Maintenance and repairs 2020

 

Imagine sometime in the future... the conversation goes a bit like this. Hey Grampa how did you survive the 2020 pandemic? What did you do during the lockdown and travel restrictions to stay sane? Well, son, I refurbished my motorhome.

The work gets done at a local workshop, it's a team effort, Kev the mechanic does all the spanner work and I do all the bill paying. It matches our individual skill sets and at least one of us enjoys and takes pride in his work.

My contacts for parts were better than Kev's and I managed to source two new heads from Melbourne whereas he was told there were none in Oz. Currently, the motorhome is still in bits, awaiting some other bits from the states, metal bits, not animal bits, but they have to go through quarantine apparently?

But the patient is progressing well she should be back together soon and better than ever. All that's needed then is; restrictions lifted, borders open, free travel everywhere. We'll have to wait and see on that one.

Had to take the front end assembly off to drop the engine out.

The cylinders, pistons and block are all good.

Both heads when tested leaked like sprinklers.

Bird of Prey

Wow, how things have changed in a month - COVID-19, but hey life goes on.

The MH is in the workshop with no indication of exactly when she will be ready for the road again. But as things stand there is no hurry.

So yep I'm in lock-down like the rest of the nation - pleased not to have found myself on the road at this time. I'm able to get out for exercise, bike riding and Stand-up Paddling are my preference. The weather here has been pretty good of late for both.

My accommodation here in Cotton Tree comes with a roof garden giving me a bit extra space to hang out in. It's complete with pergola and shade sails and I have a $20 inflatable swimming pool for when it gets really hot.

Of late I've noticed I've got a freeloader perching on a corner of the pergola keeping an eye out for fish in the river. This bird of prey seems not to worry when I walk past or stop to take a photo from just a few feet away and I feel privileged to be able to be this close.

I added an extension to his perch so his poops go over the side

Magnificent!

Not everyone is happy Ol' Mate is here!

Cotton Tree Real Estate

Returning to Cotton Tree for a bit and notice my new neighbour, just two doors down, has nearly completed his new buildings. 14 three-bed units, lettable office space and with his private home in front on the waterfront. The home alone reported at costing 15 million. Lord Edmiston from England if you don't mind. Be pleased when it's all finished as it's been a real pain with the construction noise, traffic disruptions and construction noise. Did I mention the construction noise? He just best not complain when I turn my stereo up.

There is so much construction happening around here and I'm going to have to find somewhere new to park the MH. My friend's vacant site, where I've been parking the MH just 3 mins walk away, has now sold 9 out of the 10 of the planned units and the construction there will start soon.

So before that, the MH is going in for some much needed mechanical attention, she's showing her age. Then it will be back on the road for an unspecified period of time. By far the best way, no actual firm plans. What happens after that I'm not sure but we'll cross that bridge when the time comes.