AWESOME PEOPLE AT FRANKLIN RIVER REST AREA

My first stop as a solo free camper, was at Franklin River Rest Area between Foster and Toora in South East Gippsland. And I couldn’t have picked a better spot, even though I was greener than Spring’s first shoot. Yes- absolute luck!

Driving in from the main 440 highway was easy. Good signage and a nice big flat, wide drive took you to the upper part of the reserve, near the road. Thankfully I kept driving and wound down to the lower area, near the shallow, winding river. At 4pm it was absolutely beautiful. The sun shining on the lush green grass and the white gum trees, towering into a big blue sky along the river. There were other trees too, obviously European, as are many in Victoria, but these were mainly along the drive, used as shelter for any caravans, or campers that wanted shade.

It was already fairly busy with around ten RVs. There were about 5 large caravans, three small motorhomes (like myself), and some cars, utes and troopys with campers in place. Some parked along the river front, some, stayed along the edge of the wide road, near the BBQ pits and toilets. I chose to drive down towards the end as I spotted a lovely spot still left under a tree there.

As I climbed out, it dawned on me that there were many things which would be a first tonight!. Putting up my new (still in the bag) sun screens for my front windows was one. Thank fully I found them not only easy but a worthwhile purchase too (no all my purchases have been ). They  immediately kept it cool inside and also gave me privacy. Filled with confidence I went to work and put out my table and then my solar panels. Again, another easy success! Having done so well, however I was a little dubious at pushing my luck with my never before used little gas stove.

My dithering did not go unnoticed. A nice couple stopped and asked where I’d come from and what I intended to do. They weren’t really camping, just locals out for a stroll. But it gave me the chance to stop looking guiltily at my stove. After all I didn’t really need it just now, as my niece had given me some delicious homemade cakes (coffee and vanilla- yum) and tomatoes. For the tomatoes I’d bought some fresh rolls in Foster, intending to make chicken, tomato and onion sandwich. And I had made a full flask of boiling water that morning for my beverages. A nice little chat was better.

Col playing his guitar

Kyle liked the ex ambo

I must have been pretty voluble, come to think of it, because when they left I think everyone within earshot knew I was a Newbie! Which actually worked in my favour, because the lovely Kusky family , whose large caravan was parked a  bit further on than mine came over. Cathie was lovely!  We talked about all the things I wasn’t sure of yet, like getting an awning, having an air vent, what I DIDN’T know about power supplies. Warm and welcoming she invited me over when I was ready. And so I spent the best first night anyone could have, sat with Cathie, Col (her husband) and her awesome young son Kyle Kyle was a credit to Cathie and Col’s decision to home school while they traveled for a year around Australia. He has to be one of the easiest, most socially skilled and kind youngsters I have ever met. And they came from Hervey Bay where I would be house siting in June, though they would still be spending a year around Australia. As Col regaled me that night with his guitar and rhythm and blues songs, and Cathie and I chatted about our similar background, the night sky was lit with stars. One perfect night. My first night. I cannot say what the Kluskys meant to me that night, but somehow my fears and confusion left me and I was ready for my new life on the road.

Thank you Cathie for making it a great night

 Till next time
May you find your path an easy one, and the journey worth making.
The Grey Chihuahua