Plod Adventures No. 16

December 26th I left Coober Pedy and drove to Mintabie almost in the center of Australia. They had had a lot of rain in the last few days and every thing was so green, a very unusual occurrence, which brought out those little midges that bite. I will put on a lot of photos of Mintabie as I think it is very interesting place.


I camped at Stan and Eileen's home, Stan being Rosemary's brother - Rosemary and Bill being my from friends from Mooloolaba. They showed me around the Opal fields with great passion and we visited friends and relatives. The most spectacular place was Milan and Anna's home with their most productive garden which is almost in the middle of Australia. Pigs, chickens, breeding fish in his home made tanks, fig trees, grapes galore, tomatoes, cucumbers, you name it he has got it.


Mintabie is a little place where everybody helps everybody else out. We finished up at Jack and Steve's place for dinner on the last night, all mucking in together. All a very nice bunch of people.

December 28th time to leave, back on the road towards Coober Pedy and then onwards......

Plod Adventures No. 15

December 25th. Christmas Day up late, sending off my Blog and photos. My son Duncan rang me on my mobile and that was a lovely Christmas present.

I got ready in my best bib and tucker for my Christmas Dinner at the Desert Cave Hotel and very nice it was too. I was seated with a few singles, The Priest who is called Father CB, a lady called Nina aged 88 who had lived in Coober Pedy for around 40 years and Mike a miner, as well as the Manager and his family plus his staff, a very nice place to stay. The food was delicious I walked out so full I have no need to eat for a week.

By the way, Father CB has the biggest parish in Australia, but.......... the fewest people!! He does a great deal of travelling.

Some of the Opal shops were open and I drifted in to one as you do just to have a look. I got a very good price for an opal necklace as it was Christmas day. I went back later but he was shut.

December 26th I am just off up to Mintabie to see Stan & Eileen James, who have a place there. Stan is the brother of Rosemary, my friend in Mooloolaba.

Plod Adventure No. 14

Saturday 20th December I arrived at the Pump shop in Adelaide around 9 o'clock and I brought two pumps just in case the other one goes berserk (very expensive ) never mind I like thinks right. I was told to go to McLaren Vale by the man in the pump shop to try and get my water tank welded up as it had split at the seam. I spoke to David who repairs classic cars, he had a few Rover P6 cars, wrecks actually, waiting for restoration, which were outside his shop. Any way he put me in touch with Ian who might be able to help. I made an appointment for the Monday at 9 o'clock.

I then went to the information center, found a free internet cafe for the price of a coffee. I then drove to Victor Harbor and found a nice spot to park on the beach. A works party was in progress, this time it was a lady who invited me to have some sausages and salad, I think she felt sorry for me as I only went to fry up three slices of bread on the BBQ. I had had sausages for breakfast.

December 21st Sunday morning was a beautiful sun rise.

I passed the time of day with a few walkers and bikers. Time to get the bike out, I cycled a round Victor Harbor and brought a cycling hat which is the law in Australia. I tried to chat up three men in the information center for a lost hat but no good they would not hand it over.

I walked over to Granite Island and all the way around; bikes not allowed on the Island.



December 22nd Monday I meet Ian at his work shop well he was very nice but a bit of a prat, he wanted to make up a plate and glue it to repair my stainless steel tank. He didn't know me and how I work, anyay after a few nice words he took me around the corner and the job was done properly welded up by a man that knows. I still needed Ian for some heat to remove a rusted broken bolt, a few more nice words and I eventually got a welding torch cutter to heat up the nut, not that easy with a cutting touch under my precious Plod. Tank done and up she went a bit tricky, a bracket really needed a spot of weld but not at Ian's place. Another job was to fit the pump, I had to make up a new bracket. Ian found a plate of metal and drilled a few holes in it for me. A few more nice words about fixing my pump up. However I eventually said to Ian, I am sorry but I can't work when you keep talking all the time. Got the job done, Ian was a nice bloke, he was trying to help. The whole job took all day to do 6 to 7 hours messing about and I had no breakfast and no dinner.

Off I went and drove to Tent Hill Rest Area about 400 km. I only stopped a couple of times to take a few photos as I was pushed for time driving at night is not good. Anyway the drive from Adelaide on the Princes Highway to Port Pirie was very nice full of lovely corn and wheat fields as far as you can see quite a picture, open and free. I was glad to get out of all the traffic in and around Adelaide.

Tuesday 23rd December After sorting my self out from the previous day and entered my Blog etc I did not leave my spot until rather late, around 3 o'clock, I only drove 20 km to the next pull off as there was water there. The water was hot coming out of the tap so I did my washing and of course topped up my three water tanks.

The drive towards Cooper Pedy was very interesting and I kept stopping to take photos; all around was green and not at all like I had expected. I stopped for the night at Glendambo South Rest Area and on the way up it tried to rain. The photos I took do not do the landscape justice, the sun was never in the right place, anyway that is my excuse. The gnats are on the war path again tonight.


December 24th I have reached Coober Pedy at long last, Christmas Eve. I passed a very nice looking Hotel and booked in for a Christmas dinner. I booked in at the Big4 camp site and very nice it is, the wine is flowing and my T-bone steak was delicious after using up mince, fruit, onions, tomatoes etc. which I had cooked just before the border. Only a few camper vans at the site pretty empty really.

I had a phone call from Stuart to wish me a merry Christmas which was nice. You might get a few too many photos but I am trying to show what Australia is like, very beautiful. Oh, I nearly forgot, it rained here to day at Coober Pedy and it's really quite cool.

Plod Adverture No. 13

16th December. I have had a busy time since I arrived at Broken Hill.

I removed both front seats and threw out the old carpets and washed the floor of all that red dust. My Shower pump packed up, I have three pumps on for the drinking water and two for the shower a hot one and a cold one. Typical I detected a leak in my cold water tank I removed it, and one bolt broke I needed some heat !!! The hot pump was no good, so I had to change over the pumps. At least I now have hot water when I stop. I can get a new pump in Adelaide a little out of my way but does that really matter when one is on holiday.

17th December My exhaust has turned up I took a visit up to Silverton and beyond with a noisy Plod.

Picked up exhaust, guess what Toyota forgot to order the gasket any way I was given the wrong one, I just wonder some times!!!! Always take in a pattern if one can.

A long comes a local asking if he help, all he saw were legs sticking out from under neath Plod.

I was at my chosen work site for three nights. Bob the local offered me a shower and a pool to swim in which was the only pool in and around that district. Pity he did not stop before as he had some very nice clean concrete to lay on with all the modern conveniences to boot, except the internet!! I spent one day by the pool.


19th December So back to the internet Milk Bar. I left Broken Hill around 4 o'clock to try and make the Pump shop in Adelaide some 500km plus by Saturday 12 o'clock shutting time; I arrived at 9 o'clock and he told me a place to go to try and get my tank welded, McLaren Vale, a wine region. I found another free wireless cafe.

On the way down from Broken Hill to Adelaide there was another patrol post, Bob told me about it, so I stopped and did another cook up, fried onions and tomatoes, I also boiled up my potatoes for a salad. We were all stopped at the check point at about midnight and I was asked if I had any onions or potatoes, I said no I have not, he looked in my fridge and said O.K you can go. It was a good job I knew about that.

Plod Adventure No. 12

December 8th. My drive to Bollon, to start delivering Christmas parcels, was interesting; I went to pick up my Brake Pads only the place was shut? It was Sunday and Woolworths was shut too, in other words Romer was a dead town.

I did managed to find a Bakers and a small grocers for some fruit & a cooked chicken. I passed through Surat a nice place to camp by the river then through to St George a lovely quite town with a large river, where people were speed boating, water skiing and generally having great fun. I filled up with Derv/Diesel, in the U.K we call it Derv or Diesel.

I reached Bollon and stopped to have a free hot shower in the village. I reached Wallum Bank our meeting place and was greeted with open arms by Keith & Jenny and Keith & Hilary. I was pleased all the packing had been done for the Christmas boxes, I was then able to read some of the mountains of N.B.C e-mails. A very sad sad day when nice people cant get on!!!!!!! to the NBC site - John Merton I do hope you are well, I hope to pop in to see you on the way back from wherever? There doesn't seem to be much time left!!!

Doug & Lynda have arrived who were accommpanying me and we loaded up the twins vans, Plod one and Plod two.

Off for the first delivery,we had difficulties with the roads, they were a mess.

We arrived at our first Homestead, Mother at work in Toowoomba while Daddy looks after the children and the farm. Next stop Jim, on his own while his wife was out, Jim cooked us a very nice meal and we camped on his farm for the night. On to the next homestead, alas nobody was in so on to the next one; again we were out of luck but we left our donated Christmas boxes. The roads are pretty wild around here. On to the next one, only the house keeper was in.

Off we go to the next one and we just got there in time as they were off to round up the Goats. I stayed and took photos of the roundup while Doug and Lynda went on to the next one as I was low on Derv/Diesel. I could have rode a motor bike but as I had my camera I took the Truck ( I have not ridden a bike for at least 50 years). The whole round up was very interesting. After the round up they had to grade them ready for the lorry in the morning; they were going for the chop.

Dark had come on us so off back to the house, a shower, clothes in the wash and then a barbecue in the garden. They were up at the crack of dawn, 5 o'clock, I was still a sleep.

We had to do a couple more visits and as I was low on derv Doug went on. We both had to put in our reserves of Diesel to get back to base. Cleaned inside of Plod, it was filthy with all the dusty dirt roads, that was the worst thing about the whole job. Bollon had no Diesel, the lorry driver was sick!! A pint in the pub and a shower in the village showers. Back at base and time for bed.

Dec 10th. We did another 4 or so visits and camped the night at Ferndale Homestead. Next day we carried on with a few more visits, then back to base for a rethink!!! The roads are very rough on Plod and not doing him much good I pressure hosed him down underneath and generally gave him a big clean. The Red dust is a nightmare and gets in all the cracks and crevices. The organizers did not want me to do any visits on my own so Doug and I thought it wasn't much point in carrying on with this task, although it was a good experience and I made a lot of friends to boot. So the three of us had a meal together which Doug cooked and very nice it was too plus too many red's.

Next morning Doug had a flat tyre on the rear of "Plod two" no spare tyre for the rear, "don't worry Doug, I will fix it" and I did, job done.


I left and drove to Cunnamulla to buy some fruit, what a dump of a place, so off I went; I was told it was quite nice, I think the people have spent too long in the bush. I then went off to Bourke and they had a good food shop, and it was open, I stocked up with provisions for my trip to Broken Hill. Bourke was nice; I was told it was not a nice place, how our opinions differ. I stopped in Cobar for more Derv and found a very nice park to stop the night in, I had driven 585Km. I cooked a T-bone steak on the free BBQ which looked out over the lake. My in house batteries were almost flat, I played around with a wire or two and hooked up the generator for the night as it is Sunday tomorrow, no spare parts, this is O.Z. land in the out back.

December 14th I drove 460km today and reached Broken Hill. I was told by a lot of people not to stop at Wilcannia; it looked peaceful enough to me but you never can tell. I passed a lot of signs saying not to bring fruit in to Victoria, there were so many signs and I did not want a $200 fine. I stopped at the bin to throw in the fruit and tomatoes which I had just brought; no way was I going to waste all that food. So I stopped and cooked my dinner, a new recipe, mince meat, the usual salt and pepper, lots of tomatoes, four peaches, a banana, and three kiwi fruit and some gravey powder. It was quite nice with rice, but tomorrow I shall add a little curry powder. Ready for Victoria, but blow me down, I would of got away with it, no check point at all. My house batteries had a lot more charge in them tonight, but still not right. I must sort it out tomorrow. Nite night.

December 15th I had a very busy day to day. Shopping for Plod, the exhaust had broken at the down pipe, not the gasket as I first thought. Ordered one at the Toyota agent (flying it in from Sydney), checked the price at an exhurst center but I would not buy one from them if I was dying, in other words I did not like the guy!!!! I parked up at the same spot as last night and if any body had said anything I will just say I have broken down and was waiting for parts. I fitted an antenna to Plod for more mobile phone range. That meant I had to buy a drill and a few more tools. One of my water tanks is leaking another job to do. I cleaned up half the cab, took out the carpet as it was very dirty from all that Red dust. One of my house batteries had cooked so I disconnected it and so far it works better, we will wait and see. No time for internet to day too busy chatting up all the nice people in Broken Hill apart from the Exhaust Center guy.

Reading my NBC emails. So I hear Button is back with us I am really pleased!!! Good on yer Button you probably won't read this anyway. Another job to do, buy some more Red Wine. How are you doing Geoff and Hedda? Hedda you started something with this Blog.

I am almost in the middle of Australia and I had to have two duvets on last night as it was rather on the cold side, but dry, not like in Devon, U.K. Anyway I am really having a good time. Broken Hill is good, kind of relaxing.

Plod Adventures No. 11

December 3rd and 4th Another problem with my loving Plod his roof fixing had come adrift so back to Roma for a flat metal plate 7½'' x 2'' x 1/16th thick with 5 holes drilled in, I found a place and he tried to charge me 30$ for a scrap piece of metal, any way he got 20$, what a rip off, still I could not do much with out it. For two pins I would of said no thanks and walked out, but time was very much running out. (Blow me down the holes had been drilled up side down.

Bob had gone to day surgery to have some cancer cut out of his face so I am waiting for him to get up in order to use his drill etc. Next door woke me up at 5 a.m mowing the lawn as they are having a coffee morning in the village hall also the many lorries were many hurdling around the corner empty, making more noise than the man in the moon all night!!! So not much sleep and I am supposed to be going to that coffee morning and lunch in the village hall.

Drilled the holes in my 20$ scrap piece of metal, obviously the scrap tonnage has rocketed!!! Fixed the hinge successfully, took the gas filled struts off to put in new split pins in. Blow me down for the life of me I could not put them back the gas struts were far too strong. I tried everything !!!!!!!!.

Any way I showered and changed to go to the equivalent of the Woman's institute in England. They had cancelled the morning as the driver was ill, (ladies coming from Mitchell). I had lunch and a very nice chat to the lovely ladies present, I was presented with a little present, a homemade very nice sort of snuff box.



Back to the drawing board on the question of my struts, a press was needed, so I drove to a little garage down the road and thank goodness they had a press and the job was done. That was a very hot and trying two days work.


December 5th We have visitors, in another Motor Home, Bob and Donner travelling around Australia. The pub was quite busy so I ended up cooking the dinner. It was a good night in the pub, George of 88 years came in then a trucker and two other people with a few dogs looking for a place to stay the night I rushed around and made up the bed while Bob cooked the steaks. I had had a few reds by then. I said good my goodbyes as I am off early in the morning on my way to Bollon to help out with the Care Outreach a Christian Organisation. I had a days training at Mooloolaba a few weeks back. I will be delivering parcels.

Plod Adventures No. 10

I have had a lot of bangs and clatters on the rough roads I've been using. I checked to see if the springs and shocks were O.K; everything looked alright apart from very dry springs so I sprayed them with an aerosol oil and as I thought it worked, no more bangs and clatters so far.

I stopped in Injune, just made it the Derv was nearly out. I went in to a little shop in Injune which had a tremendous amount of goodies, tools and things, we struck up a deal and I spent a few dollars.

A stop at the Big4 site for the internet, then off to see Bob Smith at Amby, a free site with free electric!! I do the washing up.

I had a front spring shackle bolt break, lucky Bob had a drill, I drilled it out and replaced the bolt in the proper position. I have a lot more tools now so I decided to change things around, which required some carpentry work. Bob had the electric tools and I required a nice man. I spent two days on Plod.

December 3rd I washed 10 tons of mud from underneath Plod, perhaps a slight exaggeration.

Plod Adventures No. 9

29th November I spent most of the day on my computer while the going was good!! I was resting my legs from the day before, walking up Boolimba Bluff.

I met Christopher & Sharon from Oswersty U.K they invited me to dine with them, they provided the food and did all the work, talked about this and that, and a very enjoyable evening it was too. We had a thunderstorm that evening and during the night as well.

The river was rather on the high side in the Gorge the next morning, never mind, I carried on up the Gorge with 11 river crossings to make in order to get to the Art Gallery, 14km to walk in wet boots. Visited Ward's Canyon, and the Amphitheatre on the way back. Wore myself out. I was still able to have the roast dinner I booked at the camp, cooked by the Manager which was another great evening. I met some very Local Australian's who were great fun.

30th November A few of us had a Yoga lesson at 7 o'clock in the morning; oh dear it was very hard!!! I packed up and went to have a look at the Baloon Cave which was a short walk.

I was going to visit Lake Nuga Nuga only I thought I might of run out of Derv. I took a loop road towards Injune, stopped in a nice large clean lay-by at lunch time and did some repairs on Plod. Tightened a fan belt, rather difficult to do with only a 3" long spanner. So off to buy some more tools.

Plod Adventures No. 8

November 24th I stopped off at Roma to find an internet cafe. The young man in charge was very nice and helpful, we managed to get on line eventually!!! No Mac68 outgoing mail. The internet was extremely slow and it took me 3 hrs to send out my Blog photos to my sister to put on to my Blog anyway he only charged me $9 for the 3 hrs.

I had a very expensive time in Roma as I brought a new Honda Generator as my other NEW GMC one gave up the ghost; never buy a GMC Generator even if it is cheap.

I stopped at Amby another freebie site, rather good too, I managed to get free hot showers, and free electricity plus a T-bone steak meal cooked to perfection. I helped unload a car load of beer and food for this!!! The place was a bit mucky but what can one expect when out in the bush and as a bonus I sold my GMC generator for $30.



November 26th Left Amby on my way to Carnarvon Gorge via Mitchel, Forest Vale, Injune. Topped up with Derv at Injune; I was talking to a ranger from Carnarvon and apparently no free camping up there and I was told the camp site cost $40 + electricity so on the road I stopped near Boxvale. The weather today is very humid with heavy rain showers.

November 27th I got to Carnarvon Gorge nice and early, the camp site was closed, made a cup of tea on site and chatted to four people; I had run out of gas. Took a 3km walk to Mickey Creek Gorge then on to the information station. Went for a 6.4km hard walk Boolimba Bluff in very hot hot weather, hope to show you some shots, it was a spectacular view, very much like the Blue Mountains. Then on to the rock pool where I swam with my clothes on as they were wet with perspiration anyway. That reminds me, I must change out of my wet clothes. I booked in at Takarakka camp site and it is only 14$ a night and not 40$ a night as I was told. Anyway it is very nice up here.

Plod Adventures No. 7

19th November I drove towards Toowoomba and guess what it started to rain, I parked up near Helidon. Talked to another traveller and it stopped raining. I went to bed and left all my windows open. To my horror I woke up to find Plod had a flood, the carpets were extremely wet and under the seats where most of my clothes are stored; most of them were wet too.

We had a lot of traffic coming in to the Rest Area and apparently the creek was well under water (good job I parked on high ground) I was told by a few locals that they had not seen rain like that in 7 years.

I drove in to Toowoomba parked up in Coles, hung my wet items in Plod on a line then had a look around the shops. The information center in Toowoomba was excellent they recommended a book Camps4 an excellent book for campers. Looked up an old friend from the past Rev K Powell but unfortunately she was not in.

Time to go to my next destination before dark sets in and there was more rain. I stopped at 570 Oakey Creek Reserve Camp Ground near Dalby, well not quite at the ground as the creek was well under water - look at the Photos on my Flickr site. There were a lot of coming and goings of local traffic.

21st November the water had gone down a gradual few meters. Oh dear I see a nearly new truck just showing the roof. A local man got it wrong!!!!!!, he drove in at about 1.30 in the morning of the 19th November. I decided to stay another night here as it was quite interesting and a very nice quite place to stop.

22nd November This morning there was quite a lot of activity the creek had gone down and the poor unfortunate truck was towed out. I then drove back to Toowoomba to Bunnings for a few items to upgrade Plod, off to Yuleba near Roma a free camp site 592 Judds Lagoon. The drive was nice and pleasant, fields, trees and water. I stopped to fill up with Derv at the first petrol station going in to Yuleba and brought a piece of cooked fish, it tasted like leather why I did not complain I really do not know, I threw it in the bin.

Pod Adventures No. 6

13th November Left my site near Brisbane after a few household jobs. I wanted to go back to see Doug the man I brought Plod from near Currumbin Waters, and to see about the charging unit still under guarantee. Between us all a solution was made. I was fed and watered again at Doug's place. Another charging unit is being sent to Bill in Mooloolaba on Monday.

I have an appointment up at Maroochydore with the Care Outreach Team on Saturday. Hoping to have Christmas in the Bush. The weather over hear is nice and sunny, what about England any rain.

16th November Some how or other I have lost a day or two along the way. We had a big thunder storm last night, and it is still raining. I am now waiting for the post to arrive for them to deliver my new battery charger from Matson, and a very good firm it is too. Having a coffee and another chat to say goodbye to Bill, Rosemary and family what wonderful people they are too, entertaining me and showing me the sights.

I stopped at Beerburrum Look-out for the night as I thought I would get the sun rise but it is still pouring cats and dogs, English weather. Oh well I might just as well go back to my site near Brisbane to download a few more Photos.

This is Geoff's home near Yandina for more photos look on my Flickr site which is http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliawoolgar/

Pod Adventures No. 5

November 8th I have been so busy that I do not know what I have done anyway hear goes!!!

I left early to avoid a fine. I went out with Norm to a Bowls club for lunch. Then on to Bill & Rosemary's place in Mooloolaba. I had problems with my house battery cooking, the battery shop was closed until Monday. The sat nav directed me straight to Bill's place parked up, had dinner and drinks; we all had quite a bit of catching up on gossip.

November 9th. Bill and I went for a bike ride to the beach Rosemary had gone on ahead for a coffee to meet up with a few girl friends to one of the coffee shops. Bill took me to the Surf Club where he is a Lifeguard, after passing the girls talking at the coffee shop. In the afternoon we went to a few of his friends who are all mad on cars so I was in my element.

November 10th Funeral day, up early, and what a good funerel it was too. I saw all my cousins again and about 30 Hot Rods all in mint condition. In the evning we went to a RLS club in Colundra that played music especially for Geoff in memory of Helen; Buddy Holly.

November 11th Time to go straight to the battery shop for an expensive time, hope this works. Parked near Brisbane for the night. Caught the train in to Brisbane to chat up the Apple Mac man, and very helpful he was too; great he got it working and I sent out on my Mac account (it took him about one hour). I go on line at another server and well guess what I can't send out. So off back to Brisbane tomorrow I will go. I wonder if I will ever get to Coober Pedy? Never mind I am still having a very good time.

Plod Adventures No. 4

I reached Armidale, a university town and I drove to the I.T section of the University and a teenager had a look at my Mac. He pressed a button and it worked, at least it worked there, I will wait and see!!!

It was such a lovely drive I just drove and drove, the views were good but I could not take many photos as I was unable to stop in the right places. Drove through Glen Innes up through Tenterfield Warwick I stopped near Brisbane so I could go in to Brisbane on the Friday.

November 7th I finished my business in Brisbane and on the road again. One day Plod actually passed a lorry going up a hill , I think the driver must of been asleep!!!

Parked up on the waters edge, yes, I left it too late and darkness had fallen. I walked along the jetty and I was immediately invited for a tinned Rum and Coke by two men Russell and ??? , can't remember, we talked about cars and bikes. It was a lovely evening what else would men talk about. I was parked in a no camping park but what can one do. The gnats started to bite and we had drunk all the Rum and that was after a top up from Russell's house opposite. I think they were supposed to have been fishing. I am now at Bill & Rosemary's in Mooloolaba.

Plod Adventures No. 3

I left the Big4 Park and went in to Bathurst for a few provisions. I brought a Pass for all the Parks in N.S.W when I first arrived and as the post in Australia is at a go slow pace it still hasn't caught up with me, it could be in the U.K!!!!!!!!? Posted some presents to my grand children and the cost was as much as the presents.

I am on the road again taking the slow route to Nambour for the Funeral on Monday, a few more dirt tracks certainly not Morgan roads, no wheels have fallen off (Smile). It takes a woman to do the job properly!!!

I drove from Bathurst to near Merriwa all on the back roads and very pretty it was too. Photos to follow in due course. Stopped the night half way between Merriwa and Willow Tree.

Up early put the kettle on and off I went. (It takes at least 15 mins on battery power to boil, saves getting the stove out). I seem to have lost my yellow marker to mark my route.

Stopped at a very nice look-out at Moonbi and had breakfast, topped up the kettle and off I went. "I drink and drive" the kettle boils while I drive.

Plod Adventures No. 2

29th October Life has been rather hectic since the 29th October. Yes you got it, it's the start of the Morgan Muster.

I parked up at the Big 4 site, there was quite a lot of Morganeers staying which was very nice. I teamed up with Ray as he was on his own in a tent, he had left his family at home in Brisbane, that meant I had a lift in his Mog to all the functions.

30th October Thursday was the start at 1p.m for our registration and what a good start it was. We all had very nice name tags and we ALL wore them. The Ozzies certainly know how to organise an event. I met up with Dudley and Cheryl from England, 9 N.B.C's. Chris & Julie Brown -they were in the Tinmog lot, what a day, and dinner in the evening.

31st October Friday we went on a run I think it was Friday, I won't bore you with all the details, we did have 4 different runs allocated to us which included coffee and the dinner in the evening.

1st November Saturday we all displayed our Morgans 130 plus in a street in Bathurst they closed the road for us. In the afternoon some of us went on another run. The grand ball was held in the evening we all made an effort to dress up in year 1950 or gold outfits. I looked like a Christmas tree, it was really great fun. Again I was well looked after by the N.B.C gang I said goodbye to a few as they had to get back home.

2nd November Sunday we met up at Mount Panorama Motor racing Circuit most of us had done the circuit several times during the week end. Some of us went for another run to meet up at a museum to have our last lunch together. We said our goodbyes, a sad time it was too!!! A rest was on the menu by now.

3rd November My plans have had to change somewhat as on Monday I had a phone call from Stuart, my cousin, to say Geoffs wife Helen had passed away. I will be making tracks back to Yandina for the Funeral which is around a three day trip, instead of my planned route to Broken Hill and Coober Pedy.

Robert who was staying at the Big 4 with a +4 and camper van is an Apple Mac man and he could not get me connected to my outgoing mail ? (Roger were are you!!).

4th November I am today just catching up with my Blog.

Plod Adventures No. 1

15th October Flight with B.A was excellent. Could not fault the food and service.
I arrived in Singapore Airport which has free internet, but I could not connect as I did not get a password sent to me. Modern day living!!

17th October Arrived in Brisbane with a lift waiting for me to collect Plod. Doug and Linda were fantastic (previous owners of Plod. I stayed the night got fed and watered, they took me shopping to get a new mobile phone, pots and pans etc for my stay in Australia.

Next day Doug filled Plod up with Derv brought me a new internal battery, and a new generator because they did not want me to get stranded out in the bush - all that even after we had done the deal.

18th October It's my birthday to day, and Linda and Doug gave me a satnav I was very much pleased with all their kindness. Popped in to see Tom an N.B.C friend to show off my new toy.

On my way to see one of my cousins Norm up at Wurtulla Beach. Then on to visit Geoff another cousin up near Yandina, Geoff is into cars and has a few Hot-Rods. He took me out to visit one of his friends Peter Vermeulen the father of Chris Vermeulen The World famous motor cycle champion.

We made a few minor improvements to Plod, after getting Plod registered. I was very well looked after, fed and watered once again while listening to a lot of family history.

22nd October I left Geoffs midday after doing more shopping for Plod and improvements. I took my time along beautiful roads going past Lake Somerset & Lake Wivenhoe to Ipswich where Heather lives another cousin, unfortunately my satnav did not recognize their address so I got a bit lost, a phone call was required to escort me to their home and ready waiting was a meal, by this time it was around 7.0’clock.

Next morning Heather took me to buy a compressor for Plod, and some excellent sausages for my trip. She showed me around, taken time off from work, and lent me a push bike as well.

I took the pretty route to Stuarts down through Boonah & Mt Lindesay and I found a beautiful spot to camp, I got my stove out and chair, took my top off, sun cream on and just about to eat my dinner and along came a 4 truck checking the fence line grinning all over his face. I fell asleep after a few reds. Woke up very early in the morning and it was like living in the north of Norway (cold).

Eventually I got to Stanthorpe and brought another duvet and arrived at Stuarts about 4.30 (I was late again, I blame the beautiful country side) for another dinner with his Mum Prim my first cousin - quite a lady she is - a most enjoyable evening we had.

Next day topped up with water and away I went, changing my route a few times went through Texas stopped for a few provisions, taking an across country route Ashford and then on to a dirt road to Delungra, stopped at Bingara and what a lovely town, flowers every where, wide roads and very clean. Another dirt road to Narrabri, then taking the main road to Coonabarabran looking for a night stop! Plenty of pull offs more like lorry parks, I did not like them. Stopped in Warrumbungle N.Park for the night (still a freebee).

Drove to Siding Springs Observatory west of Coonabarabran home of Australia’s largest telescope. I was in luck it was an open day they only have one about every two years. I took a lot of photos of everything, alas the card was faulty in my camera so I had to rush around and take them all over again!!!!!.

28th October I moved on eventually and stopped the night just down the road a little place near Bearbung.

Drove on to Dubbo to visit Western Plains Zoo, a very clean and interesting Zoo. A rather hot day, time to look for a night spot off towards Burrendong Dam and I came across a nice little layby. I had just had a shower, cooked my dinner, and it started to rain, good timing. I stopped in Dubbo to buy another card for my camera just in case!!! Oh and a fly hat. Quite a lot of nice shops no time to go shopping. Anyway I spent too much on Plod. I would have liked to have brought a dress it was just as well time was running out. Time for another red wine, its 8.30. Looked around Burrendong Dam I was not that impressed never mind.

I stopped at a picnic site and washed Plod can't be out done with all those shinny Morgan’s. Stopped to buy a net curtain yes you got it the flies are entering in my door. Passed a few dress shops good job they had the wrong size. They were beautiful dresses.

29th October. I went to make the morning tea switched the pump on, bang, no water to make the tea or wash with. As I was only 1/2 hour from Bathurst I decided to drive straight to the camp site. I booked in early. They had no recollection of my booking. I originally had to ring from England to book as I could not book by e.mail!! I parked up put my overalls on and got to work. Fortunately it was only the fuse holder. Took my washing to the laundry, help it didn't work, there wasn't even any soap. Just as well Ihad some soap.

Tried to connect to the internet and eventually managed to get on line with Orange Account and you wouldn't believe it, 2000 yes 2000 or near enough (1,700 SPAM) they took up most of my hour to sort and delete and I still could not send out any messages? I can't seem to use my Mac account, I hope Roger can tell me what I am doing wrong as nobody else can not even the Apple Mac shops.

Last minute jobs before I fly out.

Food shopping for my man to get him started. Fell three small trees in the garden for fire wood

  Wash Atom, remove all wheels and wash under the wings to get all the cow dung off from the country lanes.  Place on the lift in garage  check over,oil and grease. Simonize if time.

Visit the dentist, finish packing O,dear rather on the heavy side!! Pack the sat nav. write the Christmas card . Deliver Fiona's  car to the garage for repair under the warranty. 

Then the Oggiemog Noggin on the Tuesday  night fly out on the 15th, and I hope I have not forgotten any thing.

Australia getting ready for the off.

I am off to Australia for 6 months I leave 15 October 2008. I joined the CMCA a caravan club in Australia which has been already a big success as that is where I found my new van, well new to me it is a 1988 Toyota Hilux 4WD I have named it PLOD a bit different to a Morgan +8.

I bought my Motor-caravan in Currumbin Waters just south of Brisbane with the help of friends and relatives.

I have almost packed, its rather on the heavy side fortunately  I am flying out with B.A and up until  November I am allowed to have 32km and after November it will be only 23Km.  Lucky me. 

Norway Continued

I have posted more images to my Flickr site if you wish to view click on the Norway set on the following link.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliawoolgar and view as a slideshow

First visit to Norway

Been to visit Geoff and Hedda, Morgan friends in Norway (Tonsberg), for a long week end. The weather has been on an off but that didn't bother us as we jumped in the fjord every morning like any viking would do. about 15 C is not very warm but a nice cosy cottage and a log fire did the trick.

In the evening, when the wind was howling and you could see the swells with "white horses" a glass of red wine or two, made me feel great. 

    Boats at Tonsberg