SATURDAY 30 JANUARY     EVANS HEAD

After breakfast, we walked on the beach for about an hour. Then we walked to the local library, which is not far from the park. We were told that, as we are Council tenants, we can borrow from this. I took two books. After this initial loan is returned, I will be entitled to five at a time. This is soooo good! Reading orgy coming up!

Whilst I was browsing for books, John used the internet at the Library to do some research on solar panels. We are both very aware that, once this initial foray up and down the east coast is completed – when we return to Melbourne for K’s wedding – then our further travels will be much more flexible with solar power for the van. So, knowledge about same is becoming important.

After lunch, I read the Weekend Australian. There was no bowls on today, so John watched tennis and cricket on TV.

During the afternoon, there was a massive cloud build-up. Then we had huge thunder, lightning, heavy rain for an hour or so, followed by steady rain through the night. We seem to be in a sheltered spot, though, and were not much affected by the wind. It was all quite elemental and dramatic.

Some spectating entertainment was provided through the day by some family groups that had obviously been set up here for the duration of the holidays. They were moving out today. Some had huge establishments that required two vehicles, with trailers, to move: floorboards. fridges, freezers, washing machines and all. I think they may be families from the region, rather than travellers as such. A bit like the family camps that set up for summer at places like the Mornington Peninsula camp areas.

Tea was a chicken and water chestnut stir fry, which was excellent.