We had arranged to transfer to the rally site in convoy during the morning to avoid getting tangled up with the early birds. Our observers discovered that the queue was several kilometres long so we delayed our departure until noon. We reached the head of the queue at about 2 o.clock, and were the last who had to wait any length of time!.
We all set up together in the big rig, no power area and raised the Highway Wanderers flag. Sadly it is not very obvious from most of the rally site as it is set against a background of poplar trees.
By happy hour happened we had contacted a number of other Highway Wanderers so we had a suitably convivial evening.
I had consulted Robin Wood about problems I have been having with my 12V system. He diagnosed deeply discharged batteries and advised getting them charged in town as the charger in the Motley does not seem to be working effectively.
With the problems I am having with the 12V system and having paid for a powered site, I didn't claim the rebate but plugged in to a power pole just down the way.
Took the Motley to town to leave one of the batteries to be charged and did some shopping.
In the afternoon I did some planning for the return trip assuming we had to visit Wagga Wagga where the batteries could be replaced under if necessary warranty. We'd like to attend the Ballooning Festival at Canowindra on 20-22 Apr, visit the dentist in Sydney on 27-28 Apr and still get to Theodore 400 km north of Brisbane by 11 May. If we have to go to Scarborough just north of Brisbane to get the charger fixed maybe something will have to go by the board.
We happy houred and, when the evening turned chilly, we retired to the Motley for dinner and a vegie evening.
Went to town to pick up the charged battery and drop the other one off for charging.
Robin and Keryn Wood, who had driven down in the ute and stayed in a motel to attend the Chapter Meeting and some of the rally , were planning to leave for Brisbane today so we went with them to lunch at the leagues club. The food was good and cheap and the beer was good and cold.
In the afternoon I went to the trade pavilion and found a device for making it easy to undo and do up the truck wheel nuts. I decided to buy one against the day when I need to change a wheel and don't feel like a thirty year old any more.
Happy houred with the normal crowd and several new members of the chapter and some visitors .
Into town again to pick up the second battery.
Jean needed a scrip for some of her pills so we sought out a doctor at the local medical centre. We got the pills and some fruit, dumped the black water and returned to the showground.
The Club banner Parade was scheduled for 2 o'clock in the main hall. Even before it started it got unbearably hot and noisy so we left to walk around in the fresh air. We found that many others were doing the same so its not just us.
Sarah had said that Jeremy's photos of Rachel and Noah were up on the Goop website so we paid a visit to the Internet Cafe and spent a half an hour admiring all the photos. I had imagined that Noah was very thoroughbred and regal but he reminded me of Alfie. He's very beautiful and we're very proud of Rachel for doing so well in her first American competition.
Happy hour saw several new members and some first timers attend so we mustn't be as unpopular as some would have us believe.
In the evening a group of us went to the on-site cafe for the Italian night dinner. It was very crowded and basic but the local boy scouts were doing skivvy duty and the food was pretty good, specially the goat.
We didn't stay for the official opening and entertainment.
In the morning we attended a McWillams wine tasting. The wine maker was very interesting and the wine was remarkably good. We'll visit the winery next week to stock up.
In the afternoon we visited the Trade Show and bought a folding chair from a fishing tackle stand. Its very comfortable and was quite cheap.
We happy houred until the chill of the evening drove us indoors.
Skit Night. The Highway Wanderers made a valiant effort but in the absence of our Creative Director, Helene, it was not great.
The Solos achieved their usual level of excellence with a Wizard of Oz production. They put a lot of effort into their work and it was very entertaining. Sadly they drew out the finale a tad too long and it sort or lost its punchy ending.
A large group of us went to the Leagues Club to celebrate the end of the Rally. There were no courtesy busses so we had to call a maxi cab. The food was OK but the company was excellent.