"An Around-the-World-Ticket for Two, Please."

On the way to Armidale!

Posted by Sarah O'Neill , Monday, 14 March 2011 16:33

On Saturday we got up early to pack up and leave to head towards the job in Armidale. We had decided to drive it over two days, staying overnight at Manning Point. So after saying goodbye to Pete and Ami, and a minor drama of the car not starting (I had left it in neutral all night instead of park, which it apparently didn't like, but started after we gave it a rest in park!) we were on our way! After a few hours of driving we arrived at the campsite which was very nice! It was right on the beach, so after pitching the tent we headed down to the beach. We had to walk down a path, and luckily I was behind Ben, as we disturbed a rather large snake, but thankfully it slithered away before I saw it! We were the only people on the beach, and after a while we realised why, it was so windy, when I lay down I became covered in sand in seconds! So we decided to head back to the very nice pool! I wasn't going to get in, but it had a fun slide into the deep end, so I did that, which solved that whole getting in slowly thing! Had a lovely afternoon and evening, and met a guy using the BBQ with us who told us about his latest invention! It is something about reducing the amount of petrol you use in city driving, when you are not accelerating (which apparently is lots of the time when city driving), and you buy it and have it fitted to your car. Apparently some cars already have it from the manufacturer, but his is the first you can fit to any car! So we will keep our eyes peeled, he's planning to hit Europe in a few years.

The next morning we got up pretty early to get to our Apartment asap! The drive there was only about 300km, but took us absolutely ages as the road was through the Great Dividing Range! It was very beautiful, but quite a long and winding road that climbed for ages, and then descended. Eventually we got there to see where we would be living for the next 3 weeks. I was so excited I practically ran inside! It was absolutely gorgeous! It has a big open plan dining and living room, and kitchen and two bedrooms! The lounge has a very comfortable sofa and flat screen TV and air-con, the kitchen is very modern and even has a dishwasher!! The bed is huge and very comfy and we have an en-suite with a great shower and a jacuzzi bath!!! We also have a garden area, patio table and chairs and BBQ, so Ben is a happy bunny! After months of camping it was such a treat! We felt so lucky to have the apartment for free with the job, especially after roughing it for so long!