Ian & Bev off to Port Lincoln for Xmasi

[grumpyian]

Well after many false starts we finally hit the road, decision made on proposed route, cross Murray at Barham, thru Vic down to Mt Gambier, up SA coast find the village of Mannum then on up to Pt Augusta then down to Lincoln. Simples just jump from one camp to the next can't be hard.
Not being known as the earliest risers and quick starters,we surprised ourselves and were on the road by 1.00pm pushed hard made camp beside river at Jerilderie good overnighter quiet but for the hum and slap as we fought a loosing battle with the mozzies. Next camp at Kerang Turf Club, nice spot very friendly locals quiet night. Time to reconsider route as you do, lets give Mt Gambier and coast the flick, been there done that, lets just cut across to Bordertown, lock it in Eddie. Off to Dimboola via Donald for lunch stop, all good great little lunch break at Apex park Dump point as well, good oh.
Now the fun starts after lunch just a casual 100ks to camp at Dimboola, lets go I say Jeep says "no key fob present" , then selector needs service, then wipers start,more assorted error messages service 4 wheel drive air bags not working even one that read depress clutch to start, still looking for that. Bother I said in a casual manner, or something like that.
Not happy Jan, this happened to us in August when we where in Brooms Head rang Jeep Assist, they said they would sent a " Highly qualified technician" to inspect vehicle. Yea right, 2 hours later a truck pulls up and towie says I am here to take your car to Coffs Harbour, ended up at a dealer in Lismore they had car for a week and could not find any fault, have had no further issues until now. Brooms was OK to be without car not so sure about spending time at Donald dump point as pleasant as it is.
So this time I ring NRMA cause they will transport van as well, half hour later tow truck arrives, fiddle for a bit disconnect battery to reset computer connect up, battery very low, jump start with one of those mini lithium battery packs, knew their must be a use for that fancy chemistry stuff, no errors. What do you know must have been a weak battery all the time, I usually disconnect van every time we stop, this time I didn't, must have current draw when parked, need to look at that. Oh bother its now 3.30 Friday Donald Mechanic thinks could get replacement by Monday, Jeep Horsham have one in stock, service dept close at 4 on Friday, counter guy will be their till 5 time to fly only 110ks and I don't know where they are, made it, new bat in error codes cleared all good off to camp at Dimboola relax. Here we next day just chilling needed a rest day before the long haul to cross border in to Bordertown might rest their as well.

[Swisslulu]

Love your writing style Ian. Looking forward to more. Happy and safe travels.

[BruceS]

Good show!
No fruit or veg or grape vines into SA please!! (You'll lose it or pay the price!)
Exit into Bordertown & see the white kangaroos on your left into town.
PS. leave the "Grumpy" in Victoria & just bring Ian.

[grumpyian]

Thanks Lesley haven't had much to do today but I will be right now second drink, working on leaving "Grumpy behind as 'per Bruce's instructions, or should that be as per BruceS's instructions, just too complicated for me I'll have another.
By the way I also am envious of your battery system I have read of in other places.
Cheers not so Grumpyian

[Dot]

Might catch up with you Ian & Bev.. Safe and enjoyable travels.

[triptracks]

We are in Port Lincoln for Xmas too.
Currently on the Yorke Pensinsular...

[grumpyian]

We can work on that Dot, David perhaps we could catch up also we usually don't leave Lincoln till after Tunarama ,well it looks like I am having at least a couple of meet & greets that's two non grumpy days. Not sure I can handle all this mirth & merriment.I wont let it change me

[grumpyian]

OK made it into SA, yes Bruce dumped all our store bought fruit and vegies in roadside bin, then into Bordertown supermarket and replaced them, just cant quite understand why the produce from the Vic supermarket is so evil compared to the SA ones. Guess they must be local grown bananas. That's the Grumpy bit coming out in me.
Camped at the Lake at Bordertown what a great spot, so good we will have a rest day today then move on to another at Tintinara about 80ks then shoot for a big haul 140ish to Mannum. So guys and girls which camp of the two listed in WikiCamps is the pick? We will stay for a couple of days or more if needed. Drinks any one?

[T1 Terry]

If you mean the camp spots in Mannum, there is a secure one just as you are entering Mannum, has toilets and shower and power, with a bit of luck there will even be a space in the yard as I've been a good boy and actually got 2 jobs out over the week end Drop us a PM and I'll send you a Google map with markings as to where the workshop is, or if your GPS is smart enough look for 124 Adelaide Rd Mannum

T1 Terry & Margaret

[Dot]

Get back to work Terry, lunch time is over.