FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

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Left Townsville Friday 23/03/12.  Heading to Mackay.  Not to sure from there as lots of road closures.  No plans, no hurry.  How wonderful.

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Us on the Burdiken Bridge and looking out.

ok lets start.  Day one.  Went to work on the Friday got home and left at 5pm.  Fred spent all day trying to find out what roads were open.  We were going to go out to Mt Isa then through to Ayres Rock but was told that road would be closed for a few days.  So decided to go to Mackay and see what happens from there. The Burdekin Bridge outside of Ayr was up high.  We have had so much rain no wonder everything is flooded.  When we got to Proserpine it started to rain heavy.  Yep the car still leaks.  Also thank god for Rainex because these windscreen wipers have never worked properly.  Decided to book into Miners Lodge in Mackay for the night.  Didn't want want to set up the camper trailer in the rain.  Got to watch Eels play Panthers.  But was a pretty bad game so maybe we should have stayed in the rain and Fred would never have seen his team get smashed again. (Sorry Fred)  Bed at last.

Go Freddy  Go Freddy..... Go Parra... ooopps  :'(

Hey Candy.
Thanks for posting updates and pics.
Will be following on for weeks.
Good luck, hope all goes to plan.
Regards
Alex

Good luck guys will be watching with great interest.
cheers,
Graham

What an adventure you will both have, I always enjoy the drive to the Nat's, the uncertainty always adds to it all.

Again enjoy, we will be watching your adventure day by day, I depart Adelaide on the 1st so will either see you on the road or at the Nat's.

Cheers Jim

Were looking forward to your safe arrival in Perth Fred & Candy.
Hope you have a great trip. It's a big country with lots to see. Cruising across in the wagon just makes it SOOOO much better  ;D
Driving trips in old Holdens across the country soon becomes as addictive as owning them.. You just can't stop at one  ::)
You will soon be planning which road to take when you drive to Tassie in 2014.
After 5 drives across the Nullabor Cathy was insisting we catch the train in 2014 but we've already started planning the drive  :D
We will enjoy watching the diary posts of all the Eastern staters as they make their journies to Perth.
Looking forward to lots of happy snaps

Surferboy & Cathy

Saturday 24/03/12 Day 2
Left Mackay at 8.30am road to Emerald open.  So going that way.  Mass distructions of the mining industry, coal mines all the way.  Clermont was Awsome got to see the open cut mines close up.  First bit of water over the road was outside of Clermont.  Had lunch Clermont, Egg sandwickes and plunged coffee.  Yes we have the plunger and fresh ground coffee beans.  Think we are finally starting to mature nicely.  All I have to do is to talk Fred into getting real coffee cups, not these plactic travel mugs.  6000kms to transform him properly.  Went through heaps of bugs.  Can't see through the windscreen.  Got stuck 12kms outside of Emerald.  Theresa creek up.  Arrived around 1pm.  Report: might be open tonight if not tomorrow morning.  setting up the camper.  Went to the first creek crossing for a look.  Fred striped off and had a bath.  Funny my photos disapeared off his camera.  Will have to start using mine for things like that.  As we were sitting having coffee a Helicopter started flying people from one side to the other.  These miners have too much money.  We heard $300.00 a crossing.  Talked to a few of the people stuck, couple of beers and curried sausages then turned in for an early night.  Few guys decided to hit the piss, stereo up loud and found some firecrackers.  God I hope their battrey dies soon.

Sunday 25/03/12 Day 3
Up at 6am cars starting to drive around.  Main roads turned up to go access the bridge.  Walked around with our pipping hot coffee to say hi to everyone.  Some people were annoyed we had a lovely warm bed and hot coffee.  Not sure whats wrong with people.  We are roughing it.  Road Report at 8am: Bridge has some damage and will need fixing before they open it.  Great 4 hours around.  Packed up and headed off.  Few more kms to put on our tally.  (Trying for the furtherist travelled)  Got to Emerald at 12.30pm WHICH WAS ONLY 12 KMS AWAY!!!!!! Stopped at the information center to see if we could make it to Roma.  Yep all good.  On our way again.  Passed a bus about half an hour out.  Talked to him on the 2way.  FFFFFFF Road is not open at all.  Back to Emerald again.  Got a few supplies more fuel and headed to Barcaldine.  Finally left Emerald at 3pm.  Hope we don't see Emerald again any time soon.  Got to Barcaldine at 6.30pm fueled up and stopped for the night at a caravan park.  Hot showers, yes.  We traveled about 800kms and only got 323 kms from where we were yesterday.  Hoping tomorrow we can finally get to NSW. 

Thanks everyone for your posts good to hear from you all.  Will upload so photoes when I get faster internet connection.

Hey Candy.
Time to buy some souvenir coffee mugs.
Regards
Alex

Hey Candy, how many times you been through Fred's music collection?? Or do you get to choose? Lol

 ;) Well guys if you don't make the "furthest travelled" trophy you might get the "hard luck" trophy.  I hope all goes well from now on. Cheers Hotlips  ;) ;)

Hi there ... Really enjoy these stories ...looking forward to the updates and wish you smooth sailing ...no pun intended ...

a big "X 2"...   more please Fred and Candy!

Nothing like a BIG road trip, have a great time.
Cheers
Deano

Fred & Candy

Great story so far ;D ;D

Look forward to the many updates and some of Fred's photos.

Cheers

Craig D

Monday day 4.
Left  Barkie at 6.45am.Good trip.  857kms in the one direction.  Listened to awsome 80s all day.  Seen lots of Emus, sheep, cows, Kangaroos and dare I say it a plague of Locist.  Nearly collected a flock, heard, pack, murder, school???? of Kangeroos. anyone know this one?  Thought one was going to hitch a lift by jumping on our camper.  Lucky just missed.  Thelmas been traveling great.  100 to 110 kms an hour pulling the camper all the way.  We have 4 cigerette lighters with a 60ltr fridge, phones, laptop, GPS and car fans. Thats why we love these cars. Short range fuel tank is a pain in the bum.  Can only get 300kms to a tank.  So at least there is know fatigue.  Made it to Bourke at 5.30pm, NSW at last.  Cooked a beautiful 500 gram steak purchased from Blackall. Couple of beers and bed what a life.  Hoping to get to Broken Hill tomorrow night.  Night all. 

Hey Candy
Mob of kangaroos.
Sounds like good progress.
Please keep the updates a comin.
Pics, we need pics.  ;D
Regards
Alex

Yep Candy keep it coming everyone is enjoying travelling with you. No wonder your only getting 300Km to a tank with all of us along for the ride.
Cheers,
Graham

Thanks for the updates of your adventures. I am also enjoying the updates.

Day 5 Tuesday.
3000kms and not one FC/FE sighted.  Where the bloody hell are you.
Left Bourke at 7.30am.  Heading to Broken Hill.  Had coffee and scones and Cobar for morning tea.  Nice little town.  Speedo clocked 10000 miles.  Came across a fruit fly sign so had lunch early, Banana sandwiches.  Lots of flood waters outside of Wilcannia.  Stopped for a RBT leaving Wilcannia.  Like any white fellar would have a beer in that town.  Very scary.  Lots of very old, run down nice buildings.  Made Broken Hill at 3.30pm.  Stopped early for the night.  Booked into the caravan park did laundry etc.  Then the sunset at the sculptures.  Lots of nice photos when I work out how to upload properly.  Having trouble with that.  Sorry.  Went to the pub that Pricilla Queen of the Dessert was filmed in.  Barman was very rude so didn't stop for a drink.  10.13pm.  Good night everyone.  PS thanks for the Mob of Roos.  Knew someone would know.

we both have a FC as our daily drivers in Townsville and do lots of 4 hour trips from home,  but nothing like this.  Its AWESOME.  Can't wait to take my ute to Tasy in two years. I GOT A PHOTO TO WORK.  THE BEST ONE TOO.
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Nobody told me it was minus 100 over here. I'm sure there is ice on the ground.  I can't get out of bed.  I'm the one who gets up at 6am each day.  Well the table has turned and I'm making up for it.  Fred can pack up himself.  "I LOVE TOWNSVILLE AND OUR HOT WEATHER"

Day 6 Wednesday.
Started off slow today.  Bit cold to be getting up.  Unless you are Fred then you don't feel it.  Did a few tourist things today at Broken Hill.  Went to the main lookout and checked out town.  Then went to Silverston.  Went through the Mad Max 2 museum, Old school, jail.  Morning tea at the cafe and a beer at the pub.  Worth the 25kms drive out of town.  Its the original township before it was all moved to Broken Hill.  Ghost town now.  You all have to go do the "TEST" at the Silverston Hotel.  Everyone that does it donates $2. to a great charity and gets a free beer and certificate for doing it.  Can say no more on that.  Just do it.  Left Broken Hill at 1.45pm.  Great trip to Port Augusta.  Car still travelling nicely.  Passed the vintage car/Bike rally that is traveling from Perth to Sydney for a 100 year reenactment.  Had Spaghetti Marinara for tea by the side of the road.Buggered again.  Going to bed. 

Thanks for the update.
I would love to get out that way someday.
Regards
Alex

Ive done the test at Silverton hotel, it's a great part of the world. enjoying your travel blog.

Cheers

Ed

Candy & Fred

Enjoying the update.

Thanks
Craig

off to Ceduna.  Small trip and more site seeing.

Great Travel Diary Guys! Loving every update... glad you are taking the time to enjoy the sights along the way as well. We've been passed by three QLDers since our last update: Glenn Adams, Harry Brazier & Ron Richardson. Nearing Esperance now for a few days break after taking a week to cross the Nullabor. Really looking forward to seeing you guys again in Perth. Lets see who's FE/FC is the dirtiest upon arrival, here's our photo entry. Cheers, Tim

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We're going to the Holden graveyard tomorrow.  Its at the start of the Nullabour 17kms of dirt road.  Can't wait.  We'll then see dirty.  Fred has got out the duct tape to tape up the camper before we leave in the morning.  I think we should be doing all the doors too.  But he won't.  No fun him.  Will give you an update as soon as we finish tea.  Freds cooking.  At Ceduna.  Had another wonderful day.

Left Port Augusta at 9am got a few Fruit and vegs for the night.  Lamb Chops tonight.  Bloody Boarder checks keep taking everything off us.  The WA one is going to take our honey and dried Apricots also.  Don't think we will be able to eat a hole bag of Apricots before then.  Not without me sleep in the car.  Because half a dozen is enough to set off Freds butt.  Anyhow back to today.  Small days driving doing a bit of sight seeing again.  Had to make an emergency toilet stop on the side of the road.  Off I go with the toilet paper and ok course like usual when we stop up goes the bonnet to make sure everything is ok. Which always attracks passing cars,  so to my dismay sitting with my pants down in a bush people start stopping.  Thanks Fred.  Driving along we decided to take a detour at Poochera to Streaky Bay then back through Smoke Bay where we picked up 2 dozen fresh oysters for $14.00 and then along the coast to Ceduna.  While we were traveling found a couple of FC ute wrecks in a back yard.  Stopped for a couple of hours taking photos.  Yes Ken got the numbers for you. Stopped at the Shelley Bay caravan Park where we finally got to see our first FC'er "Wrapped in bubble wrap" yes Graham you are soft.  Also met Trevor and Kathy with their ute.  Nice one guys.  Watched a lovely sunset over the water with them all.  Now getting ready for bed again.

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don't really have to say much about this one. :o

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Us watching the sunset

Hey Candy,

I'm too much of a gentlemen to query Poochera, but it certainly sounds like you were making like a local in Streaky Bay ;D

RET

Finally got across the Nullabor.  In Norseman, heading to Esprences for the night.  Update from there.

Fred and candy,
When you get to Esperance, If you get the chance go out and have a look at stone henge, Its on a farm about 10km out of town, give them a ring before you head out there.

Les

Day 8.  Left Shelly bay Ceduna 8.30am.  Stopped at the start of the Great Australian Bight.  At "the head of Bright" Paid $5. entry each.  To take some photos.  "DO NOT DO THIS"  Down the road you get to take great photos for free.  Caught up with Kathy and Trevor at the Nallubor Roadhouse all looking for a bit of shade for lunch.  By time we ate our lunch it was dried out.  One of the hottest, windist days yet.  Told it got to 39 ?  Went into the Nallubor National Park 98 kms east of Boarder town.  Turn right between the two Camel, Emu and Kangeroo signs.  17kms of dirt road to the homestead.  It was a dumping ground for all the cars that use to break down while crossing the Bor, FC/FE and lots more.  Surprisingly no Fords.  Weren't worth preserving.  Unlocked old buildings that you could go into to get out of the wind and rain.  Which we had both.  Now Tim you have a competition for the dirtiest car....  Caught up with Trevor and Kathy at Euclea they stayed in the motel for the night.  Made us a lovely coffee so we could keep going.  Made it to a free camping spot about one and a half hours later.  26kms East of Madura great shady spot to stay.  Lots of camping areas, Toilet no water but. 

Day 9 Saturday.
Left the camp spot at 6.30am.  Big day ahead driving.  Refueled at Caiguna $2.03 a ltr,  Wow.  Start of the 90 mile straight.  Fred got his 20 likes on facebook.  Survived the straight refueled at Balladonia Motel.  Great coffee.  $5.00 a cup.  Well worth it.  Continued on the Norseman for lunch supplies and Fuel.  Yes made it over.  Posted our SOS for help.  Need a front Pinion Seal.  Continued our journey on the Esperance.  Came across a workshop open at Salmon Gums "O'Neil motors" Got 300mls of diff oil $7.00 great guy.  Got to Esperance at 3.30pm.  Fred spotted Tail Shaft Tims car.  Went down beeping and calling out, is sure he woke the baby.  Tim was out riding the push bike.  Sorry Bec.  Had a few repplies for our SOS.  Looking into it tomorrow Sunday.  Went and got a bottle of local port for the night.  Starting to get chilly.  (port weather yes)  Had dinner and then went to visit Clan Tailshaft.  Bottle of port later, time for bed.  There shout next time.

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With the Mad Max 2 cars

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Changing the pinion seal.  Having lots of trouble getting the nut undone.

all done.  Off again.  :D

Big thanks to Paul, Fred, and Carl Esperance.

Good to see you got the problem sorted quickly Fred and your back  on the road.

See you soon

Surferboy  8) 8) 8)

Great update....thanks!!
Good to see you are progressing forward.
Regards
Alex

Day 10 Sunday.
As you all know car was fixed today in Esperance.  Thanks again for everyones help.  Also thanks for the texts and other leads.  Had a quick look around Esperance, Thanks Tim and Bec for telling us about the 25km beach drive.  Awesome views worth the look everyone.  Headed to Albany, stopped 75kms out as it got to dark and dangerous with all the wildlife around.  Free camping on the side of the road.  Thank god we are self sufficient.  Nothing much else to tell today.  Just progressing to Perth.  Early night for a change.  Night everyone.  Hope you are all having as much fun as us.  Without the breakdowns.  Also will be glad when we stop traveling for a few days.  Nearly over this bench seat......

Hey Fred,
Kathy says her name is really Chris and if you want another Coffee you need to get her name right  ;)

We are staying in Kalgoorlie at the moment, moving on to Merredin tomorrow.

Trevor & Chris

Our humblest apologies. Told you I was bad with names Chris. You boiled the best water please make us another one some day. No wonder surfer boy is confused. He thinks you picked up a hitchhiker. Sounds like you have been having fun. Wow Esperance and Albany are awesome. Heading to do the tall tree walk at the valley of the giants. There is so much to see.

Day 11 Monday.
Wow what a day.
Started at 5am in the morning.  We pulled up on dusk into a free camp spot as there were too many roos to keep going.  At 5am we started to get rain.  So jumped out of bed and packed up real quick before the camper got to wet.  Drove to Bakers Junction.  Just North of Albany.  There is a great Fuel stop on the corner or the Junction. "Bakers food and fuel" Great hot shower and coffee.  The guy that runs the place was very nice.  Worth stopping in to say hi if you are going past.  $1.50 per ltr.    Then on to Albany had a look at the Amity (First Boat to sail into Albany) Then out to the Whaling station.  Stopping at the gap and Natures Bridge.  Wow what a sight.  Very rough conditions yesterday.  Awesome photos.  Then to the Whaling station to have a look.  Spent 2 hours there.  Back to the blowholes, blowing well but to windy for the full effect.  Left there headed to Denmark.  No not Sweden! Great coffee at Ravens coffee shop.  This is one of the friendliest towns I have travelled through.  Everyone was very helpful with information.  Even full driveway service, at the BP $1.56 ltr.  and still cheaper then the other one.  For all those still coming through there are a lot of winery's and boutique chocolate, toffee shops everywhere on the highway.  Then went to the "Valley of the Giants" tree top walk.  Well worth going to see.  On to Pemberton for fuel then Margaret River arriving late.  Very stressful 2hrs driving looking out for all the wildlife at night.  Not doing night driving again (we hope)  Finally caught up to the other QLD contingent here.  Will catch up with them all tomorrow as going to bed.  Kept driving so we could do a wine tour and have a look around here for a couple of days before catching up with everyone in Perth.

On with the wine tour. Yay someone else driving for the day

Today Front row at the Eaton lights on my way home from work 1 two tone grey FC wagon with a camper trailer with QLD plates in the rain,
Who said the rain doesn't follow Queenslanders we haven't had rain for months.

Les

Just another comunity service we offer.  We are still trying to work out where Eaton is.

Gosh the last couple of days have gone too quick.
Day 12 Tuesday. 
Wine Tour.  Caught up with follow FCers who talked us into doing the wine tour at the caravan park we were staying in. Riverview Caravan park at Margaret River. (lovely walk down on the river, take a coffee and sit awhile, beautiful)  Cheers Wine tours $72.00 if staying at the park.  Recommended it was great and a very lovely lady took us on the tour.
First mistake, someone told me (Follower FCer) that they took it to easy and only had a few sips to start with and didn't get very tipsy.  So the challenge was on.  Yes we started hard and kept going.  Now Fred and I don't drink wine so all the ones that were disgusting we had to scull.  No spitting out for us QLDers.  Managed to scull most of it.  We drink sweet wine or port.  Most winery's do all this dry stuff.  aaaawwwwkkkkk.  Made up for it when we got to the Brewery at the end.  Loved the chocolate factory and the cheese place was great too.  Even managed to eat the local Bambie's.  Got some very nice salami's from there.  Got back to the caravan Park and caught up with everyone again and talked Greg into driving us to dinner.  Wonderful little spaghetti place he found.  Yum lovely way to finish the day.

Day 13 Wednesday.
Got up and it was raining.  Hope it stops by the weekend.  Packed up and off again.  Decided to do "The Groves liqueur Factory" as this is more to our taste.  If ever we come back we are going to stay there.  Wow what a wonderful place, and could have a great time in their bar.  Worth the look if anyone is going back this way.  Then did the Olive Factory another stop worth doing everyone.  Then finally did one of the caves on the way out to Perth.  Ngili Cave  $28.00 each, we spent a couple of hours there.  Worth the money.  Went and had a quick look at Bunbury pooring rain decided to get closer to Perth so stayed in Mandurah.  Another great place not on the main highway but worth the extra miles to go have a look.  Dinner then bed.  Off to Perth tomorrow.

Eaton is in the Bunbury area 1 1/2 hrs drive south of Perth.

Les

Great to see you guys arrive safely today to dry the camper out and shelter out of the wind for a bit...  thanks for the Port in Esperance too!

It looks like most of the ACT, SA and QLDers are here...  hope the VIC & NSW convoys have a safe trip into Perth.

Look forward to catching up with everyone else as they arrive too.

Day 14 thursday.
freds turn to type something. again we rose early, candy had a head ache so it was pack up from our motel and down to the beach for a cook up of our left over sausages and bacon. Mandurah beach was beautiful, a couple of local surfers keeped us entertained. Then it was short drive into perth harley shop to catch up with family. Then onto our hotel to unhook the traiker and open it up to dry out. Damn weather gods. out to the airport to collect my marshmellow soft daughter who flew over and back too. back to HQ for a car wash session and chat. That is all for now diary will resume on tuesday for our return to sunny warm north qld. hope you have enjoyed our dribble.

Looking forward to more 'dribble' from the Nats and the trip home  :)

Good to hear you guys arrived safely.
Don't stop now, we want to hear what you get up to at the Nats also, if you can find the time.
Hopefully the trip home will be equally uneventfull as far as breakdowns go. Looking forward to following you home also.
Have a fun filled Easter weekend.
Regards
Alex

Glad to hear you made it OK Fred & Candy. Hope your trip home is as entertaining to read.

Dean.

Wow. Home time is getting to close. We will up date on the trip home. We all need something to do and read every night. Will be following everyone's safe trip home too. We have had the most amazing time here with everyone. Lovely to meet such wonderful people and put faces to all of your names. Also all the sight seeing, Perth is a beautiful city. We still have 2 days to sight see before heading home. So another jam packed day starting wih the cruise. Hope to see some of you there. To all you who have left. Safe trip. And see you in Tassie.

Day 19 Tuesday.
I will endeavour to update the missing days so we complete our diary later.  But for now Day 19.
Got up and went to get coffee for the family so they would be able to pack up our mess for the trip home.  Took 2 hours repacking the camper and car for our next trip,  Traveled 3kms down the road to the Central Caravan park.  No car problems.  Met up with fellow FC travelers on there way home.  Trevor and Chris also the couple in the cement van.  Sorry hopeless with names.  Kathy can vouch for this. (Chris)  Steph our ring in and I (Candy) went back to Hillary's, didn't get enough of it the other day.  Fred and Danika (Marshmellow) went to Scarbrough Beach for a swim, had and to Jimmy Deans for lunch.  Awesome place.  Made major detours to get back to the park, due to Great Easton Highway closure from the accident.  Had drinks with our fellow FCers then off to Family for dinner.  Put Danika on the plane at 11pm, then back to the park for our last nights sleep in Perth.

Day 20 Wednesday.
Left park at 8.30am.  Decided to go to Wave Rock for a look.  Wonderful drive there, through the orchards.  We seem to have got into the habit of looking into everyones back yards and properties for any old cars and vans.  Wave Rock was fantastic and worth a look.  Glad we went in, spent a few hours walking around there.  Traveling across to Kalgoolie found another car grave yard on someones property.  No one home so bush bashed through their property and walked 10 mins to get to the spot for photo's.  In the middle of know where for the night free camping.  Off to Kall tomorrow.  Another early night.

Day 21.
Got up early off to Kalgoorlie. Followed the water pipe all the way. This is the first time we have seen rubbish on the side of the road. Wow what a mess. All the way to Kal. Had lattes at Coolgardie. Thanks Trevor and Chris they were the best. Did some sight seeing around Kal. Wow what a big hole in the ground. Had a beer in one of the lovely old pubs. Seen the local skimpys. Now I know why the pub doors were all closed. Was still a good beer. Dragged Fred out after one. Stayed the night with family. Got to see some of the local cars. Rick has a xb Fairmont hard top. Very nice. Had curried prawns for tea. Early to bed. Big days traveling tomorrow.

Day 22
Friday the 13th, candy woke early as usually, I followed 15 mins latter. We left kal at 6.30 for our drive to Madurah for some more free camping. Candy got her 20 likes on facebook so she drove the 90 mile straight. Very boring day, lots of coffee stops as we are out of plunger coffee. Seen all this before. heard from Zulu he had already left so no free loading hitchhiker to pick up. That's all sorry.

 

Day 23
Left our luxurious free camp site early again. Another big drive ahead trying to get to Ceduna. Did some site seeing along the way.  Spent another day looking in everyones farm yard for wrecks.  Amazing what is in everyones back yard.  Found another FC wreck outside of Ceduna as well as a lot of others. Got to Ceduna and stayed at Shelly Bay Caravan park again.  Was great on the way over.  Grabbed a beer, Deer Salami (From Margaret River) crackers and went sat on the beach to see the sunset.  Wonderful as usual.  Then off to the local pub for dinner.  Was going to have seafood but it was to expensive. So will go get fresh oysters tomorrow.  Watched real footy for the first time in 3 weeks.  Cowboys were playing.  We left at half time they were winning so will have to look up the outcome.  Hopefully it was still good.  Back to camp to bed. 

(http://s7.postimage.org/lh9nbuyzb/IMG_3418.jpg) ($2)Oold FC in someones yard outside of Ceduna.

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Oysters at Ceduna.  Doing it tough

Someone's got to do it. Keep having fun.

Rgds

Wayne b

Strangly enough I miss being out there........

DAY 24 Sunday for some
This was a rest day for us. Candy did the washing while I  had a sleep in. Then it was off to smokey bay for a spot of sight seeing and oyster scoring. Headed back to Ceduna via some beautiful little bays and headlands, down to the waterfront for lunch. Over to the pub to see my EELS lose another game. Home for a Nana nap before oyster and beer down the beach (see yesterdays photo). Back to camp for socialising and dinner. Sundried tomato and chilli pesto (from Margaret River) infused chicken breast and pasta. Packed up camp ready for early departure.

Day 25 back to work for some.
7am start, via the bakery for breakfast. Did shit all today but drive. Had pies at Kimba for lunch upon recommendation of Trevor and Chris (thank you again). Found another car graveyard outside Peterborough, couldn't gain access though.. Arrived at another free camp outside of Cockburn. Dinner adult time and bed. Goodnight all.

Fred
Please explain 8) "Adult Time" ::) for me it means Sonja wants me to be serious, stop thinking about cars & football (NRL) and make some sort of decision. I would have though that you and Candy would have had heaps of adult time on your epic adventure.

Keep on enjoying your cross country adventure. If you had Oysters in Ceduna whats on the local menu tonight. Would have been road kill stew coming from Norseman to Nullabor.

Cheers Jim, Sonja & William

PS I know how your feel WTF is with Manly, how am I meant to win the tipping comp if my own team can not find consistency. :(

Day 26 Tuesday,
Sorry Zulu I must curse those damn truckies, that think starting a truck at 4am is a normal hour tssst. So it was another early start not 4 am though, went back to sleep till 6:30. A quick bite to eat then off on the highway again. For those that didn't notice the mint condition HR a broken hill, in the Holden dealship. (too bad). was very nice indeed. Nothing to report just drove. (this blog is getting very boring and monotonous) drove all the way to Warren, free camped on the river bank. Candy heard all sorts of weird noises, thought we were being stalked by a tiger at one stage. Me I slept though it all.

Day 27 Wednesday
Slept in 7am neighbour checking his yabbie trap woke us. Candy cooked us french toast for brekky and plunger coffee again YAY. Even upgraded to glass travel mugs. Left at 8 quick fuel up then off to Gilgandra, spotted some secondhand/opp shops on main street 4 in total. Spend hours looking through them and wainting for one to open. First shop has lots of old wares and specialises in ????? glasswear, but well Worth a look. Second shop we visited ( not sure how to put this. mmmm he was smoking the peice pipe with another local) when we went in. We found 2 first aid kits, one from early 60's with contents intact another was a ford edition (motocraft) guessing mid 70's also with contents. Also some woolen mits and infant booties. Mits will polish cars well I think. Drugoes do the best deals $30 the lot. Then crossed the road and found a 50's valve radio $40. All and all a good outing.  This inspired us to look at more shops in towns, found shit all. Continued onto Lightning Ridge, learned about opals, found a FJ converted opal washing contraption. photo to follow. Finnally back in our home state QLD. A short drive the road to what was to be our accommodation for the night. Hebel what a wonderful 2 horse town. A pub and a cornerstore/caravan park. We were the only ones booked in. $10 a night including free use of washing machines. Met another forum member there "Shayne" hi Shayne when you see this. Thank you for joining us for dinner and a chat. Best food there $25 steak and was it a huge. Barbara and Ralph are very lovely hosts, Ralph is a Holden man but currently only is allowed his Toyota forklift.

Day 28 Thursday,
 Couldn't leave town without a coffee with Ralph and Barb. Waved our goodbyes and on the road again. Shayne told us about the FJ at the Holden dealership in St George, (not the NRL team) very nice dust covered unmolested car. Who put us onto the  HG Monaro, who put us onto Tony. This guy was amazing he nearly has one of every Holden model made. No Fc's though. Left town eventually, drove to Roma so candy could get even more port, from the winery there. $2:2 million would buy you this, probably be cheaper than buying bottles of port. Onto our resting place for the night a tiny town called Rolleston, south of our Nemesis town of Emerald. I am going to cross that "F"ing river tomorrow.   
Goodnight, next blog from home hopefully.

Go Fred n Candy, you can't lay around in bed all day, get up and smell the diesel

We missed the HR at Broken Hill, but the bloke with the Holden collection at the Garage and Car Yard at um er Kellerbren? in WA made up for it

Before you know it you 2 will be home like me......so cop that

Cheers, Gary

We are home safe and sound. Car started to play up, needed to be jumped started. Will do all the updates tomorrow.

Well done Fred and Candy, that is an epic journey, we are still on the road but down one car.

regards

The Weddo's

Bill & Judi

G'day Fred & Candy

Glad you got home safe and sound...what an epic journey and

what a great diary you have shared with us

I voted you as the happiest couple at the Nats...every time I saw you or a pic of you ...always smiling and having a ball...always up for a chat

Your the sort of people that helps make the FE FC community such a great mob to be associated with

Hope to see you in Tassie or wherever we meet again


Cheers
Gary & Lorene

That is an outstanding effort. Well done Fred & Candy, I second Gary's remarks.

Enjoy your own bed, your own shower, and some of that port ;D

See you in Tassie.

RET

WoooHoo!!
Thanks for sharing Fred and Candy's excellent adventure.
Regards
Alex

Good on you Fred & Candy, good to hear you got home OK. Thanks for the updates alomng the way.

We arrived in Esperance late today, a bit wet after 3 days of rain in Denmark & Albany. Still have 2 weeks to get back home to Melbourne so still enjoying the trip.

Lily had a small hick-up near Walpole, the starter motor jammed in when leaving Dinosaur World..... resulting in total melt down of the starter. Smoke then power loss as it shorted out identified the problem  ;) Fitted spare and now all good, got a back up spare off Lester ("Glenview" FE Panel Van).

Looking forward to catching up when we visit Townsville nexct or at worst, in 2 years time in Hobart.

Regards,
Trevor & Chris (AKA Kathy)

Glad to hear you got sorted out. We loved Dinosaur World - a little gem hidden away there!

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/551420_10150783051471495_615606494_11543381_445694939_n.jpg)

Fred & Candy

Great to catch up with you both again, totally agree with Gary's comments and we can't wait to ready your Tassy blogg in just under 2 years.

Cheers Jim, Sonja & William

Day 29 friday,
Left Rolleston at 7am, drove drove drove. Crossed Thresea creek at emerald, HA HA I WON. Drove drove, stopped got fuel and drove and drove. Car started to play up, wouldn't start after fuel stops (like it has a flat battery but hasn't). Drove some more home at 5:05pm.
fred

Gather you are over the updates Fred LOL, now you get to drive to work everyday again...

Was great to watch your trip there and back mate. Thanks for the updates from Candy and yourself.

Cheers
JB

Glad you made it home... I was pleased to have run into you at Hebel and happy that you got a bit of time checking out old Holdens in St George.
I've escaped Hebel for a day or two due to rain - no need for a water truck, so I'm back in Warwick.  Might catch up with you on your way to Tassie. ;)

Hi Fred & Candy,
Boy you should see the sunset tonight at Ceduna  ;) what a pearler  :)
We still have 10 days yet to get home.

Trev & Kathy Chris

Hi Trevor and Chris. Sounds like you are having fun. Wish we still had 10 days to go. Don't like being back in the real world at all. Enjoy your last week. Hope to catch you in Tassie. Candy