tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62449873183272042152024-03-10T05:15:32.510+11:00Wandering TimeIn 2009 I quit my job, loaded my bicycle, sold, gave away, recycled, threw out everything else to travel the roads of Australia.Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-64127103405106287352024-03-03T05:13:00.004+11:002024-03-03T05:13:46.504+11:00Corners<p>Doesn't feel like a lot was achieved this week. Other stuff happening, meant less time for the caravan build. A few stuff ups also sent me backwards. </p><p>Lots of cutting foam when mistakes where made. The door was glued up. I cut and glued up the wheel well sections. I cut a lot of triangle sections to frame the corners as in the image below. They'll be glued in today and then given a light sanding in preparation for the fabric coating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnfFitfPYszBMTM4ypvhw0v_zO36ZWruiSOssIDySEaozyyV3CUZc4xy_fKjsvFCaOxCV74juUR5bsuom10VirCbvasg8sQLxmo-i9f81QkKK7w-T-BDSr-YfUrA9SdgHMq2Ke-Bl44eC_FLxg-Wi8161SqozzAaO_9bmN1u2CDDWgEIHVW62y-V5ISI/s1080/20240302_150535.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnfFitfPYszBMTM4ypvhw0v_zO36ZWruiSOssIDySEaozyyV3CUZc4xy_fKjsvFCaOxCV74juUR5bsuom10VirCbvasg8sQLxmo-i9f81QkKK7w-T-BDSr-YfUrA9SdgHMq2Ke-Bl44eC_FLxg-Wi8161SqozzAaO_9bmN1u2CDDWgEIHVW62y-V5ISI/s320/20240302_150535.png" width="195" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-36067691188729262952024-02-25T09:09:00.002+11:002024-02-25T09:09:52.560+11:00Squaring Off<p>An exciting week. I gave up bashing my head trying to square off the panels. The 1200x600 XPS panels when I started weren't very square. I should have squared them all before joining them together. But it seemed a good idea to leave that until later. Now, being later, I wish I hadn't. Trying to square up the full panels was a lot harder than I thought it would be. After countless tries, with string, straight edges and not so straight edges, I gave up and asked for help.</p><p>Tom arrived with his van. We loaded it all up and took it to the Men's Shed. The plan was to use the table saw to trim off the edges. No edge being straight stopped that idea. We ended up clamping a foam panel to an MDF panel set up on a table. Line up two edges of the foam at a corner of the MDF. They had to be some overlap, as the edges weren't straight or square. Check that too much foam was not going to be removed. Then I then sanded the two sides to match the MDF panel edges. I used a right angle to check the edges as I sanded. Done! Two edges (more or less) straight and at 90 degrees to each other. Undo the clamps, move the foam, line up one of the now straight edges with an edge of the MDF. Use the a tape measure to check the dimensions. (The walls needed to be the same height. The roof needed to be 960mm wide). Clamp. Sand the edge that isn't straight to match the MDF. Unclamp, move and get the last edge lined up. Clamp. Sand. Quicker to describe than to do. Several hours of sanding to get it all done. Tom then dropped me and the foam back home again. Thank you Tom!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0sn5H1vsgdD51W54SsJ-9PM6BRtSGZDgL8BYEQiUFIF6sKJQIc56L3AA4B1f38QHoJrFHWgc-_wb1lGfbM58HkEXcXQbPEcGjkUqPd7fwIIcmv5hLsRaKLL4WYPakL18JEvjRTNuB4B8MxmjDUutKdUgRbPMUp6r-XXiiBg7iISXN6Y54bTmtJGd39k/s4608/20240221_115758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2128" data-original-width="4608" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0sn5H1vsgdD51W54SsJ-9PM6BRtSGZDgL8BYEQiUFIF6sKJQIc56L3AA4B1f38QHoJrFHWgc-_wb1lGfbM58HkEXcXQbPEcGjkUqPd7fwIIcmv5hLsRaKLL4WYPakL18JEvjRTNuB4B8MxmjDUutKdUgRbPMUp6r-XXiiBg7iISXN6Y54bTmtJGd39k/w400-h185/20240221_115758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I did another epoxy test this week. A small test piece. I used a paint brush rather than a scraper to spread the epoxy about. This test went a lot better. For one side of a 1 sqm piece of foam, the added fabric and epoxy weight would be 280g. I also did a test with PVA glue, that was right on 200g. Both are acceptable. Using a roller or scraper might get the epoxy weight lower. <p></p><p>PVA glue is so much easier to use.</p><br /><p><br /></p>Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-4180001996008950272024-02-18T15:05:00.001+11:002024-02-18T15:05:47.917+11:00Door Locks and Epoxy<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc5E2toUn98MRQE4TN_xcxFYiVORJyH5ediBQaF7-5eY89IfAeHr5uAUNhD6WA7RMypMCd0SDgkCWtoh3CzNOmeRRE3qrxIh9rYkW9JTaE-gyD1_Q3x5PW4OzeX919yNnUhyT-xzoDFtVQEf-gzGEDXEhInVdgygIz1ONathMbH_frebmwbpN2BJssa6Y"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7336787056994834002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc5E2toUn98MRQE4TN_xcxFYiVORJyH5ediBQaF7-5eY89IfAeHr5uAUNhD6WA7RMypMCd0SDgkCWtoh3CzNOmeRRE3qrxIh9rYkW9JTaE-gyD1_Q3x5PW4OzeX919yNnUhyT-xzoDFtVQEf-gzGEDXEhInVdgygIz1ONathMbH_frebmwbpN2BJssa6Y=s320" /></a></p><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default">Epoxy doesn't mix with locks.<br /><br />I started the first epoxy pour on the front panel, but wasn't happy with how it turned out. The weight was higher than planned. <br /><br />The fabric overlapped the edges so I could trim it later. Pulling on this, I was able to peel the epoxy impregnated fabric off. <br /><br />It only pulled a small amount of foam off. Checking the weight, I was right. The epoxy impregnated fabric weighed 535g. So I was right with 100g fabric and about 440g epoxy. Way too much epoxy.</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">The 1200x960mm (1.152m²) piece of foam with some epoxy still on it is 1200g. I weighed some spare pieces and 1m² of foam weighs 1.027kg. This is heavier than the 900g I was calculating on, so the panel should weigh 1184g. There is a little epoxy in the join and on the edges where the fabric wasn't. <br /><br />Need to do more epoxy testing. I'm reluctant though. Thinking to change to using glue and paint only. Thinking about it. I started some test pieces. It's much easier to use. Still deciding how I'll go forward with that. I'll get the foam pieces squared off first, then coat them. This will give me more time to decide.<br /><br />I cleaned up the chassis, support legs and drawbar removing rough edges. These were on the inside of the tubes. I used rags to clean out any aluminium filings. Also marked up the support legs to cut the adjustment slot. Need to wait for a teacher on that. They'll show me how to safely use the lathe or milling machine.<br /><br />The door locks I had ordered ended up being a "captured key" type. These are for mailboxes, or cupboards where you put the key in, open the lock, but can't remove the key until you close and lock it again. Easy, I'll just drill a hole in the right place to let the key out. It worked!</div><div class="gmail_default"><br /></div><div class="gmail_default">Until I taped the lock. Small brass pins fell out. Locks aren't meant to do that: drop their innards out. The lock jammed up. As I had two locks, I decided to try drilling between the pins. But that didn't work either. Pins still fell out. Two locks stuffed. <br /></div></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-74042969772543543692024-02-10T19:29:00.000+11:002024-02-10T19:29:22.891+11:00First Epoxy Pour! Is it the last?<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjPlT9nHpqe_imsb9idrJcAXG1R5wZALQfAlm9kD16Vk6s-7oglDCKlewzfxJM4mM1Du-B6xhA5XfB3E-obUdoXf9a1om28J-eS5EyPnYEMXYXBgwlyrp-5NKiP2XfH8pMSTvnT6RXVzFeyWWxR_WiiHNRYVZWy7N6ke3AjQPGRHhh_xxtkJuiWJK_hgg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjPlT9nHpqe_imsb9idrJcAXG1R5wZALQfAlm9kD16Vk6s-7oglDCKlewzfxJM4mM1Du-B6xhA5XfB3E-obUdoXf9a1om28J-eS5EyPnYEMXYXBgwlyrp-5NKiP2XfH8pMSTvnT6RXVzFeyWWxR_WiiHNRYVZWy7N6ke3AjQPGRHhh_xxtkJuiWJK_hgg=s320" border="0" alt=""></a></p><div dir="auto">Doesn't look much, but it's the first panel to be laminated on one side with fabric and epoxy. I've been thinking and mildly stressing about it for a while. <div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I was nervous mixing and applying. Worrying about the ratios and measuring them accurately. The "clock is ticking until it goes off" from the start of mixing makes it feel like it's a rush. Don't delay. But measure and mix well. I mixed two batches. I didn't want too long a gap between the batches in case the first poured onto the fabric started setting before I could finish.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">It's easier to coat the foam, place the fabric over and then add more epoxy to the top. I did this at first, but once I had started, I didn't have enough hands to keep the clean fabric off the coated fabric. So I lay all the fabric down and poured the epoxy on top. Much harder to get even coverage. I was getting dry spots. I could force the epoxy through from the top, but it's more time and work. The clock is still ticking. I used a plastic scraper to move the epoxy about and push it through the fabric. Used it like a squeegee to spread the resin out as far as possible.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Start to finish took an hour and used about 440ml of epoxy for about 1m². </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">The epoxy is mixed by volume. Very inconvenient. I wanted to calculate by weight as using a scale is easier than eyeballing clear liquid into measuring containers. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I got a packet of 250ml and 350ml(?) paper cups. Wooden knives held by the blade with the round end of the handle cut off square (to get into the corners) were used as stirrers and scrapers. I used water and a scale before hand to mark 20ml increments on the out side of a 250ml paper cup. Then transferred the measurements to the rest with a ruler. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">With a light positioned above the cup, you can see the liquid level as a shadow on the outside to mark it read measurements. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I poured 80ml into a cup, weighed that, then poured it into the larger cup, scraping out as much as I could with a knife scraper. 3g remained in the cup. Poured another 80ml and emptied it into the large cup. 3ml remained behind. That's 2x part A. Using a new cup and knife scraper, measured 80ml of part B and poured it into the large cup. Again 3ml remained behind. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">By the weights, that would be 87+87=174g Part A with 77g Part B. Total weight 251g</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">(For the second batch I used only the large cup and measured 90+90=180g part A, 80g part B. Total weight 260g.)</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">On pouring part B into A, I started a timer and using a new knife stirrer, started stirring for two minutes. Then scrapped the edges and bottom and mixed for another two minutes. Called it ready. That's 4 or 5 minutes of the 30 minute working time gone.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Total weight of the two batches: 511g. Not all was used on the fabric, but at least 400g was. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">That is way more than I thought it would be. 100gsm fabric, I was working on about the same weight or maybe double, of epoxy. Did I apply it too thick or did the fabric soak up when I was forcing it through? The fabric is 80% polyester and 20% cotton. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">I'll have to think about this. Besides the increased weight, I'll need a lot more epoxy. The epoxy was originally purchased to use as a glue for the foam, and as a bonus, in the smallest volume I got, seemed enough to coat the panels as well. I didn't end up using it for gluing, as a one part polyurethane glue was easier to use. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Not sure the epoxy it's worth it. I will still need to paint the epoxy to protect it from UV. It might be better to simplify and skip the epoxy and just use paint and the fabric: also known as "Poor Man's Fibreglass". </div></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-6838674880354916042024-01-31T17:10:00.002+11:002024-01-31T17:25:29.357+11:00The Rational for a Bicycle Caravan Build<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size: small;">I would need a trailer to have enough surface area for sufficient solar panels. I thought of mounting a tool box on a trailer and then attaching a solar panel on the lid.<br /><br />Problem. The size of solar panels. 100 watt solar panels are about 1 metre long. To get higher output, the size increases to about 1.5 to 1.6 metres. I wanted more than 100 watts. My tent is 1.9 metres long. If I was going to have the length about 1.5m, I might as well go longer so I could sleep on it.<br /><br />I like sleeping in my tent, but finding a test site is hard. It has to be reasonably flat, no rocks, roots, prickles, grass clumps, dips, water, etc. A trailer has its downsides on the size of it, but it would be an advantage to sleep on top of it and be above all the ground problems.<br /><br />I spent weeks looking at different designs from western wagons, fold out and pop top trailers, and caravans. Drawing up paper plans and examining how to build them, and the weight, and how they would work day to day. The size to tow behind a bicycle and sleep in or on it added to the challenge. Every decision has consequences and trade offs. Size, weight and cost.<br /><br />The solar panel on the roof, so I'd have to sleep under it, or have it moved out of the way to sleep where it was mounted. I did consider sleeping on top of it, but couldn't get a working idea. If to move it out of the way, how and where to put it.<br /><br />Ideally, I'd sleep low down, not very high off the ground for stability. One set of wheels near the middle with a metre on either side doesn't allow a lot of ground clearance going up inclines. I'm using 20" wheels. Can add more wheels, but that increases the weight. Removable wheels and having the trailer sit on the ground is possible, but I decided against that. Without single sided axle wheels, it would be inconvenient to remove and replace the wheels daily. To sleep low, it is between the wheels on the floor. Wheels axles need support. Wheel is 100mm wide at the hub, 25mm for the supports. That is 300mm of the width just for the wheel spacing. Wheelchair wheel hubs are only supported on one side, but this only saves 50mm for significantly increased wheel costs. Ultralight sleeping mats are 520mm wide, but more comfortable is 600mm. Already the trailer is 900mm wide. I'd like the trailer to be thinner, but 600mm for the bed needs a bit extra for movement, say 100mm each side, 800mm is the lowest width that I was happy with. The width of my tent interior. This is without considering the wall thickness or...<br /><br />The height. Too tall and skinny and the trailer will tip easily. I liked the western wagon design as it allowed the canvas to be raised letting the wind blow through.<br /><br />A width of 800mm has the wheelbase in contact with the ground at 700mm. 20" wheel axles are 260mm of the ground. The floor would be above that. To sit up in bed needs a minimum of 950mm height. This totals 1210, but ignores the floor, bed and roof thickness. The axle mounts add a bit of height as well. Don't stretch up or move upwards without ducking the head.<br /><br />I really liked the western wagon design, but settled on a more conventional caravan look. Flat roof for the solar panel. The walls would be 30mm thick laminated foam panels. Plugging this into the constraints, the caravan ends up:<br /><br />Outside<br />Width: 960mm<br />Height: 1500mm<br />Length: 2200mm (Not including the drawbar and hitch)<br /><br />Inside:<br />Width: 900mm<br />Height: 1200mm<br />Length: 2160mm<br /><br />The ground height ends up at 300mm to the top of the floor inside, and 1500mm to the top of the roof.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/123Homefree">Western wagon example</a> But my design had two wheels only. No sheep. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=folding+bicycle+caravan" target="_blank">Folding bicycle caravans</a> A lot of different folding and opening options.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@peterpetersen4619">Peter Petersen</a> The one that I settled on for inspiration.<br /></div></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-82221904638253400992023-10-14T10:59:00.000+11:002023-10-14T10:59:22.741+11:00Not Dead YetBeen a long time since the last post. In the way of life, a lot has happened, but not much really. The <a href="https://www.wanderingtime.com/2022/01/new-plan-time.html" target="_blank">New Plan Time</a> didn't happen. It started well, but, then I injured my back. 🙁
<p>There's a joke that goes something like this:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
One day the different parts of the body were having an argument to
see which should be in charge.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
The brain said "I do all the thinking so I'm the most important
and I should be in charge."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
The eyes said "I see everything and let the rest of you know
where we are, so I'm the most important and I should be in charge."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
"I should be in charge," said the heart, "I circulate
oxygen and nutrients all over."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
The hands said "Without me we wouldn't be able to pick anything
up or move anything. So I'm the most important and I should be in
charge."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
The stomach said "I turn the food we eat into energy for the
rest of you. Without me, we'd starve. So I'm the most important and I
should be in charge."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
The legs said "Without me we wouldn't be able to move anywhere.
So I'm the most important and I should be in charge."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
"I should be in charge," said the anus, "I am
responsible for waste removal."</p>
<p style="margin-left: 1.25cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 100%">
All of the other body parts laughed at the anus and insulted him. So
he shut down. Within a few days, the brain had a terrible headache,
the hands were all shaky, the stomach was bloated, the legs got
wobbly, the eyes got watery, and the heart pumped toxic blood. They
all decided that the anus should be the boss.</p>
<p>I think the spine was watching with amusement.</p>
<p>Anyone with a back injury knows, when it's bad, everything is painful. Standing,
sitting, lying, moving the arms, even waste removal hurts.</p>
<p>When the pain lessened, a new plan was hatched. I didn't think I'd be able to move
my bike and gear about without help. Assistance was needed. I decided
to dip my toe into ebikes with a "cheap" upgrade kit. This
ended up not being the cheap option it first appeared. I could have
bought a new ebike for less, as various components on my bike needed
upgrading or changing. Still, I'm happy with the learning experience
and I like the frankenstein look of my bike.</p>
<p>Now, I need some way to carry my gear, and power the ebike.</p>Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-50644476007598113512022-03-24T07:50:00.002+11:002022-03-24T07:50:54.662+11:00Panniers for a Pack Rat<p>One Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic pannier is 20L. These panniers are approximately 60L each.</p> <p>It's not my design. Thank Ken. He created the template, and provided the instruction and materials from which my yellow panniers were made. With those, the seams were heat welded - 100% waterproof. The panniers here are sewn, and the seams waterproofed with silicone.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZWo2m8E4YulnVfJawKq1vbftwUBxVCRtncqciApLhoKCfYRLfFKQXYFJto1IEBCCn6ZWjk7PLxRALwfokAOQXU0LAu6lmWd4IjgNN3TtjIITrvMSR77sx_IkQ5NQr8STqYHuVQgSZcwcaLQF_Htidd8L2UgExu_8tgRMl3Tu3eu0zHBbyYYrd-XlE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398749038411234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZWo2m8E4YulnVfJawKq1vbftwUBxVCRtncqciApLhoKCfYRLfFKQXYFJto1IEBCCn6ZWjk7PLxRALwfokAOQXU0LAu6lmWd4IjgNN3TtjIITrvMSR77sx_IkQ5NQr8STqYHuVQgSZcwcaLQF_Htidd8L2UgExu_8tgRMl3Tu3eu0zHBbyYYrd-XlE=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Front are Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic. The rear: Ken panniers</span></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><p>The pattern has minimal seams, and therefor minimal sewing. The basic shape is a rectangle with one corner cut out. The corner cut out provides heel clearance. If the size is scaled down, this might not be a problem.</p> <h4>Order of operations:</h4> <ul> <li>Test fabric seam sewing to determine seam allowance required.</li> <li>Measure out the template <em>with seam allowances</em>.</li> <li>Fold and cut the fabric.</li> <li>From the outside side, fold top edge to the inside and hem.</li> <li>Sew inside sleeve in.</li> <li>Turn inside out and sew the side seam.</li> <li>Sew in the bottom.</li> <li>Turn right side out and sew buckles on top edge.</li> <li>Insert the plastic reinforcener and mark hanger holes for your rack. Check forward-backward for heel clearance.</li> <li>Drill and bolt on the hangers.</li> <li>Bask in the glow of finished panniers.</li> </ul> <h4>The template</h4> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkz60zbHZPV3pLan7FlDyZLAQwa2akH0HQu_kuxJk8tyKOJaCw4bvegNfTyqMVHb5k_bKDM2OH5IrFVwqcAkWwfTz-Lf810zO7EGSMSHcJLiQkpkNG2FWaacDAjASkBLrxltCKVafiKmZwn9cv_jCIAPla9TAF39FRAyqc3Vavf9Vv8gY-HDO-HSwF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398755361928898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkz60zbHZPV3pLan7FlDyZLAQwa2akH0HQu_kuxJk8tyKOJaCw4bvegNfTyqMVHb5k_bKDM2OH5IrFVwqcAkWwfTz-Lf810zO7EGSMSHcJLiQkpkNG2FWaacDAjASkBLrxltCKVafiKmZwn9cv_jCIAPla9TAF39FRAyqc3Vavf9Vv8gY-HDO-HSwF=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">The basic shape the pannier</figcaption></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><figcaption>It is 550mm wide and 800mm tall.</figcaption> <p>The triangle cut out is about 380mm tall and 110mm across the base.</p> <p><em>Don't forget the seam allowance around the edge.</em> It will vary depending on the fabric and seam type. I used 30mm for a thick canvas (the green material), but 20mm for thinner fabric (beige material).</p> <p>Fold the fabric in half. Template straight edge goes on the fold. Mark and cut out.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTMgBn_wxJVftUGe_GIn1MbxC-rtm0sSJS4YLD4ETQazmuQIljTkBDGRQ2rYbDAzNgmUZvKqfEMcdnrKh5AihVCyC9E3lw6wCaDAffYHhaMO3CyHX2VI9U6SjOJHm7tIucSX2QzlqSqJ-EisDVGXAfbfMlzgEAYM54bg6mnBbfgqjihkoBqlfJ8vXK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398764951365266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTMgBn_wxJVftUGe_GIn1MbxC-rtm0sSJS4YLD4ETQazmuQIljTkBDGRQ2rYbDAzNgmUZvKqfEMcdnrKh5AihVCyC9E3lw6wCaDAffYHhaMO3CyHX2VI9U6SjOJHm7tIucSX2QzlqSqJ-EisDVGXAfbfMlzgEAYM54bg6mnBbfgqjihkoBqlfJ8vXK=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">After template cut out and folded out.</figcaption></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><h4><figcaption style="text-align: left;">Plastic Sleeve</figcaption></h4> <p>A plastic reinforcener will be held in place by this sleeve. It is to stiffen the pannier and give it its shape.</p> <p>The plastic insert is 3mm plastic. It's 250mm long at the base. 340mm wide at the top, 340mm tall.</p> <p>The sleeve is sewn inside the where the pannier will lean against the rack. Make the sleeve material the same size as the insert <em>plus a seam allowance</em>.</p> <p><em>Remember the panniers are left and right sided.</em> Sew the sleeve on the correct side of the material.</p> <h4>Base</h4> <p>The base is approximately 300mm x 250 mm <em>including seams</em>. Round the corners. It's worthwhile to check the size of the base against the pannier before cutting it out. </p> <h4>Hangers</h4> <p>Mine are 3mm aluminum flat bar bent into hooks. I used 6 x 30mm hot dipped galvanized bolts with a large washer on the inside. 5mm bolts would have been sufficient. </p> <p>Use a large washer on the inside. </p> <p>The bolts go through the sleeve, through the plastic reinforcener, the pannier, then the hanger. I left the bolts long. By sizing the hook length, the bolts protrude and stop the pannier jumping off the rack. Else, attach a elastic loop lower down from the hangers to hook on the rack.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3w0b1FCMb6B3zUQ1DHCzt4IO5NFawnXx-SjpfRN9TzO_5ifsDGLl1dEZBInxOo7HL8b-F30yaYLa7X8Fm28NKt33YAT2siT9P15AhhYhaX4uB81s_Jg_HnHapOV7SOIVjSFj7TANn7gGL-AlTh2iViJnzlPJ3Z-DUkoSjpsAchPI5PAl2Lm7Z8X06" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398779370741234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3w0b1FCMb6B3zUQ1DHCzt4IO5NFawnXx-SjpfRN9TzO_5ifsDGLl1dEZBInxOo7HL8b-F30yaYLa7X8Fm28NKt33YAT2siT9P15AhhYhaX4uB81s_Jg_HnHapOV7SOIVjSFj7TANn7gGL-AlTh2iViJnzlPJ3Z-DUkoSjpsAchPI5PAl2Lm7Z8X06=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hooks closeup<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szkJ4y6ka1TTGCzOUXXEBGNhvYeWCQXX-VUquKlydN1eqWn3qCUK-B5COoTy7Zo58Ebt1U3jJrTmdGhdj0v04zeIEnlSjNbTD6mLgzgmg4onQM83U4TN4c8jb4k8lRnKQlDq1pR_T16rZkJi375IjVI08dCtj9C1k0G5z6YHC0MASqpdWObj-0aE/s1152/2022-03-24-20220322_075050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szkJ4y6ka1TTGCzOUXXEBGNhvYeWCQXX-VUquKlydN1eqWn3qCUK-B5COoTy7Zo58Ebt1U3jJrTmdGhdj0v04zeIEnlSjNbTD6mLgzgmg4onQM83U4TN4c8jb4k8lRnKQlDq1pR_T16rZkJi375IjVI08dCtj9C1k0G5z6YHC0MASqpdWObj-0aE/s320/2022-03-24-20220322_075050.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooks from the side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><figcaption><img cap="Hooks from the side" jpg="" /></figcaption><h4>Buckle</h4> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUfmy-lBBgsyIhbexhm864ttf_2HNnBV3iMsmDurB5TZv5fG-sAoVaJ2mBFHmH2BvINFdR0x4RJCT-z228z52H2XN5WvJqkDg9vP2zaCcMtJwZ4nUnuKnjs7EemiqFdXnPGKn4kmT6RhSvBvJStJ8FAqARhSGhVWOrwRmAqkPbxYqKE9WWBjH8qLRx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398784383187970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUfmy-lBBgsyIhbexhm864ttf_2HNnBV3iMsmDurB5TZv5fG-sAoVaJ2mBFHmH2BvINFdR0x4RJCT-z228z52H2XN5WvJqkDg9vP2zaCcMtJwZ4nUnuKnjs7EemiqFdXnPGKn4kmT6RhSvBvJStJ8FAqARhSGhVWOrwRmAqkPbxYqKE9WWBjH8qLRx=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">Buckle sewn on</figcaption></td></tr></tbody></table><h4><figcaption style="text-align: left;"><b>Completed</b></figcaption></h4> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZMFCsPwkcUYh9oIM_3sNt4xVlDCUrya3XBepXS286PYW0rrvp1rA0r_z6wZRqSmbPfwtuGcE0raoOY1a37FJDWbGFCXvdKIgtGtudP_fZoIHsZXvMNywplbv2FJYEqNFTO7IVaTYY-lqe9cwma_k8HO8-qSPnilbuH4BcPegok4sz0QNLAOiO82y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7078398794588200242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZMFCsPwkcUYh9oIM_3sNt4xVlDCUrya3XBepXS286PYW0rrvp1rA0r_z6wZRqSmbPfwtuGcE0raoOY1a37FJDWbGFCXvdKIgtGtudP_fZoIHsZXvMNywplbv2FJYEqNFTO7IVaTYY-lqe9cwma_k8HO8-qSPnilbuH4BcPegok4sz0QNLAOiO82y=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">Back view completed bags. </figcaption><figcaption style="text-align: left;">Note the seam from the inside sleeve.</figcaption></td></tr></tbody></table><h4><figcaption style="text-align: left;">DIY Seam Sealer</figcaption></h4> <p>Mix Bunnings Silicone sealant with Mineral Turps (Turpentine). A ratio of about 1:5 silicone to turps. Thinner is better as it soaks into the fabric and doesn't peel off. Mix well, until the silicone disolves in the turps. It should be fluid, like milk. If it is too thick, add more turps. It will mix - keep stirring. Brush on the seams. It will soak into the fabric. Allow to dry - outside. </p> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-80378852592094985982022-01-28T19:26:00.005+11:002022-01-28T19:27:46.487+11:00New Plan Time<p>A new year, and another new baby <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_brushturkey">brushturkey</a>. Mostly at this size they are scratching around in the garden. But occasionally, like the grown ones, they sit on the railing and watch me.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCOl0wS0mfZEj6kLWjkaOLInQsrSDqUWXd0hxnIqFUKjf5vdCZtLOeiUxfdwFAL8RHkRs2UhRtGJTsQErRaBOmYm1HWqd9TvZ6Wz39JeAtqyGQ9X2PaRHKflMz8cuxozyzOkcMjZzkVzl7dYv7xoJT30R7ykRUck59YtH3PG6azBUSA7pNgiiUnrKR=s1024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1024" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCOl0wS0mfZEj6kLWjkaOLInQsrSDqUWXd0hxnIqFUKjf5vdCZtLOeiUxfdwFAL8RHkRs2UhRtGJTsQErRaBOmYm1HWqd9TvZ6Wz39JeAtqyGQ9X2PaRHKflMz8cuxozyzOkcMjZzkVzl7dYv7xoJT30R7ykRUck59YtH3PG6azBUSA7pNgiiUnrKR=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping me company.</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><figcaption>COVID lockdowns are over, but I'm still in Sydney for now. But I have a plan. 2022 will be return to cycling. I'm giving up on walking. I keep injuring needing weeks to recover. Enough of that.</figcaption> <p>Work is in progress to get a bike ready. And I've been riding more to get some cycling fitness back.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS9KXqtFlKan2BneFUIVVObyVGBlBDsoa3dhi1FNKpfGdLdf_NJYsi-DQUd3Dr8x61IQ2c1cgeuF4n4WJBgN8TRN4Jir-_NAqhFItuRLnrGPEoAWjxta-DnykdTj59Fw2iJ-RnnehFqAh1r7Hf0P_hO9enfViIA9kc3MlpBxVsG5gw-w2TJIt9JJgc=s922" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="922" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS9KXqtFlKan2BneFUIVVObyVGBlBDsoa3dhi1FNKpfGdLdf_NJYsi-DQUd3Dr8x61IQ2c1cgeuF4n4WJBgN8TRN4Jir-_NAqhFItuRLnrGPEoAWjxta-DnykdTj59Fw2iJ-RnnehFqAh1r7Hf0P_hO9enfViIA9kc3MlpBxVsG5gw-w2TJIt9JJgc=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a local fire trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-91232334148487909102021-11-08T08:40:00.000+11:002021-11-08T08:40:19.219+11:00End of Lockdown<p>Was a roller coaster of a time with the COVID lockdown. I wasn't isolated alone. I had many visitors. Some more regular than others.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto_L5vPsNcK8G2vLYXtVNeRTTRqV9FQJ2TUuUcjWZGgPjOVD6VvEapvepk8KTA4sv0JYLEHSgAHkWpyHWucTAoTxXFDIDrm5C-eVBEMAlhVwD2luKxS-NW7Q7hKjC6oiOxN_Tyd45h6o/s1600/b2.20210713_072424-781594.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7027945107719562578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto_L5vPsNcK8G2vLYXtVNeRTTRqV9FQJ2TUuUcjWZGgPjOVD6VvEapvepk8KTA4sv0JYLEHSgAHkWpyHWucTAoTxXFDIDrm5C-eVBEMAlhVwD2luKxS-NW7Q7hKjC6oiOxN_Tyd45h6o/s320/b2.20210713_072424-781594.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Keeping me company</span></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><p>Not a conversationalist though. I'd walk each day. Sometimes my mate would follow up the street.</p> <p>There was a large uptick in people walking or jogging. Very noticeable in the afternoon. Only the keen are out early on winter mornings.</p> <p>I hatched another plan. Build a new cart. It did help keep me busy.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicybdky6L9hfVRYxklTJ5evcP9KVCqXSt7r96VmpxZErF5BJfVVVXgRCSrA1wVI6HUzZ-v_ZogyKjdRTtEoMdGZJl-qpTZpBWwEZWlN_-9rGAviZO9dxXa_QEgZoytFK1uUdnDAF993Es/s1600/b4.20210713_095927-784213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7027945115561338722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicybdky6L9hfVRYxklTJ5evcP9KVCqXSt7r96VmpxZErF5BJfVVVXgRCSrA1wVI6HUzZ-v_ZogyKjdRTtEoMdGZJl-qpTZpBWwEZWlN_-9rGAviZO9dxXa_QEgZoytFK1uUdnDAF993Es/s320/b4.20210713_095927-784213.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Supervising</span></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><p>Lots of thinking on the design, drawing plans. Then the actual work. "Measure twice, cut once." says the proverb. Great advice. Doesn't help if the measurement is wrong. Mistakes were made in the plan. But harder to fix mistakes were made in the building. But eventually it was together.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkX8NuA-LNGVL06pZM0s_LQTOhxrZ5IXDd8REgBk77OpUU_HfAHXNS849j4O0gdyQI6CcsS6GuTzo26_ZsCsLjJSUCajCUR6TZuPiuqlIISXjPLmoIbX4_rdJqVyMZ-uToTmo6PpPc9c/s1600/b6.20210912_093903-786268.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7027945124011561026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkX8NuA-LNGVL06pZM0s_LQTOhxrZ5IXDd8REgBk77OpUU_HfAHXNS849j4O0gdyQI6CcsS6GuTzo26_ZsCsLjJSUCajCUR6TZuPiuqlIISXjPLmoIbX4_rdJqVyMZ-uToTmo6PpPc9c/s320/b6.20210912_093903-786268.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Awaiting painting</span></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><p>And it seemed like suddenly, lockdown was over.</p> <p>I'm busting to go places. But, I'm laid low again. Sore feet. Why? I don't know. Nothing changed one week to the next, but something did. Walking or cycling both affect it. I'm doing the standard protocol for recovery: rest, anti inflammatories, stretching and hoping that it heals soon. Feeling "up" on the days I wake and it feels improved. Trying not to feel "down" when it is worse.</p> <p>And more sad news: Omelet and Dinner have departed. After the last post, I was patting myself on the back for taking good care of them. And then a magpie attacked them. Just one magpie of the couple that visit was paying them a lot of attention. I thought I had them safe in their cage. But the magpie proved smarter than me. It waited until they were close to the wire and managed to spike both of them in the head. Dinner passed on first, Omelet about a week later. I decided not to try again.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-87403888600011865182021-09-01T06:21:00.000+10:002021-09-01T06:21:31.003+10:00Sydney COVID lockdown!<p>I've never had my own pet before.</p> <p>Growing up there was the household animals - cats, dogs, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken#Terminology">chooks</a>. And a group of brief visitors vaguely remembered like the freshwater turtles that only lasted a night, before they baffling escaped? Or not remembered at all: A cow and some goats. I have idea of their fates. In a family story recounted often, the goats only lasted until they ate the sheets off the washing line.</p> <p>The cats came and went as they wanted. Sometimes, looking healthy, other times beat up. They got fed when there where about. Their appearances grew more and more infrequent, until one day it was noticed they hadn't returned for a long time and clearly they were never coming back. Did they move to a better place, or did they meet an untimely end. We never knew. </p> <p>The dogs were more mum and dads pets. The inside dog was mums. Spoilt rotten. Outside dogs - dads. We kids were involved, but incidentally so - taking food out at times, or cleaning up after them. The chooks where more of our responsibility. Our, as in "all the kids" - a group commitment. Like all groups, it was an uneven commitment. Some doing more of work to avoid punishment. Collect the eggs, check the food and water, close the chook house door at night. The chooks weren't thought of as pets. They were the egg producers, and looking after them was a job that had to be done.</p> <p>I had always wanted pigeons, but our drinking water was collected off the house roof into a rain water tank. Having pigeons, who would be sitting and pooping on the roof was never going to be allowed to happen. I thought to get pigeons now, but with COVID lockdown that option was blocked. None of the Gumtree pigeon sales were close. But there were Quail about! So I've joined the group of people getting pets while in lockdown. </p> <p>I was to have been gone from Sydney, but... COVID. I figured the lockdown is going to go for months, so long enough to have some pets.</p> <p>Meet Omelet and Dinner.</p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP68UnqO75qdXCy6iHl3yLZvxuCVlJsfep_a_CkB510Aj1fiX1QHsu_1Id0gPEWFHZTs6rCxX2BmbceJmgDxCEa6e3-gxQc-aFa8nr3uA88BGMH7ysXzhA1SPq4FdFPc1_nsh50x-7peg/s1600/b2.20210827_080557-784972.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7002691141603961698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP68UnqO75qdXCy6iHl3yLZvxuCVlJsfep_a_CkB510Aj1fiX1QHsu_1Id0gPEWFHZTs6rCxX2BmbceJmgDxCEa6e3-gxQc-aFa8nr3uA88BGMH7ysXzhA1SPq4FdFPc1_nsh50x-7peg/s320/b2.20210827_080557-784972.jpg" /></a></p><p>The names are not suggesting anything. They just happened to spring to mind when I was carrying them back. Omelet does lay an egg a day. Four or five quail eggs equals one chicken egg, so any omelets are going be small, or also infrequent. Dinner, he keeps Omelet company. I wanted more, but the seller only had the pair left.</p> <p>They have two homes. Nights are spent inside. Days outside in their larger holiday home. It's not suitable for overnight stays. Not build to a high enough predator proof rating. Cats, dogs, foxes, snakes, rats. Too many critters that would love an overnight snack. This one came past early one morning:</p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjjOqdMOiA7PAK6vHp0gXjsRJOuTZ73xmLLwSHidlpYbSN_jonJewxBirSM3HHip15I3ghOLD-zDSE6l1ZSkJPYBav28q8Z2kt4xKE6W9NpnE7ahyMqbbNJeAa9N15GBn9eJnL6f-x1U/s1600/b4.20210828_061658-787044.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7002691148064998946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjjOqdMOiA7PAK6vHp0gXjsRJOuTZ73xmLLwSHidlpYbSN_jonJewxBirSM3HHip15I3ghOLD-zDSE6l1ZSkJPYBav28q8Z2kt4xKE6W9NpnE7ahyMqbbNJeAa9N15GBn9eJnL6f-x1U/s320/b4.20210828_061658-787044.jpg" /></a></p><p>I wonder if it was the scent of quail that attracted it. I've never seen one in the yard before. Only fleeting glances when bush walking.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-81406319281443411092021-05-12T06:46:00.000+10:002021-05-12T06:46:23.115+10:00New Racks</p> <p>The local council cleanup was on. I found two camping chairs. </p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF7eFq_XkoyqfzwhqlfSSYNXGuwDL4ZnkDLnHMuzaBCmBJ5-df9CvJBc9sopcEfC48SxTkQi5XK453HxMkxnyO2XKtGXROWXLTAqvCL9PCHlncFu6sKMigzzc5S4yLHueWuUgILHXIY0/s1600/b2.chair-796533.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF7eFq_XkoyqfzwhqlfSSYNXGuwDL4ZnkDLnHMuzaBCmBJ5-df9CvJBc9sopcEfC48SxTkQi5XK453HxMkxnyO2XKtGXROWXLTAqvCL9PCHlncFu6sKMigzzc5S4yLHueWuUgILHXIY0/s320/b2.chair-796533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6961136093596273762" /></a></p><p>A bit of work with a drill.</p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJSMIebxoLOCS9qX0uVT9btcNBaegZCiqWGy74b-IHdygO2cjxZlVLxtWckVujBEojfofgUCwQjnBqanknYhO8p9uhnjMWgpLLId1uKdvYqnW_v42waavOHY9sE4h0pyPORt50j1mwls/s1600/b4.pieces-798161.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJSMIebxoLOCS9qX0uVT9btcNBaegZCiqWGy74b-IHdygO2cjxZlVLxtWckVujBEojfofgUCwQjnBqanknYhO8p9uhnjMWgpLLId1uKdvYqnW_v42waavOHY9sE4h0pyPORt50j1mwls/s320/b4.pieces-798161.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6961136098981760370" /></a></p><p>And a lot more work later:</p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTTs2M4SQTFZme74Pi3pnnFpoePjmasS3Qw8dL5Kw_d0uVsvjB8B-GyO-tHfV9ZW8k5NMOTvgcjV9KyeaSpKO_2XQXulXAwAogsb1qDGn1xvPY0jQ5XwB1E0puADIdV4j16FTsJBKNrQ/s1600/b6.finished-799624.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTTs2M4SQTFZme74Pi3pnnFpoePjmasS3Qw8dL5Kw_d0uVsvjB8B-GyO-tHfV9ZW8k5NMOTvgcjV9KyeaSpKO_2XQXulXAwAogsb1qDGn1xvPY0jQ5XwB1E0puADIdV4j16FTsJBKNrQ/s320/b6.finished-799624.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6961136109043002226" /></a></p><p>The "basket" on the front is a "Garden City Plastic Grow Plant Pot - 410mm Black 28L $6.50 " from Bunnings. It won out over the "Tactix 25L Black Collapsible Crate $9.98 " by the sleek aerodynamic shape, lighter weight, increased volume and being slightly cheaper. Time will tell if it is up to the rigours of life as a basket.</p> <p>But for now, I love the space it provides. The old K-Mart wire basket was miserly with space. A bicycle lock and my backpack with shopping was always a tight squeeze. I needed to give it a bit of encouragement to fit and even then, I didn't always succeed. This new basket it voluminous. The shopping and the bicycle lock vanish inside with ample room for more goods. A good sized basket is essential in my opinion.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-82033944566674931202021-03-09T18:14:00.003+11:002021-04-10T17:19:07.432+10:00The Final Cart<p>I finally finished building my PVC cart. It has three modes</p> <p>Long mode:</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jVybm4Ljy6BJ2eoG1o6ac-Cf9DGWhGLJ6AEoGH4AGUVrICuYuX2GVD1frCDSCrtO765i3kL2cIF_ZKUQKiA_peWCF8NfY40pdD3lrb6PaqErfbK0B3HCc5CHpekarFjQUMrsIRHYB34/s1600/b2.20210119_103823-766421.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6937548434515863058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jVybm4Ljy6BJ2eoG1o6ac-Cf9DGWhGLJ6AEoGH4AGUVrICuYuX2GVD1frCDSCrtO765i3kL2cIF_ZKUQKiA_peWCF8NfY40pdD3lrb6PaqErfbK0B3HCc5CHpekarFjQUMrsIRHYB34/s320/b2.20210119_103823-766421.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">With the handles extended. They clip to a waist belt for easy walking.</figcaption><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>Medium mode:</figcaption> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwG3JvKBjiUMxvpbNctPlC1DQZ8cxbndFX3aF6ereJT92KxAnusipjI42qjm8R3ocPauUdhm0kSa1rNbO1xa86qwYQc_sjd6ucSP7PIFjTrCblOz5jcrbLaMWsyEwxXSr41ZtBc3tViY/s1600/b4.20210118_073640-769108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6937548445361583362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwG3JvKBjiUMxvpbNctPlC1DQZ8cxbndFX3aF6ereJT92KxAnusipjI42qjm8R3ocPauUdhm0kSa1rNbO1xa86qwYQc_sjd6ucSP7PIFjTrCblOz5jcrbLaMWsyEwxXSr41ZtBc3tViY/s320/b4.20210118_073640-769108.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figcaption style="text-align: left;">With the handles stowed for short indoors trips.</figcaption><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>Short mode:</figcaption> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6UNH2FPpaRljtskUngfjFVqnDe0kytRWsBSG2zRFqehEmleEXTNr5IA-6449edOGFC4fomSwmKKtKKucYAOxHOcOwtayA_ykZtFRn2iGygJIrLxgl2i_KeLW82aqnkvPzgZD3dJEM1g/s1600/b6.20210119_091825-771266.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6937548456024482546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6UNH2FPpaRljtskUngfjFVqnDe0kytRWsBSG2zRFqehEmleEXTNr5IA-6449edOGFC4fomSwmKKtKKucYAOxHOcOwtayA_ykZtFRn2iGygJIrLxgl2i_KeLW82aqnkvPzgZD3dJEM1g/s320/b6.20210119_091825-771266.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The shopping cart look. For indoors and on public transport. It is easier to handle compared to Medium mode.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption><br /></figcaption><p>All great and wonderful. Took it for a few short walks while I was working out the bugs. Then set off on a 20km shakedown trip. </p> <p>Few days later I started developing sore knees. I'm not sure why. The walk was easy. Nothing hard, no big hills. No rush. I took all day for 20km. So lots of resting, reading, and watching the world go by. 20km wasn't an unusual distance. My daily morning constitutional was 12km at a brisk pace. Then the days activities were on top of that. Usually a lot more walking, but some cycle rides.</p> <p>A physio visit later and the diagnosis was "tendinitis". Treatment: Nothing surprising. Cut the activity levels right down. Cycling is preferable as it's low impact. Only about two or three months to recover. 😦 </p> <p>So, here I am, recovering, <span style="font-weight: 900;">again</span>. Starting to feel that the idea of walking with a cart is jinxed.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-2351654832320943462021-01-31T18:06:00.000+11:002021-01-31T18:06:33.824+11:00Walkability<p>One of the surprises about my recent holiday was the how interesting walking about the inner west is.</p> <p>Walkability<sup id="fnref:1"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:1">1</a></sup> is one of those concepts that sounds simple, and that you don't notice, until there is a large change, and then suddenly you wonder how you didn't notice it before.</p> <p>There is a lot of information about walkability. A brief video about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4kmDxcfR48">what makes a city great</a>. And more on urban planning.</p> <p><a href="https://www.walkscore.com/apartments/search/AU-NSW/Sydney">Using this map</a> I have been staying in a <span style="color:Red">Red Zone</span>. Not walkable. My holiday was in a <span style="color:Lime">Green Zone</span>. Very walkable. The difference was eye opening. I'd become habituated to blandness.</p> <p>Presently, an hour fast walk is about 6km. Most of that is along a busy road. Off that I'm passing cookie cutter style housing. The type were every front yard is manicured to the peer accepted level. There are a couple of cafes along the way near a train station, but otherwise shops are clustered inside a shopping center. Blank boxes, designed to trap you inside, where the layout is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruen_transfer">confusing and disorentating</a>. Everything planned to encourage you to <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/shopping-centres/articles/shopping-centre-design">buy more</a>.</p> <p>It's not very interesting walking about the suburbs.</p> <div class="footnote"> <hr /> <ol> <li id="fn:1"> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkability">More information on walkability</a> <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:1" title="Jump back to footnote 1 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> </ol> </div> <div dir="ltr"><br></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-86940274623579788052020-12-15T05:49:00.000+11:002020-12-15T05:49:11.721+11:00Holidaying<p></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtum61wtZxJpdBNhnPdEjlVyhRPIIBgU7p6LeyKrxwpQPvLI21IO3Oi5iTLoXQMRd5UMrGRBUDUV1yRTlrSNB0WuOjYm4MGRVQ88hJ3S84c3tvnEDFXiwJJI43FBuubr3BbZi7Ev6R3hc/s1600/b1.robot-712383.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6906185492101877634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtum61wtZxJpdBNhnPdEjlVyhRPIIBgU7p6LeyKrxwpQPvLI21IO3Oi5iTLoXQMRd5UMrGRBUDUV1yRTlrSNB0WuOjYm4MGRVQ88hJ3S84c3tvnEDFXiwJJI43FBuubr3BbZi7Ev6R3hc/s320/b1.robot-712383.jpg" /></a></p>"A change is as good as a holiday"<sup id="fnref:1"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:1">1</a></sup>. <p></p> <p>On that: I've now had a holiday. It was to have been a week, but unexpectedly extended to over two. House sitting, well, more garden sitting. Normal stuff. Water the plants. Try not to kill anything. Easy enough. I mostly succeeded. Some over 40C days and snails did in a few seedlings. Acceptable losses.</p> <p>Meanwhile, I walked a lot. Checking out the sights:</p> <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYNbZ9toniLRZbX2zbqTu2F8DHywNjfhjUiZT6S1nDtnuKr0yiv0qEGpNZ-u4S5n_eBHMwTn9nd-M96pyvg5miNveE4x2xIfTLxWukv6cLLYDYSInl7_OL_RC_JJCrokKqpvEsH87PWY/s1600/b3.bender-714504.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6906185500257735874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYNbZ9toniLRZbX2zbqTu2F8DHywNjfhjUiZT6S1nDtnuKr0yiv0qEGpNZ-u4S5n_eBHMwTn9nd-M96pyvg5miNveE4x2xIfTLxWukv6cLLYDYSInl7_OL_RC_JJCrokKqpvEsH87PWY/s320/b3.bender-714504.jpg" /></a></p><p>I like the pictures. They are easy to relate to. Tags <sup id="fnref:2"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:2">2</a></sup> are harder to appreciate. They are in the same group as Pollock paintings<sup id="fnref:3"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:3">3</a></sup>; some people love them, but to everyone else, it is just unintelligible scribble. I'd rate tags higher than Pollock paintings. Tags I can see mean something. There are letters there to be found like a Magic Eye<sup id="fnref:4"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:4">4</a></sup> puzzle. It's a code, a language, it means something. Pollock paintings just look like scribble. Something a toddler did. </p> <p>Why is one is called "art" and put on display to sell for millions, while the other is called "graffiti" and costs millions to clean off or paint over? Listen to Malcolm Gladwell's <a href="http://revisionisthistory.com/seasons">Revisionist History</a> podcast Season 5, Episode 1 <a href="http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/42-dragon-psychology-101">Dragon Psychology 101</a> for some ideas.</p> <div class="footnote"> <hr /> <ol> <li id="fn:1"> <p><a href="https://literarydevices.net/a-change-is-a-good-as-a-rest/#:~:text='A%20change%20is%20as%20good,as%20good%20as%20a%20rest%E2%80%9D.">Originated in 1825</a> <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:1" title="Jump back to footnote 1 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> <li id="fn:2"> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_graffiti">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_graffiti</a> <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:2" title="Jump back to footnote 2 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> <li id="fn:3"> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pollock+painting">Pollock paintings</a> <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:3" title="Jump back to footnote 3 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> <li id="fn:4"> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Eye">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Eye</a> <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:4" title="Jump back to footnote 4 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> </ol> </div> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-85339024796969610002020-11-24T06:53:00.000+11:002020-11-24T06:55:30.561+11:00A Sleep Out<p>Mostly I don't think about YouTube's recommendation algorithm. Depending on mood, I gleefully or mindlessly scroll and click on it's suggestions. Sometimes it's fustrating for the unwanted options. I curiously watch one video, didn't like it, but now it continually recommends more of the same. Days of my life have passed down rabbit holes. Discovering useful, fascinating, interesting, irrelevant knowledge and trivia. Occasionly it suggestions really hits a spot. </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz4YqwH_6D0" target="_blank">The toolbox fallacy</a><sup id="fnref:1"><a class="footnote-ref" href="#fn:1">1</a></sup> was one such video.</p> <p>It hit me with a hard truth. I think of myself as a traveller. But, glancing at the past posts archive, the last time I was really travelling was 2015. I can kid myself with some trips after that, but... </p> <p>A write writes. A traveller travels. I am no longer a traveller.</p> <p>I tell myself that I have had good reason; medical issues (true), bushfires (true), COVID (mostly true). But, I've also settled into a routine. I've gotten comfortable.</p> <p>Sounding like excuses, I do need to stay about Sydney for longer. Summer is coming - heat & bushfires, COVID continues, and I have some things plodding along requiring me to remain.</p> <p>I want to do more travelling. I'm not certain when or if I'll leave. </p> <p>One thing I can do now, is to use my time better. Get organised. So everything is ready. In that spirit, late one afternoon, I decided to just go for an overnight. Gather my gear together, and go test it. Specially the new stuff that has never been used. With some reluctance, (a storm rolled in), I packed and was out the door into a light shower.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oAmmWGwzWQzC3MiFxistvL0TeOJSQaiA5OJqsshtsAN89DJs7zMyIZdvPTAgYZuBG2P5hfIO6oAN5lHcqgJleL2mnyTzgg-0-rE1ssKdMrY5c_-uDLOzKJqxhKSddxJF8Ond7z9Hep0/s1600/b2.camping-746854.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6898410029060004114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oAmmWGwzWQzC3MiFxistvL0TeOJSQaiA5OJqsshtsAN89DJs7zMyIZdvPTAgYZuBG2P5hfIO6oAN5lHcqgJleL2mnyTzgg-0-rE1ssKdMrY5c_-uDLOzKJqxhKSddxJF8Ond7z9Hep0/s320/b2.camping-746854.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">View from the floor</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />I was very out of practice. A long list of items forgotten. Most hilarious: I had a mug, water, coffee powder, stove, fuel, but no lighter. After I'd returned, the backup fire starter was discovered at the bottom of my wallet.</p> <p>I've had a few more trips since then. Refining the gear list. Testing, discarding and replacing items. There is still more work to do yet.</p> <div class="footnote"> <hr /> <ol> <li id="fn:1"> <p>Opens in a new window. Video is 7 minutes long. <a class="footnote-backref" href="#fnref:1" title="Jump back to footnote 1 in the text">↩</a></p> </li> </ol> </div> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-85132851531495315482020-11-10T17:50:00.001+11:002020-11-10T17:51:55.297+11:00Halloween<p>I think of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween">Halloween</a> as a distinctly American tradition. Over sold, and over consumed. I'm not a fan. I pull my old persons hat down, mumble about the Americanization of Australia, and try to ignore it. </p> <p>I also ponder the silence on the mountains of plastic ornaments consumed each year. Once they would have been hand made, or kept and treasured for years. But now, each celebration event has its own plastic merchandise that is manufactored, shipped, purchased, displayed, and then junked after the day is over. All in the space of a few days or weeks. Landfill or the ocean its out of sight, out of mind. </p> <p>Usually the first hint of Halloween is in the shops. Stocks of fake pumpkins, spider webs, witches, ghouls, bats, cats, and treats trickle in, and then explode into end of aisle displays as the final days count down. The plastic migrates via shopping carts and motor vehicles to the yards and footpaths of suburbia. As the day approachs the amount increases. Fake plastic cobwebs multiply, hanging in the shrubs, and spilling across the ground. </p> <p>On the day, groups of children herd from house to house crying "trick or treat" over and over. I wonder if anyone chooses 'trick'? And what the trick is these days. They soon grab their allocation of sweets and scamper off to mob the next house. </p> <p>Over the next few weeks, the decorations slowly decay and are blown about the street by the wind. Actually, the responsible clean up their display. I only notice the few that don't. But they rest longer on my mind as I see them time and time again getting more tatty and weathered. </p> <p>Regardless of my feelings on Halloween, I had to stop and admire the effort put into this one: </p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMrQKaZ_sYGIz3zEKR1vRLczq_zK6ctaAyvQ7m0ewK56iYf15G4rjPz37Ia1GnyiCGnepMsYK9Bw9ECPWyyVeG_NBtw9EaHUebEhgTIRARn4Qef1s5dZncwdC1ONgmMerE2c9V_E7JI/s1600/b2.20201102_083702-720233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6893383947247356946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMrQKaZ_sYGIz3zEKR1vRLczq_zK6ctaAyvQ7m0ewK56iYf15G4rjPz37Ia1GnyiCGnepMsYK9Bw9ECPWyyVeG_NBtw9EaHUebEhgTIRARn4Qef1s5dZncwdC1ONgmMerE2c9V_E7JI/s320/b2.20201102_083702-720233.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Well done.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />I was equally pleased to note the next time I passed that it had all been cleaned away. The graves, feeding the lawn.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br /></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-4963065310004764042020-10-25T14:13:00.000+11:002020-10-25T14:13:11.212+11:00COVID Times<p>Time has flown. A lot has changed, and then not much at all really. I had planned to leave Sydney last summer and head south when the bush fires up north where easing up. But delayed and delayed. Then lucked out, as the fires flared, and then raged down south. If I would have of left, I'd have been one of the evacuees so publicly rescued from the beach. So I counted myself lucky that I stayed.</p><p>And then, COVID started. So I waited again for the situation to settle. And waited, and waited. And I'm still in Sydney waiting. </p><p>I've restarted walking again. During 2020, I injured over and over, and at one point decided to abandon walking and return to cycling. But I'm a reluctant bicycle rider these days. Traffic volumes are up, perhaps more so now with everyone avoiding public transport. But it's not the cars I'm afraid of. It's the drivers that terrify me. Too many can't resist the lure of the mobile phone screen, when they should be paying attention to driving. How much attention will they pay on country roads when there is less traffic? </p><p>So, no plans as yet for leaving. The pandemic situation is going to continue for some time. This is the new normal. So we all have to adjust to the changes. I'm staying in a friends house, and have settled into a daily routine I'm comfortable with. </p><p>All up, I'm taking each day as it comes.</p>Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-15427232130689892182019-12-28T20:13:00.001+11:002019-12-28T20:13:16.557+11:00A hot, smokey start to summer<p>Given the number and extent of the bushfires it's no surprise that I'm still in Sydney. No plans to leave for the immediate future. The weather has been hotter and drying than normal. The fires have started earlier, are more numerous and burnt more than ever before. I'll stay in the city for the moment until the situation improves.</p> <p>I'm feeling more confident on my feet lately. I've been walking a minimium of 12km daily, with some days of 24km. Smoke and heat have limited the larger days. The amount of time it takes has also been a factor. The Keen sandals have been working well, but I miss the open toes of real sandals. So, I've started wearing a pair of Merrell Mojave Sport sandals a couple of days ago. My kind of sandal - no toe box, so the toes wiggle free. Early days yet on them. I've have also patched the Vibrams - so still wearing them sometimes, depending on where or what I'll be walking on. </p> <p>Besides the shoes, I've been looking at how my body moves. I had thought I knew how to walk. Like, how hard is it? We all get it worked out by about 15 months. I started watching how I walk and reading about gait. I realised how little I knew. It's terribly complicated all the bits that work together for locomation. Where are the feet are pointing, which bit hits the ground first, how hard, are you upright, or hunched forward, pushing off with the rear foot, and on and on.</p> <p>And then when I started trying to monitor my own walking - what is that foot doing, I was reminded of this quote from Alan Watts, The Way of Zen:</p> <p>"The centipede was happy, quite,</br> Until a toad in fun Said,</br> "Pray, which leg goes after which?"</br> This worked his mind to such a pitch,</br> He lay distracted in a ditch,</br> Considering how to run."</br></p> <p>I feel like the centipede. Watching how I walked or trying to change my gait, at times it feels like I can't walk. It is all too much to direct. I feel like a broken puppet and I can't walk unless I direct every action. At times I do end up stopped and need to forget about it for a while. With practice I'm getting better. Less broken feeling and more 'gliding along' times. It's a slow process. In the begining any change feel really weird, and require a huge amount of attention. This also triggers centipede freeze up.</p> <p>Changes are slow. It takes time paying attention to have the change stick. It is so easy to drift back to the old way. It also takes times for muscles and tendons to adapt to some of the changes. Things hurt, ache or feel tired really fast. I have to pace the effort. A little bit each day, slowly increasing the length of time. Then one day, I notice that the change has stuck and it doesn't feel weird anymore.</p> <p>I'm still working on it.</p> <p>This <a href="https://www.verywellfit.com/tips-for-walking-technique-3435093">has a bit of a guide</a> about walking technique.</p> <div dir="ltr"><br></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-74482327449184668012019-11-07T17:29:00.002+11:002019-11-07T17:29:42.853+11:00Footwear (again)Not the post I was hoping to make. My cart is still resting beside me and not adventuring along the roads (yet).<br />
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Since the last post there has been a seemingly never ending stream of unexpected events that delayed me. The latest is back to my feet.<br />
<br />
Also hoping that adding an update will stop the spam bots. Maybe they look and see no updates and think the blog is abandoned and so try to post comments. Been getting a lot lately.<br />
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A tale of feet footwear sorrow follows.<br />
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Sadly I wore a hole in the sole of my Vibram Five Fingers. I returned to <a href="https://barefootinc.com.au/" target="_blank">Barefoot Inc</a> for another pair, but found their retail store has closed. The building is being refurbished. They are still in business online until they find a new location, but I'd rather try on shoes than do the order/return cycle. Specially as Vibram Five Finger sizing is all over the place. It is not the same size between models, and they keep changing the models. All the Vibrams I have had have been different sizes, and apart from one occasion, different models. As much as I and my feet like Vibrams, it has been an the increasing hassle finding them. I also really want sandals, specially with summer on the way. Time to try something new. Something more easily available.<br />
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<a href="https://www.unshoesusa.com/" target="_blank">Unshoes</a> looked good. The <a href="https://www.unshoesusa.com/products/pah-tempe" target="_blank">Pah Tempe 2.0</a>. I liked the strap placement so the toes can wave free, and the options for custom sole sizing. Ordered and they arrived quicker than expected. But I wasn't that happy with them. The single strap adjustment is a compromise and the hold on the foot always feels loose. I'm still have them and continue to experiment with them, but the telling feature was I went back to wearing the Vibrams with the hole in the sole.<br />
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In frustration I tried on a pair of work shoes in Kmart. Heavy with the steel cap, but could work. Decided to look at hiking shoes just to get some shoes and get walking more.<br />
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Ended up with a pair of <a href="https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-NEWPORT-H2.html" target="_blank">Keen Newport H2</a>. Pretty much a shoe with holes. I wavered on the sizing, and may have sized wrong with too large. Found out later there is a half size that might be a better fit. Day one I walked 15 km in them and immediately had sore knees, feet and legs. Lesson: it takes adjustment after Vibrams, go easy. That eventually settled down, and I was able to increase my walking distance. But now I'm working through blisters - heel, between the toes, and on the toe tips. I had preventative taped spots, but missed a couple - which did blister. Some might be because of callouses, but the heel blister is rubbing on the sandal. I'm not a fan of the moulded foot bed. Trying to decide if I sized wrong, or I just need to cut the moulding away in that spot.Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-53224147993938089562019-03-29T07:24:00.001+11:002019-03-29T07:45:43.920+11:00Footwear ChoicesTime is flying past and the preparation continues. Last week, looking at the list decisions to be made and tasks to be done, it seemed grim. But, rapidly it has improved.<br />
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Foot wear has been continual problem. What to wear? I have a <a href="https://www.wanderingtime.com/2017/03/">home made pair of sandals</a>, that continually needs repair. A pair of Merrell sandals that aren't great. I've modified to improve the fit. They are almost worn out, but I can't bring myself to throw out yet. And a pair of Vibram Five Finger (VFF) Trek Ascent that are worn, but not completely worn out: the pair I walked the <a href="https://www.wanderingtime.com/2017/09/dwellingup.html">Bibbulmun Track in 2017</a> in. Starting a 2000km+ walk, none of those are going to last the distance. I need new shoes. But what?<br />
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My feet are large and broad.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j3KbF8iMA318zBg0JhyAA7s4nE7-O1ybAewwT6hhA-wp4pqyBIrf8VP2aGwvFRbZLQMPXTm7JkwAPDzN_bFPnYBDVZZiGVQ3yD_RO4kkrlbdjHkHw-uQeZaQGSAISob0iDV_zNJnFGU/s1600/IMG_20190326_184332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j3KbF8iMA318zBg0JhyAA7s4nE7-O1ybAewwT6hhA-wp4pqyBIrf8VP2aGwvFRbZLQMPXTm7JkwAPDzN_bFPnYBDVZZiGVQ3yD_RO4kkrlbdjHkHw-uQeZaQGSAISob0iDV_zNJnFGU/s320/IMG_20190326_184332.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insoles on tracing of my feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Modern shoes are weird. Really weird. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-heeled_shoe">High heels</a> for everyone. Something that started with calvary riders to keep help their feet on the stirrups when standing and shooting arrows, became a way to show you were rich enough to afford expensive heeled boots. Then there are pointy toes. Peasants had broad wide feet, so the aristocracy showed they were better by wearing pointy shoes. Because the heel is raised, the sole is hard, so to make stepping easier, the toe area is raised to help the 'step off' part of walking. And then, the edges of the shoe are raised as well. I'm not sure if this is a "feature" or just the effect of injection moulding when attaching the top of the shoe to the sole. The edges get more material, to hold the top on, but the center gets less, so the foot bed becomes boat shaped. The insole goes on top of the foot bed and attempts (unsuccessfully) to fix this.<br />
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I've tried the conventional shoes. I really wanted to be able to use them, just because of the ease of finding them. But on the practice walks, I just couldn't keep them on. My feet started to hurt. Worse, the changes wasn't just the feet; the knees, hips and back too. Months of join pain, toes jammed up, and pushing the cart in heels wasn't want I wanted to do.<br />
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(<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-heeled_shoe#Research_Studies_Conducted_on_the_Medical_Aspects_of_Wearing_Heels">There are problems with wearing heels</a>. The higher the heel, the worse the problems. Researchers use women's high heels for their studies as they are so extreme, but most shoes have heels. Unless you are wearing 'zero drop' shoes).<br />
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I really wanted sandals, but haven't been able to find any that tick all the points I want: a flat foot bed, zero drop, no toe raise, no squashing the toes together and no toe post. Such a sandal surely exists somewhere. But for now, every time my feet hurt, my go to fix-it shoe is the VFF. I walked the 1000km Biblumun track in VFF's. They work for me. Why was I spending so much time on footwear when I could just wear them again. Decision done. Decided.<br />
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Now, where to get a new pair.<br />
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Sadly the Trek Ascent model I have is no longer made. I only had that model through a series of chance events, so this time I wanted to try on different models. Luckily Sydney has <a href="https://barefootinc.com.au/">Barefoot Inc</a>. It's <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vftbAiuQWRo">conveniently located</a> near Green Square Station, Alexandria. Three times I went to look and try on different shoes before I decided. Besides VFF, I was also looking at <a href="https://www.lemsshoes.com/">Lems</a>, <a href="https://www.vivobarefoot.com/au">Vivobarefoot</a> and <a href="https://xeroshoes.com/">Xero</a> shoes. The staff wear the shoes they are selling. So are able to give real feedback on the different models and their best use. They couldn't have been more helpful.<br />
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I left with not one, but two pairs of new VVF. It was a great deal that was too good to pass up. My feet are thanking me already. The two pairs are old stock. Models no longer made. I'll definitely be back to Barefoot Inc in the future.<br />
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Interest point: For anyone thinking that you can't wear barefoot shoes on the road for long distances: <a href="https://rawveganpath.com/about-us/">Raw Running</a>. In 2013 this couple ran 15,782km around Australia, running 366 marathons (43 km) each in 366 days, no days off in barefoot shoes.<br />
<br />Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-75857461286487299672019-03-09T17:36:00.002+11:002019-03-09T17:36:33.094+11:00Cart improvements, and Training<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_eKC4kDVWiimHafS0OeDPnzt_O878EFlC2nfu-vUr8Yb9f6UITUmq98Oey3hipviUTF1Nsgej8F7aM2MR7Lv8Vr3J6VIUUtD91NI566lnq88C3zSWK6c0ImX7K5JpxBq1xVczWruLiQ/s1600/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_eKC4kDVWiimHafS0OeDPnzt_O878EFlC2nfu-vUr8Yb9f6UITUmq98Oey3hipviUTF1Nsgej8F7aM2MR7Lv8Vr3J6VIUUtD91NI566lnq88C3zSWK6c0ImX7K5JpxBq1xVczWruLiQ/s320/image3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day 2 of training and cart adjustments. I changed how the mesh sits. It is now a single deeper compartment, rather than several segmented sections. I had tried newer handles, but discarded them before starting today. Still more work needed on the handles.<br />
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Google maps tells me the walk is 11.4 km on footpaths and fire trails. I had thought the trip was 8 km and hadn't considered the elevation change. I was worried about how slow and out of condition I'm feeling. Knowing it is actually 11.4 km makes me feel better. It's a good mix of hard, rough, sandy and hills. The outbound 5.7 km trip is very easy and fast. The return is another matter: it is up hill all the way except for the last kilometer. Much slower, with more rest stops. I'm walking with test load of 30 kg of water, plus some tools in case of running repairs. No way pulling it up hill is ever going to be easy. The more I train now, the better I'll feel later. <br />
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From the first walk I have been very happy with the way the cart is working. The cart is light weight, handles well, rolls over obstacles easily, and the shade cloth has been excellent for holding gear in and keeping the center of gravity low. It has surprised me how rough and how uneven the ground I can travel on, and not tip the cart or tip gear out. All this is without a cover over the top, that I'll have later. I originally wanted a fishing net, but now I think that shade cloth is much better. Small things just stay in the bottom and nothing falls through the holes. The depth of the net sling matters. On the first walk I had it quite high. This gave less load room and meant the handle ends hit the ground first when putting the cart down. This wasn't great for resting as the handles ended up in the dirt all the time. On any slope, stopping the cart moving needed wheel chocks as the handles slide on the ground very easily. With the changes for today, the load sits on the ground when resting. Downside is that pulling the cart my heels sometimes hit the load even though the distance from the handles to the load start increased. Also, resting, the load sits in the dirt, which is okay when the resting spot is clean and dry, but is going to be a problem when wet and muddy. I'll have to find a happy medium between the two. I'm still thinking how to have light weight feet for the handle end that would keep the handles and load out of the dirt, and could let me sit on a low seat for resting too.<br />
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There are still other changes to make to the cart. The basic design of the cart will stay the same. It works well pushing or pulling it. I will add a hip belt as that makes pulling it uphills easier, helps with resisting on the downhills. It feels like it saves energy, else I have to grip the handles hard enough to transmit the push/pull force. On the flats a hip belt gives my hands a rest. But the pull handles need to be far enough apart to not bang on my hips when walking.<br />
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Brakes would be nice to add some drag for the downhills. I can walk in front and push back to slow or stop the cart, but walking behind and resisting is safer. On my first walk, my foot slipped on one of the downhills and while I didn't fall, I did realise that if I had, the cart would have run me over. With changes for today, this is less likely, as the load hits the ground if the handles lower too far. But on a steep hill, the cart could still run me over before the load dragging stops the cart moving. <br />
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Mudguards are an essential addition. Even on dry ground, sand, dirt and leaves stick to the tyres and fall off into the cart. Mud and muddy water will also end up inside without mudguards.<br />
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Something to sort urgently is footwear. I've had a lot of trouble with my feet over the past few years and worry that without the right footwear, the trip will be very short. Modern footwear fashions are crazy: heels with narrow and pointy toes. I'm still wearing Vibram Five Fingers, which are excellent for being flat, having amble width, and not compressing the toes. But they are wearing out. Now in training time is the best time if I'm going to replace them with something else. But what?<br />
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Thanks to Terri who provided the photo of me on the fire trail with the test load.Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-49150181812514624732019-03-07T17:52:00.001+11:002019-03-07T17:52:44.972+11:00Sydney: Cart number x<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHGz7Q3pgE2GWHEG1I_tSJUOqBao2jegCom7inQDiKvWdoGljw67v3nGFpr3krYiRgt5MULlIjURa9fYu5eh3wcQnZO_KV7BSFwEJTmELwFx3vsfUngniQ6g2UlaUpVzoM93dk6mcVfM/s1600/IMG_20190307_173816359_HDR-764987.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHGz7Q3pgE2GWHEG1I_tSJUOqBao2jegCom7inQDiKvWdoGljw67v3nGFpr3krYiRgt5MULlIjURa9fYu5eh3wcQnZO_KV7BSFwEJTmELwFx3vsfUngniQ6g2UlaUpVzoM93dk6mcVfM/s320/IMG_20190307_173816359_HDR-764987.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6665538270714336274" /></a></p><div dir="ltr"><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="auto">Not sure where I'm up to in the cart count. Too many have been conceived, half or fully built and then torn apart to start again. But this feels closer to final. A test walk soon will help decide if this is the case or not. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div>I originally wanted a bed base structure so that I could take the wheels off it and sleep a couple of centimeters off the ground. But as construction progressed, the weight increased, until that started to become a problem. Back to ground sleeping without the platform. And the build is lighter. </div><div><br></div><div>If the trial goes well, I'll add eye holes to shade cloth to help tie down the load. A tarp will go over the top for weather protection. </div> </div></div> </div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-66751472303351120002018-05-27T11:00:00.001+10:002018-05-27T11:09:30.022+10:00Sydney and ?<p dir="ltr">It's been longer than I'd planned since the last update. And it'll be longer still to the next.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For the rest of the year, I have some private matters to attend to. So, there will be no updates until late this year, or early next. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Check back then.</p>
Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-58089578091366109492018-02-10T12:27:00.001+11:002018-02-10T12:27:08.476+11:00Sydney days<div dir="auto"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium">My days involve walking. I'm walking at least 10km a day. Mostly that is early morning, late in the afternoon, when it is cooler. Middle of the day, I visit a library to charge my phone. Then sit either outdoors or in a mall our shopping center, have my daily meal while people watching, day dreaming, or watching the wildlife. Sometimes I talk with people. Mostly it's the elderly. </p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium">I've walked a few trails and suburbs that I've not been to before. Some nice walks about. Many more to explore yet. Though, I want to carry less to do it. </p><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr">Doing a bit of community service. Walking past the same rubbish every day got to me. Someone should pick it up. I decided to be that someone. Starting carrying a bag and picking it up. I'm only filling one shopping bag a walk past, so will be cleaning some places for a while yet. Been reporting leaking taps/toilets to the council, water seeps to Sydney water, etc. I don't get why the people who clean/resupply the toilets don't report leaks. Such a waste water!</p></div><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr">Still bedding down living. Finding water locations, open toilets, sleeping spots. Got very dehydrated a few times not drinking enough. Combination of few water fountains and fear of not finding a toilet when needed. (Also being in to populated areas with few bushes.) And just not thinking about drinking. Making an effort to drink more. </p></div><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr">Still hunting the perfect sleeping spot. Had a couple of sleepless nights with bad choices. But it's been okay overall. The weather has been fine this past week. Any showers were light and after I was set up. Was a couple of heavy dew falls too. Sooner or latter will be heavier rain. I hope to have sleeping sorted before then. Or, might try for undercover. Wet gear is heavy, and I carry it outside my pack to keep the rest of my stuff dry. If it's only lightly damp, I leave it. But if it's dripping wet, I spread it out at lunch time to dry. </p><p dir="ltr">Pack weight has plummeted. Carrying everything everywhere really has me focused on having less. Down from 8 or 9kg to about 5.5kg now, including the pack. I changed to a smaller, lighter 45L pack, but it's not full, so I could go smaller yet. I'm not happy with the gear I am carrying, and am experimenting to drop it further. There are some trade-offs. I'm finding that some of the trade-offs are more mental than physical with comfort. And some of the physical comforts after a while you get used to having less. It's just the change that feels uncomfortable. <br></p></div><p dir="ltr" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium"></p><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr"></p></div><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr">I'm changing my clothing. The long sleeve shirts and cycling shorts aren't as utilitarian as I'd like. Sweating in them walking, the shirts are large and difficult to wash. I'm trialling a layering system, so I can wash the thin, light, quick dry base layers more often, and the outer layers, hopefully less often. </p></div><div align="left" style="font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium" dir="auto"><p dir="ltr">Wipes were on sale and I purchased a packet to try. Washing with wipes does feel better. But having a water shower still wins out. I had one this week. Washed my clothes under a tap at the same time. Midday in the sun, 34C, it all dried in an hour. I spread things on a park bench at first. Then draped first the shirt, then later the pants, on my head, both to cool me and to dry them faster. Next time will just wash and wear. It's faster that way. I don't want to pack away damp clothing as it will not dry in my pack. </p></div></div> Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244987318327204215.post-153766868683478842018-02-03T12:04:00.001+11:002018-02-10T12:00:32.265+11:00Houseless in Sydney<p dir="ltr">I needed to leave my friend's house sit. The plan was to walk south, and I did start. But, as they do, plans change. Now I'm staying about the Sydney region for a bit, living out of my pack. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The day is dawning. It's raining again. Showers really. I'm grateful to be dry for now. I've spent a lot of time damp and will be again. My morning dilemma: wait for the shower to pass or pack and head off in the rain to find an open toilet? Not many public toilets are open overnight. Not good to wait too long. Whichever, I can't stay here too long. No one it's about in the rain, but they'll come. I can't be seen here.</p>
<p dir="ltr">My travel by bicycle, I now look back on thinking it was so easy. Lots of space. Set up a tent! Dig a cat hole. Strip and wash under a bottle shower. Air dry. Sun bake. Hang out in camp. Stay clean. Carry lots of food and water. Always going somewhere, or doing something. Find food, water, campsite, a change of scenery. Never many people around.  When I started out it was terrifying. I had so many fears. It only got comfortable and easy with time and experience. I'm in the same place now. The fearful, terrifying place. Still working out how to deal with everyday issues. Where to sleep, toilet, get water, wash myself and my clothing, where to hang out at 6am when I can't stay in my bed. Where to wait till it gets dark enough to go to my bed. With time and experience I hope it'll get easy. But that's little consolation now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Only last night I slept well. But I think it was just lack of sleep catching up with me. I want more sleep. I had found a place for a few nights. But rested uneasy, waking often. I like the spot, but I'm too conspicuous there. Soon someone will notice and I'll get rousted, maybe risk getting fined. I need a better spot. Another motivator is that if the rain continues today, my spot will be very muddy, if not under water. Definitely somewhere new tonight.  My wish for a quite spot has waned as I've become more accustomed to the city noise you don't notice inside: cars, trucks, dogs, people talking, planes taking off/landing. Noise I can handle. To sleep undisturbed is what I want. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Washing is still on the list to solve. Cycling, my clothes didn't smell. I'd sweat and dry and my skin would get a layer of salt. Clothes got salty. I think the salt  stopped the bacteria that cause smell. Walking, I sweat, but stay damp, and don't salt up. Clothes start to smell. A quick rinse in a sink and put them back on wet is not enough to clean them. Wash and wear I call it. Even with the cool days and showers they dry eventually. Bit unpleasant putting them on, but it quickly passes. I need to get soap for the next wash. Need to wash me too. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I decided to wait out the current shower and use it to wash out my socks. The toilet, not yet urgent enough and perhaps not open either. I'll enjoy the time without having to move just a little bit longer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once already I've downsized my pack. The easy discards. I thought I was being ruthless then. Further days have shown me my errors. I've still too much useless stuff. Each possession is mentally weighed. How essential it is now? Few things are. Extra clothing for cooler weather will be essential, but not now. It'll go. Weight and bulk are my pack enemies. Even the pack taunts me with its size and weight. It's day is coming. A heavy pack is awkward. Stands out. Hard on the body too. Full of useless stuff, I cannot fit more essential items. Or can't easily find what I want without emptying it. I've though about a shopping cart, but want the freedom of walking for now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The day ahead is large and empty. Sunrise is about 6, sunset about 8. What's open when and where. How to get there. How will I fill my day?</p>
Megan Lee Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14925618139551512876noreply@blogger.com