Andy & Tina's Aus Adventure

Andy & Tinas new Blog site

2011-05-02T09:29:00.002+09:30

Hi All,

As we are not travelling we are no longer posting to here, please go to our new site to follow all the action of our new adventure.

fnqch.blogspot.com

Christmas @ Dundee

2010-12-27T12:21:00.004+10:30

We have finally made it through the week before Christmas, works slow and boring and this makes time drag out. We are all packed up and I picked up the prawns and we are off to Dundee. There is quite a bit of water around but the road is OK out there. There is a bit of rain around and it looks we there might not be a sunset to savour tonight. I have mowed the outdoor setting area down at the cliff so I don’t get bitten by something this time. Luckily the clouds clear and we enjoy a typical Dundee sunset.
Christmas day arrives for another year. We speak to the family and kids and everyone is fine. Breakfast is a little delayed after we get a downpour and the loudest crack of Thunder ever heard.

Lunch is Prawns & Oysters and then we have Pizza’s for tea. It is to rough to fish or view sunset so we continue on with our Jigsaw puzzle I picked up at Vinnies. It is the Sydney 2000 Olympics which has all the Olympics up to 2000. The Pizzas are cooked on a stone in the BBQ. So a quiet evening drinking eating and watching DVD’s. There is a fair bit of lightning around and we lose power a couple of times before the TV dies.

Birthdays

2010-12-10T12:19:00.000+10:30

Well it is a quite birthday week with not much to report, I changed the slave cylinder in the Tojo and that was the last option left I the sticky clutch pedal and seems to have done the trick. A little heater hose leak was also repaired. Now just the seat belt to go, can’t find one at the wreckers so it’s Ebay at $150 this might wait until after Christmas. We will not talk about the cricket after the Poms gave us a thrashing in Adelaide. But there is always hope in Perth. Tina and I really haven’t been doing much just a bit of Christmas shopping and holiday planning, the rest of the time just sitting around really. Jan has headed off to Adelaide now as well. I passed my first subject in my Diploma, but I got to say I was very nervous before the exam it has been a long time since I had to do a serious test.
It is the week before Christmas and all our shopping is done and sent off to Adelaide. I don’t have a lot on at work and I'm only looking after a couple of projects at the moment so I'm a little worried that I need a new job after Christmas with my contract set to expire early next year. So I have a bit of thinking to do as what to do next, do I try to pick up a contract in Darwin, Adelaide or North Queensland not sure but Christmas is a bad time of the year to be looking and I have little patience with these job finding events.

Tina & Andy buy a Rain Forest

2010-12-04T12:17:00.001+10:30

Well its Birthday month Jason, Carol & Tina, and Christmas too. The week has past and finally the news we have purchased our own little piece of paradise in East Feluga. Nearly 2 acres ½ covered with rain forest on a hill overlooking the Tully Valley. It is 10 minutes from mission beach & 5 minute from Tully. The first piece of land we have ever owned and the first land we have owned together.
Brian has headed off to Roma to help Warren fix his boat trailer and they are flooded in. It is dam hot here and not much rain unlike the rest of the country.

FNQ trip

2010-11-25T17:53:00.000+10:30

Well this is the week we are off to Nth Qld, it is a bit slow but we finally get to Friday. I hate early morning flights, I just can’t sleep and we are off to the Airport at 4:00am. Not a bad flight but they all take too long. We arrive, pick up the hire car and head off to East Feluga to view the first property. It is nearly 2 acres on the side of a mountain overlooking the Tully valley. It is nice but a bit steep and has plenty of rain forest on it bloody wet though. We meet the agent and discuss our thoughts , and the move on to other properties.
That night we stay at the Feluga hotel a beaut country pub for $40 a night we get chatting to the locals and have a few drinks. Next day we are off to Tully to meet with a couple of agent and see some more places. We are pretty fussy so it narrows down the available places, some on the Tully river and quite a few old Sugar Cane farms. You have to be careful in this part of Aus with 4,000mm+ rain a year. Yes that is nearly 8 x Adelaide annual rainfall. We are not that keen on the Sugar Cane farms not really much to look at. Anyway we spend a lot of time driving around for 4 days. We stayed at Kurramine beach and Innisfail talked to some agents, and locals about Tully, land sugar cane you name it. It rains for the 4 days we are here especially each time we look at a place or drive through El Arish (we are definitely not buying there) It has been the wettest year for a long time with most of the sugar cane ruined. On the first day a rock hits the windscreen of the hire car and puts a crack in it which continually gets bigger. I got a quote and rang up the hire car place who said it was OK to get it replaced, only $ 240 so a bargain. Anyway my Camera, Phone and now the Windscreen all in a week, they say it comes in 3’s so this has been one hell of an expensive trip. Today we looked around Cairns and did some Christmas shopping at DFO. Back to the Airport and home to Darwin what a weekend. No land purchase either yet, but stay tuned.
Back in Darwin and patiently waiting to hear about the land !!

Wet Season Build up

2010-11-19T17:53:00.000+10:30

Well it has become a normal build up now with daily storms rolling in but little rain. We are off to Dundee in the hope of some fishing but it is not good weather expected so it looks like a weekend of working. I get bitten by a centipede and it really hurts so onto the phone to make sure I’m not going to die. It is all good just need to expect some pain for at least 48 hours.
Number 1 on the list is replacing the leaking pump that has been giving Jan the shits for months. Well all of us really it leaks over the floor. I knock that off along with some wiring jobs. Brian has a load of road base so there is plenty of shovelling to do. Saturday is full on and we get heaps done. Another Dundee sunset a big feed and off to bed. We awake to another day of windy yucky ocean, so more work, we are off over to Bobs to work on his roof project. There are some tricky beams to get up and weld and it is hot as. At Dundee you stand on the cliff and it is not too bad, you go back to the Dongers and it is hot but another 100m inland to Bob’s and it is stifling heat. Anyway we get it done with the aid of some beers. After lunch it is time to head home, Brian is staying on so Jan is coming back with us. It is quite funny how Jan fusses over Brian to make sure he will not starve to death. (he has enough food for a week)

Darwin Townhouse

2010-11-06T13:03:00.003+10:30

Andy Still has Sore Foot

2010-11-06T13:00:00.000+10:30

Well another week at work goes by, my foot is slowly getting better and we think it may be Metatarsal injury but what exactly is not known. Anyway as many would say “Toughen up Princess”.
Finished my first course this week Microsoft Project which I have used for years but never been taught properly, now for my Diploma in Project Management. We have had a bit of rain but nothing serious yet.
I finally got around to adjusting the handbrake on the weekend which is not a nice job on an 80 series cruiser. Found out the rear pad for the brake shad seen better days so I decided to swap them over. Not a big job but it is funny how you lose interest in working on cars as you get older.

Melbourne Cup week

2010-11-05T13:00:00.000+10:30

It’s November and that means Melbourne Cup, I try to embrace it but I just can’t get to like it. It’s wet in Melbourne and Darwin, and In fact it was the coldest November day on record in Darwin, a chilly 26˚, how we had to suffer.
Another Car repair this week new rear wheel bearings, nothing has happened but Jo told there was nothing wrong with them and that they had never been replaced. Oh no never? Anyway it is all good driving around Australia with water crossing beach drives and mud adventures but it really does wear out your car. Nothing has actually broken but I still want to ensure all this stuff is in good condition before we tackle WA. (When ever that may be)
Tina and I are famous now for changing our plans not quit weekly but we certainly move the goal posts a bit. Take our latest venture, we are trying to buy some land in North Queensland are flying to Cairns soon to look at some properties. ( I can’t have enough projects on  ) Stay poste for an update of how that goes.
I have been promising for quite some time now that I would post some photos of the Townhouse and gardens Tina and I made so here they are.

Halloween

2010-11-02T13:01:00.001+10:30

Off to Dundee

2010-10-24T10:02:00.003+10:30

Off to Dundee its has been so long since we have been out there. Got some new handlines and stuff with the BCF voucher Carol gave me for my birthday. I have been telling everyone all week that these are lucky handlines and we will catch heaps of fish. Saturday morning is beautiful so we load up and head down to the lodge.
Anyone who knows Brian is well aware there is no fishing trip without some drama and today was well one of those special days. Firstly when we get down launching the jockey wheel has fallen off. No big deal just have to lift the trailer onto the tractor. In the water and the steering is seized, we hover around the shore using an oar for steering while we try to fix it. It is seized well but some tools and gear oil finally get it working. We did point out there are grease nipples on the steering that could do with the occasional loving.
We head out to the first spot and we drop in the new handlines, bang we get instant hits but Tina gets in a beautiful Salmon. We are collecting some fish but lots of Sharks around as well.
We move on out to another spot where we are assured of catching some Snapper, but we leave after Jan lands some of the biggest Catfish I have ever seen.

Off to the next spot and we try some luring on the way with my new shiny lure. It doesn’t take long before we get a hit and I work hard to get him in, lost that one trying to tighten the drag. Bang and we are off again this one we get right alongside the boat before he got off. Some of them swim towards us faster than I can reel them in and they get off that way. Anyway didn’t get one onboard but got some really good practice trying.
We arrive at a new spot and its Snapper city I get 3 in about 5 minutes and I’m not alone. The rush only last 10 minutes but we get a few fish into the boat. Brian picks up a large Cod about time he has spent most of the day losing his hooks to sharks.
Ah back to the fishing dramas, Jan notices the petrol tank is floating which means 1 there is water in the back of the boat and 2 there isn’t much fuel left.
So we decide to head back Brian pulls the bung out so the water can drain. He tells us he isn’t worried about the fuel but we head straight for the shore and motor in along the coast (shorter distance to row to shore). We stop about 1.5km from Dundee and tip the dregs in from the other tank, about 3 litres so we are laughing.
On shore we fill the back of the boat with water again and we find the hole, Brian says a big rivet will fix it. We end up with a good catch on a beautiful day on the water and that lucky new gear worked a treat.

Hosptials, Movies & School

2010-10-22T10:01:00.000+10:30

Off to the hospital for X-rays & Ultrasound but no luck no one can tell what it is. Must be tome for my best friend Google to find the answers.
Tina and I head off to the movies (yes believe it or not) to see “Tomorrow after the war began.” Tina and Jason read the entire series of 7 books. It was pretty good bit of a rush though with the Dominos stuffing up our order.
I have started some courses to try to get some qualifications in Project Management so have to get my brain tuned to learn stuff again.

What a Second AFL Grand final?

2010-10-15T09:25:00.000+10:30

Well its October already, boy I love saying that and time flies. The AFL Grand Final is on again this weekend wow how cool two weeks in a row. But it is all bad with the Pies winning the flag.
Brian & Jan went to Bali and brought back some gifts, the kids visited Carol and Mel, Sam & James were there to. We finally finished the garden off this weekend (well the front one at least) we got a good down pour which will settle them all of nicely. We went to Ralphy’s for the Bathurst which although was one by Holden I do follow Lowndes so it was OK. We will be back in the groove now and will provide some more regular updates again. Although working really takes all the excitement out of Blogging.
I have developed a nasty foot injury and no one can work out what it is. They are suggesting a Stress Fracture but X-rays and Ultrasound have not revealed anything. Just rest at this stage. So its been pretty quiet for me go to work go home rest on the couch. We have been watching the Commonwealth games a bit, not much choice in Darwin 7 channels 3 with the games on. We got 2 new channels now 90 & 99 Gem & GO so more channels of nothing to chose form as well as a new channel 7 starting on the 24th.

September Working and oops forgot to Blog

2010-09-30T20:28:00.002+09:30

Well it is September already and what a month this turns out to be Cricket finals, AFL finals, House finding and back at work.
Let’s start with the house finding, September is the best time in Darwin to go rental property hunting. A lot of transients start to leave now so there are plenty of places going. Just like buying a car though it is painfully annoying. Look on the Web the paper drive around to 20 different locations etc I'm sure you all get the drift. We miss out on one practically next door to Brian’s however after only 1 week we get a town house in Stuart Park just out of the city.
A nice 2 storey place in a block of 5 town houses. It has a gas stove which is a rarity in Darwin a nice back yard and undercover parking which is important. The Darwin sun is relentless and just destroys cars not to mention the wet season. The only drawback is the stairs are carpeted in cream. Hope they come up clean enough when we leave. So we move in the next Friday and Saturday morning it’s off to the Lawn Sales as we have no furniture. We borrow some stuff from Jan and with the aid of a trailer drive around in search of stuff. We go pretty well and end up with a nice dining table some kitchen stuff and a couple of cabinets. Wow it is really cool eating off of china and not plastic plates.
A cabinet I got from CSG makes a great entertainment unit and a lounge we got from Jan gets us going. Now as September is AFL finals month we are off to WOW to get a TV. We have been doing a fair bit of research into this and end up with a 32” LCD, It looks so big it is awesome. The antenna at the house is no good so we are off to get one, Installed and crystal clear no problems. As expected Carlton bombed out the first week although having many chances to win. The only real upset was St Kilda knocking off Geelong so now they are on the same side of the draw as Collingwood. A pies premiership looks on the cards this year but we can only hope the Collywoobles arrive soon.
The pies make it through and St Kilda as well. Rob comes up from Adelaide for the weekend to watch which is great cause I hadn’t seen him for a long time. Scrutts couldn’t make it due to work commitments. Its a great game with the Pies out early but St Kilda coming back strong and looking like they are going to run over the top of them but then it happens it’s a draw, and everyone needs to come back next week. Rob and I head out for a night on the town and Rob is pleased with the scenery. We wake up pretty sore and sorry and have a quiet day. Monday I have lunch with Rob and we head down the wharf for tea. It was only a short trip but really good to him again.
Well now on to cricket finals the NCC “D” made it through the year undefeated 16 wins. So that only leaves 2 matches the semi and grand final which we were victorious giving me my first ever Cricket premiership in 20 years of trying. 4 of our 5 teams made the grand final with the “A”s winning as well making it 3 from 3 they won the 20Twenty & One day cup as well. Unfortunately the “B’s & “C’s didn’t win. It was a big night of celebrations at the club.
Well that was one hell of busy month, the weather has been sticky a bit of rain around but all in all a nice month.
Got some more repairs done to the Tojo which sort of seams like it never ends but I like to keep it in tip top shape. We got a bed from Christhol which is really nice and some more CSG cabinets for bedside tables. We have made a garden which needs a bit of work but we are getting on to it.

Andy gets another job with CSG

2010-08-30T20:30:00.000+09:30

I spend the rest of the week looking for jobs and working on the van Homer2 is for sale and there are a few little jobs to be done. We advertise in the NT news that Saturday and get a couple of calls but not that much interest. NT news have a special on so there are lots of van for sale.
I got a phone call from Alison and arrange a meeting at CSG to discuss a possible return to work. The meeting goes good and CSG offer me another position. They don’t really have much on but have a couple of little projects on the go and want to hang on to me which is good. I have a week off which is good to finalise some work on the van. It goes very quickly and back to work. No one has touched my desk so it is really like I never left. A couple of days back and it is like I never left.
Sunday night we get a call from an interpreter to assist a deaf lady who is interested in the van. Many phone calls later and lots of SMS they are driving from Kununurra. They arrived on Wednesday with a bank cheque. I spend a fair bit of time showing them all the stuff. They stay until the weekend and seem very happy. So the van is sold it is gone and well we have nowhere to live so we bunk in at Brian’s until we can get a unit.

NCC August 30 - by John Fryar

2010-08-30T07:41:00.000+09:30

We packed our lunches and water bags and ventured down the highway to North Katherine to take on Southern Districts.
Their initial request to bat first was declined and it was put to the toss of the coin - head 'em up, we'll bat first thanks!
With 5 runs separating them on the season batting aggregate, Alex Krepapas and Jason Hatton went out determined to each build a big innings in the last minor round game. Alex was out early, bowled for 4, giving Jason the chance to go past him on the leader board. Manish Bhatnagar came in at 3, and they took the score to 29. It didn't happen for Jason though, as he was given LBW for 6. Alex had kept him out - 409 runs for the season ahead of Jason's 406. A fantastic season for both of them.
Skipper John Fryar joined run-machine Chris Parker at 3/35 in the 9th over. Chris was 43 behind Alex on the season aggregate before the match. The bowling was reasonably tight and we were 3/72 at drinks. With scoring seemingly difficult, the Southern Comforts might've been thinking they were in with a show. Nope, sorry. The session after the break saw the run-rate accelerate dramatically. Parker and Fryar put on 142 in the next 14 overs. Their 179 run stand ending when Chris was out for a fine 77. This score saw Chris leap-frog both Jason and Alex to finish with 439 runs for the season at a phenomenal average of over 62!! Always a pleasure to watch (and bat with!), well done.
With Parker out, Southern breathed a collective sigh of relief - 6 overs left and surely they can't keep going at 10 an over? Ahh yeah - we can. Brad Hatton entered the fray, ripe for another of his cameos. Brad's 26 of not very many balls certainly kept the crowd entertained. Fryar was out in the last over for 111, and Michael Best and Andy Moore pushed right to the end. We finished on 6/279 off our 40. Another excellent effort from the guys.
We took to the field late in the afternoon, and Anthony Snell again did the damage early, taking a wicket in the first over. Moorey stepped up to take the new ball with Snelly and they bowled well without much luck. Snelly finished with 2/24 off his 8, and Moorey 0/34. Ethan Wake (1/26) and Adam Glover (1/29) were brought in to the attack and took a wicket each. With a too-bigger score to chase and a few youngsters in their side, Southern Districts were never really in the chase. But credit to their younger players who hung around and proved hard to remove. Michael Best again bowled well taking 2/11 off his 8, and Jason Hatton (0/8) helped push through the overs as the sun was setting. Southern's score at the finish was 6/134.
Well done to Brad and Anthony (and all the other bowlers too actually!). They finished with 30 and 27 wickets each and dominated most opposition top-orders all season.
We have finished the minor rounds undefeated and congratulations to all who helped us get this far. However, we need to win 2 more games and will each need to bring our best into the finals.
Always remember "a champion team will beat a team of champions". But we're a bunch of blokes who enjoy playing cricket together and do whatever we can for the benefit of the team. If we keep that attitude up for 2 more games, then we'll be hard to beat for the flag.
Eye of the tiger fellas, eye of the tiger!

NCC august 23 - by John Fryar

2010-08-23T07:39:00.000+09:30

Played Tracy Village at the Village.
Won the toss and elected to bat.
Lost Alex Krepapas early, before Jason Hatton and Manish Bhatnager steadied the ship with a partnership of 75 against some tight bowling and cunning field placements. Jason made a well compiled 55 and Manish 41. Wickets tumbled regularly as we sought to build a big total. Chris Parker made 43 and Brad Hatton 29 (off 14 balls) as we reached 8/194 off our 40 overs.
Anthony Snell led the way again with the new ball. After an opening partnership of 40-odd, Snelly ripped through the top order, ending with 4/25 off his 8, and was well supported by Nathan Jury's 1/29. Another partnership of 40-odd was postponing the inevitable and Andy Moore (3/7 off 3 overs) and Michael Best (2/19 off 6) wrapped up the TV innings for 107. The fielding highlight was a fantastic running catch to Ethan Wake at mid-off.
A good all-round team effort.

The Kids in Darwin

2010-08-22T20:26:00.000+09:30

We make it to Florence falls and guess what, yep put the tents up again. Jason made us lunch and then down to the falls for s swim. It’s is quite cool but nice when you swim around. Jason treats us to another masterful fall on the rocks, and even suggests he is going to start charging for his laughs soon. It is hot and we just bum around in the arvo waiting for the sun to go down and provide some relief. It is spag Bolag for tea tonight and we cook it on the fire and it turns out beaut. The camp site is full again and we are treated to some free TV form some local girls, who took some pleasure in annoying some foreign hikers, bit funny but cruel. It stays hot well into the evening but finally some relief once the sun goes down. Funny how we have noticed all the stars again, yes even in little old Darwin the stars are ruined by city lights. Collingwood knock of the Cats must our disgust and off to bed.
We wake up early and start that daily pack up routine, off to Dundee today so we pack up early have breaky and roll. We stop at Wangi falls which we thought was closed after the recent Salty find but it is open . Its only 10:00am but Kirsten and I jump in for a dip and it is surprisingly warm. Nice morning refreshing swim and a bit of a wash, well it at least feels that way after another dusty bush camping day.
We arrive at Dundee after stopping in to see Donna after who has just purchased the Dundee store which has not been open for any years now. We are keen to try and support her venture and will try to stop each time we pass even if only to spend $5 or so.
We arrive just early and arrange a fishing trip for the kids. Jan is going to stay behind as there will be 5 in the boat. Down to the lodge $30 Fuel $30 Bait $20 Tractor fees and $ 50 for a carton of beer. Better catch some fish for all that cash. It is a nice day and the GPS works, we think Brian might be a bit shifty and claims to take us to all these great spots where we don’t seem to catch any fish. Tina sits in Jan’s spot and hooks on quite regularly but not keepers. We hunt around all day for 1 parrot Fish, 1 jewie and a nice Salmon. Jason catches his first Shark. Its a light day but we got some big strikes that Tina, Kirsten or I were able to pull in. But practice is what I need this hauling in big fish on hand lines isn’t that easy. We get back for the traditional Dundee sunset which was spoiled a little by those dam clouds.
Fresh caught Salmon & Jewie for tea wow catch and eat em , well they only cost about $ 40 each. It’s a pleasant night and everyone except for yours truly has a sleep in. Up early looking for jobs, checking out all the overnight sports scores etc. We bum around all day just doing a few little jobs but I did get the DVD shelf up on the TV stand. We do a walk on the beach and prepare for the sunset which should be cloud free tonight.
We head back to Darwin and the kids spend the last night at Brian’s. We had a really good time and it was great to see them again.

NCC August 16 - by John Fryar

2010-08-17T07:36:00.000+09:30

Took on Darwin at Nightcliff in what was expected to be a tough encounter. It wasn't.
Loss the toss and were asked to bowl.
Pressure was on Darwin from the first ball. Anthony Snell starred, taking an extraordinary 5/4 off his 8 overs! Snelly had the ball on a string and bamboozled the batsman with his variation. Brad Hatton chipped in with 2/18. A 9th wicket partnership of 54 pushed the total to an even 100. Andy Moore took a wicket and Michael Best wrapped up the innings with 2/7.
Aggression was evident in the chase. Brad Hatton relished the opportunity to open with brother Jason. The opening stand of 44 was broken with Jason out for 19. Brad eventually out for a fine 31. Manish Bhatnagar got right back into form with 30 no (off 27), ably supported with another cameo from Chris Parker (16 off 6). We ended up 2/107 off 18 overs.
A very good win by the fellas.

Litchfield NP

2010-08-14T07:49:00.000+09:30

Back in the car and we drive down the Stuart Highway and turn off to Batchelor (well after we stop off at the Humpty doo hotel for a roadie) Tonight we are staying at the Litchfield tourist park. A swim in the pool and lamb chops for tea (yum yum), and the kids get that all important tent erection practice. It cools down quite nicely that night and it is, well nearly brisk in the morning. We use up more of the cyclone kit, and have chunky man in can for breaky. We are packed up charged up and watered up and ready for the journey onwards. We head down to Surprise creek for the night which involves a pretty decent 4WD track along with 4-5 water crossings a couple having a reasonable amount of water in them. Given as how we destroyed the last winch with water crossings we have decided to use the tarp theory and have this strapped to the Roo bar for crossings. Hope it helps. We stop off at Blyth Homestead were people actually though they could run cattle. Onwards to Surprise creek, where we stop to help some guys from Care-flight who’s Tow bar has fallen off the car. Lucky I have carried all those bolts ½ way around Australia not to mention I actually have spanners and sockets as well as opposed to Shifter spanners they had. ½ hour later and they are on their way again with the promise of the traditional NT payment of a carton of beer when I get back to Darwin. The kids get to put up tents again so they will get the hang of it by the time they go home.
We walk up to the falls in search of a swim, there are 3 pools at different levels which are all a bit cool but not cold. After the swim and a great swan dive and slide on the rocks by Jason we head back to camp. Tina is cooking a casserole for tea so we all chip in. It’s quite warm tonight and after tea we listen to the Mighty Blues knock off the Bombers for the first time in ages. Go Blues!!
During the night we open up the tent flaps to let the breeze in because it was hot, but then cools down heaps. In the morning it is quite hot early so after more cyclone kit food (this time SPAM) for breaky we pack up. It is hot early and Tina is driving us back this time. Not quite as fast but just as bumpy. She is a wiz with the creek crossings after a couple. It is a bit annoying getting out each time to put the tarp down but if it saves a $1000 winch it will be worth it.

NCC August 9 - by John Fryar

2010-08-13T07:34:00.000+09:30

Won the toss and batted against Uni at Nightcliff.
Alex Krepapas and Jason Hatton started at a cracking pace, before Alex (37 off 35) started a mini-collapse had us 3-80 in the 16th over. Hatton and Fryar saw us to 3-118 at drinks. The partnership was broken at 203 in the 28th over, Fryar out for 71. Jason fell soon after for a great 80 off 84 balls. Some excellent aggressive batting, including 64 off 40 balls to Michael Best and 27 off 14 for Brad, saw us get to 7-317 after 40 overs. Our highest total of the season (so far).
Brad Hatton (3/36) and Anthony Snell (1/35) again made things difficult for the opposition top-order. Wickets fell consistently, Nathan Jury and Adam Glover bagging 2 each, a run out from a bullet like throw from Besty and Ethan Wake stepped up to claim 1/0 of 1.1.
A fantastic all-round effort from the fellas producing another great win.

NCC August 2 - by Anthony Snell

2010-08-11T07:33:00.000+09:30

The Tigers travelled to M2 to play the unpredictable PINTS Dravidians side and won in a close photo finish after PINTS compounded in the straight as the fast-finishing Tigers swooped like Kiwi to maintain their unbeaten record in 2010. Some good PINTS bowling restricted the Tigers early and after J.Hatton (16) and Krepapas (16) produced a steady start, there was a trickling of wickets for the rest of the innings. A few bats made it to double figures but could not build on that. Chris ‘Charlie’ Parker (20-odd) and B.Hatton 28 managed to cobble together more than the other kids (apart from Xavier Tras with a whopping 41!), with the final output being 157 off about 34 overs. Snell finished on 0 no to remain undismissed in the 2010 season to date.

With the ball the Tigers tamed the PINTS bats early, with the Tigers openers snaring 3 wickets and drying up the runs (B.Hatton 2-13). But those wily Dravidians were able to make it to drinks 3 down for about 65, with the aid of a few edges and dropped catches by our heroes. Runs immediately began to flow after the break and it was left to Parker to pen an entry in the wicket column to make the vital breakthrough. But these Tigers would not be denied and some good defensive field-setting and tight bowling at the death followed, with Messrs J.Hatton (3 for about 15) and J.Fryar (1 for about 13) then really tightening the screws in a great tandem bike effort. They were aided by two great run outs including one from Jason “Damien Fleming” Hatton who knocked down the stumps on his follow-through and a second when a desperate (and ultimately dateless) Dravidian grossly underestimated the arm of “007” Moore from fine leg. In the end the Tigers were able to balance up after being challenged and pull out plenty to take the chocolates by about 15 runs.

Adelaide River Queen

2010-08-06T18:00:00.001+09:30

Thursday morning we are up early and packed up, we need to pop into town to get some block ice from Brian, some Coles bread (it stays fresh the longest up here) and off course a McDonalds breakfast. We stop off at the Salvo’s to pick up some tops for Kirsten, she left them on the bed in Adelaide.

Then off to the Adelaide River Queen to see the jumping crocodiles. As normal they are out straight away to see us on the boat. It’s a pretty cool insight into crocodiles and we get to see both the big adult males that live nearby.

Kirsten loses her hat off the boat and the lady does a good job blocking of the croc with the boat, which has zoomed over thinking it is a feed. The hat rescued and a bit of a story for later on too. Kirsten picked up some great shots of the crocs jumping for a feed.

The Kids are Darwin Bound

2010-08-03T17:59:00.000+09:30

Well it’s August already, and that’s exactly how I started last month’s blog. I’m unemployed and my care free attitude let to my recent cricket performance on the weekend .My worst this year and luckily although the rest of team were off we still scraped through with a win. Tuesday see’s Tina off to work while I venture over to the Airport to pick up the kids. It’s been too long again but it is really good to see them again. They have both grown so much it is amazing. We head off from the airport to pick up Tina for lunch at the Chook shed. It seems they may have brought some cooler weather from down south as it is quite pleasant.

We pick up some shopping we need for tea and have a swim at the pool. It’s homemade fish and chips for tea Cod & Jewie. Wednesday and Tina is off to work again we have a full list of things to do today. Shopping, Tax (good bloke that tax man, well this year anyway) and off to MVR to finally get my NT license. Yes it’s true I’m a Territorian, well at least according to MVR.
We call past the yard to catch up with Brian, he is decking out a shipping container as a kitchen and as we are keen to maybe build a container house we are always interested in ideas. Well we ended up doing all the jobs except for all the ones we need to get ready to go camping. It’s Wednesday so its walking night, the kids go too and Brian has organised a bike for Jason as the men folk cycle and the women folk walk. As usual I don’t go but I was making tea, roast chicken and veges. It turns out nice even if I didn’t make the cream gravy Brian wanted. Back to the park and packing up camping gear that night.

July Cricket results written by Johnnie F

2010-07-31T09:02:00.000+09:30

Cricket results, 3-Jul

We ventured down to beautiful Gardens Oval to take on the Waratahs footballers.

The day started well with winning the toss = batting first! There was some good tight bowling early and runs were tough to come by. Jason "Growth" Hatton and Manish fell for not many, and then Alex "Buddy" Krepapas and Chris "NASA" Parker put on an excellent 112 run partnership. Chris was launching balls into the upper atmosphere, with one eventually landing on the roof of the largest grandstand - massive! Chris made 66 and Alex 58. A few others chipped in as we tried to keep the runs flowing while wickets were falling. At the end we were 9/210.

Brad "Jazzman" Hatton and Andy "The new Snell?" Moore bowled well and ripped through the top-order, snaring 3 each. Michael "good to be home" Best came on to spin up 3 wickets, with Nathan Jury capping a wonderful day in the field by taking a caught and bowled (his second catch of the day!). Tah-tahs saying ta-ta for 126.
10-Jul-10
We met 2nd on the ladder PINT at Nightcliff. I lost the toss and was asked to bowl first, against an opposition missing a few key players.

Brad "count the steps" Hatton and Anthony "vuvuzela" Snell started well. Brad picked up 4 (off his '10' overs) and Snelly 1, to again decimate the top-order. Andy "007" Moore pushed his claims to be in the opening pair by snaring 3/4 and Nathan "Executioner" Jury claimed 2. A great bowling and fielding performance saw PINT all out for a meagre (but magical) 69.

Alex "straight line" Krepapas was run out early, after being called through for a 3rd by Jason "danger end" Hatton and almost colliding with his partner, he was found metres short after a direct hit from the keeper. Jason was hitting the ball beautifully until out for 30 with scores tied. Colin "Mr Cricket" Ralph was elevated to number 3 and relished the opportunity, scoring a quickfire 15. Manish "!" Bhatnager and Adam "finally got a hit" Glover easily got us home. We ended up 4/82.
17-Jul-10
Won the toss and batted. After losing Jason Hatton cheaply, Krepapas and Bhatnagar kept runs flowing against tight bowling, each scoring mid-teens. Chris Parker entered the scene to again show his class. Great hitting with controlled aggression saw him smash 84 off 84. He featured in a 100+ run partnership with Fryar (41). Andy Moore came in for an excellent 39no off about 20 balls, with Michael Best and Brad Hatton chipping in with some quick runs towards the finish. We ended up with 6/252.

Brad and Anthony Snell kept some pressure on early but wickets were hard to come by. Nathan Jury finally broke through, and Sunny Singh grabbed another soon after. Jabiru were 2/91 at drinks, with one of their openers on 71. Besty replaced Jury and with Singh made it very hard for the batsman to score as quickly as they needed to. The required run rate escalated quickly. We picked up a couple more wickets, some catches went down and as the sun was setting, we finally got through our overs - Jabiru 6/196.

A good win and good work-out for us.

Andy's Unemployed

2010-07-30T09:01:00.000+09:30

I found out this week that CSG will not be able to renew my contract. In the new model set up by NTG there are no projects (long story) so NTG are going to manage them. So it is a bit quite in my last couple of weeks so they give me a facilities manage roll where I have to shut down all the old buildings we used to be in. We have just moved to the 8th & 9th floor of a brand new building and closed down 4 old sites. It has been quite interesting. Friday was my last day and a little sad but I will miss the CSG guys I actually really enjoyed working with them and built up a good relationship with quite a few of the people there.

July in Dry

2010-07-24T08:59:00.000+09:30

Well its July already, how the months pass so quickly while you are working, yes believe it or not Tina and I are still on the 9-5 life. Pays the bills and is swelling our savings account so all good.
The dry season has all but disappeared and the locals are confused. Its getting hot already and some days are quite steamy. We had an overnight low of 27° the other night boy it was hot.
We have pretty standard routine these days Wednesday Tina goes walking with Jan, Thursday Night Cricket training followed by tea and a stay over at Brian & Jan’s. I have been working a fair bit Saturday mornings so Tina has a sleep in. We do some shopping and bum around. Sunday is Cricket day and Tina comes to watch and has a few beers. I’m the designated driver on Sundays and we often hang around for a few after the game if it doesn’t finish too late. Then Monday it’s off to work again to start it all over again.

We have been getting out to Dundee a bit more to finish off that tiling, wow Dundee is bulk flash now. The fishing has been a little light on though, bloody tourists, and with the road getting better more people with bigger boats are getting out there. Lucky we have Jan with us to keep the numbers up.

The sunsets are still just as spectacular each time we go there. The other week long time friends of Tina’s Doug & jenny came up form SA. We had a great time and ate lots of Lamb that he had brought up with him it was very nice. On the way out to Dundee with them I hit a Wallaby our first road kill ever with the Tojo. Pretty impressive given the amount of k’s we have done and the outback roads we have travelled. So life goes on and we grow ever fonder of Darwin. It’s a great lifestyle.

V8's at Hidden Valley

2010-06-20T09:03:00.000+09:30

It’s V8 weekend in Darwin so we have another week off cricket. Tina got some tickets form work for Friday which is the practice day. V8’s really aren’t my scene but at least we can say we went. We can certainly hear them OK for the rest of the weekend at the van Park.

Queens Birthday

2010-06-16T08:48:00.001+09:30

It’s the Queen’s birthday long weekend and it’s the longest I have had off from work for 8 months. We head off at 2:00PM and drive out to Litchfield park to camp at Florence falls. We try a couple of camp spots that are full but find a great spot overlooking the valley.
We have spaghetti Bolognese in a tin and listen to Carlton loose to Nth Melbourne and I even loose at cards. Beer is nice and cold and we drink a bottle of Moscata which is yummy.
We eventually get up have some breakfast and hit the road, first stop the Lost city which we went to in one of Brian’s Tojo’s about 7 years ago. The road seems better and it’s a little greener than I remember. Off to all the water falls but most are closed still, obviously haven’t found all the Salties yet. Back to camp and we go for a walk to Blueys Waterhole for a swim its a good walk and we are hot and bothered by the time we get there. Its coolish but refreshing and packed with people. I left the Camera battery on the charger so back to camp before we head down to Florence falls for another swim. It’s pretty packed and people a climbing up to the top of the falls and jumping, our beers are empty so we head back, its chicken casserole and rice on the campfire. It’s quite warm today and it’s only just starting to cool down now the sun has set. I really miss being on the road and this really brings it home how much you miss it. But you know what, you need money to travel so you have to work as well.

We awake to another beautiful smoke filled sunrise, we pack up quickly and hit the road to Dundee. It’s quite a long drive and there is plenty of Wildlife on the road, Eagles, Hawke’s, Wallabies, Dingo’s and even Jabiru’s. Now there is a bird you don’t want to run into. We were just waiting to see the Croc walking across the road and we would have seen it all. Its a good 2 hours to get to Dundee Brian, Jan rob and his crew aren’t quite as ready as we expect. So its eskies ice bait and don;t forget the beer and we are off. We pay our $20 fee for the tractor man and loads us into the water and we are off as usual Rob waits for no one and he is off. It’s a fairly quite day at the start With the odd fish before Jan catches a huge Lemon Shark the same one she always catches. We pick up some nice cod and snapper and then Jan lands another big Jewie. Dylan Robs grandson catches a big one to so it is a good day. As usual it is a feast of food that night.

Tojo Timing belt light

2010-06-10T08:47:00.000+09:30

Although we replaced the timing belt some time ago of course the light came on at 300k . This is the first car I have even owned still running at 300k and I reckon we got another 300k to go. So I look up the good old Google to see how to reset it. Fairly clear remove the plug and reset it. Well an hour later with the dash apart and the speedo cluster out I can’t see it anywhere. Then all of a sudden I see it right next to the trip reset button well F#%k me I just took the dash apart and all I needed to do was remove the rubber and push the button. Well there you go hey, never to old to make a fool of yourself.

Winter arrives at Darwin

2010-06-06T08:46:00.000+09:30

Another month is gone, and its been 8 months of working now unbelievable hey. For all those who thought we were bums here we are working still. The weather is just great now and we don’t even have to have the air con on at all anymore. The mornings are beautiful and the temperature is getting down to 20 overnight. How it changes so quickly and the skies are now filled with the smoke from the dry season burn off. It is a strange feeling to see massive plumbs of smoke and not being worried, you just drive by them and ignore them.

The Wet Season is Back

2010-05-22T07:57:00.002+09:30

Nothing much to report work work work, lucky it brings in the money money money. I return after week off injured and we play Southern Districts. We bowl them out for 41 and make the runs in about 6 over’s. So I was not required. Not a bad thing and gives my shoulder another week off.

We go to Bass in The grass, Darwin’s answer to the Big Day out, but that’s Tina’s story coming soon, so she says.

The wet seasons has returned and it rains for an entire week not the full on monsoonal rain but still plenty and it his humid. My project is getting close to cutover and it is late nights and nervous people everywhere. Cricket is washed out and I’m devastated no cricket for 3 weeks now. Washed out in the dry season its unheard of.

But the good news i can sit in front of the TV and watch Carlton win again, this time its the hapless Eagles.

We fix the Tojo squeaky barn doors

2010-05-15T08:00:00.001+09:30

Another week of working 8 months now but the savings are going well, We play Darwin this week and NCC reach a huge total of 302 off our 40 over’s, I got 22 of 10 odd balls and took a couple of wickets they got a bit close making 265 a big day. But I injure my shoulder and could be out next week.

Well we finally get the Tojo door hinges and new seal and put it all back together, Tina is off to an undercover wear party and get the doors all back together, after some adjustment there is no squeaking Yipeeeee let’s hope it lasts for how much it cost.
In the arvo we head of to Fred’s Pass show, Tina is keen for a country fair but really she just wants a Dippy Dog. Its OK bit of farm stuff horses and of course the animals. Tina wants to have some Ducks but I’m sure she will change her mind once she has owned them for a while. They are just poo making machines. No Cricket this weekend the old man has broken down with a shoulder injury. The boys have a big win though and we are 5 – 0 and on top of the ladder.

NCC Round 3

2010-05-10T07:49:00.000+09:30

This week we are up against Charles Darwin University, A nice oval and a great looking pitch. We win the toss and have bat, I volunteer to umpire as I’m batting 6. Not a bad start but Alex is swinging like a rusty gate. By 8 over’s we are already 3 down and I’m off getting padded up. I’m in at 4/35 and Brad and I needed to consolidate. We hang around for a while and put on 30 before I’m given out LBW after I smash the ball into my pads, anyway these things happen 17 runs. We collapse further and are 8/70 odd, but along came Glover who smashed 72 odd and helped us to 179. Not a bad score on a wicket that helped the bowlers. They gave us a fair bit of shit but got quite when glover was smashing 6’s at the end. They took 40 minutes to long and we could have penalised them 50runs. A quick change over and we were out there. Brad steamed in and smashed the stumps 1/0. Brad bowled well and had 3/6 after 6 over’s. Once again I was first change, not sure why but nervously strolled to the crease. Anyway landed them well and could have had a couple of wickets in the first couple of over’s but a couple of dropped catches were costly. Got my first and Uni were 4/41 at drinks off 20 over’s and were in all sorts. Bowled my 8 over’s 2/18 and could have been a couple more. Ended up bowling them out for 77 so a thrashing in the end. 3 wins great start, go the Tigers.
We went to Tim’s for tea not bad, but not as good as people had suggested, we did the rounds at Monsoons, Shananigans ( where Melissa’s old boyfriend is still playing and hasn’t learnt the words to Sunset’s still) & the ducks Nuts listening to some live music and drinking it was a good night. We woke up with sore heads and headed down to the Botanic gardens to take a photo of the Cannon Ball tree. Back home and some work on the car, finished fitting the new Winch and tried to straighten up the Step treads not bad a little straighter. Then we pint the arm rests on the front doors 17 years of sweat really doesn’t make them look good. We continue on with the barn door repairs painting up the back doors where they have rubbed off and scrapped off all the old silicone. Will try to get the hinges re-pinned and will order a new seal for the back to replace the one the bush rat chewed out. (Is worn out though as well)

Dry season arrives

2010-05-05T07:47:00.000+09:30

Ahhh the 1st official day of the Dry Season, and boy you can notice the difference already, such lovely cool morning, with a nice breeze thrown in. You gotta love Darwin this is the 2nd long weekend in a row, how cool.
Today I went to east Point and walked back to Dads place via the George Brown Botanic Garden, they are very beautiful; I walked the rain forest loop which was quiet and cool. I scared a few Bush hens, and I seemed to have the whole gardens to myself, I did not see any other people. I stopped at the top of the waterfall and tried to spot a croc in the top pool! Ha ha you might laugh but they have pulled crocs out of the Gardens before. In fact from the beginning of this year they have caught 88 crocs in the Top end including our beaches, Palmerston, Duruk (a suburb in Palmerston) Rapid creek, Leanyer drain, and more so as you can see they have definitely infiltrated the suburbs! Anyway back to the Botanical Gardens, when I was young they had this really cool playground, with giant spider web domes to climb on and big slippery slides and this really cool yellow thing you sat and spun yourself around as fast as you could get it to go before you wanted to throw up, all gone, I could not find them anywhere, they have built a much smaller tamer playground for the little kids, hmm what about the big kids!

Tina goes exercise crazy by Tina

2010-05-01T16:34:00.000+09:30

Another week of work how quickly we fall into the routine. I went for a walk out at East Point, I have been doing this with Jan but she had parent teacher interviews this week, so Dad & I went. He rides his bike around while we walk; he cruises by from time to time to see how we are going. Thursday we had dinner at Dad & Jan’s, some lovely Coral trout that Jan caught that weekend at Dundee, mmmm it was delicious. Friday morning I walked to work, this is becoming the norm for me, Andy is off to work early as he is under the pump with one contract ending and one starting. It was such a nice morning compared to last week. Last week I got to work completely drench, and silly me wore my uniform. This week I took a change of clothes, it was windy reminding me that the dry season is not far away. Tomorrow in fact is the start of the Dry, yay we can unpack the Cyclone kit yippee we didn’t need it

Anzac Weekend By Tina

2010-04-27T16:31:00.000+09:30

It is Anzac Day weekend, the 1st of 2 long weekends in a row, loving it, as I no longer work weekends (poor Andy) I have a relaxing few days planned, well hopefully.
Saturday we did the usual shopping and running around. Dropped in and saw John, Dad’s mate to thank him for letting us put Homer 1 on his block while we were trying to sell it.
Back at the park Andy & I started working on putting the winch back together; well truthfully, Andy did this while I pottered around sweeping and general domestic duties arghhh.
Saturday I watched Andy play cricket, after I had been down to the Nightcliff Markets, there is so much nice stuff out there, if only we had a house to put it in. I bought some lunch and headed back to the cricket oval to see who won the toss. I will let Andy give you the rundown of the game. It was very nice sitting in the shade drinking & reading. I was so into my book that I nearly missed Andy bat! While I was sitting there watching him plug away, I heard this roar behind me & realised that it was rain heading my way (love that Darwin rain) I jumped up to get my chair in the car before it got wet, but do think I could get the chair through the door, no, and I got soaked, ah well didn’t take long to dry off. The Tigers won the day and we got a pizza on the way home, very nice one at that, from the Hibiscus shopping centre Pizza King.
Sunday after a well deserved sleep in again Andy set off on the task of putting the winch back together, only to discover that the motor is completely rooted! Well so much for that, to get a new motor was going to cost $600, and a new Warn winch was only $900. I spent the entire day cleaning out the Tojo inside & out, wow I always marvel at how good it looks when clean, if only it didn’t take so long nearly 4 hours all up, mind you she was pretty dirty, I told Andy it was the last we drive to Dundee Beach with windows down! Now we have just got to find someone to clean the roof & the seats and she will be like a new one.

NCC Round 2

2010-04-26T09:46:00.001+09:30

My second game at Nightcliff and first at home. We played the PINT – Dravidians. Which is a team of Curry eaters. They won the toss and surprisingly sent us in on a slightly dry cracked wicket, which looked like maybe it could have offered some support to the bowlers. NCC got off to cracking start and continued this throughout the innings. There was only 5 over’s left when I finally got out to bat but a Darwin afternoon shower cut short our innings and left me stranded on 2no.
It only lasted 5-10 minutes but in Darwin that is enough to drop a fair bit of rain. Anyway it passed and 40 minutes later we were back on with the opposition needing 219 of 37 over’s. The pitch was a little sticky but played well. I was a little shocked to be given the ball as first change after Snelly went for a couple to many boundaries. I didn’t start that well and really struggled to get it on a good length. A couple in the air a couple through the slips and I could have ended up with a couple of wickets while bowling an ordinary line. But then finally the breakthrough caught in the gully and from then on found my length. The pitch gave me some assistance and ended up 8 over’s 1/18.
Coupled with a catch and rolling them for 121 it was a great win and we are 2 and 0 so a good start.
Go the Tigers.

Homer 1 is Sold :(

2010-04-25T09:44:00.000+09:30

Well we finally sold Homer1, it took a bit longer than expected but it is gone. It is a little sad as it has been our home for 18 months.
We have two big projects on the go still, winch service and fixing the squeaky rear doors on the Tojo. I have fitted some second hand hinges so I can get the Tojo ones re pinned but they don’t actually seem to bad. (new ones are $1,000 for a set) We are going to get a new seal which is $300 so it is no cheap fix either way. But 45,000 km of the annoying squeak that doesn’t even disappear no matter how high you turn up the stereo is going to be worth the money. So the plan is get the hinges re-pinned, fit a new seal and touch up the paint that has been rubbed off and hope for the best

Andy's first match @ Jabiru,

2010-04-17T08:08:00.000+09:30

written by NCC, Growl Editor,

A Bus drove away in the glare of the rising sun and full of collective hope. A Bus came back again carrying a victorious NCC D-Grade cricket side, full of song, cheer and beer.

After falling for the oldest trick in the land when he called the toss before the coin had left the hand of his Jabiru counterpart, skipper Johnny Fryar readied his charges for a field. Brad Hatton and journeyman Anthony Snell combined for a sound opening spell, which placed immediate pressure on the Big Birds (Jabiru) and should have yielded more than 1 wicket after an edge off Hatton’s bowling unfortunately found its way back down to Earth. The “Velvet Sledgehammer” Nathan Jury (2 or 3 wkts) and NCC Action hero Brion Foley (3 wkts) then combined for an outstanding spell in tandem to first dry up the runs, and then the wickets began to fall. 4-63 at drinks then became 116 all out as the Jury/Foley show continued, before ‘Danny’ Glover chimed in with one scalp and pocket-rocket Andrew Moore on debut dismantled the lower order with a few tracer bullet like deliveries, one in particular shattering the stumps and effects mike.

The NCC innings started steadily but after a few wickets Brion Foley (31) then steadied the ship and played a sheet-anchor role that almost saw the boys home. Foley combined with skipper Johnny Fryar who carved out a dazzling 44, to take the game right away from the Big Birds and ensured a happier bus travelling home. The baby was put to bed with some Andrew “007” Moore pyrotechnics (including a brutally whacked six!) and it was a merry Tigers’ outfield that travelled home again – save for a small outburst from the President following a would-be assassination attempt on the bus (later downgraded by the Tribunal to a grade 1 ‘icing’)…no culprit has yet been caught, but safe to say the Jury is out in this Who-dunnit on wheels!

Easter @ Dundee

2010-04-14T07:48:00.000+09:30

Its Easter weekend and we are finally off to Dundee for the weekend. W e are packed up Friday morning and head off. A couple of nice showers on the way and every man and his dog is heading out there too. They have a fishing comp on.
Brian, Jan & Rob arrive later, Tina and I have had a bit of clean up while we were waiting. We are keen to do some jobs so we empty the spa and clean it out as well as fixing the outside sink which has fallen apart. Everyone is off doing their little jobs and as usual we head down to the cliff for sunset.

Saturday brings bad news on the weather front again with rough seas preventing us from going out. So more jobs are on the card’s not to mention excessive eating & drinking. Brian and Rob head off with the crab pots in the secret spot. There is enough food out here to feed us all for a month. John & Dianne come over for tea and I DJ Brian’s old records well into the night.
Sunday brings more bad news on the weather front so there will be no fishing again. We are all a little worse for wear this morning and feeling quite lazy. We head off to the ant mounds and the lodge for a beer.
Brian gets the Suzi bogged retrieving the pots and we have to head down for a rescue mission. Block and tackle some chain and a 2k walk through the swamp where we hear the growl of a big croc.
Anyway little damage except Tina and I getting covered in mud. All for one big delicious Mud Crab.
We are going down to the beach tonight to fish, we cannot spend the weekend at Dundee with no fishing. The water is rough and yucky but finally some bites. I get onto about 5 sharks but they all bite through the line before I can get them in, good fun at least.

Andy Signs up to play Cricket in Darwin

2010-04-01T08:35:00.000+10:30

We are back on line now so expect some more regular updates. It’s April fool’s day and I was expecting a few more gags at work, I thought in the world of IT that would be a bit more popular. We have been hoping to get out to Dundee but work and other commitments have meant we couldn’t. Not to mention some later wet season weather. Jan & Brian have been out and the weather has been so rough nearly no fishing at all.
We have been having our regular Thursday night dinners with them which is often a roast. We cooked a Pork roast in the cobb the other week.
I’m playing cricket with Nightcliff cricket club this year so its off to training Thursday nights. Wow have been lazy or just getting older because I have been pulling up quite sore. It has taken a couple of weeks but I’m getting the hang of it slowly. I’m going to play one dayer’s on Sundays. There is a link to NCC on our blog and I will add a link to the association soon you can keep an eye on my performances. It is a bit strange going home to watch AFL after cricket though?
I have been given two major projects t manage at work and my cruisy weeks are gone and now working 10 hour days. It is a steep learning curve but one I’m glad to be able to experience.

Marchin on Darwin

2010-03-30T07:55:00.000+10:30

What a month March has been, I scored a full time job, Nathan & Megan turned 30, and Mel & Glenn got engaged!
I am now working for Perkin’s shipping full time 5 days a week, in their newly developed customer service department, and loving it! It has been a challenge to learn how to pronounce all the communities’ names we ship to but I think I have it under control.
We have just bought a new laptop as our old one died a long but graceful death, hence why we have not been regularly been updating the blog. March also saw Andy’s 1st visit to the chiro since QLD not bad hey, he put it out lying on the bed! Believe it or not. After 2 adjustments he seems to be alright.
On a hot balmy Friday night we went to TIO stadium to watch Sturt Football Club absolutely trash the NT Thunder (their theme song is Thunder struck By AC/DC), It was a great evening Andy & I have not ventured out much so it was good to get amongst the locals. Tina’s Handy tip: do not stand on collapsible chairs, they will squash your foot and possibly damage your foot; you could also spill your beer (only a few drops!)
Oh yeah a major change to our life was moving into the Permanent section of the caravan park. We did this to dodge the rent increase for the peak season; we have found a very nice site with ample space for us to spread out & some very nice neighbours.

Happy birthday to following people for March, Holly (1ST Birthday), Nathan & Megan, Cheryl (and the rest of the clan for March)& Glenn.

Mud Racing

2010-02-21T09:36:00.003+10:30

Tonight we are off to the Mud racing with Dave & Shane. Dave has volunteered to be Sober Bob. Its pretty good fun and there are some bloody powerful cars, but the PA man never explains the format or tells you what is going on. A few roll over sand dead cars but it was pretty good. The kids even line up at the fence to get sprayed with mud, well not like Speedway I mean drenched in mud. I wonder how many kids are riding home on the roof tonight.

Where has the wet season gone?

2010-02-18T09:34:00.001+10:30

I have Tuesday arvo off so we can spend some time together and catch up.
Wednesday night we have baked Snapper at Brian & Jan’s. And the rest of the
week is quite routine for us these days.
I feel all the symptoms of Bells Palsy and off to the doctor for confirmation. I haven’t been to the doc for 2 years and now 2 in a week.
Well its been another standard week for us gain and we carry on with Car stuff. Lots of little jobs to tidy up. We get the headlights fixed on the Tojo which is a switch problem.
Valentines day we head down the wharf with Brian & Jan for some lunch and a cruisy afternoon.

It’s been along week and still little rain it is very hot and we really need some rain to cool it down. Brian has been on a scrounging rampage this week and has cupboards coming out of his arse. They are all for Dundee apparently. The lap top battery / charger dies so of to the doctor it goes. They sell me a new charger but mine is actually OK its just he lead that needs fixing. The issue is the new battery I bought over the internet! I have filled out an online claim so lets see what happens. Lucky I kept the old Toshiba one hey. Thursday its off to tea at Brian & Jan’s and Tina cooks a beautiful Chicken & Corn soup. Tina has been looking for a new job, one with normal hours like 9-5 and things look promising but more on that later.
I’m doing fantasy AFL this year against the boys in the office so I set up and try to buy a tea, its pretty tough you only get 7.5m. Saturday we are off to get stuff to fix up the little van. We are going to sell it and it needs some TLC. Just a good clean and some bits and pieces here and there. So we spend the day working on that. Apart from a quick pop down to the Repco sale for some new Narva Spotties for the Tojo. (life must be good can affords Narva’s these days).

The Tojo is back together

2010-02-10T09:21:00.000+10:30

They are not repairs they are improvements

2010-01-30T08:31:00.005+10:30

Back to work Wednesday with many people with sore heads, Thursday I’m off to tea at Brian & Jan’s and we have a lovely Pork Roast.
Friday I fit the guard back on and the car nearly looks like a car again. Just need the Powder coat to ring up and tell me the Roo Bar is ready so I can fit it on the weekend.

It’s Saturday morning we have no power and it is pissing down. Can only keep typing for a few more minutes, I knew I should have charged the laptop last night. Lucky I have 12 volt and gas to cook breaky. It’s been a long time since I had to boil water for a coffee though. I better check out the BOM site and see how long this rain is hanging around for.

Car repairs Australia Day

2010-01-27T08:22:00.001+10:30

Have to go to work today, and it’s a long day but I do manage to get the guard & panel welded. A cash job for $ 100. Tuesday is Australia Day and I’m working on the car again, I glue up the gear lever cover with the one I got from Palmerston 4 x 4 and also glue the floor mat. The guys at Cole motors didn’t fit the gear box/lever casing properly and so I fix this so there is no more gearbox noise entering the car. Next job is to get the new sound deadening and lay the floor vinyl back over the top. It goes fairly smoothly and apart from a couple of broken seat bolts it would have been quite any easy job.
The triple JJJ hottest 100 is on so I have some nice music to listen too.
Tina is in Wallaroo laying concrete for Carol and can’t get reception there.
It’s a long day with many little jobs done. The cricket is on from Adelaide so I watch this as well. I bought a new car battery, the one in there was the original one when we got the car, exactly 2 years ago today and I thought it would lucky to get us home from Heathcote. So in it goes with a painted up bracket. You can paint anything once you have a tin. On Australia Day in Darwin they have a Ute run and everyone gets in their Ute put up Aussie Flags (made in China of course) and drive down the highway, it’s the most amount of Bogans and Rednecks I’ve ever seen.

Car Repairs Day 2

2010-01-24T07:39:00.000+10:30

A good night sleep and I’m ready to go again. I finished tidying up the wiring and next I take out the clutch pedal, it’s a bit sticky but it all seems good so I give it a clean and put it back in. I painted the jack brackets & Wiper assemblies and now I’m using my Christmas Present the 5 minute araldite to glue up the Steering Wheel casing.

Next job is to take of the right front guard because the bracket is split and has been for a long time. It’s a bit of a job and it uncovers that the inner panel has a lot of cracks so there is a bit more work than I first thought. It takes all day again in between watching a bit of cricket. The Aussies thrash the Pakies so its an early night.

Car repairs - Part 1

2010-01-23T09:09:00.000+10:30

Saturday I’m up early, bit of a sore head but with a mission. I have to get the Side deck treads and Roo Bar off to the powder coaters who close at midday. I don’t rush and if I get it done in time I will be happy. It all goes pretty well, most of the work was removing all the old wiring. I get it ready just in tome and drive down there with 15 minutes to spare.

Next job is the new Coil springs, I’ve been waiting for Rob to buy a set of Coil Spring Clamps but he hasn’t come through so off to Supacheap $48 dollars so a good buy. There is a chance I can lower the diff enough and will not need them but I don’t want to find out once its to late. Anyway didn’t really need them but they made it easier. They go in easy and the car sits really good now(sorry no photo’s Tina took the camera to Adelaide.) Looks like some new shockers are on the list the ones that are in there look very sad. It all goes together really well, so onto the next job, rewire the spotlight wiring. All installed , just need some new spotties. Then the noisy gearbox, got a new clutch and the clutch, thrust bearing sound louder than ever. So out come the seats and floor matting to find they didn’t put the Gear leaver cover back on properly and there is a broken seal so not happy but not surprised. Off to Toyota on Monday to get a new one. I had to take all this stuff out anyway the sound deadening if stuffed thanks to a 250mm flood in Brisbane with a leaking windscreen(which still leaks, might need a new seal). So that’s it for today I’m buggered I worked longer hours than during the week.

The Kids fly home

2010-01-21T08:56:00.000+10:30

It’s Midnight and we are off to the Airport, there is a bit of a storm around and its only just that the kids get to see one more storm before they leave. Tina & the kids check in and we sit around waiting for take off. Its quite sad and after 3 weeks I’m used to having the kids around again.
Then they board and they are off, this will be longest Tina & I have ever been apart, but I have lots to keep me busy. I get little sleep and Thursday is a tuff day at work and I’m very tired.

Friday night I head out to have some beers with the Bachelor Boys. We spend most of the evening at the Deck Bar, drinking, watching the Aussies beat the Paki’s and doing some window shopping.

The Kids settle in to Darwin life

2010-01-20T08:43:00.000+10:30

Well the time has really passed quick, we have done lots of stuff with the kids but not all the parks, waterfalls but it is the wet season so a lot off stuff is closed.

The kids got a little spoiled with lots of dinners at the Dinah Beach Yacht Club, Trailer Boat Club, Hogs Breath, Fisherman’s Wharf & even some HJ’s. We had another couple of visits to the Wave Pool & Leanyer Slides. Tina took the kids to east Point museum and we even got to sit around a bit watching the non stop rain.

One day we headed over to Mandorah to try some fishing. Brian brought over one of the boats and both kids got to go out. It was a bit rough in the Harbour and in a little boat it was pretty bumpy. Both kids were not well and I don’t think they are that keen on boating.

We all had some turns at cooking and had a go at a few recipes as well. The kids got to play with Jorja & Emily lots and we had a couple of BBQ’s at Brians.

But all off a sudden it was Wednesday and time for the kids to fly home. Tina is going down to Adelaide for 10 days and I’m home alone with a list of jobs.

2010-01-16T08:22:00.000+10:30

This morning we were up early and off to the Parap markets, they are great and we met up with Nathan, Megan, Jorja, Emily, Mel, Glenn, James, and Sam. I love the aromas at these markets plenty of food, jewelry, clothes, paintings and much more. One very popular stall was the one with the croc teeth necklaces they also had a lizard and snake you can hold & get a photo for a gold coin donation. All of us kids had a go!

Then off to Crocosaurus Cove, this is the new attraction done by the same people who used to run the Crocodile Farm that is now closed. The Crocosaurus Cove is right in the city on Mitchell street, it was quite good

We saw & held some more reptiles, watch some people get lowered into the Cage of Death, that is being lowered into the Big Croc cages inside a perplex cage……. mmmmmm still not sure I could do that! Kirsten, Jason & Andy swam in a tank with heaps of metre sized crocs on the other side of the glass, and then the kids fed these crocs with buffalo meat on a fishing rod, very snappy little critters.

After lunch we met up with everyone down at the wave pool this is such a great idea that the government has come up with, only $16 for a family all day that is cheap as. We spent a good 4 hours there, they have 4 different sets of waves they run there, some of them made me a bit sea sick when sitting in the tubes that are provided (they also supply boogie boards) even the little girls got amongst it. I am sure I can vouch for everyone that it is a great work out therefore we were all left very tired and ready for bed. We all met Dad & Jan at the Trailer Boat Club or dinner, I thought the meals were a little expensive for a club, but when the meals came out they were a huge serving so I guess that’s why they are priced like that. An early night & off to bed.

Territory Wildlife Park By Jason Moore

2010-01-08T21:08:00.004+10:30

Today we went to the Territory Wildlife Park. It was Tina, Mel, Glen, Sam, James, Kirsten and
I.

There were a lot of really amazing and interesting animals like the offspreay it dives feet first into the water and does not get wet because of its oily feathers. That was at the Birds of prey.

We then went to the Crocwise Presentation where they taught us about Crocodiles salt and freshwater crocodiles we learnt how to be Croc Safe. We got to pat a fresh water crocodile but its mouth was closed thanks to a rubber band.

When that was over we had our lunch Tina, Kirsten and I had sandwiches but the rest had a brought lunch. As soon as we opened our lunch a bunch of birds flew over to us and started looking at us. When we had finished a Wallaby came over to us with a baby in her pouch. It has a reall liking for grapes, Alfoil and Sam’s lunch.

After that we went to Things and Stings where they taught us about different types of water animals that are poisonous they covered five different animals. The Box Jelly Fish, The Blue Ringed Octopus, The Stone Fish that can catch its prey in 0.5 seconds, I think it’s the cone fish it lives in a shell and will shot a dart at you, and I don’t remember the last one. They have a cure for the Box Jelly Fish The others is CPR for up to 24 hours until the lungs starts working again But if you get stung you do not put alcohol on it. After that we went home hope you enjoyed my first post.

Fish Feeding - By Kirsten Moore

2010-01-06T21:03:00.000+10:30

Today we went to the Fish Feeding. We went in a big group. We went with Tina, Jason, Mel, Glen, Sam, James, Megan, Nathan, Emily, Jorja, and me. When we first got there we said hi to everyone then Jason, James, Sam and I all got 2 pieces of bread. Went down a boat ramp and fed some fish the ones that James and Jason fed were medium the ones that I fed were little one cause I was to scared to feed the bigger ones. When Jason, James and I finished the 2 pieces of bread we got 2 more and went to were all the bigger fish were they were so long but I liked feeding fish by throwing the bread to them not hand feeding them.

After a little while Tina went to do some feeding down at the boat ramp so I went with her. Tina wasn’t scared to hand feed them but I was but I gave it a shot but the funny and sad thing was that Tina said Kirsten Kirsten come in it is ok then a fish bit her. Jason also fell in the water and cut his foot so Tina and Jason both had to get a band aid from the front desk. Glen put both of the band aids on so we called Glen the first aid man. When we got home we were all exhausted so that day was over. Hope you enjoyed my post. :)

2010 in Darwin what happened to the sun?

2010-01-04T19:02:00.001+10:30

It has started raining today and we are in Cyclone watch. There is little chance it will reach us but the rain will be here for a week. We have our cyclone kit and plan organised. Its is the first time the kids have seen rain like this and it looks like it will hang around for some time to come. We want to go to the wave pool but it is to stormy so we go to the Leanyer pool instead which has free waterslides. Its good fun but we have to leave as another storm is coming. Sunday brings more rain so we go to the museum instead. It’s a great museum and has a display about Cyclone Tracy.
Back to work and Tina is looking after the kids. A bit of shopping and some movie watching. Tuesday is more of the same and it looks like the rain will never end. Wednesday is my day off and the weather has only slightly improved so its off to do some shopping, caravan repairs and the afternoon at Brian’s downloading Lp’s to MP3 on his new turntable.

The Kids arive in Darwin

2010-01-01T13:21:00.001+10:30

Back to work today, man it was hard. Anyway 1 day to go until the kids arrive. I fixed up the tarp a bit better because there is some nasty bird shitting all over the side of the van that wasn’t quite covered and I had to cut a hole so the antenna would go up again.
Today is the day and we are up early after a call from the kids when they arrived at the airport. We head over to airport in time for a beer to wait for the plane to arrive. Boy have they grown. Its really cool to see them again and with 41 in Adelaide the kids are coming to the cold Darwin where its only 34. We go for a drive around to show them Darwin briefly. Back to the Shady Glen and we head straight for the pool.

I have to work on New Years Eve but only until 12:00. Tina starts so we do our first kid swap in town. On the bus back to the Shady Glen and the pool to cool down.
We are having pizzas on the cob tonight so the Kids and I prepare and even make our own dough. We make some cool pizzas and the kids even had pineapple. Between Kirsten’s hair and Jason’s facial I have a busy arvo.
Tina gets home after 9 and we make her Pizza and sit around with Nathan & Megan. The kids can’t go the distance as usual. It’s a pretty quite night except for a domestic next door which got a bit out of hand.

What rain?

2009-12-29T20:31:00.003+10:30

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

2009-12-28T20:16:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-26T20:13:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-25T19:51:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-21T16:35:00.003+10:30

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

2009-12-17T09:45:00.001+10:30

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

2009-12-13T21:09:00.000+10:30

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.

2009-12-13T21:05:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-11T21:03:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-10T21:02:00.000+10:30

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

2009-12-09T21:17:00.003+10:30

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

2009-12-09T21:04:00.001+10:30

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

2009-12-07T21:03:00.000+10:30

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

Dundee Breakdown

2009-12-06T22:17:00.002+10:30

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

2009-12-04T22:16:00.000+10:30

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

2009-11-30T21:58:00.000+10:30

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

2009-11-27T21:57:00.000+10:30

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

2009-11-24T20:44:00.002+10:30

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

New feature "Crazy Darwin Wildlife"

2009-11-22T20:42:00.001+10:30

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

2009-11-19T21:24:00.002+10:30

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??

2009-11-15T21:21:00.000+10:30

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

2009-11-04T21:20:00.002+10:30

Luxury comes to Winnellie

2009-11-03T21:19:00.001+10:30

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

2009-11-02T22:03:00.001+10:30

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

2009-11-01T17:32:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-27T17:31:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-23T17:30:00.002+10:30

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

2009-10-17T17:29:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-15T17:28:00.003+10:30

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

2009-10-11T10:12:00.001+10:30

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

2009-10-09T10:10:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-07T10:08:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-04T10:07:00.000+10:30

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

2009-10-02T10:05:00.000+09:30

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

2009-10-01T10:03:00.000+09:30

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.

2009-09-30T11:32:00.004+09:30

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)

2009-09-28T11:21:00.004+09:30

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

2009-09-24T11:18:00.002+09:30

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

2009-09-22T11:02:00.005+09:30

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

2009-09-20T18:36:00.001+09:30

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.

Innisfail & Babinda

2009-09-18T18:31:00.001+09:30

Car wash here we come and it is just amazing how much red dirt we can get out of the car. We give it a good going over and it comes up surprisingly clean. The engine looks like brand new. Once again we have done another 10,000km so oil & filter changes are done and new bushes in the front sway bar. The right hand side bracket has had and will need replacing some time. A 4 wheel align reveals no problems and all is good again after the rugged time we gave the Tojo in cape York. Friday night saw the Saints knock of the bullies and thanks to and early SMS from Mel, I new the result early. This is QLD and we don’t get AFL live on channel 7.

We went to Babinda the home of the equal highest rainfall in Aus 6,000mm a year. Had a lock at the Boulders & Josephine falls. The van is all packed up and we give James & Helen the gifts we got them. They let us stay under their house in a self contained living area and allowed us to store our van while we were in Cape York, so a big thanks to them. Its not a big drive to where we are staying tonight a road stop on the Highway to Cairns. After the van is set up we go back to Josephine falls for a swim. It is busy and the water is cold but refreshing. We watch a movie even worse than Cherry2000 called Blood Dolls. I’m eagerly awaiting the start of the AFL to see Geelong whip the Magpies. They come through and give them a bath after a close first half. I hear form Arny & Stevo who are at Thebarton Oval watching Goody Saints win their 5th flag in a row and this year a new opponent in Henley. It cools down nicely in the evening.

No rain overnight but the sun is up and heating up in the van early as usual.
We are on the road and off to Paronella Park a castle built by one man in the 1930’s in a rain forest. After the van is set up we head down to Mission Beach for the markets. It is quite a tourist place with Dunk Island not far off shore.

Waterfall Circuit

2009-09-15T18:04:00.002+09:30

We head back towards Ravenshoe and do the waterfall circuit. There are about 10 to see and all have their own different characteristics.

Then we drive to the MaMu Rainforest walk which has over 1km of elevated platforms over looking the North Johnstone River Gorge.

It is spectacular and wasn’t built until after Cyclone Larry came through. 3 years on and you can still see the damage not just here but in many areas we drove through looking at all the waterfalls.

We decide to stay at the South Johnstone river campground which is 12.6km off the road down a very windy mountain road. It is one of those places you can only book over the phone which is a crap system. It’s a nice drive and a great little camp on the side of the river with good facilities. We play cards and a very ordinary movie call Cherry 2000. We had to move into the car because the wildlife was harassing us. They jumped on the table and into our tub we wash the dishes in. Although only Bandicoots and possums in the dark it is scary, one nearly ran up my leg.
It was a bit scary last night there were so many animals and large nuts falling on the tin roofs of the shelter it made it hard to sleep. The animals never let up the whole night.
This is a cool spot to camp.
It’s only a 40k odd drive back to Innisfail. It is good to be back in a room and after a bit of a rest we unload the car.

Tree Kangaroo's

2009-09-14T17:48:00.000+09:30

We are up early I seem to have gotten over my faze of sleeping in and after a shower its off to the Garage sale at the Bowling club. It’s a fizzer so we drive out to Tinnaroo Dam a big dam with heaps of camping. Its bloody windy there and not nice on the water. It seems to have been quite windy here since we arrived. Next stop is the Curtain Fig tree a most amazing tree and nothing like I have ever seen. After we go to Milanda Falls which are not all that impressive but they have Tree Kangaroo’s there so we do the Rain Forest walk.

There is always lots of noises in the bush in NQ with bush Turkey’s everywhere. But this was a different sound so we moved on quietly, then a baby Tree Kangaroo climbed up a small tree about 1m off the ground. Then most likely its mum climbed up behind it and they both sat there for minutes while we watched them. It was so cool to see these in the wild and although we were not gamed to move in close enough to get better pictures we had a great view of them in the habitat.
Another last arvo watching V8’s while Tina reads. We walk down to the pub a steep hill 2km down and have tea for my Birthday which is tomorrow. Then on with the
Footy as the reception in the Cabin is crap on 10. The Crows are off to flyer but after dominating the first ½ weren’t able to put Collingwood away. I was real worried and predicted a Collingwood victory, and although they only just won it was so obvious that the same old problem that has haunted the crows all their history is no big gun to kick the winning goals. It was most disappointing anytime Collingwood win. It’s a brisk walk up the hill to the cabin just in time to see the final overs of the Aussies bowl to the Poms. Binga Lee cleans up and the boys have little trouble knocking off the 220 and lead the series 4 -0. If only they played like this in the tests.
We awake and I have a bit of a sore head, too many beers and not enough sleep. Tina gives me a bracelet & a jar of Tomato relish for my Birthday and I get a call form the kids. After we managed to get all our stuff back in the Tojo we are off. A quick stop at the Karia Sunday markets and then on to Ravenshoe, which is in a huge mountain range and claims to be the highest town in QLD. We are staying at a rest stop tonight and off to Innot hot springs in the morning. There are markets here too but mostly closing by the time we arrived.