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Oct 19th:
We arrive in Carnarvon and go to the tourist information centre. Shut;
so we`do a "brown sign tour" and go to The Heritage Precinct.
This is located at the One Mile Jetty. Out here they are restoring the
jetty, railway locos and rail line that was so important in the
development of the town. As luck would have it they were running the
"coffee pot" (a replica of the port train powered by a VW engine :) )
along the jetty. The railway sheds and the lighthouse keepers cottage
were also open so we inspected them as well. A lot of work has been
done but a lot still has to be done. It is a credit to the volunteers
who as usual work with little financial help.
The wind has been howling since we left Broome and it is showing in the
fuel consumption figures because as usual it is a head wind or to be
more precise, a gale on the port or starboard quarter.
As there are no bush camping spots within coo-ee we book into
Plantation Park C/P. and I assess the fridge problem. I also add to the
problems by starting the computer up. From therein big bangs were heard
to issue (the other residents sought cover and tin hats) and it
stopped. Shee I can't take a trick.
"Happy Hour" was an interesting experience and got me thinking about
various things. As usual we had the "campfire gurus" present spouting
out theories.
Main subject: Driving at night and boredom on long drives. You know my
thoughts on this. There were others present that had the same opinion
as me and funnily enough nearly all ex-truckies.
I think I had a win here. Coversation as follows:
Uppity woman (in a 25' caravan that is towed by a truck and has the
house fitted including a ducted vacuum system)," We don't travel after
2.00PM. We have had trouble coming down from Broome as the caravan
parks are far and few between and have had to travel until 5.00PM. So
exhausting. (wipes brow as she reminisces about the hardship).
General head nodding from all the campfire sages. As she has the floor
she continues:
" We don't travel at night because (looks at husband) WE (nudges
husband) are worried about hitting wildlife and animals"
More nodding from sages and raised eyebrows from others.
Me," I generally find that most of the wildlife and animals have pulled
up by 2.00PM and after dark I only have to worry about the fauna."
Laughter by most but puzzled look from UW. Husband of same throws me a
wink. She leaves.
This of course led to the topic of what others do to relieve the
boredom of driving longer distances.
I find it relaxing to drive. To relieve the boredom (if the scenery
isn't worth looking at and that is the case up here. My opinion.), I
play mind games. I calculate speeds, ETA of getting to next town and
whether I need fuel or where to fill next. I also play aeroplanes out
the window (yeah, childish, I know but still good fun) seeking out the
low and high pressure areas around mirrors and bodywork. This practise
is not to be recommended if a road train is approaching as it is hard
to play with a hand missing. Makes it hard to operate the light switch
etc on the right side as well.
I play the "what if" game as well. This comes from advanced driving
courses I have been lucky enough to have done. I treat driving as an
art and like most artists a little practice and improvement doesn't go
astray.
The way it works is this; imagine a scenario like blowing a front tyre.
What do I do? Where do I go? What can I do to minimise damge and
casualties in my own and other vehicles? Other scenarios are: What if a
car comes round the corner on the wrong side? A truck coming towards
you loses a wheel (this has happened to me). Having a what if plan can
save your own or someone elses life. It pays to practise.
At other times I am Quincey, CSI and accident investigation squad as
well. Because of climatic conditions here (no rain) skid marks that go
off the road are visible in the gravel for months afterwards. Some are
semis stopping rapidly for large fauna (they don't generally slow down
for roos. Camels, bulls and horses are a different story.). Others are
where cars have been travelling too fast to negotiate the corner,
others where they have woken up and got a fright. Still others are
where they have hit the fauna, skid marks in a curve ending up in a
dark patch on the road, either blood from dead fauna or a dry cleaning
job needed. You get the picture about supposing what happened.
Unfortunately too many end at a white cross.
It is interesting to note here that although the Northern Territory has
an unrestricted speed limit outside towns most motorists sit on about
110-120KMH. I only saw 2 or 3 going like the clappers. Their road toll
is also low. Makes you think, don't it?
Watching the awning in the wind has given me an idea for a new sport
amongst gathered motorhomes or caravans fitted with awnings.
THE GREAT AWNING PULL CORD RACE!!!
Prerequisites:
1: An A&E type awning at least three (3.0)metres in length that
does not retract automatically when windspeed exceeds 15KMH. This of
course rules out some Winnebagos and Swagmans.
2: A steady breeze from a consistant direction.
3: A flat open area capable of fitting 3 motorhomes side by side with
awnings out.
4: A stake at least 2 metres high to which a windsock can be attached.
If no windsock is available a light piece of suitable clothing
(knickers come to mind) or toilet paper can be substituted.
5: A qualified medical officer in the event of muscle pulls or heart
attack caused by the stress of competition.
Set up:
1: In one corner of the "field" the stake is driven into the ground and
wind direction indicator fitted. This then gives the directional
orientation and deployment of the competing vehicles.
2: A line is then drawn across the field at right angles to the wind.
At this time competitors are allowed to bring their vehicles into the
arena and park at right angles with the rear facing into the wind, rear
awning strut on the line. It is preferable that space allows a drive in
situation as time can be wasted by having some people reverse in.
The starting order of competitors is decided by "throwing the hook".
The hook is the jigger that you use to pull the awning up and down.
"Throwing the hook" is the flinging of the hook down the course. The
furthest fling is first, next goes second etc. (Some people will have
had more experience than others because of practise gained when the
hook falls out of the pull cord whilst half way up and it slips just
out of reach. Upon retrieval it is launched into orbit followed by the
mystical chant of the Wharfie that was told he had to work.)
Rules: 1: Length of rail does matter in this. The judges will mark a
line at 2.7metres from the REAR of the awning so that all competitors
are equal. All awnings are to be level. Laurie and Keith Smythe will be
the judges of this. They are experienced.
2: The cord is held at full stretch in the right hand to the rear of
the vehicle and in line with the rail.
3: The starting signal is given by the judge standing in a position
where all competitors can see them. The signal is a hook dropped to the
ground. In the event of a dust storm or rain obscuring the starter then
they can yell go.
4: Competitors release the cord when the hook leaves the starters hand.
5: Competitors must step back so that no outside wind assistance can be
given by blowing or hand fanning.
6: Marshalls will be at each vehicle to signal that the cord has
crossed the line.
7: The winner is the first cord to cross the line.
8: Heats will be run until all competitors have been through and then
knockout rounds commence until only 3 remain. These will play off for
the final winner.
9: In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by The Great
Awning Rollup. The fastest to retract their awning will be deemed
winner of that heat. In the finals it is rollup and setup again.
Addendum: Cheating is frowned upon. No slots are to be lubricated with
graphite, Armourall or other synthetic slippery stuff. Washing with
mild soap and detergent is permissable.
Only the A&E standard pull cords are permitted, no super duper
kevlar or carbon fibre synthetic cords.
Oct 20th:
We spend the day looking around Carnarvon and organising someone to
look at the fridge, someone else to look at the computer and booking on
a town tour and a salt mine tour.
We remove the computer and give it to the shop.
Oct 21st:
We walk into town and go on the town tour with Ben. He is 5th
generation and knows Carnarvon and its residents well. The past and
present history of the place is interesting. He explains how the river
flows upside down and that all the irrigation for the market gardens
comes from here. The water in the Gascoyne normally only flows when it
rains but there is a huge stream under the river bed and this is what
they tap into. We return to the van and await the fridge feller.
The fridge mechanic comes out to check the fridge. I see heaps of
dollar signs amassing but he repairs a faulty connection (Waeco one)
and the fridge bursts into life. It has run the best it ever has and
not missed a beat at this time (11/11). The final charge is $50, cheap
at twice the price. The fridge was fitted to Waeco specifications but
he advises a vent would help it enormously. I cut a new vent into the
van and then walk up the road to see a metal fabricator to have a cover
made. I catch a taxi back.
Moi, "I will go and see the metal fabricator up the road to have vent
made."
Julie,"It is not that far. Why don't you walk?"
Moi, after clutching chest and rolling eyes,"Hmm it is further than you
think"
Julie, "Don't be a wooss, it won't kill you."
So I set off (40+degrees) and walk. 45 minutes later I reach them. So
dry I can't raise a spit let alone talk because my tongue was so
swollen it filled my mouth. After draining the Gascoyne basin and
bankrupting the market gardeners I finally explain what I want. No
probs but won't be ready until Thurs. He calls me a taxi and we measure
the distance, 2.4 Kilometers. No wonder I was buggered. Great judge of
distance, my wife.
Oct 22nd:
We are picked up by Harry and do the Dampier Salt mine complex, the
Gypsum mines and their loading facility at Cape Cuvier. He brings us
back along the`coast and we have a look at the HMAS Sydney memorial and
the Blowholes. I have seen some speccy blowholes but these are awesome
with the Indian Ocean behind them. He tells us these are not at their
best as there is not much swell and a fair bit of wind. WIND!!!
Understatement. I think they have a scale above the Beaufort scale here
because it doesn't go high enough.
Lunch was provided and we ended up staying in the van to eat it because
I don't like sand sandwiches.
We check out the longest horse trough in the Southern Hemisphere.
Remember that Wyndham had laid claim to this? Wrong! Apparently they
were cleaning the area up (there is a huge thermal spring here) about
18 months ago and a bulldozer driver accidentally uncovered it.
Checking with the older residents confirmed that it was there but had
been forgotten about.
We arrive back in Carnarvon and I go to the computer shop and am told
it is fixed. Another surprise, not much wrong but the power supply was
stuffed and it costs me $100. I was expecting more.
Things are looking good, computer fixed and fridge working.
Temperature is still high and the wind blows.
Oct 23rd:
We spent the day relaxing and updating emails. I ring the metal workers
and the vent is ready. I catch a taxi and retrieve it. I fit it and it
looks good. We make ready to make tracks for cooler climes on the
morrow.
I like Carnarvon, it is very motorhome friendly with wide streets and
centre road parking for oversize (up to 10M) vehicles and parking for
buses at the rear of the tourist centre.
Oct 24th:
We ambled down to Denham and after checking out the town went to the
Shire Offices and got a camping permit to camp at Eagle Bluff for the
night. Camping at most of the reserves is free but you need a free
permit from the Shire.
We watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from the sand dunes. The wind
has dropped but for how long no-one knows.
Oct 25th:
we leave early to get to Monkey Mia for the dolphin feeding. Cynicism
is showing again here. What a con. $12.00 to get in but it is for 2
days. Only 3 dolphins came in and whilst they do come right up to those
standing in ankle deep water you are not allowed to touch them and only
a minority of people are allowed to feed them, contrary to the ads. I
do agree with this policy but the ads could be a little more explicit.
A long way out of the way for not much and Bunbury Dolphin Centre
offers much more at less cost. See later.
We are sitting in the van having morning tea when this pommy voice says,
"That moves along." I look around and standing there is a blonde lady.
I think to myself, she has a deep voice and then I see her husband.
"It does at that," says I.
They were in a Britz camper van coming out of a side street and tried
to catch us. We invited them in for a cuppa and a sticky beak. They
introduced themselves as Paul and Shiela on holidays from England
looking at prospective towns to live in when they move here on Pauls
retirement.
We chat for quite a while about various aspects and costs of living in
Oz and decide to do the Dugong spotting boat cruise together. Not a bad
cruise and we see some turtles, dolphins and of course a Dugong. Julie
is happy.
We say goodbye to Paul and Shiela and head out of Monkey Mia for
Kalbarri checking out Shell beach and Hamlyn Pool, where we looked at
Stromatolites, on the way back to the highway.
We camped in a rest area 118K south of Billabong.
Oct 26th:
we arrive early into Kalbarri and wait for the Tourist Office to open.
We had a look at the road into Natures Window and Z Bend on the way in
and decided that if we were to see these a hire car was needed. The
roads are ok for Coaster types or buses with air suspension but not our
truck suspension.
We collect all the info. and go around to the Backpackers Hostel to
hire a car.
I don't know how many people hire cars but I get cheesed right off when
you ring a car hire company and they say that it is Xdollars to hire
for the day. So off you toddle to the office and find that the car is
Xdollars + stamp duty and if you want the insurance excess dropped from
$2500 to $250-$300 you can pay extra. The vehicle ends up costing twice
as much as advertised. Why can't they just say that in the first place.
This place did just that, $77 all up, no excess Kilometres, no extra
hidden costs. The way to do it. The only catch was that the vehicle had
to be back by 7.30PM but the service stations close at 6.00PM. No
problems. We have a Suzuki Jimney in our hands and off we go.
A little tip here. we had been told that Backpacker Hostels were the
best and cheapest place to negotiate car hire. This seems to be true
and I wish we had known when we had hired before. We shall probably try
it later and see if that is the case.
We go out to Kalbarri National Park and look at Z-Bend and Natures
Window. More walking.
From here we journey out to Hutt River Province and meet Prince
Leonard. He gives us a guided tour of the Chapel and other buildings as
well as the history of Hutt River. An interesting man who is still
sticking it up the Government. For those that don't know, Hutt River
seceded from Australia and became an independant entity. Take your
passports if you have one and he will stamp it for you.
We then went out to Port Gregory and headed back along the coast doing
a "brown sign" tour of the various bays and rock formations. We arrive
back in Kalbarri and fuel the car at 5.55PM. Cutting it fine. We are
about to return the car when we spy Paul and Shiela in the caravan park
opposite where the truck is parked. It is decided that we will all have
fish and chips for tea so we book in to the park and while I set up,
Julie and Shiela get tea. We return the car and chat late into the
night.
Oct 27th:
After brekky with Paul and Shiela we move towards Geraldton stopping at
Northampton to admire some of the old buildings. We book in at Belair
Gardens C/P and we finish our BAS. Work does not stop when on holidays
if you are self employed.
Oct 28th:
We finish the BAS and email that off. After lunch we went to the
Tourist Office and look for a physio for my back. It is still sore. The
first one we find has a cancellation and can see me in 1/2 an hour. I
wait and Julie checks out the shopping centre next door. The physio has
a look at my back and I find out he is from Frankston. I was raised in
Frankston and lived there for 30 years and it is only 25 K from
Tooradin. Small world. He comes out and checks the seating position in
the truck and alters it so that it will put less stress on my back.
Nice bloke. 1 more visit and he reckons I should be fairly good. I meet
Julie and we wander the streets of Geraldton.
Oct 29th:
We go up to the HMAS Sydney Memorial. This is awesome and a fitting
tribute to the men who lost their lives. From here we went to the
Museum. You would think that we would be sick of Museums by now and we
are but this had something that we wanted to see.
It has the history and relics of the Dutch ship Batavia that was
wrecked off the coast in the 1600's. They have a video that recreates
the whole scenario, sex, violence, murder and religion. Who could ask
for more? They also had other exhibitions there. The cost? Entry by
donation.
Our next stop is St Francis Xavier Cathedral. It is open to the public
and guided tours take place but as usual not when we are here. The
stained glass windows are fantastic and the architecture the same.
Oct 30th:
I go to the physio while Julie does a tour of the port. They have spent
millions here putting in new facilities and deepening the harbour so
that the larger grain ships can fill right up instead of doing a 5 day
steam to southern ports to top up the load. One wonders what affect
this will have on the harbours and economies of the southern port
cities.
It is the same with the new railway line from Alice to Darwin.
Transport companies and allied industries will suffer some loss.
Already some of the major importers and exporters are setting up
offices in Darwin.
Enough of theorising and back to the journey. We head south.
We do a walking tour of Greenough Historic Hamlet. Another restoration
project and not a junk museum. We have a look at Walkaway Railway
station and then go out to Ellendale Pools and camp for the night.
Oct 31st:
We leave at 10.30. We are starting to act like motorhomers. HMMMM, will
have to stop.
We intend to go out to Coalseam Conservation Park but we miss the
turnoff and end up in Mingenew. We send off some mail, backtrack and
find the turn.
Rolling hills, trees and farmland. It is so nice to see instead of
rocks and rocks and rocks. The temperature is pleasant, the wind is
still blowing but life is good.
There is a constant loud banging like bullets penetrating steel and I
wonder what the hell is going on. I stop and investigate. From the
headlights down there is squashed grasshoppers and the bumper is
yellow. Nothing above headlight height. We decimate the grasshopper
population and the farmers should be paying us as pest removers. (I had
to wash some off later as the smell was REALLY BAD.) After discovering
the cause we trundle on.
We do all the touristy things and check out lookouts and have lunch at
Coalseam. we go to Dongara and Port Denison. We move on and camp at a
rest area 51K south of Eneabba.
Nov 1st:
We leave early and arrive at Cervantes and go out to the Pinnacles.
Rather interesting and eerie in the early morning light.
We move inland to New Norcia and do a guided tour of this Monastic
town. Our guide is a past student and told us some interesting stories
about life in a boarding school in the 60's. The chapels are very
ornate and it is hard to imagine that most of them were done by one man.
There are only 16 monks here now as the schools are closed except for
special use groups. We head towards the Big Smoke.
Traffic lights and cars in abundance. I had forgotten what driving in a
strange city was like and it reminded me why we had headed off in the
first place.
We navigate our way around and head towards Fi and Allans place in
Mandurah. They are in the middle of combining two houses into one and
are not home so we park as per instructed in their driveway and have
tea whilst awaiting their return. On their arrival it is cuppas and
talking, making them green with envy and ready to sell up and go
motorhoming.
Nov 2nd-17th:
4 months and 23,000K (+1000 in hired vehicles) have elapsed since
leaving. It has gone quickly and we have hated every minute of it. If
you believe that, then I have a rock and a bridge for sale.
Mandurah is 70-80K south of Perth so a vehicle is necessary. We make
appropriate arrangements.
The first few days we did some maintenance on the truck, worked out
what to see and just chilled out.
The hot water service has had a small leak from a pipe union and to
repair it has needed the water cut off and a new fitting put in. As I
didn't have the fitting we have had to wait until I could get one. Hot
water service functioning but the pump must have picked up some garbage
and marked the valves, now it doesn't work.
Murphy is back.
A trip out to the 12Volt shop (I was going there anyway, now I have a
reason) and rather than get a kit I buy a new pump and install that.
Water works all fixed.
Our original intention was to get a laptop computer before we left but
time ran out. The computer has suffered badly from vibration and in the
last 1000K has now rendered one hard drive unreadable. After much
discussion, thought and traipsing around Perth, Fremantle, Mandurah,
other suburbs and the parting of many Shekels we are now using a
laptop. We ceremoniously wrap and pack the big one in a safe place not
to be released until we get home. The hassles and lack of knowledge on
the part of sales people when you tell them that you want to run off
12V is unbelievable. There was only one (of about 10) that knew what we
were on about but they didn't have the kit. He got all the details and
gave us the part numbers we needed. The store? Wait for it. Harvey
Norman in Osbourne Park. We ordered it from HN at Mandurah and it
arrived the next day, a Saturday. Can't beat that. Thank you also to
another CMCA member for her advice on what we needed. You know who you
are.
Perth and Fremantle are not motorhome friendly as far as parking is
concerned. Anything bigger than a Kombi is near impossible to park
close to the city. All parking is by meter or ticket and limited in
time. If you don't have a car to use then the public bus service is
excellent with free CAT (central area transit) buses going on circuit
routes to all the interesting places. We parked in big parking stations
and walked or used the bus. Believe it or not we walked most of the
time. I must be unwell.
On to all the tourist bits.
In Fremantle we went to both Maritime Museums. One has the remaining
hull of the Batavia on display as well as other relics from shipwrecks.
A guided tour is worth taking as this fills in a lot of bits you don't
read about. I like the cost of this one too. Donation.
The other Maritime Museum is free on the second Tuesday of each month
but fees apply at other times. This has an "O" class submarine that has
guided tours through it. The rest of the museum is devoted to all
things marine with Australia 2 and other historic craft on display. If
you like boats this is a must and a whole day or longer could be spent
in here.
Fremantle Goal has an excellent guided tour with the bonus of a second
tour for free after the first one. the first tour takes you through the
main Goal whilst the second goes through the newer part or womens
prison.
The other attraction is the Roundhouse: The original convict goal to
house some of the first inhabitants here.
Fremantle is an interesting place with narrow streets, old buildings
and a lot of history, past and present. If you have a good imagination
it is like an Australian Port-o-Spain on the Spanish Main and you
expect square riggers and pirates to be here. They aren't of course,
but then who knows? It is extremely clean and every retailer we had
dealings with are polite and helpful.
Perth is a bigger version of Freo (that is WA speak) with more people.
It reminds me of how Melbourne was about 30 years ago. No fuss and
everyone at least acknowledges that you exist. Most people are smiling.
Maybe they know something that us Easteners don't.
Kings Park is the jewel in the crown, with plenty of space, manicured
lawns, fountains and barbecues etc. They do guided tours here and I
think they would be very worthwhile but our times did not correspond so
we missed out. The new elevated walk is unbelievable.
We did a lunch cruise (naturally) up the Swan to Freo. The guide points
out all the interesting things along the river including Millionaires
Row. These are the residences (mostly unoccupied) of Australias rich
and famous. I personally think that it is obscene to spend
$10-30million on a house that is empty most of the time. A worthwhile
cruise as it gives a different perspective to driving between the 2
cities. We also saw half a dozen doplphins. Julie very happy. Who needs
Monkey Mia.
The Perth Mint has tours and you get to handle a 12Kilo gold ingot.
They have tours here as well with a gold pour every hour.
The Swan Bells were on the to-do list as well. These are a relatively
new attraction and worth a visit. You actually get to ring a bell and
watch an experienced bellringer at work. More to it than meets the eye.
You can see the bells and there is an observation deck that gives good
views across the river as well.
We also did a Heritage wwwwwwwwwalk at Pinjarra to a suspension bridge.
We drove down to Bunbury and climbed their lookout tower. They have a
Dolphin Discovery Centre at Bunbury as well. This in my opinion is far
better value than Monkey Mia. Entry fee is a whacking great $2/adult
with, cop this........... the ticket lasts 6 mths. As with all things
to do with nature there is no guarantee of seeing dolphins but their
displays and knowledge of the staff (all voluntary) is fantastic.
From Bunbury we went to Dwellingup after a pleasant and SEDATE (hard to
believe) drive on gravel roads through Lane Poole Conservation Reserve.
There are some great camping spots in here but fees apply.
At Dwellingup we went on the train to Etmilyn Forest. Fire restrictions
are in force here now so we went in the diesel loco (oil burner for
Val) as they are not allowed to run the wood fired steamer.
The visitor centre here also has an exhibition of things from the 1961
fire that destroyed nearly all the surrounding towns and most of
Dwellingup. Only Dwellingup was rebuilt.
The Forest Heritage Centre situated here is worth the money as well.
We also drove around other scenic areas including Jarrahdale and the
Serpentine Dam.
We`also did the Mandurah lunch cruise on the Peel Princess with the
skipper named Mick. This is excellent value for $45 each. Lunch was 3
courses at the Clansmen Hotel on the Murray River banks. The commentary
was informative. We`also saw more dolphins including a mother and
her`calf. Julie is ecstatic.
Nov 19th:
In the afternoon we make ready to move on again to the SW of WA. Fill
water tanks, stow everything where it should be, check oil and water
and tyres. All shipshape and Bristol fashion we are ready to leave very
early. Thank you for having us so long Fi and Allan.
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Robbo's Rambles Part 6
