Forever House #22

Thursday 25th July, 2013

The Triton in 2004/05

It was a momentous day and sentimental drive out to the farm. It was the last trip out to the farm in my faithful old 1999 Triton ute. She was bought in April 2004 just before the kids and I moved out to the farm. She did a last slog for me today, after a slow start, and nine stops along the way. She did herself proud with the very heavy firebox and kitchen bench in the tray, and a trailer loaded with 2 sets of outdoor furniture and a green cupboard - the final items from my spending spree at Casino several weeks back. The car also had all the usual paraphernalia that I always take, plus food shopping and Bunnings shopping. The car has made many such trips before, but more in the vein of building materials, kids and dog Beckie. She is now retired, and will continue to get us around the farm, collecting rocks, crossing rivers and all manner of adventures. But no longer a registered town car.

Regular cargo

8.30pm. I've been here half an hour and I'm finally sitting at the caravan table, having moved in, made the bed up and now sipping on a cup of Ecco. My sister Peit left me with her head lamp when she was here, so I went via the loo to have a look around in the house. Everything is as I left it, which is a very comforting thing about Currawinya.The only noticeable change is Dave's new bit of scaffolding so he and Jeff can sheet to the edge of the generous eave on Saturday.

Getting around Currawinya

Part of the coloured park bench set

When I collected the stuff in the trailer from McKees this afternoon, the green cupboard and wrought iron outdoor set were as I remembered them. However, the coloured park benches are a little more fragile than I'd hoped. I think they'll be fine - Dave has straightened out a bent leg - hopefully that is all they needed.



Getting the firebox out of the car is one of the hurdles this weekend. Jeff is not convinced it is going to scrub up - so that's my challenge - but ultimately if it doesn't serve us, we'll have to get a combustion stove anon. Together with the fuel stove in the kitchen I think we're pretty right for warmth. Hopefully the mud walls will do their thermal thing - absorbing the sun's warmth during the day and holding it through the evening. The insulation in the roof will also help keep the house at an even temperature. If this winter is any indication of winters to come, it's certainly not as freezing as I have experienced in the past...

Wrought iron set in situ

Choc coated almonds and Ecco for dinner - even easier (if much more wicked) than the baked beans on toast I had planned. Never mind, I've got lots of healthy food for Jeff and me to eat over the weekend. He arrives by dark Friday. We're having green Thai chicken curry (Casino Bi-Lo style - tubed corriander); salad rolls, and poached eggs. Jeff has to bring out his pillows, bacon and beer - all his special requirements. I can't contact him from here to tell him that I left the camp light at home. I hope he sees it there charging... I had to buy a cheap battery LED light - the cheapest rechargeable was seventy dollars. Should have bought extra batteries though - this one seems to be getting dimmer by the minute.

Morning visit from the Currawinya herd

Apart from food shopping, I bought everything on my Currawinya shopping list - and some. A hoe and metal rake, more coloured tiles for mosaics, and adhesive, long handled garden cutters to use on the lantana. Five hardy plants to add to Peit's garden. As I wandered around by head torch light tonight it was hard to tell what plants we planted originally have survived or not - but there were some that did. Peita's wall survived perfectly well. 

I was reminded tonight after unpacking and laying back on the bed with a big sigh - there is nothing to distract me here. I have to relax - why wouldn't I love it. There's something about being in nature (and off the grid) that allows you to be different to how you are at home in your everyday. This place is a holiday. It never takes me long to feel like time has slowed down - in the moment.