Blog 8

Blog 8

27th March Saturday

I got up late, Linda went off to spray blackberries, James and Bindi off to slash the paddock for the Easter campers. Bindi came back with the ride on mower because it wasn’t cutting the grass. This needed my attention when I arose. I found it was stuck with long grass clippings. I cleaned it, tightened the pulley, hit it with a hammer and unjammed it. This solved the problem. However by the time Bindi got back to the paddock it wouldn’t work, so she put it in the shed. What a waste of time! It had broken itself again while going back to the paddock. All the machinery round here is old and needs humoring, just like a man. It obviously needs a women’s gentle touch.

We decided to go swimming for some relaxation. Linda did her usual 2km. While I managed 10 laps, not a bad effort for me. I must admit I did feel refreshed after the dip and the sauna. Next I got on the internet to up date my emails, blog 7 etc. At night we watched a good movie called “Enigma”, about the code breakers at Bletchley Park, Milton Keys, during WW2, while enjoying a good bottle of South Australian red wine.

Up for midnight feast of more red wine, cheese and cream crackers. Unfortunately there was only Linda and I to enjoy this! Where are all the hunks?

28th March Sunday

First job today is to reinstall the dish washer in the kitchen. This could prove a little tricky as the pipe broke when I was taking it out. Old brittle plastic pipe is difficult to handle, just like men. Next we defrosted and moved out 2 fridges to the back verandah, in preparation for tiling the laundry floor.

29th Monday

We both had an early morning swim at 6.30am at Fairmont Resort Leura. Great swim but terrible time of the day to be abroad. After a good breakfast and a chat on skype, we went to Richmond where I had a good look about the town. We did some supermarket shopping at Coles (like Sainsbury). Back to Penrith to get more tiles for the laundry and exchenge gas fitting that didn’t seal properly. Also got some more outside power points and electrical cable (another job awaiting me!) (think I’ll have to come back next year to do all these jobs!)

30th Tuesday

Linda off for another early swim, I needed a sleep in after all our adventures. I went on line to update emails etc. Back at the farm we defrosted the freezer and moved it to the back verandah. Removed the gun cabinet, which was bolted to the wall and the washing machine and laundry tub. O no not another drain problem! Now I have discovered a 2 inch pipe that empties into a 5 inch pipe and low and behold they don’t line up, nor does the drain hole in the laundry! Looks like I have to go under the house again! Bug-er, Sh--. What a fiasco this job has turned out to be! One job just demands the attention of another. I think these convicts that come out really earned their keep, just wish they knew how to plumb! Just for some light relief Linda said we had a flash flood in the kitchen with the dish washer in action. I was really pis--d off now! I went to investigate just to find she was only joking! Then we had a really good laugh. We took the old linoleum tiles up and discovered we had a concrete floor instead of a wooden floor. That will be a challenge for new plumbing! What a challenge we have, what a laugh we have! Guess you have to smile as you go under!

31st Wednesday

Last day before all the marauding hordes arrive. Up early to carry on, first sorted motorbike battery before removing cemented tiles in laundry. Really looking forward to meeting the odd 50 or so of some of Linda’s extended family. It should be a hoot if Linda is anything to go by. Very chilly today, I think we need to light the rayburn (aga) wood heater. It’s really 15 degrees Celsius, not bad by English standards but it does feel cold, guess it’s because its raining the chill factor kicks in. We had 30 mL rain yesterday and 29.4mL rain today. Think it will be another wet easter having a drink or three around a wet fire that won’t light! Better get to work just to keep warm. Bloody drains again, now the bathroom drains are leaking! Can’t believe how long it takes to get jobs done. We had to go all the way to Katoomba to get washers for the drains. Even then we couldn’t get what we wanted. This was a three hour trip! What a waste of time. Put battery in motorbike, fixed jockey wheel trailer with correct U bolts, realigned bolt in ride on lawn mower, put diesel in tractor, connected slasher, all before I could start on the laundry floor. Managed to sand floor and apply sealant before making rissoles for dinner. Linda back by 8pm after slashing orchard and lane way. Another eventful day on the farm. You never know what will happen next here! Also we lost a chicken tonight. 11 chickens went out for a run but only 10 chickens came back! Mother chock was very upset to loose one of her brood!

1st April

“All Fools Day” today guess I must be a fool to be here! Those blo-dy drains strike again. This time the laundry drains needed sorting before I started tiling! Another excursion under the house to investigate again! Think I can sort it but don’t want to waste another day on drains so decide to begin tiling laundry. First though I have a big cooked breakfast courtesy of Linda. While she is cooking I tried to stop the diamond tile cutter from wobbling. Very frustrating, so I sent Linda off to Blackheath to get another washer or disc. I began tiling. All going swimmingly till Linda decided to do some clothes washing and caused a flash flood on the back verandah. Difficult to stay focused on the job with all the distractions Linda throws up! Guests began to arrive first Dave with caravan in tow. Then Ben and Finlay in BMW coupe. Eventually Gwen and Jack rock up. Gwen is stunned by the finished kitchen floor and really appreciates the gas stove! WOW! I am still tiling trying to get the laundry floor finished by the end of the day but I didn’t quite make it. I had a quick bath and off to the camp site for a few well earned Bushmill whiskeys. Dave’s wife Jenny had arrived and as the night wore on so did two of their children, Sandy and Angela. Next to rock up was Mitchell another young motor bike fanatic. We all enjoyed a roaring fire and great yarns. Several bushmills later we toddled back home to enjoy dinner which Ben and Gwen had prepared.

2nd April “Good Friday”

Day off work today! I’m not doing anything! Linda washing clothes this time minus the flash flood, thank goodness, because I fixed it before she started! Phoned home to make sure David was coping ok and wish the kids a happy birthday. People started arriving for the easter break. Several people walked to the Cox’s River about 3 miles distant but 1500 vertical feet drop. We picked them up in a four wheel drive ute. Wonderful scenery lively company, much frivolity.

3rd April

More people arrived to celebrate easter. More socializing with more of Linda’s family. There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of relatives, food, drink and good fun. We walked down the hill through the paddocks (3 miles) to Glen’s farm next door. More food, Gwenda had made a yummy fruit cake and celebrating before returning home to a delicious corn beef from Megalong Beef. Further company was enjoyed with the campers round the camp fire, which was enlivened by many sprits much alcohol and good company.

4th April

Everyone exchanged easter eggs. I think ozies must be chocaholics, with the amount of chocolates consumed today. Chocolate eggs, chickens, chicks, bilbies, blocks and even easter buns! The assembled family of some 50 odd enjoyed the ozie BBQ and salads of all descriptions. We indulged so much that dinner in the evening was skipped. All the children participated in an easter egg hunt. The kids were armed with a plastic bag each and went off to look for chocolate easter eggs and chicks. The easter egg hunt seems to be a tradition in oz. All the little ones were well satisfied by there haul. We rounded up a wonderful day by enjoying lots of stories round the camp fire.

5th April

Generally went from camp to camp chatting to most people. The weekend was rather on the hectic side to say the least. By 5pm most people had gone and the house was quite again thank goodness. So I laid a few more tiles in the laundry room. Ben turned up to have a chat with Linda, two people siting in the kitchen did not bother me at all, after all the gathered clan had left.

6th April

I did some grouting and and cleaned up the tiled laundry room. Watched a DVD of PD James a murder series and promptly fell a sleep, after de-stressing with several whiskeys.

7th April

Started to put back the sink and washing mashing and that meant crawling under the house again, yes you got it, I fixed the drains again! A trip to Blackheath for more pipes and parts. Then I went under the house again only to be distracted by the ginger cat “Boot”, who was crawling all over me! Boot tried to get access to the house via the hole in the floor. Boot needed a cuddle before I could go on. Next Linda’s two great nephews, Heath and Finley, wanted to inspect under the house also. Typically inquisitive little children, they wanted to know what was going on, plus they found all sorts of interesting junk. Hurrah all the drains done! Now for a bottle of Champagne unfortunately we have none! Ha Ha the jokes on me!

8th April Thursday

Chickens off for a holiday. We have to farm out the house animals so we can head off to Tasmania. I put the gun cabinet back in place and secured it to the wall. Also put the fridge and freezer back in their respective positions. This accomplished I fixed a new chrome drain cap so it was level with the new floor. Along came Fran to say good bye with her 4 lovely young children, so that took up an hour or so. Back to packing and ironing, when there was a knock on the back door which meant we had two complete strangers in the camp. These two poor lost soles, Owen and had been tramping all day since 7am and had just walked up a hill 1500 vertical feet in three miles. Needless to say they were exhausted, so I revived them with a hot cup of sweet tea and Linda drove them back some 6 km to their car.

So now out came the Whiskey and the Red wine, while waiting for our dinner to cook. We had had quite a few drinks before eating. I couldn’t work out why dinner was taking so long to cook. Then I realized I had the gas cooker on low, so no wonder dinner took so long. Oh well better have another drink! 10pm is rather late for dinner though. Especially since breakfast was so long ago.

Blog 7

18th March “Carry on”

Happy Wedding anniversary to me! Cleaned kitchen floor ready for sealing. Sealed floor with liquid blue sealant. Left it for rest of the afternoon to dry. So we went out for the afternoon to celebrate Bindi’s birthday.

19th March

Linda did her usual 2km swim, while I down loaded my blog. Back to the farm in the afternoon and began tiling on the dry sealed floor. After 7 hours we then had a BBQ dinner with a bottle of ozzie red.

20th March

Exhausted after 9.5 hours of tiling the kitchen floor. Marathon effort! Knees aching. Got Linda on the lawn mowing so she was out of my hair and I could concentrate on the job at hand. Fish and eggs for dinner. Enjoying our outside cooking and eating. (Alfresco) Flopped into bed after a few beers. XXXX

21st March

A good breakfast of farm fresh eggs, bacon and tomatoes. My favorite.

Then back to tiling. Lots of tile cutting to fill in the gaps. My hands are getting swollen. Well I guess I can expect that after 6 hours of cutting. I’m supposed to be on holiday! That’s a laugh. Everyone was feeling happy till happy got up and left. Contemplating what to have for dinner while enjoying a glass of red wine. When ever am I going to finish that Land Rover!!!!!!!

22nd March

Linda off swimming again. I’m back to gluing tiles on the edges. At least I can have a lay in with Linda absent. I have finished the kitchen floor, apart from grouting what a relief..

I did enjoy doing the floor, a little rushed as we wanted to get it all finished before Easter for the big family party. I offered to do the floor as the cost was rather on the high and I was very pleased to be able to save Linda a packet.

I fed the cat and chickens and put them to bed after they had their afternoon run, as Linda had to go to Sydney, for doctor check up.

23rd March

I had a steady day tidying up, rehung a cupboard door as I had to saw a tile width off. Cooked chicken and baked potato for dinner, while Linda was still mowing the lawns at the cottage until it got to dark to see. Stayed up late to watch a video “A Man Called Intrepid”. not bad really. Linda off stacking ZZZZZZs early as she was exhausted, no stamina!

24th March

Cool morning just like at home. Days very warm about 30 degrees celsius. Installed power point on back verandah and worked out how to install outside power point for hedge trimmer. All before lunch. Sent Linda off for more cable so I could have a bit of a break. Morning plans abandoned by the afternoon when I came up with a brilliant idea of how to run the outside power point. A trip to Blackheath to renew supplies and back to the job. Didn’t finish till 7pm but long afternoon light with daylight saving, doesn’t make the job seem so bad. Great T bone steak for dinner washed down with a few reds, delicious. Another job accomplished but it seemed to take ages, it didn’t go to plan but a great finish. Looking forward to Tasmania, still Linda is great company even when I am working as I am not the easiest person to get along with when I am on a project.

25th March

Slept in after good nights sleep. Took it easier today reorganized the BBQ and redrilled the jets in the BBQ so now it works well. We tried it out for dinner with some lamb chops and steak. Linda went blackberry spraying today and then had to drive a few heifers and steers back to their paddock. Another job, obviously the fencing is not up to snuff!

26th March

Up late after a good nights sleep. Finished straightening stump table and placing it onto plinths, Linda off spraying blackberries while I grouted kitchen floor. This took 5 hours, finished just in time for James to christen gas stove at 8pm. Had a well deserved rest after lunch and watched Prime Suspect 4. Mark Goff and Owen visited and went hunting. They managed to kill 2 feral pigs, a sow and a piglet. Pretty good considering they used a bow and arrow. They came back exhausted and drove back to Sydney. Long drive just to hunt pigs. Guess they must be dedicated. James and Bindi were very impressed with what we have accomplished since being at “Sunny Ridge”, Megalong Valley. So far it has all been a very enjoyable challenge, just to see the look on many a mans face.

Blog 6

March 10th

Early morning start at 5.30am. Off to Fairmont Resort Leura for swim. I had a shower and skipped the swim (too tired from yesterday but what a great day we had!) but Linda swam 2km. Bought more batteries at Scotts Leura, picked up Morgan from garage got plumbing supplies eventually got breakfast and then went on net, while Linda went to various appointments. Shopping at the new Aldi store at Katoomba. Meet one of Linda’s friends, Wendy, who had just celebrated her 89th b’day. Her husband Stephan was a lecturer in Physics at Sydney Uni. At 96 he is very mentally alert and a wonderful pianist. Home to bed at the farm at 9.30pm.

March 11th

Shopping at Richmond and Penrith. Chain saw sharpened and tried 4 ton log splitter at Richmond. It couldn’t split knotty piece of wood. Next tried 7 ton log splitter at Penrith. It too couldn’t split knotty piece, but could shave edges off, then after much difficulty the knotty piece exploded out of the splitter in pieces! The shop assistants had not seen anything like it! Nor had we! They said they had not been unable to split a piece of wood before. Linda's farm grows them hard twisted and knotty . Then we got extra tiles and glue etc for kitchen, before collecting gas stove at Seconds World. Also got battery for motor bike at Westerns. Exhausted we returned home to en-vibe with a good red.

March 12th

Shopping again but this time locally at Blackheath. It took 4 hours at the hardware just to get a few bits. They couldn’t understand what I wanted! Still we did give the Isuzu truck a good run, after it had been sitting in the shed for months. Amazingly it started first time! Julia said “thank god for that”! Back home late and sorted out some electrical dilemmas. Nice dinner great lamb chops, veggies unfortunately though delicious were not ready at the same time as the meat. Still it was all yummy! Especially when it was washed down with a good red or irish whiskey, preferably “Bushmills”. After all they have been distilling whiskey in Northern Ireland at County Antrim for the last 400 years! By now they are bloody good at it. I’ll drink to that. Well any excuse really!

March 13th

After a beautiful morning what a stinking afternoon! Gas stove installation going well, all the right fittings, after much ado from the suppliers. Dug up plants positioned plinths for gas bottles. All going well till I discover a huge puddle of water under the sink in the kitchen. Further investigation revealed a completely blocked 5 inch drain pipe! This took several hours to resolve. Pipes had to be dismantled, cleaned and waste disposed of. What a stinking job! The only way to get rid of the stink was to have a deep bath with a 4 finger tumbler of whiskey and dry ginger ale. A pint of whiskey later I was feeling much better. Steak and sausages with veg finished the day. I followed up with more whiskey in bed. Things can only improve from here. Unfortunately I still have to crawl under the house one or three more time’s to reposition the pipe and reconnect the drain.

March 14th

Decided to finish those (adjectival) drains today! So off to Bleakheath to get drain bits to do the job. Home again and eventual success. Drain back together, now we just have to wait for the cement to set. While waiting we finished connecting gas stove but we needed gas bottle. So off to supplier to obtain one. Alas we were one elbow short for the job. It was far easier to create a bend than drill a hole in the foot deep brick wall. Next we broke the wood splitter out of its box and split the remaining logs. What fun to have all the twisted gnarled wood explode in the 7 ton splitter. It certainly saves the old back. What joy!

15th March

Linda left me while she went off to do her 2km swim. I was too knackered to go after doing the drain job. (smile) I sewed on some morgan badges while relaxing on the sun lounge. Completed gas stove and tested it. What joy it works! Fantastic! Plod is getting lonely so will have to take it for a run, some time. Oh dear Linda has come home and I haven’t got the kitchen floor up yet. There will be ructions! (smile) (Linda is not really a tyrant) Tried a new red which went down really well with the 16 year old “Lagavulin” single islay malt whiskey aged 16 years. Even I like it. Very delicious. Just one more before we stagger off to bed. Trip, stagger, hiccough, flop into bed! Drains now merely a memory and not a fond memory at that! Snore, snore, snore.

16th March

We put some tree guards around some kurrajong trees so the cattle would not eat or trample them. Naughty Linda! She dug up alovera plants so the gas bottles could rest levelly on their plinths. Well done. However she did not place them in the trailer for removal but she dumped them under a gum tree in the garden. I think she thought I wouldn’t notice but I caught her out. So I had to put them in the trailer to remove them to the tip. When challenged her excuse was I didn’t want to spread the plants and let them take root in the paddock. I said that was a feeble excuse. Then I put the jockey wheel on the trailer with the u bolts she provided but the trailer collapsed under the weight. The bolts were to feeble. I said “whats the good of these!” I guess she did try but really she is very trying! We do have a laugh.

17th March

Linda off for early morning 2km swim on St Patrick’s day. I stayed in bed trying to catch up on my beauty sleep. What a laugh. I then started preparing the kitchen floor ready for tiling. Linda returned home with a friend, Jo, and stopped me working. So out comes the bottle of red and that was the afternoon gone. Not a bad way to wash the dust out of my palate after sanding the glue and muck off the floor. Again we all had a great laugh.

18th March

After breakfast I sealed the kitchen floor ready for tiling. My goodness, I thought I was on a holiday but this is certainly not a holiday farm! I think I might set up a business in how to do it yourself jobs. Linda has got lots of female friends that need help. (Husbands not around any more). That’s men for you! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them!

Blog 5

March 8th
Early morning swim at Fairmont Resort, Leura, Blue Mts NSW. Mucked about in the morning before cutting and collecting wood in the arvo. Tried to put new battery in ride on mower, but battery base too big.

March 9th
Slow morning after a heavy night. Stacked yesterdays wood. Planned to spray blackberries but Barry had other more pressing business. He had Glen’s tractor wrapped around a power pole when trying to slash the long grass. He called to make a phone call for help, but was very dubious about help from two females. Linda and I accepted the challenge. We collect tools and set sail.

We could understand his predicament when we visualized the tractor! First we tried to pull the tractor off with the Landcruiser but the rope broke. I had suggested we get the chain from the shed but Barry assured us the thick rope was satisfactory! Typical male! I suggested we remove the wing, this proved to be the correct solution! After some difficulty and alot of time, success.

No time left to spray blackberries so I attacked the aerial wire on the power pole. Again success where mere males had failed. It’s now ready for an electricians approval.

Blog 4

Feb 28th
Linda and my self drove to Richard’s & Lizzie’s home for a BBQ. We had Lizzie’s famous prawns and steak all cooked to a T. Plenty of glorious red wine as well.
We were talking about one thing and another, mainly cars of course. I am trying to get one of Linda’s Land Rovers going. I needed lots of brake parts and Richard very kindly offered to try and get them for me. Well what a man he is! He got all I needed and at TRADE price to, what a brick he is. Linda saved a bundle. We had a wonderful time.





March1st
Removed electric stove at Megalong. Then went to Lithgow to check the price of a new gas stove and raced around doing lots off bits and pieces.

March 2nd
We went to Sydney to look at some early “Kooka” gas stoves but they were not what we wanted. We stopped at the fish market in Sydney to have some lunch, and buy some fish for tea. If any body goes to Sydney, do not miss going to the fish market, it is well worth a visit. Next we went to Penrith shops and we managed to clinch a great deal for a new gas stove. Home again after we had picked up the brake parts from Richard.


March 3rd
We had a swim and then a fabulous cup of Morgan coffee in Leura with the girls from swimming. We needed to go shopping for gas pipe and fixings.

Then we went back home as Linda had some cousins arriving from the U.K. Phillip and Kate Walker were staying for two night’s. We BBQed local Megalong Beef, which had been produced next door on Linda’s nephew’s farm. Linda’s nephew is a nice hunk of a man. He is still a bachelor and available! It was delicious meat. Unfortunately it was cooked to Linda’s taste not mine (it was a little over done), still after a few reds it doesn’t matter how it is cooked.


March 4th
Linda took us around her estate in a 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4. I was in the back and what a bumpy ride I had! My breakfast curdled in my tummy and my dinner was all minced up. Linda’s spread is a very beautiful place to live only you need to be young and fit to keep up with all the work. Also its advisable to have one leg shorter than the other to get around the steep hills. Mountaineering is of course another option.




March 5th
Finally I got to start work on the Land Rover. I only managed to get 3 brake linings and wheel cylinders done before it poured with rain. I got wet through. I thought I came to Australia for some sun instead the English weather has followed me. I was restored after a hot bath with several large glasses of hot milk and whiskey. Then I watched a dvd of Australia the movie, with some whiskey tasting on the side. Still its better than being up at Bollon in Queensland, which is completely flooded out,where I was last year.

March 6th
A nice fine day rather on the hot side. I got on with sorting the Land Rover out while Linda went blackberry spraying. Lunch time we had some visitors, Linda’s nephews Griff, Ben and Scott, and great nephew Robert. Griff was down from Brisbane for a medical conference. Late lunch at 3pm, then more Land Rover work for me. Wood gathering for Linda. Then we had a Megalong Beef BBQ at Glen’s farm, next door. Home late after a good night.

March 7th
Late start after a late night out last night. Still it is Sunday. Delicious scrambled farm fresh eggs with salmon, for brunch. Unload and stacked wood before getting compressor to blow out brake master cylinder.

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.

Getting Ready for trip to Australia

I delayed my trip to Australia this year, intended to travel in October 2009 but I was persuaded to cook a Christmas Dinner for all the family. It was very difficult cooking with crutches!!!! More about this below. Mind you it was a good Christmas. I was meant to travel mid January 2010.

Events have occurred that has delayed it further, we had quite a lot of snow and ice here in the West Country and my drive which is nearly 1 mile long was so icy you couldn't drive the car on it. My daughter visited me and she got the car stuck and whilst trying to move it I fell and fractured my knee. I have been in plaster for the last 3 weeks and in consequence I am now booked for 14th February to fly out to Sydney.

Morgan Centenary at Cheltenham 09

The Morgan Centenary held in Gloucestershire during July and August 2009 went well with members from all over the world attending.

Entertainment included Hill Climbs at Prescott, Boat Trips, Train Trips and Parties. A visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum and Matersfield Court where Speed Tests took place. The Morgan Factory was well visited by Morganeers from all over the world.

There were over 3,000 Morgans in the car park on the last day of the event which finished with a grand fireworks display.

Day two at Prescott

I did not take so many photos as the first day because Linda and I were far too busy driving up the hill at Prescott (Speed Hill Climb). I drove up 40 times giving some poor unfortunate people an experience they might never forget, driving them up the hill.

Being the Centenary of the Morgan car production, people came from all over the world and unfortunately a lot were unable to ship their cars over here from afar. So that gave me great pleasure in giving them rides up the hill. There were quite a few with drained faces!!!!! Also there were quite a few with happy faces wanting to go again.

The Marshals and all the staff were absolutely brilliant, in fact I am now in the possession of a CD of images of my Hill Climbs which were taken by a Professional photographer.

Boat Trip at Upton-upon-Severn

The next day we went on a boat cruise in the evening starting at Upton-Upon-Severn. The town was a very nice attractive place with lots of specialized shops. The map shop which sold every map you could think of. A motor shop that had miniature match box cars of every description. Nice unusual jewelry shops.

The boat cruise was very nice with good scenery up and down the river. The food you could not fault, entertainment we had two singers that got us going on the dance floor, I did my usual pole dance unfortunately I have no photos.

After our trip I was stopped by the police driving back to Tweksbury I was breathalyzer fortunately I was O.K I think he stopped my because I had a load of balloons in my Morgan from the party.

Visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum

One of our organized trips was to go to Beaulieu situated near Southampton in the New Forrest a beautiful part of south England. I went with Geoff, Matt, Linda, & Vern all visitors from Australia, although it was a long drive down it was a lovely day but not long enough. We saw a lot at Beaulieu but the day was not long enough to visit the Quay near by.

Plod Adventures No. 31

April 26th Still on the Morgan Run. A tour of a citrus orchard is on the agenda to day plus a Devonshire cream tea and the cream was the best I have had in Australia just like the clotted cream we have in Devon. A long pleasant drive home stopping off for lunch in a pub. We looked at a collection of Douglas motor bikes at least 41.



Arrived back at Brian & Helen's Bed & Breakfast Lucerne on Fernberg Road a splendid place he has too. I stayed for two nights waiting for my flight back home. Richard stayed one as he has a long drive back to Sydney and had to get back to work. He met up with Roger at Glen Innes - the weather was fine - so Roger will still have a clean car. Brian is a great cook and host another N.B.C man. I think I can safely say that we all had a great weekend, apart from Bob and Marira, on the way back their clutch went. And of course Tom's well polished Morgan did not make it further than the meeting point, his gears went wrong, it was a bush.



April 27th I helped Brian with a few light jobs around the place. We had a B.B.Q in the evening to end a very nice well organized event. It was nice to be back with Morgans and their owners.

April 28th I even got a lift to the airport. My 6 months trip to Australia was very exciting and educational I drove 17,428 K (10,830 miles) which is not counting the miles Richard drove up to Brisbane and on the Morgan run, around another 4,000k. If you ask me what I liked the best I wouldn't be able to say, it was all good. I have made so many new friends and acquaintances it was unbelievable. Unfortunately there was not time to say good bye to all of them. I will catch up with them next year.



April 29th I had a good trip back in the coach, the driver had a sense of humour and I met a lady called Gillian to whom I chatted most of the way from the Airport to Exeter. She is 74 years old and travels the world a great deal on her own, in fact she is only in England about 3 months of the year. I arrived back in Devon to a fine day. A wonderful trip.

Plod Adventures No. 30

April 21st Up and ready for our long journey to Brisbane, unfortunately Roger was unable to join us due to business commitments. The weather, well it is raining again so the Morgan hood had to be put up. The first day we had a 7 hour long run to Nambucca Heads, our accommodation was on the sea front and very grand it was to.



April 22nd Still raining, more English weather so the hood stayed up. Lunch time came around and the sun started to poke out from under the clouds, hooray the hood came down. We stopped at Nimbin a very unusual town and very much a hippy town, after 5 hours driving in the Morgan we arrived at Murwillumbah at a very nice B&B. Again Richard washed his Morgan and put it to bed, another long day but very pleasant.

April 23rd A nice fine day with the top down. So Richard decided to take me to see O'Reillys in the Lamington N.P a little out of our way but an extremely pretty route. Richard drove to perfection driving up and down round and round having great fun. We stopped at Canungra for a break then on to O'Reillys, a very busy place, back down the hill and on to Sanctuary Cove for a very nice late lunch looking at all the millionaire's boats. On our way again and we had to stop off at Greg's place in Brisbane going in convoy up to Maroochydore arriving rather late well in to the night.



April 24th Greg had our day planned and an early start we had, with my eyes still shut. Off we went to Mapleton Kenilworth Maleny, Montville and all around stopping off at the usual sites, and having our late lunch near Flaxton at the Le Relais Blessan with his magnificent collection of Citroen cars and one Morgan, you can walk through his collection of cars to get to the restaurant. We fetched Christine from the station and then off out again for a slap up meal.

April 25th An early start again to meet other Morgan cars for our run up to Gayndah unfortunately one car broke down, Tom's +8 the most polished car on the run, he had to limp back to Brisbane in 4th gear a common fault in a +8 gear box, that's cars for you. The day was hot just right for Morgans and I drove two of them. A lunch break at Kilkivan in The Left Bank. These Morgan folk certainly know how to live. Arriving at Gayndah booked in to our rooms, a very nice Motel, a good choice. A short distance down the road we went to Peter & Les who have a Citroen collection of 30 or more cars, all in excellent condition, they are truly Citroen experts and if they do not know how to fix it nobody does. They joined us for Dinner at the Grand Hotel.