Our 2005 Trip to Perth Part 1

With four weekends left before we depart I thought I would post Kathleen's account of out trip to Perth back in 2005

Yip, we are on the road again and this time the trip is to Perth.

Some information on and as to why this trip. Dennis did seminars along the way, towing a trailer with some of the instruments he shows to customers etc. The first leg of the trip was to get to Adelaide to pick up a trailer at one of his distributors and some instruments from there.


We left Melbourne at 6am on the main highway to Adelaide stopping for our usual breakfast of bacon and eggs at a restaurant outside Ballarat which is 90k’s from our home. Bellies full, off to the next stop Horsham for a cuppa which we carry in the car. The car needing fuel at Bordertown, this is where the white kangaroo’s live. Photo’s below. Beautiful creatures they are so graceful.

Once again these bodies of ours need refuelling with food and this we did about 90k’s outside Adelaide called Tailem Bend by the Murry River. Sit in the restaurant and look out over the river, most peaceful, lunch was hamburgers and ginger beer and orange juice... We arrived at Hotel Meriden in Adelaide at 3h30pm there is a time change of a half hour. Dennis left me at the Hotel, he went to Jeff to fetch instruments and trailer for the seminar in the hotel tomorrow.

30/8

Down to breakfast and Dennis got ready for the seminar with Mark helping etc. I went to a shop called the Warehouse to get the necessaries for the trip. We also had dinner (tea) in room. The weather here in Adelaide tonight the wind travelling at a 100k’s a hour, TV announcement to stay in doors due to wind, rain and lightening.

When all this started was rather a sight to see with a black cloud coming over and the tree’s bent to almost ground, a bit frightening to watch. It was bed early to as we needed a early start on the road for the next seminar which is held in Port Augusta

31/8

Awake at 5h30, its Jane’s birthday today (our grand-daughter) turning a beautiful 10 years. She is having a birthday party which she is sharing with her best friend whose birthday is a day or so earlier.

On the road about 7am, this is the first leg of the trip to Perth. Dennis’ next seminar is here in Port Augusta which is about a 31/2 hour trip. Driving along the high way of Adelaide we pasted a Salt mine amazing to see.

Arrived at Port Augusta at 10h30 had morning tea at a shell garage.

The Seminar was held at the Arid Botanical Gardens. Mark arrived just as we did to help off load the instruments and set up for their do.

GOSH! What a mission doing this the moths and the flies, it was shocking. I have always heard of the Australian salute, I learnt how to do it very quickly, quite funny actually but not when you try to talk. This part of the world was plagued by moths as well. Being South African the signs on the roads etc is for the big 5 or cattle etc but down below is this sign, so people if you travelling here watch out!

When walking in this part of the world one needs the protective clothing and shoes, there are signs everywhere to be careful and also the correct treatment for snake bites etc. It’s not only snakes it’s also spiders which are very poisonous. This is the start of the arid country side going up to Perth it has a beauty all of its own.

Dennis then took me to the hotel where I rested up and of cause did a bit of sight seeing while Dennis went back to the gardens to do the seminar which was until 7pm. The Hotel is on the river port beautiful lookout from hotel.

We went out for dinner which was yummy. Came back to hotel and bed it was. It’s amazing how tired one gets doing this, but I must say it’s most enjoyable. Tomorrow we leave for Whyalla.

1/9  (3½ months to Christmas everyone.)

We left pretty early for Whyalla. It’s not far from Port Augusta. Arrived at Westlands Motel where the seminar is to be held. Whyalla is a mining village. Iron ore. The Beauty of this place is one of a kind where the steelworks and mining operations (now owned by One Steel). This is where the blast furnace is (to produce pig-iron for the foundry market)   the chimneys push out red smoke, hence all the areas surrounding this place is covered with this redness. The roof tops the walls the streets.  

These photo’s are taken from Hummock Hill. In 1986 Queen Elizabeth visited this area. Apparently she has visited this place 3 times. Hummock Hill, as it was originally known, developed from 1901 as a departure port for iron which was discovered at the nearby inland town of Iron Knob.

Oh dear, we have a puncture. So it’s off to Beaurepaires to have it fixed, found a 2 inch nail in tyre. Thank goodness this did not happen on the Nullarbor stretch.

It’s Dinner time and early to bed.

Friday 2/9

It’s back on the road again and this time leaving at 8h45 after a yummy breakfast. We travelled on the Lincoln highway which is the coastal road. The reason for this is we have 3 days in which to get to our next destination Kalgoorlie. So we decided to go this way and see some of this beautiful country.

On leaving Wyalla we passed a sign said “leave headlights on” So on they were , it was only later that we realized the reason for this. As this part of the world is arid and one cannot see the on coming cars and this was easy for us to identify what was ahead. 

We passed a town called Cowell town of fresh Oysters. This part of the world is the home of sea farming the oysters.

We stopped and had a cuppa at Elliston which I had made for travelling. The walls here are covered in murals which you can see from the photos below. It was good to get out the car and stretch the dear old young bones; I think you know what I mean here.

We stopped at a place called Coffin Bay (named after some pioneers whose surname was coffin). The lunch was a tortilla with smoked chicken Swiss cheese and cranberry sauce most delicious

We arrived at Streaky Bay at 4h40 a quaint seaside village, hotel very homely. It’s been a very long trip and very tired. It was dinner and early lights out. It’s village of Oyster farming 

Saturday 3/9

Up early and down to a continental breakfast and very friendly people who work in the hotel, having had a wonderful time in the lounge with everyone chatting to each other. Packed the car and decided to sight see here and have a wee squiz at the Oyster farms which are in the sea. We also went to the Bauer look out walked around there.

We left Streaky bay and today were rather an exciting day. We are going to see the whales in their natural habitat. But first it was to travel to Yalata Community. This part of the world is the aboriginal country. We had lunch here and at the same time a tourist bus was here. Everybody joking with one another and it was just such a blessing to see everybody happy and enjoying themselves. There is a wee museum here which we had a quick look at.

The best Photo that was taken here is the road sign of the “Beware of the Camel, Kangaroo and Wombat” took photos of this. Dennis just loved this sign and was so excited about this as he was going to see camel in the wild. Heeeeee!

We are now entering the Nullarbor plains. This by most Auzzies seems to be a dreaded thing to do. Somehow we were expecting a desert with sand dunes etc but to our amazement it was arid yes but the flora was amazing. We stopped off at the border between South Australia and Western Australia. This is a quarantine check One is not allowed to carry fresh produce nuts untreated wool honey soil plants seeds etc. It’s a huge fine if it’s found on you. So rather declare what you have or dump it.

We slept here at the Border Village. We took some photos and went into the traveller’s chapel and wrote in the visitor’s book. Dennis put petrol in car $1.58 shocking I would say. We had dinner and it was bed early for us, it’s very tiring travelling like this so it’s lights out and sleep.

Until next time........................Think big thoughts

Part 2

The Outback - A Dream Comes True Part 5

THE STORY OF OUR OUTBACK ADVENTURE CONTINUES

Tuesday 11^th June: 

Finally “D Day” has arrived the challenge of a life time to drive up BIG RED! 

So the excitement began with us up early breakfast and the tea bag ready with hot water in flasks and so it was the journey to the beginning of Dingo and Dozer’s dream to conquer the great red sandy mount in the Simpson Desert. We arrived at the bottom of little red and unbeknown to us we thought it was the big one and thank goodness to a kind couple who told us big red is further on so we do give them thanks for that!

But before heading into the desert the ceremony began with Nathan and Dennis hoisting the desert flag, what a moment this was and I’m sure a lump in throats. And so the poles were placed into their holders and many photos and videos were taken.

Dozer                                                 Dingo

Before entering into the desert there are rules which everyone must adhere to for safety reasons such as using the desert flag and the reason for this is when going up a dune nobody can see you from the other side so the flag is an indicator to the opposite side it shows first before the car appears. The other is to make sure you have enough supplies in the car such as food and water in case you get bogged in and cannot get out and one of the main ones is to respect the desert with its flora and fauna. Wild camels, dingos and snakes let alone spiders and all types of reptiles so one needs to be first aid wise too and many info boards are very formative if certain things bite you and what aid is required. Channel 10 is also used in the desert to inform on coming traffic of danger etc.

So now all is good in Dozer and Dingo and off we are to challenge Big Red. So First it was Dozer up little red, then Dingo which I found not too bad. We drove around the other side to find 3 other vehicles there about to attempt this red mount. Out the cars and chatting and looking tosee which is the best way up. And so the other cars went and one failed to get to top so it was decided Dingo needed to take the step. I’m petrified by the way, the engine getting up steam to attempt the big red which to me had a huge smile on it’s face saying “come on try me baby I’m waiting” So here I am with my eyes shut and the camera on video holding it up sort of in line with the from window and off we were like a rocket it felt to me, bounced this way and that until finally we reached the summit feeling like we flew over leaving all 4 wheels in the air landing and everyone shouting “you did it!” I’m afraid my English language somehow came short when we landed I think I forgot it and used some other language called, now what was it? So now it was Dozers turn and up he went it was a joyous time for every one chatting and telling of their experience. 

Now next to this track we had just come up was an even steeper one which had a track which someone tried to attempt and failed and this tickled Nathan’s fancy so this itch to try the steep one was just too much for him and down the Big Red and engines revving and up ¾ and slide down and this happened about 4 times and Big red had won on that steep track. 

  

Nathan and Maryleen decided to go to Poeppel Corner to sleep in the desert but we decided to remain in Birdsville for the night. So we decided to travel about 20’s into the desert to Eyre Creek and have lunch there and return to camp. This we did said our good-byes and returned.

That evening the Birdsville camp had a get together for dinner costing $15 each of soup and damper and curie and rice with entertainment which was a singer and 2 children playing the violin. It was a wonderful evening sitting around the camp fire and chatting to everyone. The Birdsville garage is owned by a South African strange to come all this way from South Africa to hear Afrikaans spoken. We walked back to camp to find Maryleen and Nathan there they tracked back to camp due to having car trouble that is the shock absorber on the left side had come off and pieces and this was quite some trip into the desert too. They were convoyed in once again God looking after His children. 

Wednesday 12^th June: Did some washing Nathan repaired his car and guess what? It’s back to big red to conquer the hard part. This time we drove around the back of it getting up to the top but my wind was blowing and the dune had changed its shape over night and before our eyes the shape of the dune was taking place.

So it was down the front of the dune and the sports began with Nathan attempting the hard side and He made it and what joy it was seeing the delight on his face. So quite a few attempts which were done then with us doing the main track up got up and left the Big Red with accomplishment of conquering the Big Red.

We decided on packing up camp and leaving early the next day for Innamincka

Thursday 13^th June: Leaving Birdsville at 8h18 but first to the garage that Nathan wanted to go to purchase a something so we dualy followed him and waiting in the car Maryleen and Nathan approached us and with a serious speech handed me a sticker award of me approaching Big Red with my well spoken English that at times I try to hide which just shows you it’s never ever missed by ones children, what a laugh I had and this sticker now sits beautifully in my cabinet. 

So onto the Botoota Road taking the turn off at about 116k’s in and going on the Cordillo Downs rd to Innamincka. Passing the Moonda Lake, stopping at Cadelga Outstation another heritage building.

Jeff's Walk

We stopped in the middle of know where to have lunch. Travelling along this road we found a pedestrian with a back pack solar panel for charging his batteries etc. We stopped and spoke to him and this man is walking from the Port Augusta gulf to the top of Australia for raising funds for the deaf and blink. 

We arrived at Innamincka in the late afternoon tied and the effort to find a place to put up camp was just so hard. To understand this place is along the banks of the Cooper Creek one can camp and certain place one is charged $15 a night but the one at Town common has a honesty box and costs $5 a night there is no difference to this one or the others sites. We set up camp and once again very chilly and the wind blowing which was not pleasant so a decision was made to have dinner at the hotel and that was just so good, food wonderful and it was warm.

Our Camp

Now the camp sites do not have showers so one has to go into the wee town to the ablution block pay your $2 for a 4 minute shower. Water is very precious in this area so wastage is a big no no!!!

Innamincka was another reason for Dennis’ dream to come true and this all started out with him reading Burkeand Wills and the expedition they did and how they died so Dennis wanted to visit the Dig tree and their graves. So along this whole place is of history and it’s amazing how many people no little about. Their trek started out in Melbourne, their bodies were actually exhumed and buried in Melbourne.

Crossing Coopers Creek

End of Part 5........... Do something that scares you.

The Outback - A Dream Comes True Part 4

THE STORY OF OUR OUTBACK ADVENTURE CONTINUES
Friday  7^th June: 

Once again up early showered packed up camp and now by this time our expertise at breaking down camp was much quicker than the first time. Guess what? We went for breakfast at Maco’s, gosh it was good! Filled petrol tanks and hit the road stopping off at Emily Gap with some Rock paintings which was called 3 Caterpillars also stopped at Trephina Gorge

Stopped to take a photograph of a rock with a motor bike attached to it a memorial of a man who died on his Harley at the age of 44. Tea time it was stopping at Ross River bed and of cause once again sandy roads. Leaving this place and once again the 4x4 was in use with its sandy rocky roads taking the Arltunga Rd to the Historical sites of the gold mining world.


Most interesting place to walk through, with machinery dating back to the first miners use, then we had the opportunity to pan for gold.Leaving there at about 12h45, passing the old homestead of Ambalindum station towards the plenty Highway. Stopped in the middle of nowhere for lunch.

This track was quite something almost a grade 5 in places much to the men’s delight with loads of laughter watching my face in certain places.  It took us nearly all day to drive about 50k’s that is how bad the road was but the men enjoyed it but then arriving on the

highway again and to find a place to bed was another story passing the Harts Range Police station next to Atitjere which is a Aborigines station and driving about 20k’s down knowing something was wrong reading the map again and tracking back to the police station and seeing a lady walking in the paddocks with her dog stopping and asking her for the camp site which she directed us to arriving their in the dark and a not so nice feeling being the only ones there and suddenly we saw a

 light in the distance and another camper arrived and about a hour later another which put our stress at ease. Sleeping was still a bit stressful listening to the dingo’s howling at times but in the end it was good getting up the next morning and the coals of the fire still alight which Nathan managed to start up again with some small twigs and once again warmth was there and a good feeling while eating our breakfast of bacon and eggs it was rather windy too

Saturday 8^th June: 

Sunrise

Leaving for the border between NT and Queensland to the cattle station Tobermorey. We drove to Jervoiswhere we put in petrol drove on stopping for lunch on the side of the road. We arrived at Tobermorey station and what friendly people this ranch is 25million hector with 25,000 head of cattle on it and were in the process of herding cattle in with a helicopter. It’s a beautiful farm with an electricity generator which switches off at 10pm and restarts at 5h30am. We awoke to the farm busy with life helicopter starting up generator starting and dogs running to greet us and the beauty of sunrise and once again the fire was rekindled sitting on our chairs watching the business of farm life come alive. We took some beautiful shots of sunset too there.

Sunday 9^th June: Up early once again and on the road at about 7h40 AM ,photo below is Nathan helping us take down our tent removing the wrong pegs and hence the tent collapsing, what a laugh!!!!!!!!

Driving on the Donohue highway to Boulia, a town with a population of about 600. The camp grounds were quite full, also very friendly we set up camp then went for a bite to eat at the local museum with interesting history to the town of a man who saw a bright light (Min Min light) and tried to follow it into the country and to this day this story has been passed down and apparently it does happen so who knows. The camp washing machine was put to use and managed to get most of it dry.

Monday 10^th June: An early start on the road to Birdsville, stopping at different places for photo’s and at 9h46 at a road sign and were stopped by the police from Bedourie,

Police officer Mark Michigan asking if we were travelling into the desert and taking our drivers licence no etc and also breathalyser for records just in case we get lost in the desert and at least there is a record of us driving through and can send a rescue search out for us in case someone says we are missing.

We stopped at Bedourie for the bathrooms and bought an ice-cream which was just so yummy and of cause good for the figure, did you know it helps loose weight? Anyway I’m sticking to that story!

We arrived at Birdsville at about 11h45 set up camp with gazebo once again the flies were just so rude sitting on us and trying to get to our tea while drinking it let alone sitting on our backs trying to sun tan without permission. The person who designed the hat net I will kiss him next time and say THANK YOU! We sorted of just did the touristy thing ending up at the internet café left there back to camp and got ready for our night out on the town. Birdsville Hotel which is a must for any tourist to go to the Hotel is a heritage listed building with such history and warmth were all the locals gather and visitors. This night was a BBQ $25 and eats as much as you like it was such a lovely atmosphere and a most enjoyable evening

A little information about bread in the outback it is shipped in all over and frozen then taken out each day for sale so now Birdsville is the only Bakery in the outback and makes fresh bread daily, what lovely bread.

The information centre is very informative and one signs in there stating when you leave there and where too so this is also a way of keeping track on people especially if lost they can at least track you down.

The museum which we did not walk through but from the outside is very interesting.

Now the fascinating part to this place is the water supply. It is pumped out from a bore many meters down and comes out at almost boiling point and this can be seen on entering Birdsville from Bedourie. It goes through quite a few cooling systems before entering into household use. One can hose down your car right next to this pump station where the steam enters the air and can be used to clean your cars after a hard day in the desert

The bird life is amazing and for those who find it hard to believe that budgies fly around free here in huge flocks let alone the parrots and many, many other species of birds which our hand book given to us by Chareen and Paul came in handy many times.

End of Part 4.....................Feel good about yourself