Second part of our test run.

We ended up staying 2 nights at Carcoar dam. It was such a good spot. We thought we should try out some of our purchases.

So we set up the shower tent and our portable hot water service and all had showers. We all washed and only used about 25 litres of water. Which was great.
We’d borrowed a friends portable washing machine so we got that out and tried it. It was fantastic but I’m still undecided about it. Will put some more thoughts into it then decide.
Matt tested out solar consumption and we will be self sufficient so long as we get enough sunshine otherwise we will have to top up with the generator.
The boys have enough toys to keep them occupied – maybe too many.
On our second night there my parents came and stayed.
The next morning it started raining so we packed up in the rain. We were all done and on the road by 8.30am. So we decided to head to Narrendera instead of just down the road to Cootamundra.
We stayed at the boat ramp free camp spot. It was a great spot but too close to the highway. We had planned to stay 2 nights there but changed our mind when we saw how close to the road it was.

We were there and set up by 2pm. We had heard stories of the nomads pulling in after 2pm but had never came across it. The site started filling up pretty fast after 2.30pm. There where vans everywhere. We spoke to a few but for some reason (or 2) they didn’t come too close.

Boys decided they wanted to try camp style bath. Nate loved it. Ethan was a bit too big but still liked it.

<a
Matt cooked a beautiful roast lamb for tea. He has almost perfected cooking in the camp oven.
Once again we were packed up and on the road by 9am. We thought we'd just go as far as Conargo but we got there at 11am. This was the best free camp yet but we decided that it would be perfect just for an overnight stay not a whole day. So we had lunch and a play on the awesome playground. Such a great spot.

We moved on to our favourite camp spot just near home Edwards campground out of Mathoura. It is such a great spot with toilets and the river. Bird life was is abundance.

We packed up in the morning and headed home.
Has been great to find out that all our purchases have been the right one’s. Don’t think we have over packed our van either. And we are on target with our budget.
We are getting pretty excited now. And are so happy with our decision to go on this adventure. Our week away has Nate talking more again. Had the boys playing together, they do fight but they are getting much better. And neither of them complained about it or asked for takeout. And Ethan commented on how much fun it was being able to do fun stuff with dad.
Can’t wait to go. 14 weeks left!!