Australia 2008
-
Bittersweet
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 6:35 pm
- Location: Bradford
- Full Name: Barbara Jones
I enjoy seeing the pictures and what I am missing, though I will admit I think I might have been a bit phased by the Simpson desert so close to it being closed as it is perceived as too dangerous in the summer months.
What I am wondering is will we ever get free of that red dust in the 110 and will the Aussie quarantine lot object to us taking their own muck back when we go back.
Barbara
What I am wondering is will we ever get free of that red dust in the 110 and will the Aussie quarantine lot object to us taking their own muck back when we go back.
Barbara
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davew
- Chairman
- Posts: 2242
- Joined: Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:54 pm
- Location: Knaresborough
- Full Name: Dave White
No, for the coming years everytime something gets moved or replaced you'll find a pile of red sand lurking. When we were cleaning mine at the beginning of the year we ended up cleaning red sand out of it... 3 years on.
The good thing is that nobody cares what you transport out of Australia and into the UK so no need to clean the vehicle at all before it comes back.
The good thing is that nobody cares what you transport out of Australia and into the UK so no need to clean the vehicle at all before it comes back.
After crossing the Simpson, filled the 110 up at Mt Dare. After some 400 miles the fuel economy for those 3 days was just less then 18mpg. That beat by previous worst record of 22 mpg. It is an indication of the soft going that we experienced crossing the Simpson caused by a combination of sand storms and rain. Normal consumption in Australia varies between 25-32 mpgNo vehicles were encounted crossing the Simpson and only one before Mt Dare and another 2 travelling from Mt dare to Alice Springs.
Am not saying that the journey from Mt Dare to Finke and then down the Old Ghan to Alice was wet, but ......
We also managed to find some mud as well
Before setting off on this trip I replaced the winch lines with new ones so that would have no problems with quarentine. Front winch taken to max lengtrh and line become detached from the crimp tag on free spooling. Not a happy bunny! A timber hitch and two part layers over hitch secured the line. The ground anchor worked well in the mud and the journey continued.
The ARB rear axle locker has been a worthwhile investment and prevent us getting stuck on several occassions, although we sometimes reversed and picked a different line.
Some of the creeks were fast flowing, this one had a very stoney bottom
After Finke the road improved as it followed the Old Ghan railway line
The insects had come out to play as well
The civil engineer come out in Jon and he spent time inspecting the railway relics on the Old Ghan
Camped on the Old Ghan and saw a spectacular sheet lightning storm in the vicinity of Alice
Whilst travelling around Australia have been told how unreliable Land Rovers are, also Toyotas are extremely reliable and never break down. When we entered Alice camps site this greeted us
Regards
Brendan
Am not saying that the journey from Mt Dare to Finke and then down the Old Ghan to Alice was wet, but ......
We also managed to find some mud as well
Before setting off on this trip I replaced the winch lines with new ones so that would have no problems with quarentine. Front winch taken to max lengtrh and line become detached from the crimp tag on free spooling. Not a happy bunny! A timber hitch and two part layers over hitch secured the line. The ground anchor worked well in the mud and the journey continued.
The ARB rear axle locker has been a worthwhile investment and prevent us getting stuck on several occassions, although we sometimes reversed and picked a different line.
Some of the creeks were fast flowing, this one had a very stoney bottom
After Finke the road improved as it followed the Old Ghan railway line
The insects had come out to play as well
The civil engineer come out in Jon and he spent time inspecting the railway relics on the Old Ghan
Camped on the Old Ghan and saw a spectacular sheet lightning storm in the vicinity of Alice
Whilst travelling around Australia have been told how unreliable Land Rovers are, also Toyotas are extremely reliable and never break down. When we entered Alice camps site this greeted us
Regards
Brendan
After the Simpson and the Old Ghan it was time for Jon and me to play at being normal 'tourist' and in Alice that means visiting the Rock.
The Rock is certainly an impressive chunk of masonry!
It has some wonderful water holes around it
The light changes during the day and a sunset shot
Watching the sunset
then bursting into my David Bailey mode
whilst Jon got on with his chores
I knew there was a reason for him being along!
Sunrise and breakfast at the Rock is good
Unfortunately the two days we went along to have a go at climbing it the climb was closed due to forecast of rain. Will have to return to do climb!
We come across this horny devil
The Olgas ar about 30 miles away and are a raised lump of faulted and eroded conglomerate rock
Looking down a fault line into central valley of Olgas
After the Rock and Olgas it was time to go to Kings Canyon. Looking up the canyon
The rim walk around the canyon is impressive
This canyon was formed along a fault line
The rocks here are solidifed sand dunes and creek beds
With interesting flora due to the rain
Have spent last 7 months running around Oz and the camera gear has stood up well, until a stumble which smashed a polarising filter. Made for some interesting effects
Road trains also break down and their recovery trucks are large
Regards
Brendan
The Rock is certainly an impressive chunk of masonry!
It has some wonderful water holes around it
The light changes during the day and a sunset shot
Watching the sunset
then bursting into my David Bailey mode
whilst Jon got on with his chores
I knew there was a reason for him being along!
Sunrise and breakfast at the Rock is good
Unfortunately the two days we went along to have a go at climbing it the climb was closed due to forecast of rain. Will have to return to do climb!
We come across this horny devil
The Olgas ar about 30 miles away and are a raised lump of faulted and eroded conglomerate rock
Looking down a fault line into central valley of Olgas
After the Rock and Olgas it was time to go to Kings Canyon. Looking up the canyon
The rim walk around the canyon is impressive
This canyon was formed along a fault line
The rocks here are solidifed sand dunes and creek beds
With interesting flora due to the rain
Have spent last 7 months running around Oz and the camera gear has stood up well, until a stumble which smashed a polarising filter. Made for some interesting effects
Road trains also break down and their recovery trucks are large
Regards
Brendan
Dooh, I could kick photobucket. All images are in correct format in PB!
After getting back to Alice we had to experience an early morning outback balloon ride.
Due to cloud cover we could not fky high but I think the other pilot meant to be a bit higher
At least we could see how wet the countryside was
Next day went out to Trephina National park and this waterhole
Trephina gorge
Route back to Alice via the Ross River and Binns Tracks. Evidence of the recent bad weather was abundent
This was a defiite alternative route required
Running down the river bed to avoid hole in track
On way back to Alice decided on the old road, but whilst we were on the track according to map and GPS at times we were not sure. Underbody protection worked well
To round off trip to Alice sunset from Anzac Hill is a must
Tomorrow trip back to Sydney starts. Only problem is how to get there. Lots of road are closed, http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklin ... /area2.asp
Regards
Brendan
After getting back to Alice we had to experience an early morning outback balloon ride.
Due to cloud cover we could not fky high but I think the other pilot meant to be a bit higher
At least we could see how wet the countryside was
Next day went out to Trephina National park and this waterhole
Trephina gorge
Route back to Alice via the Ross River and Binns Tracks. Evidence of the recent bad weather was abundent
This was a defiite alternative route required
Running down the river bed to avoid hole in track
On way back to Alice decided on the old road, but whilst we were on the track according to map and GPS at times we were not sure. Underbody protection worked well
To round off trip to Alice sunset from Anzac Hill is a must
Tomorrow trip back to Sydney starts. Only problem is how to get there. Lots of road are closed, http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklin ... /area2.asp
Regards
Brendan
-
Bittersweet
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 6:35 pm
- Location: Bradford
- Full Name: Barbara Jones
The journey back to Sydney was not going to be as straightforward as I wanted as many roads were closed due to the recent heavy rain. Roads are closed both for safety and also to minimise damage to the road surface. Ruts put into wet road surface sets like concrete making driving dangerous and costing the council more money in upkeeping the roads.
With road restrictions in place headed south towards the Oodnanatta track.
Serious and sensible warnings are given to motorists on these tracks
Approaching Oodnanatta
Short sections of the Old Ghan Railway line track can be driven north of Oodnanatta but have to be careful to look out for washouts
Oodnanatta is a strange town. The main street looks in terminal decline with some plastic surgery either side of the main street. it has more cars (wrecked) then its population of 180
Many of cars are from a bye gone era
Also clear evidence that Land Rovers used to rule supreme in Australia
Not sure what this was
South of Oodnatta was their version of the Angel of the North
Flower power obvious still rules there
The first road train heading north after 2 weeks. You do not argue with these
Some of the Old Ghan bridges still exist
Wild camp sites were available in the old gravel pits alongside the roads
A large open cast coal mine is just off the track. The dumper trucks used are LARGE This tyre and rim weighs in at 3.5 tonnes!
Typical view of the track
Most river water in central Australia does not make the oceans but land up in Lake Eyre which when it is full is 10,000 sq km in area. From here there is no access to the sea
Lake Eyre, this photo does not do it justice
Roadside Art or litter?
What amazed me was how green some of the deserts become
Regards
Brendan
With road restrictions in place headed south towards the Oodnanatta track.
Serious and sensible warnings are given to motorists on these tracks
Approaching Oodnanatta
Short sections of the Old Ghan Railway line track can be driven north of Oodnanatta but have to be careful to look out for washouts
Oodnanatta is a strange town. The main street looks in terminal decline with some plastic surgery either side of the main street. it has more cars (wrecked) then its population of 180
Many of cars are from a bye gone era
Also clear evidence that Land Rovers used to rule supreme in Australia
Not sure what this was
South of Oodnatta was their version of the Angel of the North
Flower power obvious still rules there
The first road train heading north after 2 weeks. You do not argue with these
Some of the Old Ghan bridges still exist
Wild camp sites were available in the old gravel pits alongside the roads
A large open cast coal mine is just off the track. The dumper trucks used are LARGE This tyre and rim weighs in at 3.5 tonnes!
Typical view of the track
Most river water in central Australia does not make the oceans but land up in Lake Eyre which when it is full is 10,000 sq km in area. From here there is no access to the sea
Lake Eyre, this photo does not do it justice
Roadside Art or litter?
What amazed me was how green some of the deserts become
Regards
Brendan
Left the dirt at the end of the Oodnanatta track and headed on the bitumen towards Broken Hill. It seemed appropriate that Broken Hill should be at the end of the main part of the trip as it was really the start of the trip as well
Heading into Sydney was a bit of a downer. Sleeping in a bed again after so many months camping was a bit strange. Nice not to have ants everywhere, flies committing hari kari up your nose or in your mouth but was extremely restless sleeping in a bed. Not being able to see the stars and moon etc. Ensuite bathrooms or a starlit sky??? Somehow the starlit sky is more attractive!
Was good to see my big bro again though. Tomorrow serious work goes on arranging shipment of the 110 back to the UK
Regards
Brendan
Heading into Sydney was a bit of a downer. Sleeping in a bed again after so many months camping was a bit strange. Nice not to have ants everywhere, flies committing hari kari up your nose or in your mouth but was extremely restless sleeping in a bed. Not being able to see the stars and moon etc. Ensuite bathrooms or a starlit sky??? Somehow the starlit sky is more attractive!
Was good to see my big bro again though. Tomorrow serious work goes on arranging shipment of the 110 back to the UK
Regards
Brendan
In a journey of some 25,000 miles taking some 7 months with some 80% done on non sealed roads some hiccups are to be expected. Apart from standard items replaced when the 110 was serviced these are the hiccups that were experienced and the cause and solutions adopted. Also some items stood out as exceptional items to have fitted to an overland vehicle
The 110 will get a thorough overall on its return and have a few ideas on future evolution of it as an overland vehicle
Bodywork
Self tapping screw are the spawn of the devil. Lost count how often had to replace those in the snorkel bracket and on window guard/cheque plate on rear door. Rivunuts will be replacing self tappers when 110 returns to UK
Got an extra battlescar when managed to reverse into a tree branch at roof level at rear of 110. Character enhancing!
Another reversing incident resulted in rear door window shattering. A piece of 2mm polycarbonate was used as a replacement. Wonder if door is soft/buckled now. Got a good door on hybrid so it might be swop time when return to UK. This will have advantage on rivunuts also no wiper motor on it so can mount the MSS unit on door rather then off the spacer.
Windscreen got two stone chips and one of roof lights has a broken reflector.
Wheels, Tyres and Steering
110 runs on black modulars with 255/85/R16 BFG MT carrying two spares.
On Fraser Island managed to buckle rear rim due to driver error. Got hold off a Disco wheel to replace it. OK different offset, but alright to use on rear
Had a total of four punctures. Two punctures caused by roofing screws in towns! Grrrrrr Both punctures just plugged
One tyre had two small splits high up on side wall and some blocks tearing away as a result of low tyre pressures for long periods on dirt roads. Took a week to get replacement tyre shipped from Adelaide to Darwin!
Fourth puncture a small split very high on sidewall which was patched.
Powered steering pump has developed a minor leak. Did obtain some fluid which is supposed to swell seals and stop it leaking, not used it preferring to top it up with ATF.
Now have a steering judder at about 50 mph. Not sure if it is due to lost balance weight, worn bush etc Will be investigated on return to UK
Running Gear and Brakes
A rear UJ was replaced as part of a service. Outsourced to a so called specialist. Replacement lasted less then 500 miles on bitumen. Fortunately I had a completed replacement prop as a spare. Covered 1500 miles before I could get the rear prop correctly repaired.
Had a new set of front brake pads fitted at a service. One of the pads rotated out as the retaining pin had not been secured properly! R pins solved that problem.
The X brake hand cable had become stretched over last 3 years and had run out of adjustment. Jon brought a replacement one out with him
Both rear brake stoneguards suffered from metal fatigue and were removed.
Winches, Lockers & Protection
Not used often but managed to pull winch line out of the securing terminal onto the winch drum due to poor crimping technique by supplier! Problem solved in field by use of a timber hitch and a few overwraps
An ARB axle locker is fitted to the Salisbury axle. Well worth having one fitted as it paid for itself in the ability to get the 110 out of the gloopy stuff. Rains come earlier and heavier then normal which made some tracks entertaining. Realising the 110 was about to get bogged early enough, switch on rear locker and often could plough through the gloop or reverse out of it before getting bogged. A great bit of kit.
The 110 has reasonable protection underneath which meant that the road kill and occasional tree stump caused no problems. Again well worth every penny spent.
Had to modify the tank guard though as it was catching on rear diff guard
Electrical
The main light switch decided to go to Prince Lucas heaven in the middle of a series of hairpin bends. Scary! Got a replacement brought up from Melbourne via another LR owner
Have a charging issue with the yellow optimas and the split charging system. Not sure of the main cause here so this is a problem to be resolved in UK
Cooling System
The Kenlowe fan was replaced in Sydney on arrival due to wiring burning out, believed to be due to zealous use of high pressure water by the quarantine people. The replacement lasted about 20,000 miles before the corrugations completely killed it and the 12 blade fan become a five blade fan. The spare viscous fan was put on.
An engine watchdog monitoring system was installed in Australia and this was a wise investment. The bolts holding the top radiator frame down managed to wear a small hole in the top of the radiator. Cost £4 to get it brazed up and pressure tested! Couple of washers lifted bolts away from top of radiator. The LR temp gasuge had hardly moved before the engine watchdog started barking like bad
Engine Auxiliaries
Fuel lift pump needed replacing at a service, a spare one was in the 110
Fuel stop solenoid failed on the Wolfe Creek Track causing engine to stop. This would have beaten me but Jon correctly diagnosed the problem and removed ball and plunger from it. Stopping the engine then meant stalling it until we could get it replaced in Alice Springs
Rear Suspension
Is now soft and the 110 can behave like a bucking bronco now! Not sure if it is springs or rear shockers which are shot. Another job for England
Personal
Apart from loosing a filling, which resulted in tooth extraction in Singapore as time did not permit root canal filling only a couple of plasters have been used.
Jon managed to loose the bag with the clean shreddies in when we stopped at a roadhouse. He blames rather large ants for running off with our bag full of clean shreddies. A likely story me thinks! Luckily we were not entering in the best dressed man about town awards so it did not matter too much as we both landed up smelling as bad as each other.
Camera and Electronic Gear
Canon cameras was used by both Jon and myself. Managed to break one uv filter by catching lens on doorframe on Manley ferry. Shattered a polarsing filter when I stumbled towards the end of the walk around Kings Canyon. The glass in one of the uv filters is now loose due to corrugations.
Laptop has lost a hinge cover
Camping Gear
Do not buy the £5-10 cheap camping chairs! Spent a bit extra and get a more robust and comfortable tents
Had to buy new tents in Darwin as the existing tents were far to hot. Mozzy tents without flysheets were wonderful to sleep in. Seeing the moon and stars as you fell asleep was something special
Coleman stove a big thumbs up to but carry spare pump washers with it
Navigational Kit
Consisted of Hema maps/mapbook, Navman satnav and an Xplore tough book running Ozmaps and Hema maps.
Paper maps are wonderful for an overall view on the journey and will never be fully replaced by electronic means in my view.
Sat nav is for the guidance of the wise and not the obedience of fools. Frequently have decided to ignore instructions from satnavs as what is on the ground is often different to the electronic maps stored on it. The Navman was extremely good at mistaking creeks for tracks in the outback. Corrugations got to it in the end and there were problems maintaining power connection
The Xplore and the moving map function was great, especially in the sand storm in the Simpson desert. Having maps of a decent scale meant it was possible to find some more interesting routes. Only drawback is to get the best out of it you need a navvy to operate it, or better IT skills then I have.
Overall
When you consider the length of the trip, the type of terrain cover the 110 and kit has stood up to the journey extremely well. Yes there were a few hiccups along the way but they were more of the unforeseen variety rather then due to lack of preparation on the 110
Hope you have enjoyed these reports
Regards
Brendan
The 110 will get a thorough overall on its return and have a few ideas on future evolution of it as an overland vehicle
Bodywork
Self tapping screw are the spawn of the devil. Lost count how often had to replace those in the snorkel bracket and on window guard/cheque plate on rear door. Rivunuts will be replacing self tappers when 110 returns to UK
Got an extra battlescar when managed to reverse into a tree branch at roof level at rear of 110. Character enhancing!
Another reversing incident resulted in rear door window shattering. A piece of 2mm polycarbonate was used as a replacement. Wonder if door is soft/buckled now. Got a good door on hybrid so it might be swop time when return to UK. This will have advantage on rivunuts also no wiper motor on it so can mount the MSS unit on door rather then off the spacer.
Windscreen got two stone chips and one of roof lights has a broken reflector.
Wheels, Tyres and Steering
110 runs on black modulars with 255/85/R16 BFG MT carrying two spares.
On Fraser Island managed to buckle rear rim due to driver error. Got hold off a Disco wheel to replace it. OK different offset, but alright to use on rear
Had a total of four punctures. Two punctures caused by roofing screws in towns! Grrrrrr Both punctures just plugged
One tyre had two small splits high up on side wall and some blocks tearing away as a result of low tyre pressures for long periods on dirt roads. Took a week to get replacement tyre shipped from Adelaide to Darwin!
Fourth puncture a small split very high on sidewall which was patched.
Powered steering pump has developed a minor leak. Did obtain some fluid which is supposed to swell seals and stop it leaking, not used it preferring to top it up with ATF.
Now have a steering judder at about 50 mph. Not sure if it is due to lost balance weight, worn bush etc Will be investigated on return to UK
Running Gear and Brakes
A rear UJ was replaced as part of a service. Outsourced to a so called specialist. Replacement lasted less then 500 miles on bitumen. Fortunately I had a completed replacement prop as a spare. Covered 1500 miles before I could get the rear prop correctly repaired.
Had a new set of front brake pads fitted at a service. One of the pads rotated out as the retaining pin had not been secured properly! R pins solved that problem.
The X brake hand cable had become stretched over last 3 years and had run out of adjustment. Jon brought a replacement one out with him
Both rear brake stoneguards suffered from metal fatigue and were removed.
Winches, Lockers & Protection
Not used often but managed to pull winch line out of the securing terminal onto the winch drum due to poor crimping technique by supplier! Problem solved in field by use of a timber hitch and a few overwraps
An ARB axle locker is fitted to the Salisbury axle. Well worth having one fitted as it paid for itself in the ability to get the 110 out of the gloopy stuff. Rains come earlier and heavier then normal which made some tracks entertaining. Realising the 110 was about to get bogged early enough, switch on rear locker and often could plough through the gloop or reverse out of it before getting bogged. A great bit of kit.
The 110 has reasonable protection underneath which meant that the road kill and occasional tree stump caused no problems. Again well worth every penny spent.
Had to modify the tank guard though as it was catching on rear diff guard
Electrical
The main light switch decided to go to Prince Lucas heaven in the middle of a series of hairpin bends. Scary! Got a replacement brought up from Melbourne via another LR owner
Have a charging issue with the yellow optimas and the split charging system. Not sure of the main cause here so this is a problem to be resolved in UK
Cooling System
The Kenlowe fan was replaced in Sydney on arrival due to wiring burning out, believed to be due to zealous use of high pressure water by the quarantine people. The replacement lasted about 20,000 miles before the corrugations completely killed it and the 12 blade fan become a five blade fan. The spare viscous fan was put on.
An engine watchdog monitoring system was installed in Australia and this was a wise investment. The bolts holding the top radiator frame down managed to wear a small hole in the top of the radiator. Cost £4 to get it brazed up and pressure tested! Couple of washers lifted bolts away from top of radiator. The LR temp gasuge had hardly moved before the engine watchdog started barking like bad
Engine Auxiliaries
Fuel lift pump needed replacing at a service, a spare one was in the 110
Fuel stop solenoid failed on the Wolfe Creek Track causing engine to stop. This would have beaten me but Jon correctly diagnosed the problem and removed ball and plunger from it. Stopping the engine then meant stalling it until we could get it replaced in Alice Springs
Rear Suspension
Is now soft and the 110 can behave like a bucking bronco now! Not sure if it is springs or rear shockers which are shot. Another job for England
Personal
Apart from loosing a filling, which resulted in tooth extraction in Singapore as time did not permit root canal filling only a couple of plasters have been used.
Jon managed to loose the bag with the clean shreddies in when we stopped at a roadhouse. He blames rather large ants for running off with our bag full of clean shreddies. A likely story me thinks! Luckily we were not entering in the best dressed man about town awards so it did not matter too much as we both landed up smelling as bad as each other.
Camera and Electronic Gear
Canon cameras was used by both Jon and myself. Managed to break one uv filter by catching lens on doorframe on Manley ferry. Shattered a polarsing filter when I stumbled towards the end of the walk around Kings Canyon. The glass in one of the uv filters is now loose due to corrugations.
Laptop has lost a hinge cover
Camping Gear
Do not buy the £5-10 cheap camping chairs! Spent a bit extra and get a more robust and comfortable tents
Had to buy new tents in Darwin as the existing tents were far to hot. Mozzy tents without flysheets were wonderful to sleep in. Seeing the moon and stars as you fell asleep was something special
Coleman stove a big thumbs up to but carry spare pump washers with it
Navigational Kit
Consisted of Hema maps/mapbook, Navman satnav and an Xplore tough book running Ozmaps and Hema maps.
Paper maps are wonderful for an overall view on the journey and will never be fully replaced by electronic means in my view.
Sat nav is for the guidance of the wise and not the obedience of fools. Frequently have decided to ignore instructions from satnavs as what is on the ground is often different to the electronic maps stored on it. The Navman was extremely good at mistaking creeks for tracks in the outback. Corrugations got to it in the end and there were problems maintaining power connection
The Xplore and the moving map function was great, especially in the sand storm in the Simpson desert. Having maps of a decent scale meant it was possible to find some more interesting routes. Only drawback is to get the best out of it you need a navvy to operate it, or better IT skills then I have.
Overall
When you consider the length of the trip, the type of terrain cover the 110 and kit has stood up to the journey extremely well. Yes there were a few hiccups along the way but they were more of the unforeseen variety rather then due to lack of preparation on the 110
Hope you have enjoyed these reports
Regards
Brendan
Last edited by leeds on Mon Dec 08, 2008 1:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
I'll second that Roger,I have been logging on everyday hoping for another installment of the trip,apart from being GREEN with envy i have thoroughly enjoyed all the photo's and excellent stories so thanks for that.
Well......gonna go scrape the ice off my motor and mount my adventure to Asda!!!....Cheers guys..Phil (P38)
Well......gonna go scrape the ice off my motor and mount my adventure to Asda!!!....Cheers guys..Phil (P38)
do you know the meaning of Nemesis ???
Thanks for the comments folks.
Just be a bit wary if I offer to show you a few photos. More likely to be a few thousand as have over 6800 on lap top!
Some boring figures for you.
On current trip have so far covered 24,770 miles, used 4247 litres of fuel at a cost of 9,830.07 A$ which works out as an average of 26.1 mpg with worst being 18 mpg and best 33 mpg
Do not want to translate A$ into £, but would say it has been well worthwhile. If any of you get a chance to explore the outback here, just go for it wholeheartly.
I suppose at this stage I should say a few thank yous to various people who have made this trip so well worthwhile.
The Aussies are a great bunch and I have had heaps of help and advice from the members of www.aulro.com. Mentioning individual names on here would be slightly meaningless, but if any of you want help/advice on travelling in this part of the world, travelling in hot climates or anything to do with tray back or specialist overland vehicles they are extremely helpful.
Those of you who know me reasonably well will know I am not the worlds best mechanic and the reliability/preparedness of the 110 is mainly due to Andy and Rob at Four Plus 4 in Leeds. Tony and Brian have also been extremely helpful to me as well from there. When the 110 gets back to Yorkshire I will have to go and settle up with them as they lent me a reasonably extensive spares kit FOC
Jon was mad enough to take up my offer of joining me out in the outback for a month. He was good company despite being a prentice and did not mind my slightly odd ways of doing things. He even had to get his hands dirty on the 110 at times. He's not a bad cook so if anyone wants a mechanic/navvy/galley slave you might want to consider him.
I suppose it would be sensible and prudent at this stage to say thank you to Barbara for being my PA, my IT consultant, part time navvy and a better cook then Jon. She also ensured that my affairs run reasonably smothly back in the UK whilst I enjoyed my short holiday
So the next stage is to arrange shipment of 110 back to the UK. When it gets back it will be thoroughly overhauled, a few modifications made. Currently trying to work out future travel plans, we have a few ideas for 2009 and are wondering on a return trip to Oz in 2010. You lot are likely to see a bit more of me at the clubs RTV in 09.
Regards
Brendan
PS I do not like these stories of ice and snow. What about global warming? Want it nice and warm for when I return
Just be a bit wary if I offer to show you a few photos. More likely to be a few thousand as have over 6800 on lap top!
Some boring figures for you.
On current trip have so far covered 24,770 miles, used 4247 litres of fuel at a cost of 9,830.07 A$ which works out as an average of 26.1 mpg with worst being 18 mpg and best 33 mpg
Do not want to translate A$ into £, but would say it has been well worthwhile. If any of you get a chance to explore the outback here, just go for it wholeheartly.
I suppose at this stage I should say a few thank yous to various people who have made this trip so well worthwhile.
The Aussies are a great bunch and I have had heaps of help and advice from the members of www.aulro.com. Mentioning individual names on here would be slightly meaningless, but if any of you want help/advice on travelling in this part of the world, travelling in hot climates or anything to do with tray back or specialist overland vehicles they are extremely helpful.
Those of you who know me reasonably well will know I am not the worlds best mechanic and the reliability/preparedness of the 110 is mainly due to Andy and Rob at Four Plus 4 in Leeds. Tony and Brian have also been extremely helpful to me as well from there. When the 110 gets back to Yorkshire I will have to go and settle up with them as they lent me a reasonably extensive spares kit FOC
Jon was mad enough to take up my offer of joining me out in the outback for a month. He was good company despite being a prentice and did not mind my slightly odd ways of doing things. He even had to get his hands dirty on the 110 at times. He's not a bad cook so if anyone wants a mechanic/navvy/galley slave you might want to consider him.
I suppose it would be sensible and prudent at this stage to say thank you to Barbara for being my PA, my IT consultant, part time navvy and a better cook then Jon. She also ensured that my affairs run reasonably smothly back in the UK whilst I enjoyed my short holiday
So the next stage is to arrange shipment of 110 back to the UK. When it gets back it will be thoroughly overhauled, a few modifications made. Currently trying to work out future travel plans, we have a few ideas for 2009 and are wondering on a return trip to Oz in 2010. You lot are likely to see a bit more of me at the clubs RTV in 09.
Regards
Brendan
PS I do not like these stories of ice and snow. What about global warming? Want it nice and warm for when I return
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