We were in need of a few items that we thought we could get second hand so we thought we would tour a few op shops. 

Once we started looking for an op shop, we found them everywhere. Most were good for a browse, Caleb topping up his stash with a couple of toys. 

One in particular seemed to have a lot of new stock with labels still attached and was more of a recycle boutique than an op shop. I even found a designer silk top that I just couldn’t leave there and I figured it would fold down, weigh next to nothing and take up very little space. I made it mine. 

We returned to the van, had lunch and then Ray surprised me by voicing his intention to wash the van. As vans go, ours is putrid, only having had one other tub in Bunbury, Western Australia. Our car and van both win the competition for the dirtiest vehicles, and believe me, there is quite a competition between those in the travelling community.

Polishing cloths are often seen out and about in the hands of nomads. They get up close to their investments and polish conscientiously. One person polishing will set off a flurry of polishing as they pause to compare cloths and detergents. It’s serious business. 

We have always shied away from the competition, not really concerned with the amount of dirt we are transporting from one town to the next.  
So I was quite surprised to hear of Ray’s intention to wash the van.

He got busy and just as I had finished the lunch dishes and was heading outside to help him, the phone rang. It was so lovely to chat to my mum so I took a seat outside and continued to talk and watch Ray work. He was so capable, I admired the way he used the brush to really scrub at the dirt. He was really effective and in no time the van was absolutely spotless! Such a well times phone call. Thanks Mum!

With a new looking van on the outside, I was keen to replicate the feeling inside so I got out the Spray and Wipe. This bottle left Melbourne with us nearly 11 months ago so it was quite an occasion to use it. 

10 minutes later, (not much surface to wipe), the van was done and we could gather up our things and head for our afternoon drinks feeling like we had achieved something. Well done us!