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Life in the Camper van
The van is 7.5m long quite big and too big for a parking space. Its 3.4m high also
It has 3 large double beds and the kids job is to make the beds and put all the bedding in the space above the cab.
There is a ladder but its much more fun to scramble up and leap out. We all have several bruises from this approach.
The chemical toilet is only used at night so after 2 days it normally needs emptying. Most campsites have dump stations although DOC don't as they are basic. You also need to take your rubbish home with you. This is quite common in most of the public spaces we visited.
The showers in the campsites have been wonderful no complaints. We have a heater in the van and when the children return from the bathroom we have breakfast. Either Bacon + scrambled egg, breakfast or French toast (eggy bread)
We have two tanks that need monitoring. Grey waste which is dirty washing water and fresh water for cleaning dishes and the toilet flush. If the grey needs emptying we do that at the dump station. In the morning before we leave the van is brushed through. We switch the gas off ( we have two bottles) and
the kids belt up. We have set off with all the window flaps open as the van suffers from condensation so everything needs to be bolted down. This includes all the drawers and cupboards. This is tested as we navigate the first bend.
The van does 100 km comfortably even around corners!
When we arrive at our destination if its a powered site the kids are happy as the game boy can be charged and the DVD can be used. If its DOC we have to conserve the battery and so 2 lights only are used . We have 6 and on the first night in Melbourne we just made it to bedtime as we didn't realise
If its a top 10 campsite (a chain we stayed at) they have TV rooms so children mysteriously disappear.
When we stop the 240v power lead is connected and every electrical device is switched on. Although we isolate the water pump for no other reason than it makes a loud noise.
We shop normally for 2 days we can't hold anymore. We have enough space for our belongings but its a tight squeeze. The empty suitcases go in a great space in the back of the van.
Mum has cooked most nights she's the best and we have eaten lovely food despite the galley being small and cooker only having 3 rings. Dad does the dishes and Joe drys. Beth Patrick and Isaac are comis chef's and help with the prep. The fridge freezer is big and has shelves with lips on to prevent spillage. I thought that was an important feature. Its also silver and quite fetching.
Here ends the life in the van monologue!
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