Surviving a Heat Wave in the Caravan

Like most of the rest of Australia, the weather in Canberra has been very hot this summer. In the three weeks we have been here, there have been only 6 days with a maximum under 30 degrees, and Christmas Day has been the only day with a maximum under 20. To cope with these temperatures in the van we need to be proactive with opening and closing windows, air vents and curtains, in order to maximise the breeze and minimise the sun. Although our site here has very little shade, the van is oriented basically east-west, which means at least we don't get much direct sun onto the windows. However, no matter how careful we are it isn't easy to keep the inside of the van cool, particularly on the days that have been in the high 30s.

The first time we turned the air-conditioner on after we first got the van it made a terrible racket.  Ever since we have tried to avoid using it whenever possible, for both our own comfort and that of others who are parked nearby. About 18 months ago, several years after we set off on our around Australia adventure, a neighbour remarked that it sounded like there was something loose in the airconditioner cowling. Sure enough, inspection revealed a missing screw, which explained the terrible rattling. Such a simple fix! We still avoid using the air conditioner when we can, as we much prefer natural ventilation, but at least we now have that option when the heat becomes unbearable, as has happened quite a few times in the past couple of weeks. At least being such a small area it cools down reasonably quickly, and once the outside air has cooled down to a reasonable temperature we can once again open all the windows and let the breezes through.

In contrast to the days here, most night in Canberra have been quite reasonable sleeping temperature, and we have slept under the doona for all except a few nights. However, there have been a couple of times when the night has been so warm as to make sleeping uncomfortable. Even with our quieter air conditioner we do not like to sleep with it on, so we have a tiny fan that years ago cost us $10 in Bunnings (the caravanner's friend) that clips on to a shelf above the bed. It's remarkably effective, the only drawback is that as the switch is on John's side of the bed if Wendy wakes up too cold and wants it switched off she either has to get up and walk around the bed or nudge John until he wakes up enough up to turn it off. Guess which option she usually selects?