We Explore Australia

Day 56 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Sean, Jake and Ben got home at 2.30 am, they didn't catch a thing and it got a bit choppy.

We dumped and filled the bus with water. Then we poked round the car finding out how the Nav system, USB, TV and radio worked. Gerald discovered that there is a backing camera but we couldn't get it up on the screen. But Dena's ipod worked on it.

Dena cooked a beautiful roast pork, and Sean brought up the idea again about Christmas up here. Sean rang Mandy to see what she thought of the idea. Then he rang his brothers to see how they thought. So it looks like EVERYBODY may be Christmassing together!!!!!! And 3 dogs and a bird.

Day 55 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

Dena and I went over to Kims and we had our nails done. Sean Jake and Ben went fishing, so Dena and I grocery shopped and Gerald detailed the car.

Day 54 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

The owner of the Landcruiser came over and got some cash. Gerald got the exhaust fixed and he fixed the light on the numberplate and the battery strap which needed to be done for the RW.

I did my usual, oh no I didn't Jake washed up, wouldn't let me do it, so I just cooked, well not even cook just organised toppings for home made Pizzas. Which were yum.

Day 53 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Gerald and I went to Beenleigh to organised the funds to buy the car once the RW is done and that can't be done till Wednesday. We both wanted sunglasses and we got the boys some socks, they always seem to be looking for some.

Sean mentioned that we could all go up the coast for Christmas instead of the Maddens all coming over to Tassie, which would cost them a fortune. The reason for coming was that Dena wanted to spend time with her family.

Day 52 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:04:00.001-07:00

Jake had to take Dena to work so that we could have her car. Jake and Gerald went to Jimboomba and got Jakes springs. They had a lot of trouble getting the first spring in. So they left it and we went and looked at the car, which seemed ok but needed a road worthy which every car, van, motorbike etc has to have before it can be sold. Rod, the seller, let us take the car and organise the RW. Jake got the guy at BP North McClain to do it this afternoon.

Back to the springs in Jakes ute and Jake discovered that it you take the hand break off everything slips in very easily.

Day 51 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we searched the net for a little car, there were several but they didn't state where they were. Just out of curiosity's we looked at Landcruisers and found on just over at Beenleigh and the seller had left a phone number. Gerald rang and it had only been on the net 20 mins.

Day 50 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Brandon, Jake and I moved the wood on the back of Brandon's ute. Jake and I cleaned the boat, couldn't do too much because we are short on water, just washed the salt off it.

Sean had a half day and he and the boys worked on the bikes.

Jake and Gerald cooked Taco's for tea.

Day 49 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:13:00.000-07:00

We were sitting in the yard talking about cleaning out the boat and the next thing we....Sean Jake and I were on the road up to Port Brisbane fishing again. It was an absolutely perfect day. We found a spot and got lots of bite and a few little Squire and then I thought I got a snag but it turned out to be a Shovel Nose Shark I had fowl hooked it but I still caught it Jake and Sean cut it's head off and bleed it before I got pic. Ben got one on Dena's phone so I will have to get that and post it I was soo excited I cant wait till Nanny cooks it she does flake soooo well

Day 48 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

All the family except Brandon and ther dog decided to go fishing. We went to Horizon Shores to launch the boat and headed towards Peel Island. It was a lovely day we got lots of bites and a few little fish Parrot, Bream Squire and little Snapper. Still an excellent day with the family. Dena put some pics on Facebook I will try to get some for here.

Day 47 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:11:00.000-07:00

Brandon went and got Jake from the PA. They at the PA had him on a bike and so when he got home he got on his push bike and rode it round the yard, he need to exercise it.

Day 46 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

We were going to visit Jake but we figured that it would be more helpful for him for us to track down the springs for his car as he has to go to physo three times a week when he gets home. He did mention to Dena I thought Gran and Duke were coming to visit. But he did have a female visitor there from 12 to 4 pm so I don't really think we were missed.

Day 45 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

Dena took Jake to the PA and she text me to say that he was in pre-op at 8.30. He actually went into theatre at 12.40 and out at 3 pm, he woke up at 4.30.

I lite the fire and we are having mince and mashed potato for tea, gee its hard to think of something different for tea.

Day 44 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:06:00.000-07:00

Jake rang up and has to be at the PA (Princess Alexandra) hospital at 8am tomorrow.

Made Chicken Caesar Salad and Ham Steaks for tea.

Day 43 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:04:00.001-07:00

Holiday today we didn't much today, just unpacked and did a bit of washing.

Day 43 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

Holiday today we didn't much today, just unpacked and did a bit of washing.

Day 42 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Dwayne was up early and got a couple of nice Bream. The weigh in was between 7.30 and 9am. Sean, Dwayne, and Mark went up to see if they were winners but everything was so drawn out they came back and as the weather wasn't pleasant we all decided to come home. We left at 12.30pm

As soon as we crossed to the Queensland side if the boarder the sun came out and Gerald said I bet Sean is saying where can we go and fish. Which he said he was when we got home.

2011-06-20T02:57:00.000-07:00

Day 41 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

It was an ok day, weak sunshine the boys are down fishing. In NSW you have to have a permit to fish, a three day permit is $6 per person. Sean caught a small Dart and Dwayne got a small Taylor. That was all in the morning and they had to registered for the comp by 12 o'clock and that is $30 per person just Sean, Dwayne and Mark registered there was a boat as one of the prizes.

Where we parked it was near the beach access so we had cars going past us so we couldn't really sit round in a large group. Evendentally you weren't suppose to camp there but they are a bit relaxed because of the fishing comp and we tried all the caravan parks but they were all booked out.

They boys moved down the beach near a gutter and fished but didn't get anything.

Early evening it started to rain.

Day 40 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:42:00.000-07:00

Its the Queens Birthday long weekend and there is a fishing comp at Pottsville NSW so Dena, Sean, Jake, Ben Tilly the dog and Fang the bird are going down in D & S bus Brandon and his girlfriend are going in his ute and sleeping in the back of the bus. Gerald and I are going in our bus. Dwayne and Coadie in their 4X4 and trailer and Mark (Dwayne other son) and his girlfriend in his ute and slid-on. We eventually set off at 5.55.

We had found a spot on Google Earth that we could camp in, but when we got there it was blocked off with big rocks. Eventually we found a spot at about 8pm and the guys went down and started fishing in the dark.

Day 39 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Gerald is fixing Jakes bumper. I washed up and washed our towels. Ham steak and pineapple for tea tonight.

Day 38 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:40:00.000-07:00

Gerald is fixing Jakes bumper. I washed up and washed our towels. Ham steak and pineapple for tea tonight.

Day 37 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

Up early went with Dena and dropped Brandon off at the Logan Hospital for his physo and took Dena to work. Then back to pick up Brandon and on to Browns Planes where I had to get new cartridges for my printer they haven't run out just dried up.

Gerald wanted a new TV for the bus and as we all know it Gerald wants a TV Gerald gets a TV who am I to argue

Day 36 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Gerald ran a cable to my back TV so I can watch satellite in the back room.

Washed up sausages, eggs and chips for tea tonight.

Day 35 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-20T02:36:00.001-07:00

Jake and Sean went beach fishing down the Gold Coast.

We didn't do anything much. The days are warm and sunny but the nights are cool.

Day 34 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Jake went out last night and ran off the road the police came and put an unroad worthy sticker on the car so he couldn't bring it home, and no he hadn't been drinking the first thing we all asked. Dena had to go and get him at 2 am.

Dena and I went over to Kims and had our nails done. Sean and Jake went and got Jakes car. He has smashed in the bumper. We were going to leave this week but it looks like Gerald has the job of fixing the car and fibre glassing and bogging it.

Jake and Sean went fishing from the beach on the Gold Coast this evening.

Day 33 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

We may not have to pay for accommodation or gas or petrol staying here, but every time (it seems) when we borrow one of the cars its always in empty and shopping for seven is more expensive than for two.

Just the usual washing up and cooking.

The evenings are getting a bit cooler.

Day 32 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Just the usual washing up and getting tea ready, bit of washing.

The thing I notice is that I am used to cooking for just the two of us and quite often we will have a chicken salad or scrambled eggs. But cooking for seven was a big learning curve and I can't expect three hard working men to just eat eggs.

Day 31 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Just the usual washed up and got tea ready. Dean said she and Sean appreciate that there is a meal waiting for them when they get home.

A couple of days it has been a bit cool so I have had the fire a lite when they get home, because they are getting home in the dark now. They have such long days.

Day 30 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Had Dena;s car today and had to have Brandon to the hospital early for his physo appointment.

Then up to Brisbane to Xtreme Hobbies Gerald has brought several parts online from them and a couple didn't work properly. On to Laceys TV for some parts for Seans satellite dish.

Home and I washed up and got tea ready.

Day 29 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Had Brandon's ute today so over to Jimboomba shopping. Washed up and cooked for tea.

There was a lot of thunder and lightening and then down came the hail there was a mad scramble and Jake managed to get his ute under our awing. Dena's car was in the carport but the boat is in there too so no room for Brandon's

I took some pics with my phone I just have to figure out how to get them to the comp and I will down load them. But as quick as it started the hail finished and then there was rain,

Day 28 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Dena and I took clean clothes for the fishing boys over to Sean's brother
Dwyane at Beenleigh. Then went to the weigh in to see if they had won anything....No not a thing.

Day 27 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dena drove Jakes ute and I drove her car over to Andrew Jessup's (ex Bridport boy) and he will fix the lights and air bag light.

Then we went to a shop called Battlers they sell all types of food and veg at a very cheap price but its not always the same thing that they have, if you are a member $25, you also get free stuff, this week it was bread, bread rolls, apples, potatoes, milk and heaps of other things.

Then to the Sara Lea discount shop and the frozen discount shop.

Jake, Ben and Sean have gone fishing over night.

Day 26 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Jake tried to get a safety certificate for his ute. The seller is suppose to get one before its sold, but there wasn't one $500 fine for the seller if he is caught. The result is that he has to take the air bags out, they raise and lower it and get new tyres. And get the air-bag light fixed.

Day 25 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-06-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Went over to Woollies. Cooked and washed up.

Day 24 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Cleaned up the yard a bit and Brandon and Gerald went to the tip. Next project put on the new front door. Dena works for a locksmith so I have had to send pics to her so she can get a lock for the door.

I have been catching up on my blog and Anne dropped a gentle hint yesterday.

Day 23 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

With all the chops we got in the meat tray I cooked up a nice stew in Dena's slow cooker.

Gerald and I went over to Jimboomba and got pipes to fix the tanks. Which Gerald did and the boys Brandon and cousin Cody cleaned out the gutters.

Day 22 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

It rained very heavily on and off over night so in the morning Gerald was measuring up to fix the down pipes when it came down again at least it wasn't cold. All the tanks would have been full if Gerald had been a bit quicker to organise himself.

Day 21 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:31:00.001-07:00

Sean Jake and Ben came home this morning with only one fish to take to the weigh in. So we headed down to the Gem Hotel just out of Beenleigh for lunch and the weigh in unfortunately Sean only came second. The Fishing Club run meat raffle's and we in the end came out about even with all the money we spent Gerald and Dena won but not me so I played the pokies and won there.

Day 20 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:29:00.001-07:00

Sean, Jake and Ben went fishing. Dena and I went over to her friends place to get our nails done and the out for lunch. It took them sooo long to serve us that they kept apologising and we got our coffees for free, but will say it was worth waiting for.

Day 19 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Just a relaxing day reading etc. at least its warm

Day 18 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

When Ben came home from school today we went up to Browns Plains did a little bit of shopping, Brandon got two pairs of white sneakers, just cheapies, but that's what he wanted.

We met Dena there and swapped cars and Brandon took his ute home and Dena Ben Duke and I had Maccas and went to see Pirates of the Carribean in 3D. We all know how Gerald love the pictures

Day 17 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Just read and caught up on house?? bus work

Day 16 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Not a lot today caught with my washing. Have to be careful with water even thought they have had lots of rain Dena and Sean (D&S in future) lost their big tank in the storms and one of the others isn't connected.

Waited most of the day for a call about Tilley, it came at about 4.30, it looks like she has problem with her spine. We went and collected her $321.00 and got all the instruction about her having two weeks bed rest. Yeah right she is a very active dog.

Day 15 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

Last year when we came back the dog had died and we had to take Brandon to the hospital for a wrist fracture.

When Dena woke this morning Tilley their remaining dog couldn't walk so she had to be raced to the vet. Dena was going to take Brandon's ute to work because we had to take Brandon to the Logan hospital to have his shoulder examined. It was too late for her to go to work, so Brandon Dena and I went to the fracture clinic at Logan Hospital. Was told originally that he would have to wait twelve months to get an appointment at the shoulder clinic, the doctor was appalled and said that Brandon needs to start physo and should have keyhole surgery on the shoulder asap.

Day 14 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Not a lot today just BBQ and caught up with family news.

Day 13 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

Sean had to work today so we headed off to Browns Plains for shopping. I got the new Camps 6 book and Dena wanted to go to Rivers for new work shoes and gumboots and I found a pair of shoes that would go with my jeans.

On to Bunnings for bits and pieces, one of Geralds favourite shops along with Harvey Norman.

Day 12 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Did a dump of our used water and headed out at 9 am. Filled with fuel and it was 76.9 per lt last time 73.5, but we did see it at one of the for 81.0, so it pays to look round.

We had lunch at Warwick and figured we would make it to Dena and Sean's today.

The was a lot of road works coming through Cunningham's Gap because of all the rain there had been several land slips and we had to wait at four sets of lights, so it took a bit longer.

Brandon and his cousin Cody were home when we arrived so we parked the bus and not long after everyone arrived home.

Day 11 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Not as nice today there is a cool wind blowing. As we are off tomorrow we washed all the bugs off the front of the bus and a bit of packing up the clothes line and table. We haven't had the awning out and found that everyone has put theirs away too.

Day 10 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Washing day again, love my little twin tub, and the sun will have it dry in no time. Off to the pools.

Day 9 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

Time to report my last earnings, glad that's finished, or Gerald is.

We did dump and go into Moree and shop, but that didn't take long. Back to the spas. And at long last I have caught up on the blog. The way to do it is gradually coming back, I think I had to have three tries last year.

Day 8 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

New neighbours. We were going to dump our black and grey water and do some grocery shopping but we just lazed round, sunning ourselves... And soaking....

Day 7 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:42:00.001-07:00

Swam and read. Found my camera charger so I will take some pics of the pools etc.

Day 6 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:40:00.000-07:00

New neighbours. Two swims. Started on the blog but I stuffed up so I gave up.

Day 5 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

During the night Gerald heard three loud bangs, thought it was gun fire and then there were sirens. When we left this morning at the top of the hill was a burnt out truck and it was still smouldering and the fire brigade was still hosing it. So that was where the bangs were from the exploding truck.

On to Moree, we have booked here for a week, the deal is pay for six and get the seventh night free. They have put us in a nice sunny spot, but everyone is very close.

Had a lovely swim, soak whatever 35,36,37 and 39 degrees. Heaven

Day 4 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Left Forbes at 10.15, as usual one of the last to leave. In Camps 5 it says 24 hours, but in the park it says 48.

On to Dubbo for fuel 0.799 per lt. last year 0.699.

Last year we travelled too far and we were very late finding a spot for the night, Gerald wanted to get TV and watch Collingwood. So this year we stopped where I wanted to last year and we had all the TV channels and Mystar. That was Hickey Falls Camps 5 924.

Day 3 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Left at 9.40 and on to Narrandera for fuel it was 0.799 per lt and last time same place 0.709. At Grong Grong there were sever R.T.A. cars who they were checking we don't know but they were right on the side of a 90 deg bend. Lunch at West Wyalong again at the Lions Park. LPG was 0.879 there glad we had go it before.

We were travelling along when we say a motorhome coming towards us with flashing lights and hands waying, when they got close enough we could see that they were from Tassie, but they must have known the bus to recognised from that distance, I suppose we will find out in time.

Parked for the night at Forbes, along side the river once again Camps 5 site 950

Day 2 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

The bing bongs went off at about 5.30 and they were soon calling for drivers and we were fourth off the boat. We went to Pat and Ty's for a wonderful breakfast.

Went and filled the bus with LPG and ULP, last year at the same servo gas was 0.542 and this year it was 0.577.

On to Seymour and stocked up with food and six bottles of wine.

We picked a spot in Jerilderie, Camps 5 site 975

Day 1 Up The East Coast 2011

2011-05-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

Left home at 2.30 and went through to Rosemary and Tony's at Ulverstone. Mandy and Jack came over and after our goodbyes we were at the boat at about 7.40. Had a bit of time to wait but we sorted out a few things.

Where they put the bus it was "not so squeeze". We Had a drink at the bar and then went and had tea which was sooo much better than last time. Back to the cabin to watch a DVD on the computer.

Conculsion

2010-10-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

This year we didn't do that much sightseeing, more about keening warm and catching up with family and friends.

We traveled a distance of 10,472 km with a fuel cost of LPG $2652.00 and ULP $519.00 total of fuel expenses $3171.00. We had 145 nights away leaving a week later than last year and home a week earlier, the cost $3,155.00 an average of $21.00 per night.
Groceries were $2717.00 and dining out $460.00.

We had a wonderful time and will probably head north next year. No where in particular, just keeping warm and catching up with family and friends.

Hope you enjoyed reading this and apologies for being a bit slack at times.

Cheers
Lee

Day 146 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

After the meal last night there was no way we were going to waste more money on that excuse for food. While we were waiting to go through customs Gerald boiled the kettle and we had a cup of tea...cost nil....taste the best.

In Launceston Gerald went to Harvey Norman and brought his 3D TV. I brought him a new GPS for his belated birthday present.

Home about 11.30

Day 145 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:05:00.001-07:00

Ty had to go over to the rail yards to check some things and Gerald went too. When he got back he said he had the best time poking round and Ty had keys to everything. Pat and I looked at our family history and she showed be how to use the net to look for links.

Had to wait a little while to get on the boat, but that was ok. Gerald did wonder if we were going to Pakistan, it seems that all the workers were Pakistani.

We went and had tea and they had changed it to a set price $24 a head and it was the WORST MEAL THAT WE HAVE HAD ANYWHERE. Gerald said we should had got a pie from the bar that would have been better.

Bit rough going through the heads...lovely....we both slept very well

Day 144 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:03:00.002-07:00

Left at 9.30 am we are having lunch with my cousins in Williamstown. We all arrived at Pats about the same time.

We went to lunch and caught up my cousins Pat, Virginia, Richard and his wife Louise. Unfortunate Ty (Pats son) had to do a steam train trip, if we had got our act together Gerald would have love to have gone too. Ty didn't get home till after 9 pm.

Day 143 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

We were going to head down to my cousin Pats today but she texted to say the ground opposite was very wet and we would probably get bogged. It had rained here in Benalla all night too. Gerald wasn't looking forward to driving those conditions so we stayed another night.

Gave me a chance to catch up with the washing and this is the first time I have had to use a dryer. It was a gas dryer and did the job very well most impressed.

Just a coincidence but there were three Tassie vans and bus' lined up together.

Day 142 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:02:00.001-07:00

It was very noisy last night with trucks going past and they seemed to stop at 5.45am. Really shitty day rain and wind, always seem to have a head wind over the last few days.

Decided to stay at the Benalla show grounds. Gerald rang and got the message "Ah KB here, I am not here be back later". We went to the information centre in Benalla and found that the show was on and we couldn't stay there...out of all the weekend of the year, oh well. Into the caravan park.

Day 141 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Had the tyres balanced and left about 12.45 pm. Bit of a dreary day and we decided to stop at the place we stopped on the trip back when we got the bus. I thought that it was Tarcutta when we got there it was in a town and then I remembered I was where we brought sunglasses last time that why I knew the name.

The Hume highway has changed so much since we were last Nat our GPS showed us driving through the paddocks. So a lot of the rest stops have changed and most are close to the road and have truck parking. We chose one that on the sign just said rest area. And it was pouring with rain and we both had had enough. So Woomargama it was.

Day 140 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:59:00.002-07:00

The caravan park had a group of metal ants that played music near the office there was also an outside model train you had to push the button to make it work.mmmm

Gerald found a Beaurepairs and arranged to have the front wheels balanced tomorrow. So another night in Goulburn

Day 139 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:59:00.001-07:00

Left Bathurst at 8.30 am after Mandy had straightened her hair. It didn't take us as long as we thought to get to Penrith to drop Mandy and Jack off and there was a train due just then so straight to the station.

Went to Smithfield and collected our new stearing pump from Metro GM. Turns out Dominic does a lot of the work for Winnebago and knew the previous owner of our bus Grahame.

On to Goulburn for the night

Day 138 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

The day of the big race. A bit overcast. The first lap a car flipped right in front of us, the driver walked away, very lucky.

Not a good day for Ford, but very exciting. Glad we were there.

Unfortunately there had to be someone that spoils things. A group of guys lit a huge fire with pallets and tyres and the fire brigade had to come and put it out.

Day 137 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Very cold night, Mandy came in early and we put the heaters on didn't take long to heat up the bus.

Walked back over to the Paddock area and Gerald got a jacket and we got them signed by a couple of the Ford drivers.

Jack tried to get his signed by Craig Lowends, but you had to have a ticket and they were all gone by 7 am, you can see who is the most popular driver, but even if he drives a Holden I do like his driver ethics, never blames anyone else and always looks on the bright side.

There about 20 to 30 rent a homes but one of the homes went today and what a mess they left. A lady opposite picked up after them, good on her.

Day 136 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Not a lot today just watching the practice. There is a radio station that you can tune into and hear the track commentary.

We are able to get up on the top of the bus and have an excellent view. More of the rented motorhomes are arriving every day the guy are between 30 and 40 y.o.a, so far they are behaving well.

Roast pork in the Turbo oven for tea, yum

Day 135 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Walked over to the Paddock and into the merchandise area. Jack got a couple of T shirts, I got a Ford flag and Jacket, Gerald got a cap and T shirt. But most importantly we got an E Tag now we don't ever have to worry about tolls again.

Back to our area and a few more motor homes have arrived mostly hire ones with 4 or 5 guys in them, now that's the way to go. We were right on Conrod Straight excellent.

Day 134 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

It was an easy drive from Windsor to Penrith. We got there early and did a run to the train station to see where to go. Mandy and Jack arrived at 1 o'clock. They are trying to do road works on the road to Katoomba and there heaps of traffic lights that held everyone up. Jack slept most of the way and Mandy woke him just as the Mount Panorama sign came into view. He thought he was just going to the Blue Mountains.

There we a few motor homes already there in our area, but in one camp site opposite the hotel it looked like they had been there a week.

Gerald spoke to a guy from the place we are getting the pump from and its only 20 min down the road from where we will drop Mandy and Jack off, so we will collect it on Monday

Day 133 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:48:00.001-07:00

Foggy when we work this morning. There was a solo Tassie lady with her old german shepherd parked near us , we had met her before at St Lawurance. The gas we got at Shell Jimboomba is shit the bus wont idle or pull up hill. We will never use Shell again. Had to use petrol a lot.

Fuelled up at Singleton. Down through Scone there are lots of horse studs. The Emirates one was especially well set up.

Spent the night at a rest area near Putty. Nice area but the rubbish tins hadn't be emptied for a while and the birds had got in and spread the rubbish everywhere.

Day 132 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

Said good bye to everyone and we are off down the road. Took us half an hour to get fuel at BP Jimboomba.

All we seem to be doing today is climbing its a long drag up through the Cunningham Gap.

Had a call from Dominic to say the pump had arrived from US.

We drove into Stanthorpe to get a pie for lunch and the pie shop was closed for lunch, would you believe.

Stopped at Guyra for the night wet and we didn't even get out of the bus.

Found a tick in my head, that explains probably why I was sick through the night on Friday.

Pic of the Golden Guitar taken at 60 km at Tamworth

Day 131 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Rained over night but its seems that the riding is going ahead.

Jake rode the 250 and 450, it was unfortunate that there was only Jessies race in between his two events, didn't leave him much time to recover but he still rode very well, just has to remember to stay on the bike. Jessie rode well too after being down at Newcastle.

Joel stayed again overnight in his trailer, its all set up for sleeping and cooking.

Day 130 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Trevor left today, heading to the coast but probably in NSW.

We settled down to watch the ALF Grand Final, well a win for Collingwood, why couldn't they do that last week.

Brandon arrived back with Joel and Jessie. Jessie in going to ride at Steel Horse same as Jake. Its just a bush track with no table tops or jumps and its in Jimboomba.

We haven't heard from Dominic for a few days and we have to leave here Monday. So we had to get Sean to put the pump back on.

Day 129 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

I was sick through the night , so I just had a lazy day .

Gerald is still trying to track down this pump that is suppose to be coming from America. Dominic says that he will ring back but never does, got us a bit worried. We have to leave here on Monday at the latest.

Day 128 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Not a lot today. Sean back at work. Gerald and Trevor played helicopters.

Day 127 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone up early today, but then again Jake does normally leave for work at 4.50 am, Sean at 6.15 am, Dena at 7.40 and Ben for school at 7.55. Gerald, Trevor and Nola left early for the airport because Jake said it would be peak traffic. But it turned out they had plenty of time and Nola was at the airport well in time for her flight.

Day 126 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

Nola flies home tomorrow so she caught up on her washing and she was lucky got everything dry before it rained in the afternoon.

Gerald and Trevor played with their helicopters

Day 125 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

Gerald, Trevor and Nola went for a drive down to the Gold Coast. Trevor thought that it was just surf beaches. He came back not very impressed, but did like the Tamborine Mountain area.

Ben and I just had a nice day to ourselves.

Day 124 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

Jake went to Browns Plains and picked up the fridge in his ute.

Sean had all the help in the world with Gerald and Trevor adding there 2 cents worth about the install of the fridge in the bus. But its in and working.

Day 123 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

One of the few weekends that the Maddens have at home, they are usually off racing.

Off the Bunnings to get a new toilet for the house and some fittings for Sean bus. Then on to Harvey Normans for a fridge for the bus.

Back home to watch the Grand Final, a draw what an anticlimax.

Day 122 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

Nola and Trevor arrived today. Even though we had given them detailed maps we were still waiting for a phone call. Next thing I look up and Trevor was walking up the drive. Had no trouble at all. Got them settled in and it is starting to look like a caravan park at the Maddens.

Unfortunately today I had another episode with my heart we tried all the tricks they had told me about like cold water, hot drink etc, but I had to take a pill. Gerald had to ring the hospital to find out how long I had to wail till it took effect. (with the injection it worked within seconds when it worked) but the pill can take up to two hours and it was almost that long

Day 121 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

Brandon was suppose to be riding down in Newcastle for the Aussie Champ, but with a broken wrist that was out. To stop his being bored at home he went down with his Uncle Joel and his son Jessie. Jessie rides in a younger class.

Nothing for us just a day at home.

Pics of Jake and Ben

Day 120 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

My Turbo oven I got the fan stopped working it last night. So we went to Browns Plains and back to a Good Guys store and they replaced it for me. The Maddens had given me a book voucher for Christmas but it was for QBD and we don't have them in Tassie so I was able to get and up dated version of our Qld book and a couple of others.

Day 119 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Gerald had read in the Wanderer that there was a Truck Whisper in Jimboomba and he made an appointment to take the bus down to him today. He had only had it a short time and he rang to say come and get it he may have found the problem. The problem we have had all last year with the shuddering in the steering. He seem to think that it was the steering pump. Gerald rang Winnebago and they put him on to Dominic in Sydney and he said he wanted pics of the pump emailed to him. Sean got the pump out and we took the pics and email them.

Meanwhile I went over to Jimboomba to have my nail done and the lady there said her daughter has had the same problem with her heart as I have had and the name of the syndrome is Wolff Parkinson White and we looked it up on the comp and it was spot on.

Day 118 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

It has been raining on and off all weekend so Sean is home from work "wet days".

We went up to Browns Plains and got some plumbing for Sean bus. Home and worked on the bus.

Day 117 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-10-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

There was suppose to be races at Stanmore, but it rained all night so we thought they would be cancelled and Jake went out to a party when we got home last night. But they only got a few drops at Stanmore any way Jake was a bit "tired".

So a nothing day just with family.

Day 116 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Did a bit of shopping, Gerald wasn't that well. So he stayed home while Dena and I went down to Reedy Creek Moto X track on the Gold Coast to watch Jake.

First race, (250) he was leading and fell off in one of the burns and couldn't get the bike off him. Race two (450) another bike took him out over that same burn, but he came back from last to 5th third race (250) he stalled at the start and was charging through the pack and a at the bottom of the track another rider he was catching up with forced him off, I know who it was. Race four (450) he won easily. Race five (250) he won. Race four (450) he ended up with back spasms, but still finished 8th. There were about 18 bikes in each rack.

Good result today, about time with the week we have had.

Day 115 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just stayed home and veged out.

Day 114 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Saw a cardio consultant this morning and it turns out I have an extra electrical circuit in my heart. 4% of people have it and only 1% can access it. They have told me of several tricks to try and get my heart back into rhythm, and if all fails they have given me some tablets to carry with me.

So all is well

Day 113 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Brandon drove us back to Beenleigh to his doctor who was very concerned about the little scafoyd bone that he has fractured. So Brandon drove us over to the Logan Hospital to get his wrist plastered and the doctor that looked at the X ray impressed on us that he had to be very careful with it so he is plaster right up to the elbow. No riding or driving for six weeks.

Got home and I was just laying back on the couch in the bus and I started to have heart palpitations and I ended up in the Princess Alexandria Hospital, in Recus and had to have injection to stop the heart. After three tries it worked but I felt like I was dying. Spent the night there.

What a bad week so far.

Day 112 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Had to take Brandon to X ray at Beenleigh. Didn't take long. Gerald found a place to get a couple of satellite dishes, one for Trevor and one for the Madden's bus.

Got home and Gerald assembled a dish for the bus. Then Ben informed us he had a project for school that had to be in in the morning. See pics.

Day 111 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Text Dena to say we would be at her place at 12.30 and she text back that their dog Sprocket and been killed on the road over night and Brandon had a suspected broken wrist.

Brandon had buried Sprocket by the time we got there, which I am sure didn't do his wrist much good. Now they only have Tilly

Day 110 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Nola and I went to the Markets near Cotton Tree. Got a couple of tops. Trevor and Nola are staying here at least another week, but they had to move.

I went for a walk along the beach and paddled in the water and it was nice and warm.

Went to tea at the Surf Club and Gerald this time won on the pokies.

Day 109 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Nice day again today. Went up to the chemist and had a brief look at Sunshine Plaza. That was all. Sitting, reading in the shade. Bliss.

Cooked roast pork in my new turbo oven, it was yum.

Day 108 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-11T20:59:00.002-07:00

Rained all day I caught up on the blog.

Had a tummy ache all day, early to bed, Gerald was asleep in the chair at 6 pm.

Day 107 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-11T20:59:00.001-07:00

Op shopping again today. I got an incense burner and a few books. Over to Wollies and a bit of a top up for the grocery's and the chemist. As usual they didn't have my patches, but will be there tomorrow.

Day 106 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

2010-09-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Up early (for us) to go to the Eumundi Markets, about an hours drive.

Several years ago Viv and I went there. Well it was unrecognisable, it was so huge. Evidentially there are four markets. The first one has a name but I have forgotten it. The second you have to make it, grow it, cook it, or can't remember the last, but that is suppose to be the original market. Then there is where you buy in cheap and sell it on. The last is more commercial, like a seconds, we didn't get that far.

Lots of different food styles to try. I had Spanish, Gerald had chicken....chicken. Nola had Malaysian and Trevor had Chinese.

General shopping I got candles and scented soya melts. Nola got a few bargains in clothing but there wasn't much in my size. But some of the styles were very nice pity about the size.

Drove home throught Noose where we saw Graham and Ann's motorhome, we dropped them a note about following us.

Pic of us on Noosa beach