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!