHVIRUORQJ IROGLQJELNHVLVWKDWWKH\\DUH WHUPWUDYHOLQJ:HPDGHVXUH UHDOO\\QLFHELNHVVRZHGRQ·W WRSXWSODVWLFZUDSDURXQGWKH IHHOOLNHZH·UHFRPSURPLVLQJRXU VKLIWHUVEUDNHOHYHUVDQGVHDWV HQMR\\PHQWZKHQZHKHDGRXW \\HWE\\WKHWLPHZHKDGPDGHLW RQORQJULGHV1RZWKDWZHKDYH KDOIZD\\DURXQGWKHELNHVZHUHD XSJUDGHGWRHOHFWULFELNHVZLWK ORWZRUVHIRUZHDU,KDGWRFOHDQ VXVSHQVLRQWKLVLVHYHQPRUH WKHFKDLQHYHU\\WLPHZHZHQWRQ WKHFDVH0DNHVXUH\\RXULGH DGLUWURDGHYHQLIWKLVZDVRQO\\ ORWVRIELNHVEHIRUHPDNLQJD JRLQJWKURXJKURDGZRUNV+HDY\\ GHFLVLRQHOHFWULFDQGVWDQGDUG UDLQDOZD\\VPDQDJHGWRJHWLQWR DVVRPHDUHWHUULEOH WKHVHDWVDQGOHIWPDQ\\DGLUW\\ VRJJ\\ERWWRPDORQJWKHZD\\%\\ *RLQJHOHFWULFUHDOO\\KDVPDGH WKHWLPHZHJRWKRPH,QHHGHGWR WRZLQJDFDUUHGXQGDQW7KH\\ WRWDOO\\UHEXLOGRXUELNHVDQGZH have a range of over 100km KDGPLVVHGVRPHRIWKHULGHVZH KDGSODQQHGWRGR RIOD]\\ULGLQJEXWZHKDYH GRQHNPZLWKRXWQHHGLQJ 1RZZHKDYHDER[RQWKHEDFN WRFKDUJHWKHP:KHQWKH\\GR RIWKHPRWRUKRPHDQGIROGLQJ QHHGDFKDUJHZHMXVWXVHRXU ELNHV,W·VVLPSOHHDV\\DQGTXLFN LQYHUWHUZKLFKHDVLO\\GRHVWKH WRJHWWKHELNHVLQDQGRXWZKLFK MREUXQQLQJRIIRXUVPDOOVRODU LVWKHOLWPXVWHVWWKDWHYHU\\WKLQJ V\\VWHPZKHQIUHHFDPSLQJ,IZH ZHWDNHPXVWSDVV7KHELNHV GRUXQVKRUWRQSRZHUIRURXU GHYLFHVWKHELNHEDWWHULHVFDQ – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 70

MEMBER FEATURE: TOWINGVS. CYCLING With our electric bikes we now cycle places that were once off the menu Biking means not be used to charge them via their having to find a USB socket, another big plus for parking space us. With our electric bikes we now cycle places that were once off the menu. If the weather’s hot, who cares? If there are lots of hills, who cares? Thinking something might be too far away and we’ll be too tired to get back is now a thing of the past. We QHYHUKDYHWKHLVVXHRIÀQGLQJ or paying for a parking space. If we feel like exercising rather than just tourist cruising, we can. If we don’t turn on the power they ride like an everyday pushbike. So there you have it, we are much happier travelling without a car. When we have hired, we have only ever taken a big 4WD that we would never want to buy, maintain or fuel (the Nissan Patrol used more fuel than our PRWRUKRPH:KHQZHÀQLVKHG with the now muddy and dirty 4WD, we just gave it back for the hire company to clean. Almost feels dishonest, but always makes us feel great about our decision. Happy travels, see you on the road.

TLhe ong Way Home Sue and John Turner recount an extensive trip undertaken in 2021 throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory, and South Australia in order to get home during COVID-19. WORDS AND PICS SUE AND JOHN TURNER T75656 – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 72

MEMBER FEATURE: THE LONG WAY HOME Remember way back out front lockers of their caravan, in 2021 when most of shaking and throwing everything the country was free on the ground. Trying to stay from COVID-19? After ahead of all this, we headed for ORFNGRZQVDQGEHLQJFRQÀQHG Carnarvon Gorge for a few days to and separated from family for think about our next step. so long, all we wanted was a holiday. Our children and ,WZDVRXUÀUVWYLVLWWRWKH grandchildren are spread the gorge. Booking into Takarakka length of the eastern states, so Bush Resort, we enjoyed the local the winter of 2021 looked like wildlife; kangaroos, birds, even an ideal opportunity to catch cute mice hopping around after up and to see a bit more of our GDUNWKHULYHUÁRZLQJDURXQG beautiful country as well. What the park, views of the gorge from we hadn’t counted on was the the lookout, and walks to the virus spreading throughout the popular destinations within the Australian community. gorge. The creek crossings were WKHÀUVWFKDOOHQJH,PDQDJHG Our mode of transport is to get a boot full of water on the our 2015 Jayco motorhome second crossing, cooling one foot with a Fiat base — perfect for for the rest of the day. We walked just the two of us. We do have WRWKHIXUWKHVWGHVWLQDWLRQVÀUVW two extra seatbelts to take the working our way back to visit the grandchildren if needed. We love Amphitheatre and Moss Gardens doing school pickups as much one day, Mickeys Creek and Rock as they do. While visiting our 3RROVWKHQH[W:HVDZÀVKLQ eldest in the Tumut area and one spot, platypus playing in the following one school pick-up, we water, abundant birdlife, and a all decamped to Blowering Dam huge array of trees, ferns, and for a weekend of world water other plants. Water seeped out of speed record attempts with Dave WKHURFNVIHHGLQJWKHÁRUDDQG Warby’s Spirit of Australia team. fauna that would otherwise not have been there. Outside the park Following our family visits, we LWZDVWRWDOO\\GLIIHUHQW³GU\\ÁDW proceeded north through Central and dusty. Queensland with the intention of visiting them on the way home to COVID-19 continued spreading Tasmania, but then COVID-19 throughout New South Wales, broke out and began spreading. Victoria, and some parts of There was also a mouse plague Queensland as we proceeded in parts of eastern Australia — north to Emerald to resupply. another thing to avoid. At one Longreach, to the west, sounded place we noticed people emptying like a good destination. Rock hopping through Carnarvon Gorge – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 73

Overnighting in a free camp Fame. A huge low cost camp near Life on the land is shaped by the under a beautiful jacaranda tree Longreach on the banks of the need for water. By forming the in the tiny town of Bogantungan, Thomson River was the home billabongs and retaining water we discovered its claim to fame in of a family of brolgas that came through the dry season, it has the form of a rail disaster back in strolling through camp en route created a haven for wildlife. It was ZKHQGXULQJDÁRRGORJV to the river. DKRWZDONZLWKPDVVHVRIÁLHV damaged a rail bridge pylon. The to accompany us, but the last next train to cross brought down Since we had come this far and sign gave it all real meaning. It the weakened structure, causing the pandemic showed no sign was the place where a swagman the death of several people. The of easing, we continued west, drowned while being pursued by railway line through Bogantungan spending a night at the Crawford the police (who had accused him is still in use, the station now River Rest Area. These river rest of stealing a sheep), and where a museum. You meet the most areas at that time of year were Banjo Paterson was inspired to delightful people while travelling, either little billabongs or dry write about the incident, in the and Bogantungan was no riverbeds. That night we were form of the lyrics of his famous exception when John came to the invited to join our neighbour’s song,Waltzing Matilda. rescue of a fellow traveller with a FDPSÀUHXQGHUPLOOLRQVRIVWDUV GHÁDWHGW\\UH The country grew hillier and After a long day on the road, it’s more rugged. Looking for a place As we drove north-west through always good to get out and have for the night, we turned into the the Drummond Range, each of the a walk. Various signs pointed to driveway to Clem Walton Park, a towns we passed through were Combo Waterhole and referred to free camp on Lake Corella — the notable and interesting for various Banjo Paterson. As we stopped, dam created for the uranium reasons. Barcaldine, a pleasant we spotted a walking track mining town of Mary Kathleen. overnight spot; Ilfracombe, with through the dry grass. This led We were confronted by a locked its old machinery display all down to a series of dams constructed gate. I hadn’t done enough the main street; and Longreach, across the Diamantina River, homework on this one. While we the home of QANTAS Museum ZKLFKRYHUÁRZVLQWKHZHW were considering our next move, and the Stockman’s Hall of season, but forms a series of a car pulled up beside us. They billabongs in the dry season. Carnarvon Gorge Magnificent sights over Carnarvon Gorge National Park – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 74

MEMBER FEATURE: THE LONG WAY HOME Bundaberg Hinkler Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine Gardens Water seeped out of the informed us that we could take rocks, feeding the flora the chain off the gate, shutting the and fauna that would otherwise gate behind us. The padlock was not have been there there for looks. From the number of motorhomes, caravans, and camper trailers around the shores of the lake, that gate must be like a revolving door. The town and mine of Mary Kathleen were abandoned in 1984, leaving only concrete pads and streets in the town, the only occupants today being roaming cattle and campers scattered among the trees. With the terrain reaching an altitude of nearly 400 metres, we approached Mt Isa. It was time to resupply, get WKHZDVKLQJGRQHUHÀOOWKHJDV ERWWOHÀOOWKHZDWHUWDQNDQGÀQG a dump point. We spent our last night in Queensland at a former World War II airstrip, now a rest area beside the highway before proceeding to Camooweal, the last town before the Northern Territory border. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 75

Maryborough Street art in Longreach With road closed signs ahead, and our border passes saved onto our phones, we proceeded towards the border. Travelling through north-western Queensland, trying to keep away from pandemic-affected areas, the only feasible way home to Tasmania looked to be a route through Central Australia — so we proceeded to the Northern Territory border. The police at the border were friendly, polite, and HIÀFLHQW:HZHUHIUHHWRHQWHUWKH 1RUWKHUQ7HUULWRU\\IRUWKHÀUVW time in our lives. We had never intended coming this way. Venturing onto the empty Barkly Highway, Tennant Creek was around 450km away. It was GU\\ÁDWZLWKWHUPLWHPRXQGV low scrub, red dirt, and the occasional rest area. Reaching Tennant Creek, we needed to top up with fuel, water, and visit a GXPSSRLQW7KHÀUVWWZRZHUH relatively easy, but the dump point was blocked. We would have to wait. Late that night, at the Bonney Well Rest Area south of Tennant Creek, we watched The Ghan travelling north to Darwin. We saw a sign to The Pebbles, but it didn’t say how far, and the road was rough, sandy, and corrugated — not ideal for our front wheel drive Fiat camper. We endured it for a few kilometres before turning back to view the more accessible Devils Marbles – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 76

MEMBER FEATURE: THE LONG WAY HOME just off the highway. It was a We crossed the Tropic of around the airport and thought welcome break to walk around Capricorn, then the highest point they might have had something to and over this rocky outcrop, on the highway at 727 metres do with COVID-19 before heading pondering how it was formed before coming into Alice Springs, south to Erldunda Roadhouse in the middle of the red sandy the surrounding hills covered and diverting west to Uluru. outback. in a pale purple hue. The Todd River runs through Alice Springs, Mt Conner, once part of a We came across several though it doesn’t seem to run very much larger mountain range, is other interesting rest stops on often. It was a dry sandy riverbed RIWHQPLVWDNHQIRU8OXUX$WÀUVW the highway, such as Wycliffe full of huge old gum trees when glimpse, we mistook it too. As we Well, which claims to be the we were there. paused at the rest area to take in UFO capital, and Barrow Creek our surroundings, we watched a Old Telegraph Station with its Diverting from our route over ÁRFNRIEXGJHULJDUVWU\\LQJWRJHW beautifully preserved buildings the next few days, we drove water from a leaking water tank. among the termite mounds and over 300 kilometres through Life really is tough in the desert. red dirt. In the middle of what the West MacDonnell Ranges seemed to be a desert, we came visiting Standley Chasm, where No camping is allowed in the across a vineyard and mango we watched the sun touching the Uluru National Park. Just outside orchard — an oasis in the middle bottom of the chasm at midday, the park is the town of Yulara of nowhere. and Ellery Creek Bighole, where where we booked into the Ayres I had a close encounter with a 5RFN&DPSJURXQGWKHRYHUÁRZ snake. Squadrons of budgerigars area (actually a few acres of were zooming through the gaps in sand, just pick your spot). It WKHJRUJHVDQGZLOGÁRZHUVZHUH was perfect for a few days, and blooming. At Ormiston Gorge the within easy walking distance to waterhole was lined with decaying VHHRXUÀUVWGLVWDQWVXQVHWRYHU ÀVKEXWWKHUHZHUHSOHQW\\RIOLYH Uluru. We could have walked the ones in the water too. Simpsons 9-kilometre circumference of the Gap, closer to Alice Springs, was rock the next day but chose to just as beautiful, with bright red drive it and do the shorter walks. ridges formed in ancient times. Most interesting were the Mala We watched a huge lizard up a Walk with Indigenous rock art, gum tree raiding a bird’s nest Kantju Gorge with water trickling at the Ochre Pits, and the vivid out of the cracks in the rock, the colours of the setting sun at Point ÁRUDDJRUJHRXVOL]DUGVXQQLQJ Howard Lookout Rest Area. himself on the rock, and the artworks in the Cultural Centre. Back in Alice Springs, we We saw where the rock climb restocked the fridge, passing used to start, but there is no way through Heavitree Gap. We saw I would attempt it even if it were stacks of mothballed planes allowed. Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach Combo Waterhole — the billabong that inspired Banjo Paterson to pen Waltzing Matilda – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 77

Coming into Mt Isa The desert oak trees at the Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton sunrise viewing area were A formidable creature, Winton stunning, but best of all was our front row seats to see the sunset that day as the rock changed to many different shades of red. Uluru is composed of sandstone, but the Olgas (or Kata Tjuta as it is now known) is all conglomerate rock. It looks like a giant cement mixer has tipped out the rock mixture and has set in the form of domes. Masses of mauve and SXUSOHZLOGÁRZHUVZHUHLQIXOO bloom, and more squadrons of budgerigars zooming around the waterholes. To top off our visit to the area, that evening we were collected from the campground by bus to see the Field of Light display and walk around acres of coloured solar powered lights as far as the eye could see. Port Augusta in South Australia was still around 1370 kilometres away. We backtracked to the Stuart Highway and crossed the border into South Australia, with only the occasional bore or URDGKRXVHZLOGÁRZHUVDQGDIHZ derelict cars beside the highway. About 35 kilometres before Coober Pedy, we noticed white heaps of dirt scattered all over the countryside — evidence of opal mining — and signs warning not to leave the highway due to deep holes one can fall into. Stopping at a tourist mine near town, we enjoyed an afternoon tour before – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 78

MEMBER FEATURE: THE LONG WAY HOME Disembarking at dawn on a crisp, clear Tasmanian morning after nearly four months away, we would never have imagined taking the route we had Brolgas scouting the camp, Longreach Gentle giants, Winton ÀQGLQJDVSRWWRFDPSLQWRZQ DQGSDVWXUHVDVZHSURJUHVVHG ZLWKWKHORFDOVRQWKHZD\\,WZDV $FRXSOHRIKXQGUHGNLORPHWUHV VRXWKHDVWWKURXJKWKH(GHQ MXVWRYHUNLORPHWUHVDQGZH &ODUHDQG%DURVVD9DOOH\\VRQ GLGLWLQÀYHKRXUVDQGDUULYHG VRXWKZHFDPHWR/DNH+DUW RXUZD\\WR%RUGHUWRZQ$OWKRXJK ZLWKDQKRXUWRVSDUHERDUGLQJ WKHÀUVWPDVVRIZDWHUZHKDG 6RXWK$XVWUDOLDZDVIDLUO\\IUHHRI WKHSpirit of TasmaniaZKHUH VHHQVLQFH/DNH&RUHOODLQQRUWK &29,'DWWKDWVWDJHZHZHUH SDVVHQJHUVZHUHFRQÀQHGWRWKHLU ZHVWHUQ4XHHQVODQG,WWXUQHG EHFRPLQJLQFUHDVLQJO\\ZDU\\RI FDELQVIRUWKHYR\\DJH RXWWREHDPRVWO\\GU\\ODNHZLWK EHLQJDURXQGRWKHUSHRSOH,WZDV WKUHHHPXVZDONLQJDFURVVLWV PDVNVRQZKHUHYHUZHZHQW :HFRXOGQ·WVHHZKDWZDV VDOW\\H[SDQVHDQGDKXJHIUHLJKW KDSSHQLQJRXWVLGHWKDWQLJKWEXW WUDLQVQDNLQJDURXQGWKHHGJH $YRLGLQJSRSXODWHGDUHDVRQH ZHFRXOGIHHOWKHZDYHVFUDVKLQJ PRUQLQJRQDOLWWOHEDFNURDGZH DJDLQVWWKHVLGHVRIWKHVKLSDV )RUDERXWNLORPHWUHVEHIRUH FDPHDFURVVDVLJQWR0DUWLQGDOH VKHPHDQGHUHGWKURXJK3RUW :RRPHUDVLJQVWRWKHHDVWRIWKH +DOO%DVHGRQDQ(QJOLVKPDQRU 3KLOOLS+HDGV7KHVHDEHFDPH KLJKZD\\ZDUQHG¶'R1RW(QWHU· LWLVEHDXWLIXOO\\SUHVHUYHGDQG FDOPHUDVZHSDVVHGLQWRWKHOHH :RRPHUDZDVNQRZQLQWKHSDVW LQRULJLQDOFRQGLWLRQ:HUHDOO\\ RI7DVPDQLD IRUQXFOHDUWHVWLQJDQGDVDURFNHW HQMR\\HGRXUZDONDURXQGWKH ÀULQJUDQJH7RGD\\LW·VNQRZQ KRXVHUHPLQGLQJXVRISODFHVZH 'LVHPEDUNLQJDWGDZQRQD DVWKHZRUOG·VODUJHVWWHVWÀULQJ KDGVHHQLQWKH8QLWHG.LQJGRP FULVSFOHDU7DVPDQLDQPRUQLQJ UDQJH DIWHUQHDUO\\IRXUPRQWKVDZD\\ZH 5HDFKLQJ%RUGHUWRZQZH ZRXOGQHYHUKDYHLPDJLQHGWDNLQJ 7KDWQLJKWZLWKDYLHZRIWKH GHFODUHGDUHVWGD\\WRSUHSDUH WKHURXWHZHKDG2XUMRXUQH\\ GLVWDQW)OLQGHUV5DQJHVZH IRUWKHQH[WVWDJHRIRXUMRXUQH\\ FRYHULQJDERXWNLORPHWUHV FDPSHGDW5DQJH9LHZ/RRNRXW ³WUDQVLWLQJWKURXJK9LFWRULD ZDVFHUWDLQO\\¶WKHORQJZD\\KRPH· 5HVW$UHD³ZKDWDQDGGUHVVWR 7RPDLQWDLQRXUVWDWXVDVIUHHRI :HZRXOGGRLWDJDLQJLYHQWKH KDYHIRU&HQVXVQLJKW3DVVLQJ &29,'ZHQHHGHGWRWUDQVLW FKRLFHEXWQRWXQWLOWKHZHDWKHU WKRXJK3RUW$XJXVWDWKHIROORZLQJ WKURXJK9LFWRULDLQDGD\\WRWKH FRROVGRZQDELWDQGWKHSDQGHPLF GD\\LWWRRNDZKLOHWRJHWXVHGWR Spirit of Tasmania1RIUDWHUQLVLQJ LVIXOO\\XQGHUFRQWURO WKHFRQWLQXRXVJUHHQOXVKFURSV – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 79

CMCA RV PARKS DIRECTORY &0&$593$5.6',5(&725< BATCHELOR, NT GUNNEDAH, NSW PENOLA, SA Sundance Farm, 923 Batchelor Rd, 107–109 Chandos St, Gunnedah John St, Penola Batchelor HUMPTY DOO, NT PORT PIRIE, SA BUNDABERG, QLD 610 Arnhem Hwy, Humpty Doo 68 Esmond Rd, Port Pirie 45 Burrum St, Bundaberg INGHAM, QLD RAILTON, TAS CHARLEVILLE, QLD Cnr Cooper & Davidson St, Ingham 15 The Esplanade, Railton 75 Adavale Rd, Charleville TEMORA, NSW GEEVESTON, TAS INNISFAIL, QLD 172–180 Gardiner St, Temora 49 Arve Rd, Geeveston 3 River Ave, Mighell .<$%5$0&28175<086,&)(67,9$/b Supported by Goulburn Valley Gypsies After a two-year break enforced by COVID-19, this year’s Kyabram throwing out the welcome mat to both regular attendees and Country Music Festival in Victoria is gearing up for a big crowd of QHZFRPHUVbŏ2XUFRPPLWWHHDQGYROXQWHHUVDUHH[FLWHGWREH RVers enticed by a great weekend of live music and a top lineup of back again after a two-year break,” said President Allan Weeks, DUWLVWVb who is also a member of the CMCA’s Goulburn Valley Gypsies FKDSWHUb b7KHIHVWLYDOZKLFKJUDGXDOO\\ZLQGVXSGXULQJWKHGD\\V beforehand, will culminate in a full weekend of music on Saturday bŏ)RUWKRVHZDQWLQJWRDUULYHLQWRZQHDUO\\DQGUHOD[IRUDIHZ 1RYHPEHUDQG6XQGD\\1RYHPEHUb+HDGOLQHDFWVLQFOXGHZHOO days ahead of the festival, the showground gates will be open from known crowd favourites Owen Blundell, Don Costa, Sandie Dodd, DPRQ0RQGD\\2FWREHU*DWHVZLOOFORVHDWSPRQ7XHVGD\\ (YDQ3ODWVFKLQGDDQG%ULDQ/HWWRQb 1RYHPEHUŐb b5LVLQJVWDUV.LDUD5RGULJXHVDQGWHHQDJHVLEOLQJGXR/DFKLHDQG b/LPLWHGSRZHUHGVLWHVDUHSQDQGXQSRZHUHGVLWHVSQb *HRUJLDIURP*LSSVODQGDUHDOVRJXDUDQWHHGWRLPSUHVVb b:DONXSVZLOOIHDWXUHLQWKHGD\\VOHDGLQJXSWRWKHIHVWLYDODQG b7KHDQQXDOHYHQWWREHKHOGDWWKH.\\DEUDP6KRZJURXQGV the town’s annual bush market will be held in the main street on offers on-site camping with food and coffee vendors at the )ULGD\\1RYHPEHUZLWKSOHQW\\RIEDUJDLQVRQRIIHUb7KHUHZLOOEHD JURXQGVb6KRZHUVWRLOHWVDQGDGXPSSRLQWDUHDOVRDYDLODEOHb IUHHVKXWWOHEXVUXQQLQJIURPWKHVKRZJURXQGVWRWKHWRZQFHQWUHb b.\\DEUDPLVDIULHQGO\\DJULFXOWXUDOWRZQORFDWHGLQQRUWKFHQWUDO b$ZHHNHQGSDVVIRUWKHIXOOIHVWLYDOLVSHUSHUVRQb6LQJOH 9LFWRULDPLGZD\\EHWZHHQ6KHSSDUWRQDQG(FKXFDb,WVVKRZSLHFH is the Kyabram Fauna Park, a wildlife sanctuary and wetlands that is GD\\SDVVHVDUH6DWXUGD\\DQG6XQGD\\b)RUWKRVH KRPHWRPRUHWKDQQDWLYHDQLPDOVb ZDQWLQJWRDWWHQGWKH6DWXUGD\\QLJKWVKRZRQO\\HQWU\\LVb b7KLV\\HDUWKHPXVLFIHVWLYDOFRPPLWWHHLVHQWKXVLDVWLFDOO\\ bEnquiries and bookings can be made with Aileen and John — email [email protected] or phone (03) 5853 2933.b – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 80

DESIGNED IN AUSTRALIA FOR AUSTRALIA The iTECH120X was developed in Australia for Australia. A true drop-in replacement for your existing system, the iTECH120X is the only lithium battery on the Australian market that is compatible with non-lithium chargers. Upgrade your caravan today with the iTECH120X lithium battery! iTECH120X LITHIUM DEEP CYCLE BATTERY All the noise in the caravanning and camping community is lithium batteries and there’s a good reason why! When comparing lithium batteries against their antiquated counterparts of AGM and lead acid, you understand why so many people are making the smart switch to lithium. Australian based iTechworld has pioneered lithium technology in the ONLY DROP IN Australian space for over 15 years and they are proud to release their WEIGHS 10KG REPLACEMENT iTECH120X. At the core of the iTECH120X is the Australian designed IP67 Battery Monitoring System or BMS for short, which allows the iTECH120X WATERPROOF = 200AH AGM to work with 99% of battery chargers - including chargers with non- EQUIVALENT OLWKLXPSURÀOHV7KLVSLRQHHULQJIHHWPHDQVWKDWQRFKDQJHVRIV\\VWHPV equipment or extensive rewiring are required in most cases, simply pull out your old AGM batteries and put the new lightweight iTECH120X in. The iTECH120X is the only true drop-in upgrade for your existing batteries. 0DQ\\SHRSOHFKRRVHWRVZLWFKWROLWKLXPIRULWVZHLJKWVDYLQJEHQHÀWVDQGWKHL7(&+;LVDWWKHIURQWRIWKHÀHOG:HLJKLQJLQ at 10kg but with the same equivalent power of a 200Ah AGM battery, you could replace two 100Ah AGM batteries weighing 70kg with one iTECH120X, saving almost 60kg. Usable power levels also increase with the new iTECH120X. You can now use 90% of the power stored in the battery. AGM batteries can only use around 50% of their rating. For example, a 100Ah AGM battery would only give you 50Ah of power before you would need to recharge it. The lifespan of a battery is also essential. We all want value for money, and the iTECH120X battery will provide years of service with trouble-free operation giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your holidays. A lead-acid battery will typically cycle 400 - 500 times; the iTECH120X will cycle over 4000; what this means for you is that an iTECH120X will last up to 10 times longer than a lead-acid battery. Replacing your heavy AGM batteries every few years at considerable cost is now a thing of the past, thanks to iTechworld. Fully waterproof, dust sealed and IP67 rated, you can mount the iTECH120X on the chassis rails under your ute tray, in the storage box of your caravan or even under the bonnet of your 4WD! And if your adventure continues off land, the iTECH120X is still the battery for you. Perfect for marine applications, use it to run the fridge on the boat for day trips, power the electric trolling motor on your tinny and on larger vessels, power the inverter for all the comforts of home. For those looking for more power, iTechworld’s technology now allow you to run an unlimited number of the new iTECH120X’s in parallel. You can make a battery any size you wish by connecting as many iTECH120X lithium batteries together to make a 12 MEGA battery of any size. With an iTECH120X in your set-up, the possibilities are endless! Upgrade today to an iTECH120X for only $899! FIND OUT WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH YOUR CARAVAN TO LITHIUM TODAY 1300 483 249 www.itechworld.com.au

CMCA NATIONAL RALLY 35TH NATIONAL RALLY — BINGARA As I write this page, the wet season continues. We hope On your homeward journey, improved moves at the Street Party the grass will be sustained a couple of exciting events on Saturday 22 October 2022. The at the Bingara Showground taking place are the Wyoming locals are looking forward to joining until October. We may have to get a 5RXQG8SQHDU,QYHUHOODQGWKH in as well. water truck in to wet down the road Grafton Jacaranda Festival in early and hope that the dust is kept to a November. See you in Bingara — it’s not too minimum. late to register! Ukulele lessons for beginners will Towed cars (whether on trailers or be held during the rally, as well as a Jo ŴDWWRZHGZLOOQHHGWREHSDUNHGLQ picking course. The programme will a dedicated area, but they will still be have the dates and times. A booking Jo Tremain, Bingara Rally Manager accessible. This will help to decrease system will be in place, so look out Ph: 0412 097 377 the dust around the grounds. for further information over coming months on how to book such E: [email protected] As you plan your trip to Bingara, activities. remember to check out some of the festivals and events that are In the food court area, we will have happening in each state along the music entertainment from 11:00am way. A few examples of events taking to 3:00pm. This includes local artists place during the lead up to the rally and some of your Club’s artists. From include the Toowoomba Carnival of 3:30pm onwards there will be an Flowers, the Tulip Time Festival in open ‘Jam Session’. More details will Bowral, the Deniliquin Ute Muster, be included in the programme. Pulse of the Earth in Bingara, Yass’s Irish and Celtic Music Festival, and Of course, Rock ‘N’ Roll and Line Temora’s Aircraft Showcase. 'DQFLQJFODVVHV7XHVGD\\WR)ULGD\\ will also be held. We look forward to members showing off their new or – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 82

CMCA 35th National Rally Bingara NSW Bingara Showgrounds, Bowen St, Bingara NSW 16 – 23 October 2022 REGISTRATION FORM Surname Preferred Name Membership No. Chapter Are you bringing children or a dependant? Yes No If yes, please attach a separate sheet of paper with their names CONTACT DETAILS FEES No. of Cost per Total Address: A. REGISTRATION FEES persons person $ Phone: $ Email: Early registration until x $95.00 17/09/22 $ WHAT VEHICLES ARE YOU BRINGING? (please circle) Late registration from x $120.00 18/09/22 Motorhome / campervan / caravan / Rego. B. SITE FEES fifth-wheeler / slide-on Site Secondary / passenger vehicle Rego. Unpowered site Powered site (only Length of main vehicle fully extended metres available if staying for No. of Cost per metres full duration) nights night Length of secondary / passenger vehicle metres No x $15.00 Total length of ALL vehicles (coupled) Will your secondary vehicle remain attached? Yes x $22.00 OPTIONS Have you attended a National Rally before? Yes No Total (A+B) $ Are you bringing a pet? (max 2 pets per Yes No PLEASE INDICATE THE NIGHTS YOU REQUIRE A SITE vehicle) Would you like to be parked in an area for Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun extended generator hrs (8am to 8pm)? Yes No 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Do you require restricted mobility siting? (A No NOTE: A $30 administration fee is applicable for all cancellations current ‘Limited Mobility Authority’ needs to Yes after 17/09/22. Once onsite, fees are non-refundable (exceptional be displayed on your windscreen) metres circumstances considered). No refunds will be given after 10/12/22. No PAYMENT Credit Card Details (Visa or Mastercard) Card Number: Power lead length (if applying for power) No 30 metres is recommended No __ __ __ __ /__ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Do you have an Amphibian 15-10amp Yes Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __ Would you like to receive a Rally Yes Card Holder’s Name: ........................................................................................................ Attendance Plaque? (no cost) Signature: ................................................................................................................................ Do you use Facebook Yes RALLY RULES: By submitting this signed registration form, I acknowledge and agree to abide by CMCA Rally Rules (see www.cmca.net.au) Signature: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ONLINE REGISTRATIONS: www.cmca.net.au RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: PO Box 254 HRMC NSW 2310 Email: [email protected]

Towing is rarely intuitive WORDS RVSAFE TEAM AND PICS TOW-ED KNOW HOW TO TOW In Australia, provided you The truth is, towing a trailer or and has delivered four-wheel have a full driver’s licence caravan can be tricky for those drive training courses to industry (some states and territories with no or little experience and and individuals across Australia place towing restrictions on UHTXLUHVDVSHFLÀFVHWRIVNLOOV and the globe. After identifying Learner and Provisional Licence and techniques. another real need in the driving holders), and the caravan and community to educate people tow vehicle don’t exceed the mass We continue to see an increase who tow, it established Tow-Ed. limits that involve an endorsed in on-road incidents involving or heavy vehicle licence, you caravans, and in most cases Getabout is still an Australian are permitted to tow a trailer or these incidents are due to driver family-owned and operated caravan. With special licencing error. Towing is more than just Registered Training Organisation requirements mandatory for hitching the trailer or caravan (RTO: 90547) and has become the operation of some vehicles and driving off; there are so the premier government, and equipment, it may be many factors that need to be corporate, and recreational four- surprising to learn that no such considered. wheel drive and towing training requirements exist when it comes company both locally and to towing. If you are new to towing and abroad. don’t know where to start or If you don’t need to undergo have little experience and want An accredited towing course training or pass a test to hit WREHFRPHPRUHFRQÀGHQWLQ will guide you through the basics the open road with a trailer or your towing skills, you should of manoeuvring your combination caravan in tow, you’re probably consider completing a towing safely on the road and in a thinking the skills necessary course. caravan park, but also impart to tow must come naturally. essential knowledge regarding Getabout Training Services has weights, legalities, roadcraft and been operating for over 25 years – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 84

TRAINING PROVIDERS BY STATE CMCA RVSAFE QLD ACT VIC SA Tow-Ed Queensland (Driver Tow-Ed (Getabout) Tow-Ed (Getabout) Follow Me 4WD & Operator Training) tow-ed.edu.au tow-ed.edu.au followme4wd.com.au daot.com.au Metec Driver Training TAS metec.com.auz WA NSW Complete Driving School Mark Keogh Training Tow-Ed (Getabout) completedriving.com.au markkeoghtraining.com tow-ed.edu.au An accredited towing course is well- worth the time and money vehicle setup to ensure you are • Setup and operation of EHTXDOLÀHGDQGFRPSHWHQWZLWK as safe as possible while towing. electric brake controllers rigorous industry experience and go through continuous On top of safely manoeuvring • Setup of vehicle and caravan improvement to maintain the and parking your caravan or for reversing manoeuvres high levels of service you should trailer, an accredited towing expect. course will also focus on topics • Trailer sway and how to including: control it. If you’re looking for an • Understanding of accredited course in towing Don’t let the large number from an accredited training vehicle weights and legal of topics deter you — the provider, you really can’t go requirements information learnt from an wrong with Tow-Ed. With over • Different vehicle accredited towing course is 30 years of four-wheel drive combinations and the impact invaluable. There’s so much and caravan travel and training they have on you as a driver more to towing than most people experience, the 40-strong team • Prestart vehicle inspections expect. of professional instructors and and post trip checks guides at Getabout have superb • Hitching and unhitching An accredited training knowledge to share. safely provider guarantees a standard • Roadcraft and negotiating of delivery, knowing that the rvSafe is a campaign designed other road users provider must be a Registered to increase road safety • Guiding and communication Training Organisation (RTO). techniques As an RTO, they have checks DZDUHQHVVVSHFLÀFWRWKH59 • Negotiating tight turns and and balances in place to ensure LQGXVWU\\7KHSURMHFWLVIXQGHG situations your privacy and security as E\\WKH)HGHUDO*RYHUQPHQW·V a learner, support structures 5RDG6DIHW\\$ZDUHQHVVDQG in place to assist you, and are (QDEOHUV)XQGDQGLVSURXGO\\ upfront and honest about the VXSSRUWHGE\\WKH&DPSHUYDQ training process, content, and DQG0RWRUKRPH&OXERI the status of the course as valid $XVWUDOLD)LQGRXWPRUHDW against industry benchmarks. rvsafe.com.au. It also means all trainers must – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 85

Membership Application Form Fill in the form below or visit www.cmca.net.au to register online PLEASE PRINT IN BLOCK LETTERS Based upon the information supplied in this application, persons who own a qualifying vehicle may be granted ordinary membership and those who do not own a qualifying vehicle may be granted associate membership. SECTION A Applicant’s name: (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other) Preferred name: (to be printed on membership card) D.O.B: // Mobile: Email: Partner’s name: (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other) Preferred name: (to be printed on membership card) D.O.B: // Mobile: Email: Postal address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Suburb: State: Postcode: Residential address: SECTION B How did you hear about the Club? Web Dealer Advertisement Show Member Name of referring member: Membership no: The Wanderer Digital (free) Hard Copy ($24 per year for 12 issues) Vehicle Type (please circle) mper trailer / other Year: Base vehicle make: Model: Reg no: Conversion: completed by (e.g. factory name, DIY etc) Year: Length: (m) Height: (m) Fully loaded weight: (kg) I/we declare that the information I/we have supplied in this application is true and correct. If this application sets out the particulars of a qualifying vehicle, I/we declare the accuracy of these particulars and that I am/we are the owner(s) of the vehicle described. I/we agree that if this membership application contains any false or misleading information, my/our membership of the Club may be cancelled. I/we agree to abide by the constitution of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited. I/we give permission to receive commercial electronic messages (email/SMS) from the Club and understand that I/we can withdraw this permission at any time. Applicant’s signature: Partner’s signature: Date: // MEMBERSHIP COST: Australian members (including 12 digital copies of The Wanderer) – Full & associate members TOTAL $60.50 (incl. one off $16.50 joining fee and $44.00 annual subscription) Australian members (including 12 printed copies of The Wanderer)– Full & associate members TOTAL $84.50 (incl. one off $16.50 joining fee, $44.00 annual subscription and $24.00 for 12 printed copies of The Wanderer) Overseas members – TOTAL $75.50(no printed copy of The Wanderer) TOTAL $159.50(incl. postage of hard copy ofThe Wanderer) I enclose: cheque money order or credit card details payable to CMCA Limited for AU$ Credit card details: Visa Mastercard Card ________/________/________/________ Expiry date: ____/____ Card holder’s name: Signature: All information provided to CMCA will be used and maintained in accordance with the CMCA Privacy Policy.† †CMCA Constitution and Privacy Policy may be viewed on our website www.cmca.net.au or a copy obtained from National Headquarters. Return application to: CMCA, PO Box 254, HRMC NSW 2310, Australia. [email protected]



Looking down into Grose Valley $%29(7+(9$//(< 7DNHDPHGLWDWLYHMRXUQH\\WKURXJKWKHEHDXWLIXO%OXH0RXQWDLQV WORDS AND PICS SAM RICHARDS In early April 2022, a landslide changed everything for PRVWDUHDVRIQDWLRQDOSDUNZLWKLQWKHYDOOH\\ZKHUHDQ DIDPLO\\RIƓYHZDONLQJLQWKH%OXH0RXQWDLQV RQJRLQJODQGVOLGHULVNKDVEHHQLGHQWLƓHG5XQQLQJRXW ,WōVDWUDJHG\\,FDQQRWFODLPWRXQGHUVWDQG RIHQHUJ\\WRUHSODQDQGZDQWLQJWRRIIHUDQ\\OLPLWHG $Q\\FRPPHQWDU\\RQWKHLUH[SHULHQFHVZRXOGEH VXSSRUWZHFRXOGZLWKRXWSXWWLQJRXUIRRWLQLWZHōG SUHVXPSWXRXVDQGZLWKRXWYDOXH,FDQRQO\\VD\\KRZ VWD\\HGRXUFRXUVH GHHSO\\XSVHW,DPIRUWKHPDQGKRZHDUQHVWO\\P\\KHDUW JRHVRXWWRWKHP 7KH%OXH0RXQWDLQV1DWLRQDO3DUNLVGLYLGHGLQWRVL[ DUHDVDQGZHSDVVWKURXJKWKH%ODFNKHDWKDUHDƓUVW 2QDSHUVRQDOOHYHOUHDGLQJDERXWWKLVWUDJHG\\KDV +HUHZHGULYHSDVWWKH%OXH0RXQWDLQV+HULWDJH&HQWUH DJDLQPDGHPHDZDUHRIWKHGDQJHUV,IDFHZKHQ, WR*RYHWWV/HDS/RRNRXW YHQWXUHLQWRWKHRXWGRRUV7KLVDZDUHQHVVLVQRWQHZŋLW FRPHVDQGJRHVZKHQHYHUDVKDUNDWWDFNRUVQDNHELWH $PDQGUHVVHGLQZRYHQUDLQERZFORWKLQJSOD\\V PDNHVWKHQHZV7KHQLWWHQGVWRJUDGXDOO\\VOLSIURPP\\ DGLGJHULGRRQHDUWKHORRNRXWōVVDIHW\\UDLO2YHUWKH PLQG GHHSQRWHRIKLVLQVWUXPHQWFKDWWHUULVHVIURPIDPLOLHV LQVKLUWVHPEOD]RQHGZLWKŌ,/RYH6\\GQH\\ōFRXSOHVLQ 5LVNFDQEHPLWLJDWHGEXWQHYHUHOLPLQDWHG%XVK DFWLYHZHDUDQGJURXSVRIEDFNSDFNHUVZLWK(XURSHDQ VNLOOVDQGSDUNPDQDJHPHQWFDQKHOSEXWRQO\\ZLWKLQ DFFHQWV WKHOLPLWHGGRPDLQRIZKDWZHFDQFRQWURO6RPHWLPHV QRPDQXDOH[LVWVWRJXLGH\\RXQRULVWKHUHDQ\\WUDLQLQJ 7KHYDOOH\\ŴRRUDSSHDUVWREHDVHDRIJUHHQEXWLWōV WRSUHSDUH\\RX1DWXUHōVLQGLIIHUHQFHLVWRWDO\\HWLWV QRWŴDW)URPDZLQGLQJORZOLQHWKDW,WDNHWREHWKH YHUGLFWFDQQRWEHDSSHDOHG *URVH5LYHUWKHODQGOXPSVXSZDUGVXQWLOLWEHFRPHV WRRVWHHSWRVXVWDLQSODQWOLIH+HUHRUDQJHDQG\\HOORZ 7KHVHUHŴHFWLRQVRQPRUWDOLW\\DQGRXUSODFHLQWKH VDQGVWRQHFOLIIVMXWXSYHUWLFDOO\\3RFNHWVRIWUHHVFOLQJ ZRUOGRFFXS\\PHDVZHGULYHRYHUWKH+D\\3ODLQV RQLQSODFHVEXWWKHFOLIIIDFHVDUHPRVWO\\EDUH$JUHHQ WRZDUGWKH%OXH0RXQWDLQV$OWKRXJKLWōV(DVWHULWōV EX]]FXWFURZQVWKHP WXPEOHZHHGVDQGFULFNHWVRQWKHH[SDQVLYHKLJKZD\\V RIUXUDO1HZ6RXWK:DOHV:HNQRZWKDWZRQōWODVW :HVSODVKWKURXJKSXGGOHVDORQJWKHNPUHWXUQ &OLII7RS:DONRQHRIIHZRSHQZDONVVNLUWLQJDURXQG ,I16:ZDVDPHQXLWHPLWōGEHWKHFKLFNHQ WKHXSSHUHGJHRIWKHYDOOH\\XQWLOZHUHDFKWKHHTXDOO\\ SDUPLJLDQDŋLWōVGHSHQGDEO\\JRRGUHOLDEO\\ZHOFRPLQJ ZRQGHUIXO(YDQV/RRNRXW$ERYHWKHYDOOH\\DOOYLHZVDUH DQGDFFRUGLQJO\\SRSXODU<HWVLQFHZHERRNHGWZR YDULDWLRQVRQDWKHPHEXWZKDWDZRQGHUIXOWKHPHLWLV PRQWKVDJRWKHUHōVEHHQŴRRGVZLWKLQWKHVWDWHDQG DYLVLRQRIWUDQTXLOOLW\\ WKHODQGVOLGHKDVUHVXOWHGLQWKHWHPSRUDU\\FORVXUHRI .DWRRPEDLVRQO\\NPIURP6\\GQH\\VRGHVSLWHLWV – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 88

OUTDOOR: BLUE MOUNTAINS Near Leura Cascades A black cockatoo enjoying some lunch permanent population of just over 8000, it surges with during the day, would be a view of the valley and the visitors when we arrive late in the afternoon. staggering lower part of Katoomba Falls tumbling over its edge. Here, the light has less to catch onto. Trying My stomach rises and falls as we drive through to focus our eyes beyond the hazy glow, we become its hilly outskirts. Stepped foundations and stilts aware of the hollow darkness that neighbours our support the homes, preventing apples from rolling womb-like, well-lit universe. out of fruit bowls, so to speak. Bicycles, lawnmowers, swing sets, and trampolines peep from behind picket 1RWOLQJHULQJWRRORQJZHƓQGRXUVHOYHVEDFNDPRQJ fences. Rainforest dampness peels the white paint the dense forest. The feeling is again convivial. We IURPID©DGHV3DUDOOHOSDUNHGFDUVHQWUXVWWRDƓUP make way for oncoming strollers, asking and answering handbrake. the odd question. Vibrant, unmown grass thrives on front lawns. Weeds Below the upper falls, the walkway crosses the river. poke up from cracks and gaps in the driveways. 3HRSOHKDOWKHUHWKHZDWHUŴRZLQJEHQHDWKWKHP Pedestrians in hiking gear — spat out by the tracks looking at a short and squat version of the greater falls branching out from Katoomba like tentacles — stomp further downstream. A group of teenagers stand in the streets. Their bare legs brush against ferns, their front of the bridge on the rocks. Two boys, silently, as if bodies providing a surface for the dappled light E\\LQVWLQFWSLFNXSVPDOOSHEEOHVDQGŴLQJWKHPDWWKH streaming down from towering redwoods. falls. Night settles over town. Scrubbed and showered, ,ƓQGWKLVGLVWDVWHIXOEXWIHHOLQJFRQWHQWZLWKP\\DUP we dash out for dinner at a local brewery, Mountain around Emma, we just watch. My mind, confused by Culture, which quickly gains rank among my all-time beer and growing fatigue, starts to identify pointless favourite craft breweries. Searching for what to do at patterns. Too tired to correct myself, I give it free rein. night here, we’re surprised to discover the Katoomba Falls night-lit walk. Here, nature belongs to humans. We have overcome night with our lights. We have overcome mud with our From the lights installed along the path, rays reach out walkway. A thumb presses down on the great beast. LQWRWKHUDLQIRUHVWDQGWKHRUQDWHŴRUDUDSLGO\\FDSWXUHV 7KLVVWRQHŴLQJLQJULWXDOLVGHVLJQHGWRUHŴHFWDQG them. We’re enclosed in a mystical den of green and assert our authority. To humiliate nature. gold and feel a sense of cozy warmth even as our breath mists. The boys keep going and the whole-bodied baseball pitches they’re making impress on me a sense of At one point, the foliage clears to grant what would, desperation, a lack of irony. Could the stone-throwing be an attempt to scrub out a nagging awareness of helplessness? Are we witnessing the slave gaining ascendancy over its master, and taking advantage? Releasing years of pent-up rage by carrying out premeditated revenge? I shake myself awake. They’re teenage boys. We turn and leave. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 89

LETTER of the month SO MUCH FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS a cute little miniature wood range. Three tiny little hot plates, and an oven that I could light up easily for lunch I am 76 years old, and thinking of my travelling underneath in which I stored some kindling to keep experiences, I can’t help but think about how easy I extra dry. After breakfast, I would close it right up so have it now. After seeing so much of Australia with the coals would light up later. However, sometimes the an offroad caravan for 10 years, and now with our coals didn’t light up again, so I added a drop of diesel. motorhome, I wish I had all this wonderful equipment This usually did the trick, but one day it just produced and the comfort and convenience that comes with it white vapour. After removing the middle hot plate. I put earlier in my life. my head over it, and blew on it, getting my face singed in the process. And so I learnt that vapourising diesel is In the 1960s in Tasmania, I was working as a bulldozer MXVWDVŴDPPDEOHDVSHWURO/LJKWLQJZDVREWDLQHGE\\ operator, snigging timber with an HD11 and a D7 passing wires through the window to the battery on the supplying timber (stringybark, myrtle, and sassafras) to dozer. A little transistor radio kept me company. This hut APPM and other sawmills on the north-west coast. At had a water tank and a sink — a big improvement on the other times, I was operating an Allis Chalmers HD21 old huts at the sawmills, where I had to walk to a creek for Arthur Lowe to build logging roads in the Campbell over the frost to get water to clean my teeth, etc. Ranges, behind West Takone. I loved this work — the beautiful fresh air, forest aromas, and developing my Phil Housego was the faller working with me, and skills and experience on the heavy equipment, but the he travelled home to Waratah every night, as it wasn’t living arrangements were another matter! as far away as my home. Many of the loggers camped through the week as I did, but some of the fallers chose Sometimes I would be camping in an old hut at to commute big distances every day. Sadly, seven of an abandoned sawmill. I would be on my own, and the fallers I had known in those few years were killed cooking for myself. I possessed only basic cooking in forestry accidents over the next decade. Thinking VNLOOVDQGFRRNHGRYHUDOLWWOHƓUHSODFHZLWKEDVLF back, I often wonder if sleep deprivation reduced their utensils. Meat and eggs were cooked in a small pan, awareness at work. Occasionally, I went for a walk after which I would store in a ventilated pantry/cupboard. ZRUNZLWKP\\ULŴHDQGUHWXUQHGZLWKDIUHVKZDOODE\\ Occasionally I would forget to put it away, and next which I would cook with the wild peppercorns growing GD\\ƓQGWKDWUDWVKDGSDLGWKHSDQDYLVLW2Q0RQGD\\ abundantly all around me. Nowadays when Rita and I hit morning I would arrive at my camp with my supplies. the road in our Avida Eyre with a diesel heater, Satellite With no refrigeration, fresh meat was used on Monday television, hot water, and really good refrigeration, I feel and Tuesday, while smallgoods like black pudding and spoilt rotten and just wish that I could have had this stuff saveloys were for Wednesday and Thursday. After this, I back in those days. So much for the good old days? went home to my parents’ farmhouse for the weekend. Jack and Rita Jones Q109331 At one stage I went upmarket, as AFH (a subsidiary of APPM) allocated me one of their mobile huts. These EHDXWLHVZHUHEXLOWRQDWUXFND[OHDQGZHUHƓWWHGZLWK – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 90

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION is that a quality antenna (directional or passive depending on topography) with 10-metre quality We are a couple of eager fruit pickers in a small rig cable connected directly into the phone or SIM ‘having a go to get a go’ and providing a much- card-compatible dongle with an antenna port door needed service to agricultural industry. The phone/ laptops worked better than anything we could buy internet service in some NSW coastal towns we over the counter. work close to (5km or less) is so poor it has nearly lost my lady friend her life. Talking to other pickers Phones like the Telstra Tough T-Max are the only I’ve heard many similar stories, but we are also both ones available with an antenna port for purchase studying to better ourselves and this is impossible in online. It would be sensible for shops to sell and many places that try to attract workers. support these lifesaving phones and dongles with antenna ports — that’s why they don’t do it. We have tried all sorts of boosters, Cel-Fis, routers, and so on but what you’re not told is: There is an urgent need for a portable satellite dish and a service supporting it for the hundreds of a) The antennas can’t boost what it can’t get. If it’s thousands of people in motorhomes and caravans half a bar to one bar, it’s lost through the air on its WKDWDUHVHHNLQJZRUNDQGVWXG\\LQUXUDODUHDVb way from the booster to the phone. That’s why good gaming laptops have a ‘hard connection’ phone In terms of price, it needs to be in line with the port. below-poverty wages that older fruit pickers live on, i.e. a portable version of Sky Muster or cheaper, b) Congestion — there are thousands of boosters, portable version of Starlink. both legal and illegal, that are congesting the towers until the early hours of the morning when we If you can help, please email us on tolsyt58@gmail. try to get our study done. Telcos are doing nothing com or better still publish what you know in our to track down illegal boosters and do not have a wonderful magazine, The Wanderer. way or the will to do so. They just want to sell you a phone and sign you up. Many thanks, Tracy Evans N27230 What we have found in side-by-side comparisons NSW GOVERNMENT REVIEW INTO TOLL ROAD INEQUITY I have written extensively to the NSW Government, 4.5 tonnes in Class (A). My E-tag account is for Class 150$&0&$DQGRWKHUVLQFOXGLQJWKH506b0DQDJHU A and the class should not be changed at the toll for Tolling Policy and Regulation, in regard to the charging points. inequitable toll charges for motorhomes. With reports In the interest of road safety and a fairer toll charge RIDSHQGLQJUHYLHZE\\16:*RYHUQPHQWbLQWR7ROO IRUDOOURDGXVHUVWKLVLQHTXLW\\VKRXOGEHƓ[HGZLWKRXW Road Charges, it is time to highlight a gross inequity delay. once again in charges for motorhomes, complying with all the requirements of a Class (A) vehicle except Regards, for the height being greater than 2.8m. The result Bob Potter N92027 is a charge three times (300%) that of a Class (A) Hi Bob, CMCA has been campaigning strong over the vehicle. The return trip toll charges for me to travel last 18 months for the NSW Government to consider from the Central Coast of NSW to Bathurst and return the unfairness in the current NSW toll system. In May, I are a staggering $128.38. The inequity occurs due was lucky to attend a meeting alongside Ken Newton to there only being two classes of vehicles: Class (Chair of the Australian Caravan Club), under the (A) ‘Cars and Motorcycles’ and Class (B) ‘Trucks and umbrella of RV Clubs Australia (RVCAL), to discuss %XVHVōb7KHVHbPRWRUKRPHVDUHQRWDVHPLWUDLOHURU this matter with both sides of the Government. We 13-tonne truck and should not be placed in the same presented the issues and proposed a solution to make class as those vehicles. The NSW Government is out of a fairer toll system for all RV consumers. We proposed a step with QLD where these motorhomes pay the same WKLUGFODVVLƓFDWLRQIRUWKHLUIHHVWUXFWXUHDQGVXJJHVWHG as a car, and VIC where they pay just 60% more than a using a number plate recognition system that refers FDUb WRUHJLVWUDWLRQDQGLGHQWLƓFDWLRQRIYHKLFOHV:HZLOO Many drivers of motorhomes are now avoiding continue to work hard on this matter. Many members have written to their local Member of Parliament tollways because of the pricing policy at a time when voicing their concerns, and this has been helpful for they should be encouraged to use this much safer our case. I encourage members to continue doing so, travel option. From a safety point of view, all vehicles and to forward that correspondence to myself to keep should be encouraged to use toll roads. The inequity on hand. can easily be resolved by including recreational vehicles with private registration and GVM less than — CMCA CEO Richard Barwick – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 91

WIN A HEMA PACK Great Desert Tracks Atlas & Guide: Explore the arid centre with this comprehensive guide to traversing Australia’s desert regions. Whether you’re a desert lover, or just looking to tackle some of Australia’s favourite 4WD destinations, this informative guide is an indispensable companion to this country’s arid centre. This edition includes handy track profiles showing elevations and distances as well as points of interest, camping areas and supply points in one easy-to-follow graphic. Go-To Guide for Caravans: From windswept grey nomads to sun-kissed newly- weds, Hema’s Go-To Guide for Caravans is a vital companion for every kind of caravan- hauling holiday maker. Produced in collaboration with Caravan World magazine, the Go-To Guide for Caravans covers everything you’ll need to know, presented in an easy-to-read format with plenty of pictures and, of course, a handful of Hema maps. %(67:,6+(6 :HDUHRQO\\QRZUHDGLQJRXU0D\\HGLWLRQRIThe WandererLI\\RXDUH VWLOOWKHUH0DUNWKHQWKDQN\\RXIRU\\RXUHIIRUWVDWPDNLQJWKHPDJD]LQH VXFKDJUHDWUHDG,GRKRSH6LQHDGLVVRPHKRZPDQDJLQJWRPDNHWKH PDJKDSSHQREYLRXVO\\ZLWKDGLIIHUHQWVRUWRIEXGJHW $Q\\ZD\\DOObWKHEHVWZLWK\\RXUWUDYHOV0DUNDQGJRRGOXFNIRUWKH IXWXUHRIThe WandererZLWK\\RX6LQHDG .LQGUHJDUGV 'LDQQHDQG.LP0DUWLQ: Hi Dianne and Kim, thank you for the kind words. We are all excited to keep the magazine moving forward — The Wanderer team FINAL JOURNEYS We want to hear from you! -(11,)(5b6&+:(16%(5*1 Write in to have your say about stories featured in the magazine, your travels, 7KH%OXH:UHQVZHUHVDGGHQHGWRbKHDURIWKHUHFHQWSDVVLQJ or your thoughts on the RV sector and RI-HQQLIHUDPXFKORYHGPHPEHURIRXU&KDSWHUZKRVHOLIH where it’s headed, for a chance to win FHQWUHGDURXQGFDULQJIRURWKHUVDVDQXUVHDQGDVDPRWKHU 2XUbFRQGROHQFHVWRKHUIDPLO\\DQGIULHQGV6KHLVVDGO\\PLVVHGE\\ this great prize! DOOLQRXU&KDSWHU This issue’s Letter of the Month takes -RKQ%O\\WK1 home Hema’s latest Great Desert 3UHVLGHQW%OXH:UHQV Tracks Atlas & Guide and Go-To Guide for Caravans. <9211(0,//(51 CONTACT: [email protected] OR ,WLVZLWKJUHDWVDGQHVVWKDWZHKDYHWRUHSRUWWKHSDVVLQJRI The Wanderer, 3 Wyman Place, Braeside VIC 3195 <YRQQH0LOOHURQ0D\\DIWHUDVKRUWLOOQHVV6KHZDVWDNHQ ZD\\WRRHDUO\\DQGZLOOEHVRUHO\\PLVVHG Letters to be 250 words or less. <YRQQHDQGKXVEDQG%DUU\\ZHUHIRXQGLQJPHPEHUVRI/HLVXUH We reserve the right to edit all correspondence &RDVW:DQGHUHUV,I\\RXZDQWHGVRPHWKLQJGRQH<YRQQHZDV DOZD\\VWKHUH published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your contact details. 1RUPD0LOOHU1 – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 92

Insure yourself for the ‘what-ifs’ For over 20 years, KT Insurance has been a regular alongside adventure seekers all over Australia. Your RV is your home away from home, so you want to make sure you have the best insurance available for the journey, no matter where it takes you. If the unfortunate were to happen, it’s reassuring knowing that your policy with KT means insurance for the lifestyle you love, not just your RV. What-if you got a quote? Exclusive insurance program for the Visit ktinsurance.com.au or call 1800 582 582 KT Insurance as a brand of Ken Tame and Associates Pty Ltd ABN 48 057 816172, AFS Licence No. 246937, arranges this insurance as an agent of the product issuer, The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd, AFSL 241436, ABN 78 090 584 473. Any advice provided is general only and may not be right for you. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website, to decide if the product is right for you. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is also available. Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions including the limits and exclusions of the insurance policy. Ken Tame and Associates receives a percentage of the premium paid and a share in the underwriting profits.

WHAT’S NEW GME UHF AERIAL Reviewed by John Ford A quality UHF radio might be the and receive further, but it will have the general purpose 4705B whip, best accessory any RV traveller more interference from any physical which, at 1.2m long, is rated to could buy. Keeping in contact barrier. 6.6dBi. with other road users, especially truck drivers, to communicate The radical-looking 2.1m, high Installation was simple. The aerial your intentions can save a lot of gain AW4706B at 8.1dBi will be screws into place, and an Allen key aggravation out on the open road. effective in open terrain. However, locks it into the base. We paid $135 Calling a faster truck around to in mountainous terrain or close for the new whip at High Country overtake is good road manners and distance transmission, the low Communications in Cooma, NSW. the safe thing to do. gain and more unobtrusive 58cm MORE INFO AW4704 at 2.1dBi might suit better. W: gme.net.au. We have had a GME radio We replaced the broken mast with matched to an AE4705B aerial whip on most of our vehicles over the years, but the one on our current LandCruiser suffered a nasty stone impact and was almost cut in half. However, the internal electronics seemed to be still intact, so I PDQDJHGDWHPSRUDU\\Ɠ[RXWRQWKH road with a short length of threaded rod and some gaffer tape I had with me, and the radio seemed to work okay, but a new one was in order. GME makes the aerial at its Western Sydney factory, and they are as tough as you can get for rough outback roads. Corrugations play havoc with anything bolted to the vehicle, so accessories must be bulletproof. The AE4705 system uses a hefty duty base with an elevated feed built into the aluminium base, meaning the aerials are ground independent and can be mounted anywhere suitable. However, most owners seem to opt for mounting on the bull bar. The whips are constructed out of radome, with the radiating element inside a robust ƓEUHJODVVVKLHOG The AE4705 base allows for different whips that can be unscrewed and swapped between three different lengths depending on the travel conditions. The forward gain in relative decibels rates aerial whips, and in simple terms, each is rated by dBi. This measurement UHŴHFWVWKHDQWHQQDōVEHDPZLGWK characteristics, and the higher the gain, the narrower the beamwidth. A high gain antenna will transmit – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 94

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM Reviewed by John Ford of days without dropping charge or to a battery. running the engine. Ten or so years ago, RVs were simple sleeping spaces to hook up and All the plugs and connections Two aspects of the blanket should drag to your favourite holiday park. seem sturdy and well made, and the be emphasised. Firstly, you need to They didn’t need a surfeit of water blanket has loops to move it around. connect the regulator to the battery and power because the park had a — so it can work out what sort of communal kitchen and a concrete The blanket is rated to 200W with battery it is — before connecting the amenities block on site. DFODLPHGPD[LPXPRXWSXWRI$ blanket. Secondly, the blanket is not in optimum direct sunlight. In direct waterproof and there are sad tales These days, things are different, sun at midday at Streaky Bay in South of this style of blanket disintegrating and off-grid trips are the increasingly Australia in April, I saw a charge rate after they get wet. becoming the norm. And while of 6.6A, and that was enough with a lot of vans are equipped with the roof panels on the van covered We bought the blanket at BCF in enough solar and battery power to to top up the twin 120Ah batteries Adelaide for $319. ODVWLQGHƓQLWHO\\WKHUHDUHVWLOOYDQV over the course of the day. I also MORE INFO with minimum solar or none at all. charged the third 110Ah battery W: bcf.com.au/p/xtm-200w-folding- Most have a battery though, which that runs an Engel fridge in the solar-blanket/578269.html is charged by the tow vehicle as LandCruiser using the regulator and you travel. Similarly, tow vehicles it kept the system going for a couple with a second battery for a fridge FDQEHQHƓWIURPH[WUDFKDUJHZKHQ parked up for a few days in camp without needing to run the engine to recharge the battery. A portable solar panel can charge your battery even if you have no panels on the roof or can add to your solar array for days when the weather turns crook. The XTM folding solar system comes complete and ready to operate. It comes as 12 panels in a canvas blanket that folds down WRFP[FP[FPWKDWLV easily stored. The kit includes the solar blanket, a 20A pulse width modulator regulator and all the leads QHHGHGWRSOXJLQWRDQH[LVWLQJ Anderson plug or with alligator clips – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 95

COOKING CHEAT EATS 3DFNWKHMDIŴHLURQVRPH$OIRLODQGOLJKWDƓUH EHFDXVHWKHVHDUHWKHUHDOWRROVRIWKHWUDGH ZKHQLWFRPHVWRFRRNLQJRIIJULG WORDS ANJI BIGNELL PICS SUPPLIED SPICY JALAPEÑO BAKED POTATOES STOERTVAELST:IM4 E: KRXU INGREDIENTS • ~FXSEXWWHU • PHGLXPVL]HGEDNLQJSRWDWRHV OLNHVHEDJRRUVZHHWSRWDWR TOPPING • 6ULUDFKDVDXFHWRWDVWH • &KHGGDUFKHHVHJUDWHG • -DODSH³RVƓQHO\\VOLFHG • 6RXUFUHDP METHOD 6OLFHHDFKSRWDWRLQKDOIDQGSRNHVHYHUDOWLPHVZLWKDIRUN6PHDU WDEOHVSRRQRIEXWWHURQHDFKVLGH 'RXEOHZUDSWZRKDOYHVRISRWDWRLQ$OIRLODQGEXU\\WKHPLQKRW FRDOVIURPWKHFDPSƓUH$OORZWRFRRNIRUXSWRPLQXWHV0L[ WKHVRXUFUHDPDQG6ULUDFKDVDXFHWRJHWKHUDQGGROORSRQWRS $GGDKDQGIXORIFKHHVHRQWRSRIWKH6ULUDFKDVDXFH&RRNLQD FDPSRYHQWRPHOWWKHFKHHVHRUXQGHUWKHJULOO 6SULQNOHZLWKDKDQGIXORIFKRSSHGMDODSH³RVWRVHUYH CHEESY SPAG BOL JAFFLES TOTAL TIME: PLQXWHV SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS • VOLFHVPXOWLJUDLQEUHDGRUOHIWRYHU EUHDGWKDWQHHGVWREHHDWHQ • VOLFHVRIFKHHVH • &RRNLQJRLOVSUD\\ • /HIWRYHUERORJQHVHVDXFH • 6DOWDQGSHSSHUWRWDVWH METHOD 7RSVOLFHVRIEUHDGZLWKFKHHVHDQG DFRXSOHRIWDEOHVSRRQVRIOHIWRYHU ERORJQHVHVDXFHDQGVRPHVDOWDQG SHSSHU6DQGZLFKZLWKUHPDLQLQJ EUHDG*HQHURXVO\\VSUD\\ERWKVLGHVZLWK FRRNLQJRLO3ODFHLQWRDMDIŴHLURQFRRN RYHUDORZƓUHRUEDUEHFXHIRUPLQXWHV RUXQWLOJROGHQEURZQRQHDFKVLGH – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 96

MEMBER RECIPE — SUSIE PHELPS N89584 Recipe ADRIAN’S of the LEMON TARTS INGREDIENTS › 20g softened butter › 250g cream cheese › 280g jar lemon butter › 1 packet butternut snap biscuits METHOD 1. Place 12 biscuits LQDPXIƓQWUD\\ ŴDWVLGHGRZQ 2. ,QDPL[LQJERZO DGGEXWWHUFUHDP cheese and lemon butter and beat until smooth 3. Place a tablespoon of mixture on each biscuit 4. Set in fridge for 2 hours These don’t require FRRNLQJRQO\\KDYHIRXU LQJUHGLHQWVDQGDUH YHU\\\\XPP\\WREULQJRXW to camping friends for morning tea. I bet there are none left! PEANUT BUTTER S’MORES Congratulations to Susie Phelps, who has won Hema’s latest Great Desert Tracks Atlas & Guide and Go-To Guide for Caravans. TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes SERVES: 8 Great Desert Tracks Atlas & Guide: Explore the arid centre with this comprehensive guide to traversing Australia’s desert regions. Whether you’re a ‘desert lover’, or just looking INGREDIENTS marshmallows to tackle some of Australia’s favourite 4WD destinations, this informative guide is an • 16 digestive biscuits • 150g block milk indispensable companion to this country’s arid centre. This edition includes handy track • 50g peanut butter profiles showing elevations and distances as well as points of interest, camping areas • 100g packet mini chocolate and supply points in one easy-to-follow graphic. METHOD Go-To Guide for Caravans: From windswept grey nomads to sun kissed newly-weds, Cut out 8 x 15cm aluminium foil squares and place a Hema’s Go-To Guide for Caravans is a vital companion for every kind of caravan-hauling digestive biscuit on each square. Spread some peanut holiday maker. butter (smooth or crunchy) on each biscuit. Top with marshmallows, a couple of pieces of chocolate, and Produced in collaboration with Caravan World magazine, the Go-To Guide for Caravans another digestive biscuit. Wrap the foil around it and covers everything you’ll need to know, presented in an easy-to-read format with plenty SODFHLQWKHHPEHUVRIDFDPSƓUHXQWLOKHDWHGWKURXJK of pictures and, of course, a handful of Hema maps. For your chance to win this fantastic prize, send us your own RV recipe and a great photo of the meal! Send entries to: Recipes, The Wanderer 3 Wyman Place Braeside, VIC 3195 or email [email protected] – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 97

WEIGHTY MATTERS WORDS AND PICS MALCOLM STREET Something that affects just about road varies from 50% to 80%. are not one of those friendly all Recreational Vehicle (RV) :KLFKHYHUƓJXUH\\RXXVHLWōVQRW advice checks done by the likes travellers is the not-so-small matter a very good look at all. I should of Caravanning Queensland — of being overweight. In the last also point out that while it has not the ladies and gents in blue are few months, overweight caravans been mentioned as much, mostly GLVKLQJRXWƓQHVIRUHYHU\\WKLQJ in particular have been mentioned due to relatively smaller numbers, I from just being overweight or on a number of media platforms. don’t think motorhome owners are exceeding tow ball weights to It’s drawn more attention than exempt from this problem — this not understanding that some tow usual, because in Queensland LVVRPHWKLQJWKDWōVEHHQDPSOLƓHG vehicle manufacturers derate there have been a number of somewhat by motorhome tow ball mass as the caravan caravan rollover accidents in a manufacturers trying to stay under mass increases, as well as other very short space of time. Everyone a GVM of 4500kg, thus avoiding incidentals like not having the from ‘our ABC’ to a number of the need for an LR truck licence. correct towing mirrors. It hasn’t well-known Facebook pages has been mentioned in the items I mentioned the weight matter. It As I write this, the Queensland have been reading, but you can depends who is being quoted, police and Queensland TMR bet on the fact that the Gross but the estimates for the number inspectors are starting to do Combined Mass (GCM) matter has of overweight caravans on the random roadside checks on not been ignored, either. caravans in particular. These – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 98

KEA TRACKS C Class or B Class? It looks very streamlined, but it’s actually a C Class motorhome complete with a luton bed The weight problem is not new length, but my recommendation WHAT’S IN A NAME by any means, but I suspect it’s for any motorhome, caravan, or Elsewhere in this issue I have been exacerbated by the recent ƓIWKZKHHOHUIRUWKDWPDWWHULVWR reviewed a Jayco pop-top growth in the RV market and the fully load up your RV (inclusive of campervan. It’s based on a Fiat many inexperienced owners who ZDWHUWDQNVDQGJRƓQGDZHLJK Ducato van, something I call a have decided on domestic travel bridge. Either that or use one of large van conversion because over international travel. It’s not the mobile weighing services that there does seem to be debate entirely their fault, of course. exist in most states. That will tell about whether a van of this size Caravan and motorhome weights you your weights, and the next LVFODVVLƓHGDVDFDPSHUYDQ have been slowly increasing over step is to check out the specs or motorhome. A number time, caused by a rise in customer on your towing combination/ of manufacturers call them expectations, manufacturers motorhome. That’s not just the campervans — as Jayco does — but ƓWWLQJPRUHDQGPRUHJHDULQWR Maximum Towing Mass, but also others, including KEA and those their products, and the visible the ATM, Tow Ball Mass, Gross who only sell van conversions, call increase in the number of ‘offroad’ Combined Mass (GCM), maximum them motorhomes. I understand caravans. axle weights, and in the case of a they are slightly different to a motorhome, Gross Vehicle Mass coach-built motorhome, but it’s What’s to be done about it would (GVM). confusing. I sometimes I think that take more than an article of this campervan implies a smaller RV based on either a VW Kombi or a Toyota HiAce. It would be nice if the industry came up with a XQLTXHFRPPRQGHƓQLWLRQ We could of course move into WKH$%DQG&GHƓQLWLRQVRI motorhomes — A class being a motorhome that’s built on a truck chassis only, being coach-like, and C Class being a motorhome built on a truck cab chassis with a luton peak (yet more jargon) otherwise known as a cab bed, i.e. a bed over the driver’s cab. B Class is tricky; to some it’s a motorhome without a luton peak, i.e. a more streamlined-looking motorhome, but others call a large van conversion or campervan B class… Still with me? Try this: New Zealand has all of that, but there’s also a number of German manufacturers using terms like ‘integrated’ (A Class) and ‘semi integrated’ (B or C Class). Confused? I’m not surprised! Internationally, my two favourites are the German word for motorhome, ‘wohnmobile’, and the French term, ‘camping-car’. All part of the fun in the motorhome industry, and I don’t have the space to get into the travel trailer/caravan sector, nor goose QHFNWUDLOHUVDOVRNQRZQDVƓIWK wheelers! – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 99

CMCA Dollar TDHOISLLMAOR NWTISHE’SPCAMRKCSA Wise Park CMCA’s Dollar Wise Park Network may include self-contained encourages members to notify NHQ are parks that partner with CMCA requirements). of potential Dollar Wise Parks that to offer members an affordable you come across in your travels. accommodation option of just These caravan parks are $15 or less per vehicle per night LGHQWLƓDEOHLQ*HR:LNL;ZLWKD Take a look at just some of the (terms and conditions vary and unique icon and are also listed CMCA Dollar Wise Parks around on the CMCA website. CMCA Australia… LUCINDALE CARAVAN PARK, LUCINDALE, SA Lucindale is in the heart of Lucindale Caravan Park is Lucindale Caravan Park offers the Limestone Coast, and has operated by the local football CMCA members a Dollar Wise lush parklands, lakes, and rich club and is situated next to the Park rate of $10 per vehicle per primary production. Famous for sports oval. Offering grassy night. This low rate includes wine, cheese, and relaxation, level sites and shade, this park access to the toilet, water, it is hardly surprising that this offers a relaxing and quiet stay and dump point only. CMCA area has a such strong tourism when visiting the Limestone members can also access the industry. Coast. park’s laundry for a fee. – THE WANDERER JULY 2022 – 100