We have arrived in the mighty Perth WA! Yes, it certainly is a city with all the traffic, people going everywhere and the hustle and bustle you expect of any city. We are in a caravan park not far from the airport, so instead of the gentle surf rolling in we are getting the roar of jet engines: I know which one I prefer, but one has to make sacrifices in this world.
Once again a day of domesticity - washing etc, so no real adventures to talk of yet. Tomorrow we go into the city via 'public transport' ( I have a paranoia of this but don't tell anyone). Then we are to catch the ferry to Freemantle, have fish'n chips on the esplanade and then come home, or go to the park or ????.?
Denis has to get his new window for the camper fitted in the morning, so he and Bec will be off early, leaving the rest of us to our own devices. We are to catch up with friends of ours tomorrow, while Denis and Bec have some friends also to catch up with and Elaine hopes to catch up with her uncle. Seems we all have someone over here to say G'day to - Doug and Rob might have to amuse themselves, it seems.
The best part about a caravan park, beside washing facilities is of course the company you meet at 'happy hour'. Not only do you have different conversation to make, but you also learn a lot about places you might like to see or where the best fishing up the coast is etc. the only problem with this is you do tend to get carried away with the time and before you know it - happy hour goes into evening supper! Oh, never mind the sun will shine in the morning - I hope?.....
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Day 20 - Part B
Well, I found out what the 3rd D was - it was no drugs! It should have been an ideal lifestyle except somewhere along the way disease got in the way and the whole lot of buildings were removed along with the people.
An apology to the old codger too; I found out later I didn't follow his trail, he doubled back early in the piece, so stuffed if I know who or what I was following. Still shows you though, don't follow old blokes on bikes as they can be very tricky and cover their tracks by doubling back!
Oh, did I tell you I eventually found the other trail this afternoon and after following it the full way around found more history about the place. It was used as a mediation place for a Buddhist, who came here to get away from the monsoon in Thailand; it had a school with 10 students at one time and the children who grew up on the peninsula had a play-filled, wonderful upbringing with an adult at the ready to make billy-karts, go crabbing or explore the peninsula as they wished.
There is an enormous Turat tree here which the Swiss Family Robinson would find an awesome home as it has limbs in every direction and extremely high as well. Cubby houses would have been many and every limb would have had it's own set of flats I reckon.
Tonight we sat around the campfire eating our camp-oven stew. Bec made some damper ( very yum) and it was all finished off with philosophical discussion on many and varied topics. One for you at home - who has influenced you in your life and how?
Oh hark, what is that calling - only the damn dishes again. Bye!
An apology to the old codger too; I found out later I didn't follow his trail, he doubled back early in the piece, so stuffed if I know who or what I was following. Still shows you though, don't follow old blokes on bikes as they can be very tricky and cover their tracks by doubling back!
Oh, did I tell you I eventually found the other trail this afternoon and after following it the full way around found more history about the place. It was used as a mediation place for a Buddhist, who came here to get away from the monsoon in Thailand; it had a school with 10 students at one time and the children who grew up on the peninsula had a play-filled, wonderful upbringing with an adult at the ready to make billy-karts, go crabbing or explore the peninsula as they wished.
There is an enormous Turat tree here which the Swiss Family Robinson would find an awesome home as it has limbs in every direction and extremely high as well. Cubby houses would have been many and every limb would have had it's own set of flats I reckon.
Tonight we sat around the campfire eating our camp-oven stew. Bec made some damper ( very yum) and it was all finished off with philosophical discussion on many and varied topics. One for you at home - who has influenced you in your life and how?
Oh hark, what is that calling - only the damn dishes again. Bye!
Monday, 29 July 2013
Day 20 - Message to self - Part A
Dear diary: lesson number 785 - never follow old codger on bike as he will lead you to far away places you probably didn't want to go! This actually took me about 5 kms off track!
I was supposed to be following the walking trial to discover the conservation park history, as it has quite a diverse and interesting past. After the initial inhabitants left/ removed the white settlers came and cut timber, grazed cattle and grew vegetables. They sent the timber to India as that's where the settlers came from originally. Next came the alternative lifestyle people - painter, writers, crafts people. They had 3 D rules: no dogs, no ...., no dole! ( too much information to retain for this old brain). Alas this also didn't last long and here we now have the conservation park.
Actually Australind, which is the area we are in, is a combination of Australia and India: neat yeh?
Well it is now lunchtime, so will continue Part 2 later. See you soon.
I was supposed to be following the walking trial to discover the conservation park history, as it has quite a diverse and interesting past. After the initial inhabitants left/ removed the white settlers came and cut timber, grazed cattle and grew vegetables. They sent the timber to India as that's where the settlers came from originally. Next came the alternative lifestyle people - painter, writers, crafts people. They had 3 D rules: no dogs, no ...., no dole! ( too much information to retain for this old brain). Alas this also didn't last long and here we now have the conservation park.
Actually Australind, which is the area we are in, is a combination of Australia and India: neat yeh?
Well it is now lunchtime, so will continue Part 2 later. See you soon.
Day 18 & 19 - Due North
There was tension in the camp last night as my dearly beloved husband put me under some stress unduly! Firstly, for some reason I have become "chief camp finder" for the group even though there are several others with camps books, etc and when I didn't have the exact details km for km of where to go I got the "you should know" conversation. Secondly, I was accused of not being able to put up the annexe properly, which was not the case, just his impatience and to top it all off one of the other members - who shall remain nameless - tried to interrupt our domestic disputes so he received a 'bird' for his efforts!
Anyway enough of the tardy business of camping, now onto the good bits. As you can tell by the headline we have made a north turn and are finally heading towards warmer and hopefully less wet climates. Talking of wet, yes you guessed it, once again it was wet last night, very wet. To the point that we actually had a moat around our camper. Good way to keep the creepy crawlers out I guess, or those neighbours you don't want.
We had a lovely camp last night as well surrounded by giant Karri trees and even some Sequoia trees as well.
We had walked 'with giants' earlier in the day through ancient forests and tree tops in a Tingle Forrest. Didn't actually find the big Jarrah tree, but went through tons of magnificent stands of eucalyptus trees of all variety.
Today we went to the most south westerly point of Australia to Cape Leeuwin where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. Lovely scenery and a nice day to enjoy the ocean. A very interesting history on the lighthouse and naval wrecks.
Then it was onto Margaret River and a small wine taste was had, just cause we were here, finally parking for the night in a conservation park out of Bunbury. Well the veggies are nearly cooked so better get on with it. Tune in soon for some more adventures.
Anyway enough of the tardy business of camping, now onto the good bits. As you can tell by the headline we have made a north turn and are finally heading towards warmer and hopefully less wet climates. Talking of wet, yes you guessed it, once again it was wet last night, very wet. To the point that we actually had a moat around our camper. Good way to keep the creepy crawlers out I guess, or those neighbours you don't want.
We had a lovely camp last night as well surrounded by giant Karri trees and even some Sequoia trees as well.
We had walked 'with giants' earlier in the day through ancient forests and tree tops in a Tingle Forrest. Didn't actually find the big Jarrah tree, but went through tons of magnificent stands of eucalyptus trees of all variety.
Today we went to the most south westerly point of Australia to Cape Leeuwin where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. Lovely scenery and a nice day to enjoy the ocean. A very interesting history on the lighthouse and naval wrecks.
Then it was onto Margaret River and a small wine taste was had, just cause we were here, finally parking for the night in a conservation park out of Bunbury. Well the veggies are nearly cooked so better get on with it. Tune in soon for some more adventures.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Day 17 - Reflection and rest day
Have finished all the washing, done the shopping and now sitting back and updating the blog, bills, emails etc while Paul watches the V8's in the beautiful camp kitchen we have here in Albany.
Denis had to watch his footy last night (although Essendon didn't quite make the grade) - no doubt Nick (back home) will be happy though with the Hawks taking the points!
More rain again today but at least we can be out of the more inclement stuff with the amenities of the park.
Actually because of the weather (and the V8s) we haven't ventured very far into Albany so I'm none the wiser as to its history. Rob has been out all day, exploring, so hopefully he will come back with some interesting facts and historical stories.
Once again while I have the time I'll let you in on some funny incidents along our way:
Denis had to watch his footy last night (although Essendon didn't quite make the grade) - no doubt Nick (back home) will be happy though with the Hawks taking the points!
More rain again today but at least we can be out of the more inclement stuff with the amenities of the park.
Actually because of the weather (and the V8s) we haven't ventured very far into Albany so I'm none the wiser as to its history. Rob has been out all day, exploring, so hopefully he will come back with some interesting facts and historical stories.
Once again while I have the time I'll let you in on some funny incidents along our way:
- Rob (Doc) the other morning has his kettle on but got way-laid with the beautiful frosty morning we had in camp. Away he went with his camera and the kettle was 'whistleing Dixie' by the time he came back. (Actually I'd turned it off as I could appreciate the moment, just as he did).
- Doug and Elaine - have had their moments setting up and pulling down the camper trailer in the wind and rain. This type of climate would test any relationship.
- Speaking of Elaine she paid a whopping $1.60 for an apple at Eucla; to make it even worse it wasn't even a nice one!
- Doug has lost, found, lost and re-found his telephone several times. Not sure on the status of the phone at present.
- I went out photographing the other day and couldn't understand why my camera wouldn't take the shot. Alas, I had forgotten to put the SD card back in after downloading photos onto the computer! (Even the best of us do stupid things!)
- Paul and Doug went squidding the other day and although Doug swears he squirted all the ink out, Paul still came back covered in black ink, from feet to head - even in his hair, making a slippery mess requiring a hot shower! Doug is still laughing about the incident - sadist!
- Elaine befriended some back-packers the other day and feed them honey Calamari. They kept coming back for more, so must have appreciated the Aussie/Kiwi diet.
- Paul bending over the other morning to light the fire and ripppp - there goes his trousers. Needless to say with most of the others covered in squid ink, we have had to purchase a few new pairs.
- Denis and Bec - I still haven't any real dirt on them except I don't think they qualify as 'campers' anymore in their Kimberly Caravan. We don't see them in the frosty mornings until the frost is melted. That's not camping in my book!
- Someone - who will remain nameless - was watching movies in his camper 2 nights in a row, only to not see the end of either. One he went to get some tablets the next, he fell asleep. Ah, what a good woman would do for the man!
 |
| The gang! |
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Day 16 - Albany
Well we have arrived in Albany and guess what? Yes, it's raining again and of course it is washing day! Oh yeh! Can't complain too much as last night we had a fabulous night at the 'movies' thanks to my intrepid husband and his band of tricks! Projector, sound system, screen ( sheet), and computer. Throw in some of Robin's movies on his hard-drive and you have outback theatre. James Bond in Quantum of Solace never looked so grand.
We had stopped for the night at a lovely old school site called Fitzgerald, where we had the place to ourselves and lots of firewood for our cooking and heating. There was a shelter and nice flat areas to park campers, so things were very amenable to all of us.
There is no-one at Fitzgerald now, but the old site still has remnants of the school and its hey-day. 95 children used to go to the school and they still have a native garden (of sorts) with names of past families sprinkled throughout the area. A bit sad really, to see this was once a thriving community and now left for nomad campers to wonder about and imagine what it might have been like. I guess this is only one of many areas around Australia in the same sorry state.
Tomorrow we will not doubt go for a look around Albany and see what it has to offer. It has a huge whaling history that I know a bit about, but more information would be good.
To help pass the time this morning while driving, on our UHF radios we had a quiz on:
We had stopped for the night at a lovely old school site called Fitzgerald, where we had the place to ourselves and lots of firewood for our cooking and heating. There was a shelter and nice flat areas to park campers, so things were very amenable to all of us.
There is no-one at Fitzgerald now, but the old site still has remnants of the school and its hey-day. 95 children used to go to the school and they still have a native garden (of sorts) with names of past families sprinkled throughout the area. A bit sad really, to see this was once a thriving community and now left for nomad campers to wonder about and imagine what it might have been like. I guess this is only one of many areas around Australia in the same sorry state.
Tomorrow we will not doubt go for a look around Albany and see what it has to offer. It has a huge whaling history that I know a bit about, but more information would be good.
To help pass the time this morning while driving, on our UHF radios we had a quiz on:
- Native flora emblems of Australia
- Native fauna emblems of Australia
Can you guess what the flower for WA is? Do you know what native animal is for WA? What about the bird for WA? ...........
Go google! See you next time.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Day 13 - 15 - Cape le Grand WA
Well as you can see the Nullabour is well and truly behind us and we have been staying out at Cape Le Grand NP near Esperance. Talk about beautiful! White sand, granite rocks and turquoise water - absolutely magnificent! Only July and the wildflowers are awesome. In fact, almost mind boggling as every new step you take, there is a new species. My photography is in overload.
Talking about photography I had a wonderful moment the other morning when we woke up to a winter wonderland. I never knew spinifex could be so beautiful as it was covered in frost and the in the sunshine it made look like crystals. In fact the cobwebs and all the trees were covered in frost making it colourful all round as the sun shone and glistened on it all.
Back to Cape le Grand and the fishing for the boys has been better. Denis caught some nice salmon and then Robin & Paul some great squid. Actually the were huge squid but still tasted all very nice in the lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Well once again time is of the essence with Internet connection and I will have to move off.
Just a short note on the missing rod holder of Denis'. We have found it! Doug put it inadequately under his boat and forgot it was there. Surprise, surprise all has ended well for the rod holder, rods and Denis. Doug we're not too sure about?
Till next time enjoy some more photos.
Talking about photography I had a wonderful moment the other morning when we woke up to a winter wonderland. I never knew spinifex could be so beautiful as it was covered in frost and the in the sunshine it made look like crystals. In fact the cobwebs and all the trees were covered in frost making it colourful all round as the sun shone and glistened on it all.
Back to Cape le Grand and the fishing for the boys has been better. Denis caught some nice salmon and then Robin & Paul some great squid. Actually the were huge squid but still tasted all very nice in the lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Well once again time is of the essence with Internet connection and I will have to move off.
Just a short note on the missing rod holder of Denis'. We have found it! Doug put it inadequately under his boat and forgot it was there. Surprise, surprise all has ended well for the rod holder, rods and Denis. Doug we're not too sure about?
Till next time enjoy some more photos.
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Day 11 & 12 - Western Australia
As I'm waiting for the kettle to boil at the Madura Pass, thought I'd get into my blog.
We have made it across the Nullabor and although it was very wet and windy, found time to look out across the bight and take some lovely photos.
We stayed at Mundrabilla Roadhouse last night to celebrate Denis' birthday amid much frivolity and fun. It was nice to not have to cook when the conditions weren't very nice. The friendly staff at the roadhouse staff (Lynn) made the night with her friendly banter in her lovely English accent.
Hoping for better conditions from here on in, as we have been through some very trying ones.
Fowlers Bay was pretty but oh so windy. Tried the fishing but after the lines came back into shore it was time to give up. That night the wind really came up and our tarp collapsed, Denis' window broke, after falling off, and Doug's canopy was torn down; all in all not a good night.
Well today is off to a good start and hopefully the weather will continue to shine on us from here on, so till next time.......
P.S. why to all the women leave dirty toilet paper at these free stops? Please pick them up and put them in the appropriate place!
We have made it across the Nullabor and although it was very wet and windy, found time to look out across the bight and take some lovely photos.
We stayed at Mundrabilla Roadhouse last night to celebrate Denis' birthday amid much frivolity and fun. It was nice to not have to cook when the conditions weren't very nice. The friendly staff at the roadhouse staff (Lynn) made the night with her friendly banter in her lovely English accent.
Hoping for better conditions from here on in, as we have been through some very trying ones.
Fowlers Bay was pretty but oh so windy. Tried the fishing but after the lines came back into shore it was time to give up. That night the wind really came up and our tarp collapsed, Denis' window broke, after falling off, and Doug's canopy was torn down; all in all not a good night.
Well today is off to a good start and hopefully the weather will continue to shine on us from here on, so till next time.......
P.S. why to all the women leave dirty toilet paper at these free stops? Please pick them up and put them in the appropriate place!
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Day 9 & 10 - Turn the corner
I'm sitting in the car at Ceduna waiting on everyone to finish last minute shopping before heading into Fowlers Bay.
We spent a horrible night at Streaky Bay when 70 kms winds came in overnight and nearly blew us away. The tide had come right up to the front of the camper so hooking it onto the Toyota was a bit of a trial. So bad was the weather this morning we took to the Bakery in town for a nice cappuccino and croissant! ( life isn't all bad, even in trying circumstances).
After getting out of Streaky Bay we headed north to try and find a spot for the day out of the wind, which we finally did at Acraman Conservation Area. Hidden away behind mallee trees in amongst sand dunes it was time to relax, read a bit and keep warm. The rain continued for most of the day but we had tarps up everywhere to help keep us dry.
On the road again this morning and finally caught up to Doug and Elaine, quite by chance in Ceduna. They were just taking off as we came around the corner, so after a small chase to wave them down, we are now all together again. Well we are fuelled and heading towards the Nullabor so see you soon.
We spent a horrible night at Streaky Bay when 70 kms winds came in overnight and nearly blew us away. The tide had come right up to the front of the camper so hooking it onto the Toyota was a bit of a trial. So bad was the weather this morning we took to the Bakery in town for a nice cappuccino and croissant! ( life isn't all bad, even in trying circumstances).
After getting out of Streaky Bay we headed north to try and find a spot for the day out of the wind, which we finally did at Acraman Conservation Area. Hidden away behind mallee trees in amongst sand dunes it was time to relax, read a bit and keep warm. The rain continued for most of the day but we had tarps up everywhere to help keep us dry.
On the road again this morning and finally caught up to Doug and Elaine, quite by chance in Ceduna. They were just taking off as we came around the corner, so after a small chase to wave them down, we are now all together again. Well we are fuelled and heading towards the Nullabor so see you soon.
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Day 7 & 8 - Wild, wild weather!
Hi all, here I am again but this time sitting in the camp kitchen at the Streaky Bay Caravan Park, as the weather is horrible. It has been blowing all morning and now the rain has set in. Just as well the washing was done yesterday - well most of it anyway.
The boys did get some fishing in yesterday and brought home a nice bag of squid for tea last night. Along with a roast meal cooked by Bec and Denis' new Weber Q, a few red wines around the campfire and life was looking pretty rosy - until this morning.
We had been warned to turn the van around by the Park lady as she had heard from Ceduna that strong winds (gale force) were heading our way today and even worse tomorrow! 50 kms tomorrow, so not sure if we will move or ride out another day here hoping for a break in the wind at least.
I don't relish the thought of going into strong head-winds across the Nullabour.
Met a nice young man travelling on his own from WA, heading to Newcastle to see his Grandmother (what a fine young man), who also pointed out some good fishing spots to the boys as well.
I thought while a had a moment I'd to tell you about some of the funny things that have happened so far on our trip. Things like:
The boys did get some fishing in yesterday and brought home a nice bag of squid for tea last night. Along with a roast meal cooked by Bec and Denis' new Weber Q, a few red wines around the campfire and life was looking pretty rosy - until this morning.
We had been warned to turn the van around by the Park lady as she had heard from Ceduna that strong winds (gale force) were heading our way today and even worse tomorrow! 50 kms tomorrow, so not sure if we will move or ride out another day here hoping for a break in the wind at least.
I don't relish the thought of going into strong head-winds across the Nullabour.
Met a nice young man travelling on his own from WA, heading to Newcastle to see his Grandmother (what a fine young man), who also pointed out some good fishing spots to the boys as well.
I thought while a had a moment I'd to tell you about some of the funny things that have happened so far on our trip. Things like:
- Doug one night trying to put up his camper in the dark, couldn't find his tent pegs when Paul says " Are these them Doug?" they were propping up his camper while we were getting things out from underneath! It was a stressful night.
- Paul's boat became flooded when he failed to pull it up properly overnight. With the wind blowing it, it drifted sideways and ended up filling up with water. Hopefully no real damage done - but oh, my husband!
- I took the 'scenic route' through Gawler and headed in the wrong direction. We were supposed to be going to Burra, but ended up at Mallala.
- Denis took over the lead in Clare (told you it was scenic) and started heading back to Gawler until his Mrs Navman kicked in and said "do a U-turn, do a U-turn)!
- Denis had a rod-holder taken at Nelson. It was up against Doug's house and one minute there: next gone. So if you see a rod-holder with Denis McGrath on it, with a nice Bream rod - ask for it back will you, 'cause whoever took it should not have!
- Robin (Doc) had some of Bec's Glenfidich whiskey one night and when cooking his peas, didn't actually find any on his plate. Unfortunately when he tipped the water out, his peas decided to go as well. Well, the were Surprise Peas!
 |
| Streaky Bay SA - on the beach in fine weather. |
Monday, 15 July 2013
Day 5 & 6 - Streaky Bay SA
Hi all, we have just arrived in Streaky Bay following another rain-filled night at Mt Remarkable. We had to eat our tea under the canopy of the camper and then straight to bed to listen to the radio and the cricket. Bad luck the Aussies only missed by 14 runs: we'll get them next time!
Called in at Port Augusta and replenished "stuff" ( alcohol for one), then it was onto the turnoff that said Western Australia - finally heading in the right direction.
Passed acres and acres of grain crops all looking fabulous. Ireland would be pleased to see such greenery. Actually we have not seen anything resembling dry or drought conditions our whole trip. Water running in most creeks, so hopefully this goes over to the west and wildflowers will be spectacular!
We are stopping here a few days to catch up on washing, the boys can catch some fish????, and wait for Doug and Elaine to catch up, so tomorrow I will download a few more photos and update again, hopefully this time with tales of whiting, squid and the like. Stayed tuned!
P.S. for all the people back home following the blog - hi and thanks for your support along the way.
Cheers for now.
Called in at Port Augusta and replenished "stuff" ( alcohol for one), then it was onto the turnoff that said Western Australia - finally heading in the right direction.
Passed acres and acres of grain crops all looking fabulous. Ireland would be pleased to see such greenery. Actually we have not seen anything resembling dry or drought conditions our whole trip. Water running in most creeks, so hopefully this goes over to the west and wildflowers will be spectacular!
We are stopping here a few days to catch up on washing, the boys can catch some fish????, and wait for Doug and Elaine to catch up, so tomorrow I will download a few more photos and update again, hopefully this time with tales of whiting, squid and the like. Stayed tuned!
P.S. for all the people back home following the blog - hi and thanks for your support along the way.
Cheers for now.
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Day 3 & 4 - Rain
After spending a lovely time in Nelson - the boys going fishing and the girls walking, we headed out of town to a nice spot along the Glenelg River for the night. All was going well except the rain had different ideas and down she came! It rained pretty constantly throughout the night and in the morning there was a river travelling through our camp. (The camp was called Dry Creek, but unfortunately forgot its name that night)!
The next day we packed up in the rain, and travelled to Mt Gambier for breakfast at Maccas. I know it is not real camping, but it was nice to get in out of the wet for a while.
Back on the road and onto Kingston, where we left Doug for a few days to wait for Elaine and catch us later down the road. More rain throughout the day, but we finally made it into Mannum on the Murray where the weather improved and we had a great night beside the big river.
Till next time.
The next day we packed up in the rain, and travelled to Mt Gambier for breakfast at Maccas. I know it is not real camping, but it was nice to get in out of the wet for a while.
Back on the road and onto Kingston, where we left Doug for a few days to wait for Elaine and catch us later down the road. More rain throughout the day, but we finally made it into Mannum on the Murray where the weather improved and we had a great night beside the big river.
Till next time.
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Day 2 - Nelson
Woke up this morning to a very crisp morning, as there was no firewood left, had to be content with wooly jackets, scarves and gloves.
Travelled onto Portland to have morning tea, and review my past heritage of the Macfarlane's, who arrived in this port 4 generations ago. Collected some firewood along the roadside and finally made it into Nelson where we are to stay a day or two for the boys to go fishing in the Glenelg River. Supposed to be a good Bream area, so we will see how good their skills are when tested tomorrow.
One of our travellers owns a house in Nelson, so we have propped at his place till Saturday.
The farmland we crossed today is some of the richest farming land in Australia ( according to Wikipedia) and I would certainly believe it as it was very green, well kept country with various animals grazing: sheep, dairy and beef cattle. Not very much cropping though which did surprise Paul and I. Well once again it is starting to cool down, but at least tonight we have a gas heater in the house to keep us warm!
Talk soon...
Travelled onto Portland to have morning tea, and review my past heritage of the Macfarlane's, who arrived in this port 4 generations ago. Collected some firewood along the roadside and finally made it into Nelson where we are to stay a day or two for the boys to go fishing in the Glenelg River. Supposed to be a good Bream area, so we will see how good their skills are when tested tomorrow.
One of our travellers owns a house in Nelson, so we have propped at his place till Saturday.
The farmland we crossed today is some of the richest farming land in Australia ( according to Wikipedia) and I would certainly believe it as it was very green, well kept country with various animals grazing: sheep, dairy and beef cattle. Not very much cropping though which did surprise Paul and I. Well once again it is starting to cool down, but at least tonight we have a gas heater in the house to keep us warm!
Talk soon...
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
D Day
Well, we have finally left home albeit a bit later than we had arranged. No problems, after all we are now in holiday mode.
A safe travel so far with little interruption. Decided to go the Princes Hwy through Colac and Camperdown, where we have now camped for the night. VERY chilly, but a beautiful camp park, up on hill outside Camperdown, next to a crater lake. Quite an interesting view, with magnificent old deciduous trees in the foreground and lakes in the distance.
Didn't have enough wood for the fire so all the party have retired for the night. Really quite pathetic - all tucked in their various campers, I guess it shows you we are getting old and used to life's little comforts. Never mind tomorrow will find a lovely day hopefully and onto Nelson for our first bit of fishing for the boys. Till then
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Camper set-up
Hi all; only 5 sleeps to go! In the meantime I thought I might explain what our camping arrangements are like. Many people ask me "What have you got? Camper or caravan? " The answer is - neither or both, depending on your point of view.
You see our set-up is home-built, by Paul, about 10 years ago. The camper has followed us around the Kimberley's (twice), Northern Territory, outback Australia (including full-on dust storms) and will continue to be our camping unit for the next foreseeable future. Why? Because it goes anywhere - and believe me we have tested it out a lot!! It is very easy to set up and pack up - all of 10 mins and it is compact, with no frills. Some might say - basic, but I prefer to call it practical.
As you can see it looks very much like a go-kart or motor bike trailer (this is actually what the design has been taken from) with modifications.
The back doors open out with a stove on one side and the sink on the other. Inside it has shelving down the back for a pantry on one side, utensils etc on the other. It has 2 single beds which makes for more comfortable sleep, with less disruption getting into or out of bed.
Up the front we have more shelving to house our clothes, shoes jackets etc. and behind one of the beds is an area for the fridge.
There are water tanks under both beds for storage area for first-aid kits, hoses etc.
As I said before, all very compact, but practical.
We tow this unit with a Toyota ute, with a canopy on the back, filled with all the camping essentials, like:
Well time is certainly moving along quickly now. I probably won't blog until on the road - so see you soon.
You see our set-up is home-built, by Paul, about 10 years ago. The camper has followed us around the Kimberley's (twice), Northern Territory, outback Australia (including full-on dust storms) and will continue to be our camping unit for the next foreseeable future. Why? Because it goes anywhere - and believe me we have tested it out a lot!! It is very easy to set up and pack up - all of 10 mins and it is compact, with no frills. Some might say - basic, but I prefer to call it practical.
As you can see it looks very much like a go-kart or motor bike trailer (this is actually what the design has been taken from) with modifications.
 |
| Pumping tyres after coming off Buchanan Hwy, WA |
Up the front we have more shelving to house our clothes, shoes jackets etc. and behind one of the beds is an area for the fridge.
There are water tanks under both beds for storage area for first-aid kits, hoses etc.
As I said before, all very compact, but practical.
We tow this unit with a Toyota ute, with a canopy on the back, filled with all the camping essentials, like:
- Camp ovens
- Shovels
- Chainsaws or axe
- Tarps
- Freezer (for all the fish the boys will catch!!!!????)
- Outboard motor with fuel cans
- Radio - for flying doctor (hopefully never to be needed).
- Many, many batteries
Well time is certainly moving along quickly now. I probably won't blog until on the road - so see you soon.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Welcome
Hi all my travel family and friends, welcome to my new blog. I hope you will keep an eye open for our adventures as we head west in a few days time. At present it is full of things to be done before we go like:
Paul is all packed and rearing to go already but I'm afraid it will be driving out the driveway before I can relax and "get excited".
We are heading off with another couple, and maybe 2 others on our journey; not sure on the final line-up just yet. No doubt we will have fun regardless of who actually makes it.
Well I'd better get on with something else for now, but keep in the loop by watching and commenting on my blog.
- Get tax to the accountant
- Pay the bills
- Arrange postage
- Make sure the house is tidy - clean fridge, grass mowed, throw compost out and finally - PACK!
Paul is all packed and rearing to go already but I'm afraid it will be driving out the driveway before I can relax and "get excited".
We are heading off with another couple, and maybe 2 others on our journey; not sure on the final line-up just yet. No doubt we will have fun regardless of who actually makes it.
Well I'd better get on with something else for now, but keep in the loop by watching and commenting on my blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)