When we made our 130 Defender panelvan, we thought we were set. It was going to be more roomy, more spacious, more comfortable than our dear Series 3, nearly 50 years old and amazing, but still - not Uber comfortable.
And then, we had an issue with fuel in the coolant of the Defender, meaning the planned trip to Robe this weekend would have to be in Buttercup, like it or not.
Still, as long as I was making 
Still, it's not easy packing when you have a small space.
And we have had to regress to the old Esky over a 12v fridge as the lithium battery is set up in the van from our NSW trip. It's like going to the dark ages. If there's one thing I hate being without is my 12V fridge.
Can you see the bucket in the back? Yep, that's our makeshift composting toilet, with a bag full of sawdust in it. There's no toilets where we are going and if we can't wonder off with a shovel, this will have to do. We also brought a portable shower tent because I don't think it's necessary to pay $400 for one to hang off the side of your 4WD.
We do, however, have our awning. To put the awning up, we needed to put the heavy, homemade, awkward roofrack on as the rhinoracks seemed too wobbly to support the awning and go sand 4WDing. Putting it on involves blankets and towels not to scratch the roof, and a bit of shouting. But that shade will be invaluable both in sun and rain, provided it's not hella windy. We NEVER leave our awning up at night unless it's guaranteed to be super still.
Still, whilst it is kinda squishy in there, everything is in its place. We have coffee. And enough food to feed an army.
Then, of course, we have to put up with the inevitable WIERD NOISE when you're half an hour from home.
Lucky it was only the water thingie which just needed a few cable ties to hold it in place. Didn't stop the man effing and blinding though. It's not always fun leaving after a hard day's work but it means we will cover some ground tonight, have a sleep, and be glad we are half way there in the morning.
Our Buttercup may be imperfect, but she's all we have for now.
And as long as she takes us on an adventure
With Love,
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