Bundaberg - Rum and Hospitality

Despite our slightly disorganised arrival at 2 Inspiration Court we were welcomed with open arms by Lawrie and Colleen who plied us with food and copious amounts of alcohol. The following day involved a trip to the garage for a service and investigation of the grim sounding squealing noise coming from the front wheel of the Nissan. Theories ran from wheel bearings or brakes problems through to the most expensive sounding prognosis which came from Gill who confidently diagnosed the universal joint (whatever that is) was knackered. As it turned out there was a stone in the works – no problem.

A trip to the Bert Hinkler Museum was excellent – he was an early pioneer of flight who at one time held the world long distance solo flight record and was the first person to fly across the South Atlantic from Brazil to West Africa. His house in Southampton (England) was dismantled brick by brick and re-assembled in Bundaberg. The most interesting aspect of his life was rather glossed over as he seemed to combine having a live-in lover as well as a wife – he obviously had a lot of energy.

We then moved on to the Bundaberg Rum distillery to see how the rum was made and to sample a drop or two. Having been on many whisky distillery visits in Scotland it was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two processes. However both end products are totally acceptable although I perhaps blotted my copybook after my third rum by confessing that I actually preferred whisky – the guide was quite polite about it but I could see he was not amused.

Sandra spent Friday buying more craft material and of course new containers to store and organise them. I think we will shortly have to consider a trailer to tow all Sandra’s excess

baggage!

The vehicle is now re-packed and tomorrow (Sat) morning, at the crack of dawn (nae chance!) we set off for Mackay, although we anticipate an overnight stop somewhere around the Rockhampton area.