Route Map

I did say the previous post was going to be the last but I think it is always good to have a map to show the route taken.

We drove to Adelaide to meet the rest of the convoy members and travelled to Alice Springs.  From Alice Springs we all made our own way home to various parts of Australia - some travelled alone and others travelled with members who lived in their area.  Our return journey from Alice Springs was in a smaller convoy of 7 vehicles.  Hugh, Gary, Jim and I left the group at the southern tip of Lake Eyre on the Oodnadatta Track and travelled home via Roxby Downs and Woomera.

Final Post

Since leaving home on the 27 July 2015 we have travelled a distance of 6,238 miles or 10,039 kilometres and averaged 12 to 13 miles per gallon.

The 45 year old International truck was comfortable both as a vehicle to travel in and our accommodation.  We had no mechanical problems or break downs so the old girl served us well.

We would like to thank Bob and Paula Kenny and all the others involved for organising the trek and making it so successful.   The trip covered areas that we have not been to before and some that we have. 

It was an opportunity to renew acquaintances with people that we had met on previous treks and form new friendships with those on this trek.  We hope that they all had a safe journey home and those that were unwell make a speedy recovery.

Home

Friday 11 September 2015

 

No early rising for us this morning as there was no hurry to get on the road again.  This was the final day of our trip and we only had around 100kms to travel. We enjoyed our stay at the Beverley Caravan Park and will definitely return again. We chatted to some people in the park who wanted to know about our travels.  Quite a few guys of Jim's vintage have been involved with International trucks either in the military, National Service or on a farm and like to come up and chat. One couple in their senior years had decided to sell up in Margaret River and put an offer on a house in Beverley yesterday. They preferred the small town feel of Beverley and felt that Margaret River was growing too big for their liking. 

 

We drove to Perth via the Talbot Road which is an alternative route and avoids going through York.  It certainly looks spectacular at the moment with the undulating paddocks green with wheat or bright yellow with the canola crop.

 

Great Eastern Highway was quite busy or perhaps we have been in the outback too long and have forgotten what it is like to drive in the city.  We pulled up at our front door around 11.00am and it was a good feeling to be home. 

 

The minimum amount of unpacking was done as we were feeling quite exhausted.  We had been on the road for over a week without any extra rest day so it was good to slow down and take time out.  The bonus was that the West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn final was being broadcast on TV and the Eagles won.

Disappearing Australian icon - the windmill

 

 

There is a bird's nest at the top of the windmill at Mt Dare Hotel

Sunrise and sunset in Central Australia and not to forget the moon

 

 

 

 

 

Creek crossing at the Dig Tree

Unpublishable pictures

 

Gary having his foot spa in the woolmix solution in his PURPLE bucket. He then gives his socks a birthday and washes them in the same water!!

 

 

Ric digging out the Blitz Radio Van at the Finke River

 

The Unimog getting prepared to tow Jim out of the sand at Lambert the geographical centre of Australia.  We wanted the visit to this place to be memorable!!

Jim hiding behind the stearing wheel.

Anthony winding up the tow rope before any pictures could be taken!! He was far too slow for the paparazzi.

 

Steve getting towed out of the sand at Lambert.

 

Sam and Lorraine's trailer turned on its side on the Plenty Highway