Blog 3

Feb 22nd
Geoff has a 4/4/4 seater in his garage that he is rebuilding and in the proceeds of stripping it down. Geoff had already taken all the wings doors & and bonnet off.


So down to business we got. The tunnel, gear box cover was removed. As Geoff had got a new shock-absorber conversion set for the back. I thought it best to fit the shocks conversion for him and drill the necessary holes in the chassis etc. then remove the shocks again as well as the rear springs. So then it is ready for him to take a leaf out.

By this time it was dinner time and Stephanie almost had to drag us out off the garage, a welcome bath and a large glass or two of that special red went down extremely well. Linda arrived to join us for dinner.

Feb 23rd
Linda has arrived to collect me, we left Geoff & Stephanie’s home. I must say I was made very welcome and their hospitality was outstanding. Linda drove me to Richard's home to fetch Plod, as usual he was working in his garage on his Cobra. We did not stay long as time was running out.
I parked up Plod at Linda’s farm in the Blue Mountains and set out to organize my self and Plod.

Feb 24th

Linda had to spray all the Blackberries on her farm as in Australia they are a menace. First thing was to get the spray unit working fortunately it was only a dirty contact. Filled up the tank and off we went, we finished late at about eight o’clock (gosh she does work me hard I’m supposed to be on holiday) after spraying two large fields. I just about had the energy to cook up a chicken supreme and rice for dinner.


Feb 25th

Up late after our long day on the 24th. Sprayed a few shrubs with the rest of what was left in the tank.

Linda’s daughter Gwen arrived with grandson Jack age 3 years. So that put a stop to the spraying. Instead I repaired the mower only a slight adjustment with a hammer was required.

I then started to try and organize Plod again! Along came two nice young men, to go shooting Pigs, or what ever moved, with a very modern bow and arrow. I thought I was going to spit roast a boar that night for dinner, but no luck they did not even catch a fly.


Feb 26th

A Series 2A 1971 Land Rover needed my attention. It had been stuck in a barn for around 7 to 10 years I started the engine by borrowing Plods battery, cleaned the plugs and points, pumped up the petrol by hand, blew up the tyres. Bother it would not drive, I kept trying to drive it but to no avail. I thought I would have to take the gear box out as the clutch had stuck, I was not surprised. Oh well I must just have another go and woe betide it moved with some smoke and a little burning, I think those mice had to run for their life!

I now have to fix the brakes. Time for a bottle of that red.

Feb 27th

I jacked up the Land Rover and placed it on logs of wood. Removed all wheels, wheel cylinders, brake shoes and throughly cleaned all the grease and gunge off. By then it was time to clean up. I scrubbed myself with Jiff before having a plunge bath with more Jiff!

We were in rather a hurry as we were off to visit the neighbours before it got dark. We drove around some fields with beautiful scenery before arriving at a vineyard and on to Megalong Beef Door who is the proud owner of an MG Y Saloon. There are only about 30 of these worldwide left. This one still had its original leather upholstery, which was in immaculate condition. It was a black convertible tourer. Glen, Linda’s nephew, a charming young hunk, allowed me to borrow his toggle for the computer. This would not work when we got home, so he came up to get it going, but it still didn’t work. My word doesn’t time fly its already midnight and I have to be up early tomorrow for lunch at Richards. Guess I miss my beauty sleep again, and boy do I need it!

Blog 2

Feb 18th

This day was a trip into Sydney to some of those very exclusive shops. Far out of my price range even in the sales. It was nice to have a look just to see how the other half live. I did buy a few things like shampoo, and some rare music for my daughter that I was lucky enough to find.


Home again to Geoff & Stephanie's nice and early as they were having a party with a few friends from the Morgan club.

Feb 19th 20th 21st

A weekend at the races (cars not horses)

We are all off to Goulburn at the Wakefield Park Race course N.S.W. Quite a few Morgan members do the scrutineering for the race cars and I was invited to help a trainee scrutineer and that was really good fun being able to have a good look at most of the race cars underneath and of course in the engines. We only had one Morgan a 1969 +8 owned and raced by Graeme Downer, he did not quite win but not far off.

Geoff and myself were on the start line for some of the time raising the start flag, also up in the tower on the course and what a fine position I had for photos although I did not get very many good ones. My sister Sheila would of loved it. I had great fun talking to a great many drivers about there cars. The weather was rather on the hot side and the backs of my hands got sun burnt.

Back home to Geoff’s place, and a slight adjustment to his fan belt as it was squeaking.

Blog 1

Feb 14th England, I am off to Australia.

Eventually after waiting patiently for my leg to heal the day has arrived. I packed and unpacked and re packed my luggage in order to get my cases no more than 23K I might add that was not at all easy. My Daughter took me to the bus station in Exeter and off I went.

I had quite a long wait at Heathrow, but then that was no hardship as I find people very friendly and interesting especially when one is traveling on ones own.

Luggage stowed away and off we flew with BA. Wine, Dinner, and then a sleeping pill, waking up just in time for breakfast.

We arrived at Singapore with only a one hour turnaround, we all had to leave the air craft while it was cleaned and refueled.

I do not know why but to my amazement I and several other people were made up free of charge into Business Class and what a difference that was; we had beds to lay down on and I won’t go on about it but the food and wine was like a really posh restaurant.

Feb 16th

I arrived at Sydney airport and went through the customs and declared all my goodies. I was let through with no duty to pay. Best to be safe than sorry.

On the train I got and off to Gordon I went. I was staying with Geoff Hollins, a Morgan owner, for a few days. My Taxi arrived, Geoff, and a very warm welcome awaited me.

Feb 17th

My personal taxi took me to the rail station and off I went to explore the Sydney Zoo, Taronga Train to Circular Quay and then a ferry to the Zoo. It was a lovely fine sunny day not like back in England. A cable car to the top and then gradually walked down. The highlight was the Seal Show, who said Seals can't talk. The Free-flight Bird Show was very good as well. Elephant’s, Giraffes, Big cats, and even a Big Bear.