5Yr plan - am I crazy?

[Troppo]

Gosh Di, that trip down south is gunna be fantastic. Well done to everyone who's helping Di, it is really nice to see how forumites are looking out for each other.

Oh Di, it is just a pity you can't do the diesel engine course before you go south as you could have picked up some work servicing a few boat motors. : ) Oh well, can't do everything.

Louis
troppo

[DESIREMK1]

Hi Di ,

Looking forward to meeting you , in person in early February .


Merry Xmas Di ,


Brad , Natasha , & Children .

[di_namic42]

Its a done deal. I bought my toyota hiace super long wheel base van turbo diesel automatic 2009 home today. Will be kitting it out over next few weeks ready for my trip down to thd Pitwater/Hawksbury at the end of the month. Part sailing in the offered boat. Part camping.

I didnt want to say anything till it was finalised, so many of my plans have gone awry lately. I will take van back to the island on saturday to start work. I am only attempting this becase I have a great mate on the island who was an Electronics technician. I have been getting a crash course in 12v electronics and will be able to repair any problems.

I think I am a sad case. To me this is fun, I love learning new stuff.
I want to be comfortable in the van ....... with computer , printer, tv, fridge and ice, double bed , desk for art, metho stove with oven that is almost new that I bought on ebay. $2200 in whitworths


So go green with envy .... yes I will admit to a bit if overkill
- 300w fixed solar panels and 240 additional portable plug in able to angle towards sun if I am parked under a tree.
- 120 litre fridge freezer 80l fridge 40l freezer
- 250 ah agm batteries
-40 amp mppt regulator with metering panel
- 600w/1200w inverter
- airhead composting toilet
- new super comfy double bed mattress, hanging space and lots of storage for my sailing stuff, diving stuff etc I may even stick the golf clubs under the bed. Anyone play golf? I will need a buggy.
- desk for computer and my watercolour painting stuff. Should be lots of opportunities pitwater and hawksbury.

- more details as it goes.

Tomorrow is picking up all this stuff to take it home. I picked up the dexion angle for the framework today. Obviously, I
I should have had a meccano set as a kid. Lol.

So plans are .....
to leave brisbane around 27 jan and drop in. on phil and seaka on the way down, and be back in brissy by 20 feb.

I doubt if van will be completely finished but it will be a good trial.

So I feel like I am now moving forward and about to start on a year of cramming as much fun as I csn into each dsy.
any help and suggestions apprecuated.

[di_namic42]

Hi everyone
the van is making solid progress and I can see shape taking place.

I will post dates and plans for pitwater trip tomorrow's night and ask for ideas and suggestions and local knowledge.
having internet issues and Trying to type on phone is difficult, .
hopefully fixed tomirrow night.

[di_namic42]

The van now has a bed frame and 2 bulkeads for the clothes storage. It is coming together well. Much discussion has occurred, some would say excessive!
However, I am happy that the outcome will be amazing. Some photos will be posted soon.

As in some projects there is a lot of ground work, and suddenly things come together. I am not quite sure if my plan to leave on the 28th will work or it may be as late as the 31st, but the end of the plan is narrowing down and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I hear Wisemans Ferry is not to be missed. I plan to do a few days on the boat and then the rest of the 3 weeks travelling around that area. Please tell me areas that would be great to see and and local knowledge about the water ways would be great!

Are more people free to catch up over the weekernd?

See you in 7-14 days ....

[Peter57]

Hi Di, The van sounds like it is coming along nicely. Sounds like you are putting in an origio stove and oven. We are in the process of work on our boat Malaprop and are putting in the origio metho 2 burner. For a stove we are using an omnia stove top oven. small but suits our needs and works well. We are also putting on a hard dodger, new galley, more bookshelves. moving the traveller, a hatch over the saloon etc. etc. and our old new Fleming Major windvane. So when finished you are welcome to come for a sail out of Mooloolaba or on the Bay. I like the Lake Macquarie area and around Pittwater on the Hawkesbury so you should have good exploring. Camden Haven is a good area with a couple of old and young salts there! Take care, cheers Peter

[SeaLady]

Hello Di,

I received your private messsage but for some reason I cannot reply.
This says I need to 'release' something --- what the?

You should still have my phone number.

[di_namic42]

Van is making solid, but slow progress. I am really happy with how it is shaping up. Alas, I can't whip my helpers any harder or I risk mutiny!

dates are locked in! Coming ready or not! The van won't be completely finished, but should be functional.

I hope to drop in and see Seaka at camden Haven 5-7 Feb ( how does that work for you phil?)
Arrive penrith and stay with Brad (DESIREMK1) and Natasha on the 7th and the 16th.

and then 9 days including 2 weekend 8/9 feb and 15/16 feb and then head back home on the 17th feb. Great shakedown cruise for the van, and I hope to be back later in the year!!!

As I want to be comfortable and totally unstressed I am planning to sleep in the van every night, with all the stuff that becomes necessary as a chemo patient and take day cruise trips , with maybe an overnighter if I an going ok. I believe wisemans ferry is a must do!!!

I am thinking of moving onto a marina berth on the sat 8th and back to the mooring on the 16th. ( easy to get to the van and no lugging stuff in dingys) so I will check out any marinas i can hop to around the area. Brad has suggested Brooklyn Marina. Are there any other further up/down river?

As Brad works during the week, perhaps people who are free can come and do a day cruise with mel or say hello? ( I have been know to drink the odd glass of Shiraz). If it is raining or poor conditions I can go for day drives or rest, or design the next enhancements on the van!!!

The 8th and the 15th sound like good party nights at the local or a weekend rally somewhere? ?

I see the oncologist again tomorrow and planning the trip and the van makeover is a great distraction!

[di_namic42]

Work has stopped ON THE Land Vessel "Left Field". Well, it stopped last week actually. MY Mate Ross, who has worked wIth me on several community and personal projects became increasingly overbearing and obnoxious. I halted the van work last week, and today was a last hope. He tried to tell me I was too demanding and controlling in wanting my van done my way.

I will now need to find a handy man and an auto electrician. I have no idea how long it will take. I am still in shock and will try to rec over from the stress of the last 2 weeks.

Sorry everyone. I guess it will be a while before I make it down that way.

[DESIREMK1]

Hi Di ,

No problem , take your time , and get yourself well !!!

Brad / Natasha
DESIREMK1