Beautiful Sunny Port Macquarie

Eventually the weather calmed itself and we emerged from our home away from home to walk along the river front past the Jordan boat hire area past Salty’s Seafood Restaurant - “forget the take-away fish and chips Mike – we eat here tonight” she says.

We explore this tiny caravan park and cabin resort off Hastings Drive and right on the river in Port Macquarie – attached to Jordan Boat Hire venture it is clean – clean – clean – 20 or so cabins many of which overlook the water and perhaps 10 caravan sites all occupied by experienced caravanners with serious rigs - it seems like this place may only be known to true caravanlutians - our little ancient swan looks just slightly out of place! – lovely place – pity the weather.

We receive a text that is the source of great delight to us both let alone to the sender.

Dine at Salty’s – King Prawns of Santorini, Salt and Lemon Squid and Honey and Chilli Prawns – all impressive – waitress politely asked to make sure the chef is aware of our delight – wander home – the moon is trying to raise its head but the clouds are resisting with considerable aggression – we reach the sanctuary of the van – the clouds overcome the moon and the precipitation dominates the night.

We awake to find the inclement weather having a coffee break – unfortunately this version of inclement weather is a diligent worker and shortly after the clouds release the winds – in turn the winds bring the rain – the rain attracts more wind – the van rocks and rolls – the canvass flaps and complains loudly – every tiny penetration of the canvass is targeted by the driving rain as a mean of entry by which to hydrate any fabric within its reach - we attempt to be strategic in the placement of towels and try to accept that all of this is just part of the caravanning experience – 

I reach for the phone to call room service – unfortunately there is none – I remind myself that I am indeed trying to re-imagine the Hilton!

Time to fire up the iPhone and listen to more of Joshua Slocomb's adventures as he seeks to become the first person to sail single handed around the world - our timing could not have been better - in chapter 14 he is describing his adventures as he sailed past Port Macquarie in rough weather in early 1897 - only 120 years ago. 

Time to put Joshua on pause - our next challenge is to find dry clean clothes with which to attire ourselves for lunch with an old friend at West Haven about 30 minutes south of here.