My Barina was overdue for a service so I made a trip to Brisbane to get it done, which allowed me some time to continue with the preparations on the Coaster.

The Van Today

The new duvet has a cover now, and I have managed to find “homes” for a few more items.  I will be sleeping in the van from Wednesday night, and either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning I will head to Beachmere to get the vehicle checked by my favourite mechanic.

Maybe back to Brisbane on Friday or Saturday, and on Monday I complete my final packing etc, ready to leave on Tuesday afternoon.   I aim to get to Dalby late on Tuesday afternoon and stay overnight, heading off in the morning for my next stop.

I need to get to Mt Isa by 14th of August.  Luckily I have driven most of the route before, but I will be stopping occasionally to take photos and research stories for Weekend Notes. 

It is some weeks since I have driven the Coaster.  I put the key in the ignition today and it started.  Whoo Hoo!!!  My preparations include driving the Coaster.  It is manual and I am more comfortable with automatic vehicles.

The Plan

I hope to be staying in a FREE camp near Dalby.  Then I will set off early the next morning for Roma.  I’d like to have a look around Roma – have been there before, but not had a good look around.

Years ago, on a long weekend (Anzac Day, I recall),  my husband and I set off to look around Roma.  We picked the wrong weekend, as not much was open.  I can’t recall much about it except our disappointment.  I know the town has developed much more since those days.

Did we visit Romavilla Winery?  For some reason, I think that it was closed when we arrived.  Perhaps I can go there this time.

Red Wine at Romavilla Winery?