cold

The weather has been horrendous with relentless wild winds and rain. We feel really in touch with the elements with only the thin van walls separating us. The rain at night bangs heavily on the roof and we can often hear the tents flapping away then give in and collapse. I have found myself prepared to go without any drinks after about 6 in the evening for fear of needing to hit the port-a-loo during the night!

This is the other tent half down, it eventually gave in completely.

Pools of water inside the tent. We normally use these tents for extra storage. They have been out of action for a while as its been too foul outside to brave spending time fixing them.

We have water running into the van now so I can do my dishes inside THANK GOD! Its still a matter of boiling kettles to get some hot water and then we have to empty every bucket we drain down the sink. Rich  on bucket duty above.

The wind blew this succulent right out of the pot! I find any kind of weather that makes going outside unpleasant a bit depressing. Most of Melbourne is bunkered down and waiting for some signs of spring. We have mostly been in good spirits despite the crappy weather. It would be nice however to be able to enjoy a park visit or a walk down the creek. 

On a more positive note it has been amazing how many people have offered to help us out during these tough weeks. Friends have been regularly offering us keys to their house to go and shower or do some laundry. A couple of nights ago a school friend mum of 4 had us all over for a cosy home cooked dinner. It has also been a godsend to have access to Granny Ros's lovely little flat for an evening shower session. We will have a new-found respect for hot running water and white goods when we finally get back to civilised living one day!