DABUS TREK

ENTRY 25 FINAL

2009-12-19T15:44:00.007+11:00

Monday 9th - Wednesday 11th November 2009

Monday and Tuesday was hot, high 30's and long way from a sea breeze. The bus got a wash n polish and a spring clean, enjoyed relaxing with friends.

Wednesday all packed and ready for the last drive, home is 400k away. Tail wind, great way to finish, the drive was easy till we hit the freeways of the city... ahhhhh not used to that crap, everyone is in a hurry. An hour later and back on home turf, set up camp on the beach at Rye, here for 6 months, great view of Port Phillip Bay out the window.

Well what a trip!!! 6 months and one day, 21,000 klms pumped 3200 litres of Diesel and oh so relaxed. The bus was fantastic even after a couple of hiccups. We met some great new and old friends along the way and hope we keep in contact and maybe meet again.

Cheers Alan and Maz and DABUS

ENTRY 24

2009-12-19T13:42:00.010+11:00

Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th November

Monday to Wednesday we fished every day except no snapper fishing as its closed season all of November, rather bad timing I thought. Monday had us sweltering in 42 degree heat and hot winds no way of getting away from it, but Maz found a way taking a trip with neighbors to the air conditioned shopping centre, by 4 pm it had dropped about 15 degrees, sounds like Victorian weather!

Point Lowly

Thursday had huge amount of packing as we had spread our stuff everywhere over the week. On the road mid morning and a short drive to Port Augusta, that completed a loop of 20,000 klms and 5 3/4 months.

The afternoon drive was a tour to and around Port Pirie, then off the Hwy into the hills to a small town called Crystal Brook. Friday was a 3 hour drive through The Clare Valley onto The Barossa Valley, fantastic scenery and great small towns. Booked into C/park in Nuriootpa so we can go to the Barossa Farmers Market in the morning. Dinner at the local pub was great, nice local red wine grown and produced by the year 12 kids at the local Secondary College, ordered a dozen bottles to be delivered home yum.

Barossa Valley Farmers Market

Packed and left C/park by 8am then to farmers market, bacon and eggs for breaky all local and fresh produce, well worth a visit, back on the road and travelled through Barmera and Remark then Mildura.... Victoria!!!!! wow.

The plan was to stop and camp near Mildura, but the weather is hot hot so kept driving south through Ouyen then to Sea Lake and camped at the local park. Sunday morning was a 40 mins drive to Quambatook where we will camp for a few days at Dean and Sue's.

ENTRY 23

2009-11-05T20:51:00.019+11:00

Monday 26th - Sunday 1st November

Once again head winds greet us this morning, I cant believe it blows this hard in one direction for so many days. The WA/SA border is about 80k away.

The SA - WA Border

Really hard drive again, stopped at the Roadhouse just into SA, luckly didnt need fuel, super expensive again

Nullabor Roadhouse

Standing on the edge of The Great Australian Bite

Arrived in a small town called Penong (300k for the day) and went to the only C/Park in town, was great to have power and a hot shower, watch TV and have phone and internet. Penong's ground is white from Gypsum and the town survives on mining Salt, Gypsum and Wheat.

Tuesday after leaving Penong, an hour later we were in Ceduna, did a shop as we had just been through the fruit fly inspection, so hardly any food left. Onto Streaky Bay, great little town, could have stayed there a while but I was on a mission to get to Whyalla.

Left the scenery across the Nullabor ..... Right looking out from Streaky Bay

Some great small coastal towns but we camped on the side of a cliff 5k below Elliston... windy windy still.

Wednesday set off for Port Lincoln, on the way called into Coffin Bay, hardly any shops, but lots of houses, mostly holiday shacks, sure would be good fishing here, great fishing facilities and lots of pro boats out.

Coffin Bay

Lunch and a few hours looking around Port Lincoln, another great coastal town,

Over looking Port Lincoln and a small part of the massive fishing fleet

then up to the lookout and took the tail wind (at last) up to Cowell, tiny C/park and again good to get a hot shower and creature comforts.

Thursday morning, off to Whyalla about 80k north, arrived mid morning, did shopping and got some fishing gossip, then headed out to Point Lowly 30k north to a camp ground, set up camp and not moving for a week.

Camped at Point Lowly could stay here a month

Great spot, clean toilets and cold shower all free. We spent the next few days fishing and a few repairs on bus. We have eaten Snapper Whiting and Calamari everynight since arriving, nice

ENTRY 22

2009-11-04T10:17:00.018+11:00

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Check out where we have been by clicking on Dabustrek text to the left under the Google logo

Monday 12^th Sunday 25^{th (2weeks)}

After an easy weekend watching Bathurst, packed and drove back to Noble Falls for one more night before heading back to Perth. Met some people at the falls with the same bus as us, so chatted for ages about the pros and cons of Nissans. The bus got a wash with the river water.

Noble Falls, bus gets a wash

Tuesday, the bus only just started, batteries very low, will check it out when back in Perth, also seem to be leaking brake fluid, another job to do. Back in Perth mid arvo, brew not ready for still so will have to wait till I come back from Melb. Did shopping so Maz has enough stuff while I am away. Took starter batteries out only to find low on fluid, topped up and cleaned terminals hoping after a drive they would come back to life, also found a pin size hole in hydraulic clutch line, will fix before we tackle Nullarbor. I flew home Wednesday evening, arriving in Melb 2.45am, thanks Fred. Back to Perth on Tuesday 20^th and confirmed that I don’t miss working.

Maz took a trip to Kings Park, sensational gardens overlooking Perth

Wednesday, took bus for a drive, batteries started no probs, but I cant fix hydraulic pipe and having probs finding someone to do it. Spent the arvo making brew… all good.

Thursday I rang a truck repair company and they said call in and they will fix, 2 hours later new hose, all fixed, did some packing and shopping and on the road toward home. Found a great camp spot 200k east of Perth at Kokerbin Rock, great free camp. Very friendly flys and had a great fire with the wood suppled.

Kokerbin Rock 200k east of Perth

Friday, did a walk around part of the rock, looks like a mini Ayres Rock., packed and on the road to strong head winds grrr, rather have them now than when crossing the Nullarbor. After 300k for the day, we had travelled through about 4 small towns and seen some wheat country then scrub, scrub and more scrub, arriving at Yerdani Well, a free camp approx 60k west of Coolgardie. Lots of road trains, so will be a noisy night.

Yerdani Well

Saturday, once again strong head winds, sure makes hard work for the bus, a look around Coolgardie and then a further 40k to Kalgoorlie. Went to tourist info and got all the … must see .. places to go, lunch then to the look out and then the Superpit, what an amazing sight . I am sure the pics wont do it justice, but sure is one of the highlights of the trip and timing was great to see them do a blast, fantastic.

The Super Pit Kalgoorlie

The Blast

The drive to Norseman (180k) was about 30kph head winds, horrible, fuelled up and turned east again, 80k to a camp spot with about 30 other vans. Happy hours turned into hours around the campfire.

Sunday, I am thinking WA stands for Windy Again, just lucky I guess as the winds have turned from SE to Easterly and getting stronger. Stopped at the sign for the longest straight road in Australia and as I started driving again a road train overtook, I was able to get behind him and got a tow for the next 140k, made the drive very easy sitting on about 90kph the motor hardly working, not much of a sight looking at the back of a truck for an hour and half but sure was easy.

Stopped at the roadhouse at the next bend in the road 140k away, spoke to the truckie and thanks him for the ride. Had lunch and saw the truck back on the road, mad panic to follow him and got a tow for another 100k. The last 50k of the day was doing about 75kph in low 5^th gear, Camped at Jillah Rockhole 10k west of Mundrabilla roadhouse, $1.65 litre for diesel.

We are still 80k from WA/SA border and have come 1400k from Perth, huge state.

ENTRY 21

2009-10-28T22:22:00.018+11:00

Monday 5th - Sunday 11th

After leaving Ellendale Pool,rather than go back to the coast, we kept heading inland to keep away from the Hwy and the windy coast. The area we are in, about 250k north of Perth is wildflower country, fantastic to see.

Travelling south through the country we visit small old towns in the wheat belt. The hills are full of wind farms (see pic).

Wind Farms

We cruised back to Hwy and camped with some other campers beside road, at Eneabba, little sleep as trucks passed all night.

Tuesday (yawn ) up early and a drive to the coast to Jurien Bay and Cervantes, small coastal holiday towns, then to the Pinnacles in the National Park.

The Pinnicles

After lunch a drive back inland to Moora, nice country town that caters well for tourists. A stroll to the pub for dinner .. yummm.

Wednesday, pack and head to Perth, into the big smoke. Easy drive, one minute in the country and then cars trucks industry everywhere. Found a good C/park to stay in, took a drive and checked out new motor homes, then picked up Still that I had bought off ebay.

Thursday, booked c/park for next week while I fly home and Maz and Bus stay in Perth, we head back out of city, arrive at Noble Falls about 40k east of Perth, in the hills beside a river.

Noble Falls

great spot, make a brew for still, happy hour turns into hours as we listen to 2 guys with guitars sing and play around the camp fire later joined by 2 french guys travelling oz.

Friday we moved about 30 metres for the day, closer to river, took a walk and enjoyed not driving.

Saturday, moved further east to Toodyay a further 60 away from Perth to a C/park for 2 days, good tv reception for Bathurst. Saturday was the Toodyay Annual Show, which amused Maz for hours. Brew fermenting nicely.

Sunday, day of rest in front of TV, I was up early as race started at 7am WA time

ENTRY 20

2009-10-11T19:19:00.029+11:00

Monday 28^th Sunday 4^th

Awake to great views, pack and move on toward Kalbarri

Just south of Denham (Shark Bay)

Stopping at Shell Beach having all the local beaches formed from tiny pure white shells,

no sand at all.

Shell Beach

Again head winds made it a slow slog, stopped at Neeren rest area with about 10 other campers, bit of a noisy night as close to Hwy.

Nerren Nerren Rest Area 100k north Kalbarri and our 1st rain for 5 months

Woke up to a strange noise on Tuesday morning…. Rain!!!!.... and as we drove it pelted down, we had not seen rain since May when we were in Alice Springs. Arrived in Kalbarri about lunchtime, lucky to get into c/park as its school hols and everything is packed.

This is Kalbarri beach been like this all down the coast, to rough to use boat

Booked in for 2 days but cold and rainy weather, most of the time was spent inside the bus, but did have a nice meal at local restaurant.

Thursday checkout the coast from the cliff tops, its changed from beaches to rugged coastline, lunch at Northampton, nice little town then to a free camp, only travelled about 90k for the day.

Coastal lookout just south of Kalbarri

Friday a huge 30k drive to Coronation Beach camp, once again so windy, no fishing or boating, will stay a couple of days rather than c/parks in Geraldton.

Coronation Beach and Maz's collection of rubbish from the beach

Saturday took a drive 30k to Geraldton, checked out the farmers market, food stock up and a little retail therapy, back to Coronation Beach.

HMAS Sydney Memorial above Geraldton and view over Geraldton

Sunday packed and back to Geraldton, Maz had a few hours at the Quilters Show and Bunnings amused me for a while. Leave Geraldton huge head winds and trucks pushing hard along the Hwy. took a tour for 50k inland to Ellendale Pool,set up camp and just enough reception to see The Storm win the Grand Final.

Ellendale Pool, great camp spot

ENTRY 19

2009-09-30T19:24:00.014+10:00

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Check out where we have been by clicking on Dabustrek text to the left under the Google logo

Monday 21^st Sunday 27^th Sept.

Set off from the free camp early to avoid the strong winds. The drive south to Carnarvon is on great roads, the scenery is the same scrub for 100’s of k’s .

Carnarvon is a far bigger town than I had expected, 4 caravan parks, plenty of shops and lots of market gardens along side of the Gasgoyne River, which rarely flows but the water that feeds the market gardens comes from bores sunk from under the river.

We book into C/park for 2 nights and check out the tourist stuff. The one mile jetty was a great view from on top of the water tower, the jetty was used to service ships in years long ago. The old train and lighthouse keeper’s quarters was all interesting stuff.

A tour of the food trail to the market gardens had us stocked with veges and fruit.

On Wednesday as we were leaving town we called into the fishing port and bought fresh prawns, scallops and fish, … well I cant catch any and need a seafood fix.

Only 50k south of Carnarvon and then 10k of rough road we found Bush Bay, free camp for a day, a week, a month, and some seem to call this place home.

Pick a camp spot about 5 metres from the water, set up camp in the sunny hot weather … but the bloody wind, so strong straight off the water. Fished for an hour or before high tide, spoke to some other campers and they get fish all the time but the winds lately have stopped them using their boats and only small stuff in the wading waters.

Stunning seafood for dinner.

Thursday, planned for a short drive to a camp on the way to Denham (Monkey Mia) but with a rare tail wind, kept driving and driving… way to far, did 300k and ended up in Denham. Booked 2 nights in Caravan Park overlooking Shark Bay.

Walked the streets, still way to windy to even think of putting the boat in. Watched the Grand Final Footy and did bugga all else. School Hols and all parks are booked full, we were going to stay over at Monkey Mia, 25k away but all full there so we got one more night at Denham C/P Sunday, took a drive to Monkey Mia, checked out feeding the dolphins and Maz had a yacht trip to pearl farm and see the Dolphins, Dugongs and turtles.

Was perfect weather for her trip, sunny and hot.

Drove back past Denham 40k south to a freecamp up high overlooking Shark Bay, stunning views.

ENTRY 18

2009-09-30T17:24:00.020+10:00

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th Sept.

^{We pack and move south to Yardie Creek Homestead, on the opposite side of the peninsula to Exmouth, hoping to get into the National Park campgrounds of Ningaloo Reef. Drop off boat at Yardie and head down to National Park, amazing amount of camp spots over a 70klm coast and we found ya need to line up from about 6am at Rangers station to get a camp spot as they only let in the amount of people that leave on any day.}

^{Tuesday, yawn at the ranger’s station at 6.30am only to find there is 12 vehicles in front of us, but we did get a choice of 2 sites and got one that suited us to a tee, set up camp in between 2 massive motor homes, the bus looks tiny.}

The next 4 days were taken up with walks on the beach,

Maz snorkelling and swimming every day

and enjoyed great happy hour with at least 15 others each arvo at 5 on the dot !

I would have really liked to use the boat here but strong winds each day and beach launch made it all to hard. The guys that had been out prior to us getting there said there is lots of fish and not hard to hook up the main problem is getting the fish onboard before the sharks get them!

^{Friday, we packed and said goodbye to a great bunch of people and on the road about 10ish, fuel and food stock back in Exmouth, then a trip off the main road up into the ranges, stunning scenery.}

Think it was more for 4wds than the bus, took it very slow and got through unscathed. Arrived in Coral Bay after a strong head wind, mid afternoon (lucky we booked C/P) to a very busy tiny town, 2 packed caravan parks and not a lot else, the place just caters for tourists. Saturday Maz drift snorkelled and we watched the fish (large WA snapper) being feed at shore.

Sunday again huge south west winds, sure knocks the fuel economy and bus is buffed all over the road, we left Coral Bay at midday, drove for an hour and stopped for lunch, hoping the winds may ease, 2 hours later, back on the road for another hour to a free camp beside a very dry river

about 6 other vehicles and we had a sensational leg of lamb in the cobb.

ENTRY 17

2009-09-21T20:24:00.029+10:00

Monday 7th - Sunday 13th September

^{Very dusty as the wind got up last night, red dirt everywhere.}

^{No sleeping in as the trucks are on the road early, we have 150k drive to Karratha which is another industry town but far cleaner than Port Hedland. A fuel and food stock up and off to Port Samson, a tiny town great c/park, and was great to have clean site and facilities to give the bus the once over. Two days here and checkout the local sights, great weather for swimming.}

I changed the front tyre on the bus as it has a front end alignment hiccup, drove around town asking to get it fixed, but no luck, will get it fixed closer to Perth.

Wednesday we toured through Cossack a historic town

then had a look at Roebuck, a drive through only town, would not leave the car unlocked around here.

^{Camped with some friends at the Golf Club.}

^{Thursday went for a drive to Dampier, one of the ports they load iron ore onto ships.}

Huge industry with the gas plants and associated works, these pics give no idea how big the amount of work is here.

One of the local beaches has a free camp, great spot with the beach made of shells and the contrasts from the water looks great.

We did a 20k drive south with a howling head wind to a free camp, with about 7 others campers beside a river; one family, Mum Dad and 3 young kids had been camped here for 7 weeks.

^{Friday 7am and on the road to try and beat the head winds, didn’t plan it but we ended out driving 510k south to Exmouth. It’s an amazing part of the country as in that 510k drive we did not go through one town and only seen 2 fuel stops. Exmouth is not a free camp friendly town so booked 2 nights in c/park also to have TV to watch car racing.}

Sunday moved to C/park at lighthouse, good tv reception for car races. Maz did some beach walking and I veged in front of TV. You will need to click on the pic of the surf beach to see the whale just behind the waves.

ENTRY 16

2009-09-12T15:28:00.026+10:00

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Checkout where we have been by clicking on Dabustrek text to the left under the Google logo

Monday 31st August - Sunday 6th September

Very relaxing at Cape Keraudren, chatting to others and watching the great scenery, but to slack to even wet a line, grrr

Cape Keraudren

Tuesday, bugga all food left so we pack and on the track for the trip to Port Hedland, what an industrial town, huge shipping port and massive work force, never seen so many Toyota utes, they must be on special as everyone seems to be driving them. We had one night in Big4 c/p, silly move as everything is expensive here.

Port Hedland

Wednesday we watched the ships coming into port, 320 metres long and hold 200, 000 tonnes of iron ore, massive.

Port Hedland

Met some people also watching ships and they free camp in town so joined them rather than the $38 pn and c/p. and watched the ships docking at night too.

Thursday headed off and visited South Hedland, stocked up food for the drive south to Karijini N/P, camping overnight on a hill with about 20 other campers, stunning views over the Hamersley Ranges.

Friday Happy Birthday Maz

We have breakfast with stunning views before the drive in Karijini N/P.

The Ranges here are a view and a half, the Gorges wow.

Our drive to Tom Price held the best views we have seen on our trip. We called into Info Centre at Tom Price and booked a mine tour for tomorrow morning, chatted to a few others who were going to free camp beside info centre so that suited us too. Dinner was at the miners mess, great smorgasbord dinner $19ph, great food, these miners get fed well.

Tom Price - Rio Tinto Mine

The bus for the tour leaves at 9am with a 15 min drive to mine, great driver very informative. Its all about money out here trains 2 1/2 k long leave every day for Karratha ready to be shipped overseas, $4mil dump trucks using 20 litres of diesel per klm and the infa structure, money money. A great tour.

Paraburdoo Footy ground

Lunch then off to Paraburdoo 80 klm away, another mining town with well stocked shops swimming pool and the airport had about 200 toyota utes all from the fly in fly out employees I guess. We free camp beside footy oval and make use of the clubrooms power and showers.

In the middle of no where

Sunday we drove back toward the coast 220ks away had a tail wind (for once) ipod cranked and stunning scenery, great drive to Hwy then turned north for Karratha, coasted up Hwy for another 100ks to Robe River free camp, 20 other campers beside Hwy.

Robe River free camp

Thats a big days drive, we never usually drive that far, but no towns within coowee.

ENTRY 15

2009-09-02T11:40:00.016+10:00

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and checkout where we have been by clicking on the Dabustrek text to the left under the Google logo

Monday 24^th – Sunday 30th August

Up extremely early all packed and hit the road by 8am, 6 of us 2 cars and 220k to Cape Leveque to camp for 2 nights. About 25k of sealed road then more than 100k of rough corrugated bumpy road. Called into Beagle Bay half way to the Cape. Visited the historic mission church,

decorated inside with pearl shells every where, amazing sight.

As for the rest of the town, not a WA “tidy town”., then out to One Arm Point along the tip of the Cape. The water colour, clarity, and views from the tip of the coast were stunning,

but being asked to pay to see them, then having to pay on top of that $30 per couple to set up a tent, with no site facilities seen us move over to Cape Leveque camp site.

Which way now ?

Once at the car park we were informed it was $10 per couple to see the Cape and another $37p/couple to camp… our 2 night camping is looking shakey. We spoke to other tourists who all were less than happy with the prices and services offered (none).

Well lunchtime and still no where to camp or to have a fish we decided to head back, again all the rough road 150k south to Quondong Point,

Don't drive on the beach James!!!... to late, bogged

a free camp section not far above Broome, a camp spot, set up all our gear and drinks time… phew what a day.

Tuesday the call was to head back to Broome rather than try to find somewhere to camp again as most of the roads and tracks have “no entry” as they are for community people (aboriginals).

Wednesday, organising the bus etc as we are leaving Boome. Maz headed into town in search for a pearl as I had a visit to the docs as I have a dodgy heel spur again grrr. Happy hour seemed rather extended as we reflected over our Cape Leavit camping feat and saying bye as we leave tomorrow.

Said seeya to James and Carol ( they are staying and maybe working here) and Graeme and Karen (on the road full time). We did a food stock up and off, destination Barn Hill, arrived about 3pm great spot on a station about 130k south of Broome.

Barn Hill

Friday again south to Eighty Mile beach, nice place in the middle of no where, would be great to drive the beach as many do. We had 2 nights here, but at $29pn, no power, very over priced.

Eighty Mile Beach

Sunday the drive south along the highway is straight flat road without a bend for 20k or more. No sights of beach as the road is at least 10k away from the sea. We take the track 15k red dirt (as all the stations and camps are) to Cape Keraudren.

Camped overlooking the water, stunning views and colours, no power or showers but only $17 first night and $7pn after, fantastic, we will be here till the food runs out.

ENTRY 14

2009-09-02T09:35:00.012+10:00

Monday 17th- Sunday 23rd

Monday we had planned to leave Derby today, well actually we were only staying 2 nights but enjoyed the company we were keeping.

Derby Caravan Park

Today was golf, 9 holes on a lush green course with the horse racing track cutting across a few of the fairways, I had not held a golf club in 15 years… ohh noo …. 7am start 4 starters James, Carol, Graeme and me. Great fun good laugh. Back to bus and packed Graeme’s car and off to wharf for some crabbing and fishing….. steak for dinner… hmmm

Tuesday packed and off by 9am easy drive toward Broome. Ian and Julie had told us about a camp 80k from Derby and we found the turn off onto a 10k dirt road. Camp is beside a Lagoon (Langi Crossing) great place, no facilities but camped near water, not to close as lots of crocs around, campfire and roast for dinner.

Wednesday no one around so quiet, put boat in, had to drive the bus over rocky edges to launch, water very shallow and lots of crocs.

From the boat

Fire in the evening and sat out watching stars and shining torch out onto water and seeing croc eyes down below us.

Thursday easy drive 150k to Broome, its so good to smell the sea air. Beautiful place, booked into C/park and got a waterfront spot, sensational. Met up with James and Carol and later Graeme and Karen arrived. We took a tour of the area and took the bus for a drive on Cable Beach.

Drinks at the bus for happy hour.

Friday fishing in front of bus at high tide.

High Tide

The tides rise and fall up to 10 metres here, amazing to see.

Low Tide

Saturday morning MARKET, how could we not go, not a blokes market at all, so Graeme and I had itchy feet to get out of there. The arvo was fishing from the jetty, massive tidal flow, seen some fish caught, but we would be having meat for dinner.

The evening was sensational, the 6 of us went to Cable Beach, drove along the sand, set up tables for happy hour, and bbq for dinner watching the sunset, what a great place.

Sunday we are planning for 6 of us on a 2 night camp up at Cape Leveque, we will be leaving the bus and going with Graeme and Karen, and James and Carol will be in their 4wd. We had our 2 man text from the debacle back at Jabiru, we bought a pump up matress, we have 2 waecos one engel,bbq generator tents chairs lots of food and drinks. Early start in the morning.

ENTRY 13

2009-08-23T09:35:00.012+10:00

Monday 10th - Sunday 16th August

Monday, on the road again after a 4 day stop, still have stunning scenery of the Kimberleys. Halls Creek is 180k along the road, which is about 2¼ hours at our leisurely 80kph.

Halls Creek town was built after finding gold in the area, but now has far less population and fewer shops. The Bottlo opens from 2pm to 6pm and ONLY sells light beer, no wine, no spirits.

Another 100k and we stop at Mary Pool free camp, dusty and hot camp beside dry Mary River along with about 30 other caravans and campers. Lasagne for dinner in the cobb yum.

Tuesday on to Fitzroy Crossing (160k) for lunch and fuel at $1.42 litre and some emails and phone as we have been out of range for a week. Just as we were about to drive out of town I noticed an F100 I thought I had seen at home, I followed and met up with Art Hood, a customer from Rye, amazing. Ellendale is a free camp 90k up the road, set up camp, great spot overlooking the scenery, chatted to others for happy hour

Wednesday 8am on the road phew easy 120k drive to Derby,

the strait stretches of road are up to 15k long, far as you can see without a bend.

Derby is larger than I expected pop. 4500, the main street is lined in Boab trees and has a drive on wharf on the May River that can have a 10 metre rise and fall.

Booked into caravan park and checked out town. Met up with Graeme and Karen and James and Carol for drinks.

Thursday, a bit of shopping a lot of computering and the 6 of us got tickets for the Angry Anderson concert at the local pub tonight, great night good laugh and loud music, think I am getting old.

Friday did the tourist stuff and I watched Graeme make a load of spirits. Sunday we all had drinks and dinner on the wharf for sunset,

sensational.

Sunday 10am and off to the Rodeo, we seem to have been in town to some of the years main events.

Was a great day, found a shady seat in the 30+ degree heat, big crowd and fantastic entertainment. Back at the bus for drinks at 6pm.

ENTRY 12

2009-08-12T18:14:00.012+10:00

Monday 3rd - Sunday 9th

Monday we were at the bearing shop at 9am to try to get parts, one bearing and one seal in stock, one bearing to be ordered in. We had been told not to expect prompt service cos nothing arrives on time here, WA stands for Wait Awhile,

Tuesday morning the bus gets gets a wash n polish, midday get a call to say bearing had arrived … sensational… just over 24hours and bearing had been flown in, great service.

Job is done!

Norm had the day off work and called over to fit it back together, 4pm and I am on the road for a test drive… purrrfect.

Ahhh Very Happy On the road again

Wednesday “on the road again” , feels great casual 100k drive to Wyndham, check out town, the river with 7 metre tide rise and fall,

Low Tide

High Tide

We sit and watch a small croc search for food along bank at low tide, check out 2000yo Boab tree

then head off to 5 rivers lookout above town for sunset, fantastic.

Thursday back to river to see what high tide looks like, then back up to lookout for some more amazing views,

checked out bakery, yum, fuel up and off.

We get a call from Ian and Julie, friends we met on our trip last year that are travelling up the West Coast, we arrange to meet 250k south of Wyndham. We arrived about 2pm, good camp spot.

We had a great afternoon, talking mechanical woes, bus stuff and good and bad camp sites. The next few days still at Spring Creek enjoying Ian and Julies' company.

Sunday and Ian and Julie are off on their motorbike trip for 2 or 3 days to the Bungles, we are off to Turkey Creek for a plane trip to the Bungles.

An hour flight and we see all the landscape from the air and the stunning Bungle Bungles

The plane

Coming in to land

ENTRY 11

2009-08-12T17:45:00.007+10:00

Monday 27th - Sunday 2nd August

Awake early and packed for trip from Lake Argyle back to Kununurra, arrive back at C/park Kununurra about 10am get a site and off load boat ready to see a mechanic in town about noise, Maz had driven for a while and I thought noise was from back of gearbox. After going to 3 different places and everybody to busy, one guy came for a ride and said it was front wheel bearing. We head back to C/park feeling very insecure as no one was any help and we could not drive 1000k to next town that would have a mechanic with the noise we have.

Tuesday, very frustrated, but met some guys travelling that had a look and agreed was not wheel bearing. Then I spoke to a guy in the park, Norm who is a mechanic and was staying here for a while and working in town, he was good enough to have a look see what’s wrong.

The rest of week was taken up with a drive out to Ivanhoe Crossing

We were amazed to see on the way the amount of market gardens and plantations all irrigated from the Ord River, no problem with water up here unlike home, sprinklers going all the time and can wash cars anytime.Then to the lookout above town.

But we cant get away from the feeling of frustration that we are grounded again.

Sunday Norm called over and took off rear of gearbox and found 2 very burnt bearings.

Sunday arvo we hired a moke to do some shopping and check out some more sights.

ENTRY 10

2009-07-31T12:37:00.015+10:00

Monday 20th - 26th

Well the day is full of anticipation, we have to check out of room by 10am and have no idea if parts arrived form Adelaide to fix bus. Trying to have patience and not ring mechanic we pack the stuff from the resort into hire car , its 11am and get the call, parts arrived on Saturday and bus is ready to be picked up …. Sensational. Picked up bus then the boat and some organising bedding etc. and we are on the road again, 200k to Pine Creek and we camp beside a dam, great spot, settled and happy with the way bus drove. It was a very extended happy hour and Maz enjoys her swim in the dam.

Tuesday off early, (it all seems so strange to be back in the bus and to be travelling as we have only done about 400k in 5 weeks) 90k to Katherine and stock up on food and fuel, then off to Katherine Gorge. Camped at C/park and booked in for 7am boat/breakfast cruise up the Gorge.

Wednesday up 6am phew, then 2 hour cruise, great hosts, stunning scenery, money well spent.

We then head back to Katherine to the hot springs for a refreshing swim.

Then westward toward Kununurra. An easy 100k drive and camp at a free roadside camp, very relaxing although 30+ degrees.

On the road by 9am and I notice a noise from the bus I had not heard before, but I put it down to noticing every noise after the clutch episode. Then we drive into great countryside around Victoria River.

We check out the old river crossing, carefully as there are croc signs. On to Timber Creek, stop for lunch and meet some people we got to know at Jabiru. After lunch and a fuel up $1.65 litre, and head west the noise I heard is getting louder,,,,, grrrr, turn around and go back to Timber Creek (35k) speak to an unhappy mechanic, he puts new oil in diff and off we go….. Still worried.

We camp at a free camp 100k east of WA/NT border great spot again. Hard to sleep with heat and the thought of something else wrong with bus, my suspicions are the diff or wheel bearing as there is no vibration from uni joints and whines when out of gear, so not gear box.

Head off in the morning and get to border, bus gets searched for fruit and veg as none allowed in WA, turn back clocks 90 mins hmmm its early now, turn up music so cant hear noise and cruise on.

Kununurra is a surprising large town to be in the middle of nowhere and tourists everywhere. Caravan parks are booked out but we get an unpowered site beside lake, which suits and have a pool too.

It’s a bit hard getting used to being dark at 6pm and bright daylight at 5am (so I am told was not awake that early) but awake at 7am as people are up and packing for their travels.

Saturday morning MARKET, I better not whinge, have not been to one in ages, seen a few more sights of town and we drive back 30k and then turn south for 40k to Lake Argyle (5 times bigger than Sydney Harbour). Maz drives for a while and I listen to noise from bus as its getting worse. I reckon I know what it is but no mechanics on duty till Monday, so we will be back in Kununurra then. Happy hour at 5pm and met friends who home brew rum, so I am stocked up again.

Sunday up at 7am and get boat ready for a cruise, 4 hours on the water great fun, caught about 6 catfish, all went back.

Its 34 here today so the arvo in shade, packed boat for the trip tomorrow. Happy hour with others from the c/park.

ENTRY 9

2009-07-20T09:53:00.012+10:00

Monday 6th July - 19th (2 weeks)

After the mozzie infested night we are ready to move on. Off to Ubirr Rock for a look at Aboriginal Paintings and a walk to lookout over wetlands, great views of the escarpment and over to Arnhem land.

Back to Cahills Crossing for high tide, I wet a line for a while, losing about 3 lures before I accidentally threw across a croc, hooking him in the leg, I was never going to win that struggle, when he was ready, he swam away taking my lure.

Morning tea at the Border Store and as I start bus the clutch gives a strange noise and cant put into gear, a bit of a play with it and off we go. Back at Jabiru as we turn into main street the clutch gives a grunt then no clutch at all. I drove to Caravan Park, book in set up camp, look at clutch, yep trouble in paradise.

I drive to mechanic and he will have new slave cylinder couriered in tomorrow and fit on Wednesday.

I drive bus back to C/park, start it in gear, away we go, only about 1 k drive so easy in 1st or 2nd gear.

We could be stuck in worse places, pool, spa, bar, lush grass, 30+ every day and plenty of water so bus and boat get a wash.

Nice

Wednesday and bus gets fixed .... NOT ... bearing wrecked as well as another part and need to get parts in .... one from Japan, so bring bus back in 10 days gerrrr.

The week has past and we have done bugga all and getting frustrated. On Wednesday we book for a tour on the Ranger Uranium Mine. I have to drive bus out there 6k away. All good to drive without clutch.

Sensational tour, very informative.

Awake half the night as bus has to be at mechanic at 7.30am to have gearbox out and if it isnt fixed in the one day, we have no home.

Nervous day and about 2pm i get the call, "you better come and look at this, the pressure plate is wrecked", great, no parts in Darwin, so have to wait till one comes from Adelaide. Off to shop and buy a tent, hmmm one night of no sleep in 2 man tent with no mattress not good.

A call to RACV sees us in Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Resort and a car to drive around, way to go. Dont travel without RACV Total Care, they are paying for 10 days accom in C/pak hire car and accom in resort.

Resort

Saturday a drive to Yellow Waters and Nourlangie Rock. Sunday back to Cahills Crossing for a look at crocs.

Tomorrow, Monday hoping parts arrive.

ENTRY 8

2009-07-06T21:42:00.009+10:00

Monday 29th - 5th July

Monday we had full intensions of leaving Lee Point but booked in for another 2 days to do a few jobs that I could have done over the last 3 weeks. This morning was mist and high humidity so the awning got a scrub, looks sensational.

Having trouble with fridge as heat cant escape, so Keith took me into town and got a switch and computer fan. A good job to do tomorrow, cant hurry these things. Happy hour with Keith and crew. In pool again at 9pm for a cool off before bed.

Tuesday hot hot nights fan on all night. Borrowed an angle grinder and took to the side of the bus cutting away some steel to install fan, a lot of noise and some onlookers and fitted it up, works a treat. Peter and Dawn Van Duren arrived in the arvo, had a chat for a while and will catch up later

Wednesday, slow start Maz has app at docs to get rid of the head cold. Then off to Mindil Market for Territory Day fire works. Fire works can be sold over the counter in NT but only on Territory Day. Meet Peter and Dawn at market and we all sat on the beach and watched sunset and fireworks, was fantastic. Chatted for ages about places we have been and should go.

Back to the pool and snzzz.

Thursday, packed bus n boat, its been ages since we have been on the road so took some organising. Said bye to Keith and Wendy and off by 10am. Its more than 30 degrees and hot day for travelling, but 110k SE of Darwin is Corroboree Tavern and Park, 100 metres past and we turn left onto the red dirt road 30k drive to Corroboree Billabong, so much for the polished bus.

Watched some others launch boats then put the boat in for a cruise. I had a rough idea where to go, but sure did have eyes going everywhere looking out for crocs.

Had about 3 hours cruising and trolling and croc spotting, no fish, well 1 Longtom side hooked but he went back.

Back at camp one guy got 3 barra and the other guy camping got none. Mozzies hit about 6pm and had to adjourn to inside bus, more mozzies than Lochsport.

Friday back in the boat by 10am, its amazing scenery water buffalo and crocs everywhere. It does put ya off when the croc near ya is longer than the boat.

I fished for 3 hours without success bugga.

We decided that we could not handle the evening mozzies again plus I was low on boat fuel and a 60k trip for fuel seen us pack and head on toward Kakadu.

Bark Hut Inn Caravan Park 60k up the road has all the comforts grass sites, bar, food, pool, and shade, Friday night is band night and in the pool about 10pm then snzzzzz.

Saturday. Had a great sleep last night as the shade helped keep bus cool. The 140k drive to Jabiru has the same scenery all the way, nothing of what I had expected.

I had thought we would see rainforest type vegetation, instead burnt scrub and pandanus.

We stopped at South Aligator River and amazed to see 1 croc drifting past with the tide as it flowed out, another huge one sunning himself on the bank on other side of river.

Arrived at Jabiru just after lunch, quick look around town then into c/park, fantastic temp in shade with a nice breeze.

Sunday, the temp seems so different than back in Darwin, still near 30 but nice breeze. Off to Border Store, which is as far as you can go without a permit to get into Arnhem Land. I fished at the causeway but had missed the tide but did see a nice 70cm Barra taken.

The crocs are at the waters edge where we were fishing its an amazing place.

Fantastic to see a croc cross the causeway just in front of us as he chased his food (barra).

Spoke to Rangers and they said I need to be here at least an hour before the tide change, but to be very careful, no second chances around here.

We went from causeway to boat ramp (don’t have the fences at Rye) no launching here, crocs all around.

Have set up camp about 2k from river, will be back tomorrow for another crack.

ENTRY 7

2009-07-04T20:01:00.004+10:00

Monday 22nd June – 28^th

Slow start to the day after a big weekend, said bye to Mick as he is heading off to Katherine then west to the coast. We went for a tour of the Darwin Museum, which has a large display of cyclone Tracey, amazing stuff., then onto the Aircraft Museum which among other great aircraft has a B52 bomber, hope you can get an idea of how big it is from pic.

B52 Bomber

Back to the bus and Fred cooked steak for dinner yum.

Tuesday, what a slack day, off to Casuarina for morning tea, back and packed up Fred’s camp, steak again for lunch then drinks for the arvo waiting for his 6pm flight.

Dinner was at Fannie Bay Yacht Club, then snzzzz

The rest of the week was very quiet as Maz had got a nice head cold (thanks Fred) and I had a dose of Midge bites grrr.

We enjoyed a nice meal of fresh cooked mud crab, (thanks Keith May) and another night went to the Jetty Restaurant on the wharf for a seafood smorgasbord on the deck overlooking Darwin harbour. Excellent.. The heat is ok but had a few days of higher humidity and that sure knocks ya around.

The bus got the once over, a good polish and wax, ready for the trip to Kakadu.

ENTRY 6

2009-07-03T10:41:00.000+10:00

Monday 15th June - 21st

Easy day Monday went into city in the arvo and hired a car, as Fred is flying in at 6am Tuesday morning for a week of touring around and a weekend of V8 supercars.

Well not used to this early morning stuff, 5.30 out of bed grrrr.

Maz still snzzz, I pick up Fred and we have breakfast then back to the C/Park, pack some drinks etc and off for a tour of Litchfield park.

An hour drive south to giant ant hills

then onto Buley Rockhole

then Florence Falls

then a drive onto Wangi Falls for lunch at a swim for the swimmers,

Wangi Falls

fantastic scenery so green as lush.

Then on to Berry Springs

Back at the Park about 5pm and set up Fred’s camp.

Wednesday, back into city (C/Park is 15k east of city) to check out some tourist stuff, had lunch on the wharf,

then to Cullen Bay, very upmarket manmade waterway, some shopping and back for happy hour.

Thursday morning is the truck parade, all the transporters of the race cars do a parade down the Hwy from the race track and do a lap of the city, great spectacle.

Thursday evening is Mindil market. We went with chairs wine and cans, had a spot on the beach,

did a look around the market then had dinner and drinks

watching the sunset over the water…. Fantastic.

Friday, Sat. and Sun, Maz did some retail therapy and swimming. Fred and I hit the car races.

Free bus to and fro track each day.

Great racing and facilities. Sunday night smorgasbord dinner at Casino.

ENTRY 5

2009-07-02T10:42:00.000+10:00

Monday 8th June -14th

Monday wake up 7am and its 25 degrees in the bus, pack, say bye to Barry and Robyn, 35k to Bitter Springs which are thermal springs, the water was a very warm 32 degrees.

Then 100k north stopped at Katherine for a bit of a stock up and fuel. We didn’t check out the town, as we will be back here after Darwin when we turn west toward Broome.

Another bretho on the outside of town then 60k drive to Edith Falls, great camp ground, lush green grass. The falls are excellent and water is cool and refreshing.

The campground is full and people have fires in open bbq’s and still in shorts n tshirt at 10pm. Fan on in bus all night.

In the morning we do the 3k walk around the lake and over the falls via bridge, fantastic scenery. Head off for a camp between here and Darwin. Took a scenic loop drive, which was 60k of hilly, winding, bumpy road and got back on Hwy and Adelaide River, really bad move. It’s only midday so decided to keep driving as Darwin was only 90 mins away.

Arrived in Darwin and headed straight to Lee Point C/P. booked in for a week and set up camp.

Wednesday, met up with Mick from Rosebud and he took us for a tour around town, the wharf, the mall, and back via beach suburbs.

Moved bus to a new spot as needed a bit more shade. Happy hour then met up with Keith and Wendy from Rye.

Thursday unpacked boat and set it up to go out, went to boat ramp and spoke to some locals and watched guys waist high in water getting live bait, in an area known for crocs, hmmmm. Went for a drive with Mick and looked at Casino then to Mindel market, we were there a bit early as traders had not set up properly and the idea is to watch sunset over beach, but we will be back.

Friday early start, 9am and to ramp, boat in all good, went for a cruise and checked out where to get out of river into Shaol Bay, then back for a cruise up the river. Lots of crab pots set and a few boats fishing. We tried lures without success but did spend 4 hours looking around.

Mick and I went fishing again on Saturday, still no luck and hung around boat ramp for a while and was happy to see no one else had a boat full of fish.

Off to the ramp again on Sunday with some frozen bait as well as lures, this time we fished in a different spot and got 2 fish similar to Whiting, good fillets, then I followed 2 other boats they looked like locals, to a spot where there was about 10 boats all fishing behind a tiny island. They were all using live bait or squid …. DOH, I will be back.

Back at camp we moved bus again to a better spot. Keith and Wendy took us together with their crew (14) to the wharf about 4pm for drinks and a seafood meal. Local Barra and great steaks, live band, fantastic night topped off watching moon fish, GT’s and big Barra feeding on the scraps thrown over the wharf, amazing to watch.

ENTRY 4

2009-07-01T14:10:00.000+10:00

Monday 1st. June - 7th June

Monday we book in for another day as its supposed to clear to be good weather, off to Simson’s Gap and Stanely Chasm, all to wet and foggy to see much at all.

Tuesday (H/B Mel), well supposed to be sunny, think there forecast is as dodgy as their TV guide, did a trip to Emily and Jessie Gap,

misty and rain, but did see a wild dingo on the roadside.

Went back to C/P and hooked up boat, had enough of this weather, just a bit north (1000klm) its 30 deg.+ … on the road again, 200ks and we stop at Prowse Gap rest area, 5 other motor home / vans at about 3pm and by 6pm there is 9 vehicles.Clear blue skies and mild arvo and I polish the bus while Maz does dinner and we chat to the others over a wine, ….. the call is pancakes on the open fire and drinks after dinner. Fun night and we chatted to a couple that we meet on our travels in FNQ last year…. Small world.

Prowse Gap rest area

Woke up to overcast cold morning, on the road by 8.30am, amazing scenery as an hour up the road its bright sunshine.

An hour later cloudy and overcast where we stop for morning tea. The sides of the road are soaked and all the road run offs are full of water, near no wildlife, no road kill, well very little except for the big cow, that would have made a mess of any car but probably hit by a road train.

The plan was to camp in a small town near a pub or in a C/p but these towns do not look inviting as the outskirts of the towns have 1000’s of cans littered on the roadside and can imagine what happens in the towns overnight. Lunchtime we arrive at Devils Marbles an amazing rock form that covers the landscape.

A camping area with good services and $3.30 ph sees us set up camp. Unhook the boat and a drive out of the park to collect wood for the fire and then lunch and time for a walk.

Devils Marbles is about 40ks above the last town and 100k below Tenant Creek, there would be 40 other vans and motor homes here. The weather is sensational, blue cloudless sky light breeze and a million flies. Great fire and we attract neighbours to the fire and chat over some red. Hopefully we have seen the last of the crook weather.

Thursday lots of noise early as people get good positions on the rocks to catch the sunrise; we are on the road by 8am. 100k to Tenant Creek not a cloud to be seen, a tail breeze and shorts and t-shirt, … that’s more like it.

Fuel up at Tenant Creek, some shopping and phone goes nuts as I have not had reception for 2 days. The plan was to drive another 120k to Renner Springs, but not a very good C/P really poor amenities, Elliot was the next town, I didn’t want to drive that far but surely would have been better than where we were. WRONG, no way staying in this town, guess you have to use your imagination.

Head straight out of town only to be flagged down, …. Blow in this please sir …. I seem to have heard those words before, a check of the rego, and I got the “ have a nice day, bye “ Phew. Another 20k up the road and an overnight camp spot at Newcastle Waters, about 20 other campers, sensational. A few reds for happy hour and a Chook in the Cobb, yum, Cheers. Watched a couple of movies and snzzzz.

Newcastle Waters rest area

Friday, after a night beside the hwy and trucks going past tooting, woke up a bit tired, sensational weather, blue sky, shorts and singlet weather. A leisurely 2hour drive and we arrive at Daly Waters historical pub, book in to C/P adjoining the pub and also book in for dinner, Beef n Barra.

Dabus shrunk when I washed it

Relaxing arvo Maz took to the pool and I made my way to the bar.

As the afternoon goes on the C/P fills and vans are even in the block over the road.

The bar is full of signed tourist money, (notes) knickers, bras, sporting and uniform attire.

At 4.30 its happy hour and the bar staff toss a coin, if the call is right (heads or tails) your drink, beer or wine is free, at 6pm the chook man sings and jokes.

6.30 dinner and the beef n barra would be the best meal we have had in I don’t know when. The only downer was the $8.50 for a can of rum.

Saturday morning there is a mass exit, by 10am the park is near empty and we decide to stay another day. Very relaxing chatting to people as the next load of nomads make they’re way in. We front up for happy hour and Barra n Beef again, yum, then back to the bar for a drinks and a chat.

Top the evening off with a 10pm game of ten pin bowls out front of the pub on the main street.

Sunday morning up early, not much chance of a sleep in when its 18 degrees. Off to the showers to share with the frogs and geckos. Then at 8am the locals amuse themselves with a helicopter/Holden v8 ute race up the main street.

On our way out of town we check out the old airstrip (ww2) great old photos and info in the hanger, airstrip still used for Flying Doctor Service. On the road and 160k north is Mataranka and the hot springs.

Amazing place its an oasis. The camp ground was not so appealing, so a 20k drive east to the national park on the Roper River. Meet up with Barry and Robyn and camped near river with them. Its now 9.30pm and still 29 degrees in bus. Phew

Entry 3

2009-06-30T20:00:00.000+10:00

Monday May 25 - Sunday 31st

About 200k drive to Yulara resort and campground, booked in for 2 days, fantastic amenities. Set up camp and took a drive with some friends to watch sunset at the rock, awesome sight.

Stunning sunset

Left the boat at campground and took a drive to the rock and did 2 laps, checked out where the walk can be done, phew that would be hard, then a drive to the Olgas all stunning scenery. Back about 5pm.

Woke up to rain and overcast day, packed up, did some shopping at supermarket and fuel up ($1.51) Driving to Kings Canyon was rain most of the way and head wind, arrived at Kings Creek Station 40k before Kings Canyon. Left boat and took a drive to Kathleen Springs, an hour walk to springs and met some Rosebud people on the way. At the ranch was a great slide show/display in the evening of how the ranch started the people involved that lasted an hour followed by damper and tea/coffee around an open fire. Great Show.

Kings Canyon

An early start was needed as we were doing the rim walk Kings Canyon, 10am was not early enough but phew what a walk, lucky it was overcast cool and occasional drizzle as you could not do it in the heat they get up here.

The first 30 mins is all rock steps UP, then another 2 ½ hour walk around the rim of the canyon, sensational views, then the 1km rock steps down again, I’ve never been so happy to sit in the bus. Then a 3-hour drive back to Curtain Springs Station and free camp.

Curtain Springs Camp

Woke up to rain and wind and more rain, head off from Curtain Springs, not sure where, just north, 2 hour drive and fuel up back at Sturt Hwy. (Erldunda) then north towards Alice Springs. Its amazing how the landscape changes, maybe 50ks with trees scrub then miles with nothing bare land. Very easy driving about 80kph and everyone else seems to be travelling at similar speed as very few come up and overtake.

Arrive at Stuarts Well, also known as Jim’s Place which is 90ks south of Alice. Meet Robyn and Barry again, also met them at Kathleen Springs, Maz went to Primary school with the Robyn. Had a casserole in the cobb … sensational and chatted in the bar over a glass of red.

Dinki the Dingo at Stuarts Well

Maz had an early start (7.30am) to a show in the bar, Dinki the singing Dingo and got the run down of the history of the place from the owner Jim. Rain and more rain for the 90k drive to Alice Springs, stop and the info centre to get the goss, the booked into C/P for 2 nights to do some local sightseeing.

Unhook the boat and drive back to centre of town and walk the shops, the best time to do it as they are all closed on a Saturday arvo, BUT there is a MARKET in the morning I should whinge it’s the first in 3 weeks … reckon it wont be the last tho.

Anzac Hill

Sunday off to the market, and another stroll around town, then up to Anzac Hill, great view around the town, need to have the bus parked back onsite by 2pm to watch car racing. Perfect, all organised, TV on grrrr only to see who won the race…. Grrrr seems the TV guide and the TV station don’t talk … racing finished at 2 pm.

Anzac Hill

Anyway Sunday night is roast night in the C/P Tavern $10 and all ya can eat, a great entertainer/singer and a guy showing reptiles and snake, sensational night.

Entry 2

2009-06-29T21:33:00.000+10:00

Monday 18th - 24th May

Manna Hill roadside stop

Monday, on the road by 8.30am ... thats so early .... easy 150 ks ..drive to Melrose show grounds ... sensational place in the middle of nowhere at the foot of the flinders ranges. camped on side of hill had a sensational fire.

Melrose Showgrounds

Tuesday drove north through Quorn, historic old town the drove "slowly" over the Flinders Ranges onto Port Augusta. Another food, supplies and rum stop then took the right hand turn that said " To Darwin " 2700 klm away. Dabus was being nice as there was no wind and hardly any hills so cruised along at 95ks .. excellent... the navigator took the controls for an hour and did a great job ...

I can see more of that coming up !!... pulled into " Spuds Roadhouse at the turn off to Woomera ( 7ks away ) about 3.30 pm and camped amongst about 20 other campers. Around this place it doesnt pay to park in the wrong spot

NO PARKING !!!!!!!!!!

View over the fence

Wednesday up and at em early people leaving and we pack for a drive to Woomera, Roxy Downs and Andamooka. A 2 mins drive from Pimba and there is nothing as far as you can see.

What scenery

Woomera was fantastic great museum and great displays around town.

What a Rocket

Then an 80k drive to Roxby, it was 80ks of nothing then this town in the middle of no where, it has all the stuff … big Mitre10 big gardening section (your kidding) , Subway Pub swimming pool footy ground and hundreds of new homes, mining must be good. A 30k drive to Andamooka and we go from one extreme to the other. Not a blade of grass, dust everywhere and no flash shopping complex.

Andamooka street scene

Back to Pimba and camp another night.

After chatting to other motor homers we are on the road by 10am, and a few ks up the road I got behind 2 motor homes doing about 75 / 80kph. I had no chance of over taking so I cruised at that speed, after about an hour of that they turned off and I noticed the fuel gauge had hardly moved and I was enjoying the drive. Just one of them stupid things ya learn along the way, I have been whinging so much about lack of power and poor fuel economy, and all the time I have been trying to drive harder and faster than the bus is capable.

Arrived in Coober Pedy about 3pm, booked into C/park for 2 days.

Friday, walked up and back the main street then went for a drive to check out and around town. I have no idea how people can live in places like this, but you hear so many stories of… we called in for a month or so and have been here 20.. 30.. or more years.

Booked in for a tour in the morning to get the run down on the towns history.

Onto a bus tour at 8.30 and our guide was Rudy who was of the ….. called in here in 1975 and never left locals, tis great to have the proper tour as would have not known anything about the town just by driving around, such as the dusty and rock covered golf course (played on a lot) the underground houses and underground church all good.

Fuelled up ($1.28) and left about 1pm for 240k drive to Marla.

Camped out back of the roadhouse at Marla, chatted to a guy from Blairgowrie who had see our name and address in the register book and came over to ask where we are off to.

Then fuelled up again ($1.50) and off to Kulgera, happy not to need fuel as its $1.75 a long way from the $1.14 back in Port Augusta. Another 75k to Erldunda the turn off to Yulara and Ayers Rock. Fuel up ($1.55) and head west, tail wind …. Nice…. Another 60k and at Mt Ebenezer roadhouse, free camp out the back and a bar to watch the Sunday footy.

Mt.Ebenezer camp

A Cobb roast chicken and chocolate pudding, yum. About 15 other campers here for the night.

ENTRY 1

2009-06-28T15:05:00.000+10:00

Sunday 10th May - 17th May

The bus is packed, boat is ready .... on the road at 11am. Mothers Day and the roads are packed, had a close encounter with a Falcon at start of freeway at Frankston just to get the nervous stimulated. More traffic and very hectic until just past Calder Raceway, then the fantastic new freeway all the way to Bendigo, easy driving great weather, turned off freeway toward Morong and found a good camp spot just off Hwy. Think 240 ks is enough to get the show on the road for the 1st day.

Lockwood South

Phew mighty fresh up here in the mornings. Trucks buzzing past early so may as well get on with it although only have a short drive 200ks to Quambatook, where we will stay with friends for a few days. Very happy with the boat .... seems to be towing well.

Very little traffic makes for an easy drive, fuelled up at Bridgewater and then on to Wedderburn then north to Boort and on to Quamby. Couple of easy days 2 roasts in 2 days ... mmm nice.

Headed off Thursday morning driving from now on to places and on roads I have never been, an hour later Swan Hill and a stroll around town then on to Nyah for lunch.

Great roads and enjoyable drive as The Murray comes and goes from sight, Boundry Bend through Robinvale to Mildura has a huge amount of Olive,Grape and fruit plantations. We drove through Mildura and found a great camp spot right on the banks of the Murray just out of Merbein.

The Murray

Friday morning and back to Mildura for a look around. We plan to come back to this area in the future so decide to move on toward Broken Hill. After leaving Mildura about noon, lunch was at Wentworth and then as its 300ks to Broken Hill there is a camp half way and that will do for the day. Well what a bugga of a trip the mix of towing a boat and a strong head wind the bus was struggling getting to 80 kph. Glad to see the camp spot but not for long.

Its not really a camper friendly place so on we go .... 80 kph flat out grrrrr... finally get to Broken Hill about 5 pm. found the motorhome club C/park, and after a bugga of a drive ... gimme a drink.

On The Road to Broken Hill

Saturday morning up and at em ... food stock up checked out the 4wd display and the shopping centre ... theres a huge 4wd event here this weekend.

Did the tourist thing amazing city full of history checked out the mines and decided to stay another day.

Old Mine Structure

Sunday went to Flying Doctor service Base for a tour.

8 Million each

One of Pro's rollers

Then checked out some galleries including Jack Absolom and Pro Hart, late for a drive but on the road 3 pm 150 ks to Manna Hill a tiny town and camped for the night.

The new trip

2009-05-09T16:47:00.001+10:00

Well time has come to get on the road again. The plan is a drive to Darwin then back to Katherine, across to Broome, south to Perth, across the Nullabour, Adelaide and home by late October 2009. Towing the boat will add a new dimension to our travels as that adds 5 metres to the bus, but hopefully it will be put to good use and a good few seafood meals maybe coming up. The bus has some new goodies, such as solar panel and LED interior lights a great new inverter along with a portable Waeco should help with longer bush camping.