Well maybe it is OK!

On waking this morning we remain uncertain as to the absolute necessity for the deployment of rear stabilisers on this particular van – we did resolve however that it would be wise to ensure that we do deploy them on all future occasions.

There was a heavy mist over Cessnock as we emerged from the van but temperatures were acceptable and made even more acceptable by the rapid appearance of the morning sun.

We are staying put today intended to combining sitting around and doing nothing with a visit to the Hunter Valley Gardens, a drive around the wine country and visit to the Chocolate factory.

Suppose we should have a check out of the van – what happened to the water supply? – How does that awning work? – “When are we leaving” says Bernie – give me an hour or so! – I first tackle the water supply problem – bloody idiot – you just didn’t look carefully enough – there is the teat just 200mm north of where you thought it should be – attach the hose - task number one signed off! – Now for the awning – surely this cannot be too difficult – 10 minutes later – there it is – standing there with a look in its eye that says “I am here for the long haul!” – OK Bernie have a look at what I have achieved then I am ready to go! – “ah can’t you ever make up your mind! – You said you were going to be an hour! – I’ve started the washing – you always do this to me – I’ll look at it all later! - I retreat to the van crestfallen! – there is no way that I can approach the experienced caravanlutians in the park to stroke my ego for I know that the successful erection of an awning would hardly be something they would consider congratulating someone upon - As for connecting water to the van I suspect that there is very little chance that I would be prepared to even mention that oversight to them!

While inside the van I re-discover Dan, Dan the Lego man - Since his brief release approaching Cowra he has been restrained in the refrigerator – he is delighted to be liberated! - I suspect that he may not be a committed traveller himself but has only decided to join us as a means of becoming the main character in yet another book for the grandchildren – there is no way he is going to miss the Storybook section of the Hunter Valley Gardens – after all he is something of a literary icon himself!

Eventually my priorities coincide with Bernie’s priorities and we are ready to explore the gardens –we arrive – the carpark is full – we wonder why – once we are inside the answer is obvious – this is “Minions Day” - a special show for little kids starring young teenagers suitably attired in Minion regalia – we take the opportunity to tackle the gardens proper while the tots are pre-occupied with all things minion. Dan the Lego man insisted on being photographed with one of the teenage minions.

John has told us that the gardens were about the only thing worth seeing in the Hunter – we haven’t seen enough of the Hunter to know otherwise but we came away from the gardens suitably impressed – particularly impressive for Bernie and I was the formal French garden 

While Bernie and I thought it was OK, Dan the Lego Man was completely enamoured of the Story Book Garden – He spent ages there with his fellow literary figures.

Next on the agenda for this quiet, slow, laid back day in the Hunter was a leisurely cruise past famous names of the Australian wine industry – just seeing the names was sufficient for us – there was no need for us to taste their produce – this was not the case for the Chocolate Factory where the acquisition of product was approached with remarkable diligence.

The timing of our departure from the Chocolate Factory was impeccable – just as the produce was secreted into the car someone in heaven wanted to express a view on our purchases – lighting flashed and tears fell from the sky – we are still not sure if the lighting was an expression of anger or celebration or if the tears were those of sorrow or joy! – what ever they were they were heartfelt for they lasted long after we retreated to the van for our first experience of wet weather caravanning – I confess to being secretly pleased with myself when we found that the awning and flies were still standing as an effective barrier between canvas and the elements.

I have to reluctantly acknowledge that this was not the worst day of my life!