The day started out with a visit from Branch to the Loveday van – the screen door on the van would not separate from the main door – and McGyver Loveday commenced working on what initially was thought to be a fairly simple fix……

Not so – the shaft inside was sheared off, the door handle lock and mechanism proved a huge challenge to disassemble and despite numerous Google searches and u-tube videos even Branch did not come up with the goods.

While the door situation unfolded Gordie noticed the Pearl was looking a bit shabby so gave it a polish for Dave.

Dave proved useful finding the small grub screw that fell off into the gravel – why is it always the smallest part that falls??? The job became prolonged and Gordie got out some of his tools to assist…..Anyway it was clear that we needed a replacement handle and so as the plan was to go in and have a look around Mildura Trev rang ahead and found one in a caravan parts shop.

We drove into Mildura and the girls opted to be left a Woodsies Gem Shop to browse while the men went in to town looking for parts.

Woodsies Gem Shop had the most extensive range of precious and semiprecious gems on display as well as a huge range of jewellery crafted on site. It was not difficult to find something to purchase – Rose found a gorgeous Rose Quartz necklace and earrings, Kerry a sapphire necklace to match her engagement ring – and (having left home with no earrings at all!!) I bought a pair of amethyst earrings.

We finished just in time for the guys to pick us up to meet Dave and Barb at the Nash Lane Café where we had booked in to shout them for lunch. Trev did not buy the part for the caravan as he needed to be able to get the lock off so he decided to try again in the afternoon and if successful would go back and buy the new one.

The food at Nash Lane was fantastic – tasty healthy and fresh and Reuben our waiter was very attentive.

After lunch we did a walk along the Murray River in Mildura – the town has been landscaping and developing the area along the river with a water park, sculptures and interactive gardens.

We filled up on fuel and bought a gift for Barb – an ornamental chilli and pot – to thank her for her hospitality.

We returned to Dave and Barbs and Trev got to working on the van handle again. Unfortunately we went into the van together, the wind blew the door shut and we were locked inside unable to open the door!! Trev called Kerry on the phone – she came to our rescue but could not open the door from the outside either!!! Trev then climbed out the bedroom window and was able to release the door.

Branch was in his element as things became more difficult but finally Trev did get the lock off and decided to go back and buy the part. He drove back into Mildura while we had coffee and relaxed….he arrived back 1 hr later and started working on the handle…and then discovered that they had sold him a left hand opening door handle – and we needed a right handed one!!! It was the last one they had in the store so no point even contemplating swapping it…. So Trev resolved to reassemble the old handle and hopefully get it all back so we could at least shut and lock the door…..

Barb had cooked a banquet of curries and by this time dinner was ready so we all went inside and met John and Lyn another couple who were friends of Dave and Barbs passing through. Poor Trev had to continue to work on the door to get it sorted as the sun was setting and the mozzies were outrageous…

We started dinner and Trev eventually made it after finally successfully putting the handle back together. Barb’s meal was gourmet – and we had a very enjoyable evening with Trev sharing from John 19 15-17.

Dave T then challenged everyone to a game of Bible Trivia – 2 teams girls vs guys – very evenly matched although Gordie kept trying to play for both teams…