As I sit here by the Murray in a very nice Big 4 caravan park in Renmark SA, I thought I would blog some observations in no particular order of importance of our first 2 weeks.

1.       I am very impressed that the country towns along the Murray have all retained major grasscourt tennis centres. Albury has a major centre, Corowa had a dozen or so grass courts, Deniliquin had a dozen and Mildura had about 30. Even so small towns we passed through had them. Perhaps the next Wimbledon champion from Australia will come from the Riverina because he was brought up on grass and knows how to volley, hit an approach shot and slice.

2.       We notice that all the planes going by are at a high altitude and leave a condensation trail

3.       It is amazing how many consecutive days you can wear the same shirt and shorts without any obvious negative side effects.

4.       There has been a lot of windy days but next to no rain. It has been glorious day after day

5.       The heat is a dry heat that plays havoc with your skin. You need moisturiser.

6.       The bathrooms in the caravan parks all have the radio playing. I have gotten used to it. In fact, I quite like Sunraysia FM. I started listening to it while jogging, even when there was a camping show on.

7.       While on the highways, when you pass a caravan driver coming in the opposite direction, you lift your index finger to each other as an acknowledgement of a fellow traveler. Sometimes you can raise 4 fingers off the wheel, but the index finger salute is the go. I have joined the club and have been accepted on the highways of Australia as a fellow caravaner.

8.       I am enjoying the simple pleasures like an early morning run by the Murray River which really can be spectacular. Fiona will say I enjoy that because it is free. By not so, these towns with their parklands make great use of the riverside and some of the scenery is magnificent.

9.       The happiest times I experience is when packed up and leaving a town for the next. The nervous times are coming into a town we intend to stay at and seeing what is in store for us.

10.   Generally the caravan parks are located perfectly and amenities are great. We take advantage of the pool and camp kitchens but many don’t. Late afternoon they are content to stay around their caravans with their bbqs etc. They are very self-reliant and well equipped.

11.   Late afternoon in the caravan parks are very relaxing and peaceful

12.   Andrew Burton has an extraordinary interest in grooming his hair. He is constantly brushing his hair, he brushes it before he goes to bed, if there is a puff of wind, way he goes again. Not sure what to make of that.

13.   We are still rookies but gradually getting better at the camping life. We are starting to get a rhythm in putting up and taking down the camper trailer after a few early hiccups.

14.   People are friendly at the caravan parks and willing to talk and share experiences and tips. They seem to realise everyone is part of the same adventure and want to help. I gain a lot of information striking up conversations at the camp kitchens of with next door neighbours.

15.   I am still not completely relaxed. Still anticipating or trying to avert any major disasters around the corner.

16.   Still working out the best sleeping arrangements on the van

Anyway, just a few random thoughts as we leave NSW and Victoria behind and begin the South Australia leg of the journey.