Hi Bonz

Hio Ray, I was talking to MuddyDoe and Pesty last night and they were talking about a Simpson/OBC trip next year also so you may have some company if you want. They say w3est to east is easier, but the other way isnt so bad. If I was doing it I would do the Simpson first west to east then down thru Innamincka, Camerons Corner, Tibooburra and into Broken Hill for the Challenge, you'll drive down past Nundooka station just south of Packsaddle that way and that one of the OBC stations, so you'll get some idea of the lay of the land.

Once on Melb, if youre going to do west/east call down by here I am sure there'll be welcome mat out for you and a hearty meal and a bed, either here or a tad south of me at Terang. Stayt in touch closer to the date and we can sort out something.

GWBonz

West to east is reported by all sources to be the easier way (in general) because virtually all of the hoard of dunes are steeper on the eastern side (prevailing wind effect - has always been thus). That said, many travellers go westward and stay happy (though they may be better prepared / experienced than some). If you want to join the VKS737 HF radio network, we have a Zulu designation just for you Kiwis ! But Zulus 1,2, 3 & 4 (Dave, Ron, BJ and Laurie) are already taken !

Afternoon Ray.

This is how it really is.

I travelled the Simpson in May 04 exactly how you propose and worked the OBC with BONZ in 05.

I have had the experience of visiting/meeting BONZ and his family numerous times and after sharing a room at the West Darling Hotel in Broken Hill for 6 nights with this 'gentleman' whilst assisting in setting up the OBC, I can tell you that anyone who spells the Queens English like he does is a touch 'suspect'.

I was a Passage Controller with a group of the competing vehicles this year and accompanied them 24/7 through out the whole of the OBC.

I took a swag of pics along the way which if you are interested in seeing will give you an idea of what its like.

You can contact me on krobbo@optusnet.com.au

Also I definitely want first chop at the hospitality thing so that I can fill you head with more B U L L S H I T than BONZ and his mate JOHN(R). So when you land in Melbourne, Mt Waverley will have to be placed on the top of your Hospitality calls.

Now as for PESTY and MUDDYDOE, I will be seeing that 'crew' in a few weeks and I to will be interested in their Simpson intentions.

And at this stage it is my intention to work the OBC 06 with BONZ which will most probably see us there 4-5 days before 'scrutineering'.

Whatever, contact me on the above email address and I will assist wherever I can.

Regards

Ken Robinson

Hi Chaps
Thanks for the help so far
Also thanks for the offers
As soon as we get some more info I will contact you all
Simone and I really appreciate the help.
We are a bit snowed under with work this week so I will contact you early next week.
Ray