Day 19 - Leaving Hooterville for Pettycoat Junction

Today will be the last in Slater.

Clare forgot that Harold asked to stay the night and so locked up the house. She found him asleep in the truck this morning.

He's doing some work around at Sarah and Jerry's so he's been around this morning.

Final opportunity for Tim to finish fixing the ride-on. So far, he's decided that the problem was the battery, starter solenoid, fuel solenoid, the rust on the terminals in the starter switch, the actual starter switch, the wiring, the spark plug, the engine coil, the carburettor and the earthing of any of the previously mentioned. I think some loose cowboys have been having a go at this thing.

He's emptied the ash trays and cleaned the mirror, so that can't be the problem - let's live in hope.

Tim finally got the thing going then it stopped due to a vapour lock. Another 30 mins or so and a quick recharge of the battery and he was able to ride it back down to the shed to be locked away until next time - it could use a rest.

Jerry and Sarah came for lunch to say goodbye and then we set off to 'Rina's in the afternoon to stay the night at St Joseph.


Leroy drove with us in the stealth over to St Joseph. It was a long drive (2.5 hours) and it didn't help that Clare's RADAR was a little wonky from sitting in the back seat of the stealth with Leroy.

We eventually arrived at 'Rina's and it is a stunning property with huge well-kept lawns and gardens. Her son makes his own beers and we had a sample of the designer beers he making for the upcoming wedding in the family. Raspberry beer was quite nice and light and the farmhouse was a bit heavier and more "hoppy" but still great. We had another meal of pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans and bread rolls. Maybe this is the staple meal for dinner guests.

It was followed up by a blackberry cobbler which was absolutely delicious.

The dogs have been running flat out ever since we arrived.

There is an extensive vegetable garden which has cabbages, pumpkins, a huge strawberry patch (complete with bunny rabbits) raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Some stone fruit trees and other assorted salad veggies (tomatoes and the like) - Sue, you'd be in absolute heaven!

We fly out tomorrow, so if I can work out some access at the airport, I might be able to update. If not, we may have to deal with the lost day of travel at another time.