31st May 2010 at Home

Good Day Folks,

I had given myself until the end of May to have sorted all, so an update for your perusal.

Well! I am now settled back into the UK and would not have ever thought that I would be in exactly the same position I was in 18 Months ago.

Same Address, same neighbours, same location (Weymouth) and now with a Car and a Bicycle to-hand. The same views from my Windows, surrounded by all my personal effects, able once again to say hello to those many people who wished me “Bon Voyage” 18 Months ago, as I wander down the Promenade on my daily saunter to get my Morning Newspaper and have that large Flat White Coffee!

The move, sorting, adjusting, getting the Utilities organised, telling my Bank (who caused me many problems when I was down-under – they just did not believe that it was me wishing to draw my money, out of my account, those many thousands of miles away!!) and to start to pick-up the threads of getting back into the swing of working.

It is fun keeping in touch with those many Australians, who continue to want to know what is happening and also those many Brits who I met on my travels who are now also, back home.

Funnies:

One interesting and funny episode has occurred, it is that my friend Ron Moss (Bunbury – Australia) also dabbles in Family Trees and having seen the quality of the work and detail he produces, I challenged him, by commissioning him, to undertake completing my Family Tree.

What is the 1^st thing he discovers? only that my Family Line stems from a lineage of the De Gauder’s circa 1066 and the Anglo-Saxon invasion of the UK.

Now do I instantly change my name to being a De Gauder? Or do I wait the outcome of Ron’s research? Will keep you posted Folks!

Hobbies:

I am now back every Tuesday being the apprentice Carpenter with my 73 year old Friend – Peter Mowlam and so far so good, am progressing to being the Master Carpenter he hopes I will become. All I want is my Badge!

Work:

Work! What a dreadful word, being a 4-letter one at that! But an absolute necessity for me, not just the cash, but to keep the brain flowing alive and well, for the next 25 years!

Daily Costs:

The Cost of everything is on par with that of Australia, Food, Clothes (remember that having lost 4 stone, I am about to re-equip my wardrobe) petrol is expensive and is jumping around all over the place daily! But my Bus-Pass (Free) works very well and is worth about £10 (A$20) per week to the average pensioner.

Politics:

We have just had the General Election, being a fervent Politico, a stimulating time to be back home, I have supported the Labour Party all my Life, but from time to time, they have needed a Number 9 up their back-sides, well they have had one, and now with the time to ponder, elect a new leader, change tack, regroup review all their policies, good & bad, and to come out fighting is upon them. But I also believe that we have seen a period of pure avarice by all “Polly’s” (Australian name for Politicians) and without fear or favour, they all need a lesson in trustworthiness – “Of the people – By the people – For the people” quite simple is it not?

My Friend Peter Brown asked me, could I write a Manifesto? The answer is yes! Anyone can write a Manifesto! providing it is based on long term changes that advantage all the populace, not the few and takes care of those who fall down from time to time, “From each according to their ability” – To each according to their need” that’s the maxim for fairness.

But I shall not try!

Weather:

It is changeable, they say that Melbourne has 3 weather changes in any one day here in the UK we have changes 6 times in any one day, but boy! Do we have Sun Rises and Sun Sets! Equal and if not better than those I experienced down-under.

Flora & Fauna:

I am back to the norm’ here in the UK, the variety is just as stunning as that in Australia, but a more measured view of aspects, for both Flora & Fauna, is wide-spread throughout the whole of the UK.

Debates abound by the Environmentalists on whether for example; “Badgers should be culled throughout the UK” which simply means that we the Human Species eliminate a Wild Species called “Badgers” based upon unproven scientific research that has declared (but not proven) that Badgers spread TB into the Bovine herds of the UK.

The same debate in Australia is to cull both Camels & Kangaroo’s!

Personal Profile:

I have up-dated my personal profile, due to having watered it down whilst travelling to reflect being a simple-folk (Do not take that as an admission!) thus allowing no preconceived ideas to develop, when I met those many good people I described often in my Blog.

The Book!

You may well ask? I have commenced with the Preface and the 1^st page, boy! Do I have some work to do, have decided that it will be in Biographical format, which will cover a lot of ground, so research is the order of the day? Watch this space folks, it will take some time! And the Title? Again you will have to wait and see which suggestion has come top of the pops!

Nigel J Gauder

31^st May 2010.

Home Cardiff - 17th April 2010

Hi Everyone,

Well! After having endured and enjoyed a 12 Month sojourn in Australia, I have arrived back home, though I nearly didn’t make it!

The Singapore flight from Perth via Singapore to London was great, and plenty of room with excellent service, (Worth the extra A$400) and coming into land at London Heathrow I felt a sense of relief, as one started to adjust one’s thoughts as to what was to come for the future.

Then, with an almighty Crash – Bang – Wallop, the plane bounced off the runway twice, we all paled with pure fright, (Never mind the twitching of ones Sphincter!), this was it! we thought! “The End”, but luckily the learner Pilot? regained control, and although we had to wait for 30 minutes (as the electrics had failed) and another 10 minutes for the Doors to open, (as they were stuck) we eventually disembarked.

Kissing the ground is a dirty/mucky business, but it was, I can tell you, what we all felt like doing!

However, it is good to be Home, the weather was still wintry and all the aspects of spring (Daffodil’s – Tulip’s etc) are running about a month behind with temperatures about 6°/14° and snow still in the air, Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! even a period of 4 Sunny days was to be appreciated.

Friends, Peter & Catherine Brown, who had kindly offered to put me up until I recovered from Jet Lag at their home in Windsor, met me. It took me about a week to get over the initial impact, but then a very bad cold meant that I had to prolong my stay. (Sorry both! but again, thanks!)

As lady luck would have it, Peter told me his mother was looking to sell her car, and although I had decided to become an ascetic, (I am of the Philia nature) for a year (Not quite sackcloth and ashes); I had just intended cycling everywhere, catching buses, all being part of the grand master plan.

So I met with Peters Mum, had a look at the car, which was in pristine condition, a Rover 420 GSi with only 24,000 miles on the clock and a price of nothing (Not quite! but it was an offer I could not refuse) I am now a proud possessor of a super duper Motor-car.

This past month has been, just like I thought it would be, visiting Family (My greatest Big Sister – Valerie, her husband John Moss) my younger sister Yvonne, my Children & Grand kinder, meeting up with my best Pal, Mike Sanderson and his wife Jean, spending some-time chewing the cud about many things that we had been involved with over the years, touring Cardiff (My Home Town) to once again, to get acquainted with my Welsh heritage, Boyo’s! it was beautiful, you see!

Again, Lady Luck has seen to my needs, my old Landlord informed me that my Apartment in Weymouth (I had thought of moving to Chepstow) was available from 23rd April and on very good terms, I immediately accepted and have moved in, so I am now ensconced in familiar surroundings, with all my worldly possessions around me, and I am a very happy bunny.

I am now able to consider my immediate future over this next year, in a) Compiling the Book (I have already had a few suggestions of Titles, keep them coming Folks) and b) putting my thoughts together, et al.

At this stage and before I forget, I must extend my warmest thanks to you all.

All of you, who sustained my mental well-being with your messages, telephone calls and emails (and as with the people I met in Australia) there are too many I am afraid, to mention you all by name.

The cheering, advice, downright bluntness and honesty, were always welcome, the crude & rude cartoons and jokes sent were also most welcome, and it reminded me continually of that old adage “A friend in need!”
Thanks to you all.

Transport & Fuel Costs;

For those who have an interest down-under (and the reverse of my reports to my pal Mike), the cost of Fuel (Petrol & Diesel) is about £1.26 per litre (A$2.50) Bus fares in comparison are horrendous, and Boy! I do miss the Road-Trains.

The journey down to Wales (120 miles) was horrendous, there were no gaps between vehicles, I could not even see the road between us and we all seemed to be travelling at 100 mph (160 kph). O’ for the love of the empty roads of Australia!

Health & Weight;

I left the UK weighing a plump 15 stone 7lbs; I return a “Slim Jim” at 11 stone 3 lb, a comfortable 4 stone 4 lbs (24 Kilo’s) lighter and feeling better for it, was it the Diet? I did not have one, just a more active life-style, plenty of fruit, which also helped my diabetes regime, and which I shall endeavour to maintain

For those who are aware, I had had two major foot operations over the 2 years before I went out to Australia, my feet were and are grand, and they worked! My left-hand coped well, with my right-hand also coping, and although on occasions I had problems, I learnt to cope (Cos’ I did not have my Mother with me to help and advise me!).

Apologies;

I have had it pointed out to me that one or two mistakes had arisen in my Blogs over the year, I apologise if that was the case, but have attempted to reflect either what I experienced, or indeed what I was told faithfully (I extrapolated the Bullshit element of any tale, as it obviously arose) by people I had met along the way.

One has to have a measure of Faith & Confidence in reflecting those views or stories. The remainder of the contents are my words, of events experienced by myself.

Therefore, with this Blog, which is my shortest, I leave you for a little while (I shall be moving furniture, organising myself, taking stock,) and renewing acquaintances with people I have either worked with, and in the case of being an "Apprentice Carpenter", (Peter Mowlam), start to make “Furniture” again.

I have also taken an "Allotment Plot", gardening is another hobby I like to do, this will keep me occupied, fill the larder and I am sure, that as the allotment committee are a team of "Last of the Summer Wine Ilk" they will keep me talking.

I shall attempt to ensure the Blogs (as I have been assured they have been) to be as interesting as possible, but if you have any comments, please send them and if they are decent, spelt and are grammatically correct, I shall post them on the next Blog.

Before I close this one, the “The New Adventure” will be leaving on the 1st October 2012, it will be the “The Moscow – Vladivostok” Railway journey, which takes about 14 days, (15 Feet of Snow all the way) but each carriage is well-heated, and you will meet many great people (Russians).

If you would like to join me, you would be welcome, so put your name on the list! Asap.

See you anon Folks,

Time for Bed said Zebeedee!


Nigel J Gauder
23rd April 2010

Perth WA - Wednesday 17th March 2010

Hello All,

This is not it, nor will it be the Grand Finale of my Blog’s, I have decided to continue Blogging until the year-end, whereupon I shall, having reviewed my Diaries, recalled memories from the old Grey Matter, and utilising the blog, will commence “The Book” (It will have all the magic ingredients of “Sex – Murder - & Mayhem”) and sell at least 3 copies!

I am seeking a “Title” so if any of you have suggestions “Bring them on, Please!” I had thought “Around the Block” or “Divine Intervention” what do you think? And since there are now 220 followers of my Blog, someone has to have a bright idea!

In my blog’s, I have noted my deep affection for “The Nutcracker Sweet”, all true and from the heart.

I am now travelling between Bunbury and Perth, staying with Friends and attempting to sell "Nutcracker"!!

After having NCS paked on the Highway with the “For sale” signs posted, a chap called Josh came along and with a little encouragement, and in One day, after having spent time driving her, testing her, going through her with a fine toothcomb, then bringing along his partner Emma, they consulted and decided to buy her.

She has now gone to a good home to 2 young people (who originate from Kent UK) who have a desire to go “Around the Block” over the next 2 years. (I have heard those words so many times before).

They came and saw, asked all the right questions. I in reply, gave all the good news and quite deliberately noted the bad news, so that there were no grey areas, they even lay on the 4 Poster - Double Waterbed. Testing for size, bounce-ability, and NCS passed the test once again with flying colours.

Since I was leaving everything in NCS, (Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels) they could have left that day! Nevertheless, we had to haggle first.

The posted asking price was A$8,000 (£4,000) having bought her for A$6,000 (£3,000) we shook hands on A$7,200 and they paid in readies, that meant a profit (remember Lenny had left me with A$500 deposit) of A$1,700 (£850) not bad for free board & lodging for a year! I wish them well on their journey. I also left with them the 1994 Atlas that good Old Ron had given me, which had all the places visited spotted on the maps, as a guide.

They departed and I shed a little tear! “Goodbye Old Friend I said to myself, I wish you well!”

I also managed to sell the Air-Tickets which were Domestic usage only, (Virgin Blue gave me a credit), that recouped my out-lay by 50%. (They were the Air Tickets I purchased when Lenny had decided (Melbourne) to buy NCS)

Between advertising and selling “The Nutcracker” 4 days elapsed, and I am now a converted on-line champion and will consider always placing adverts on-line, I had no response from any of the other media I used!

I then felt as if someone had pricked my Balloon, deflated, lonely, spent out, knackered, in need of a drink and someone to talk to and a Cigar. So as the saying goes “Upwards and Onwards” we go, take a deep breath, take stock, and prepare for a return to “Blighty” asap.

That was not easy, Singapore Airlines were adamant that as I had purchased the tickets at a bargain price, they were not flexible, and I had to stick with my initial departure date of 31st March.

My reaction to that was “Rubbish” the facts were that they had sold me the tickets at a bargain price and I accepted them on the basis that should there be a need to change, I would not have a problem. They eventually agreed to make a change but at a cost of an additional A$400!

I have spent an enjoyable time between Ron & Gloria Moss (Bunbury) Steve & Christina Hill (Perth), being able to visit, and pickup those touristy things that I had missed many years ago.

One visit that I had to make was to the “Fremantle Sailing Club”, which was my base in 1989 when I was responsible for the Shore Facilities of the “Whitbread Around the World Yacht Race”, although that was 21 years ago, they still had memento's throughout the Club of that event.

Another visit was to discover the whereabouts of an Aboriginal Artist called Lance Chad (His Westernised Name), better known as Tjyllyungoo (Aboriginal name), who specialises in Landscapes of the “Dream-time” and of whom I purchased a picture in 1986 for A$2,500, only to find that on discovery, a sister picture to the one I have, was sold for A$30,000.

My efforts came to nought as poor old Lance was now in a place called “Greylands” which is an institution for the mentally disabled, but I now have a little more information in support of the picture I have.

I have also to make a mention of “Dorothy” who is related through the Family, and living in the outback Town of Penejori which is 400 klicks North East of Perth, she is a stalwart of a woman and although ill, is a battler of the highest order having visited her twice (800 klicks round trip). I wish you and Milly (Her Dog) well Dot!

Now Perth, The most isolated of Cities (3,000 miles to Sydney - 3,000 miles Singapore) is the most beautiful of Cities and one of the places that I may retire to, the others being Bunbury and Mission Beach, each one having tremendous appeal.


Western Australia has a land area that is 33% of the Australian Land-mass, a size in which you can place all the countries of Europe (Including the UK) but only has 2.2 million people, 1.8 million being in the Perth environs, but very very British or perhaps I should say English.

A great Holiday or Retirement Retreat/Destination! Moreover, a Young Peoples “Land of Opportunity”!

Therefore, Folks, I now depart Australia at 1.55am on Wednesday 17th March and arrive in London at 3.05pm on the 17th March via a 19 Hour Flight in a Time Machine (Aircraft).

Through this Blog I would like to extend my personal thanks to everyone of the people that I have met on my Journey, (It is hard to name every individual) those that l have spent time with chewing the cud (or the magic Bullshit Hours) having a Drinkie Poo with and falling down with, eating out under the stars of the many Camp-sites (The free ones being the best for Comradeship), sharing the Funny side of life, jesting as only Australians know how to Jest! Those dear Friends that I have met with, and will continue to communicate with, that have made my trek pleasurable and memorable.

I shall treasure All my Badges for Fishing – Prospecting – Hill Climbing – et al forever!

Finally, yet most importantly Folks, after a 28,168 Kilometres (17,388 Miles) Journey/Trek, we may well meet again "One Sunny Day", So watch this space!

Love you People

Nigel J Gauder
17th March 2010

St.Davids Day - 1st. March 2010 - Perth W.A.

Well here, we are Folks,

6,839 Klicks (3,648 Miles) later and into my 12th and final Month, boy what a 12 months it has been!

Now, on the 1st March (St.Davids Day), we have completed the Nullarbor Plain (See details below), and just come via Bunbury up to Perth, (Where Jackie sadly departed for the UK), staying for a while with Steve and Christina, (Thanks for looking after me) just in time to place adverts (Media & Web) for my personal friend “The Nutcracker Sweet” as “For Sale” but, that is not the end story, lets go back to the beginning.

Firstly, and going back one step with the sale of NCS to “Lenny” at Malaccota (See last blog ending), Lenny needs to be described as the spitting image of “Steptoe” (Wilfred Bramble) to a “T” all he needed was the hat and scarf, he has no teeth and always, always, had a cigarette jutting from his mouth.

His Job? A Rag & Bone Merchant (Scrap Metal Dealer) and boy! could he tell them, (better than me!) He was a Millionaire one minute and a pauper the next, anyway the deal was that he would buy NCS for A$6,500 (A$500 Deposit) and I would deliver NCS to his home, after returning from Tasmania.

So from Paynesville (Visited Raymond Island and a Natural Koala Bear Park, what a show they put on, saw at least 20 Koala’s) we now head for Melbourne and the Ferry for Tasmania via Bairnsdale – Sale- Yarram – Port Albert – Foster - Inverloch – San Remo & Phillip Island, through the Mornington Peninsular.

Must tell you about both San Remo (Large Stingrays in abundance), and Philip Island, having met Tanya, Victor and Little man Anthony at Cool Waters camp in Cairns, this was their Home base, and what a delight, 1st San Remo and then 2nd Phillip Island, where we stayed at Cowes (Yes Cowes!) the weather was glorious, the camp-site (Amaroo) was great and the owners, superb.

The town, and eventually having toured the Island (Penguin Parade – Gran Prix Circuit (Motorbikes) – and Nobbies Point etc), was a tourist paradise, shops, ice-cream bars – restaurants and Beaches that would knock your eyes out!

We met with and were invited to attend a “Rabbie Burns Concert” by a group called “Vivace” who are a number of people involved with the “PIPS” organisation (Phillip Island Preservation Society).

It was a wonderful experience, lots of Tartan, loads of good Choir singing, Rabbie Burns Prose, a great cup of tea and slices of Cake (Dundee Cake) at the end. Thanks Folks enjoyed all thoroughly and I hope you like the photos?

Visited the Annual Food Market day, where lo and behold, a Pipe Band came marching up the street, a superb day.

On towards Melbourne, via the Mornington Peninsula, where we had been invited to stay with “Lenny & Grace” before setting sail for Tasmania, Lenny being the only man I know who can eat a T-Bone Steak without any teeth! In addition, drink like a whale! All the while having a Fag in the left-hand corner of his mouth!!

Then a Tour of Melbourne on the 26th January (Australia Day) a day when all Australian’s debate the value of their Heritage (The British Link) the value of having the Union Jack on their Flag and the angst of weighing the balance between being a Republic and remaining a Colonial outpost with the Queen as head!! but they do wrap themselves up in the Flag and parade their Australian credentials loud and clear, it was a sight to behold, with the centre of Melbourne (Flinders Square) being awash with young, the old, and tourist enjoying the day.

Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, and being in competition with Sydney, attempts to outdo Sydney in every respect, the longest, shortest, tallest, fattest, and thinnest of everything, overall, a Great City to visit.

Then Tasmania here we come, leaving on the ferry “Spirit of Tasmania I” for a 14 hour crossing to Devonport.

Tasmania upon reflection was and is, a must-do destination, steeped in Convict Historical facts, places to visit and buildings that are preserved with all the trappings of the “Dark History” of what the English did to their own people, after shipping them off and out of sight, to the other side of the World.

Travelling to Port Arthur, via Burnie (Penguin Parade Visit) – Cooee (Camped) – Stanley – Allendale Gardens – Smithton – Marrawah (Also known as The End of the World) - Deloraine (Camped & visited Cheese Factory) – Latrobe – Hagley – Carrick – Launceston (Visited Royal Park/Brass Band & Camped) – Evansdale - Ross (Camped) – Tasmania’s Capital City Hobart (Camped & Visited Botanical Gardens) – Sorrel – Dunalley – Eagles Hawk Viewing Point– Snug (Camped) – Cygnet (Camped) – Middleton (Attended Country Fair Day) – Peppermint Bay – Huonville – Campbell Town (Where there are laid end to end 1,260 House bricks, naming each and every prisoner who had died in the system, stemming from Girls at the age of 7 (Stealing a loaf of bread), to Mutineers who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, or Death, a very visible tragedy laid out for all to remember) – Longford (Camped) – Perth – Lowhead – Georgetown finishing up back at Launceston (Camped) with a tour of the City and a visit to Cataract Falls/Gorge which again was a sight to behold.

Via Port Sorrell (Camped), for Devonport and the Ferry back to Melbourne having covered all the main points of interest in Tasmania over 2 weeks (There were many others, but you cannot do them all).

Back in Melbourne and having rung Lenny to announce our imminent arrival, but was unable to contact!! (A clear warning me thought!) into Melbourne and a storm that dumped 30cm of rain within 30 minutes onto the City.

Spent the Saturday cleaning and preparing NCS, for her pending new owner, after attempting to contact Lenny by various means, 6 times during the day, eventually getting contact with his wife Grace (Poor Wives! why do men have no balls to front-up, I do not know) at 9am on the Sunday Morning, who then informed me that Lenny had fled (My word) to a place called Portland, and would be there for 3 weeks, that meant of course, says I, that he had lost his deposit and good luck. (NCS did not want to be sold to him anyway!)

On the basis of that, the plan altered from Flying to Perth from Melbourne, to undertaking the arduous task of tackling the Nullarbor (Treeless) Plain, one of the Planets last challenges (20 odd years ago, people trembled at the thought of doing the Nullarbor due to the heat, unsealed road surface, lack of facilities, and very expensive petrol et al).

So having NCS checked over and getting a clear bill of health, loaded with Water and essential Food for the trip, we set off.

Boy what a trip, they have now sealed the road surface and that made it easier, 1771 Klicks (650 miles) in a straight line, across what was the most desolate place on earth, heat between 38-46° day after day, travelling via the Start of the Nullarbor (Ceduna) to the finish (Norseman) took 3 days, but the entire trip Adelaide to Bunbury via Ballarat – Horsham (Camped) - Bordertown – TinTinar – Keith – Tailem Bend – Port Wakefield (Camped) Poochera – Port Augusta – Kimba – Koongawa – Wudinna – Pygery – Minnipa – Ceduna – Penong – Yalata – Balladonia (Camped) – Gaiguna – Eucla – Esperance (Camped) – Albany (Camped) – Hopetoun – Ravensthorpe – Jerramungup – Bunbury took 9 days and 3,747 Klicks (2,200 Miles).

In addition, enroute travelled Australia’s longest and straightest road – 146.4 Klicks (90 Miles) in a very ruler straight line, was a bore!

We took the opportunity to visit the “Great Australian Bight” a remarkable sight, next stop Antarctica.

Endured 3 Time Changes in that time, between Melbourne, Adelaide and Bunbury a total of 3 Hours.

Boy what a Trek, Thank God that Jackie shared the driving!

We then spent and indeed needed a rest at Bunbury, Ron & Gloria (Friends) really went out of their way to make us welcome, and as I said in my 1st Blog, Boy! Can Gloria Cook!

Flora & Fauna:

Seen Large Stingrays, Emu’s, Deer, Squid, Sea-Lions.

As I have described before, and coming towards the end of this adventure, the varying Flora and Fauna that one beholds is immense, absolutely beautiful and stunning, one can use an amount of suitable words, but Folks, one day they will build a vast Bubble over Australia and name it the “Worlds Wonderland of Nature” and it will be in pristine condition and available for the World to enjoy!

Travel & Transport:

Petrol Mike has now jumped from an average of A$1.29 (£0.65p) per Litre to nigh on A$1.78 (£0.89p) per Litre, reflecting tax increases and the move towards improving the environment through resource taxation.

Travelling across the Nullarbor was just as I reflected in my earlier Blogs, from North Western Australia and The Northern Territories, huge Road-Trains, with the vehicle in front of you now about to enter London 300 miles ahead, how could you drive for 90 miles without seeing another vehicle?

The Nutcracker Sweet!

I have now to say “Goodbye” to “Nutcracker”, which will be a very sad affair, she has performed like a Lady, we have, on occasions, struggled a bit, but come out on top at the end, the very hard bit of this trip, was the Nullarbor and she was as sweet as a nut all the way.

Like all “Good Girls”, she has been a “Gordon Blue Chef” in the Kitchen, a “Friend and Companion” on the Road and a “Total Whore” in Bed!

The adverts I have placed, with the help of Ron and Christina, in and onto 3 Major Newspapers, a local newspaper and 2 websites (See: www.gumtree.com.au under Campervans as a reflection of the magic that is “The Nutcracker Sweet”.

They have had an immediate effect and I have seen 3 people in 2 days, posted asking price: A$8,000 (£4,000) but open to negotiations, if you want to tackle Australia in an excellent quality Camper-Van, make a bid now!

Funnies:

Whilst staying at one Campsite we were bothered by a barking dog, which went on all night, being unable to determine where the dog was located, the next morning went hunting for it, and then espied what I thought was the right Caravan.

Asking pointedly whether they had a dog that had been barking all night, the Owners explained that it was not them but a Very Large Owl that hooted like a dog and then proceeded to show us all (The whole Camp had by now congregated) 3 very large owls that started to hoot/bark like dogs in the branches overhead.

Embarrassed? Certainly!!

Health:

Now down to 11 Stone 3 lbs, WOW! I am fading fast, please send food parcels!!

Thanks:

I have to express my appreciation to both Ron & Gloria and Steven & Christina, for being so kind to me and affording me (Like all good Australians I have met) their kind hospitality, I hope when they come home to Blighty, I can repay their kindness.

There will be another and possibly final Blog before I end this saga, I hope you have, like me. Enjoyed the Adventure, but watch this space Folks I shall do my best to ensure you are up-to-date with the Future, which at this time is viewed from an Australian perspective.

Keep smiling.

Love you all Folks.

Nigel J Gauder
1st March 2010

Wednesday 13th January - Paynesville - Victoria

G’Day or Good New Year, Folks,

Oohps! I’m Sorry! A number of you have asked what I am doing and where am I? Moreover, where is the updated Blog?

Well I had forgotten to tell you that down here it is the Grand Summer Break (School Holidays of 6 weeks, with everyone back at work on the 29th January) which means that the delay in updating was purely due to Holidays!

Once again A Happy New Year Everyone, as I said at the tail end of my last Blog, I hope that “God is kind to you” in this year of 2010.

It does not mean that I have gone all religious, it is just that two lovely people I met (Jewel and Karsten) not only left me a bible after meeting them at Cool Waters in Cairns, but left me with a firm impression, and I shall use it as a parting phrase from now on
.
Missed getting to Tasmania for Christmas, why? ‘cos the attractions Beaches – Local sights – Interesting events and things to do along the way, made us dawdle and linger, plus the attempt to drive the distance to “Tassie” within the shortest time, would mean a personal problem for me! It would simply be knackering!

Have to mention the Weather, I had noted that there has been a scarcity of rainfall in the 1st 8 Months of this trek, well, a major correction is called for, since Cairns it has rained (very heavy on occasions) about every 3 days and at the moment we are in a 3 day deluge, the infamous “Wet” that effects the Northern parts seasonally, has swept across the whole of Australia, bringing relief to those that need it (Drought stricken), and despair to those on their annual Holidays (Sun Worshippers), but that is dilemma in this huge and disparate Country.

But, have had a very interesting journey down so far, to where we are now and that is Resthaven Campsite (Great Proprietor – Colin Brown – Tel (03) 51560366) in Paynesville, which is just 300 klicks east of Melbourne, have come via Nambucca Heads – Kempsey – Taree – Stayed at Hawks Nest (Great) Swansea - Stayed at Blacksmiths Camp Site (Good) came via Newcastle – Hexham – Morpeth – Wallsend – Cardiff and Newport, all names that reflect the movement of Geordies and Welsh people to those parts of New South Wales in the 70’s.

Then into Sydney (although I had said that Cities would not be part of the master plan, having lived in Sydney for a number of years it was a must-see stopover).

Stayed at Botany Bay’s San Souci Camp-site, very expensive and not value for money and a no no for anyone else! But able to do all the touristy bits like, Manly Beach (See Funnies) The Rocks – Opera House – Botanical Gardens Central Business District (Where I had worked for a while) Tofts Monk at Elizabeth Bay (where I had lived) it has not changed one bit and that “The Shark” - Greg Norman who lived above me has moved to cheaper premises (Now he has to pay Chris Evert US$300 million in his divorce settlement).

Went to the David Jones New Year Sale and bought 2 egg-cups (which I had been meaning to buy since April last year) sat through a mighty Storm on Christmas Day but managed to have a great Christmas Turkey Dinner, along with Christmas Pud.

Then on towards the New Year, driving South via Cronulla – Woolangong – Port Kembla and Kiama. Being unable to get a Campsite (Due to the Holiday’s) went inland to a place called “Kangaroo Valley” (about 50 klicks from Kiama, which is itself 190 klicks south of Sydney) to a very nicely run Campsite and a grand Touristy Village, where we toasted the New Year in.

I have many times reflected on how the abundant Tourist Trade has usurped the shape and attitude of the local people, well the Village of “Kangaroo Valley” falls right into that bracket, and can be described thus – A clean, unstructured community whose eccentrically undefined Architecture, straddling a one main-street village, has added to its charms and whose 1,000 permanent residents are radically independent, politically conservative, gossipy by nature, and cosily middle upper-class, all thanks to the upscale Tourists, who provide enough seasonal income to keep the Village prosperous and comfortable all year round.

Down the Coast-line via Nowra – Milton – Ulladulla to Depot Beach Camp-site at Durras North, This was a National Park Camp, very very basic (no Power) but a good experience, then down to (through very heavy Rain) Batemans Bay – Narooma – Carbargo – Tilba Tilba – Bega – Merimbula to Eden (By name a Paradise) Campsite (stayed 5 nights) in what was truly a great Campsite for Hospitality, all those reflections of Australian kindness were well experienced.

Then into the State of Victoria, to Mallacoota for a good 3 night stop-over, then to Paynesville which is about 20 klicks west and south of Lakes Entrance (300 klicks east of Melbourne) where I am now dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s of this Blog update.

The Nutcracker Sweet!

I have spoken about the number of people who have expressed and interest in buying NCS, (six all told) well! Here are three events that encapsulate the type of situations I have found myself in.

At Blacksmiths Campsite (Swansea), a Lady approached asking if NCS was “For Sale”, as her Mum and Dad were intending to travel with them in March, the answer was maybe but at a price!

The next thing is Mum and Dad appeared, having driven up from the Hunter Valley, which was an hour away. Dad (Fred) who was an Austrian & 75 Years Old, had a drive around the park and decided that he wanted NCS, and if I made the decision that day! He would increase the price to A$6,500. On a handshake we did the deal. (I forgot to spit on my palm!)

I then had to inform Wolfgang Helft, (I know you do not remember, but Wolf was the Guy in Darwin who said that he would Fly-in to anywhere in Australia and pay me the asking price then of A$6,000), that I had come to a decision to sell and that as I had promised him 1st refusal, that NCS was on the Market.
Wolf of course, had changed his mind and his order of priorities did not include NCS (Thank God for that I said!)

Then having altered all my travel plans accordingly having promised Fred I would deliver NCS to the Hunter Valley in the 2nd week of February, I received a curt telephone message telling me that Fred the Austrian had no money, and could not go ahead with the deal – BASTARD!!

I then decided to place a sign in the windows, “For Sale” - “Lock, stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (which meant simply that I would sell her complete with all the gear) just to see what reaction I would get, I was not in a rush. Moreover, I felt that I would now be able to wash my hands on the price I would see what happened.

Then, when at Mallacoota, and relating the story to my next door neighbour, (Lenny) he reflecting that NCS was worth at least A$8,000+ and having slept on it, made me an instant offer of A$6,500 with a A$500 deposit!! There and then, so I snatched his hand off and good old NCS, who has done a sterling job for me over this past Year, will be in another safe pair of hands.

Then lo and behold, talking to another Neighbour (Josh) telling him I had just sold NCS, he exclaimed that had he known he would have rushed straight to the Bank and got me A$6,500!!!!

I will be delivering NCS to Lenny in Melbourne in due course, as I intend to do the Tasmanian Trip, before I then take stock and decide on the return to the UK, which was planned for the 31st March, having completed my 12-month trek.

I would recommend a Toyota Vehicle to anyone who asked me my opinion after this trip.

Transport & Fuel:

Mike, Fuel of all types is running at £0.75p per Litre, the rise being Taxes that are increased every year, just like the UK.

Sydney Buses were tremendous, for just AS$2.50 (£1.25p) for a Senior Citizen Ticket, which lasted a whole day, I could travel on Buses, Trains and Ferries around the City and its suburbs on the same ticket.

Funnies:

Visited Manly Beach in Sydney, which has allowed me over many years to relate the following story:

Due to the Government of the day in 1988, issuing a Diary in Celebration of the Bi-Centenary of Australia, which contained a series of anecdotes, this one is about the founding of “Manly Beach” which is across Sydney Harbour on the North shore.

Whilst Captain Cook sailed into Sydney Bay, Captain Phillip sailed on to the next bay and anchored.

Phillip, upon coming ashore, dressed as they did “To Kill” (Wigs – Dress Jackets – White Leggings – Banners flying – Trumpets Sounding etc etc) they were met by a crowd of local tribesmen, who upon seeing this sight (which must have hurt their eye’s) questioned Captain Phillip’s credentials as to whether he was “A Man or A Woman?”

Phillip taken aback, stated he was a “Man” the Tribesmen did not believe him and made him doff his trousers (Undress – Lower his pants!) and upon seeing he was a large man, named him "Manly", thereafter the Beach was rightly called “Manly” and that has stuck to this day and beyond.

Faux Paux:

I keep remembering a major error on my part, at the outset of my Trip I had been invited to spend a weekend Camping at Margaret River, along with Steve Hill, Family & Friends, knowing full well that I was obligated to contribute, along with the Grog, I picked up in the local Woolworth’s a very large Sausage Roll that since there was going to be 10 people+ would be good to eat at any B.B.Q.

During the past months every time I went into a Woolworth’s or such like Supermarket, I came across these Sausage Rolls, but upon close examination, found them to be “Dog-Meat” in the form of a Roll.

Folks you can imagine it can’t you, how do I apologise for getting it so wrong, and whom did I think I was going to feed, or of the people involved think I was trying to make a point!! Woof! Woof!

I am sorry Guys, I made an honest mistake, my fault, although I did try it, and it was delightful!!

Flora & Fauna:

Throughout this Trek, I have tried to reflect both the Flora and Fauna that I have personally experienced. Well, I must tell you that it just goes on and on; there is such a wide variety of differing Flora

Fauna: This recent trek (about 2,200 klicks) I have seen the same and new Bird species, but colouring and plumage changing all the time, Bush Turkeys – Noisy Friarbirds – Lyrebirds – Kookaburras screeching their early morning calls at 4.45am each day, but not alone, whole families!!

Flora: The Countryside (which has a 100-mile span in either direction from the road) is covered in many places by huge Forested National parks, with giant tree’s (Red & White Gums) Paper-Bark Tree’s, all growing for a Million Years, long before man ventured forth here! In addition, entered extensive farmlands manicured just like the UK, with cattle grazing everywhere.

Sightsavers International:

Have not reported my regular and on-going contact with various Lions/Rotary Clubs for some time, but it is on going and having an amount of success with each organisation.

Have also put the various Rotary Clubs in touch with the Melcombe Regis Rotary Club of Weymouth, extending fraternal greetings in each case (methinks the Boys are seeking an Australian Holiday)

I wish them good luck in the endeavours.

Health & Wealth:

There that is a new one, again my weight has stabilised (That is until the next weight-in!) and I have 3 lb, must be all that Christmas Pud!

Wealth? As I come towards the end of my Trek (I see the light ahead) I must now start to plan my return to the UK a poorer, but wiser man, and consider that this trip has been a great Investment.

All I will have to do when I return, is to regale one and all, along with the 1800 photographs (Which I shall put onto a Slide show) and charge an entrance fee of about a £5, and then I shall restore my wealth.

Mentors:

I have asked by a few people, who have had the greatest influence in my life, well! There have been three, two have been with me all my life and one that has proven to be a salutary lesson on trust, and they are:

Mike Sanderson, who I met when we were both about 12/13 years of age, and boy! Have we both experienced some great and some sad times together, Mike is the Mike in Transport and Fuel. We are now in both our dotage, but when we meet, which has been infrequently through the years, we just start talking as if there has been no time in between. I have had no better a true and honest Pal. Thanks Mike for being my Friend.

Tony Derry, was my long-time mentor during my working life, we worked together (he was always the Boss or Chief as we used to call him) for 25 years in the Scotch Whisky Industry, he was a very hard task-Master, but very fair in both the good times and the difficult ones, I enjoyed my time under his tutelage, he in turn brought out the best in me. Thanks Tony, I enjoyed it all!!

Jonathan Smithson: This was a man (I hesitated a little there) who taught me the most salutary lesson of untrustworthiness I have ever experienced in my life, a man who continually borrowed money, a man who I advised and helped whenever he needed it (and boy did he need it!), a man who had no perception of honesty trust and loyalty, who took an opportunity at my expense, to further his own career, by stabbing me in the back with the longest sharpest knife a coward could wield! What I would call today, an out and out wanker!!

There will be another Blog before I depart for home Folks, until then keep well and I be seeing you soon.

Nigel J Gauder
13th January 2010

Thursday 10th December 2009 - Coffs Harbour NSW

Hi Everyone,

Google has killed off the hacker that tried to disrupt my Blog. They had inserted into the photograph montage of followers a virus, so I suggest that you do not attempt to open any of the photos otherwise AOK to view.

I have now been joined by Jacqueline out of the UK, for the remainder of this trip; she has sought to rough it a bit! Well have no doubt she will be roughing it a lot! Nevertheless, to have companionship, someone to talk to, debate, argue, discuss aspects of what we see and do, will restore my sanity after this long while on my own.

Now into my 9th Month, with Christmas soon upon us, it is extremely difficult to assimilate Christmas with an outside temperature of 41° and Carol singing along with Karaoke (a sign I saw along the roadside outside a Pub).

We are now a further 2,500 klicks down the line from my last Blog sent from Cairns, which seemed to be a long-stay from the norm, plenty to do, made many friends (Dinner with Tim Thomas and his new bride Jing) and again have revised my opinion on Cairns, it has great people, great energy and a very bright future and there is no doubt that with the Great Barrier Reef on the door-step, Tourism will continue to grow, the next target market is the 1.4 Billion Chinese.

Our route as outlined in my last Blog, was Townsville & Magnetic Island, Mission Beach (Where the Landlords – Chris & Kim, of the Caravan Park invited us to a BBQ on their retirement, that was absolutely superb) then down to Bowen (5 Days) to meet-up with John & Dell Alletson, again great Company, many dinners and yarns (Australians excel at what they call the Bull-Shitting Hour) when over a few Stubbies, and possibly a few bottles of Vino, they attempt to outdo friends by topping their stories.

I must tell you about the last breakfast (not supper) at Mission Beach, it was started with a fresh Coconut off a tree, topped the head and poured the Juice into a glass (Last did this in India in 1981) the juice contains all the nutrients the body requires, Fresh ripe Mangoes picked straight off a tree, then a bunch of Bananas again fresh off a tree, that is shades of Paradise, is it not?

Then onto the Whitsunday Islands (Snorkelling, beach combing et al) then the town of Clearview where the park was right on the beach with Turtles, Crocs abounding, on to Woodgate, (where Kangaroos roamed around the Camp and were quite domesticated. (The worst rain-storm to-date overnight). We visited to Childers, an old town retaining all the character of old times and was the town that experienced the worst Back-Packers Fire, where 13 Young people from many countries, including the UK, lost their lives. Also toured Bunderberg the home of Australia’s Number 1 drink "Bundy" Rum.

Then down to Rockhampton, which is astride the Tropic of Capricorn, the bottom most line of Tropical Australia, (I passed the Tropic of Capricorn heading North to Monkey Mia in WA at the start of my trip).

Then Folks it was to stay for a week with Alec & Joyce Hall (Alec of the Prospecting Fame) at a small town/village "Coominya" (50 klicks west of Brisbane) this was one of the most pleasant experiences I have ever had, we were made very welcome, even played Bowls and won a Chook (Chicken). (I have sewn the Bowlers’ Champion Badge to my shirt).We ate well, slept well, talked long and hard, Joyce was a joy and a cook! Boy if that girl was not spoken for!!

Alec is a real raconteur, has a wealth of knowledge and experiences, and supported by Joyce, will keep you in stitches for hours.

It is true that Small Town Australia is another World, small and beautiful. We have visited towns Like Lowood, Fernvale and Ipswich, which in themselves reflected the true Australian Spirit of friendliness.

Now it is New South Wales, a stop at Byron Bay to be exact, named after the infamous Lord Byron (he of both Poetry and Incestuous behaviour) the Campsite (Beaches Bay) was one of the worst I have encountered in my entire trip to-date. Overpriced, dirty and with very poor amenities, although not having booked in advance (have not done so to-date) you take what comes, pot-luck, 6 of one and 6 of the other.

Now at Coffs Harbour (Sawtell Camp-site) what a difference! Clean, value for money, space and empty of people (I mean the Backpackers that seem to take over and unless they have a measure of discipline, run riot to everyone’s detriment.

Transport: You may remember the repairs that I wrote about, done by Toyota in Katherine (sometime back) well having to get NCS checked over for the next part of the trip, I took her to Glenn in Townsville also asked him to reconnect my Radio. Well upon examining same, he found that Toyota had not taken out the Fuse; they had just cut the connecting wires and never bothered to tape up the bare live wires. I am after them again, this time with serious intent!

Mike, Gas now at 62p per litre!

Weight: I have now reduced my portly frame to 11 stone 7 lbs having lost in total 22 Kilos. It is the weight I was when I was 20 years of age, maybe I shall start eating again!

Christmas: We will attempt to get to Tasmania for Christmas, it will be a tight squeeze and having checked the prices, very very expensive, so we shall see, just in case and you may think I have forgotten "Nadolig Lawen ar Bleddwyn Nuedd Dda" Pob Luc 2010.

(A translation from the Welsh "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – Good Luck for 2010") to you all, sorry if you have not had a card this year, but!

Funnies: I had written on my Christmas Cards for 40 Years exactly that above, apart that is, from the Good Luck, I did write "Pob Hwyl" but when on Holiday in North Wales and putting a Pint down my throat in a local Pub, I toasted a chap that I had been talking to with a "Pob Hwyl" he remarked "Where are you going?" and then confirmed that Pob Hwyl was in fact "Good Bye".

What a fool I felt and no one had ever corrected me, even my Children, who speak Welsh as a first language!!

Flora & Fauna: This is a problem. Have just come through 2 major Bush-Fires which were raging along the roadside and created dark thoughts of racing to reach a million miles per hour, just in case! and as you can guess, not many animals!

They do say here, that 50% of Australia is on-fire at any one time, it is true.

There is nothing new to report; apart from all the F&F I have already reported in earlier Blogs, except that Pelicans are now prevalent, the day at Steve Irwin’s Zoo ensured that we saw all of the diverse Creatures that inhabit this great continent.

I will let Jackie have a few words, which I trust will reflect her initial views on all things Australian.

Well what can I say that Nigel hasn’t already told you? I was last here 25 years ago but that was a whistle stop tour around the major cities. This time I flew into Cairns and found the heat overwhelming. I thought that I had conquered it by the end of the first week but no such luck!

Anyway, 6 weeks on it is easier to cope with but as Nigel has said, it leads to a rather fast weight loss.

Now that we have left, the tropics behind I miss them. They are so different from the UK-the trees, beautiful flowers, birds, animals, fruit and weather. You really know that you are abroad there.

As for the language, I am slowly learning ‘Strine’ but trying not to pick up some of the ‘riper’ language.

This is such a wonderful experience and I am trying to remember it all but I fear that Christmas will be very strange this year- carols and turkey on the beach???? (back to Nigel)

That is it Folks for 2009, so I will bid you farewell, I hope that Father Christmas brings you all you desire and that all is well for you in 2010.

I hope too that God is kind to you.

Merry Christmas.

Nigel J Gauder.

Stop Press - Hacker at Work!

Sorry Folks,

Some Hacker has invaded my Blog and has placed an unknown virus onto the photos slot, please do not attempt to open any of the Photos, I am taking action to rectify the problem via Google!

Kind Regards

Nigel J Gauder
12th November 2009.