Monday morning was an early start for a relatively short day. We went to breakfast and left early to visit the Lismore school. Then raced back to the start to get our route instructions. We caught up to a few basher's in Nimbin and continued on to Mullumbimby for morning tea/lunch.
It was then to the muster on the outskirts of Byron Bay.
We then went in our convoy to the finish on the beach at Byron.
Another great Bash and a wonderful tie with friends.
The final night was in a hall that was set up for circus training. The food was wonderful and the entertainment was exceptional.
Once again we said farewell to many friends.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunday 29th August
Toowoomba turned on a beautiful morning for us, a cloudless sky to start another wonderful day. Candy was treated to a scrub and a couple of running repairs thanks to Murray. It was then off to yet another superb breakfast at Downlands College.
We headed off to Killarney where the children put on a sterling performance with some great little singers. We were also entertained by Super Hubert with another of his magic shows. It was then onto the road for a gruelling afternoon drive to Lismore. As we drove out we were greeted with the news that there were 14 creek crossings to be negotiated, along with a 4x4 club convoy. We were not disappointed as the creek crossings were deep and very rocky on the bottom. It was a rather slow journey through the picturesque bush. The views were spectacular as we climbed and carefully descended the many hills. One of the more challenging descents was over 6 km in length. We were unable to hold Candy in low gear so it was the breaks that were put to use. Half was down we had to stop cause the breaks were smoking. We waited on the side of the road until they were safe to continue on. The Mermaids went in front of use and slowly lead us down the hill - in case there was a further problem.
Darkness was rapidly approaching as we continued to wind through the hills. We made Kyogle with just a sniff of petrol in the tank. It was then onto Lismore where our friends were patiently waiting for us. It was a quick tea and run down on the final day and we were off to Lyndon and Margaret's for the night.
Another great day on The Bash.
We headed off to Killarney where the children put on a sterling performance with some great little singers. We were also entertained by Super Hubert with another of his magic shows. It was then onto the road for a gruelling afternoon drive to Lismore. As we drove out we were greeted with the news that there were 14 creek crossings to be negotiated, along with a 4x4 club convoy. We were not disappointed as the creek crossings were deep and very rocky on the bottom. It was a rather slow journey through the picturesque bush. The views were spectacular as we climbed and carefully descended the many hills. One of the more challenging descents was over 6 km in length. We were unable to hold Candy in low gear so it was the breaks that were put to use. Half was down we had to stop cause the breaks were smoking. We waited on the side of the road until they were safe to continue on. The Mermaids went in front of use and slowly lead us down the hill - in case there was a further problem.
Darkness was rapidly approaching as we continued to wind through the hills. We made Kyogle with just a sniff of petrol in the tank. It was then onto Lismore where our friends were patiently waiting for us. It was a quick tea and run down on the final day and we were off to Lyndon and Margaret's for the night.
Another great day on The Bash.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday 28 August
The run today was was quite short although we still managed to stretch it out. After leaving breakfast we headed out on the dirt. The roads today were not too bad so it was an easy run to the party stop. This was a gathering of all the cars.
After leaving the party stop we had a change in the cars. Joey from the cricketers drove Candy which was helpful as he tweaked a couple of things in the motor, and Robyn went with the Cricketers to the lunch stop.
At lunch was at Tarcoola Showground. There we experienced a little mechanical hiccup with Candy. Finding a mobile work shop, Robbo came to the rescue and found that our inhibitor switch had broken. Bypassing that we were able to start the car and continue on our way.
The locals had put on a market day and some games for the locals and bashers to be involved in.
It was then onto the road for the run into Toowoomba. We were going to be following the rabbit fence for some distance, although now there is a hole in the rabbit fence from a story car. There was also another incident on the road that seemed to dictate a steadier pace for the afternoon.
The run was peppered with some very rough terrain and sharp turns.
We arrived into Toowoomba just on Dusk to be met by friends at the Checkpoint. We watched some of the cars arrive into town then Brenda spent the evening with her in-laws and Robyn caught up with friends from Macksville.
We had a lovely evening. Thanks guys.
After leaving the party stop we had a change in the cars. Joey from the cricketers drove Candy which was helpful as he tweaked a couple of things in the motor, and Robyn went with the Cricketers to the lunch stop.
At lunch was at Tarcoola Showground. There we experienced a little mechanical hiccup with Candy. Finding a mobile work shop, Robbo came to the rescue and found that our inhibitor switch had broken. Bypassing that we were able to start the car and continue on our way.
The locals had put on a market day and some games for the locals and bashers to be involved in.
It was then onto the road for the run into Toowoomba. We were going to be following the rabbit fence for some distance, although now there is a hole in the rabbit fence from a story car. There was also another incident on the road that seemed to dictate a steadier pace for the afternoon.
The run was peppered with some very rough terrain and sharp turns.
We arrived into Toowoomba just on Dusk to be met by friends at the Checkpoint. We watched some of the cars arrive into town then Brenda spent the evening with her in-laws and Robyn caught up with friends from Macksville.
We had a lovely evening. Thanks guys.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday 27 August
Moree turned on the most glorious morning for our departure. It was a more relaxed start as we were not leaving breakfast until 9am. This morning we had a 20minute drive to breakfast at a cotton gin on the outskirts of town. There was a wonderful breakfast served by the locals.
Leaving the cotton gin was a bit of a scramble to drive through the unloading bay for the cotton trucks. It was then a trek through more farms and flat countryside to Croppa Creek. Here we were able to fuel up before lunch and purchase a sticker for $20 as insurance to be rescued if you came a croppa in Croppa Creek. We were feeling pretty optimistic and felt that insurance was not necessary.
We had a wonderful baked dinner in the hall and met with the 15 children at the local school. The children had written stories and painted pictures for us to view.
Leaving Croppa Creek we headed over some badly rutted roads for about 40km to where they had prepared a huge mud puddle for us to cross. We were now beginning to think that we should have taken out the insurance. However Candy breezed through without a worry.
There was more in store for us as we had to pass through many water crossings - we were often stopped by those ahead of us who did not make it.
It was then on to a party stop just on the edge of Goondiwindi and then into town.
After dinner was Bash Idol, we were just the audience this year. The items are interesting.....
Leaving the cotton gin was a bit of a scramble to drive through the unloading bay for the cotton trucks. It was then a trek through more farms and flat countryside to Croppa Creek. Here we were able to fuel up before lunch and purchase a sticker for $20 as insurance to be rescued if you came a croppa in Croppa Creek. We were feeling pretty optimistic and felt that insurance was not necessary.
We had a wonderful baked dinner in the hall and met with the 15 children at the local school. The children had written stories and painted pictures for us to view.
Leaving Croppa Creek we headed over some badly rutted roads for about 40km to where they had prepared a huge mud puddle for us to cross. We were now beginning to think that we should have taken out the insurance. However Candy breezed through without a worry.
There was more in store for us as we had to pass through many water crossings - we were often stopped by those ahead of us who did not make it.
It was then on to a party stop just on the edge of Goondiwindi and then into town.
After dinner was Bash Idol, we were just the audience this year. The items are interesting.....
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday 26 August
Today was a leisurely day. We had the most amazing breakfast sitting in the sun at a lovely school!
It was then off for a trip through some of the local farms. Today we travelled along levey banks and through wheat and chick pea crops. Our meandering around Moree took us to a lovely homestead where we had a delightful lunch and held the Tripple Cars Games. These were novelty events and we had a go at shooting clay pellets, rowing on the little lake, etc. A group of children from a small school were brought out too so they could have some fun with the bashers. It was a beautiful setting around the lake and then it was back to town to give Candy a much needed wash, do the washing and have a dip in the thermal pools.
Dinner was at the showground where we were entertained with a brilliant firework display and entertained by the Knoll Brothers and John Williamson. This is an evening where the locals are invited to come and enjoy as well!
Tomorrow we head off to Goondawindi!
It was then off for a trip through some of the local farms. Today we travelled along levey banks and through wheat and chick pea crops. Our meandering around Moree took us to a lovely homestead where we had a delightful lunch and held the Tripple Cars Games. These were novelty events and we had a go at shooting clay pellets, rowing on the little lake, etc. A group of children from a small school were brought out too so they could have some fun with the bashers. It was a beautiful setting around the lake and then it was back to town to give Candy a much needed wash, do the washing and have a dip in the thermal pools.
Dinner was at the showground where we were entertained with a brilliant firework display and entertained by the Knoll Brothers and John Williamson. This is an evening where the locals are invited to come and enjoy as well!
Tomorrow we head off to Goondawindi!
Wednesday August 25
We awoke early and got the car ready before heading off to breakfast. We loaded the cupcakes and said goodbye to our wonderful hosts and headed to breakfast.
We were able to travel on the dirt sections today as the roads had dried out sufficiently. The road surfaces were quite changeable from gravel to sand to black soil. Concentration was needed today as the roads were quite a challenge.
Walgett was our lunch stop where we were inundated with children as soon as we drove through the school gates. There was no official gathering so we had lunch, fueled up and headed out of town. Super Hubert ,our skinny magician stayed to do a show as he usually does each time we go to a school. The roads in the afternoon were deeply rutted and often narrow making the driving difficult. Out in the middle of no where we were greeted by a group of children and parents who have long distance education. They were very excited to have all the cars go by. Most cars had hand outs of toys, lollies etc. The kids had buckets of water set up to wash our car lights or windscreens! They also had cans of drinks to hand out! One of the Bash cars had a jumping castle packed in their luggage and so they set it up right there on the side of the road for the kids to play in! It was with much relief after more dirt and ruts that we finally got onto the tar and stopped for a well earned party stop.
It was dark when we got into Moree and headed for our accommodation then back into town for dinner with a mexican theme.
We were able to travel on the dirt sections today as the roads had dried out sufficiently. The road surfaces were quite changeable from gravel to sand to black soil. Concentration was needed today as the roads were quite a challenge.
Walgett was our lunch stop where we were inundated with children as soon as we drove through the school gates. There was no official gathering so we had lunch, fueled up and headed out of town. Super Hubert ,our skinny magician stayed to do a show as he usually does each time we go to a school. The roads in the afternoon were deeply rutted and often narrow making the driving difficult. Out in the middle of no where we were greeted by a group of children and parents who have long distance education. They were very excited to have all the cars go by. Most cars had hand outs of toys, lollies etc. The kids had buckets of water set up to wash our car lights or windscreens! They also had cans of drinks to hand out! One of the Bash cars had a jumping castle packed in their luggage and so they set it up right there on the side of the road for the kids to play in! It was with much relief after more dirt and ruts that we finally got onto the tar and stopped for a well earned party stop.
It was dark when we got into Moree and headed for our accommodation then back into town for dinner with a mexican theme.
Tuesday August 24
Day three saw some last minute changes as the weather had deteriorated and, the flooding had now made the trip to Louth and little school of 5 students impossible. Seats were auctioned in the plane for a small group to fly out and entertain the children and shower them with a variety of gifts.
Today we stopped for morning tea just off the main road where we were able to light a fire and share some stories. These rare opportunities are great for catching up with other Bashers and often involve some kind of activity. Once again the sling shot took centre stage with the water bombs.
Refreshed we headed for lunch, where a school in 24 hours prepared a meal for 450 Bashers and 300 children. This is when you see real community as the locals pulled together to make this a memorable day. The Principal was there with his troops to greet us and make us feel very welcome at his school, despite the fact that he had had little sleep.
We were then on the Tar to Byrock where there was a little pub. John Williamson sat in the beer garden and sang some of his favourite songs for us.
Bourke was the destination. Here we were staying with Marilyn and Bernie who gave us a warm welcome and had made cupcakes for us to take the next day.
Today we stopped for morning tea just off the main road where we were able to light a fire and share some stories. These rare opportunities are great for catching up with other Bashers and often involve some kind of activity. Once again the sling shot took centre stage with the water bombs.
Refreshed we headed for lunch, where a school in 24 hours prepared a meal for 450 Bashers and 300 children. This is when you see real community as the locals pulled together to make this a memorable day. The Principal was there with his troops to greet us and make us feel very welcome at his school, despite the fact that he had had little sleep.
We were then on the Tar to Byrock where there was a little pub. John Williamson sat in the beer garden and sang some of his favourite songs for us.
Bourke was the destination. Here we were staying with Marilyn and Bernie who gave us a warm welcome and had made cupcakes for us to take the next day.
Monday August 23
Monday was a cool start in the town of Temora with a yummy breakfast by the locals at the school. Then it was off to the Aviation Museum for a look at the old planes and the Armed Forces Day. This year the teams were represented by just 4 people. The games seemed to involve water, plus the contribution of a huge sling shot used for sending water bombs into the crowd. There were a lot of very wet and cold spectators.
We had a short interview with a TV station from Wagga and apparently it was on channel 10 news....go the cupcakes!
Lunch was at Lake Cargelligo where the local school spoilt us with many wonderful treats. Presentations were made to th school and then we were off to Cobar for the night.
We had a short interview with a TV station from Wagga and apparently it was on channel 10 news....go the cupcakes!
Lunch was at Lake Cargelligo where the local school spoilt us with many wonderful treats. Presentations were made to th school and then we were off to Cobar for the night.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
NSW Bash 2010 B Shed to Byron Bay
Sunday August 22
Sunday morning we were finally ready when the alarm called us from our final sleep before the 2010 Bash. Yes, we were ready with all the last minute dramas now behind us. The engine was in a condition that with careful driving and continual checks 'workshop' felt that it would make the journey. So with our electrics up to speed and the gearbox fixed we were ready to head to the start.
Sunday morning was clear and crisp as we headed to the Sydney Markets B Shed. When we arrived there were several other Bashers there hugging their coffees. It was our opportunity to catch up with the wives of our Bash friends and see the brightly decorated cars that would make up this year's contingency of cars.
It is always exciting to catch up with our Basher Friends.
We headed south out of Sydney along the highway. Giving us time to settle into the rhythm of the car and get our Bash bearings.
We headed over the hills passing by several tiny towns to be welcomed with a wonderful lunch at the Bigga hall. Thanks to the wonderful work of our Basher Friend Mel who was not coming on the Bash this year. We parked along the main street in the town and lunched in the sun.
The afternoon saw more dirt roads as we wound our way into Temora. Unfortunately our welcome into Temora was not how we anticipated. With our accommodation all sorted we headed to the Royal Hotel, where the hotelier told us that we were late and that he had given our room to the Navy Team - He was most unhelpful, but his brother and father said that we could sleep a matress and lounge in the dining room. We were pretty desperate and shocked at the attitude of this young fellow. We went on a search for the mattresses with the father. Due to poor lighting and a dark grey painted floor with small steps. Brenda fell down a step and sprained her ankle.
We decided that tea would be a good idea and left the Royal Hotel - not so Royal. At tea a team form Inverell said they were staying at a friend's house and had a spare room that we could use. To top it off apparently the Navy never showed up for the room.
That was our night at Temora.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
26 August
A cooler morning in Broken Hill. We went to the primary school for the best breakfast on the bash. They had provided 25 different choices for breakfast because it was the 25th Anniversary of Bashing.
John Howard was being interviewed on the local radio station and took the liberty to say " The Cupcake Girls were a few quid short" that called for revenge. We were able to get him to the cupcake car for a photo shoot then to the Key Stone Cops truck for a photo. He willingly got in the back so we tied the door shut.
When it was time to leave The Burns Boys had put ties through our door handles and some stainless steel ones on the diff.
We had to quickly get into the car as we were to be the third car out - we think that the Cricketers paid for us to get out early!...
We then parked the car outside the school because we wanted to get the 'Bash Bus' experience and so drove out to Silverton, a little mining town out of Broken Hill!....what a laugh!
Silverton was a great little town with lots of history. The boys were all pretty excited seeing the Mad Max car, even more excited to hear the roar of its engine. There was also another engine display that seemed to please the blokes as they could feel how cold it ran, or something of that nature.
We had a quick trip to see Pro Hart's Gallery and then prepare for the final dinner.
It is always a bitter sweet experience saying goodbye to our friends and snatching every last moment we have together to reminisce on the success of the Bash.
There are award presentations and the DVD is presented in two parts. Everyone is eager to see their car feature.
The Cupcake Girls won the Grovellers award. We are not too sure how we pulled that off as we avoided the officials most of the time. To grovell we thought that you had to give them wine etc and be nice to them.
The Flinstones won the Spirit of the Bash Award.
It was a great experience and we will always feel blessed that we had the opportunity to take part in such an adventure.
John Howard was being interviewed on the local radio station and took the liberty to say " The Cupcake Girls were a few quid short" that called for revenge. We were able to get him to the cupcake car for a photo shoot then to the Key Stone Cops truck for a photo. He willingly got in the back so we tied the door shut.
When it was time to leave The Burns Boys had put ties through our door handles and some stainless steel ones on the diff.
We had to quickly get into the car as we were to be the third car out - we think that the Cricketers paid for us to get out early!...
We then parked the car outside the school because we wanted to get the 'Bash Bus' experience and so drove out to Silverton, a little mining town out of Broken Hill!....what a laugh!
Silverton was a great little town with lots of history. The boys were all pretty excited seeing the Mad Max car, even more excited to hear the roar of its engine. There was also another engine display that seemed to please the blokes as they could feel how cold it ran, or something of that nature.
We had a quick trip to see Pro Hart's Gallery and then prepare for the final dinner.
It is always a bitter sweet experience saying goodbye to our friends and snatching every last moment we have together to reminisce on the success of the Bash.
There are award presentations and the DVD is presented in two parts. Everyone is eager to see their car feature.
The Cupcake Girls won the Grovellers award. We are not too sure how we pulled that off as we avoided the officials most of the time. To grovell we thought that you had to give them wine etc and be nice to them.
The Flinstones won the Spirit of the Bash Award.
It was a great experience and we will always feel blessed that we had the opportunity to take part in such an adventure.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
25 August
This is our last driving day on the Bash as tomorrow we are just driving out to Silverton for lunch about 25km out of Broken Hill. We left our friendly hosts and headed to the school. One of the cars left the queue from close to the front so we were in.
Breakfast was great... bircher, pancakes ...
During breakfast it was decided that Brenda would go in The Bush Cricketers Car and Joey would navigate in Candy.
We were all in our cars waiting to go when word got around that it was a reverse start. There was much jostling and turning around so Candy was up over the curve around the block along the path and out a driveway getting a relatively good start.
The road was fairly slippery with gravel so it was a slow drive. The triple three cars were having a fun day in the ruins of an old pub.
It was then on to lunch. It was all very relaxing. At lunch we visited a school with only 8 students..all boys! presentations were made and we were told that the parade through Broken Hill was on at 3pm. There was no way we or many cars were going to make the parade. It was definitely a no dirt afternoon, straight through on the tar. There were many cars limping into lunch as we were leaving.
The Burns Boys parked the nose of their Merc up to our bull bar and the Cavemen were parked right on our tail. However, because they wanted to go dirt they left before we even saw what they had done.
We passed through Cockburn so we got a few photos and wrote our names on the wall of the pub.
We were not at the muster for the parade but we caught up in town with the Basher's and all those who were with us. Towards the end there were Bash Cars wandering all over the place lost until we finally all got to the Show Ground.
There was a 25th Anniversary Dinner that was well catered for.
There were a few disasters today ...the Navy Team rolled one of their cars and several were mechanically not good. We are not sure how many cars have not made it into Broken Hill yet.
24 August
Coober Pedy what an incredible place, how wonderful staying in an underground motel. The weather has been stunning and so warm we are loving it. Breakfast was at the German Club. The children sang for us and the parents prepared a wonderful breakfast.
We had a great position once again with a little jostling with the cricketers and Burn's Boys. We drove out rather swiftly and then went to get on the Internet to burn our song onto a CD for Bash Idol. We were well down in the pack leaving town. Our first stop was to collect some rocks to make a 25th memorial to Bashing on the edge of the Oodnadatta Track.
We stopped at a wonderful little pub and petrol station at William Creek.
We then were continuing on to lunch. It was not far down the road when we saw The Bush Cricketers getting their car put onto a the tilt tray. We offered them a lift as seats were limited in the truck and they were then going to get another car to tow. Two of the Cricketers came with us. We made them honouree Cupcake Boys.
Lunch was in Marlee at the race track. We got there at about 4pm so it was a quick lunch then on to Hawker for tea and Bash Idol.
Hawker was incredibly windy and cold. We commandeered Dom, one of our pilots to sing in Bash Idol with us as the recording we had was of a male voice. There were some pretty interesting acts. The evening was won by the St Mary's League Club Boys who sang Country Road like you have never heard before or would want to hear again. It was all a lot of fun.
It was a home stay with a lovely couple, however we did not arrive until very late, they provided a lovely hot drink and a wonderful hospitality.
We had a great position once again with a little jostling with the cricketers and Burn's Boys. We drove out rather swiftly and then went to get on the Internet to burn our song onto a CD for Bash Idol. We were well down in the pack leaving town. Our first stop was to collect some rocks to make a 25th memorial to Bashing on the edge of the Oodnadatta Track.
We stopped at a wonderful little pub and petrol station at William Creek.
We then were continuing on to lunch. It was not far down the road when we saw The Bush Cricketers getting their car put onto a the tilt tray. We offered them a lift as seats were limited in the truck and they were then going to get another car to tow. Two of the Cricketers came with us. We made them honouree Cupcake Boys.
Lunch was in Marlee at the race track. We got there at about 4pm so it was a quick lunch then on to Hawker for tea and Bash Idol.
Hawker was incredibly windy and cold. We commandeered Dom, one of our pilots to sing in Bash Idol with us as the recording we had was of a male voice. There were some pretty interesting acts. The evening was won by the St Mary's League Club Boys who sang Country Road like you have never heard before or would want to hear again. It was all a lot of fun.
It was a home stay with a lovely couple, however we did not arrive until very late, they provided a lovely hot drink and a wonderful hospitality.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
22, 23,August
We have had difficulty with reception. Sorry about the lack of communication.
It has been a very busy few days. We had the National Rally with cars from all states participating in a procession down the main street of Alice Springs. There were about 600 cars that took part - some very interesting cars.
Breakfast was at the Transport Museum - we saw some excellent potential Bash Cars - some great food and entertainment. Dick Smith the founder of Bashing also spoke to us, to inspire us to cheat as much as we can and to break as many rules as we can - Thank you Dick.
It was then down to the banks of the Todd River for the infamous Henley on Todd. For the Cupcake Girls it was time to put their boat together with the help of our other two partners the Red Lea Girls. Thank to Team Toshiba we got the boat up and running. We did a few practise runs on the grass. It was certainly a bright little/large number. We then had to rest before the big race.
We were in the BYO Boat race. It was a parade around the arena and then the race. We certainly were the most attractive boat as the others were just frames with runners. At the start gun we were off, but crashed on the corner. Negotiating 4 m of boat around a drum proved too much. We won a $150 voucher for the best boat. Looking good is what it is all about... they auctioned the voucher for us and we got $190 for Variety
In the evening we had a National Dinner with Basher's from all states about 2500 - what a great night with excellent entertainment. A real credit to them.
Sunday was a big drive back to Coober Pedy, we all set off at our own pace as there were 3 routes you could take. We chose the Bash route which took us down many dusty roads finishing at the Breakaways outside of Coober Pedy.
Friday, August 21, 2009
21st August
It was an early start. We headed off to breakfast then to try and get our cupcakes. We were in a bit of a dilemma as there was a great place for us at the beginning of the line, but we did not have our cupcakes - in fact we could not find the bakery. After several trips through town we found the bakery - but it did not open until 7:30am and no one was answering any phone and we were due to leave at 7am.
We decided to try and get a pilot to get them and we would collect them along the track so it was off to the start. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. A friend was on his was to bribe the officials for the route instructions and to leave as close to the front as possible. So Robyn went with him - he got 2 sets of route instructions and requested that his car and 321 leave first - good man.
We did not do the bash route as we were saving our bash plate until we can get it fixed properly in Alice so it was black top today about 700km at 80-90km/ph that takes a while with stops.
We had a couple of buzzes from the helicopter. A few petrol stops. Early in the afternoon our cupcakes caught up to us so it was time to sell. The helicopter landed at the Cannonball Run Memorial with some bash cars so we sold off our cupcakes to Basher's and travellers.
The evening was at our own discretion so we cleaned Candy and caught up with some Bashes for tea.
On our way back to our accommodation we dropped some of the Toshiba members at their hotel.
It was then time for the Cupcake Boat to be put together.
20th August
Woomera welcomed us with a glorious morning a bit on the chilly side. We were able to have a more leisurely start to the day as breakfast was at 8 am and then it was into Armed Services day. Because we had destroyed another tyre and Woomera does not have any mechanics or tyre repair places, we thought that instead of partaking in the games we should enlist the help of the mobile workshop to put our spare tyre on the rim as it was an afternoon of tracks.
We were well positioned for the exit from the oval! So with our tyres all set we were ready for the rough terrain.
The first sheet of our route instructions were dropped from the helicopter so it was a mad scramble to get them, race back to the car and get ready to leave.
We followed the old Highway - what a road! ... huge bolders and rocks We moved over to let F 1 -11 past and went bouncing through a rather large ditch. Everything bounced even us... ouch.
Not far along the track we heard a dreadful scraping noise so we pulled over to find that the bolts from the back of our bash plate were gone. The Beach Bums came to the rescue and we were on our way again.
We bounced and jolted along the track. Coming around the corner we saw this magnificent lake, so it was photo time and time to off load some cupcakes.
Lunch was a packed one that we could eat where we chose.
The afternoon was more tracks, but very sandy.
We arrived in Coober Pedy and found our underground motel. What an awesome place, some of the rooms are from a disused mine.
It was tea and then a fairly early night as the next morning was to be early for a big drive to Alice Springs.
We were well positioned for the exit from the oval! So with our tyres all set we were ready for the rough terrain.
The first sheet of our route instructions were dropped from the helicopter so it was a mad scramble to get them, race back to the car and get ready to leave.
We followed the old Highway - what a road! ... huge bolders and rocks We moved over to let F 1 -11 past and went bouncing through a rather large ditch. Everything bounced even us... ouch.
Not far along the track we heard a dreadful scraping noise so we pulled over to find that the bolts from the back of our bash plate were gone. The Beach Bums came to the rescue and we were on our way again.
We bounced and jolted along the track. Coming around the corner we saw this magnificent lake, so it was photo time and time to off load some cupcakes.
Lunch was a packed one that we could eat where we chose.
The afternoon was more tracks, but very sandy.
We arrived in Coober Pedy and found our underground motel. What an awesome place, some of the rooms are from a disused mine.
It was tea and then a fairly early night as the next morning was to be early for a big drive to Alice Springs.
19th August
Another glorious day, crisp with bright blue sky. We headed off early again to stake our position as close to the front as possible. As per usual there was a window of opportunity to get fairly close. We had one of the Cricketers cars in front and one behind. We were quite pleased with ourselves. It was all looking good. Then an opportunity arose where we could take advantage of the situation so we jumped in their car to find something which we could use to bargain with. We made it quite difficult for them to remove us. We managed a few items and we also lost a few. It was then time to eat, so we left Candy and went and listened to a great school band. While we were at breakfast they managed to put a picnic table with attached stools in front of the car. One of the Virgin members of their team was extremely nervous when we came near - it was really very funny so we took advantage of that situation. Some of the locals wanted a photo of his team - he sat in the car with the window down for the photo and wouldn't get out!
As we headed out of town we collected our cupcakes for the day.
lunch was at Jamestown at a school. They had prepared a great lunch for us.
As we headed out for the afternoon we had to wait as someone had paid to have us wait.
The track we went on was very rough, resulting in another tyre being wrecked. With some help we changed the tyre and were almost done when he NRMA bus came to a halt. The 7 passangers piled out and proceeded to show us their spud gun using oranges. What an awesome machine shooting oranges 500m.
Along the track was a boy sitting at the gate in a wheelchair so we stopped and gave hime some things.
It was quite late when we pulled into Woomera a town of 450.
At tea we squared things up with the cricketers....what a funny day. They did bring us a peace offering of chocolate cake - unfortunately for them it tasted like it had had a dusting of petrol so we thought they were trying to sabotage us again.
We stayed in a school hall with many snoring people.
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