What rain?

Tina has to work again, Megan & Nathan come round and we try to find Nathans fuel pump issues in the cruiser.(he should have brought a diesel, Oh oh I hope Tina doesn’t read this I’ll get in the shit, she already thinks it's my fault they broke down as it is) We look over all the connections, run separate wires and everything but no luck.

We got in a swim and a nice down pour as well. A good day but no luck.
Did I forget to mention that while it was raining it got so wet that my willy created an earth for the fuel pump. Power in the Penis hey? (no Image provided here)

White Lady hits the water

We are off fishing today, Brian, Jan Nathan, Rob & I. ( I need to come up with some sort of abbreviation here another 5 weeks of this and I will use up all my blog allowance just writing down everyone’s name all the time, more about this shortly) anyway I’m up early and ready to go, I get picked up on the way to Robs and I’m going on his boat and Brian is going to take the White Lady (WL) out for its first run. Yes you guessed it another boat not quite ready bit going on the water anyway. The 105 Chrysler is nicknamed the fridge and one look will confirm this. We finally get to Buffalo creek after several stops and there is no water. Some guys just fling a tinny off the back and slam it into the rocks to launch. Not much chance Rob would do that to his boat and no chance with the White lady. Sorry Jan I nearly write Brian’s Boat every time but that’s another story.
We decide to go to Nightcliff and there is enough water launch there. Off we go Rob & I head off to set out Crab pots which I bait up and rig up on the way. We make it up the estuary just and set the pots. We catch up with the (WL) and fish for a little while and head off. Rob losses the WL and we are half way to Mandorah before we find out its not them. Back to the Bottle Wash an artificial reef for a brief fish before the crew in the WL decide to leave, I think Nathan has done enough of being the Burley Boy.
We head back and check the pots with 6 nice Muddies, but I’m quite disappointed I only fished for no more than 45 minutes in an entire day and even saw a little to much sun. Better no forget to mention Tina cleaned the van for the kids arrival and raked up heaps of leaves to try to reduce the Midgies.

Boxing Day

It’s Boxing day and there is one thing that must be done. We must watch the first over of the Boxing Day test, Australia win the toss and bat against Pakistan. Today hangover and all we are putting the tarp back over the two vans, but first we must clean the roofs. It is a long process and takes a good 3 hours.

Brain, Jan, Megan & Nathan arrive and we have some leftovers for lunch before proceeding. We get it up but despite the huge size of it doesn’t cover both vans. Then down to Robs to get a rail to put across the tarp to help hold it up. We have a swim in the pool in the arvo and maybe I drink a little too much??

Christmas in Darwin

Its Christmas eve, Tina worked so Jan, Brain & I sat around and enjoyed pre-Christmas activities, mostly centred around getting Brian’s new Navman to work. Some festive drinks and conversation filled the night.

Its Christmas and after some morning phone calls we are off to drop of Brian’s car at Pinelands. When we return I cook Mexican for breakfast including Mexican coffee which is rather strong, sweet and has the odd drop of alcohol, however it’s quite nice.
We ope presents and everyone is very spoiled, and I think Santa brought most of use what we were wishing for. Brain works on smoked fish for lunch courtesy of his new smoker, Jan makes some more coffee’s in the new coffee maker. I continue to work on the Navman which is becoming a little frustrating.
Megan & Nathan have changed plans due to the cyclone and have decide to drive straight to Darwin, it was supposed to be a Christmas surprise but car travels have spoiled it a little ( I’ll let them tell you about that on Facebook) . Anyway they arrive just after lunch and hugs and kisses and we are into lunch. It’s a busy day and there is must celebration and drinking.

Counting Down the Days

Another quiet week it rained most days. I had a few work lunches to attend and Brian’s foot hasn’t gotten better at all that’s what happens if you don’t seek medical attention. Friday night we had some drinks at the Deck Bar with some CSG work folk and then we walked back to Jan’s place. Jan cooked us the most wonderful Fish & Chips for tea and we all drank to much. Sore heads all round (well except for Jan I think).
Saturday Tina had to go to work but we had a great Saturday night and sat round the pool Sunday drinking and socialising.

It’s the last week at work and it is slow, well for me at least. Tina is flat out at Liquorland. No surprise but Brian’s foot still isn’t better. Megan & Nathan have left Adelaide and are on their way to Darwin. Its not good new though with Cyclone Lawrence making a path through central Australia right when they are due to arrive in Alice. I had another couple of work lunches and got the best pics of the little possum who lives nearby.

Flooded roads & rivers

Sunday I did the grouting and they are all finished. Brian & Jan did a bit of a clean up and we headed home. Well what a drive home flooded roads all the way, I even took a video while following Jan.

We got stuck at a creek where huge section of the road had washed away. We had to wait while a big dozer pushed rocks into the hole. I towed a couple of utes through the creek which wasn’t to deep. Next stop Charlotte River.

Well the water certainly was flowing there. There was little chance I was towing anyone through there. The depth marker had been washed away so it made it a bit tricky. Brain reckons we could probably drive through but Jan is driving cause Brian’s foot is not better yet. We waited around for about 2 hours.

The big trucks with more rocks came through and people followed behind the truck but no one else was willing to cross. As usual everyone is waiting for someone else to drive through. It finally went down a bit so we all decided it was time and everyone drove through no problems.

Tiling Jan's Kitchen Dundee

Andy – Saturday was tiling day at Dundee and I got all the tiling in the Kitchen done by 1.00pm. Brain mixed glue & cut tiles hopping around on his gummy foot. We headed down to the boat ramp for some fishing. What a site Brian has a chair, a great sandwich Jan made, cold beers and some rods form the 60’s. I caught a couple of sharks, Brian caught one to but nothing we can eat. We had a few drinks and Jan made the best lamb roast on her new rotisserie During the night it was Dundee’s turn to get that rain Tina got in town. It pissed down the whole night and didn’t le tup the next day either. Brian and I woke up with sore heads and I think Jan probably had one to.

Sunday I did the grouting and they are all finished. Brian & Jan did a bit of a clean up and we headed home.

The Wet Season Arrives by Tina B.

It is Friday & Andy, Dad & Jan are off to Dundee (I have to work Saturday) to finish off that tiling job that was almost started last weekend. So I have the van to myself for a couple of nights, it will be nice and I have a plan, Supernatural DVD’s food, beer & also the Pink Fun House tour DVD mum got me for my birthday, by the time they are ready to leave it has started spitting with rain we are expecting some more as there is a monsoon low off the coast 20% chance it could develop into the 1st cyclone of the year! I woke up at about 3.30am and the rain has not let up all night I am starting to get a little worried all of the seed pods falling on the roof are scaring the shit out of me. I am here all on my own, should I pack up and go to Dad & Jan’s now??? I can’t make up my mind so I try to get a little more sleep, hummm not likely. Around 7.30am I got all our important doc’s first aid kit torches, canned food, warm clothes and packed a bag, I looked the BOM web site there are no cyclone warnings but the is still the possibility it could happen on Sunday. I call Dad phone for some reassurance. They sound like they are having a ball, and I sound like a scared little girl. I would have taken lots of photos & video by Andy has the camera, I took a couple on the phone hope they work out. Dad calls me back at about 8am, and again tries to reassure me that if it does develop in to a cyclone it will be in WA by then! We are just experiencing a very low depression. It has been years since I have seen rain like this, I am still unsure so I have loaded up Jan’s little bubble car with my stuff, and will take it to work today so if it does get worse I can just go straight to Dad & Jan’s, I think I am be a little over cautious, but I don’t care. Our Cyclone plan was to pack up and head for Katherine, but I guess I am not doing that this time, good thing we have insurance. It is 11.20am it is still raining, I had better get ready for work, I bet it is a boring day, who is going to come out in this rain! People who need supplies I guess ha ha ha. I hope Jan’s car does not get bogged getting out of the van park!

Grammatical Apologies

Tina's Birthday & Electrical Storm Hits

We haven’t got much rain but we had the biggest electrical storm I have ever seen on the weekend. Thursday is Tina’s birthday so a Happy Birthday to the Girl she has to work a 1-9pm shift so I hope her pressies are enough to get her through. I wrote her a Birthday Poem, I think last year was the first time I didn’t do one since we have been together.

Tina -

I had to drive home in the most amazing storm tonight I was pretty scared I must admit, lighting flashing every where they were hurting my eyes and I was so worried the car was going to get hit by one of the hundreds of strikes. The wind was at about 80km’s per hour and the rain was just pouring down, and with our stupid Landcruiser light you can only see about 10mtrs in front of you, we are also currently repairing the high beam & we have no spotties! The street lights were out all the way along Tigerbrenon Drive, which did not help one bit, at least the other drivers on the road were taking it easy as well, and didn’t mind my 55kms. I finally got home & Andy is videoing the storm, like I am going to forget that fast. We sat out side for a while & watched the light show the whole caravan park was being lit up by it. We got hungry so decided it was time for dinner.

Another week at work will it never end

Its Monday again and back into work it’s only been about 8 weeks but nearly seems like forever. I’m sure all you working folk are crying in your beers. Tina goes around to check on her Dad and he’s OK and his foot should be better in time for all the kids to arrive.
Tuesday I take the Tojo down to Palmerston to get an exchange Power steering box. The leak is getting quite bad now. We have spent a fair it on the old girl but better now while we are working. In the arvo I stop in to see Brian and have a couple of beers. Then off to town. Tina is going out to watch a movie with Jenna so I leave the car in town and catch the bus home. I catch the most days and it is pretty interesting just like free to air TV but in your face. Something happens everyday. I have listened to more music on my MP3 than ever before and it easy to end up in your own world. Its 25 minute and $2 so a bargain, I can’t even start the Tojo up for that.

I forgot the Pictures

A little storm passes us by at Dundee


Your just not allowed to miss Sunset here



I know its been worn out to death but when your name really is Jan surely we can use it again.

"Not Happy Jan"

Brian is using the red wine pain killing method after the foot Injury.

RDH save Brian's Foot

On the way home we stop off at Crab Claw Island to catch up with Dave & Fiona some friends we made while they stayed at the Shady Glen. They are working/living out there having a ball. On the way into the resort we said how will we find them but as soon as we rocked up I spotted them in the pool, surprise surprise.

Had to stop at Coolinga Woolworth's on the way home because I forgot to get my wish tree girl 9 year old Leah a present.

We did here from Jan & Brian and his foot is not broken, bloody lucky but the hospital said Tina & I did a great Job, and Jan as well. We are Ice fanatic's, years of Football Injuries have at least taught me that. You can’t beat a good ice pack.

Grammatical Apologies

Just a couple too many beers when I wrote the Brian foot injury story.

Dundee Breakdown

Saturday Tina had to work so I dropped her off in town and headed out to Casuarina to a little Christmas shopping of my own. Boy was I crook and Wendy’s Dog and a Solo didn’t help much either. My big task of the day was to get the gas working in the van. I headed down got a new regulator and it works fine. Even solved that Kris Kringle issue.
Watched a little of the cricket, the Windie’s not the Wendy’s doing well. Picked up Tina and headed off to Dundee. It’s a pretty good drive and the last 20k of dirt is better than usual. We arrive around 6 with a beer in hand. Tina has nominated me for Tiling the kitchen and Brian is grinding the floor to make ot more level in the Donga.
Then while we are talking to Jan a loud bang and scream of pain has us running towards the donga with Jan calling out to Brian. No answer and we are concerned arriving to find Brian with Blood pouring out of his foot and severe pain. The grinding stone has shattered and smashed ointo Brian’s foot creating a large bleeding hole as well as a massive lump on the top of his foot. He has gone pale and clearly in shock but plenty of help on hand to see us through the first 20 minutes of drama. Anyway lot of ice and we thin just because he can move everything he doesn’t have to go back to Darwin to the RDH tonight. But more about that later.

Friday night and we like to party

Tina took the Compliance plate to MVR and all is good. Glad that stupid stuff up is over. By the way I riveted it back on where you can see it and read it. Bloody Genius that’s what I say.
Tina did all the Christmas shopping this is week except for one difficult Kris Kringle one of has got for someone unknown. Friday was the CSG party at Monsoons, a pretty good night of free drinks and a chance to meet some of the 200 odd staff. Tina had had teas with Brian and Jan some nice steak.

The Compliance plate is found

Woke up Saturday morning and didn’t worry about all that crap to much did some Christmas shopping and Tina worked in the afternoon. I headed around to Brian’s to do the washing and finally saw some of the 1st test between the Aussies and the Windie’s it’s a flogging and could be all over today. I wonder if Ben went this year? Headed back to the park and did some work like work from CSG how sad the firs time I have worked out of hours. It went crap and none of my ideas and formulas worked.
Drove into town to pick up Tina in a foul mood and didn’t really enjoy the evening much. Sorry Tina
Sunday morning I got up and tried on those formulas again and it worked great and I was much happier. Went to Casuarina did some more shopping and then back to the van in search of the compliance plate. I took everything out of the front box and there it was the bloody compliance plate right up the top where no one could ever see or read it. So I drilled the rivets off and took it out. The plan is to take it down to MVR for approval. What’s even worse or better depending on how you look at it is there is the trailer adaptor plug. I must of taken it off and chucked it in the box so no one stole it. Not happy but happy Jan!!
We spent most of the rest of the day in the Pool socialising drinking to much beer & wine and I got a little sun burnt as well.

The Van gets NT Rego just

It was a pretty quite week really no rain, some evenings around the pool etc. We are getting pretty organised. We picked up the gene form the shop it was repaired under warranty petrol & Oil leak. The petrol leak was because the hose clamp was done up to tight in the factory and the oil because they put to much oil in it and it blew out the breather when it was running.

The came Friday I had the morning off to take the van down to MVR and a NT rego. All went well until we couldn’t the compliance plate. We looked everywhere inside and out, rang the previous owner and even Coromal but no luck. Lucky he was a nice guy did a Stolen vehicle check etc and everything came back fine. So he gave use 3 months rego and we were off. A little pissed off but on the way to the Air con man to get re-gas for the van. Tina picks me up from work and we go to pick up the van. Next dram it seems that someone has nicked my trailer plug adaptor form off the front of the van. What a bad day home for beer sand some sulking. (Didn’t see any cricket at all !!)

Darwin gets sucked away

These cool photo's were taken in Darwin just near the end of Cavenagh Street

New feature "Crazy Darwin Wildlife"

Tina took a shift at Vintage Cellars today and I finished off the move between the two vans in between the odd trip to the pool and a few Newton’s Ciders. They are alright for $29 a slab but I prefer my Tasman Bitters. I got lots of jobs done and we are tidy again.

Off course you can’t bloody register the van in SA without taking it there so Tina went and got a NT license. A bit of a funny story here I can share with you all another time. So next we have to drive our new van to MVR to get an inspection so we can register it. Buts that’s next weeks saga/story. I had a great time in the pool Saturday and the Social Committee had a ball. That’s what we and other van park residents call us. Its sort of like a social club that anyone can join. But we do have rules.
Tonight we were off to Dave’s for tea, his homemade Pizzas in the frying pan. Mike and Shane from the tent house joined us and fun evening was had by all. The local possum joined us and there is a nice picture of him in our new section “Crazy Darwin Wildlife”. We drank a couple to many drinks especially me and drunk another bottle of wine, a freebie Tina got from work and I got a bit loud!!

Sunday we headed to Casuarina for some shopping and then down to the Wave Pool for a swim. It is at the new convention centre and is a cheap day out. They have a huge pool and it makes waves, three different types. Not quite rack up your surfboard but pretty cool anyway. The Choppy one is the best, and they just keep coming one after the other non stop. A little bit too close together compared to the ocean anyway so will see when you get here. There is plenty of shade and good kiddies section as well as free boggy boards and inflatable tyre thingies?? (Sorry they are not free they are include din the price hey? Jason)

I have just noticed the 2 x Question Mark thing I picked it up at my new job and cant stop doing it now??

Our first overnight guest

You have probably noticed by now, yes its me writing again. Tina is a bit slack but don’t tell her I said that , or wrote it in the blog. So I’m back well at least until Tina reads this or one of you guys tell here. I’m really sorry the caravan story took so long but Tina is in charge of the photos. Must be hard working at Liqourland.
Anyway its been a pretty hot week, but I bet not as hot as Adelaide. It hasn’t rained for 4 days now and it is sticky, real sticky. Jan is away so Brian had a sleep over at our place. Our first overnight guest, now we have two van’s we can have heaps of people over.

Do all the Beeston's drink my Beer??

It rained every night for 4 nights and a couple of them were bloody good downpours.
Friday night Tina is working again so into town for some beers while I wait, well actually I drink Strongbow Dry at the Wisdom Bar. After work Tina and I have a couple of Drinks at the Deck Bar & down at the Ducks Nuts and head home.

Today is a big day and we are moving our site around. It has become a bit of a mess but we will clean it all up today. We have two vans now so we have to move them both. The new van goes on the slab. Everyone is fairly giving us shit about our two van condo set up. So we move the vans clean up and try to organize ourselves. Slowly moving stuff from Homer1 to Homer2.
The new van has everything and the coldest Air con ever. It is a bit flash for us but we will get used to it.
That night Dave a new friend comes over for beers & Yiros. Next week he is going to make us his home made pizzas.
Sunday we do a bit more tidying up a bit of shopping and some more herbs, vege’s for the garden and Brian & Jan come over for a swim and a BBQ tea. Just like Tina who is always drinking out of my beer I caught Brian drinking my wine. It must be a Beeston thing.

The New Van

Luxury comes to Winnellie

Its been a pretty quite week and we have settled in working life. Some time down the pool socialising, late night teas after Tina finishes work.

Tina worked Friday night so I headed into and had a couple of beers waiting. Saturday we had tea at Brian & Jan’s and a sleep over.
Today we are off to look at a new caravan at Humpty Doo. It is flash as and has all the mod cons. Shower, Toilet and a real bed. It doesn’t take long to agree this is what we wanted and we negotiate a sale price. We are very excited abut this.

At lunch I organised the bank cheque for the Van and in the afternoon went out to Humpty Doo to pick it up. Tina was at work so I drove it home and got it to fit on our site. Couldn’t bloody power it up though because I have no 15amp lead, so another night in the old van. I got a new cord form Bunning’s the next day and all was good.
We were already getting a fair bit of shit from our van park friends about the new mansion. During the week we couldn’t really do much.

Fishing @ Dundee

Today we are going fishing, at last. We were up early and a few sore heads after yesterdays efforts. Andy & I went in Rob’s boat, Jan & Dad in their Barra boat. We went off in different directions, we went off to the area where there are “no fish” and hooked onto a school of Snapper, yeeee haaaaa it was great fun, a few fish caught all round.

We moved on as the small fish moved in, we made a stop at the Dewy Hole no one landed anything but there were certainly some big hook ups, then the small fish dropped by again. We went off looking for Dad & Jan down on Beestie’s reef, when we found them the wind had picked up and it gotten a bit choppy so getting our sandwiches for lunch was a bit tricky, the rest of the after noon was not very exciting and we must have had a “little fish feed here” sign painted on the bottom of the boat. Anyway at the end of the day we all got several meals out of the catch but not the 5-10kg per person as promised hey Dad and Rob

The great slab @ Dundee Beach

Happy Birthday to my little one year old niece Emily, wish I was there to give you a bug hug and kiss, oh well plenty of time for that at Christmas time yeah.
We get up before 6 and get ready to head down to Dundee Beach, we are helping Dad & Jan to lay a slab between the 2 dongers he has out there, that are starting to look very spiffy with the veranda and tiled bathroom, instant hot water in the kitchen, and since the great sausage escape (Dad left the freezer open on Wednesday needless to say it wasn’t just the sausages that escaped) finally the green carpet tiles are gone too! About an hour after we arrived the concrete truck arrived we lined up with our wheel burrows and off we went Jan & Rob under the roof smoothing it out with help from dad.

Andy myself & the truck drivers son wheeling the burrows in & out with loads. We all worked just like clock work, and it came together a lot sooner than I had expected. There was some concrete left as hopped, just enough to do the outdoor bathroom which will have a lovely pink bath, and water operated long drop (dads invention) and a shower, all that can be done in the piece of the bush. The boys were a bit mad cause the truckie loaded the wheel burrows a lot heavier for this trip which was quite a long way away.

Tonight we watched a very spectacular sunset with our cold beverage of choice on the cliff face at Dundee which is a tradition every sunset. Andy and I slept out in the Gazebo, it is very romantic with the purple mozzie net and moon light.

The Last Mindle Markets

We don’t seam to be doing much at the moment, working lots and trying to get into some sort of a routine seeing as I work to 9pm most nights dinner has been a bit tricky but I reckon we nearly have it sorted out. I like working in the bottle shop there is lots of interaction with so many different types of people. It has had it’s moments when people won’t leave when asked or you have get the security guards involved, when they get upset and slag you under their breath or break beers, always cleaning up after someone else, ha ha those sorts incidents don’t happen very often but they are a regular occurrence. I think Andy is settling in well, The person he has taken over from left last Friday so is he is running solo, although he does not work for the government he has to deal with them on a daily bases, so he getting to know the good coffee houses as that is were they hold most of their meetings ! Nah just joking but he may be getting a caffeine addiction if we don’t keep tabs on it.
Thursday night was with last night of the Mindle Beach Markets, and yes I have the night off so we arranged with Dad & Jan to pick us up and we head down for a glass of wine and a beer with dinner while the sun goes down, the sunset is a little cloudy and I left the camera back at Dads place. Then at 9pm they let of a bunch of fire works it was very beautiful, no wonder the Markets fund is going broke
The Tojo has been sent down to Palmerston for some serious repairs. A new genuine clutch kit and all the seals as well as the new Timing belt and injector pump leak fix. All is good and only for $ 1800 a bargain. Its first test is out to Dundee Beach and back. Its mostly Bitumen but still has a stretch of nasty dirt road.

Earthquake hits Darwin

Well as you can see I’m not quite as good as Andy is at keeping a daily account of what we have been doing I certainly need more practice.
This week while lounging around the pool with some other people from the park that we often see of an afternoon there, commented on our veggie garden & fridge, their quite happy to know they have cold beers available even if we are not home & some herbs to add to their meals! They are definitely a good conversation starter with some of the other residence of the park.
Dad & Jan came back from Boyne Island very early Wednesday, that dam 1.30am flight hey Mel! I caught up with dad and had a coffee, gee he is looking really good. He looks like Uncle Warren! With his cute chubby cheeks!
I am still working most nights which has been a little tricky working out how to get home so Andy doesn’t have to always pick me up after 9pm, I m sure we will work something out, it also means we have still not had our celebration dinner with Dad & Jan for our new jobs, and they are off to Dundee Beach for the weekend so still no fishing for Andy.
Sat-24-Oct-09
The first time I get to drive to work (free parking on Saturdays) and I’m late, seam it takes a bit longer then I would have thought, especially when you get all 5 red lights on the way in. I finished work at 9pm and Andy and I had a BBQ and sat up reflecting on the week gone by drinking the hot night away when the concrete began to shake and wobble, for a moment there we thought it may been the effects of the beer and heat, that was until several of our neighbours jumped out of their van/bus and asked if we have felt that too! I think is registered at around 7.6 on the rector scale. It was Andy’s first earth tremor and my second; I remember one from when I was in grade 5 or 6, I thought is was mum shaking the bed to wake me up. It seems to me that a lot of this trip has been reliving many childhood memories; I suppose that is not so hard to believe I did live in the NT for 15 years on and off.

Hilltop Hoods in Darwin

Hi it’s Tina, Andy has asked me to help out a bit more with the blogging now that he has to work 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. So you are going to hear more from me, not a bad thing though I need to practice my typing now that I don’t work with a computer everyday. Tonight we are going to the Hill Top Hoods concert at Discovery it is kind of like HQ in Adelaide, man it was so hot in there we were both completely drenched by the end of it. They did a good set though shorter than we expect, it was great. We have now seen them in 3 states. DJ Vent rocked the house.
Sat-17-Oct-09
I spent today recovering from the HTH concert, I was not very hung over its just in Darwin you can still smoke in pubs & clubs, so I had that passive smoking hang over. Someone also stomped on my foot so I am hobbling around, as if my feet didn’t hurt enough already, I am not used this working thing & being on your feet all day. It is Andy’s last day at Liqourland, I think he is a little sad about that.
Sun-18 Oct-09
We started our veggie garden today I was so happy doing this cause I have really missed it since being on the road. We found a large Styrofoam box by the rubbish bins, yes we are stilling making use of other peoples rubbish. We used this box for the lettuce, Thai basil, sage, parsley, thyme and spring onions, and we got a big pot from Dad’s place and planted a cherry tomato bush. Today we also picked up a very large tarp to put over the caravan and slab so we are always under cover, it is quite good and with the fan going it is wonderful. This hopefully will keep us dry and the bat poo off the van.

Life In Darwin

Liquorland isn’t open so we have a day off. Plenty off things to do Swimming in the pool sitting around it seems weird because we haven’t been here that long but it seems like we are already settled in. We buy a fridge from the Good Guys because the caravan fridge hasn’t been working very good for a long time and the heat is really making the car fridge struggle. It’s a good buy, last floor stock. We are bulk excited this is the first time Tina has ever brought a new fridge. Its great cold beer, water and room to actually buy some stuff. Can’t get carried away though its not that big. Watched Bathurst shame Lowndes & Winncup didn’t win but it was pretty exciting. In the arvo we headed down to Mindal Beach markets.

Got an interview or two but not really what I’m looking for we worked most of the week and got a phone interview for a cool job as a project manager for a company that does IT infrastructure projects for the NT Government. I must of done alright because I start on Friday, first time I ever got a job without a face to face interview. It’s a little bit of a shame because I actually enjoy working for Liqourland just the pay isn’t that good.

3 days of work done

Oh my god we are working again today, both 12pm-9pm shifts, three days in a row. Tina is quite content and thinks she will continue to do this. I have my sights set on a senior management role and have a job agency on the job already contacted major firms dropping of my CV for them. I’m happy though to keep working until I find the right position. I told them I was looking for other work and they were OK with this and gave me a job anyway. I have been very honest about this and will continue to do so. I have had feedback form a couple of jobs and so has Tina but she is happy where she is. For me it’s a bit more about the salary and I just ask them and if its not enough I just tell them.
It’s the AFL trade week, what a week it is been, the Fev is gone to Brisbane and although I’m a little sad Carlton had to move him on. They don’t want anymore bad press and I’m surprised Brisbane took him. I hope the can keep him away from the nightclubs.
Sorry Mel to many trades for me to name them all but the Doggies got big bad Barry Hall so I hope he can stay out of trouble to. (you can always go to the AFL site and see all the transfers)

Working LIfe

Its are last day of not working and we are in a bit of a panic lots to do and only one day. We are both a bit nervous not really about the jobs but having not worked for so long. The tarp is up and we have a huge shady area now. Guess what more pool action and down to Parmerston for some last minute shopping. The only Target is there and
They have the biggest women’s clothing section I have ever seen.

Today is the day, Tina is working at the Mitchell Street store and I’m at Casuarina. Tina is 12pm-9pm & I’m 10am-6pm, so Tina catches the bus & I take the car.
Its pretty straight forward register work and stacking shelves of liquor. The staff are friendly and it seems like a pretty good environment to work in. Its over our first day working is done. It will be good to see the bank account finally going forward again after 12 months of shrinking funds.

It’s our second day today and we are both working 12pm-9pm shifts. It’s a long day and we have sore feet from not being used to standing up. After work Tina heads across to the Tap bar where she is quickly picked up by some Navy guys, while waiting for me to drive from Casuarina into the city. A pretty girl sitting alone in Darwin will not have any trouble attracting men. So a big kiss from me when I arrive just to let all the boys know she is taken. Trust me an engagement ring will not scare them off. The boys work on a hospital ship and are off to Indonesia tomorrow to help after all the earth quakes We have a beer an wander down to the Wisdom bar for another and listen to some live music for a while before heading home.

Tina & Andy get a Job

We are pumped and start applying for jobs about 6 each. My wireless is either getting hacked or we are just to close to the tower so we head over to Brian’s and work there. Off to Drake a job agency, they have some temp work and we could start tomorrow if we wanted. We decline in search of something a little more permanent. I’m keen to pick up a managers jobs and there are plenty on offer in Darwin. Mostly in Mining based or construction and I’m hoping with all my experience I can get into construction. This will really broaden my employment prospects anywhere. Tina is more interested in retail but there are plenty of Customer service jobs on offer.
In the arvo we call past Liquorland who are advertising for staff so we both grab a form fill out and hand it in. We are told that we are a shoe in but we will se what happens.
Back home late in the arvo and off to the pool.
There are heaps of Midgee’s here but there are lots of trees so I suppose you must have both.
Off to Bunning’s today to get the tarp and more job applications
Guess what more pool action and sitting around outside with ever increasing Midgee bites. In the arvo we get a call and head over to the main store and we both have a 5 minute interview. I’m not sure they are going to give me a job given my experience but we will have to see.
But not long after the interview we are called both offered jobs, and have to start on Thursday.

Look out Darwin here we are

Today is the final leg to Darwin although we firstly decided that we would stay at Adelaide river we are so close and it is so hot we just want to get there. So we kept going only stopping there for a beer. And then it happens we finally arrive in Darwin we have made it ½ way around Aus. After we check into the Caravan Park a quick set up and into the pool.
We are planning to stay here so the job hunting begins using the paper and internet.
Today we set up properly and drive around Darwin having a bit of a look around. We need some stuff as well as some shopping. It is quite hot and although we have been to Cape York it will take a bit of getting used to here. Brian & Jan are still in QLD so no boat fishing this weekend. We don’t manage to get all the stuff we need.
Its so cool to be able to live outside of the van although we will need a bloody big tarp like the guys near us living in the tent. Our annex is just crap and the red roof would be unbearable here. Having a pool is great and we have more than the odd swim. It cools you down as well as some exercise, something we both need if we are going to fit into our pants for interviews.

Tenant Creek & heading north

We have complained a bit about the heat but we are getting soft you know. Up early after a crap night sleep but on the road by 7:00am and a tail wind today. It’s party Friday today so we are chirpy and off to Tenant creek or is that “Ten Ant” creek. Tina hasn’t been here for 20 years either but I don’t think it has changed.
We hit Three Ways where you stop heading west and can turn South to Adelaide or North to Darwin. Its 994km to Darwin and after fuelling up we are off. The run is good and the odd cloud makes driving good. This lasts until about 10:00am when surprise, surprise it’s hot. It has rained at Eliot and you can feel the increased humidity which actually makes it feel cooler. Our goal is Daly Waters and we arrive just after lunch. A powered site means on with the A/C and they have a pool where a couple of beers and a swim makes everything OK again.
We probably don’t talk about the wildlife enough because I suppose we are just used to it and only rave on about the road kill, but there isn’t anything much we haven’t seen lately. Sad really but we do really appreciate it and we marvel at everything we still see. In the last couple of days we have seen so many huge Eagles on the side of the road they are so spectacular.
Funny about wildlife but today in the pool some Male French tourists jumped in soon after startled by the water bugs, he said “what are they?” I said “I don’t know Australia is full of bugs, but they don’t bite”. He jumped out not satisfied by this. His mate had a little more trouble realising his pants were see through once wet. With Tina in the Pool he called a mate to bring over a towel, I suggested if just gave it a fluff he could jump out.
Back to the van where the A/C has made it quite cool. After dark we sit around and call up some family & friends and enjoy a nice steak on the BBQ.

Accross the border and into NT

Up early again this time we have bacon & eggs, on the BBQ which means we are not on the road until 7:30am. We have done 460k, 400k & today is nearly 400 again. We drive through Mt Isa which looks mostly like any other mining town and pushed on to Camooweal, which is just inside the QLD border. We stop for a beer it is not even 11:00am yet but its already hot and we are being slowed down by a near Northerly head wind. We make it to the border and we have left QLD, Goodbye for now we will miss you. QLD has been great and we have both fallen in love with it especially Innisfail.
Onward and there is a Highway Patrol car at the border where the limit drops from 130 to 100 at Avon Downs which is just a Police Station inside the border and then back up to 130km. It must of cost the NT government a fortune to put up all these signs.
Today’s rest stop is Suadan Bore, the first one we are staying at that doesn’t have toilets. It is hot and windy so we try to sit in the van with all the windows open. After a lunchtime play we decide it is to hot and out goes the Geny and on goes the Air Con. The bloody thing stall every time I put the Air Con on, oh no what could it be, its OK just needs petrol.
It will take us 6 days at this rate and it will be 35°+ every day. So if the wind stops at dusk we will drive at night tonight. At least try to get another 120k in. Once it hits dusk we are on the road again and drive through sunset and on in the hope we don’t get to see some of those bloody big Roo’s first hand. It’s all good and we end up driving further than we hoped. All the way to 41 Mile Bore only 100 odd Km from Tenant Creek. It doesn’t really cool down but we have a 2 minute wind storm with 6 drops of really big rain and then it passes and it’s hot again.
As you all know in the bush there are plenty of Grids but today we drove over 2 painted on grids. Yes that’s correct not an actual grid but ones painted on the road. That really just explains why humans eat the cows and not the other way around.

Heading West.

Today we are heading west on our way to Darwin. It is 2,500k across bloody hot country. We pack up & fuel up and we are off. It’s only a short 130k to Charters Towers. We press on hoping to clock up as many k’s a day as possible. It is hot so we are trying to stop by 1.00pm each day. We make it all the way to Marathon Rest Stop which is 60k west of Hughenden. It’s just a toilet and a shelter on the side of the road. It is hot so we try to use the shelter roof as a bit of shade. The drive has been OK and not to many hills.


Near dark it gets cool and I mean less than 15° and I even have to put a shirt on. It feels nice and at least in the Outback it gets cool at night. A few Road trains pull in during the night as well as a few other travellers.

We are up early and on the road by 7:00am. There is no shortage of Road Kill along here with lots of Pigs & huge Roo’s. We push on through the heat and it sure is getting bloody hot. A spray bottle is our Air Con and its works well, it’s a shame it does not last longer. On and on we go, hot as well and we get to Fountain Springs rest stop 60k short of Mount Isa. Just how hot is it? well we got the Geny running and the Air Con on but anywhere away from it is hot. There are thousands of what seem to be huge moth’s on the road and at dusk they fly from everywhere. It cools down but not as much as last night. We watch Speed Racer and relax out in the stars.

Magnetic Island (Written by Tina)

Magnetic Island (MI) We boarded the ferry at 8.30am for our one and only Island adventure. I was on this island more than 20years ago, but I don’t remember much of if except for crouching down in the back of a Moke that Mum & Lee Sutcliff drove around on the steep and windy roads. I also learned that “bitumen” was not a swear word but that is another story. The view of Townville & MI we not very spectacular due to the dust and smoke haze that have been hanging around for days, never the less it was a very nice trip across the 8km’s of ocean to get to MI, nice and calm water just the way we like it. We arrived in Nelly Bay and awaited the public bus that would be our mode of transport around the island, it was only $6.30 for a day trip, and you can get off pretty much well as much as you like. First stop Horseshoe Bay, it is still a bit early and the town is not really awake yet, so a quite stroll up the beach to check out what water sports are available, jet skiing, tubing, swimming net all looked good. We decided to choose our next mode of transport a walk from Horseshoe Bay to The Forts walk about 8km up and down rocky tracks in our flip flops! No injuries to report phew! The first bay we walked too was call Balding Bay, it was so secluded and pretty, someone in a catamaran was moored in the bay.

We walked around the bay stripped off our shorts & T-shirts and went for a well earned dip, it was very warm and still early in the day but the water was cool & refreshing, after a quick dip we headed back to the track, this island really looks like we are on some Greek island with the Ring Pines and all of the rocks.

Onto Radical Bay which looks like there used to be some sort of structure but we did not find this out. From here we took the “bitumen” and walked the road around to Florence Bay, here we need a swim after all of the hot sun & steep roads we had walked. I forgot to buy some goggles & did not hire any so missed out some great reef viewing.

From here the road got steeper but we did get to see 2 Kolas a mummy & its baby further up the tree, it made it all the more worth while. Once we got back to the bus stop we headed back to Horseshoe Bay for some cold beer & lunch. There is not a whole lot to do unless you hired something,

so back on the bus & round to Picnic Bay, the Jetty is supposed to be good fishing, we did not bring our fishing gear! While we were there this guy feed 2 sea eagles off the deck that was cool. He hooked onto something but lost it, tell us about it! Picnic Bay is below Nelly Bay & on the other side of the island to Horseshoe Bay & the wind had picked up a little by now, we had to wait a while for the next bus so we, had you guessed it, another beer, we also had a read of the Townsville paper, and caught up a bit on local news. Then back to Nelly Bay and the ferry back to Townsville, once again nice calm seas prevailed. Next time we are hiring a Moke for the fun of it!

Adelaide United win in Townsville

Up early and off to Townsville, its AFL grand final day. We check into the CP for 3 days, that’s nearly like a permanent home for us. After set up we head into the city for supplies. It’s a great game and St Kilda has plenty of chances to win but cannot finish off so Geelong end up winning. Lots of Hot Dog’s & Beers and the noise show from the Air show. We didn’t see any of the jets but we heard them, and with all that dust I’m not sure anyone down at the Strand saw much either.
It is a bit of a hazy morning and I have a sore head. It’s a quite day and this arvo we are going to Dairy Farmers Stadium home of the NQ Cowboys to watch the A-League between Adelaide United & North Queensland Fury.

It’s a 5 pm start and the dust haze is really noticeable at dusk. The Fury dominates the 1st half but cannot score and Adelaide is lucky it is 0-0 at half time. The second half is completely different with Adelaide far more attacking. Adelaide score with 20 minutes to go and now have to defend. They score again and win 2-0 a great result especially for us.

leaving Innisfail

Today we are heading further south towards Townsville past Ingham to Jourama Falls a NP not far off the highway. It has a nice creek and large area for camping. We do some tidying up of stuff we have accumulated as well as finally putting a shelf up in one of the cupboards. Gary Ablet Jnr wins the Brownlow medal. There is a wetlands walk in Ingham, and we spot heaps of birds along with 2 snakes. It’s been getting pretty hot during the day but as usual its OK in the shade and the nights cool down nicely.

We pack up early and hit the road hoping to get a spot at Rollingstone. It is very popular and hard to get into so we are getting there early trying to pick up a spot when someone leaves. You are only allowed to stay for 48 hours. When we arrive there is plenty of room so we set up. It’s a great place by the ocean and a huge grassed area next to the park area. I go fishing straight away but there is no luck here. There is a bar/shop on the creek called Fishermans Landing so we have a couple of beers in the arvo. It was even happy hour. I’m up early and down the beach again for a fish, the tide is very low and there is no action at all. We go for a bit of a drive around to look for some other spots and Tina drops me off down the road and I fish there. Only two bites they are flatheads and I lose both, one in just 6 inches of water. In the Arvo we head down the bar again for happy hour where Tina gets to help out by feeding the Kookaburra’s. They take it out of here hand.

We move just down the road to Saunders Beach which is only 25k from Townsville. I’m straight down the beach again and I head down to the rocks while the tide is coming in and quickly land some small whiting. I use these as live bait and fish with these for quite a while. I did not land anything at all. I have exhausted my bait and as we are heading off to Darwin after the weekend I use up every last scrap I have, no wonder I can’t catch anything.

Paronella Park

Back at the park and after lunch we do the tour of the grounds and you see just how amazing it is than one man could have built this. Over the years fires and Cyclones have generated serious damage but left the buildings mostly untouched. It was probably considered a theme park in its day.

It’s quite a warm day and it’s the first time we have really used the Aircon and it is nice. After dark we head back to the park for the night tour where they light up the paths and castle.