Some trip planning

Some trip planning has been done, very little I might add as I'm waiting on information from Camps. So far we have decided that we will go to Mildura for the first night 534 KM then on to Port Augusta for the second night 550 Km. The next stop will be Coober Pedy a distance of 540 Km, we intend to stop at Lake Hart, probably for morning tea then at Glenbumbo and anything else that may interest us.

                                                     We are only going to night stop at Coober Pedy as we visited

 there in May/June 2007,we camped underground at Riba's Caravan Park, different experience and very difficult to get pegs into the rock, the great thing is that the temperature underground hardly moves from  23°C day, night, winter or summer. We did the mine tour and found it fascinating, anyone planning to visit should in my opinion spend at least one night here if not camping then in one of  their underground cabins.

Coober Pedy comes from the local Aboriginal term kupa-piti, which means "white man's hole", probably because of the miners holes. The below-ground homes and shops, called "dugouts", are built to escape the high daytime temperatures. Opal was found in Coober Pedy on 1 February 1915; since then it  has been supplying most of the world's gem-quality opal and is known as the "opal capital of the world", it is reputed to be the largest opal mining area in the world! A must see is the Old Timers Mine and Museum, a great way to learn the fascinating history of opal mining, the self-guided tour shows how the miners lived and worked, seams of opal, and opalised seashells have been left in the walls and can be viewed. There is also the demonstration of mining machinery and one can 'feed' the blower.

    'Feeding the Blower"                                  Inside the Mine                                 Underground Church

Our next stop will be at the NT border about 395 Km stopping at Marla and Agnes Creek along the way. From there it is a 'short' 288 Km to Alice Springs, we will be making a stop at Stuart Well to see the singing Dingo, lets hope Dinky is still there next year as I believe the owner is looking to sell the road house and retire to Alice.

Until next time................Life is short, live it

Trip Planning

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

Our second trip ....

Our second trip was end September 2001 to the Gold Coast as I had to attend the  Metrology Society of Australia conference. We set out early Saturday morning stopped for breakfast on the Hume highway, continuing on I expected to see a sign indicating the turnoff to Brisbane, no such luck and after some two hours decided we had miss it so stopped at the Chiltern turn off and had a look at the map.

We did not have a GPS back then and having only been in AUS for a few months it seemed that the best way was through Chiltern , Urana and on to Gilgandra our intended night stop. Little did we realize that we would be taking narrow country roads, but it was very interesting passing through small tows and seeing the old historic buildings. It had been quite a drive (over 1,000 Km) so after dinner it was early to bed. The next morning we left at 6 AM and on our way to Bellbowrie Brisbane to spend the night with my cousin, to get there we had to cross a river on a ferry which cost $2.20. We spent a wonderful time with my cousin and her hubby chatting and catching up with family news.
The next morning it was up early and to the airport to meet Jack a colleague from the USA, then to the Grand Mecure Hotel on the Gold Coast, our room was on the 12th floor overlooking Broadbeach, a fantastic view of the golden beach, clear bright blue sea, cloudless sky - fantastic! While Jack and I attended the conference for four days Kathleen was able to explore and thoroughly enjoyed herself visiting Surfers Paradise, taking the mono-rail etc.

The next day 5th October we were once again on the road early in the morning on the first leg of our journey home, we decided to take the coastal road as far as Newcastle then head for Dubbo and home. As usual there were road works and we were often on long gravel detours, some going slightly inland, it was no real problem and we saw the most amazing bird life. We saw a field of White Cockatoos (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - Cacatua galerita), that was just breath taking, also a lot of Grey Cockatiels (subfamily Nymphicinae) and Major Mitchell's Cockatoos (Lophochroa leadbeateri). After some 981 Km we reached Dunedoo where we spent the night in a very nice motel, next morning back on the road, breakfast at Dubbo then 931 Km later we arrived safe and sound at home. A most enjoyable trip having traveled 3,566 Km.

I was going to do some serious trip planning this week but due to various factors(one being work) have not been able to, but I was looking at the map and thought that for a change we should take a different route to Port Augusta. We have been to Adelaide at least 3 times a year since our first trip in 2001, stoppes at every town along the way, spent a weekend at Nhill  and Horsham, spent a night at Tailem Bend  and Murray Bridge, had lunch at many truck stops and been to Port Augusta more than once, so we may just go via Mildura this trip, it's only 42 Km further but could take a little longer due to the 'back' roads, this is not a problem as we should have the time.

1040 KM                                                                                      1082 Km

Until next time ................. Enjoy the little things in life

Our weekend in Horsham

Three of our children and their families (ten of our grand children) arrived

early Saturday morning and we left around 8 AM for our

Ready to leave

traditional breakfast at the "BIG M" this time it was at Rockbank some 14 Km away, it was then on our way to Wimmera Lakes Camp Ground non stop, or so we thought! Not long into the journey a voice came over the CB "if we see a morning market we need to stop" and would you know there was one at Beaufort so we stopped. There were quite a few stalls with the normal nick knacks, and across the road in an old church they were selling Christmas decorations which were quite spectacular. Turned out to be a pleasant stop.

Our Camp

It was then back in the 'saddle' next stop the camp ground, we arrived after 276 Km and 3:03 hours (moving time), set up camp and went into town to get a few things, then to the pool for a swim and a play with the grand kids, so much for a solar heated pool!!!! The water was cold as, I estimate about 18°C, still we had heaps of fun and granny show us that she could still ride a bike! We had a BBQ in the new camp kitchen which was great, then it was time for bed, by

this time the wind had picked up with strong gusts, we should have lowered the awning as even with anti-flap kit it was quite noisy at times, around 3 AM we were woken with a loud bang when a large branch fell on the roof of the van, not much sleep that night.

Sunday morning we were up early, after a quick breakfast twelve of us left just after 7 AM for the Big Desert. We decided to enter from the Nhill - Netherby Road, Nhill is a quaint town approximately at the half-way point between Melbourne and Adelaide on the Western Highway. It is situated within the wheat growing and sheep grazing district, and is surrounded by a number of state and national parks.

After about 108 Km we were on the edge of the desert and it was time to air down the tyres and on to the Pella Track, then right onto Chinaman Flat Track, we stopped at Chinamans Well for a cuppa. At the T junction we turned right to The Spring for lunch, not much further and we turned right on the Milmed Rock Track heading for Milmed Rock, a quick stop to sign the visitors book then on to the Lookout, this was a short steep track and good fun. From there it was on to Lake Albacutya. The lake normaly fills and empties on a 20 year cycle, I'm lead to believe that the longest dry period on record was 27 years. The lake was dry, it's hard to believe that it was a place to water-ski in the 1970's, we drove a little way on it's bed before returning and heading for Rainbow as it was late afternoon. We aired up and headed for camp some 109 Km away arriving at 6:30 PM just in time for dinner. We did a total of 407 Km of which 190 Km was off road, all in all a fun day of 4x4ing.

Monday after a late breakfast we set off to explore Halls Gap which is situated in the Grampians National Park. The park has many attractions including rock formations, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, 4 x 4 tracks and many lakes, reservoirs and waterways available for fishing and canoeing. Just after entering the Grampians National Park we decided to visit the Beehive Falls, one takes the road to Roses Gap car park (about 17 Km) then its a gradual moderate uphill 1.4 Km walking track which follows Mud Hut Creek upstream, after crossing the bridge it's a series of rock steps to the base of the falls, this scenic waterfall drops 25 meters into sheltered rock pools that are surrounded by ferns.

We then continued on the spectacular scenic drive to Halls Gap which is set in the Fyans Valley at the foot of the of Wonderland and Mount William ranges. This tourist town is the place to unwind and relax in the picture perfect surrounds, which one shares with kangaroos, wallabies, emus, possums and a wealth of bird life.

After lunch of tasty pies and chips purchased from a local, the grand children had a great time playing in the park, while we relaxed and enjoyed the sun. All to soon it was time to leave for the journey back to our camp via Stawell, the suggestion was made to return next year Cup weekend to Halls Gap and it seems that all agree that this is where we will be.

Back at the camp the ladies decided to visit Horsham one more time while the men looked after the children, swimming, playing chess on the giant outdoor board, playing mini golf, jumping on the big pillow and bicycle riding, all the games are free to campers. When the ladies returned  It was then time for dinner and bed.

Tuesday morning after breakfast we packed up and with heavy harts and left late morning for home. We stopped for lunch at a park in Ararat. This attractive old gold mining town of less than 8000 people is at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, about 200 Km from Melbourne. After lunch we were once again on the road, next stop home. We all arrived safe and sound after a most enjoyable weekend.

I use Memory Map  GPS mapping software on an iPad to track our journey's, we traveled a total of 1,168 Km, used 175.41 liters of diesel at a cost of $263.19 which works out to 15 L/100 Km.

Until next time ...........Monday’s are fun enjoy them.

Just a short

We are packed and ready to leave tomorrow morning so just a short post as its Melbourne Cup weekend so we have a four day weekend and we plus three of the children with their families are off to Horsham which is only 280 Km  for the weekend.

Horsham

 We will camp/caravan at the Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort; spend a day in the Big Desert 4x4ing, time permitting we will spend sometime in the Grampians NationalPark.

It will be a good test for the new fridge and the awning ‘tent’,  it will also be the first time out for my son to test his 'new' 2003 Pajero as well as a good test for the new three core radiator which I had custom made and  fitted  by Campbellfield Radiator Service last week and should be a relaxing, fun time with the grand children. With some luck and depending on the internet connection I will do a daily post otherwise it will be next week.

Camel ride at Uluru

As for the trip, apart from doing a lot of research on places to see and making a list, we have decided that we will just do one night stops up to Alice Springs, the reason being that we have previously visited Adelaide (many times), Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice, so the plan is as follows:

Day 1   Tailem Bend      580 Km
Day 2    Port Augusta     400 Km
Day 3    Coober Pedy     540 Km (may have a rest day)
Day 4    NT Border          395 Km
Day 5    Alice Springs      290 Km

That's 2,205 Km in five days so we will definitely spend a day or two in Alice, if only to do the washing and veg.

Until next time…………………….. Live don’t exist

Our first Aus trip

When the company I was working for in 2001 transferred us to Melbourne from Christchurch (NZ) as Australia was part of the territory I managed. I would whenever possible drive to the different state capitals and cities/towns to conduct business. One of the first of such trips was to Adelaide, we left early one Saturday taking the Main Coastal Road to Colac and on to the Gibsons Steps. We walked down the Gibsons steps to the beach, all 86 of them and 70-meters later we were on the beach looking up at the vertical cliff line, in awe at God’s creation.

From there it is a short drive to the 12 Apostles, the 

car park is located on the land side of the road, the 5–minute walk takes you under the Great Ocean Road and to the viewing platform where one can view the splendour of these magnificent limestone rock formations rising up from the Southern Ocean. Wind and sea erosion continually batter them, with some having collapsed over the years, I believe there are now only 8 standing.

It was then on to Port Campbell, the area consists of steep, rocky cliffs with pristine sandy white beaches in bays at the base of many of these cliffs. Next was Peterborough, a sleepy charming seaside village, population 178, there are many walking paths where one can experience many rock formations, arches and blowholes. From here the road turns inland and meets the Princes Highway near Warrnambool, from there to Port Fairy, we stopped at Codrington Settlement Portland;

it's a teahouse inside a general store and a step back in time, it still has its original counters and tin’s etc. that they used to hold product. It was wonderful sitting there having a Devonshire tea being served by the Codrington family dressed in Victorian clothing.

We left there feeling refreshed and on to the Princess Margaret Rose Cave. We took the 40-minute tour led by an expert guide of this marvelous cave which was created by the constant slow drip of rainwater through limestone over thousands of years. It is often referred as 'the jewel in the crown' of the Lower Glenelg National Park.

 We arrived late afternoon at Mt Gambier found a motel for our night stop. Unfortunately we did not have time to explore, that would have to wait for a later visit. Early next morning we continued on to Robe where we stopped for breakfast, we did a little tour of the town which has a lot of history and a 4x4 beach run, this will also have to wait for a later visit. We continued up the Coorong, the lakes are amazing then on to Wellington where we boarded the ferry which holds 12 cars and takes about 10-minuets to cross the Murray River. From Wellington to Satrathalbyn down to Goolwa and on to Victoria Harbor where we had lunch and a bit of a tour then on to Adelaide.

We left on Thursday and headed for Broken Hill, why you may ask, well Kangaroo Kath's mum was born in 1911 and lived in 3 Argent Street and one of her dreams was to visit and follow up on her family

3 Argent St., Broken Hill

history. After Gawler the road is straight for long stretches with canola fields as far as the eye can see, some were in bloom and it was just a mass of yellow quite spectacular. It was then on to Terrowie a heritage town founded in 1870, houses are still standing only just and some are still occupied, we were unable to determine what they do for a living. From there the terrain changed being very rugged, we stopped at Yunta which is  about halfway for lunch then on to Broken Hill. This was our first taste of the outback.

The next day we did some research at the archives, great fun for Kathleen to find out about her forefathers, she traced her grandfathers grave number and discovered that his first born and brother were buried in the same grave! We put flowers on the grave, said a prayer, then into town to visit the historic sites. 

Silverton

We visited Silverton about 25 Km out of town, it offers a thriving art scene, a beautiful landscape and is a good way to learn about the rich heritage of the region, very interesting indeed and well worth the visit. On the way back we visited the Daydream Mine - the mine is no longer in operation but is an experience and a half and should not be missed. 

Another must see is the White's Mineral Arts & Mining Museum it is a unique experience, you can go underground without actually doing so! A video on the history of mining in Broken Hill can be seen. There is also an exhibition of crushed mineral art which is fascinating, each masterpiece is of an event of the history of Broken Hill and an extensive collection of handmade dolls and bears are also on display.




We left at 6 AM the next day for home, at this time of the year it is still quite dark, we were not far from town when a Joey jumped into the front wheel of our car, we did not see it until the last second,  it was flipped under the car and died instantly, fortunately there was no damage to the car, God really looked after us. After that scare we had an uneventful trip home arriving at 4 PM after 847 Km.

Until next time..............remember miracles happen everyday

If only.......

I've often wondered where I got the love of travel from; I never tire of travelling especially into the bush and see the splendor of God’s creation, if only I could do it all the time! Perhaps as the song says ‘I was born under a wondering star’ but I like to think it was passed on from my folks. A year before Sputnik went into space and I was a seven year old my folks went to the UK and Europe for three months by boat the year was 1956. Since then they did many trips to various places in the world, they visited us in New Zealand for my 50th in 1999 and their last overseas trip to visit us in Australia in 2002.

Dad had a Blue one

As a family we did a mammoth tour of Southern Africa in 1958 with family friends in two VW 1100 cc Kombi’s we travelled from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, Zambia (Southern and Northern Rhodesia back then) visited mum’s brother and his family in Ndola, then on to Beira (in Mozambique) Maputo (Lourenço Marques) and back home. We did many more memorable trips.

Skeleton Coast

When our eldest two daughters were three and four we had our first holiday at Amanzimtoti in a tent, we have traveled to England, Europe, Greece and Israel. We lived in Namibia for about six years and traveled all over in our first caravan, we visited Ai-Ais (I walked the Fish River Canyon twice - all 90Km), Etosha Pan, Ruacana Falls, Caprivi Strip, Swakopmund and many other interesting places. I even did a 4x4 trip to the Skeleton Coast all the way to the Kunene River mouth.

Back in South Africa we had a Jurgens caravan and had many happy holidays in it. We immigrated to New Zealand and travelled most of the South Island and many places in the North Island. I was transferred to Melbourne in 2001 and we purchased our first van in 2004, and did many enjoyable trips, we also started to 4x4 and soon found that we needed a camper van so we migrated to one, we then decided to sell it and get a cross over which was more comfy, but in July we decided to upgrade to the Snowy. I have been fortunate to have visited about 20 cities in the USA as well as Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong and Shenzhen.







In-between caravan trips we have done many 4x4 trips with the tent, in 2004 we did a 7,700 Km trip to the ‘Red Centre’, crossed the Nullarbor, taken the ocean road to Adelaide, the coastal road to Brisbane, the inland road to Cairns and coastal road Cairns to Brisbane, crossed the Simpson desert, many times to the Victorian High Country, and more….. I’ll be doing periodic posts about these trips in the future so keep an eye out or you can just sign up then you will be notified when I post them.

I have done quite a bit of research in regard to places to visit on our trip next year, our eldest daughter has loaned us a Reader's Digest book called Australia's Most Scenic Drives which is very informative and helpful, showing many places of interest with short descriptions including maps with distances and photographs. We hope do do some serious planning in the next few weeks.

Until then …… keep the shiny side up

The Awning Sides

We decided that that we should get sides for the awning so that when we stayed for more than one night we had a protected outside area for family and friends to gather, so did research via the internet and chose to go with Alpine Annexes, their price is reasonable and customer service excellent. They have an extensive range of design options and colors to choose from. As it is custom measured and made to suit the van they have an onsite fit & measure service, are on time, professional, very friendly and answer all ones questions giving one peace of mind. Not having to take the van to their premises (as required by most) is very convenient indeed.

Curved Rafter

The walls are attached with an easy to use Anti-Flap Kit. This method of attachment provides a secure and robust fit. The Anti-Flap Kit can also be used without setting up walls to brace the awning and protect it from damaging winds.We added a Curved Rafters for extra support to the awning, each wall is conveniently made separately so you have maximum versatility when setting them up as you can use the walls independently. As it is all custom designed one can add features that suit your specific needs such as extra doors and windows, window protectors, mesh door, dividing walls etc. If you are thinking of adding too or altering your annex it will be well worth your time to visit Alpine Annexes web page.

We collected the walls, anti-flap kit and curved rafter, were given a full hands-on demo of how to fit it so we tested it and found it easy to set up, fits very well indeed and we are happy with the end result. It will be put to the test when we are away for Cup Weekend.

I found this App on FB called Camping Around Australia for less than $5.00 The description says:

Choose from over 3000 rigorously researched camping areas. Browse campsites near you – perfect for when you’re on the road looking for your next stop. Or browse using a map view – ideal when you already know what area you’re travelling to, but not the site you want to pitch your tent or park your caravan at. Plus search by location, facilities or keywords. Whether you want to find dog-friendly campsites in your favourite national park, or the perfect beach camp with fishing opportunities nearby, Camping Around Australia will deliver. 

For every campsite listed you'll find:
• descriptions of the camping area
• facilities available
• nearby activities
• contact details
• information on how to book a campsite and get permits if required
• access information, maps and directions on how to get to the campsite.
• add your own photos and comments to all campsites, so other users can see    what the site really looks like and what you thought of your stay
• add sites to your list of favourites and plan your next trip

It seems to work OK but will put it to the test on on Cup Weekend to see how accurate it is when we go to Horsham where we will camp/caravan. We will also visit the 'Big Desert' one of the days and generally have a fun time with most of the grandchildren - more on that later. 

Until next time..................... Need what you want.