FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

dont know how i did it but i managed to get on the site from the middle of nowhere ?
i was hoping to do a daily diary of our trip to mt gambier
but it might be more of a "whenever i get connection "diary  ;D ???

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

fri 7 mar
left Perth late (suprise suprise ) got a bit of rain on trip to Hyden
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0001.jpg)
went surfing but got wiped out (suprise suprise)

had engine problems, tried to fix them myself
it took a while to figure out what this bit of the engine was  ??? ::)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0002.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0003.jpg)
is this an FC ?

sat 8 mar

cruised through Ravensthorpe and found these
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0004ravensthorpefcs.jpg)

continue on the 600km trip to Norseman
Heres the local tourist attraction

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0005camels.jpg)

had promised Cathy a romantic dinner so i took her to the most romantic  place in town
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0006dinner.jpg)

Caught up with Brad & Gemma cruising to mt gambier with thier caravan
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0007bradgem.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sun 9 mar

Hit the highway and started heading east
had rained overnight but dried up and stayed cool and overcast  :)

traffic on the highway
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0008beepbeep.jpg)

just tie the steering wheel to the 1/4 vent put a brick on the accelerator
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/000990mile.jpg)

caught up with carrots & daggsey at Eucla
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0010metdagsy.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

mon 10 mar

checked out the tourist attraction befre leaving Eucla
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0011telegraph.jpg)

should i turn left at alberkurkey  ??? ??? ???
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0012euclalost.jpg)

I'd post a picture of Ceduna here but the town was closed
(something to do with horse racing and public holidays..........only in australia  ::) ::) ::) )

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

tue 11 mar

weather is warming up... high 30s, low 40s between Ceduna & pt Augusta

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/toptaugusta.jpg)
the road looks like this

(most of the roads look like this ! )

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Surferboy & Cathy
Looks like the trip is going well, by the looks of the road map you were holding in Ceduna its no wander you checked out the signs for directions.

Hope your enjoying yourselves.

Cheers Jim

Hi Guys & Girls, looking forward to seeing you all. Only 7 more sleeps until we head off.

Hope you all have a safe trip.

Cheers,

Graham

looks like a great time your all having don,t like the idea of havin a freightliner road train up me rear thou
ps done the trip on a honda 4 about 30 years ago had a sore arse for a couple of weeks .keep the updates flowing
regards mal

good one, surferboy - waiting for more diary entries!!
so far, so good; hope it stays that way
see you in port fairy
cheers jack n rita

wed 12 mar

It's HOT    100deg +

stopped at Willmington at a toy museum
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0014wilmington.jpg)

found this......


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0015toys.jpg)
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  ( I'm a happy boy)

on the 400+km trip to Broken Hill
It's 100deg+ still, empty roads, a million miles of red dust, road kill, road trains and nothing else


except.....



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0016goldenarches.jpg)
 ??? ::)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

thurs 13 mar

rest day in Broken Hill
It's 100deg+ again !

had milkshakes at Bells
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0018bellsmilkbar.jpg)

Cathy got weary in the heat
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0017nocomment.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

fri 14 mar

On the road again
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0020road2.jpg)
it looks like this

STILL 100deg+

another state
another time zone !
I'm all confused

Mildura ( I think)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0021mildura.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sat 15 mar

still on the road
still running well
still having fun
still another 400+km drive  (to Bendigo)
STILL B****Y HOT  !

went fishin' at Swan Hill      FISH & chips for dinner ?

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/0022shfishin.jpg)

 :D :D :D & Cathy

sun 16 mar

weekend in Bendigo
they have those funny trains that stop in the middle of the road   ???
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/028tram.jpg)

was only 37degrees in Bendigo and no driving to do
so
we drove the 100km to Echuca where it was HOTTER......... AGAIN !
passed lots of Rods cruising the other way (Rich River Rod Run )

outside Holden Museum
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/027echuca.jpg)

had a toothache so had some dentistry done
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/023swanhill.jpg)

did the tourist stuff
had fun at Bendigo Pottery

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/025potty.jpg) (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/024sculpting.jpg)

created a one off
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/026oneoff.jpg)

STILL HAVING LOTS OF FUN
Wagon's still running good, so i'm starting to relax (a little bit)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

ask the surfieboy , i for one have enjoyed you travels.

mon 17 mar

guess what ....... YES it's still 100+degrees  :P :P :P

They celebrate occasions for a long time out here

They were celebrating St Pats Day when we were in Broken Hill

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/030irish.jpg)
we got dressed up for the occasion



and now we're in Bendigo and we're celebrating again

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/031irish.jpg)
one to many Guinessessessseess

The Irish make much better burgers than that scottish burger bloke
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/029irish.jpg)
can't wait for O'Donalds burger chain


O'Surferboyo & O'Cathyo

tues 18 mar
(sorry its late but the hotel internety thing wasnt working)
Travelling South and the weather started cooling down

just popped in to the local surf comp to have a go

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/033surf.jpg)

this is me

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/034surfing.jpg)

HONEST  ;D ( would I lie )

IT RAINED TONIGHT  ;D ;D ;D

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

wed 19 mar
Its the day for The Great Ocean Road

Got to DRIVE ( including turning corners,braking,accelerating etc)for the first time for ages
The weather is COOL
Saw lots of TREES and OCEAN for the first time for ages
Caught up with other interstaters cruising to the Nats
Did lots more sightseeing

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/035gor.jpg)  (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/036gor.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/038gor.jpg)

the12 apostles (its one of those must do sightseeing things)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/037gor.jpg)


THE SMILEY APOSTLE  :D
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/039smilegor.jpg)


At Port Fairy catching up with mates at the barbie
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/041portfairy.jpg)

ANOTHER GREAT DAY

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

thurs 20 mar

Up early ( it's the first time we've been early for the whole trip )to cruise from Port Fairy to Mt Gambier

The guys needed an hour or two to dry thier cars because it was wet overnight and then put the carbras on
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/042portfairy.jpg)
some of us just sat around watching and drinking coffee

THEN (5 minutes later )

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/043portfairy.jpg)

IT RAINED
so we stopped to take them off

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/044sa.jpg)

4,650km down......32 km to go  ;D ;D ;D
NATIONALS....HERE WE COME

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

and here we are
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/046nats.jpg)

The West Aussies started our Nats Party onthe Thursday (nothing better than a lnglong weekend  :D )

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/045wa.jpg)
on our way back to Nats HQ after dinner at the pub

FRIDAY 21st MARCH
NATS DAY 1

I relaxed all day

Some used thier time to wash     and polish                and scrub                                                                         
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/047nats.jpg)(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/048nats.jpg)(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/049nats.jpg)


and.....later....wash some more....
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/047nats.jpg)
and wash again (just incase you missed something the first time  :D :D :D )

Fish and chips for dinner
We all practised our queing up
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/050nats.jpg)

and caught up with all our old friends and made some new ones
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/052nats.jpg)

such as Tailshaft Tim...who brought me my "surfboard" idiot board
the last time i saw it was in a rubbish bin at Jindabyne in 2005
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/053nats.jpg)
THANKS Tim 
Its things like this that make the Nats really worthwhile

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sat 22 mar  Nats Day 2

Show and shine day
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/055nats.jpg) (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/054nats.jpg)
I'll let the other guys do the shiny car pics

with face painting
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/056nats.jpg) (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/057nats.jpg)

and a cruise around town
](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/059nats.jpg)(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/060nats.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/061nats.jpg)

we queued up for a lovely bbq dinner
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/062nats.jpg)

and relaxed and did some more catching up with mates
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/063nats.jpg) (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/064nats.jpg)

The kids got funny magicians
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/065nats.jpg)
which all the parents loved

some of us chose to show how inttel..inti...entelig...inntelegen....dumb we are at the quiz night
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/066nats.jpg)
Our table WOULD of won (if they had asked different qwestions)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sun 23 mar  Nats day 3

CRUISING   :)  :D  ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/067cruise.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/068cruise.jpg)

and SPORT

warming up
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/070cruise.jpg)

Gary would have been perfect if it had been an FE boot and badge
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/071sport.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/072sport.jpg)  (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/073sport.jpg)

Dinner was supplied
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/074sport.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) Cathy

Heres Steve checking directions for the cruise

(just before the second U turn  ;D )

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/082lost.jpg)

and TROPHY DINNER

sorry but I've got to post this one
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/077trophy.jpg)
longest distance travelled

AND THIS ONE
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/079trophy.jpg)
The West Aussies collect the sports trophy AGAIN
lets ALL sing a rousing chorus of
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

AND BIRTHDAY CAKE
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/078trophy.jpg)
but no naked lady jumped out  :( :( :(


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

mon 24 mar

Nats day 4   going home day (but some of just love it so much we just hang around)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/075wateam.jpg)
The West aussie gang
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/076wateam.jpg)

we went sightseeing somemore
Mt Gambier was a lovely place to cruise around with some lovely sights to see
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/081sights.jpg)  (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/080sights.jpg)

the stragglers had one last final get together before the weekend finished
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/083dregs.jpg)

THANK YOU to all the South Aussie crew who organised a terrific weekend.
Cathy and I have really enjoyed every minute of it. The Nats is much more than just a bunch of car guys and shiny cars. This weekend with all the fun and enjoyment certainly reinforced that

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

PS See you all again in Orange 2010
     and we can't wait for 2012

tue 25 mar

cant drag out the weekend any longer unfortunately
so we've started the trip home  :( :'(

the road out of Mt Gambier looksa bit like this ( i think )
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/084tovh.jpg)
or it could be the road out of anywhere ???......I tell you, they all start looking the same

on the road to Victor Harbour. More Semis on our tail
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/085tovh.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

wed 26 mar

after the busy Nats weekend and all the partying
we took time to relax with a spa room in Victor Harbor
where we enjoyed the sunrise  :)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/086vh.jpg)

NO I'm not posting the spa photos !

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

thurs 27 mar

on the road again
stopped for 5 minutes at Hahndorf in the Adelaide hills

Cathy went puppet shopping for the grandkids
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/087harn.jpg)

I loved the leather shop
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/089harn.jpg)

a lovely place
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/088harn-1.jpg)
we left 2 1/2 hours later ! :o

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

fri 28 mar

were feeling good
the wagon is running really well

so we decided to take a small detour on the way home
turned left leaving Port Augusta and drove South to Port Lincoln

guess what
the road looks somehing like this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/090topl.jpg)

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sat 29 mar

heading north to get back on track
was going to stay overnight an Ceduna but changed our plans (again)
and decided to stay at the hotel at Streaky Bay

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/092streakybay.jpg)

BUT...there was a wedding on and THE WHOLE TOWN was completly booked out


so we stayed in Ceduna
where the highlight on a Saturday night was a birthday party at the pizza shop
(sorry i didnt have the camera with me so i cant post pics of a pizza shop  :'()

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

sun 30 mar

Heading home  :'( back across the Nullabor

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/093wave.jpg)
you do a lot of this driving a 1958 Holden across the country  ;D ;D ;D

stopped at Penong in the cold wet windy weather before turning off the highway to drive the 25 kms of gravel track to go surfing at Cactus  and caught up with some locals

who said "surfs not on...but you should have been here last week ! ;D"

so we didn't go
BUT I WOULD HAVE (honest...would i tell fibs  ;D ;D ;D)

this is the local surfboard makers shop
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/094penongcactus.jpg)

on the Nullabor
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/095nullbike.jpg)
and you thought I was silly

had to stop for this photo
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/096bite.jpg)







only in Australia  ??? ??? ???





(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/098fuel.jpg)


LUNCHTIME

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/097lunch.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

mon 31 mar

We must have done to many miles
                       and to many states
                        and to many time zones
                         and to many towns

my brains frazzled
I've got no photos to post 'cos i put them in yesterdays  ???

 8) 8) 8)

TUESDAY 1st APRIL

after 26 days
and 8,300 km

Arrived home

our adventure ended
4.40 pm
 :(



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/099home.jpg)




 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

See you all in Orange  :)

Hey  8) 8) 8) & Cathy
Thank you for an entertaining insight to parts of Australia I have never seen.
Enjoyed following along.
Look forward to your journey to Orange.
Regards
Alex

What an inspiring story. I have never been across the Nullabor, have always wanted to but have never done it. To do it in a good old Holden must have been great. I really enjoyed some of the pictures of the scenery. Must have been a great trip.

I look forward to meeting you both in Orange, and following your next trip across.

Keith

Surferboy your trip across Australia in an inspiration to all and what a mighty old Holden to take you there and back ,and some great shots of the trip .....FC427.......

Isn't your speedo in miles? And how many miles to the gallon did you average for your trip?

Thanks for the posts - I have enjoyed it.

What a great read!
My only worry is what's gonna happen in 2012?

Stinky by 2012 fuel will be well over $10 a gallon it will be a expensive trip to get to WA and back I better start saving a few $$ each week for the Trip so it won't have an impact on the hip pocket.......FC427........

That,s if petrol is still around in 2012. We might all be feeding our food scraps into the bolt on Flux Capacitors on our FC's. If that's the case then Maccas will be triple the price! ;D ;D ;D Cheers, Jack

Sorry to be hijacking the thread but from what I am reading the FE FC Nationals will be in 2012?  ???

Keith - 2010 in Orange NSW, then 2012 in WA is how it will be as I understand it.

Surferboy - I both love and hate this thread.  Your photos and stories are great and deserve an award for best thread about the Nats.  But, I watched the story start and only realised how much I wanted to be going to the Nats and couldn't share the experience.

However, the photos and story are so good, so thanks for that and for helping me be even more determined not to be a stay at home next Nats.

Cheers,
David

Hi Graham,
This is a fantastic account that you put together and while you were on the road as well.It makes for great reading and viewing.Thanks.
Cheers,
Graham

hhey surfer boy, i will have to agree wholehartedly with what ridgey-didge said.
even though i too could not make it the story and pics supplied gave me my own little  ::) road trip.

well done mate and looking forward to your next installment

Orange 2010  8)

thank you
dean

Thanks for your comments guys
It makes struggling with this computer (which has developed a bad habit of turning itself off for some unknown reason ! ) really worthwhile

The highest petrol price driving to the Nats was $1.91cpl (pulp) at Cockelbiddy
3 weeks later on the trip home it was $1.96cpl
Total fuel bill for the entire trip came to $1,760 ( don't know why but we decided to keep the receipts out of curiosity, now I know why the guys at work think I'm crazy)
Didn't keep records of Litres so I cant calculate m.p.g ( I'm not that Crazy)

We will have to find a different route to Orange in 2010...or I could cheat and just post the same pics again  ;D

I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to 2012....if I don't need to drive across the Nullabor, people might expect me to wash  :o the wagon before the show and shine

 8) 8) 8)
PS will try and post some more pics when i get my new beaut computer

 

Our road map

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/map2.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy
red lines are new roads we've not driven before

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to share this with us Surferboy, told just as a story about Australia should be, very dry, wth lots of irony.

Loved it.

Cheers
John

G'day everybody

Was just checking my calendar ( then realised my Trax calendar is a bit out of date...but I still enjoyed checking it out  ;D )
and realised..there's only

               394 DAYS

left before the Nats in Orange

so I figure its about time to start planning the route to Orange

getting across The Nullabor is straight forward..theres not a lot of options

But do we go east through Broken Hill (again :-\ ) to Cobar, turn north through Bourke (where we can go "out the back"), to Cunamulla in QLD(just so we can say we drove through Qld ), turn right to St George (to see if it has "a BIG dragon" !?) and Goondiwindi (to see if it's GREY ?).   (sorry there is no grey colour option)Turn right, head south to Tamworth..perhaps I'll bring my geetar and see if I can get a country music career.  ;D :( ??? ::)Then catch up with any Sydney guys who are cruising to Orange

or

do we head south and cruise through the fire ravaged areas of Victoria ? Spending money on food,accomodation etc in our small effort to support those fire victims who have stayed and started rebuilding thier towns ?

Any suggestions ?    Let us know where you think we should go

Then I might go and get one of them internety plug thingys ( ??? ??? ???) that go in the laptop and let me post my ramblings anywhere and anytime

 8) 8) 8)

Go up through Coober Pedy and go mining, up to Ayers Rock and then go to Queensland, down to Sydney, on to Orange, down through Canberra and home through Vic and the fire zones and back home.

Unless you take a ferry trip to Tas, you'll have to every state and territory in the one trip bar one!

Excellent reading surferboy. My partner Mick and I have never been to any Nationals before, we just bought our FC last September and are very much looking forward to going to Orange in 2010. To meet all of the Holden fans from this forum. Thanks heaps for letting us read your adventure.

Cheers
Janette

Ahhh, so you have already planed the trip??? just as Paul has outlined
Thats why you are detouring to Tassie this year!!! just to get it out of the way.

Regards
Weddo

G'day Paul ( I'm still writing in an Irish accent so you can understand this)
Were only using four weeks of our annual holidays from work this time so were on a bit of a sprint.
 Left turn at Port Augusta to Cooper Pedy looks promising.( just like we did a left turn on the way home from Mt Gambier and ended up at Port Lincoln...just because we've never been there before  ;D) PS I poured you a Guinness but you weren't here so i had to drink it for you  ;D
Saving Alice Springs for when the QLD guys host the Nats and we can save up extra holidays and do a loooooong slloooow crawl around the Northern end
Weddo, we're using our Tassie holiday to plan where we will drive the wagon and how much wooly underwear we will need for when you guys host the Nats
Janette, it will be nice to meet more new faces at the Nats in Orange, Thats what the Nats are about for me. Just look for the guy in a BIG hat, driving a rusty wagon covered in dirt and bugs with the longboard on the roof
Another great weekend on the way..I can't wait ( I wonder if theyre going to do Kareoke ...I hope so)

 8) 8) 8)

Hey Surferboy,

Here's a couple of fairly obvious routes for you, starting from Port Augusta to:
Wilmington
Gladstone
Clare (excellent wine region)
Burra (historical copper mining)
Eudunda
Morgan
Renmark
Mildura
Balranald, to Orange

The return, from Orange to Bathurst then on to Narrandera, then
Deniliquin
Echuca (where there's a famous Holden museum)
Swan Hill (where there's an historic village in the mode of Sovereign Hill at Ballarat - but quite different)
Ouyen
Pinnaroo
Murray Bridge
Mannum, Palmer, Mt Pleasant
Nuriootpa (Barossa Valley - lots more good wines)
Kapunda
Clare (top up with some more wine to replace what you drank at the Nationals)
Crystal Brook
Port Pirie and then on to Pt Augusta

(As a variation, you could go from Nuriootpa or Clare to Wallaroo, then get the car ferry across Spencer Gulf to Cowell, then through Cleve and Lock to Wudinna, then Ceduna.  If you book the day before and get either the very first ferry trip of the day, or the last, the trip is half price.  See www.seasa.com.au)

You retrace your steps on only a couple of roads, and from your map its seems you will barely touch previously travelled roads.

Bring the trailer to take home lots of 1st class South Aussie wine - and some Coopers beer.

Martin

Here here Martin.Hey Surferboy,you gotta do the Nuriootpa/Barossa bit.We can show you plenty of fine wineries.Even if you don't drink/like wine,it's a beautiful place and hopefully you can cruise around with one Black FC. ;) Jamie.

YAHOOOOOOO   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Surferboys Nats Diary...with the magic of moving pictures   ;D

It's taken a while but i have finally managed to my video footage onto a DVD
(bloody stupid computers... i have only managed to burn one copy and now the stupid computer has decided thats enough  >:( ??? :'( )
1 hour and 20 minutes of our trip and the weekend. (with BONUS footage of ''The INFAMOUS Granny Knickers")

When i manage to get some copies done I'll try and post a copy out to each club.

 ;D ;D ;D
 8) 8) 8)

Graham
The correct terminology is "Nanna Knickers",

Please note that I am heading back East (Adelaide) and the year 2010 where they have late night shopping, Sunday trading and daylight savings. With this in mind our Nanna's better start looking for a new recipient to present this prestigious award at the Orange Nationals.

Cheers Jim

Bugger
now its gunna take me 6 months to change the title !
 8) 8) 8)

We,ve only got 4 weeks holidays so our quick sprint to Orange might go something like this ?

Fri      19th LAST day at work before the epic journey
Sat     20th  packing
Sun    21st  Easter egg hunting with the Grandkids

Mon   22nd Peth          to    Kagoorlie     600km
Tue    23rd Kalgoorlie   to   Eucla            900km
Wed  24th Eucla          to    Ceduna        500km
Thurs 25th Ceduna      to     Pt Augusta   470km
Fri     26th Pt Augusta  to    Coober Pedy 540km
Sat    27th sightseeing and getting rich digging up opals
Sun   28th Coober Pedy to   Pt Augusta   540km
Mon  29th Pt Augusta   to   Broken Hill    415km
Tues 30th Broken Hill   to    Nyngan        590km
Wed 31st Nyngan        to    Tamworth     440km
Thurs 1st sightseeing and getting rich busking
                            (people pay good money to make me STOP singing  ;D )
Fri     2nd Tamworth     to    ORANGE      450km

                                                         5445km+?

Has anyone been to Nyngan ? Theres not much on google. We just need a clean motel and decent food for the night.

Any comments and ideas are most welcome

 8) 8) 8)

Do you play golf? There is that new 1400km course along where you'll be driving....
 ;)

Thats not a trip Surferboy ...... Thats a RACE !!!!!

regards

Weddo

Groannnn!!
That's a long time behind the wheel. :-\
We have this to look forward to in 2012!!! :o
Never seen that part of Australia before, so sounds like an adventure. ;)
Just gotta work out how to get the car back home without all the driving.  ::)
Regards
Alex

Alex

Here's a great idea, you get to watch all the scenery, someone else does all the driving and hey presto at the end the car is there for you.

http://www.gsr.com.au/our-trains/indian-pacific/taking-your-car.php ($2)

You get a to ride of of the great train journeys in the world too!

Not only that you can have a drink or three while the train is travelling, get up and stretch your legs etc

Just an idea ::)

Keith

thats just being lazy Keith
and you miss out on the heat and dust and smelly rotting roo carcasses

Alex see if you can get a copy of my nats diary dvd ( i sent one to each state). it gives you a small idea of what the Nullabor crossing is like  ;D

change of plans......hows this for....
Surferboy & Cathys Great OUTBACK Adventure

19th   last day at work
20th   prepare
21st   On display at Whiteman Park car show  (1000+ cars, cant miss this one)
22nd   600km Perth to Kalgoorlie...get rich digging for gold
23rd    890km Kal to Eucla....sleep
24th    605km Eucla to Streaky Bay....relax
25th    390km Streaky Bay to Port Augusta...easy bit
26th    540km Port Augusta to Coober Pedy....sleep in a cave!?
27th    dig for opals and get rich
28th    630km Coober Pedy to Port Pirie ....sleep in a butcher shop !?
29th    relax..relax...relax
30th    750km Port Pirie to Hay...sleep in a bank !?
31st    510km Hay to Canberra...buy porn legally  ;D (whoops Cathy just walked in the room   :( )
1st      265km Canberra to Orange....start partying early

then

6th    455km Orange to Tamworth....go busking for petrol money
7th    LOTS of busking for more petrol money
8th    645km  Tamworth to Bourke....to buy a sticker proclaiming I've been 'back o' Bourke  :D
9th   sit around bored cos there doesn't seem to be much to do in Bourke
10th  617km  Bourke to Broken Hill....been there, done that..got the hat badge
11th  relax ..cos it might be 100+degrees again
12th  570km Broken Hill to Kimba...starting the race home
13th  815km  Kimba to Eucla...not a lot of options
14th  704km  Eucla to Norseman
15th  735km  Norseman .....HOME

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 8) 8) 8)

Hi Surferboy

We're staying overnight at Hay on the 30th so we might see you cruisin' the main street that night unless you're off looking for Murrumbidgee swells.  ;D

We're going direct to Orange the next day though and we might even have a blue & white FC from down the Sth East keeping us company on that stretch - if he can keep up with us! :P Luv ya Jack!  :-* :-*

Kathi

G'day Kathi

always happy to catch up with FE/FCers ;D

We're staying in the Bank, come and say hello

 8) 8) 8)
ps if we don't answer its cos we're in the spa  (or buggered from all the driving and are snoring to loud to hear the doorbell  ::)

I've had to change the plans for the trip home
Cathy insists she will not spend her birthday driving 645km in the wagon 

I don't know why not ?

 8) 8) 8)

Hey Surferboy (& Cathy), If you're looking for somewhere to stay while in Canberra, you're quite welcome at our place.......

Cheers,

Graham

Thanks for the offer Graham
All our accomodation is booked (Cathy likes to be organized, I was slack this year...I didn't have it done by xmas)
Staying at Quality(?) Hotel in Dickson.     I think ?? They sent the confirmation to the wrong person then sent me a confirmation for somebody else  ::) :o
I get email confirmations from all my accomodation so I have written proof of the bookings if anything goes wrong

The trip home goes something like this
6th   440km Orange to Cobar  its in the middle
7th    457km Cobar to Broken Hill  cos cathy wont spend her birthday driving in the wagon  :'(
10th   672km Broken Hill to Wudina   No I dont know whats at Wudina either
11th   707km Wudina to Eucla
12th   889km Eucla to Kalgoorlie    Last relaxation stop
14th   604km Kalgoorlie to HOME
24th back to work  :( :'(

About 9,00km, 25 Days  all for 4 days of FE/FCing   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

The guys at work all think I'm a nutter  ::)

 8) 8) 8)

The guys at work ar right - but I'd do the same if I could!!


 8)

Surferboy
I can understand why they think your a nutter "Your going via your arm pit to get to your elbow and some" .

Its a pitty I transported my car to Adelaide, I could have given you a run for your money in the trophy stakes, I reckon they have an entant from Timbucktoo coming to Orange so you might not be a shoe in this time round.

Cheers Jim

Hey Surferboy,

I'm sitting in Wudinna as I write this (my son is the local doctor here).  Things to see in Wudinna:  A huge granite sculpture titled "The Australian Farmer" as a tribute to the cockies, and Mt. Wudinna, the 2nd largest monolith (after Eyres Rock - Uluru).  Not far out of town, and you can climb it for exercise and great views of the surrounding country.

Martin

Looking at google earth I see that it has an airport, a swimming pool, a railway and a main street - what else can you ask for? Also, if you were heading east you would have two choices just out of town - left or right.

Hey Paul, you forgot the oval   :D

Martin & Paul
Do not forget the Coffee Shop (Stopped there for morning tea on my way over) the Pub/Motel also looks good.

Jim

Here's one for the record books








(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/ab.jpg)

I found some more rust
I knew there was a reason I don't wash the wagon

 8) 8) 8)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/ab1.jpg)

We leave bright and early in the morning to start the trip
I'm about as organized  ??? as I'm ever going to be  ::)

I've got the EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN KIT
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/ab2.jpg)

If I've got the laptop figured out I will say hello from Kalgoorlie tomorrow night


 8) 8) 8) & cathy

Good luck for the trip - hope it all goes well.  Might see you in Hay.

John and Kathi

Isn't it just soooo exciting,(the unknown that is).
 Good luck with the trip, i'll see you on the other side.

Good luck with the trip, I hope that all goes well for you

I look forward to meeting you in Orange

Keith

love the sticker mate, off into the wild blue yonder.
safe travels and see you in orange ;)

dean

Wax Up and go see you next week in Orange .......FC427.....

Happy sailin guys, catch up with you again in Orange

regards

Weddo
and judi

Safe trip Graham, see you and Cathy in Orange.Nothing quite like a road trip in an old Holden.
Cheers,
Graham

DAY 1

All packed, the goldfish has been fed, the house sitters are settled in
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/1-3.jpg)

WE'RE ON OUR WAY   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

travel directions were       turn right at Midland and
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/2-1.jpg)
follow the pipeline

went digging for gold in Kalgoorlie
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/4-3.jpg)(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/3-3.jpg)
Dug a dirty big hole     but haven't found anything yet  :(

The map so far
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/5-2.jpg)

Weathers been good, cool & cloudy most of the day. (We missed all the storms we just saw on the news)
Left home 7.30am (we slept in  ::)....it is the first day of our holidays)
Stopped in Merredin for a bite & coffee
Arrived in Kalgoorlie 3.00pm
600+Km today
93.5 Ltrs of fuel.  $133.00

Surferboy

Have a fantastic trip and look forward to seeing you all again, I to am looking forward to the Nat's.

Cheers

Julius

Just had a call from surferboy....he has arrived in Streaky Bay...however there are no fandangled remote thingmebobs for his laptop.
He will try and upload some more tomorrow from Port Augusta

Cheers
Gary

So thats where that pipe line goes to

Les

Day 2

A looooooooooooooooong day
890 Km  kalgoorlie to Eucla
Left Kal at 6.00am (was meant to be 5.30 but we slept in  ::))arrived in Eucla at 5.45pm  Passed through our first time zone and we haven't left the state yet

The TomTom looked like this most of the day
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/8.jpg) ($2)

Cathy did some driving
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/7.jpg) ($2)

While I
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/9.jpg) ($2)
RELAXED  :D

Then I relaxed some more  ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/10.jpg) ($2)
Doing the 90 mile straight
I used the DIY cruise control

Passed a few rodders heading West to Busselton (if it wasn't washed away in the storms ?)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/6.jpg) ($2)

end day two
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/11.jpg) ($2)

127 Ltrs   $217/00    total 220.5ltrs  $349.90

found out the storm didn't do any damage at home (only lost power  :))
and found out my el cheapo Optus broadband doesn't work in Eucla  >:()

 8) 8) 8)

Day 3

Eucla to Streaky Bay   600Km+

THE NULLARBOR crossing
Weather is warm and sunny, nice day for a drive  :)
Strong headwind (the same STRONG headwind we battled all day yesterday  :( )
For the first time...we were stopped at Ceduna for quarantine....gave up 2 apples and 2 bananas we didn't eat at lunchtime

LOST  ???  ::)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/12.jpg) ($2)
it's one of the "must do" picture opportunities
( I slightly modified the sign  ;D)

Been here ...Done this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/13.jpg) ($2)

and doing it AGAIN  :)  :D  ;D

Stopped for a game of golf,    Par 2,367,456,901,287,346hole  :o
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/14.jpg) ($2)

end day 3

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/15.jpg) ($2)

84.5Ltrs  $135.35      Total 305ltrs  $485.25

AND still NO Optus available  >:( ??? ::)
and still no power on at home  :o


 8) 8) 8)

Day 4

A really cruisey day, only 390Km to do today. A nice change from the previous two days.
Lovely relaxing brekky at the hotel before hitting the road.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/16.jpg) ($2)
The local constabulary came over for a chat  :( but it turns out he's come to admire the wagon and talk longboard surfing  ;D

Put a NEW line on my map today  ;D ( Streaky Bay to Poochera )

Stopped in the middle of the Australian outback and had a morning tea of scones with jam & cream, with a cuppachino.  ( It's not all billy tea and anzac biscuits  :D)

Hit a slight problem

Got a horrible smell in the wagon
hadn't passed any rotting roo carcasses
PANIC  :o
NO strange noises
gauges are all showing OK
wagon still running smoothly
 ??? ??? ???



Found the tailgate has developed a bad habit of popping open.

So a couple of shims

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/17.jpg) ($2)

and a bit of gaffa tape

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/18.jpg) ($2)
ALL FIXED  :)

Did one of the "must do" photos

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/19.jpg) ($2)

Have been leapfrogging the same caravans, motorbikes with trailers (the "krackatinnie tribe" were out & about heading back to NSW)and cars for a couple of days. Then you stop for a chat at the roadhouse to the couple in the little blue car and find out they are on holidays from England and live just around the corner from where you used to live !

end day 4
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/20.jpg) ($2)
just a little tiny bit.

38ltrs of fuel  $52.15    Total  343ltrs   $537.40   (some prices are for ULP and some PULP)


 8) 8) 8)

PS  off to Coober Pedy tomorrow...whats the bet OPTUS doesn't know where Coober Pedy is  ::)

Surferboy, you should wind the window down next time you need to fart.


When I went there last year as part of my outback road trip, my Vodafone signal was nowhere to be seen. Goodluck  :)

Ol_Girl_58

your nearly there, that purple dodge heading to WA has travelled im pretty sure from north of sydney, looks like a fun trip, my tailgate comes open sometimes too.
 be carefull with the cruise control, if you have a strong return spring you could get woken up with a nasty jab in the nuts.

Wise up, guys.  Optus & Vodaphone have good coverage of the populated areas. End of story.  In the rural regions Optus is sometimes a bit better than Vodaphone, but not all that much better. For instance, Optus has reception at Ceduna, but then you won't hear it again until you're about 30km out of Pt Augusta. Neither of them are much use to cross-country travellers.  Sorry to disappoint you.  Love 'em or hate 'em (and I hate them) Telstra is the only mobile service that's any use to contry dwellers and travellers.

Martin

LOL  ;D ;D

Great work, surferboy, loving the travelogue. You're nearly here by the look of that map!

According to the map if you manage to travel another 3 inches to the right you should be there.  :P

Great stuff surferboy love your stories and pictures. :D
See you soon
Tony.

Surferboy,

I love the ducktape & the sHims.

See you in Orange
Cheers
John

Good stuff Surferboy, I love the day by day stories and pics. Just think, in 2 yrs time you will be able to sit at home and follow the travelogs of all us easteners as we make the arduous trek west. Look forward to catching up at Orange. Cheers, Jack

Day 5

550Km Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

Hit the road about 9.00am after a bit of a sleep in and some shopping
Weather was SUNNY (I have a crispy, brown right arm to prove it) around 36celsius.  Which is a LOT nicer than the 8 days of 100+*F :P we had on the last Nats trip.

The road looks a lot like THIS  :o
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/21.jpg)
and this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/28.jpg)
and this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/22.jpg)
AND THIS ( Cathy must be getting bored...she's started playing silly buggers with the cameras  :-*)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/25.jpg)






The trains are big out this way, we stopped counting at 50 carriges and we still couldn't see the end  :o
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/24.jpg)
even the cows were so impressed they stopped to watch the train too

If you've ever lost a numberplate (or a surfboard  ???)

You might find it in Pimba

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/23.jpg)

TAAA DAAAA
WE MADE IT  ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/26.jpg)

end of day 5
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/27.jpg)

76.5 Ltrs  $113.25    Totals 419.5Ltrs   $537.50

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Day 6

We are staying in a cave

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/34.jpg)

and I found I get optus coverage if I sit out on the verandah but not inside the cave. So I'm sitting out here watching the beautiful sunset while I send my Diary



AAAAARRRGGHH  :o :o :o :o

Change of plans
The sun has set and ALL the creepy crawlies are attracted to the laptops screen

I will post photos tommorrow from the Butcher shop in Port Pirie


Goodnight
Fred & Wilma

Love reading your diary.
I am in Canberra and are having seconds thoughts whether to drive the FC to Orange or not. This is the first old car I have driven and to me it feels like the old thing is going to fall apart. Not sure if thats how it is supposed to feel like. I didn't enter my car but would like to go and see everyone elses.

Cheers
Janette

Hi Janette

3 rolls    Gaffa Tape
1 roll     Fencing Wire
1 roll     Green gardening wire
Asstd     Cable Ties
1          Tube Glue
2          Screwdrivers
1          Adjustable Spanner
1          Hammer

My toolkit for 3 trips acoss the Nullabor

 8) 8) 8)

Day 6 contd

The said sunset

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/38.jpg)

Had more trouble
Cattle grids every 5 kilometres on a 500+km trip
and the tailgate started popping open on every one

so I fixed it better

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/36.jpg)

Went digging for opals  (we found there is absolutely nothing else to do in Coober Pedy)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/29.jpg)


while "Wilma" did some housework

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/30.jpg)

After dinner
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/31.jpg)

I needed a good lie down
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/32.jpg)

Some rusty stuff


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/37.jpg)

No fuel today  ;D ;D ;D  ;D ;D ;D

Because I had second thoughts about driving to Ooooddnnaddatttttta
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/33.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Day 7

Coober Pedy
Been there...Done that.
and if Cathy has her way,  we will never do it again !

It's DIFFERENT  :o ??? :-\
Its OK if you don't mind driving the 550km to sleep in a hole in a hill in an OUTBACK town with lots (and lots and LOTS) of flies,avoiding the drunks wandering the streets and being ripped off by opal sellers(we are tourists so we expect this).

( I would do it again  ;D. But we all know I'm a nutter )

I'm sending this post on day 8 from the laundromat in Port Pirie while Cathy catches up on some of the mundane tasks of our Outback Adventure.  It's not ALL driving
The dryer has just stopped so it's time to go driving and sightseeing again
I will post pics this evening


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Day 7 (still  ??? I think  :-\.......Time zones, daylight saving and too many hours on the road )

Left Coober Pedy about 8.00am (Yes we slept in again)
Cathy looked like this  ;D

The road out of town looks like this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/39.jpg)

and the TomTom looked like this for most of the day
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/40.jpg)

It was overcast for most of the drive which made it much more comfortable than the drive into C.P.
Saw lots of wildlife,

Most of it dead on the side of the road
Being eaten by wedgetails
 (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/41.jpg)

Stopped at Pimba,  Spuds Roadhouse, for lunch

Where you get to autograph the beer barrel if you manage to drink it dry
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/42.jpg)

The rain started falling as we approached Port Augusta.
This time I remembered
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/43.jpg)
to remove the gaffa tape BEFORE I turned the wipers on  ::)

Arrived in Port Pirie around 3.15pm
and checked into our accomodation at the butcher shop

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/44.jpg)

end day 7
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/45.jpg)

116 Ltrs   $176.20    total 535.5Ltrs  and (allowing for day 5 corrections  10 cents of fuel  ???) $826.85


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

and back to day 8
(or is it still 7,or have we got to day 9  ???  Buggered if I can figure it out  ::) )

Arrived yesterday ( ? or was it today ? or do we arrive here tommorow ? ) in Port Pirie.
Was a little bit worried when driving into town
It SMELLS a lot like Kwinana back home
and the first page of the tourism brochure is all about the towns challenge to get blood LEAD levels DOWN to World Health Organisation Standards.  :o

but the wind has been blowing in the right direction
and it's a nice town
AND we have chosen TERRIFIC accommodation. ( I always worry about descriptions on internet sites)

Staying at Sampsons Cottage,
a heritage Trust building that was a butchers shop back in 1887 and has been renovated and converted to a Bed & Breakfast with lots of Olde Worlde Charm


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/44.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/46.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/47.jpg)


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/49.jpg)


Theres no mod cons, such as radios
So you have to provide your own music

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/50.jpg)


I LIED

there are some modern touches
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/48.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/51.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/52.jpg)

Nice relaxing day
did laundry,
wandered around town,
went for a short drive around the countryside (and got lost  ::))

today 28.5 ltrs of fuel  $37.55          totals so far  564Ltrs of fuel  cost $864.30


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Hey Surferboy,

Great to see the progress story and shots!!!

Had a mate tell me yesterday he averaged 170kph across the nullabor, my mind instantly thought of your journey across.

What does the old girl sit on across there??

Number of ways this can be taken of course... But the average speed would be the one I am after  ;D

Cant wait to do it in 2012... hmmm 2012

Cheers
JB

Great following yours and Cathy's diary. I don't need to go to all these places you have done it for us, and the best way to in an old Holden.
Cheers,
Graham

Hey Surferboy & Cathy,

I'm curious:


How can it be wildLIFE if it's dead.  I guess it can be wild even if its dead:  I'd be pretty wild if I got hit by a bloody big roadtrain.

Great reading.

See you in Orange.

Martin

Surferboy and Cathy,

Your diary makes great reading, Can't wait to see you in Orange

Keith

Day 9
(the edited version....because my daft laptop shut down AGAIN and lost the 1 hour of work I just did)

Left Port Pirie before the sun came up

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/53.jpg)

Book that was in cottage
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/54.jpg)

Pics from the road trip
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/56.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/57.jpg)
Thought we had arrived in Bathurst  :o

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/58.jpg)
our first roadkill after leaving Mildura

Then it got worse before we got to Hay
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/60.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/61.jpg)

Afte 750km, arrived in Hay. Stayed in a Bank tonight

97ltrs  $139.00   totals   671 ltrs   $1023.30

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Not too far now, enjoy the rest of the trip, see you tomorrow. 8)

Cheers
John

Day 10

an easy cruisey day down the highway and ino Canberra

The road looks a lot like THIS

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/65.jpg)
Cathy looks like this  ;D



We took the (everybody sing along now) "THE ROAD TO GUNDAGAI"

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/63.jpg)

except you have to take THIS exit to get to Gundagai

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/64.jpg)


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/66.jpg)

Another new line on my map  :D


and I managed to post an update  ;D ;D ;D

ORANGE TOMORROW  ;D ;D ;D

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Day 10

62Ltrs of fuel   $89.50        Totals     733Ltrs     $1112.80

 8) 8) 8)

Day 17  ???

We are in Broken Hill tonight (So are all  :o the locusts)
We were way too busy having a GREAT time in Orange to find time to update the diary
and then the Optus problem stopped me.

So without further ado
I shall attempt to post some pics before the laptop hits the meltdown point  ::)

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

congrats on the engagement mate ;)

Day Eleven (lets do the timewarp again)

Cruised into my mate Kevins place to give him some advice on how to do his job better
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/67.jpg)
Whats the bet he didnt listen to any of my words of wisdom  ::)

Then we drove around ( & around & around & around)town trying to find our way here
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/68.jpg)
( why doesn't Canberra have straight streets ?....if I had gone through that Edinburgh x Marcus Clarke intersection one more time I would have given up and drove home ! )
The Telstra tower
only to find they rip you off to get in.....dont they get enough out of me with my phone bill  :'(
and then your camera battery dies when you get to the top and you've left the spare down in the car  ::) :'(

Caught up with the ACT guys
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/69.jpg)
where they found out why you always carry a roll of gaffa tape
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/70.jpg)


To cruise
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/71.jpg)

TO ORANGE   ;D ;D ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/72.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Some of the West Aussies got together for dinner
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/73.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Day 12

DAY ONE OF THE NATS    :) :D ;D

Its the day some people wash and polish

 (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/81.jpg)

and some people

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/74.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/75.jpg)

add lines to maps  ;D

and we all joined a line

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/76.jpg)
I thought it was one of the traditional Nats lines for a feed


But it wasn't  :(
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/77.jpg)
It was registration
Before we cruised to the lake for a picnic
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/78.jpg)

If your springs are soft and your front end sags

perhaps you need one of these  ;D
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/79.jpg)

We didn't need to q for Friday night Fish & Chips
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/82.jpg)

and day 1 of our Nats weekend comes to a close

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

NATS DAY TWO
or day 13 of our diary

SHOW AND SHINE DAY


We all Q'd up ready to cruise along part of the GnooBlas track to the park
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/84.jpg)

Which looked something like this

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/85.jpg)


I'll let all the other guys post pics of the shiny cars

I liked this



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/86.jpg)
I chose Anzac biscuits to go with my cup of coffee  ;D

Somebody asked if he could see the motor that got us across the Nullabor

So somebody kindly showed me how to open the bonnet (and he didn't charge me $90 like my mechanic does  :D)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/87.jpg)




Sat Night had us ALL up and dancing to the band
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/88.jpg)

except Dina the Super Hero (who saved Damiens car from damage)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/89.jpg)
(I'm not sure if this is joy because her vodoo doctor doll is working...or a grimace of pain because I just kicked her in the shin ?)

Had a terrific night
then went back to the motel to change the clock forward (or backward ??? for daylight saving ...or did we drive through another timezone  ??? :o ::) so we wouldn't be late for Sundays cruise (or was it so we wouldn't be an hour early....?   I'm TOTALLY confused )

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Nats day 3
Diary day 14

We all cruised into town
The traffic lights stay red for a long time
and the traffic gets a bit backed up

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/90.jpg)
 ;D ;D ;D

So we took the opportunity to visit the local market
Where I saved $80.00  ;D.....unless you listen to Cathy who says I wasted $10.00 on my Singer sewing machine  ;)

Then we CROOOOOOOZED  :)  :D  ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/91.jpg)

I think these guys should win the "Bad Luck" award
I don't think they noticed that somebody stole thier car while they were changing the flat tyres
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/94.jpg)

The girls ran around with eggs and spoons
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/93.jpg)
(thats because girls are used to working with eggs & spoons cos they spend lots of time in the kitchen   ;)  ;D)

and this is what a carpark looks like
FEs & FCs as far as the eye can see
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/92.jpg)

Sunday night found us at the Function Centre where lots of people were happy getting well deserved trophys for the quality of thier vehicles
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/95.jpg)
Congratulations to everybody

and lots of people were happy because we got






(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/96.jpg)
CAKE  ;D



Oh yea....I nearly forgot  ::)
Somebody proposed marriage
But I was busy at the time and couldn't take any photos  :( :'(


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

PS YES it is real
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/108.jpg)

NATS DAY 4  (the extra bonus day)
Diary Day 15

We CROOOOOOZED  again   ;D

To Bathurst to do some bog laps of Mount Panorama
(and as usual you could only see HOLDENS going across the finish line.....Not a f##d to be seen  :-* )

The track
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/98.jpg)

The carpark(before we did our laps)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/97.jpg)

And then we hit the track  ;D ;D ;D




and then the batteries died on the camera so I don't have one photo  :( :'(

hoping Tailshaft Tim & customFC can post some of thier pics (because there pics have my wagon on them   :D )

Tailshaft was running over ripple strips cutting corners to make it more realistic

I suggested to the future Mrs 8) 8) 8) we could make it seem more realistic by crashing into the wall on the cutting.......she wasn't impressed !

It's at this point most people started heading home in different directions and it was time to say goodbye to lots of friends as the 13th Nats wound to an end

Time to start planning for the 14th Nats in 2012

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Diary Day 16

The TRIP HOME starts today  :(

Orange to Cobar, a nice easy 440kms

It rained  (yes I remembered to take the gaffa tape of the wipers  ::))
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/101.jpg)

Stopped at Nyngan to take this photo for our Great Outback Adventure

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/100.jpg)
and realized it must of been really raining....when I stepped out of the wagon onto what I thought was damp red gravel
and found it was 6"deep red MUD !

Stopped at Dubbo for lunch.( Note to self for future trips......DO NOT stop at Dubbo for lunch !) (long story)


The map looks like this at the end of day 16

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/102.jpg)

I decided to add the extra bit
(PS its NOT to scale)

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

once again mate cracking story.
ive been following you travels with great enjoyment, you ever thought of going into travel brochure writing  ;) ;)

hope you both have a safe trip home.


dean

how are you going to top this in 2012, maybe circumnavigate the whole country before ending up at the nats? ;D ;D

Dead right, you're gonna have a hard time topping this next time around!

Great work.

cheers
RET

Day 17

Cobar to Broken Hill 450km

The road looks a lot like this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/105.jpg)

and the TomTom looks a lot like this
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/104.jpg)



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/107.jpg)
The previous days of rain caused this

and then the fine weather today
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/106.jpg)
Brought the LOCUSTS out AGAIN


Hit a wall of locusts 50km out of Wilcannia. Temp started to rise as we pulled in for fuel. No hose available to clear radiator and no hardware store to get screen. Brushed of squashed gooey bugs by hand and then continued trip to Broken Hill
(note to self for future trips ...DON'T STOP at Wilcannia)
50 more Kms of locusts and we pulled over to clear radiator (preventative medicine)
Made a stiff bristle brush to scrape dead bugs away by Gaffa taping a bundle of cable ties together  ;D  (I knew this stuff would all be useful)

The wagon looked like this by Broken Hill

 (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/113.jpg)


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/114.jpg)

Then after lugging all our luggage up the stairs ( I haven't seen it but I'm sure the kitchen sink is in there somewhere)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/111.jpg)
(note to self...don't book hotels with stairs )

I WASHED  :o :o :o the wagon and put some screen on the front as the locals were expecting the locusts to get WORSE  :o




and






they were right










(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/115.jpg)

 :o :o :o    ;D ;D ;D    ::) ::) ::)


the map

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/112.jpg)

YES the gaffa tape is back on the tailgate
(it's just not sealing tight and we were getting fumes...gaffa tape was easier and quicker than trying to get the lock adjustment perfect )





 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Diary Days 18 & 19

Two lazy days in Broken Hill

We visited Broken Hill on the Trip to Mt Gambier in 2008 so theres not a lot for us to do. Its a good rest before we do some long distances and long days of travelling to get us home.

Visited Silverton (Thier claim to fame is its where they filmed Mad Max.....just like Coober Pedy and half the country towns across Australia)
BUT...Silverton does have


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/109.jpg)

The Pub  (with a black f##d poorly imitating mad maxs car parked out the front)

It improved greatley with a Classic Aussie Holden parked out the front  ;D ;D ;D

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/110.jpg)

and the locusts were worse out here...and the flies were worse than the locusts !

It rained most of the day today(Friday) so we wandered aimlessley around the shops
and then came back to the hotel and spent all afternoon catching up on the diary
(I'm not very good at this computery stuff...as anybody who saw my presentation at the Nats would know  ::))


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Bet the locals couldnt believe their eyes when an old Holden with a surf board strapped to the roof pulled up in the middle of nowhere.  ;D

I have really enjoyed the photos and comments on your travels. The next Nationals wont be the same without the diary but I am hopeing someone will take the task on.

Safe travels for the rest of your journey.

Cheers
Paul

Imagine all of these spots with 40 - 50 Fe/Fc's standing out in front, maybe even more!!

Hey Surferboy.
We can't have holes in this fantastic journey, so let me try to fill in the blanks with a pic or 2.

First up, congrats on a truely surprising proposal.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/SurferB.jpg)

Now for your journey around this place.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst00.jpg)

The start of the lap, and it's up Mountain Straight.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst01.jpg)

Through the Quarry and headed into the cutting.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst02.jpg)

Through Reid Park.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst03.jpg)

Entering McPhillamy Park at the top of the mountain.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst04.jpg)

Across Skyline.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst05.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst06.jpg)

The decent into the Esses and the Dipper.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst07.jpg)

Headed into Forrest's Elbow.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst08.jpg)

The hump in Conrod Straight.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst09.jpg)

The end of Conrod, just before The Chase.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst10.jpg)

A bit of traffic in The Chase.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst11.jpg)

Murrays Corner, (the final corner) with the entry to the Pits on your left.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst12.jpg)

Onto the start finish straight.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/customfc5/Holden/Bathurst13.jpg)

Looking forward to your next installment.
Regards
Alex

Nice work Alex.That 2nd photo hit me as being an absolute cracker!How often would you get a photo with such significance?Well done also Suferboy for another inspiring installment to your Nats diary. 8) Jamie.

I too concur with Jamie, that 2nd photo is a brilliant shot. Well done Alex. Also well done to Surferboy's proposal, loved that way Surferboy feigned computer illiteracy, went to the old method of butchers paper, with Cathy as his assistant holding up said butchers paper, used the old style mouse (Pen) dropped it, and of course, while down on one knee came out with the ring.... Well done

Congratulations to you both

Day 20

Broken Hill to Wudinna  670km

Leaving Broken Hill where the streets are paved with gold iron

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/116.jpg)

LOCUSTS
We were chatting with a couple over brekky at the B&B and we all agreed a locust plague was much better than a mouse plague

Stopped for a toilet break at Yunta
and found Gaffa tape can't fix everything  :'(

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/118.jpg)
Sam (?) a Broken Hill local (S.A. club member) was on his way south for GM Owners Day in his really nice original sedan
The motor had a horrible knocking sound and it was spitting oil out of the exhaust.
We left as he was organizing a tow truck to get it home  :(


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/119.jpg)
Some people might find it boring
but I love the changing landscapes and colours
( the photos don't do the landscapes justice)(especially as most are taken at 110kmph)

Got to Wudinna and found a notice in the motel room asking us to report any problems caused by the current seasonal plague of .... MICE  :o


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Thanks for posting the Bathurst pics Alex. There's a couple there I'd love to have in my collection on the "office"wall.
Cathy likes the first pic  :-*

and I forgot this
(my mind is frazzelled from all the hours and time zones and different locations)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/123.jpg)


Day 21
The 700km+ drive back across the Nullabor
(note to self.....stop planning 700km+ days !)

Left Wudinna early  (wasn't that a suprise:o ) at 7.50am
It's a long drive....made a little longer when you get behind one of these

 (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/120.jpg)

overtaking adds a bit of excitment to the journey when you have to put two wheels in the gravel at 110+km/h



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/121.jpg)
This is the Eyre Hwy across the Nullabor
Most people seem to think you are a million miles from civilization in the middle of an endless desert
But you are only about 20km from the coast for most of the trip.With ocean views as you approach Eucla. and there are roadhouses every couple of hundred of Kms and LOTS & Lots of passing traffic.
AND yes it's ALL bitumen

end of a long day arriving at Eucla at 4.15pm

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/124.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Looks like you could stop and give that surfboard some action in those last pics.

Great story, as always.

cheers
RET

Diary day 22

We're back in Western Aust.
Which means we're nearly home.
Which means our holiday is nearly over  :(
Which means it's nearly time to go back to w**k   :'(

890Kms today so not much time for photos
Here's one of the TomTom (it doesn't have to work very hard on these trips  ::) )
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/122.jpg)

The landscape starts to change as you approach Madora
it's a beautiful change of scenery as you rise through Madora Pass

and then.........
you know you're nearly there when you pass the
shoe tree,   & and the cap tree,   & the bra tree,   & the odds and sods tree

and with kettles, colanders, sandwichmakers, caps, aprons, telephones, tomato sauce bottles, etc, etc....
this must be the kitchen tree  ???


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/127.jpg)
Note to 2012 Nats attendees.....don't forget to bring a tree decoration  ;D ;D ;D

We lost valuable time as we got stuck for a while at Madora Roadhouse because the fuel bowser wasn"t working.
But this guy seems to have been waiting a little bit longer


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/128.jpg)

So we enjoyed another game of golf
the Par 1,234,567,890 hole on the Nullabor golf course
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/129.jpg)

After leaving Eucla before 7.00am we eventually arrived in Kalgoorlie after 4.00pm
about 10 hours ( or 9hours or 11hours  ???)on the road  (after +ing or is it -ing  ???  for time zones)
Note to self.... Definately DO NOT plan 890Km days !

end of day 22

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/125.jpg)


 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

Day 23

Anything NOT to get home
because getting home means going back to w##k
because we didn't win $30million in lotto in South Aust ......or NSW....or Vic......or ACT     :( :'(

So we booked an extra day in our ***** luxury
and relaxed in the spa all day today

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/0001.jpg)

NO Kms
NO map

thats all for today

 8) 8) 8) & the future Mrs 8) 8) 8)

EXCLUSIVE    EXCLUSIVE    EXCLUSIVE

MYSTERY NATIONALS ATTENDEE SEEN LEAVING KALGOORLIE BROTHELS

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES




A mystery figure was captured by an eagle eyed photographer
leaving a number of Kalgoorlie brothels

His attire leads us to believe he was a recent attendee at
The 13th FE-FC Holden Nationals in Orange




(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/131.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/130.jpg)





Super Dooper EXCLUSIVE pics show him entering his favourite room

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/134.jpg)






and our SUPER Super Dooper pic shows
the most comfortable back seat in Aust


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/133.jpg)


A "friend" of the mystery person was quoted as saying "He was only asking for directions".

Yes that's Peter Brocks signature on the boot
with the message "Enjoy life"

No photos are allowed inside Langtrees
but you can be suprised what you get when you cruise up in an Aussie classic    ;D ;) ;)

I bet the Hot Rodders in thier american cars didn't get what I got  ;D ;) ;)

 8) 8) 8)

Day 24

THE FINAL DAY   :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/0002.jpg)

just love the colours of the Aussie Outback



Thought I must have taken a wrong turn and ended up in Queensland

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/0003.jpg)



AND
THE FINAL MAP

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/0004.jpg)


Thank you
to everybody who made our trip so enjoyable

 8) 8) 8) & Cathy (the future Mrs 8) 8) 8) )






2012 will be a VERY short diary
We live 30minutes from the Nats HQ !

So I expect to be reading 40 diaries from all our Eastern States friends

Read it all, followed you around, wished I could have done it as well. 2012 will be a little closer to me but don't expect a diary from me! Unless you want to organise an Ireland to Perth run?? Would need spares of everything, lots of petrol and maps and probably a few "protective weapons" to get there.... I can only dream....

Thanks for making it an enjoyable read.

Paul.
 8)

Hey Surferboy and Mrs  8) 8) 8)
Thanks for an enjoyable read over the past few weeks.
Your journey allows us to realise what we are in for in 2 years time.
I hear the Qld club are looking for a guide for the next Nats, so you had better make your way over there.
I am sure they will let you know the time and place of their departure.
A whole new diary and a bigger map.
Thanks again.
Regards
Alex

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2010%20Nats/map22010.jpg)

It's that time of the year again.
I had better start planning my trip to the Nats so I can do another trip diary.

So far it goes something like this

Fri 6th April.  SLEEP IN  ;D,  9.00am get out of bed, shower and Brekky
                                      10.00am Leave for trip to Nats
Yale rd,Spencer rd,Nicholson rd,Albany hwy,Leach hwy,Abernethy rd,Alexander rd, Hardey rd.
                                       10.20 arrive at Nats HQ ready for registrations

 8) 8) 8)

You had better make sure that the wagon is in pristine condition for such a long and ardous journey ;)
Cheers
Deano

Whoops
I got so busy organizing Nats and getting married and stuff that I completely forgot to do my

14th FE-FC HOLDEN NATIONALS 2012 TRAVEL DIARY

so here it is.........



again I apologize for being slack and not posting my diary promptly
But I hope you have enjoyed our trip as much as we did

 8) 8) 8) & MRS 8) 8) 8)

thanks surferboy always enjoy your nats diaries

G'day everybody (including family and workmates who may be following our adventure this year)

Time to go to bed for an early night
We hit the road tomorrow for our next adventure  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Just a couple of things left to do
figure out Tapatalk  ::)
fix the window
fix the numberplate
fix the speedo
fix an indicator
fix the tailgate
try and figure out what the strange noise is
find all my maps  (Cathy doesn't like my...  drive to Melbourne and turn right,  directions)
make sure all my badges are attached to my hat
wash and polish the surfboard
try and figure out where Cathy expects me to put the kitchen sink  ::) (or go and buy a trailer in the morning !)
wash and polish the wagon
Feed the goldfish
Feed the dogs
Feed the housesitters ( Na bugger em. they can feed themselves)

Oh what the hell
I've got music on the stereo
and I've got some clean jocks and socks
and I've got my credit card

I'm ready to go  ;D

PS I've got my RAC card too  ::)


See you all in Hobart
(or somewhere on the road)


 8) 8) 8) & Cathy

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/pajyvype.jpg)
Packed and hitting the road

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Day 1
Yahoo.  We've arrived in Coolgardie
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/a9upymyt.jpg)
(Note to self... rotate pics before posting )

Guess what the road looked like



(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/2udupyzu.jpg)

Just a couple of minor (?) problems
I can't record Odo. Reading since the speedo stopped near Southern Cross. And I have a volt gauge that looks like this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/3yhanugu.jpg)

560km today.
Short 270km to the sheep station tommorow. (Time to do some repairs ?)

surferboy  & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/e3ajybyp.jpg)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

On the bright side you worked out tapatalk!!!

We are South Aust:)
But I am getting ahead of myself

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Day 2
Short drive to Fraser Range Station today only 270km, and the mechanic didn't start till 8, so we got to sleep in:D
Found the immobilizer was reducing power supply from battery. Also found the rear tyre had gone flat :(
All fixed and on the road by 10.00 :)

Will update more later. I can't load photos at the moment :-\
 ::)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Have I ever mentioned... I hate technology !
Just spent all night trying to do photos and send messages. Then discover the cover on my mobile phone is mucking it all up
>:(
 :-X ::)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Trying again ::)  (with pics ?)
Day 2
Thanks toThe guys at OKA (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/4yretady.jpg)

8) 8) 8)

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Day 2 contd.
Took a while to get through Norseman. The road looked a lot like this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/mu6y4anu.jpg)

At least my gauge looked like this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/e7e3a6ej.jpg)

100km east from Norseman to arrive at  Fraser Range Station. Didn't see any trains ???
I booked the budget accomodation
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/y8etynu3.jpg)
D.I.Y. Dinner was included (& fresh eggs for brekkie ;D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/gyhasybe.jpg)
 
Lovely place to stay. Didn't know it existed till the eastern states guys mentioned it on the way to our nats.

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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Day 3. (?)

Got up early enough to watch the sunrise at Fraser Range Station. Still haven't seen any trains. ( or sheep ???).
We've had cool, sunny weather. Ideal for cruising.
600km to Border Village today. No sightseeing today. Only stopping for fuel
And the usual pic
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/4udymuga.jpg)

And for Tony (the bus driver)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/tede7y8e.jpg)
There were 5 or 6 wedgetail eagles enjoying some fresh roadkill on the Eyre Hwy

And this is where we start going through different time zones and we still haven't left WA ??? Yet

One of us has
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/me6y9a3a.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/05/qyba5eda.jpg)

Started watching the Dockers getting flogged. Decided a early night before crossing The Nullabor was a better idea

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Before I forget

Hi :)
To the couple running the Shell station at Kimba.

They remembered the FC wagon with the surfboard on the roof from when it was boring beige and we stopped at Spuds Roadhouse in Pimba (on the road to Coober Pedy) on the trip to Orange in 2010

surferboy & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Lets do the timewarp again... ::) ???
I'm behind with my diary ! Numerous timezones... and then they throw in daylight saving.   Just to confuse me more
I think it is 8.45pm. Sunday 6th April
But let me take you back.......

Day 4
The day we cross the Nullabor
Weather continues to be cool with some cloud. Have seen a few old Cadillacs heading West. ( show in Busselton) and been leapfrogging a few caravans we had met earlier in the trip.
Besides roadkill, you see some odd things and people out here

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/zysaga2u.jpg)
And the guys at work think I'M mad

Not sure who is going to use this ??? ???


(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/y8ebypu7.jpg)

Lunch was here
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/e4y6usaq.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/uhatyre2.jpg)
You don't get much change from $50 !

Whoops ... thought I was back at work for moment
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/06/jujavyga.jpg)
Stopping in Ceduna tonight. Up EARLY :( for the long drive to Adelaide tomorrow

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Maybe there runway marking so they know they have a good straight run to land ?

Royal flying doctors or something ?

Day 5 or 7

Has Tapatalk lost a whole page ???
Phone shows page 15 OK. Page 16 & 17 are the same. My page 16 diary has dissapeared

And the wagon has lost a distributor !.  RAC said dizzie has a bent shaft.
Waiting in cheap hotel for repairs

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

I've only got a total 9 pages on tapatalk...

My samsung shows me at page 17. My computer at home would be at page 9.

We are currently ( 2.10pm) having lunch at some shopping centre north of Adelaide. Heading back to mechanic in a minute. Hoping new dizzy has arrived.
Not sure if we will make it to Mt Gambier tonight.
Might need to skip a day and cruise through tomorrow ( I'll beep & wave as i race by Steve ::)on the way to Port Fairy

All part of the adventure

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

I'd say Pete's on the money there.

Name a post that's missing and I'll see if it's there?

Hope the data out there is not expensive and you have a Blue tick phone.

Hi Surferboy, I saw your car laid up at the mechanics on Main North Rd. Gepps Cross. I was delivering parts there when I saw it in their driveway, I recognised it immediately. I hope they managed to help you out and not charge you an arm and leg for repairs. Good luck with the rest of your journey and stay safe.

Cheers Ole.

Surferboy,
The bloke on the bike in the green vest hasn't got much further that when we passed him over a week ago.

Les

Day 5

Left Ceduna at 7.30 for the 765km drive to Adelaide, arriving at 5.40pm

Just doong quick splash & dash stops. Not to many photo opportunities .....
But there is always this one

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/yvage9yj.jpg)
Kimba. 1/2way across Aust.

We nearly didn't get there :o ....I was busy talking and missed the big sign saying TURN LEFT at Kyancutta ::)

Watched the dolphins playing at Port Augusta while we ate lunch.
2 hours out of Adelaide.You know Cathy is getting bored
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/asu7a3ej.jpg)
When she starts watching the wagons shadow just to see if the surfboard is still on the roof... and then she starts to take photos to amuse herself.

Heres the evidence I need for longest distance travelled. Popped in to visit Paul. ( but he had gone to work )
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/6u3ugyje.jpg)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

G'day Les
We passed 3 or 4 pushbikes on this trip.
Coming out of Ceduna we passed an old horsedrawn gypsy caravan.
And the usual collection of roadtrains & wideloads

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

G'day Ole
We must of been down the road having lunch when you came by.
Volt gauge dropped to 10 coming into Adelaide yesterday.

Day 6   went something like this :'(

Had breakfast
Loaded wagon
Then NOTHING !
Wouldn't start:o
Called RAA
Bent distributer thing ?
Wait for tow truck
Tow it 200meters to mechanic
Dizzy isn't bent... but it's not doing what it should
( long story short) fit new one
Find problem with ignition switch
Find problem with belt and harmonic balancer
Cancel booking at Mt Gambier Motel
Get wagon on the road :D
Arrive at Tailem Bend at 7.40pm :)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Hi nes304 & fcrb26
We were waiting ages at that crosswalk for some kangaroos to cross the road. We thought the local council may have installed them to reduce the roadkill :D

Tapatalk came good and the missing page is back now :D

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Glad you got it sorted Surferboy. I hope the rest of your journey is hassle free.
Ole.

G'day everyone ( especially anyone driving around Adelaide )

A BIG thank you to Louie at

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/puny8a2a.jpg)

We towed the wagon in without warning early this morning. They worked on it until after 6.00pm to get us back on the road to continue our adventure. Finding the electrical problem and running around to suppliers and wreckers to make sure the right dizzy went in. Tacho now works ( it hasn't for 2 years) Sourced further problems to ignition switch. And replaced a worn belt, noting harmonic balancer has problem.

Wagon is now running sweet :)

Thanks guys

8) 8) 8) & Cathy
Does anyone know a good mechanic in Tassie who can fix an harmonic balancer before we drive home ??? ::)

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Day 7.   8th April

Woke up at 8.00am to a cool sunny morning. Wished Cathy a Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary.Had breakfast in our Mt Gambier motel.Caught up with other West Aussies cruising to Hobart. Wandered into town and bought Cathy a nice birthday present.  Cruised into Port Fairy for lunch. Did some sightseeing. Took lots of photos.  Booked into the railway carriage. Relaxed with the other FC guys. Planned the Great Ocean Road cruise.Went into town and had a romantic anniversary dinner with Cathy. Returned to our railway carriage and retired to bed early.
:) :) :)


Then the alarm went off and woke me up at 6.00am to a dark, wet morning in Tailem Bend  :'(


8) 8) 8)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Well it was a nice dream...... 

Cruised into Mt Gambier. Had the chiropractor put Cathys back how it was before she lifted her 30kg suitcase :o
Got to Port Fairy late this arvo.
Lots of driving to catch up. Very few photos.

Thought I was in S.A. cruising into Adelaide again for a while
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/apuzynup.jpg)

We found a train :D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/esuguja8.jpg)

And managed to have our romantic dinner in a nice old pub, The Caledonian "The Stump"
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/amy6ypa9.jpg)

The adventure is back on schedule :)

Goodnight everybody

We are going to have that early night now ;D

8) 8) 8) & Cathy



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Day 8

Cathy woke with a sore back still. But it is only agonizingly painful when I drive around corners :(

Today we do the Great Ocean Road drive :o

Slept in after our late night ;D

Caught up with John M 1  & Bette at Warrnabool
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/ynydu7ed.jpg)
They have sorted their overheating problem and cruising smooothly.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/huju9ure.jpg)
We're cruising Aus. Have visited Ireland and here we are in England at London bridge.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/ysa4ude8.jpg)
Found a nice little bakery at Port Campbell for lunch
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/jynyryty.jpg)

The "must do" pic at the 12 apostles
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/gu2avute.jpg)

Croooozing on The Great Ocean Road
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/ehe7atud.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/uzyrery5.jpg)





And our friend was still there :D



The ( whale watching) Smiley Apostle
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/ve2eqe3a.jpg)
( I've been playing on my smartphone :) )

On the boat tomorrow :D :D :D


8) 8) 8) & Cathy




Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Cathy must be driving if your mastering your phone like a boss! I like this thread too. Keep it up!

Surferboy,
Good to see you and John both making progress, see ya in Tassie.

Les

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/10/muqususe.jpg)
:D :D :D

At the boat with John M1. Bette & John VDH. Annette

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/10/3u9are8e.jpg)
We're breeding :)

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That's the guys we met last night.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/ygezyda8.jpg)

Here we are. Waiting for the crane to lift is off the boat at Devonport

:D

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Back to
Day 9

Short run from Lorne up the GOR and freeway in the rain. Cathy wouldn't let me stop & buy a $500 2ndhand longboard. She said I have enough ornaments on the wagon already :'(  Over the bridge and down to the port .Thanks for the directions. Had nice fish & chips from the cafe on the corner
Gates to start loading opened at 4.30 & we got onboard 6.30ish.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/ydebybyh.jpg)
The ramp down into the basement was "exciting"

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/etabaneh.jpg)

Caught up with whats his name & thingy & you know who & errr um & mrs err um & the other South Aussies. ;D:D:-\ & started our Nats socializing early :)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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Day 10

We're here :D
Since our honeymoon cruising Hawaii, Cathy has always wanted another cruise. Now I can tick that off the list.
Woke to a cool but dry morning in Devonport. Unloding was VERY exciting. (See earlier picture) (would I lie ::)) Cathy & I drove around the corner for the voucher breakfast at the hotel. John M1 & John VDH decided to follow the SA guys to ? ? ? ? ?. Lost after 500 metres :o::)

Went up to Burnie and cruised back along the coast before heading down to Deloraine.

I bet that RET will be the first to guess where we visited

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/amy7yte3.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/8ajyqysu.jpg)
Got my first Hat badge for the trip. (& first snowdome... another collecting fetish)

Called into Leven Antiques in Ulverstone & picked up an electric jug (Cathys fetish) cheap & a Free 60's Perth postcard :D
And it's only day 1 on the island. I might need a trailer going home

Stopped for lunch just 500metres from our cabin
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/3eqyru9e.jpg)
At the 50's diner
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/uzazepub.jpg)

Les, they remembered the 4 West Aussies that had already been.
Guess where I will be having all my meals :D. This place is 8)

Got to put some extra lines on my map :):):)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/guqyja5u.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/11/9e2e9a7u.jpg)
:):):)

8) 8) 8)


PS.  Cathy says that sailing from one state to another on a boat full of cats  DOES NOT count as a romantic cruise ::)

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Cats ?
caRs

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Day 11

Blue skies. Cold breeze.
No real plan... Just head West with a map and see where we end up. After Cathy had finished the domestic duties (we haven't seen a washing machine since leaving Perth)

Cruised through Railton. The Hedgetrimmer Capital of Aust ?

They love their topiary
And their elephants. Ever since one escaped from a circus & ran off down the main street
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/qyvuby4u.jpg)

And through to Sheffield and checked out the muraled buildings around town. Where they don't use spraycans.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/zusyjaje.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/4a6enu2e.jpg)

And we did some shopping
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/gyge9uge.jpg)

Continued on down the narrow BENDY roads with a 100kmh speedlimit to the Promised Land. ( yes it is a real place ). The roads looked a lot straighter on my tourist map.
Ended up lost at The Village of Lower Crackpot ::) ???
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/uqy2eny2.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/umynabu3.jpg)
The naughty chair ?

Cathy got really lost and thought a lifesaver might come and save her
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/abuja7u7.jpg)

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/12/mury9yze.jpg)
I DIDN'T :D

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/ynazetaq.jpg)
:D

We were going to Nowhere Else. But they must of moved it to somewhere else ???  We couldn't find it ::)

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Day 12

Woke to clear blue skies & the mist rolling in over the mull of kintyre (whoops..  I mean the billabong)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/epa4yved.jpg)

I missed the BIG sign for the turnoff to the highway ::) so we took the scenic route to Evandale for the markets

Yes we bought some more retro stuff ( it's heaps cheaper here than in WA)
Antiques inside
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/e9uputyb.jpg)
& lots of eclectic stalls outside
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/vaqujuvu.jpg)

Had problems with the wagon so this nice gentleman offered to give us a ride back to Deloraine.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/ja2anevu.jpg)

(Don't panic...only kidding. The wagon is cruising nicely :) )

The Swan river ?
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/4umyzemy.jpg)

The Narrows bridge ?
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/udysamas.jpg)

Our adventure has taken us to places from all over the world.
And where do we end up today ?


(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/13/ujanarap.jpg)

We thought about taking the highway back to Deloraine. BUT ..
We are on an adventure so decided to take the scenic route, with Cathy navigating.
Down a few winding roads, through some small country towns... THEN
We decided to go look at a waterfall :)

This road looked very short on the map
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/a6ere9a6.jpg)

And I WASHED (:o) the wagon yesterday



30 Kms of narrow, winding goat track :o  and we eventually arrived at Lilley falls
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/eseqymys.jpg)


And saw the first of many mouldy Tasmanian trees
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/uhu4ahep.jpg)



I'm going to get my map out now to add somemore new lines,
 and PLAN for tomorrow.  And have a less adventurous day

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


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Some nice shots.

Hi Surferboy

Glad to see that the misadventures of Surferboy & Cathy still going strong

See you soon in Hobart

Damien & Dina

Day 13

Woke up to another beautiful morning. :)
Enjoyed a relaxing cuppa sitting on the balcony. Watched the swans on the lake while Cathy cooked brekky and washed dishes and ironed my shirt that she washed yesterday.

Cruising into Launceston to buy Cathys birthday pressie that we didn't have time for way back on day 7

First stop
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/ega5egam.jpg)
Westbury Engineering. I have had ticking (popping, rattling, pinging ?) noise. Running higher octane fuel didn't help, and it started getting worse. The guys fixed the hole in exhaust gasket while we walked to the maze for a cuppa.
Hi to the FE/FC passed us as we walked back.

Cruised quietly into Launceston :D

And got Cathys prezzie
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/nyjyru9a.jpg)

Nice jewellers right next to the carpark. And a nice collectable shop right next to the jeweller. :D
So we bought another souvenir :)
Talking car stuff (as you do) with shop owner and he shows me this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/yqumyjy2.jpg)
Which had just arrived and was still in back of shop

Opened it up. We couldn't figure out how it worked. A quick phone call to owner for instructions and we walked out with this

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/ju8yzady.jpg)
8) :D

Had lunch and still had time to cruise
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/vuzuraqe.jpg)
Over this bridge & through theTamar Valley
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/ypema7y4.jpg)

A good day :)


8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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Day 14

Two weeks already :o.

We are here
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/are3ydu4.jpg)

Left picturesque Deloraine
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/gusepane.jpg)
Where we met some funny locals
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/gegevype.jpg)
and they build statues when they catch tiddlers in the Meander River.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/aqy4aban.jpg)
Did some souvenir shopping before we left and picked up this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/tanema5y.jpg)

"Take route C137, it's straighter than the bendy C138 route" they said
This  IS a straight road in Tasmania :o ;D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/azudevam.jpg)
I'm glad I didn't take the bendy road.

We're heading to the top. I hope we can find it ?
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/u3ybezuh.jpg)
We found it :D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/jatebeta.jpg)

Cathy gets to watch the scenery
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/ama2udah.jpg)

I'm told it's very nice.
I don't take my eyes off the road
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/pumuhu4a.jpg)
It's exciting if you do it at the 100kmh limit

This is my high tech C.S.C. Unit
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/15/umyrebep.jpg)
Cornering Speed Control Unit

The faster I go around corners
The tighter it clamps onto my left leg
I'm going to have some horrible bruises by the time we leave Tassie :'(

See you in Hobart tomorrow


8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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I've got a CSC too!
That's a picnic removable radio by the way...

Whoops. My head was thinking Thursday, and my hand typed tomorrow ???::)
Obviously I meant todays tomorrow, not yesterdays tomorrow ???::)



Day 15

A nice relaxing day wandering aimlessley around Strahan. As soon as Cathy finishes cooking my bacon and beans for brekky, and does the dishes and brings in the washing and irons my clean shirt :)

Strolled up the SHORT, LEVEL pathway
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/e8yte7at.jpg)
to Hogarth falls
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/eqa6a7ep.jpg)
( NO gravel road :D)

One of the locals swore us to secrecy (so you can't read the rest of this post) and told us to keep an eye open for the sign to the "secret pathway" ;D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/sudytynu.jpg)





(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/u5utehuz.jpg)
and if the haunted tree allows...

You can find the secret "magical mouldy" forrest
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/a2a9urem.jpg)

Look beyond the the Xmas holly bush
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/apy4u2yb.jpg)
To find the Xmas elf grotto
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/ataqazyh.jpg)
Can you see them ?



look CLOSER
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/qu3yrysu.jpg)

Follow the bend on the Tea stream
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/8apesu8u.jpg)
It REALLY does taste like tea :)
and VERY carefully cross the "I dare you" bridge.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/sa3azu9e.jpg)

and just beyond the magical, mysterious levitating fern tree
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/uzyry7em.jpg)

You will find that looking into the fairy daisy ring
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/epajepyh.jpg)
takes you to the magical fairy world
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/su2a6avy.jpg)





look CLOSER
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/tu3y3yza.jpg)

Then we went back to our unit
because Cathy needs to throw another log on the fire :-*


8) 8) 8)



Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/juha2ety.jpg)
The fairies :D

We also spotted a Tasmanian Tiger in the forrest
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/7ape8a8e.jpg)

8) 8) 8)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Eat em and you probably will see dwarfs and fairies.

I was given a chrysler picnic radio the other week looks the same cradle and all.

Day 15 cont'd

Caught up with more FE/FCers
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/veqy3a6u.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/qybe4yqy.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/hyte5emy.jpg)

There's no antique shop in town,

and we've done the boat tour before, and we found the train doesn't come into town anymore, and we haven't budgeted for a helicopter flight at $350 each (although the free cup of coffee was tempting )
So it's been a cheap day.

See you in Hobart tomorrow :D

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


PS     Cathy said  Hi dad :)

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Day 16

Up early to start the trip to Hobart and start the Nats weekend
:):):):):):):):):):)

It had rained overnight but it had cleared up by morning so Cathy could enjoy the panorama while I watched the road
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/a2uty8um.jpg)

Drove through Queenstown. Sorry it's not a very good picture, but I don't think you can get a good picture of Queenstown.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/zuvyty5y.jpg)

Started to worry a bit when we saw this fog approachig
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/6azyraru.jpg)

But it stayed clear on the road and didn't cause us a problem :D

Stopped at Derwent Bridge for coffee break. Met a few Hot rodders cruising to Hobart and some old friends.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/ute9e6ur.jpg)

Lunch at Jacksons Emporium. Caught up with some of the West Aussies out cruising
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/8e7abadu.jpg)

Stopped to check out some antique stores, but couldn't find any items we wanted at the prices we wanted :(

At the hotel now having the "traditional" west aussie Thurs dinner
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/ysaje8ur.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/e7y4ejag.jpg)

Where a very nice lady took our pictures



And the "must do" selfie :D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/17/ate5ume4.jpg)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy


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Those mushrooms must be good.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/na8enyre.jpg)
Thats better :D

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Day 17

The Nats :D
Registration/picnic/fish & chips day.

The hotel carpark is starting to fill nicely
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/e6adube6.jpg)

Signed in & picked up our goodies bag before setting off on the lunch cruise.
Had time to catch up on some stuff
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/4ategy7a.jpg)

Then a short leisurely cruise past Constitution Dock to Sandy Bay for lunch.
We've made it all the way across the country with a wobbly harmonic balancer. Hotlips is bring one from S.A. and the A.C.T. guys have offered to do the repairs tomorrow.
Driving with my fingers crossed that it doesn't break NOW :-[
Had a lovely lunch
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/8ahyjaqy.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/e3e7yzy4.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/e8e8apa3.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/e3evehyv.jpg)

It's a bit chilly ;D
Max temp is lower than Perths Min.
(But it doesn't stop the locals going for a swim :o)

Enjoyed catching up with mates we haven't seen for a while during fish & chips dinner.
Sorry I was too busy talking (just ask Cathy) to take photos

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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Day 18

Cruising again :D
To the Cenataph at the Regatta grounds for the Show & Shine.
The ACT guys offered to fix the wagon at the show... thought it might be better to fix it later without an audience of experts :D

Pics
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/8yqeme8a.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/yqe9e2a4.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/taga7egu.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/qa3erape.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/4u9y5a5a.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/se2ygu7a.jpg)

And the work started on the wagon
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/upymudu6.jpg)

The wobbly bit coming out.
( I mean being removed. Not that it's gay ::) )
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/y9avanyq.jpg)

Looking sorry :'(:(
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/a9usa2e8.jpg)

HOORAY. The NOT  wobbly bit goes in :D
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/evaneha5.jpg)

It's getting late and there's a party to go to so it's decided to finish tomorrow before cruising

Then it's party time
Sorry again. To much eating, drinking, dancing ( and talking) and didn't get many pics

This should give you an idea what it was like
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/pusaba6e.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/y4u2ypug.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/era7yzu9.jpg)

Bed time
I have to be up early to watch ::):) the guys putting the wagon together

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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Day 19

CRUISE DAY :D :D :D

Thanks to the A.C.T. guys
Who had the wagon back in the carpark by 7.30am.

Cruised to Baskervlle race track for a couple of sedate laps before we parked it in the pits to let the serious go faster cars have the track. And I've got GOA350 on my rear bumper
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/ezygytyz.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/5ury4y3y.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/5y5upa5a.jpg)

And started the Games
3 pin tyre rolling and Lorene nearly gets a strike
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/ajy8ybus.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/my3uha9u.jpg)

Then it's distance & accuracy skills. Mick ( Mr President) steps up

A picture speaks a thousand words
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/emymada2.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/vypa8e2a.jpg)
Gutter ball (gutter tyre ?)

Then cruise :D to Rosetta foreshore for lunch and more games

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/menu9uga.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/ebe4emub.jpg)
The traditional Nats lunch line

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/bu3epyqe.jpg)
Annette leads the wobbly bolt & spoon race

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/sabysu3a.jpg)
Is 5/8th" bigger or smaller than 52mm ??? ???

We don't know
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/20/a6a7umy9.jpg)

Back at the hotel to catch up with the diary (because I've been to busy talking to do it ::) )

And now we're off for trophy presentations and more partying ( & talking:) )

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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This is great coverage for those of us who cannot be there, many thanks.
(BTW - viewing on a 27" monitor, noticed what could be a finger print on the lens just above/right centre of shots)

Thanks DJ. I've cleaned the speck off the camera lens. The return home pics should be a lot clearer now.
Will be interesting to check them on computer screen when we get home. I can't see bugger all on the phones screen with my eyesight

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Day 20

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners at last nights trophy presentations.

Les from WA scored the Longest Distance trophy :)

Everyone is out cruising the highways doing their touristy stuff or heading home today.

The wagon is running sweet 8)
I've got a full tank of fuel
And the whole day to crooooooze
:D:D:D:D:D

We are heading up the East coast as far as we can. ( it's that.. lines on maps   thing :D::) )

Went 10 minutes down the road...
Sorell Markets are on. So we stop for a look. Found an antiques shop open just up the road. Went in and found 100 Vic club members inside.
We still found stuff to buy :D
I got these
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/21/u2u4agyv.jpg)
Which are on the back of these
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/21/7e2y7u9u.jpg)
1954 editions. Negotiated the price down to $5 ea :)

And I found this
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/21/pery4ata.jpg)
It's yours if you want it Steve :)

We eventually hit the road
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/21/a3u4ude3.jpg)
I like these East Coast roads
I get to see the scenery

Only made it to Swansea
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/21/jyzu9u9a.jpg)
and it was getting late and it started to rain.
Went inland to Campbell Town ( MORE lines on map) and took the highway back to Hobart in the dark ( & rain :o)

Need to go pack our bags now

The Nats are over :(
And we catch the boat tomorrow


8) 8) 8) & Cathy

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

I suspected it would be hard to see your end.
Great shots, enjoying the coverage. Thanks.

Day 21

On the way home
Only 8 (or 9?) days to go before the adventure comes to an end :(

We've got a short way to go.
And a long time to get there :D
(to misquote the bandit)
To get to Devenport and board the boat that takes us off the island

Cruised through Ross and did THE photo
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/9emadume.jpg)

Whoops :-[

I meant THIS photo
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/22/8unejada.jpg)

Did a few towns along the way
And somehow managed to NOT buy any second hand stuff

Have arrived in Devenport and boarded the ferry
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/aqedubu9.jpg)
And heartily sang....
"Oh   ferry across the Mersey
Cos this land's the place we love" :D
It was the little one
While we were queueueing for the big one
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/a4e4a4a3.jpg)

And in the Q.
FEs & FCs & hot rods as far as the eye can see :):):)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/ra9uzeju.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/je9uveve.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/aga8a8u9.jpg)

And once again we descend in to the basement
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/atany9yv.jpg)

Out on the deck as we say goodbye to Tassie :'(
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/qy3yjary.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/6y8ezugy.jpg)

8) 8) 8) & Cathy

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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/yjuvu5u8.jpg)

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and at this point

tapatalk stopped letting me add pics  :'(

so the diary continues from this time, on a new post

surferboys nats diary going home