We have just got back from a trip around Tassie  -  costs megabucks to take the van across (7 times as much as the Forester, and that was for the microscopic Sportliner), but well worth it to have our usual A'van freedom and favourite "stuff" around us.  Caught up with a couple of your "State Mates" in Strahan  -  Neville Crocombe & Marcia who would have us believe you were seen in other than a "solid walled A-frame camper" at a Queensland gathering!  I of course refused to believe any of this, but if it is true  -  shame  -  shame!  Neville and Marcia also turned up at our ACT gathering in Eden  -  four inter-state gatherings in less than 5 weeks  -  obviously even bigger A'van Gathering junkies than Pam & I!

One of our blokes  took it upon himself at Eden to inspect the gusset welds between the spare wheel support post and the rear bumper.  Of the 18 vans present, four had hairline cracks appearing, including our Sportliner.  I can recall this topic being covered some time ago in Around Oz, so will have to dig it out to see what my next move should be before we set off on our next trip to Nuriootpa in May.  Must admit that on occasions I have stood on top of the spare wheel while drying the back roof, and this no doubt will have contributed!

Pam and Keith Thomas