Meningie - a not so short trip

Yet again, despite all my best intentions, it was after 5pm before we were motoring down the road for our next adventure. 

I had got the car and van packed in record time and even got my special 1st Aid pack sorted, ready for the following 3 days. 

We got an impressive 50m before I noticed how heavy the van was and realised I forgot to plug in the lights and brakes.  Luckily we live on a series of no through roads so I could stop where I was and plug it all in without worrying about other traffic. 

I had heard the the freeway was closed due to a serious car accident near Tailem Bend, so we (ok.... I ) decided to head through Wistow, Langhorne Creek, across the ferry at Wellington and then down to Meningie. Much nicer option than sitting in traffic in 34 degree heat for what could be hours while they clean up   It was a pleasant drive, listening to the kids argue about anything and everything whilst Tracy pretended to be asleep next to me and the dog continuously climbed over us all looking for the best vantage spot. 

We had just reached Wistow when I heard on the radio that the freeway was cleared, but decided to push on anyway as ithis route was only about 5km longer and a much more pleasant drive. 

Before I knew it, we were at Wellington, waiting for the ferry.

Along with about 60 other cars in front of us.

The ferry takes about 10 cars at a time, with a 12 minute round trip. It was at this time I was visited by Grumpy Barry which resulted in the family going for a walk with the dog to the river, leaving me to boil in my own steam knowing that we were here for the next hour to travel 300m. Thankfully there was a breeze blowing which kept me cool as it dissipated the steam coming from my ears, and a few old buildings to stare at and allow me to remember it is the journey, and not the destination that makes the best holidays.

Almost exactly an hour later, I was at the front of the queue and driving onto the ferry. Thankfully the remainder of the trip was less than 30 minutes more. We did have to pull over with about 5km to go, thanks to the sound of a Kayak about to fall off the roof racks. They were still tied on tight, and the sudden realisation that I was standing in the worlds biggest bull ant nest with my best camping thongs, got me back in the car quicker than the million flies buzzing around my head and we were off again. 

We got to camp right on sunset, at which time I could start experiencing the joys of Tracy making me adjust the level-ness of the caravan 1mm at a time until a marble wouldn’t roll off the inside table. (Luckily I am excellent at doing this, so I just smiled and rocked the car back and forth until she was happy.)

A couple of hours later it was all done. The boys swags were up, tea had been microwaved and eaten, a bourbon went missing out of the fridge - time to sit and relax. 

Going to be a hot one tomorrow - perfect for the kayaks.