June 2011

VAN ALIVE

Hmmm ..... lots to do

Further along but will it meet the deadline ?






First signs of becoming the Gallaher Van

On the way back home to have headlights and stereo fitted before packing for the grand tour.

 Finally ... a complete 1966/67 Gallaher XR Panel Van

Day One - Melbourne

 Hello to all enthusiasts
Yes we are going to be living the dream in a muscle car, so Melbourne here we come.

For those that are interested our itinerary is :-

• Melbourne
• Griffiths
• Mildura
• Adelaide
• Cooper Pedi
• Ayers Rock
• Alice Springs
• Devils Marbles
• Pine Creek
• Kakadu
• Darwin - where we will be attending the V8 Super Cars at Hidden Valley
• Adelaide River
• Booroolora
• Barkly Homestead
• Blackhall
• Mt Isa
• Roma
• Goondawindi
• Bathhurst
• Canberra
• Melbourne

All of this is happening over a period of 3 weeks.

There will be times in motels but majority of it will be camping and sleeping in the back of The Van !

I will take photos along the way and blog the adventure (first blog) 

Just remember ... it's never too late to Live the Dream.

Bob & Kate

Day Two - Griffith 

Leaving Melbourne - and the rain kept coming all the way to Griffith.
Loved catching up with friends and sharing a meal at the Belvedere .... rain who cares????

Next Morning sunshine & puddles ...

A detour to stock up on necessary supplies - many thanks Joe

Some wonderful sculptures at the turn off to Hay

How exciting to meet another like-minded enthusiast 

Well don't we all need to freshen up after a long drive ???

We then enjoyed catching up with friends for dinner and lots of car talk...

so many people are passionate about GT's !!

Day 4 - Mildura

Caught up with friends

Many thanks Frank. Therese Joe & Freddie for making us feel so welcome.

We'll be back soon

No car photos today - just personal photos with friends.

Day 5 - Adelaide

Today we leave Mildura and head to Adelaide.

It's the time to play with my new camera and get to know the car.

It's amazing how you can amuse yourself when you're not the driver.

Adelaide was fun - met up with like minded people.

Thank you Alison & Dave.

Day 6 - Coober Pedi

ONE VAN JUST LEADS TO ANOTHER

Dave & Alison drove with us to Wakefield for breakfast.

All vans need an outing but had to watch speed as passed 7 camera cars!!

Finally on the road again......

Now our trip really begins

Learning to manage to photograph whilst zooming along at 100km/h
Thank goodness for sport setting on camera.

We stopped at Pimba and experienced our first of many unusual experiences of travelling .
Actually bumped into friends from Healseville - a small world

Loved this sign!!! This was our final fuel stop before Coober Pedy

After 8 1/2 hours we finally made it to Coober Pedy.

Decided to stay at Stuart Ranges Caravan Park - too tired to set up with tent.

Bonus was they had a wonderful pizza oven - a great pizza for $20

The red wine was just what the doctor ordered too.

Day 7 - Coober Pedy to Uluru

Early morning departure from Coober Pedi - weather very cold - just above freezing

First road kill for the trip

Amazing what you find in covered trailers and how you chat when fuelling 

Mick Wilson's RT Charger on his way to race at Hidden Valley.

What a gem even though not a Ford :}

Finally NT Border

New rules about buying fuel

Mt Connor bonnet bulge
Apparently this is the most photographed rock formation.
It is in line with Ayers Rock & the Olgas and many tourists think it is THE ROCK!

Arrived at Uluru - first task is to select a camping site.

Day 8 - Exploring Uluru & Kata Tjuta

A truly amazing experience

Ford made XR vans to carry anything !

There are many ways to explore this wondrous area. We decided to splurge & fly over the area.

A great way to end the day, with campsite set up & a glass or two of wine.

Cheers.

Day 9 - Uluru via Alice Springs to 

Ti Tree Roadhouse

Got to love this speed - Victoria should have a few more of these signs

I would have an extra 3 points!!!

A great entrance to a special town - Alice!

And for all of you that LOVE transport - this Hall of Fame is a must!

Anzac Hill  - a good place to get a feel of how Alice is surrounded by the wonderful landscape.

We had planned to make it a little further on but because we had a later start we changed our plan. Really important to be flexible & go with what happens...

COme 4.30pm - we decided to call it a day & checked into Ti Tree Roadhouse.

The bird life here was not fazed by THE VAN

Finished the night off with a night cap at the bar - an unexpected experience

Day 10 - Ti Tree Roadhouse to Daly Waters

Today we had lots to see & do

First stop was at Barrow Creek

Check out the historic petrol pump

Car still humming - really enjoying the experience

Next stop Wycliff Well

This is what I loved - humour in the outback 

A neat tidy station with UFO  touch

Next stop DEVIL'S MARBLES

Absolutely one of my favourite places. Spent a long time here and took lots of photos.

This photo is the best.

We then drove onto Tennant Creek where we stocked up on groceries as we plan to camp out for the next 3 nights - supermarket was well stocked.

BP on outskirts made great salad rolls

Pine Creek was going to be our overnight stop but too far away so stopped at Daly Waters.

Day 11 - Daly Waters to Kakadu

Left early despite the chill in the air ...

On way to Katherine stopped by traffic lights.

Traffic lights - what are they ???

Stopped at Pine Creek for lunch

Kakadu National Park - looking forward to this experience of seeing wild life.

OMG - this was not the wild life I was expecting but it was wild!!!!

Check out this A model Ford ute towing a period caravan. Bob and his wife from Tweed Heads at the young age of 71 are out there

still LIVING THE DREAM.

Just goes to show it is never too late or you"re never too old to live the dream in a FORD!

Finally set up camp at Cooinda Gorge.

Tent is for storing stuff and THE VAN is for sleeping.
Have decked the back out with a comfy double bed mattress with matching linen of course!

Took a sunset cruise on Yellow Waters.

Saw lots of birdlife and crocodiles.

Weather is warm until the sun sets.

Can recommend this trip

Back to camp site and stir fry for dinner
Tailgate a very handy workplace for this little cook

Got to love THE VAN

Another day in paradise.

Day 12 - Cooinda to Jabiru via Nourlangie

Lots to see and explore in Kakadu

Here we see fire in the distance but no cause for alarm as it is their fire burning season.

This is done to promote new growth and as bush fire control.

Our favourite spot today was Nourlangie on the way to Jabiru

Spent a good hour or so exploring. The rock art work was stunning.

At the look out - breath taking

Actually set up camp early today

The caravan park - Kakadu Lodge is beautifully maintained and the staff are extremely helpful.

Even had time for swim in the pool and finished the day by the bar and enjoying a NT barra steak

Could spend a long time here.

Day 13 - Darwin here we come!


Need to take signs re crocodiles seriously ...

Getting closer to Darwin ....

Stopped at Bark Hut
Many interesting places to see along the way.

Bob reckons this guy was lying down

until he saw the XR van arrive !!!!

Finally in Darwin
First stop Stokes Hill Wharf
Greeted by the local bird life

A little light refreshment with oysters and prawns to match.

Final stop before heading to Bob's brother's place is Mr Barra
Fantastic fish

Day 14  Darwin and the Supercars

Up early and off to the V8's

Had to become an official supporter -so here we are very official

Craig Lowndes might drive a Holden now (but due to Ford's stupidity - win on Sunday sell on Monday) according to Bob he should be driving a FORD!

Admire his talent nevertheless

First laugh of the day was this hat !
Hope she sold lots of hotdogs :)

More entertainment

He was truly on something more than Bob had for breakfast

His stunts were unbelievable - wheel stands, burn outs, changing gear whilst full speed on back wheel

The hat says it all

Finally in the pits & had to check out the company truck

Guess who???

Gentleman Jim in REAL cars

These were the best to watch

Some amazing cars

However when you drive hard - there is always a risk

Another casualty was Mick - unable to race after the first day due to mechanical problems.

However an opportunity never lost

Still has good motor sport humour...

Flogs his stubby holders 

About to leave pits ... highlight of the day about to happen

Bob decided he know a good home for Jim Richard's tyre

Jim does the signing before we take our souvenir

Hey Ron - hope you love this :)

Funnier because we didn't take a spare

Meanwhile my hero Jim is doing his stuff

I know I'm A Jim Richard's fan but this Bobcat got shunted off early in race but by end of race had made up 7 cars - a great effort, great driving. Exciting!!!

More entertainment

No V8 day can go without a tribute to Brocky

or a photo of Ric kelly for my brother

Leaving spotted this great Harley Davidson bike - has a motor designed by Porsche - bet this hums

Going to Hidden Valley is thirsty work. Alcohol expensive - $19 for 2 cans of Jim Bean

So we head for a MUST when visiting Darwin

Darwin Sailing Club is a fabulous spot for a drink, dinner & an amazing sunset

Hmmm ... no comment

Gotta love Darwin

Day 15 Crocodile Cruise on Adelaide River

Hello fans who are flowing this blog. Have been late in up dating this blog - but not always able to get good internet connection

Thank you for good feedback - and yes Louise no more photos of car mirrors

Have taken many photos from car as we hum along at 110, 120, 130km depending on what state

Will have touched all states but WA & TAS by time trip ends

Today Bob has organised a tour with Harry

Picked up at Howard Springs at 9am and dropped back at 5 30pm

Check out the website .. www.adelaiderivercruises.com.au

Leaving - Adelaide River

Spot the croc

Bird life also amazing 

We pull into shore for a BBQ lunch

Creative!

Our tour leader - Harry

After lunch is fishing

Then we had a truly amazing experience ...

A King Brown devouring a fish

This species was thought to be wiped out by cane toads

Another highlight of this trip was a visit to Casey's Bar
& his singing dogs


















Heading back...

The cruise only takes 10 people so all questions answered & Harry is a wealth of knowledge & passionate about the River

Lost count of the number of crocs we saw

Harry often doubles back for a photo shoot

Day 16 - Darwin to Daly Waters

On the road again....

The road trains are something else

V8's on way home too

So many termite structures - many look like sculptures you'd pay a fortune for.

Now the next part of our trip takes us to just along from Pine Creek 

Bob wants to see a Gouldian Finch in the wild

We are told to head to Fergussons Creek

So at last THE VAN goes off road!

Listening, listening then we hear a sound we were not expecting

It's the Ghan - we get a toot

Not sure who is more excited!

Finally found the place - Bob sees his birds

Me I take the chance to photograph my girl in the wild

The road trains always give you a sense of perspective...

Daly Waters Pub - we missed this the first time as stayed in the camp site on the highway

This is another MUST when passing through here

The pub has to be experienced to be believed...

The blurb says to check out the amazing array of artefacts left behind by visitors

Love the sense of humour 

They also have a beef & barra dinner with live entertainment. They have a unique system of ordering so don't interrupt 

Leaving next morning

Checking all is fine

Next stop Borroloola

Day 17- Borroloola

Can't believe it is already Day 17 - where does the time go when you're having fun?

Love the warmer weather

Take time for a leisurely breakfast

Driving to Borroloola today

The road was mostly single lane bitumen and a lot of flood damaged unsealed sections

These signs about liquor and pornography are seen all over the outback NT

as were these signs abut wandering stock

and they weren't kidding

Still lots of water around

A wild pig trying to get out of the water

Road kill - the wedge tail eagle's breakfast and he wasn't moving until he though I was too close

The noise of the V8 engine didn't phase him at all

The wing span is spectacular

Almost there

Time for dinner - stir fry it is ....

with a couple glasses of wine - of course!

Day 18 Borroloola to Barkly Homestead

Sun is shining

A short drive today - only 5 hours

So a leisurely breakfast & time to dry the towels 

Oh NO - the first injury to THE VAN

A quick shop at local grocery store - owned & run by the local indigenous people

Back on the road again...

Saw a large flock of red-tailed black cockatoos

Stopped at Cape Crawford's Heartbreak Hotel to fuel with a little help from a friend

Would have been a good place to stay but no mobile range

Loved the welcoming wolf whistle from a red collared lorikeet 

Loo stop

Back on the road to Barkly Homestead

Large signs to warn motorists no fuel for 375km

ABOUT THE VAN

We are not worried as we have dual fuel

Petrol tanks holds 52L which gives us 330km so will need the back up from 60L gas tank for last 50km

It is important to note that you can't always get gas in the outback

Note we have a fridge hooked up so makes camping easier.

The road is so severely undulating that Bob is happy about the larger shockers in the back and the old style springing in the seats

Could say a cruising armchair

A roadside break

We are lucky that there is not much traffic - in particular slow caravans or road trains

But you know who's boss

Finally make Barkly Homestead

Glad we have proper double mattress in the back

Tomorrow is Mt Isa

Day 20 - Mt Isa

Tragedy toady - lost 2 days of photos when I was downloading

Bob has a few on his camera 

Trip took 5 hours

Stayed in a motel - public holiday here

Courtesy bus to Irish Club. This was a hoot.

Entertainment was true outback in spirit & style

Dan & Sandra Timms have been doing this for years and are still gigging at the age of 68

Yet another couple living the dream and doing the things they love.

Day 22 & 23 - Bathurst

After leaving Mt Isa we head to Narrabri for overnight stay

After breakfast at the bakery it is my turn to drive again - Bathurst here we come

Weather cooler and jeans tighter
We get to Coonabarbran and spot yet another panel van -

had to stop for a photo shoot of course :)

Arrive at Bathurst and decide to do a luxury shop at the Citigate Hotel at Mount Panorama

Rooms are impressive
Rates jump during Bathurst super cars to $750 a night minimum 5 nights stay to $2300 for a 3 bedroom apartment.

Balcony View

Highly recommended is a walk around the track

We spent heaps of time enjoying the sights along the way. Took a couple of hours

Local fitness gurus do it in a lot less

Now for THE VAN to have a tour

A special place - if only the mountain could speak

It was also lovely to share this time with Mario & Sandra

Tomorrow back home - mixed feelings

Have just LOVED this adventure in THE VAN

Day 24 - Home

We leave Bathurst & head for home

Stopped for lunch in Nimmitabel

A very dirty van

Over the border

A dirty windscreen & the afternoon sun a challenge

Almost there...

A greeting from one of the locals

Next day one of the most important jobs

Hope you have enjoyed following our trip

What would I do differently?

Take less clothes  - take a bigger awning ....

but most of all I would spend more time exploring the territory

So Kate & Bob leave this blog

I hope this has inspired you to go ... live the dream

and in a muscle car (of course!!!)

Also check out another blog

www.oldred1970.blogspot.com   for a real GT!!!!

ENJOY