Blog 15 Back Home in England May 27th

May 21st

I packed my case ready for England. Geoff was painting his chassis and Henry Black came in his newly acquired Plus 4 Morgan. To see Geoff’s 4/4 Morgan all in bits. Geoff has completely stripped his Morgan down and is now restoring it. Quite a lot of the wood work was rotten and needed replacing.

I then downloaded blog 14 before we went out for dinner. This was a sumptuous occasion. We all had a wonderful meal prepared by Ian and Barbara Smith, the best bombay duck ever! The wine flowed freely as did the Espirit de core. Australian Morganeers really know how to enjoy themselves!

May 22nd

Finished packing then weighed it all ready for my flight back to the UK. Said fond farewells to my excellent hosts, Geoff and Stephanie. Who were lively company and wonderful people! I drove plod home to Megalong Valley. I went past Sunny Ridge to the National Park and the end of Megalong Rd. It was a very steep windy road passing through private land and plod went in 4WD. It was really brilliant! Back home to the farm. Linda’s son James and his girlfriend Bindi cooked a lovely roast lamb on the slow combustion stove. It was delicious. Yum yum for my tum tum! (Best meal I’ve had since Linda didn’t cook!) I finished off the evening watching the movie Avatar, with a few grogs although I fell asleep long before it finished.

May 23rd

Slept in till 10am and didn’t bother to get dressed till midday! Washed plod, scrubbed all his surfaces so now he sparkles, even the roof! Next I checked the Land Rover. Linda said it wouldn’t start! Guess what she had run out of petrol. Sometimes I think she is blonde, well actually she is ginger from scottish ancestors, what a combination! Then I split some wood for the stove. I must admit it is lovely having a wood fired stove that heats all the house and is fabulous for cooking. Retired for a well earned whiskey. Yum. Farm fresh eggs laid here, what more could anyone ask for? Good friends good company and a great environment, life is good. Mined you the alternative does bear thinking about! Cheers.

May 24th

Lazy day put rear lights on Land Rover and new dip switch on floor. Replaced three sets of taps in the laundry and kitchen. While Linda cleaned the Land Rover. Rain came in the late afternoon so watched a DVD “Death in Holy Orders” by P D James, excellent show. We had a lovely T-bone steak with baked vegetables for dinner. Very relaxing day.

May 25th

Did my final packing and that dreaded weight 23k per case which is not much when it comes to ladies clothes. I went online for my boarding pass, and checked a few emails.

May 26th

Up very early to take Plod to Richard’s before he went to bed as he is doing shift work.

Linda arrived a little after at Richards to take me to Sydney airport.

Good job I had my boarding pass, which was a blessing in disguise as when I got to the airport I skipped a long queue. ( BA is on strike ) fortunately my flight is in operation.

May 27th

Arrived London Airport after a reasonably good flight at 6.30. Only had an hour’s wait after I went through customs, to catch my coach to Exeter so I got a bowl of tomato soup for my breakfast. My sister picked me up from Exeter and I am now trying to sort out my trip to Mog2010 plus of course other things that have cropped up. First priority to book my MOT for my Morgan called Atom.

Linda where are you my Blog is so dull with out you!!! You worked me like a slave but we did have some fun, see you next year. (smile)

Blog 14

May 16th

Geoff and I were up early to go on a Morgan run down to Berry NSW we left at 6.30am, while Stephanie was baby siting her grandchildren. MOCA the Morgan club, meet up for a coffee on the way down. On the way down there was one Morgan with a petrol problem all to do with his electric pump he had a spare pump or two in his car so a quick change was necessary on the side of the road

It was National Motoring Heritage day and there was a good array of vehicles at the Berry show-ground. Berry is a trendy village a couple of hours south of Sydney which, with antique stores, boutiques etc is set up to cater for Sydney's trendy cafe latte set (you'll get the picture).

Very good roll up of Morgans - the local organising club (Shoalhaven district) were thrilled to have us there.

Other highlights were Alistair Cooke's magnificent 1910 Napier (a local car) and a 1935 supercharged straight 8 Auburn. (Thanks John for the info) also a very nice Austin seven, and many other excellent restored cars.

On the way back Geoff and I stopped at Stanwall Park to watch the hand-gliding I could of stayed for hours unfortunately we still had a long way to travel back home and just about got back at dusk. Ready for a lovely dinner cooked by Stephanie .

May 17th

I worked on Plod and did a few improvements like fix a frame for the spare Diesel can. Just in case I might runout in the Australian desert next year, my old eider was a little bit heath-robinson.

May 18th

Work to day, well enjoyable work it was too as Geoff is rebuilding his 4/4/4. Geoff has taken the car all to pieces, and is going to put in a new 5 speed gear box so I helped him to dismantle and reassemble the re con 5 speed gear box on to the engine the job was a simple task, although we had to take a drive to Cambletown NSW to get a new clutch plate. Then another drive to John Coneybeare place to borrow metric tap as the threads were gummed up with crap in the bell housing threads, John has a really well equipped workshop with too many fantastic tools to list. He had 4 Morgans in his work shop, unfortunately I did not take my camera with me. And another long day we had.

May 19th

Geoff went to work to day and I worked on Plod fixing in a new gas grill, and a new water pump for my drinking water,just to make my life a little easier on my travels. The job has taken me a long time as I could not make up my mined were to fix the water pump, finally I decide the best place was under Plod. Now I have to go and buy 24 feet of water hose. Still I am getting Plod in ship shape condition for my trip from Sydney to Perth and right around Australia next year

May 20th

Off to Bunning’s to buy my water hose and have a browse around the store for any little goodies. Back home at Geoff’s place in Sydney to fit up my new water pump and I think it is a great improvement on my last attempt. You have to live with something a while to find out what is best. ( like relationships)

Blog 13

11th May Griff’s Birthday

I painted Plods rear wheels and played with Plod, while Linda mowed the grass in the dog kennel in order to put down a lot off wood chips to try and make it better for Nell. We had to stop early as it was Griff’s birthday and we all had a family celebration, with Kangaroo stew, Griff’s choice and it was very very nice. Laura went to a lot of trouble to cook a delicious meal, which all enjoyed.

12th May Shopping Penrith

Linda was off for her early morning swim, while I played on the computer. I skyped my sister Sheila and we had a lovely chat. Nice to see her face which is millions of miles away, she looked really well. Linda then rushed me off to Penrith. We left at eight thirty and got home at midnight.

You may wonder what we have been up to, and well you may ask!! Linda had to go to the doctor to have X rays then see the specialist about her healing left knee. She got an excellent report there.

Next we bought some outside power points and lights for Megalong. Then we finally resolved the gas fittings for the stove (after 3 visits to gas shop), tools etc from Supra Cheap Auto, then chair and battery box for Plod from BCF Shop, took X rays back to the doctor’s secretary because she had given us the wrong ones, bought work boots for Griff and I plus belt for Jo, next was battery for mobile phone and finally dashed to Windsor to get parts for Land Rover. This was very confusing because we had a 1971 Land Rover that had a Series 3 body but some Series 2A mechanical parts, what a conundrum! Thank goodness Mark was there to sort us out. He knew all the part numbers like any good store man would.

We popped in to see Linda’s grandson Jack for a cuppa. Then on to Wentworth Falls to give Jo her belt. Then Jo generously whipped up dinner in her Aga, while I looked at morgan photos from Jo’s Barossa trip in 2007. This turned into a late night by the time we got back to Megalong and started the log fire for warmth. The cat “Boot” meet us at the front gate some 1 km from the house. Boot knows the sound of Linda’s car and dashed out to greet us. Linda’s Rayburn is a delight. In no time the fire was roaring and we were warmed with a cuppa, awaiting our beds which were warming with the electric blankets. It will be nice to turn in to a warm bed.

13th May Megalong “Plod”

Finished the grouting. Put gas control unit back with flexible hose because unit wouldn’t work with copper pipe. Then I was working on Plod. Changed back axle oil, put wheels back on, fixed axle nuts. We had some visitors, Linda’s sister Gwenda and her daughter Sue with Eric and Megan.

14th May Megalong “Plod”

Excellent nights sleep but awoken early by machinery grading the road. By the time I got up and out the grader had gone, so alas no pictures! My usual wake up time is 10am, although I might get out of bed at 7am. I spent the day trying to sort out plod and pack up, with a lot of interruptions. Gwenda came, we chatted as Linda was away on the farm. I thought I may get things sorted, in Linda absence, but no luck! I had to keep stopping to stoke the fire! Just about sorted and I was waylaid again by two delightful young men who had been shooting on the farm. They hadn’t shot anything but they had a good walk. We had a good chat over a cuppa and they left for dinner at the pub at Blackheath. Linda’s favorite meal of fish and eggs was on the menu again. It is really healthy and quite nice, but don’t tell Linda that! We enjoyed a glass of white and red wine so the food was immaterial. Good wine, good company, so who could ask for more!

15th May Megalong to St Ives

Up early to get to Penrith for shopping. Then on to Geoff and Stephanie Hollings for the weekend. I will enjoy a day off! I stopped to do some shopping for Plod a new gas stove. Then my satnav would not charge up the wire connecter got damaged so that meant I was lost with out one a quick trip to the plaza for a new cheep Garmin. I just had enough battery in my “Zumo” to find out were Geoff lived.

Geoff and Stephanie have the grand children staying with them,Geoff is a great granddad playing with the children while Stephanie cooks the dinner, and very nice it was too what a good cook she is.

Blog 12

4th May Megalong

On our tour to Tasmania Noddy had a little water leak. On return with more inspection it needed a new bottom hose for the radiator. This I did by using a holden commodore hose and adapting it. Noddy then retired to his shed. I was rehanging the laundry door, trying to cut 0.25 inch off the bottom with a blunt rusty old saw. It takes me 5 minutes to do the job but 2 hrs to find the necessary tools! Very frustrating! I wanted to get down to finish tiling when Linda had other ideas. She wanted the wood split so I was diverted to split wood. Work fascinates Linda she waits and watches for hours while I work! Perhaps because work is a four letter word to Linda or even an anathema.

5th May Megalong

I was woken up by a road grader that was here to grade the fire trail but that wasn’t till 9am! I went out to watch the grader. Linda had already left for her 6.30 am swim. After chatting with the workmen I thought I should get on with tiling the shower cubicle. I started cutting the tiles when Linda came home and again diverted, this time to do her sewing! Still she did do my ironing. Linda got the fire going today as with the rain the temperature had really dropped. Starting to get like home temperature wise, so it must be time to move to warmer climes.

6th May Megalong

Linda has gone to a funeral today and as she is away I think I may put some spotlights on plod! Sod the tiling! While the cats away the mice might play (smile). She is not really as bad as I make out! We have a good laugh. Actually I have finished tiling the shower recess and this has taken me all day. I watched a DVD of “For the Term of His Natural Life”, which was set in Port Arthur, during convict days. It was absolutely brilliant, well worth watching.

7th May Megalong

Linda off early swimming and since the tiling is done I can now fix plod’s lights. I just have a little grouting to finish the job, after the tiles are dry. Plod now sports two new spot lights and they look terrific and work well. Time for a well earned beer. If I can spring the lock on this leg iron off I may sneak north to warmer climes.

8th May Megalong

Started the day badly, I’d lost a nut and spanner. Eventually Linda found it on the quad. I’d forgotten that had broken down too. I put a new battery in the quad. Then finally I managed to get around to putting the brake master cylinder back on the Land Rover. Hooray we have brakes, the fronts are a little tight and need some more attention. Also quite a lot of other work to be done like new spring shackles all round, carburetor needs adjusting, possibly a de-coat, and rings, two U.J’s and a few new steering parts to get and fit maybe next year? (That is if I have time because plod and I are off across the Nullarbor Plain from Sydney to Perth, with the NBC. Across the continent really.) I put the wheels back on, fresh petrol in the tank, and started it up. We took it for a drive around. Yippee! Unfortunately it didn’t make it home up the steep hill. Linda bailed out to get the Land Cruiser to tow it back. After she had nearly got back to the house, some 4 km, two nice young men came along and towed me up the hill. I think the walk did Linda good, I’m sure she needed the exercise! Once we were on the flat off it went again. No problem really, don’t know why Linda went walking so far. She does carry on! We had dinner and then adjusted the new “nite stalker” spotlights on plod. A cuppa and a good laugh or two and all was well. Off to bed now with a warm milk and whiskey.

9th May Megalong

Linda went out with the family for lunch as it is Mothers day in Australia. I could of gone but time is running out and I wanted to sort Plod out.

Now its plods turn to have some attention. Firstly the brakes, I put new brake pads on, checked the rear brakes and removed the exhaust for a repair. Unfortunately I left my welding equipment back in England!

10th May Megalong

Linda left early for 6.30am swim. I was up early, with a clatter of a wood chipper. I chatted up the workers and they left us a load of wood chips, so we can tidy up the dog run.

When Linda returned she drove the Isuzu truck to Blackheath, so I could fit the exhaust on the table top. Some helpful guys at Garage 263 welded my exhaust and put a new valve in my front tyre and gave me two wheel nuts, all for $20. Bargain. We got back and I fitted the exhaust back on plod. Linda made a curry stew for dinner, which wasn’t to bad really. Surprising really! You wouldn’t know the difference after a few reds!

Blog 11

26th April Cradle Mountain

Set off early on our own, most of the other morganeers stayed in Sheffield. It was a long winding road with lovely scenery. We passed a late model sedan that had run off the treacherous road. Arrived at visitor centre and caught the shuttle bus (complimentary with park fees) to Dove Lake. I circumnavigated the lake.

It was a very picturesque walk. It was supposed to take two hours but we completed it in three hours! we caught the bus back to the ranger station which had an explanation centre attached. Then we walked along the Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk. I saw a rufus wallaby and lots of crows.

Next we did the Enchanted Forest Walk. There I was privileged to witness a mother wombat coming from her burrow with baby walking beside her. This was the highlight of the whole day. I meet up with Bruce and Ros Callahan on the walk and saw Sue and David Lyons back at the Lodge when I’d finished walking. We finished the day with a meal and drink with the rest of the morganeers at the local pub.

27th April Sheffield to Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania)

We started the day with a photo shoot (morgans) at the motel, which was really an excuse to thank Geoff and Stephanie for all their organization in arranging the tour. It was a laugh really. We were then shouted a coffee at the local bakery before heading off. We went to Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Hellier’s Whiskey Distillery and Betta Cheese Factory or Mersey Valley Cheese. These were all sensational and delicious.

Then we drove on to Penguin for coffee then to Devonport to catch the ferry back to the mainland. I had some red wine and slept like a log.

28th April Melbourne to Rutherglen

Up early at 5.20am for shower in the cabin, dressed and back to our morgan to drive off the boat. We all met up at McDonalds for breakfast and then Geoff piloted us all onto the highway via a very circumlocutious route.

We stopped at Nagambie for coffee by a lovely lake.

Next stop was lunch at , on the Murray River. Drove on to Rutherglen, established our digs before visiting three wineries to sample their wares. We had a scratch BBQ dinner with all the morganeers before saying farewell to another two mogs tomorrow. Another good night was enjoyed by all.

29th April Rutherglen Wineries

I stayed in for the morning to sort out my computer, while Linda went off with Robin to visit three wineries viz, “All Saints”, “Pfeiffer”, “Valhalla” and the “Three Pickled Sisters”.

I thought it to early to sample the wines in the am so I went with Linda in the pm. In the arvo we visited “Morris”, “Mount Prior”, and “All Saints”. What a wonderful relaxing , enjoyable way to pass an afternoon, and all for free, well almost, apart for when I bought a bottle or three. “St Leonards” Winery was shut but only because the owner had passed away and the estate still had to be resolved.

I had a look at Rutherglen township before making sure I hadn’t missed anything at the Information centre, while more wines were available for sampling. I went back to our motel to get ready for our last morgan supper before we all went our separate ways. We all enjoyed a lovely meal and congenial company with lots of wine. I staggered home to the motel and was asleep before my head hit the pillow!

30th April Rutherglen to Tuross Head

Up early to pack and was almost finished before Linda got up. We left at 8.45am for our long drive to Tuross. The weather was simply outstanding, possibly the best day we have had. Linda drove via Wodonga, We just had to stop at Bonegilla near Albury to take a few photos and look at the magnificent lake view.

I can a sure you my photos do not do it justice. Then to Corryong and stopped to take a photo of Jack Riley “The Real Man From Snowy River”, a magnificent horseman.

Then along the Alpine Way, to Threadbo, Cooma and lunched at Jindabyne. We arrived at John and Caroline’s Home by 5pm. Linda drove all the way in a most spectacular fashion. I don’t know how she got us here so well. I closed my eyes for a short while and hey presto we arrived! Noddy felt very special being parked in the garage with two other morgans, sheer bliss. John and Caroline were very welcoming, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the club before having a good laugh and cuppa with port on our return.

1st May Tuross Head to Megalong Valley

Alas the morgans did not breed overnight! What a disappointment. I enjoyed John’s porridge for breakfast. It was so good I had seconds, yum. He took me for a ride in his series 1, 1949 Morgan.

This is an extremely authentic, well loved and maintained edition of our mark. Linda also insisted on having a ride in the series 1, she too was amazed at how great the series 1 was, it was her first ride in a series 1. John and Caroline showed us around their town and all the sites. After fond farewells we left just after lunch.

Linda drove all the way back. She certainly put her foot down but I felt extremely safe because I nodded off to sleep. We covered the distance in 5.5 hours

I had a fantastic mog holiday. All the Australian Morganeers made me most welcome. I would like to thank all the members of MOCA for making it such a wonderful holiday, especially Geoff and Stephanie for their organisation. THANK YOU ALL.

2nd May Back Home at Megalong

A day of catching up. I computed all day and half the night! Linda did 5 loads of washing and putting the gear away, after our great Tassie tour. Linda collapsed by the tele at night and I kept computing. Just another ordinary day really, boring!

3rd May

Linda off for 6.30 am swim at Fairmont Leura, I slept in and we breakfasted together when she got back. I down loaded my blog with lots of photos and flicka. Washed and cleaned Noddy. Finished in time for a nice glass or three of red!

Blog 10

23th April at Stanley

I spent all day on the computer trying to down load my Blog. I wanted to go out with Linda but I had free internet, so I was stuck inside. I must say this site is great and well worth the money. It’s a Big 4 caravan site at Stanley. Bob Little had a problem with his rear wheel bearing and I could not help him, because I was blogging, what a bummer! Still I had to down load my Blog, as this was the first and only opportunity I had.

Anyway we met up with all the Morgan group for a fantastic free BBQ on site. We all had a fantastic time, well done Geoff and Stephanie for the organization. Lots of good tucker and great fun. Unfortunately it was the last night that Stan (NBC) and Bianca will be with us, so Geoff had a little presentation for them. Also Bianca earned her morgan wings, so she can drive the mog herself. Well done Bianca, just hope she looses the splinter in her foot, so now she can put it down!

Today was a very wet day so I did not really miss out on much. Linda only visited “Highfield“ historic site, Joe Lyon’s (past prime minister of oz) birth house, and a walk up the Nut (headland) at Stanley.

24th April at Stanley

I down loaded yesterdays photos, before heading west to Tarkine Forest. It was fine when we left but we drove through torrential rain before arriving there. I found lots of bargains there because it is closing down permanently next week. I had a great lunch and the rain stopped so I took the opportunity to enjoy the temperate rainforest. The air was really fresh, the forest sparkled with new rain and it was an invigorating experience. Wonderful really. I can’t understand why Forestry Tasmania is closing the site, it will be a real loss to the region. It has some wonderful boardwalks, magical forests, great explanations of the forest animals, and the staff could not have been more helpful. Dismal Swamp ( a sinkhole) was not in the least dismal, it was fascinating.

I then journeyed on to the Edge of the World. This was at Arthur River, where the sea was roaring and the wind howling. I drove back via Marrawah and Redpa seeing lots of milking cows and passing the Duck River Butter Factory, at Smithton. It was most unusual to see herds of Jersey cows for milking. Usually I see the black and white Freisens. I also saw black Angus and Hereford beef cattle. The countryside was coated in a velvet green after all the rain. Absolutely wonderful morgan touring country. I came home and ate everybodys left overs from the BBQ, last night. Dined like a king on steak, salad, stewed apples and ice cream. Yum.

25th ANZAC Day Stanley to Sheffield

I let Sheffield after a pleasant stay at the Big 4 caravan site. I had the privilege of driving Geoff’s green plus 8 which zipped along well. The scenery was outstanding, I stopped at Boat Harbour, which was so scenic we decided to have a morgan photo shoot.

Then I drove on to Penguin, but the roads were shut with the ANZAC Day marches, so I had a few detours. Some morgans stopped for fuel, so the group ended up as two groups. We rejoined our group at Seven Sheds Beer Brewery, Railton. I had a beer tasting before I had a full glass of my favorite beer. Then I had a tour of the brewery with the owner and master brewer. I lunched there before going on to Sheffield were I am staying for two nights. Sheffield can only boast dial up internet, so had I a look about and found lots of very interesting murals all over the town.

Blog 9

9th April

I finished a few jobs at the farm that required my attention. Then packed up my clothes ready for Tasmania. I still had to put two cigarette lighters in Linda’s Morgan, so we can use the satnav and charge the phone, simultaneously. I spent much of the day on the net downloading my blog, reading my thousand emails, and deleting many of them.

!0th April

We are off!! (almost) Linda got me up at the crack of dawn. I was packed and Linda was flapping around, made me a cup of tea and toast and packed a few sandwiches for lunch. Then we said our good byes. I had some goggles for the Morgan as Linda had her aero windscreens up with no full windscreen. Linda took a fancy to my goggles and put them down in the garage, after inspecting them. I could not find them when it was time to leave. So we had to almost unpack the Morgan before we remembered that the last time we had seen them was in the garage.We drove off in good time to meet up with the others a two and a half hour trip.

Linda then discovered she had not got her Morgan top so we went back again. Fortunately we did as she had left it on the tonneau and it had fallen off onto the road. She picked it up from the middle of the road, and we were both relieved to find it. We caught up with the rest of the Morgan gang at Sutton Forest. We also saw Bob and Noelene Bailey that came to see us off.

We travelled in convoy to Yass, lunching at Coronation Park. I managed to burn my right index finger on the new cigarette lighter, while trying to explain to Linda how the blo-dy thing worked! So Linda passed me the water bottle and got some paw paw cream at a nearby shop just to make me feel better. Really it was a lot of fuss about nothing except now I have some interesting ring burns on the end of my finger. We stopped at the “Dog on the Tucker Box”, 5 miles from Gundagai. Our next stop was Poets Rest Motel at Gundagai, where Linda washed the road dust off Noddy before enjoying a convivial meal with all the morganeers. The meal was delicious. Then off to bed.

11th April

Linda was up very early to go for a walk with Geoff. I was still asleep just trying to unwind after all my work at the farm. Linda got me breakfast in bed with a cup of tea. We packed up hurriedly in the end because I was late getting out of bed. Still we were just ready by 9.30am for the days run. We drove through some amazingly cold weather and grey snow clouds, before being engulfed by rain. (We still had the hood down, which was fine as long as we didn’t stop!) We stopped at Holbrook for fuel for Noddy, and top hat on, tea and coffee for us humans. Also we ate all our fruit and veg before crossing into Victoria, where they would have been confiscated because of disease concerns. This included lots of tomatoes. We also saw the submarine HMAS Otway. Our lunch stop was at Chilturn, which is classified by the National Trust of Australia. It was like stepping back in time to the 1880s. Linda had a ball with all the old tins and really found some bargains. I didn’t realize till then how valuable tins were. She bought an old Arnotts Biscuit Tin for $1, while round the corner it was for sale at $70! Our next stop was at Glenrowan, where Ned Kelly made his last stand, at Anne Jones “Glenrowan Inn”. Ned is one of my heroes. We saw a live theatre re-enactment of Ned’s life from the day of the seige at Glenrowan to his hanging in Pentridge Goal. We had a lovely coffee with the Jodikins, Stan and Biancia. We arrived late back at our digs because Linda was driving so fast we went past the Benalla Leisure Park, our accommodation place! We had a frustrating drive around Benalla before finding the Park. We were relieved to find our Morganeer mates had cooked us a lovely BBQ dinner. Geoff was glad we had eventually turned up, like two bad pennies! We had a really lovely evening swapping stories for the day. The best one was Vern running out of petrol and being rescued by the Chatfields. Last night Vern was bragging how economically his car was running! No wonder if you don’t bother to put fuel in it! Several reds later all was forgiven and I staggered off to bed.

12th April

Linda had a good look around Benalla tourist centre while I rested in. Geoff called by and said we were meeting there for a 11 am kick off. Linda came back and collected me and the gear and we both went to the centre. We saw Ned Kelly’s original green silk scarf that he won whilst a child when saving another child from drowning, and he wore at the siege of Glenrowan. Also the witness box that the Kelly’s often appeared in from Benalla Court House. Also saw the goal door on which Joe Byrnes body was suspended while being photographed. Saw Ned Kelly’s horse’s bridle, which had a bullet hole in it. The Kelly Gangs horses were shot during the siege to prevent the outlaw’s escape. We lunched at Broadford and meet up with Peter Ffrench another Morganeer. We travelled in convoy to Melbourne to Chris Van Wyckes morgan dealership, where he had laid on a good feed. We meet Tony Brown, NBC, who owns a beautiful green flat rad. Next we drove to the ferry to Tassie in convoy being piloted by the morgan agent. Fantastic workshop at Zagames where we meet the principal and a lot of his staff. Including his son who has put in an order for a new aero 8, as well as being a brilliant coffee maker. Waited for ages in queues before getting on board “The Sprit of Tasmania”. Had a twin cabin berth, very tiny and not worth the money. Hardly any sleep all night!

13th April

Huge queues again to get disembarked. We were all invited to Mac & Marji place for breakfast. We had a fantastic breakfast, cereal and cooked with fresh Tasmanian produce. Including champagne. All hosted and supplied by Mac and Marje of Devonport, trophy winner at Targa. Also met up with other Tassie morganeers, Sally Brian John and Jack Frost from Launceston.

We eventually managed to drag ourselves away from his 25 car spotless garage! It was the shed to die for, we were all very envious. Our first stop was at Westbury where the Smiths had a flat front tyre. Barbarra thought the steering was very heavy but Ian thought she was exaggerating. However the tyre was very flat when they inspected it! Typical male! We were on the job very smartly and had the problem solve in no time at all. Next wet off for Campbell Town were we meet some more Tassie morganeers. They said we must go and see Ross and Oatlands. This we did. Ross was very interesting but Oatlands apart from the windmill, was hardly worth the long drive. We got to our billet by 6pm, exhausted and hungry.

14th April

Sleep in horaah Linda went off to Freycinet with David to do a 3 hour walk at 8.30 am. I stayed in to download my Blog and do some shopping for tonights dinner. Geoff called to say Roger and Richard were passing, so I called and arranged to meet them at the local bakery for a coffee. I saw Rogers rebuilt plus 8. It was absolutely fantastic! Lots of new chrome bits, upgraded brakes and all sorts of new goodies, under the bonnet.

Went back to our digs to attend to Linda’s very stiff passenger door, which refused to open or close easily. I fixed it! I spent the rest of my time doing my pictures. Linda arrived back exhausted after her trek at Freycinet. All the morganeers went to the local bakery/pub Bark Mill Tavern, where 30 plus people all enjoyed dinner, drinks and a convivial evening.

15th April

Early start on the road by 8.30am, off to Port Arthur. Hope they don’t detain me and allow me back to jolly old England!

I was driving south on Tasman Highway today and what fun I had! Linda had kittens when I past about 6 Morgans and a saloon car. I just got fed up with following sedate Morgans. Our first stop was Sorell for morning tea, really my breakfast. I drove on to the blowhole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, all very interesting geological formations. Our digs were Port Arthur Caravan Park, so we unloaded there before going to the historic site. I had a poke about there, but it was a very cold day Linda was absorbed by the history, the museum, and artifacts. I tried on some leg irons, which were very heavy! Glad I don’t had to wear them every day! We had a cruise round the harbour. Saw isle of the dead where 1100 people are buried on a rocky knoll of 2 acres. Also Point Puer, where the first boys prison existed. This was the first juvenile prison any where in the world. Cutting edge detention? Well at least it kept the kids away from the harden adults and gave them some skills and education. Still the kids literally got away with murder there! Souvenirs seemed expensive there and I had a long cold wait for Linda. Glad to be home and feed (T bone steak) and wined! Good digs and excellent cooking kitchen. Linda was off for a ghost tour of the historic site and wasn’t back till late, I was asleep.

16th April

On the road by 9am. Well almost, that was before Stan turned up and asked Julia for a screw! He had diagnosed a distributor problem and needed a new screw to replace a self tapping screw! I replaced the screw and fixed it, so it would hold firm. The mere males were amused that I could solve the problem that was insurmountable to them. Linda travelled with Stan for moral support and Bianca drove Linda’s mog to John W’s home all the way to Dodge Ferry. Where his wife had put on a sumptuous morning tea, while he rethreaded the distributor and solved Stan’s problem permanently. However Stan did say I was the best screw he had had in a long time.

We stopped at Richmond and meet Robert and Peta Russell. They were pleased to see a 4 seater in the flesh. The first they had ever seen. Peta recommended a hairdresser in Hobart at Salamanca, and Robert phoned them and made an appointment for me that afternoon. I was desperate for a haircut. This was the first opportunity I had to achieve this. The hairdresser meet me with a large glass of red wine, which turned into two. I had a wonderful style cut and was thrilled with the result. It made my day! Linda was waiting for me to chauffeur me back to our digs. This was surprising since I had given her a hard time earlier in the day! Naughty me! Good night sweetheart time for bed.

17th April

Up early at 5.30am, very excited about all the morgan display at Parliament House today. Can’t decide what to wear! Gave Linda an early morning cuppa but I don’t think she really appreciated it. Can’t understand why, its her birthday and its only 5.30am! Busy morning preparing Noddy for the display. He has had a wash and sparkled, with aero windscreens at the ready. We were first out ready to go, makes a nice change really being ready so early. All the mogs fell in line behind us. Now we are only waiting for Geoff and Steph to take the lead. Oh no, they have snuck out the other exit and we aren’t second! Hope we don’t get left at any lights on route. Phew we made it to the display. All mogs sparkling and all eyes on the seventeen morgans, as we drove through Hobart Town. We caused quite a stir. We even had local morganeers with us too. Richard and Roger arrived later. The NBC then included, R & R, Stan, Vern, Linda and I. I talked to lots of people, had coffee etc. Found some good bargains at Salamanca Markets and in the local shops. Then we visited Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia. Lucky I bought that leather/ fur vest as we went up Mount Wellington and it was freezing but a great view over Hobart. Unfortunately it was a bit misty and the sun was in the wrong place. Returned back to our digs in time for dinner out at the Soho Pub with all the morganeers. We had a jolly time and the night just flew by. 10pm now so off to bed. Good night all!

18th April

Robert and Peta Phillips lead a mog run to Franklin and Cygnet, south of Hobart. We left about 9.30am, following the TARGA route via Mt Wellington before grabbing the main rd south.

I had a lovely long back coffee and macadamian chocolate nut slice at the “Court of Petty Sessions” Franklin. Next we saw the wooden boat building place at Franklin. They use Huon Pine exclusively for their boats. This pine grows only in Tasmania. It can stay on the forest floor for 100 years and not rot. This is because it has natural oils. It floats well is light weight and light in colour. Next I had picnic lunch at Cygnet. Stopped on the way back to Hobart at Margate where a stationary train has been converted into shops. I had a lovely dinner with Steph and Geoff, Sue and Peter, before repacking and off to bed.

19th April

Early start on the road at 8am. First stop Salmon Ponds at Plenty. These were fabulous. I saw lots of different trout including albinos and tasmanian salmon. It was a very worthwhile stop, with beautiful mature trees.

I had coffee on route before stopping at “The Wall in the Wilderness”. This was absolutely amazing, stunning in fact. No photos were allowed to be taken so I can’t post any on the web! You will just have to visit for yourself. It was a 12 foot wall mural carved out of Huon Pine. Queenstown proved to be very interesting. It is a gold rush town established in the Victorian era. Lovely drive down with beautiful scenery to our digs at Strahan. Tired after a long drive.

20th April 2010

Up early for boat trip to enjoy the wilderness. Just got mog roof on in time before it started raining quite heavily! Drove to dock and caught “Lady Frankiln” boat, had a wet but lovely boat trip down Macquarie Harbour. Excellent lunch with lovely Tasmanian Smoked Salmon. Stan and Bianca paddled down the river in a tour group from our boat, and I was very jealous, because I wanted to go too. The rainforest was amazing but wet. Sarah Island was enthralling. It was a penal settlement in 1822 established to house the second offenders. That is convicts that were repeat offenders. It was very savage punishment meted out. Three cats of nine tails were woven together to make a 27 tail cat (whip) that was soaked in salt water to make it stiff and cut into their flesh more. 100 lashes were not unknown. The authorities put ergot disease in the wheaten bread to cause it to go mouldy early, so the convicts would not store the bread for escape. Problem was the ergot was hallucinogenic and the convicts enjoyed the trip! Convicts made pacts to murder one and the other be hanged for the murder so they could be buried in consecrated ground, and they would go to heaven. Life on Sarah Island was really bad until a scotsman came along and voluntarily settled on the island and used the local Huon Pine and convict labour to make ships. He would train the convicts in ship building then employ them in his dock in Hobart. Escapes became less frequent and the convicts had vocational training plus a job of trade to go to on release. Really the first TAFEs in Australia. The convicts had negotiated their work conditions with a tot of rum, fishing and free time on Sunday, and extra rations. Really the first work place negotiations in Australia. History in the making at Sarah Island. Really an enchanting island with an amazing past.

21st April 2010

Another early start to catch the wilderness railway to Queenstown. I had a nice day going up the mountain in the rack and pinion railway. We began with a diesel engine then changed half way to the rack and pinion steam engine. Unfortunately I couldn’t take to many photos. The boat trip was much better yesterday. The ancient rainforest was lovely to see. The train trip was only one way from Strahan to Queenstown. The return trip was via coach. Luckily we were dropped at our digs on return and saved the taxi fare back ($2 each). Linda went out and bought some T bone steaks and veg for BBQ dinner. Then off to bed for another early get away tomorrow.

22nd April 2010

Slept in till 7am. Then Vern popped in to say he was a little off colour and would I drive his V8 today. Well I was really chuffed to be asked and thrilled to have the opportunity. I drove from Strahan to Zeehan.

We went to the Mining and Mineral Museum in Zeehan. Zeehan is name after one of the ships Abel Tasman sailed in his voyage of adventure (1642) to discover Tasmania. Tasman actually called this land Van Dieman’s Land, which is what the Island was called until it became self governing. The museum was fab. I don’t usually go for museums but this one was outstanding. Apart from the minerals and gems it had all the local history, thearter, police station, court house, blacksmith shop, and masonic lodge all faithfully preserved, as a time piece. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Zeehan. I drove to Hellyer Gorge in convoy with the other mogs, I went third, very boring for Vern’s hotted up V8! So after lunch I voomed out first and let the V8 had its head. Well what an exhilarating experience it was, we simply flew to Stanley. I didn’t notice the wonderful scenery, I was too focused on driving. We arrived first in our group, of course, and booked in at our digs. Very nice accommodation, possibly the best so far. Last stop was dirty and no room to swing a cat.