15 February 2016

Food - at home and on the road

I've finished organising the accommodation for our road trip. We're overnighting in 16 different locations, two nights on a ship, five days in a beautiful bed and breakfast in Tasmania and two nights in another little beauty, a miners cottage, in Ballarat. The rest is an assortment of hotels and motels. We have friends/housesitters moving in the morning we leave and the lady next door will help them with the garden and chickens. I'll give you the details of where we'll be later in the week. This trip is to promote the book and meet people but it's also the retirement trip Hanno and I promised ourselves a few years ago. There is so much to see and enjoy here in this beautiful country of ours. We're both excited about it and meeting up with Tricia who will fly to Tasmania and join us for the trip back.


There's been a flurry of cooking in my kitchen here and while cooking I've been thinking about our food on the road. It will be mainly tea and toast for breakfasts, a trip to the bakery to buy fresh bread for lunch and a hot meal at the end of the day, either at our accommodation or at a local pub. I'll pack an esky for cold drinks, milk, butter, tomatoes, cheese, fruit and cold cuts or chicken. In some ways we'll be a little travelling home on wheels. My main priority is to avoid fast food and sandwich shops and to buy the fresh food we need as we travel along. I want to recycle along the way too, just like we did on our last trip.

Travel has changed so much over the years and even this simple kind of travel, that doesn't involve flights or trains, waiting in queues, questioning at borders, sitting and sleeping onboard with hundred of unknown people, still requires accommodation and topping up on food and drink as we drive along. We do have those two nights onboard a ship but no borders to cross, no passports required, no invasion of privacy. It's a far cry from the days when we would have travelled in a coach pulled by horses with dust, bushrangers and days, instead of hours, between towns. Now we have a comfortable car to travel in, we'll have cold drinks and hot tea with us, we'll have snacks when we want then, music or Radio National, books, phones, iPads and soft pillows. It doesn't seem so simple when you spell it out like that but we'll still have that gentle pleasure of stopping on the side of the road to admire the scenery, wade in a river, slowly walk through a town and talk to the local folk. I wish we could leave now. :- )


And this is what I've been cooking in the past couple of days: plain and walnut pikelets, bread, chicken satay and some sausage and vegetable rolls for Jamie's after school snacks and our lunch. Plain and simple food always satisfies us. I'm running down the chest freezer in these last few weeks before we go away. That gives me a chance to make sure we're not wasting anything that may be lurking in the bottom of the freezer and to defrost and switch off the freezer while we're away.

Now the travel arrangements and itinerary are set, I'll have time to knit and sew some things I want to take away with us. There is so much to look forward to. 

What's happening in your world in the coming weeks?

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48 comments

  1. I love to travel your way... it reminds me of the family trips we took when I was a child... Mother packed the plaid cooler (was there any other kind?) and off we'd go. We had no money, so we traveled to the free federal and state parks, visit museums, and fish. I adore it. Even now, although I do have to fly at times, I make my first run to the grocery for food to enjoy in my room or while sight seeing. Nothing is better!

    I will enjoy your journey from afar! Lots of pictures, please, for those of us who will never get to your part of the world!

    Safe journey!

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    1. There'll be a lot of photos, Matty. One of the things I'm doing before leaving is to empty my phone of all photos, and I'll have my other camera in the car too. This holiday/book tour will be one of the last big trips we'll take so we'll make the most of our time on the road and take plenty of photos to look back on.

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  2. Will you updating us along the way or will we hear all about it when you and Hanno return?

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    1. I'll be updating on the road, Phil, when time allows. When others are driving I can update you all as we drive between towns but on other days we hit three towns in one day or have a full day of media. There'll be plenty of updates.

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  3. If you come through Campbell Town the garden is open for you whether we are here or not. You will find lots of lunch food like carrots, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spring onions, herbs, maybe some corn. The soft fruit has finished but the apples, small and red, are right. I will email you our address just in case.

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    1. What a kind and generous offer, Tanya, thank you.

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  4. If you are going to Hobart you might consider going to the Female factory at South Hobart. A fascinating place. Enjoy your trip. We too like to travel with provisions, making our own sandwiches or whatever in a scenic spot. The motel mini fridges give us the option to refreeze bricks, cool drinks etc. We especially love motels in New Zealand as they have kitchenettes where you can actually cook/prepare a meal. Safe travels.


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    1. We went there last visit Annice. Such a fascinating place. xx

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  5. Hi Rhonda,
    That trip sound wonderful, have fun and stay safe. In the next week we are going on a little cruise up the Queensland coast. It will be a much needed break away to recharge and rest. Have a great day.

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  6. Looking forward to seeing where you will be in Tassie Ronda. Maybe I could come to your book launch here and meet you. I would like that very much. It was cold overnight and again tonight (9c) so make sure you bring something warm.

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  7. What an exciting welł deserved trip !!!! will you be stopping anywhere in Sydney ?

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  8. Sounds like it will be a wonderful trip Rhonda for you and Hanno and to interact with all the people who are interested in Simple Living and hearing what you have to say. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane

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  9. Cant wait to follow your travels, hope you can update us on the road but if it doesnt happen I am sure you will update us when you can. i will be at home doing some boring studies while I travel vicariously with you, safe travels

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  10. Oh you are coming to Tassie Rhonda, hope I get the chance to say hello my dear

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  11. I am looking forward to meeting you when you come to Albury and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable journey. We used to always pack a meal to take with us and when I was little picnic tables used to be set along the road for you to stop at. Mind you there was no loo so you had to go bush but we got by. Funny how things change now a trip to Melbourne sees atleast 5-6 Mcdonalds stops along the way. We still pack our own food and just stop for the occasional coffee. Good luck Rhonda with the book tour hope you and Hanno really enjoy yourselves. from Judi

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  12. Bring your beanies! It's cold down here in Tassie today, have had to light the fire

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  13. How organised you are! I hope you have a great trip, safe travels. Love the idea of you taking your own goodies to eat and drink along the way. We are having a trip with friends next month and I think I'll do the same. Take some homemade cakes and tea loaves in tins for afternoon tea. Hope the book selling goes well.

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  14. From a very cold New York, I wish you both safe travels...yes Australia is a beautiful country and lovely where-ever you travel. I love well made meat-pies and I especially love the Pub grub...the best and most affordable home-style cooking around. Safe return home!

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  15. Im taking my 82 year old Mother in Law on her first trip in 30 years. Her awful husband (sorry but its true) passed away and we are now living it up, very gently. I've gathered some girlfriends (4 in 50's) and we have booked a lovely home overlooking a lake in Lakes Entrance. Its going to be fab. Big trip for someone who hasn't been "allowed" to leave the house for so long. Lots of laughter, good food, reading and relaxation. Cant Wait!

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    1. What a beautiful thing to do Lynda. I hope you all have a fantastic time.

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    2. I am glad you are getting to spend this time with your Mum....it will be very special. Here's wishing you all a good time.

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  16. Hope you have a fun and safe trip. Love the new hair do. Very pretty on you.

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  17. Your trip sounds wonderful and the food plans likewise. We always pack food to take on the road. One of us have food allergies and the other celiac disease so we love to pack our own tasty home made food. Have a great trip and make lots of lovely new memories. Pam in Norway (by the way, I am knitting shawl number two for a friend using the shawl pattern you shared, thanks)

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  18. We are doing the same in March Rhonda 10 overnight stays along the long way to Mittagong where Hubby has booked into a Mushroom tour. We are hoping to have one decent meal at a pub and buy local food and keep away from take outs and premade food. Ive worked out that i can clean out my freezer and only need to buy a few bits and pieces from the shops...I also wish we could leave today :) Happy and safe travelling, looking forward to seeing photos :)

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  19. Looks like you have all your details tied up! Looking forward to the trip!

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  20. Oooh I'm so excited for you both. Your travel sounds much like ours, as much of our own food from home as we can manage for the first couple of days, a thermos, and simple foods along the way. If you come to the Barossa Valley try to make time to pop in to Jembella farm for a cuppa on the verandah and to replenish your fresh supplies from our garden. Safe travels and we look forward to your updates. :)

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    1. We won't be going to SA, Sally. Sorry, it would have been nice to meet you. xx

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  21. I'm in Helensburgh, just north of Wollongong. I really hope to be able to get to your talk - details of times and dates please! And I would be really happy to offer hospitality here, or at the very least a refill of your road trip supplies from my garden, etc. We take our kids (13,11&9) on road trips too. Our most recent was to Tassie so I know you will have a great time - such friendly genuine people down there. Safe travels :)
    Rachel

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  22. I will enjoy your journey from afar! Lots of pictures, please, for those of us who will never get to your part of the world!
    please post my blog at My Blog List thank you.http://grannytracescrapsandsquare.blogspot.com

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  23. Sounds like a wonderful trip for you both :-) Safe travels can't wait for the book tour near Brisbane :-)

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  24. I'm really looking forward to watching your journey as you are able to blog it and also to attending your talk in Wollongong :) I hadn't discovered your blog or the forum when you did your last book tour.
    Melissa (Melsa).

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  25. Oh how exciting! I adore Tasmania, and could quite happily live there. I don't suppose you will be coming anywhere near Warrnambool? Have a wonderful trip.
    Loretta

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  26. That sounds like a lovely trip! What a great relaxing way to travel.
    The food photos made me hungry!!! Everything looks scrumptious.

    Fawn

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  27. How wonderful! Have a marvelous time!

    We are waiting for warmer weather to come out of our winter hibernation here. We have been talking of trips to take and such this year but for now we are happy tucked up at home and inside out of the cold.

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  28. Good morning Rhonda- a couple of years ago I brought a picnic set like my Mum had when I was young { 1960/70} and it is in a suitcase. However Mum's one was bakelite and mine is beautiful old crockery so think mine would have been older than Mum's. It came with 6 cups/ 6 plates/ 6 saucers/ 2 tins- one for sandwiches and one for cake/ 3 thermos still in perfect condition and 2 jars- 1 for sugar and 1 for milk/ There was also some cutlery. I just love it and I have it open so when we have visitors they can see it and most just love it as it brings back memories for them. I got mine on Trade Me auction site and it is originally from England

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  29. I very seldom comment on your blog though I look for a new instalment every day.
    I hope you have a wonderful time awayand that the trip exceeds your very high expectations.
    Like you we take supplies with us to make meals when ever we go away. We find it much more satisfying than mediocre meals in cafes.
    I love your blog and though we could never be self sufficient unless we had an allotment, (which is unlikely as they are like gold dust here,) as we have sea in front of us and a sheer cliff behind, I learn an enormous amount from you. One of the most important things has been to set my own values and not allow others to judge my life and critise. The criticism used to make me unhappy and constantly questioning my way of life. To assess what I am doing every so often is good for me to do but not because others scorn my values so thank you for suggesting that we should stand up to people and have belief in our chosen paths through life.
    On a different note I have been thinking of Jamie and wondering how he has been adapting to his new school experience. How are you two finding not having him around so much?
    Sue

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    1. Thanks for your comment Sue.
      It's an important part of life in general to be sure of your values and confident in your decisions. No one has the right to question what you do, but of course it happens to all of us. It sounds like you know how to handle it now that that's a really good thing.
      Jamie likes going to school. He's confident and eager to make friends. We still look after him on the weekends when Kerry's away and we sometimes pick him up after school when Sunny is busy. It's always a pleasure to have him here and I doubt I'll ever tire of it.

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    2. I'm so glad you're still involved in Jamie's weekly care. It's a very precious gift to be grandparents. I'm sure that part of the reason he is confident is the love and care he's always known. Whenever you showed photos of him at your home it was clear that he felt loved and involved in all that you did. Thank you for your answer Rhonda.
      Sue.

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  30. That sounds like the sort of preparation I would be doing before going away. Our distances are much smaller here but with small children they can take a long time! Your road trip sounds like it has been well planned and thought out. I do hope you have time for relaxing between the busyness of appointments.

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  31. I love your new hair style Rhonda. You will enjoy Tassie - we moved from Tamborine Mountain down to the Huon Valley in Southern Tasmania and are creating a self sufficient lifestyle that was not possible for us to do in Qld. Enjoy every minute of it.

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    1. How wonderful, Eve! I think we'll be sight-seeing in the Huon Valley. This is our third trip to Tasmania but we still have so much to see.

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  32. Hello Rhonda,
    How exciting that your trip is planned. !!!, We too are very excited as our belated retirement holiday was booked this week also,and to Tasmania also. lol !!! We are taking our car over on the Spirit of Tasmania and having 11 days travelling holiday.
    Hope you have a very successful tour, book promotion and that you and Hanno have a wonderful holiday just as I am sure Brian and I will.
    Take care Rhonda,
    Cheers
    Jane.

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    1. I'm sure you'll enjoy it Jane. We'll be on the Spirit of Tasmania on 5 March.

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    2. We sail on the 8th April. Have a wonderful time. Cheers Jane.

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  33. shoot, i accidentally hit send...at least I hope that is where the first part of this comment disappeared to. if not let me know. anyway I love your bread recipes...so simple yet so tasty. What is in the first picture at the top, bread? They look yummy.

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    1. They're sausage and vegetable rolls - puff pastry, not bread, and very tasty.

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  34. My son and I have made many a road trip together...ever since he was a just a small toddler, really. In the car I always pack a cooler. But also a small camp stove, frying pan and pan for boiling water a few small plates, utensils, etc. I am pretty good at making grilled cheese or scrambled egg sandwiches with hot tea or hot chocolate at just about any rest area! I have found that often, fast food on the road, can upset our stomaches. Enjoy your road trip. It sounds like you have things well organizational. Cheers! Evelyn

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