The Big Trip comes to an end.......

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:11
ThreadID: 24669 Views:2835 Replies:16 FollowUps:20
This Thread has been Archived
89 days on the road.................15700km.......NT WA QLD SA

Good trip...Must do it again soon

Took the window of opportunity yesterday when the Birdsville Track opened to do a 14hour trip home. The roads closed behind us again. Today has been a miserable cold wet day here in the Southern Flinders...wish I was elsewhere.

Hi-lights of the trip were Gary Junction Rd, Veevers Crater, CSR, Rudall River, Pilbara, Goldfields, Holland Track, Perth, Freo, Margaret River, Tree Tops walk and the Karri Forests, Warren Beach, Pemberton, Albany, Fitzgerald NP, Esperance, Cape le Grande, Cape Arid, Telegraph Rack from Israelite Bay to Cocklebiddy, Connie Sue Hwy, Fish Hole Gorge(West Macs), Simpson Desert with friends, Birdsville and environs and a very muddy trek home along the BT.

Our thanks for friendship and hospitality to EO Member Coops, Motherhen, Member Eric and Dean, Member Crazie and Kir, Jim and Costa, Member Jiarna, Anita and girls, Ewan and Asleigh, Member Ruth and Ian at Birdsville Caravan Park, Member Karsten at the Big Red Cafe and to the EO mob gathered at Birdsville last weekend.

Departing June 2006 for a another three month adventure.........................
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:23

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:23
I guess its lucky you have a NISSAN, to get you home.. Good to see you back with no major problems. Michael
Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

Retired 2016 and now Out and About!

Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.

Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 120041

Follow Up By: Willem - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:36

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:36
Cheers Michael

Yes the Nissan has acquitted itself well though I do have a host of small problems. The corrugations shook the lectrics severely and I have also done in the rear front Radius arm bushes. Nothing serious.
0
FollowupID: 375086

Reply By: Des Lexic - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:47

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:47
Glad to see you and Judith back home safely. look forward to catching up on the 29th on our way through if your home. Will be late mid morning.I'm eager to hear the details. had a call from your Bro earlier, they are in Longreach, travelling well apart from colds.
Welcome back on the coldest day in the state for nearly 20 years. Can you still remember the warm soaking rays that you had on your trip?
Best regards to you both,
cya soon.
AnswerID: 120050

Follow Up By: Willem - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:13

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:13
Yeah we will be home Uncle Des. Looking forward to your visit. Will get a supply of donuts lol Didn't you say the 30th?

Bro was a bit sniffy.

Was wondering how long my sun tan will fade a pallsly white
0
FollowupID: 375096

Reply By: Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:50

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 21:50
Glad you're back safe and sound, hope to catch up with you soon.

Lyn xxx
AnswerID: 120052

Follow Up By: Willem - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:15

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:15
Yep will catch up soon. Still unpacking truck. Mud everywhere in the yard Bugga!
0
FollowupID: 375097

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:02

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:02
Glad ya home safe dude.
You may find a lot of bushes would have hardened over the yrs never having been given any offroading before, and you might go through more!!!

Where to in June?

AnswerID: 120060

Follow Up By: Willem - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:20

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:20
G'day Trucky

Yes the bushes need replacing. They clunk harder when wet. Will be coming down to Melbourne probably late Aug earely Sept to have Crazie do some work on the truck.

Next June going to do the WA tracks which we havent done on the way to the Broome area. Going to be a slower three month trip. Have to get away from this cold place in winter. Doing the Anne Beadell, Eagle Hwy, Callawa Track, Kidson Track to the WA coast
0
FollowupID: 375100

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:27

Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 at 22:27
You may want to check your body mount rubbers too :(
0
FollowupID: 375101

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:40

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:40
The body mount rubbers look OK.....by that I mean I crawled under truck and had a good look and feel with a socketwrench. No movement there.
0
FollowupID: 375225

Reply By: Kumunara (SA) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 00:07

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 00:07
Willem

Sounds like you had a great trip.

Just got back from a four month trip myself. Did 23,686 kilometres almost trouble free.

I too have a Nissan and the only real problem I had was with the fifth gear. Nissan fixed that at no expense to me.

Travelled through WA and the top end of NT and then back to the Riverland. Four months wasn't enough to see what I wanted to. We are lucky to live in such a vast country with so much to see.
Life's great and it just keeps getting better

Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 120075

Follow Up By: Des Lexic - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:26

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:26
"I too have a Nissan"

After having to replace them after and during trips, I thought you might have upgraded to a Cruiser by now but then you haven't been home long enough to clean the dirt off yet.

Willie, keep in contact with this OLD bloke as he knows some great camp sites above Broome and he is handy for fixing up my computer. LOL

Cheers
Alpaca
0
FollowupID: 375137

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:44

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:44
Hi Kunmara

Although my Australia Map has many places filled in as being visited there is still so much to see. And yes it is a special place to be able to travel so far and wide, safely.
0
FollowupID: 375227

Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 00:14

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 00:14
Good One Willem
Nice to see you both home safe and well.
I look forward to the trip report, "One day".

Take care.
Catch you soon.
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 120077

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:43

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:43
G'day John

Hope to catch up with you somewhere in September. Maybe we can squeeze some High Country days in.
0
FollowupID: 375226

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:40

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:40
Cheers Willem look forward to catching up again in September.

The High Country may be an issue, still snowing and most tracks closed but we will look at it closer to the time.
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 375255

Reply By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 08:06

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 08:06
glad the trip was safe and you are both well
welcome back...i look forward to the trip report also
AnswerID: 120095

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:59

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 17:59
Hi Nudie

Cold enough for you? I should get cracking on the trip report soon but will most likely do it in stages.
0
FollowupID: 375232

Reply By: Member - Crazie (VIC) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 08:34

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 08:34
Welcome home young fella, and Judy and of course Jeda

Glad your home safe, we had the best timewith you all and thanks heaps for such a great time. We cant wait to catch up again. Kir and I sat at home the other night, working our way through a family block of Top Deck, and wonder where you were hahaha

What is the name of that star night program??

thanks mate

Ads
AnswerID: 120099

Follow Up By: Des Lexic - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:28

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:28
Starry Night
0
FollowupID: 375138

Follow Up By: Member - Crazie (VIC) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:48

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 09:48
hahaha Hi Des,bleepthat was a hard one to forget. Thanks mate, now on the search, Ta

Ads
0
FollowupID: 375141

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:04

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:04
G'day Ads and Kir

Yep we had a lot of fun out there in the desert.

Hope to be down your way in September. Will let you know well in advance

Despite the low numbers we had a good time at the Birdsville EO meet. I took the gang out on a few adventures in the mud.

I have Starry Night Pro 4....I think that it is downloadable from the net. Truckster knows where to get it...I think.

Now that you mention Top Deck it makes me think of going to buy one. Pity though, everything is shut already, here in nowhere. Bugga!
0
FollowupID: 375233

Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 13:14

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 13:14
Willem
at least with the dodgy winter weather you will be able to work on your latest trek notes. I am looking forward to the next chapter in what is one of the most interesting reads on the web.
AnswerID: 120136

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:07

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:07
Thanks Bob

The nights start here at about 4pm

I will endeavour to make a start soon and get it on to my website.

The days will be taken up reorganising the back of the truck, small repairs and as usual lots to do around the house
0
FollowupID: 375234

Reply By: Member - iMusty (VIC) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 13:19

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 13:19
I can't imagine 89 days on the road.

I hope it was all good.

You are truly inspiring.

iMusty.
AnswerID: 120137

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:10

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:10
Hi iMusty

Yes mate it was all good....even when we had to replace the waterpump on the GQ. For 95% of the time we stayed ahead of the rain and even managed to work up a sun tan!
0
FollowupID: 375235

Reply By: Member - Toonfish - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 14:55

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 14:55
good to hear ya had a great time mate.
so when will the trip notes be on the new website?
AnswerID: 120146

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:11

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:11
Hi Toonie

Trip notes should be in the making as soon as I can unfreeze my hands. Typing with gloves on, sucks.....hahahahaha
0
FollowupID: 375236

Reply By: Jenmcd - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:33

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:33
Hi there.

Glad to hear you had a great trip and that you are all home safe and sound. Already planning the next one hey.....don't tell Andrew.....he'll want to join you! We have only been home 3 days and the weather and the pressures of work are stressful already!!!

Would love to catch up if you have time when you are next in Melb. Say hi to Judith.... take care

Jen ( and the other kidz).
AnswerID: 120188

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:16

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:16
Hi Jen

Hope your trip turned out OK and that all expectations were met. It is definitely a lot warmer up north!!

Yes we will make time to drop in when we come to the Big Smoke in September.

Please tell Andrew to stay calm.....lol
0
FollowupID: 375247

Reply By: Member Eric - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:53

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 18:53
Hi Bud , thanks for thinking of us and turning around to make our Simpson trip a memorable one.

Looking forward to givinh you a scare in the high country , if that is possible lol . But I will have PTROOl going , so i might be wetting my pants also lol
AnswerID: 120192

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:18

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 19:18
No worries mate.

Looking forward to a challenge in the High Country. Must have a few things repaired first .......lol
0
FollowupID: 375248

Reply By: Member - Timothy N (NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 21:35

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 21:35
G'Day Willem. I got home from Broome a couple of weeks ago. Came back the way you're thinking of going next year. Kidson, top of the Gary, eastern bit of Talawana, shot line to Warri site, down the Eagle/David Carnegie, cut down to Yeo and across the Anne Beadell. I was quite amused to see the exploreoz sticker at veevers meteorite crater! I also wondered if you had a tear in your eye when you passed that wrecked G60 south of there!! Also saw your note at Windy Corner and later Neales Junction ( I think there was a sticker there too?).
Pleased to report my Nissan also gave no trouble and survived with only a couple of new scratches. Gotta love them!
Did you run into Connie Sue Beadell out there? I seemed to just miss her everywhere.
What a great country. See you in the bush. Tim.
AnswerID: 120244

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 21:51

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005 at 21:51
Hi Tim

I will claim responsibility for the stickers at Veevers and Neale Junction and a some other places but have not been to Windy Corner yet. Also didnt see the G60(had read about it somewhere though) as I havent been south of Veevers. Might see it next year. Also going to take more time to visit those places. No missed Connie Sue Beadell as well by about a week or so.

It definitely is a great country and I must see more before I fall off the perch lol
0
FollowupID: 375298

Reply By: Wombat - Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 at 12:10

Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 at 12:10
89 days - you lucky B! It sounds like you had a ball Willem. And the best part of it is you're already planning the next trip. Welcome back . . . to Winter ;0(
AnswerID: 120332

Reply By: Richard - Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 at 19:35

Thursday, Jul 14, 2005 at 19:35
Willem,

Great to meet you at Birdsville for a bit of a yarn.
AnswerID: 120397

Sponsored Links