McCulloch Family Giant Leap: We are on the road.

Finally it had arrived, the much anticipated departure date. There was no big celebration, no streamers being thrown and certainly no large crowds. We were lucky though as Jason’s brother Brent came to see us off and could take the token photos in front of car and van. Even though our destination for the day was only just a little over 1 ½ hours away I was still nervous. Whilst we have experience towing our little Jayco, this beast is another level up. Mind you it isn’t like I was doing the hard concentration of driving, but sometimes being the entertainer of the kids is just as hard! I think we had only just pulled onto the Gateway when Hamish asked the first of many ‘Are we there yet?’. The look Jason and I gave each other was one of concern, we honestly didn’t think we would here that question the first day, yet alone in the first ten minutes.

All hooked up and ready to go.

Our saint to guide us on our journey.

The drive was an easy one, and we successfully made it to Cotton Tree. We were in luck as someone had cancelled a waterfront site that morning. I went and inspected it and thought why not! Mind you when I then had to pay for it I started to second guess my decision. Then when it actually came to reversing into it I cursed myself for not keeping it simple until we have notched up some more experience. If you haven’t worked out already, I am the worrier. I really over think everything, if there is a weird noise when towing I panic. I know this will settle down once I am more use to it all, it did with the Jayco. Jason on the other hand balances me out as he believes we can do everything.

Needless to say we got into the site pretty good, even with all the spectators and some help from others. Honestly I think that due to the slope the site was too small for our long van, but we fitted (just). I had already warned our neighbour we were new at this and he kindly complemented our park and re-assured us that it will get easier. The two things we learnt this day was to firstly keep the kids in the car until the van is unhitched. They don’t seem to stay where I ask them too! Secondly, to ensure that our radios are on the same channel when trying to park the van. Sadly I have to admit that it actually took us a while to work out why Jason wasn’t listening to my instructions or why I wasn’t giving any!

Not a bad view.

So hard not to feel anything but relaxed.

It was a beautiful spot and with the beach right across the road it was certainly an awesome play area for the kids. We checked out Underwater World (thank you for the free ticket Brent) and the local markets but mainly spent the day at the beach. The fishing rod for Hamish was even pulled out. Thankfully he seems to have inherited his Pop’s fishing ability rather than his Dad’s. The tally at the end of the stay was Hamish – 9, Kayla – 1 and Dad – 0. They were all small whiting so had to go back, but the kids just loved it.

Kayla checking out the fish.

Hamish had to try everything.

One very happy little man.

That is the best part so far, there really isn’t anything else to worry about so you can give the kids so much more attention. I think the biggest hurdle we have to overcome is bedtime, and really, bedtime for Kayla. This won’t happen overnight but I am confident we will get there surely by the end of the trip! As for living in the van, we have to put everything away so that there is no clutter as it does build up quickly. I have also spent much of the last 6 weeks working out what we don’t need and working out the best shelving options. I will include a few photos of some of our cupboards.

My kitchen cupboards.

The kids clothes area plus a top storage shelf.

The bunk beds.

Making the most of space to store the broom and mop.

We are now at Ross Creek café, a lovely little free camp between Gympie and Tin Can bay. Need to get back on track with the budget after the few nights at cotton tree. As I type this I am looking out over green hills, we are the only ones here and there is a pony and cow in the paddock next door. The simple life, it is great.