138. The game that wasn’t really a game …

A new game in the caravan park

The Treasure Hunt.

Search for hidden coins

The caravan, the site

The car,

A shiny new “zac”.

Lifting out car seats,

The treasure* …

Ha’pennies, pennies, trays, zacs or bobs.

Two bob – the pinnacle.

The meaning of the treasure

Hidden by adult game-makers

And lost on carefree kids.

Note:

* Pre-decimals. Ha’penny (halfpenny); penny; tray= threepence; zac=sixpence; bob=shilling; two bob=2 shillings.

While we’re talking about currency. Only a few years after this the following ad was running in Australia, educating us about the big change that was to happen on 14th February 1966.

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136. The Ice-Man.

Home is where the caravan is …

Caravan park, Home,

Beach to East

River to North

Metal grey rocks of breakwater

Where fishermen (and us) perch patiently.

My favourite moment …

Love the ice being delivered

Ice delivery

Old truck stacked with big crystal blocks

Metal pincers dig and scar

Ice-man strong, fluid lifts,

Totes, then delivers.

Pincer grip slips, Ice slivers fly.

A better look at the ice pincers.

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135. Legendary1962 holiday begins with hooking up the caravan to the car.

School’s  finished.

The caravan is hooked up,

We’re off, heading North.

Destination:

Port Macquarie.

Fights for window seats.

The universal question:

“Are we nearly there, yet.” 

Travel games.

What’s the capital of …

Name the rivers …

Whose flag is …

BP Pick-a-Box* on wheels.

Happy times ahead.

Camped by the Hastings.

Note:

* BP Pick-A-Box was a TV quiz show, sponsored by BP. Bob Dyer was the hosted, ably assisted by his wife Dolly. This clip has Bob Dyer baiting Barry Jones who was a celebrated regular contestant on the show. Barry Jones would later be elected to teh Australian Parliament.

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