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
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Wednesday, 13 January 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
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
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Stop Press - Urgent Dispatches
Stop Press Urgent Posting:
You may remember I stopped at a place called "Berry Springs" just south of Darwin and swam in the warm waters of the Springs!
Well today's newspaper announced that a 4.9 Metre Crocodile had been caught swimming in the same waters, they say he was seeking a Mate!! or a nice Meal!! sorry pal, I am just 2500 klicks away from you and I would not taste very meaty, as I am now jusdt skin and bones.
Regards
Nigel J Gauder
Friday, 23 October 2009
26th October 2009 - Cairns
Hi There Everyone,
Well! I have lost track of time, the days merge into one another and it is difficult to work out what to do next! The master plan is still in place and I have basically adhered to it, but to take stock of one’s circumstances and ponder one’s mortality before I start the next part of my trek, is the order of today. (Friday 23rd October)
After sampling well the touristy bits of Cairns, The Barrier Reef, Green Island (Blue Island, Purple Island and Black Island), the Sky Rail, By Scenic Train to Kuranda and all points North, South East and West, we (NCS and I) depart south.
We shall be calling at Mission Beach (Again) Townsville (Again to meet with Tim Thomas and his new wife – Jing)) down to Bowen to meet with John and Dell Alletson (From our adventures on the Barkly/Flinders Highways) then to a place called Coomina (where my old friend Alec Hall – The Prospector/Fisherman) has invited us to stay a while.
Then the Grand Haul South, where I shall pause I do not know, but we will be missing the Big Cities, why? Cos’ they have all changed into Metropolis’s and have no interest to me and besides, there are too many other interesting places to go.
Today, I write my Blog in the midst of Rainstorms, the like I have not seen since I was at Dongara in WA at the very start of my trek, perhaps it is the start of the “Wet” who knows.
NCS: NCS suffered a few leaks today, but all manageable, it was just the force of the storm and the winds that caused them, had to consider adjusting the new awning, it was good, but bellied with the amount of rain falling, had to get someone to assist me in understanding the dynamics of tying off the guy ropes.
Will now have to waterproof her, since I believe she has not had a rubdown for 25 years and it is due. I had thought the old fashioned remedy of using Candle-Wax would be solution, but again taking advice from other people, the solution is to use a Pressure Spray Solution her on her that will make her leak proof which I have now completed, again we shall see what happens!
Costs: Thought you would like to have an idea about Costings & Budgets etc. so here goes: - As a guide I would refer you to www.wickedcampers.com this is the very basic Camper-van here and they are utilised a great deal by varying ages, teens through to the Grey Nomads.
The hire of one of these Campers, that is the basic cost, is at A$20,000 (£10,000) per year or about A$95 (£50 per day), without petrol, without insurance cover and without grubstakes! You can easily double/treble the cost therefore to about £20/30,000 per annum.
My budget was set at £20,000 (A$40,000) which allowed for any anomalies and any extra costs (not foreseen from the UK). NCS cost out of my initial budget £3,000, plus running repairs £2,500 & Petrol costs at about £3,000, plus Grub-Stakes at £2,500 as described in earlier Blogs, and believe me as I am halfway through, I am also just over halfway through my budget at £12,000 left.
Methinks I am quid’s in, as the initial outlay is always the steepest spending curve, then at some stage you settle down to a measure of control.
However, the surprising and hidden costs, sting like hell!
The savings have been a) the costs of Fuel (average 70p per litre) b) getting to know and use the Free Camp Sites (have used about 25 during my trek (Saving £10 per day) and c) starting to be a wily shopper and shopping around (perhaps one of the reasons I have lost weight) not really folks! But just a thought!
Funnies: I had written None! Then remembered a little something I thought you might find, interesting! like the UK, Oz promotional prices use the A$1.99/A$2.99 through to A$9.99 as a carrot to buy, but there are no 1 Cents in the currency, so if you decide to take advantage of a bargain, the price is rounded-up to the full Dollar i.e. A$2.00/A$3.00/A$10.00.
You may, or may not think this is odd, but there is an old adage which says “If I could have a single penny out of every Bank Account I would be a rich man” so how many A$ Cents, multiplied by xyz and over that many years, has made someone, somewhere, very rich?
Just a thought!
Flora & Fauna: Same as usual. Same old Crocs’ Birds, Snakes, Lizards, Spiders, Cockroaches, Gecko’s, Bandicoots (Like a large Rat but with a long snout) Flowers, Tree’s, Bushes, again et al.
Should also note that Cicada’s are rampant here in the tropics for about 3 hours every night, their high-pitched sexual mating call is consistently loud. Cicada’s are the beetle that lives at the base of trees and surface every 20 years to chase a potential mate, make love, and then they pop their clogs, all in 24 hours. “Now that is what I call a One Night Stand”.
However, there again I nearly forgot! Whilst walking to the nearest Woollies (4 klicks) I espied Mango Tree’s abundant with ripe fruit, so with one of my plastic carrier bags (Still in vogue here) I filled it to the brim and carried it back. Then thought what do I do with them? After taking advice from neighbours (and bribing them with some fruit), I washed them and filled my little fridge, then tasted one, absolutely delicious, ripe and juicy ready for the Plucking!
Transport: Mike, same as usual. Buses, Trains, Road-Trains, Bicycles, Tandems, Cars, Ute’s, again et al.
Newspapers: I take “The Australian” Newspaper every day, it is a Political Journal and the number of editorials taken straight from the “UK Times newspaper” makes me think that there is a tie-up between them.
They are covering (limited though it be) the situation in the UK, this week it primarily about Gordon Brown and David Cameron (expenses) and out of the blue, large coverage about Tony Blair’s possible elevation to the EU Presidency, it also covers the money he is earning, just £5 million per annum, not bad for an ex-prime minister, methinks that they are attempting to knobble him, so he does not get the EU job!
Distance Learning: You may recall my Blog from Broome, where I had bumped into a Family who had intended to been the road for 10 years, and had a son who was very bright and did all his schooling in what they term “Distance Learning”.
Well today, just opposite me, I observed a family, Mum (Eileen) and her Triplets (2 Sons - Cameron and Deklan a Daughter – Gabrielle, under-going their schooling, Mum was very adamant that they have 3 hours a day of home Schooling with one-on-one teaching by her.
This has been brought about because they are travelling between States, and each State has its own curriculum (There is no national unified curriculum)
The ability Eileen has, as a UK Ex-Pat journalist, to pick and choose the very best systems from around the World (i.e. Singapore have the best Maths results in the world) which she utilises to further their education. Again, my observations tell me that it seems to work.
Tribal Peoples: Sorry to refer back to this one, but there are two memorable conversations that I have had on this trip, which I had n are:
1) My friend the Pentecostal Minister when he first went into the local Communities many years ago, (See past Blog) remarked to the Elders that there was a pungent stench, and could they tell him what it was? They related that when their people pass-on they are laid out in the trees, where members of their Family can come forth and visit, they then dip their hands into the juices of the dead person, rubbing it all over their bodies, hence the stench! They still do this, as it is in their Culture and has been for the past 50,000 Years.
2) That the Tribal peoples are prone, after drink, to lay down in the roads at night to sleep, (I know I have seen this for my own eye’s) unfortunately, they also lay down on the major trunk roads, where because of their colour (Jet Black) they are not noticeable from any distance, the Road-Trains which travel at great speed, have on occasions, run over them, not knowing that they are people, thinking possibly Wild Animals, then they have drawn in to the next Road-House, and washed their vehicle down!
This fact is not even reported to the Police.
Google now tells me that 180+ people are following my expidition!!
Where the next Blog will come from I do not know, nor do I know the time span, but I will keep you posted Folks!
Keep Smiling.
Nigel J Gauder
26th October 2009.
Monday, 12 October 2009
13th October 2009 (Birthday Boy day) - Cairns.
Hello Everyone,
This is my 2nd Blog from Cairns and into my 7th Month of my trek, having had tours, explanations et al from all and sundry, and having recovered from my Cold, I feel like a short up-date will be the order of the day!
Since this is Korea’s National Day (031009) and I met a crowd of them rehearsing with their big noisy concert to celebrate, I have been asked to include them into my blog, they feel a little miffed that I had mentioned everyone else but I had omitted them. Funny that! However, since my involvement with Koreans in my working life, they did seem to lack that confidence about themselves, these comments confirmed that perception.
I have reversed my view on Cairns and the surrounding Touristy bits. Tourism is the Major Industry here with a very limited life-span, due to what is called “The Big Wet” (The Monsoon Season) which starts about November and finishes in March, with Rain Falls as high as 15 inches in a day.
Therefore, the Tourist Industry has to get the most out of its market, like any Holiday Resort! Hence, it’s looking like, behaves like, and resembles Blackpool.
Funnies: I like travelling on Buses, Trains etc and having caught the bus quite a few times in and out of Cairns and having stopped every time at my usual “getting off stop”. I was truly amazed having pressed the “dinger” for my stop, to find us go sailing past, yelling at the Bus-Driver to stop, he shouted back “We never stop at this place”. Well, as you can imagine a slight tussle between us as to who was in the right, he again shouted “that if he stopped, he would be fined A$400 (£200)” and that I would have to go to the end of the line, so the end of the line it had to be!
All the other drivers, after this escapade, stopped at my usual stop.
It was suggested for me that to get good deals, I should pretend to be a local, and use the Camp Address as my local contact point.
Well! And to test the water, I went into a Hotel and asked the price per night, it was just A$195 (£99). I then asked if as a local I could get a better deal, they suggested that I went on-line and became a member of their Club. I did just that, and in due course, I receive an email that informed me, that as a New Member my “Welcome Pack” was waiting for me at their reception, along I go and collect same.
My membership card was Black in colour and my membership number was (Wait for it!) – 666 - (the devil incarnate). When I applied for the best room rate as a member, the price was A$104, a slight reduction of 50% in round figures; I have since learnt that the average reduction for locals is 40% off everything!
Miscellaneous: Sorry Guys but the Bucket shop contact for Airline Tickets is andrew.hawthorne@travelmood.com (Forgot the dot between his names).
NCS: I have worked wonders on NCS, she looks good and loved, I have taken her for a tour of the various Touristy places and she performed well. I now have the Australian habit of washing her and polishing her on a regular basis, but I have also learnt that the reason for people being so keen on having clean vehicles, is that back home in the Southern half of the Country, there is severe water-rationing and people are not allowed to wash their vehicles at all, so when they get to the North and water is aplenty, then a washing they do go!
Transport: Mike, petrol is down to £0.57p per litre, I know you will find it shocking!
I have also been, on occasions, been asked if I am a pensioner, my reply is always yes! Well that is a fact is it not? And bus fares have been automatically reduced to half-price thought if they ask me to prove it; I shall show them my UK Bus-Pass.
Reflections: I had thought on occasions, that having achieved what I set out to do, and now being many 1,000’s of Klicks further on in my trek, that the UK looked tempting and perhaps I would return home. However, the news out of the UK, reflected here in the newspapers, is that the UK is in dire straights; therefore I have decided not to add to the burden of the UK further, and return possibly in 2010.
Being a Mate, is a very important word here, it stems from the Military conflicts that Australia has been involved in over many years, and has evolved into the everyday use, with “Alright Mate?” as the most commonly used phrase. There is a positive attempt by at least 90% of people I have met, to live up to its general meaning, and they are very helpful in advice or assistance as and when needed. (I experience instances everyday)
It also binds the Australians into a “Togetherness” frame of mind, instil and retain a sense of “Social Cohesion” & “Nationalism”, which we in the UK have sadly lost.
Should however mention the coarseness of the Language, which is used in everyday terms, e.g. the word F**K is the norm’ (Along with every other known expletive) and spoken by all, Men, Women, and Children, not as a single expletive, but as an expression that covers every known situation. When you are first exposed to it, it hurts your ears! However, you then learn to understand that it is the Culture, based upon the harshness, first experienced by Convicts, and then the long haul through operating in very harsh climatic conditions, by the Pioneers, then the Miners and now the general populace.
No Apology I am afraid! I have been taken to task over my enthusiasm for what seems to be all things Australian, No Folks again it is speaking as I find.
Flora & Fauna: Crocodiles abound now and they are seen everyday both at sea and in the local creeks. There are trees of local fruit Mango’s, Pineapple Bushes, Oranges, Limes, Coconuts, and streams that flow full with Fish of all types, including Turtles.
Celebrations: This week (131009), I am a Birthday boy, which I have shared with my neighbours next door, Tanya (Birthday Girl) Victor and their Son Anthony, my friends Brett (Birthday Boy) & Carlie who have come up from Townsville enroute to going to the Tip of Australia – Cape York. The joint celebration was the renowned B.B.Q and lots of Amber Nectar.
That Folks is the short version; I shall shortly be travelling again very hard down the East Coast of Australia, and will include Tasmania. I shall try and fore-warn you of my planned route, but methinks like my original intention, it will change daily, but watch this space, and you will be amazed!
Keep Well.
Nigel J Gauder
13th October 2009.
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