Day 4 - Mendooran to Wagga Wagga
Ever wondered why Wagga Wagga is the same word twice?
Apparently, from all the research I have done, it appears the local Indigenous word for Crow is Wagga.
As everyone knows there is always more than a single crow when you see them. Hence the repeat of the word suggests a murder of crows — or a group of crows.
The day begins... Not the best
The day began with less than favourable conditions. In the early morning hours, the CPAP machine ceased functioning, which was later attributed to the battery draining overnight due to the cold.
We were chased from sleep, more accurately, summoned by his lordship’s insistence on a walk, despite the absence of any daylight or sunshine peeking through the windows.
Unfortunately, this would not turn out to be our biggest issue of the day.
First off, given the amount of condensation, and cold, we guessed it was at or below zero degrees outside with a very heavy fog. Trying to start the diesel heater proved to be a non-event. The battery monitor was very happy to display less than 12 volts in the house battery.
Not only would this stop the heater from starting, but it was also very likely there would be insufficient power in the system to lower the van into travel mode. This was proved correct when we hit the down button. A dismal click and the power cut out.
No problem we have a freshly serviced generator for this very reason.
Then of course we discovered no petrol for the generator. Bugger.
We would just have to load the kids up and go and get some and come back, fill the generator and then proceed with the day.
Unfortunately, we were soon to learn the thriving township of Mendooran does not have a fuel station. Bugger!!!
Back to the van we go to see the Council worker on his way out. We stopped him for a chat about our problems.
He did inform us the nearest fuel station was 35 kilometres away in Dunedoo. Further conversations about our dilemma, and he offered get us enough fuel to lower the van. He arrived back with, what I reckon was his lawnmower fuel can, some unleaded for the generator.
We set up the generator, and…. Of course it would not start. Another fail to start the day.
So, then we thought, let’s call the RACQ, as we have been members since 1983. All should be good… right.
No, after waiting online for 15 minutes the first time we hung up, after being told how important we were and how we were progressing through the queue, blah, blah blah.
Then out of the mist came our young council worker again with a suggestion that proved to be the right one. We were able to get the van down into travel mode and off we went… some hour or so later than first planned, but we were away.
Yes, I did send a huge thank you email to his employer to recognise his efforts.
Today, Erica, Hugo, and Violet will explore the winding paths and hidden nooks of Dubbo Plains Zoo, encountering a diverse array of animals both large and small from across the globe. I really can’t recommend this experience enough. If you are in Dubbo and have a spare day, or even half day, you really should look into this.
Max and I were tasked with finding a solution to our power issues, stretching his lordship’s legs, and preparing the car for the next phase of our journey… heading to Wagga Wagga for the evening.
After leaving the adventurous ones at the zoo, Max and I headed to a park for a stroll. We also searched for some breakfast, as an additional challenge due to the lack of power this morning.
Number 1 and 2 from our list of chores now complete we moved onto number 3. Finding a replacement for our ageing Honda Generator.
Why a new one you ask?
- Our Honda i20 generator was purchased around the same time as the van, which was way back in 2007.
- During the last service they had to replace the carburettor as it was cactus. We opted for a reconditioned unit as new was almost the price of a new generator, and not available for a few weeks.
So, it is probably time for a replacement to take up the role of keeping us powered off site. No joy in Dubbo. Ah well we are going to be in or near Melbourne for a couple of weeks.
Job Number 3 – Tick
Then down to the off-leash park for Max to explore and interact with the other canines of Dubbo. Park duly found, canines not so. He still spent 30 minutes sniffing and peeing on everything that didn’t move.
Just finishing up number 4 job, Fuel up the car, and the phone rings to request a super speedy pickup from the zoo.
The day, unfortunately did not play well with temperatures and the two little ones had enough around 11.30 am.
Off to Wagga Wagga
Then it was off to Wagga Wagga for the night with their third Cousins, whom they had never met.
They hit it off very well and spent a great, albeit short nighttime of fun for their newfound relatives and off to bed.
An abbreviation of “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,” CPAP is a breathing therapy device that delivers air to a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth to help consistent breathing. It’s used primarily for sleep apnoea, but also in the treatment of other breathing conditions.