Arrived
home at 2am this morning after a hot drive north from
Stawell yesterday. Lay around in aircon comfort at
Berri on the banks of the Murray, sampling some of Des Lexic and Blazes hospitality and then continued on the journey after dark. Thanks for your hopsitality fellas (and ladies). Drove the Murrayville Track through
Big Desert from Nhill to Pinnaroo. The first 54km is now bitumen and the rest an easy 80kmh gravel road with some sneaky bulldust patches.
The GQ ran without issue to the Big Smoke along the bitumen and back through the VHC. But I need more power as the trailer brought the sluggish old diesel to a viritual standstill on most hills, much to the annoyance to other drivers, I presume...lol The journey across the VHC was exciting in
places especially when passing oncoming traffic on the McKillops Bridge Track.
Highest price paid for diesel was $1.60 and lowest $1.47.
The issue with the front wheel bearings continues as the grease has turned to oil again and has been leaking past the seals. I shall now fit GENUINE parts as this drama has gone beyond a joke.
We caught up the forumites RayJen, Willie(Epping), Bushfix, Peter 2, Richard W, and Mr and Mrs Al, along the way. Thanks to all for their kindness and hospitality. Richard W kindly reminded me that we had met before. When I gave a puzzled look, he told me that I had asked him to keep quiet at
Birdsville CP one late night in 2005. These things come back to bite you...LOL
Trip observations:
SWMBO very happy with new vehicle and trailer set-up.
NSW
has most litter strewn roads
50 and 60kmh signs always seem to be placed halfway down a
hill so one has to ride the brakes
Sydney drivers were no worries(one trip across the city there and back)
Nowra has the worst bottle neck traffic jams
Fuel is at least 5cpl more expensive than Vic and SA
VIC
Too many road signs especially the Powernap ones
Vic drivers show no courtesy and seem to be hell bent in screaming past you to an optimum speed of 100kmh
SA
Too many bumpy roads
Most roads across all states are far to narrow
All truckies were courtious but drive right up ones clacker beforer overtaking. On a number of occasions I got off the road to let them pass
Saw 5
Police Cars and got breathalized once.
And so it is back to a new year of trips and stuff and buying MORE TOYS ....LOL
Happy New Year to you all
Cheers