Land on Booth Ave

Sunshine and I have been looking at land up here in the mountains. Tired of paying off a landlord's investments, we want our own place, where we can build and renovate pretty much how we please, and be investing in our lives together while we're at it.

Here's a block we really like. 2000m2, surrounded by bush and the Blue Mountains National Park, gently sloping, overlooking a bush valley. Few neighbours, road access, power and phone lines, but no water or sewage. Asking $105 000.

We think that's a pretty good price, a sign that things are getting real up here again. We spend long hours looking into possibilities for affording a $190 000 loan to buy the block and build a very basic shed/house with a view to renovating it as we go. I've started saving links for building.

Not having water or sewage is a bit of a problem, but not as much as the likely council requirements such as bushfire threat management, that may require us the clear the trees beyond the property boundry! I have a fort like house design in mind if this requirement becomes a reality...
Blue Mountains City Council has an excellent map service that shows a lot about the blocks for sale up here.

So we've made a few inquiries to banks, and typed our figures into the available calculators. Things look grim actually. My 'self employed' status won't help matters, and my annual income may only just scrape us in for the amount we're asking. And we still have to pull together a 10% deposit... all this to get a loan with repayments equal to the rent we pay anyway!

New Mechanic for servicing

Changed mechanics recently. I needed someone local as I'm not commuting to Penrith everyday now. I took the recommendation of a friend and went with George at Blackheath Automotive. They're pricey but I think they're good.

George has improved the fuel flow problem that wasn't fixed by the new airflow meter, and he is very thorough with services.

This service at meter: 113016

Lubrication Service
Replaced engine oil and filter
Checked condition and adjustment of fan belts
Inspected and topped up battery levels, window washers, break fluid, transmission and diffs
Inspected cooling system components for leaks and deterioration, and checked coolant concentration
Checked tyre pressures (including spare) and lubed door hinges and latches
Checked lights, horn, wipers and washers
Safety inspection and report

Tune up
Remove and replace spark plugs
Inspect condition of ignition primary and secondary systems
Check operation mechanical and vacuum advance systems
replace fuel filter and air filter element
adjust ignition timing to manufacturer's specifications
Clean throttle body or grime deposits
Adjusted idle speed and idle mixtures to specs

Brake service
Remove wheels and inspect condition of discs, pads, and rotors
inspect calipers and hydro hoses
Check rear wheel cylinders for leakage and seizure, clean
Refit wheel and adjust brakes to correct freeplay
Check and adjust park break

Replace wiper blades

Rear break drums need replacing

Bike Dogging to Pulpit and Anvil Rock

Sunshine, the dogs and I have just returned from a pretty good bike dogging leg. We drove out to Hat Hill Rd, along it a bit, and bike dogged it down to Pulpit Rock, then on the Anvil Rock. Nice trip, easy going, dogs did well.

It snowed up here again!

Its been pretty cold of late, and the day before yesterday snow flacks were being blown all around, but nothing settled. Then over night it managed to settle a bit, giving as a glorious morning!



Here's the temperature inside at 8 in the morning:



It was Blackish's first time to see snow. It was funny to watch her running around in the deck, slipping and having big stacks!

Bike Dogging to Victoria Falls

Went Bike Dogging again on Sunday. This time Sunshine came along. We ate lunch atthe Yum Cha place at Mount Victoria, then road down to Victoria Falls. Nice views and the dogs did well. I've since harnessed them up in line, rather then side by side, as Mistisa is clearly the lead dog, while Blackish does better as a second.