16.6.2015 Van trip beginning

Before we could leave on Monday 15th June the van had to go back to Evernew to have two drawers fitted that had been omitted.  However, we were away by 1.45 pm and left in fine weather.  But about half way to our first night's destination the weather cracked up and we drove into ever increasing rain.  So far we are very pleased with the way the van is towing and the standard of finish of the cabinetry.  All appliances seem to working well and it is proving to be very convenient to work in.
Originally we had intended to camp at Green Hill Lake outside Ararat but the rain had turned the lake surrounds into a quagmire so we continued on to Stawell where we booked into the Grampians Gate Caravan park and spent the night parked on bitumen and didn't have to unhook which was a blessing with the rain pouring down..
This morning most of the rain had cleared except for a fine mist and fog.  Our new bed is rather comfortable and we had a good night's sleep. Today is our 53rd wedding anniversary.  Got away at 9 am under very low heavy cloud and fog but shortly after morning tea, just past Dimboola, the cloud lifted a little and the road dried up and driving conditions became quite good.  We passed through the Wimmera with the land looking as if covered with green fur.  This year's wheat crop is busy germinating and it looks like a good strike. The rain has come at a good time.  Then discovered that I needed to dump the fruit and veg as I had wrongly assumed that as we weren't entering a fruit fly area I could bring fruit and veg into South Australia. Did the right thing and dumped it.  Annoying but, thankfully, I didn't have a great deal on board.  Lunch at Bordertown in a local bakery which was rather a quaint establishment.  The chicken and veg soup was substantial and tasty and we were entertained by examining the huge number of curios decorating the walls and ceiling. Restocked here at the local Foodland.  Decided to travel as far as Mannum and arrived here about 4.30 pm.  Booked into a caravan park right on the banks of the River Murray.  Excellent amenities and lots of birds about. Black tailed native hens, purple swamp hens, dusky moor hens, large numbers galahs, black and wood ducks, pelicans, darters, noisy miners, etc.