I’ve had a little bit of hiatus from the keyboard over the past couple of weeks and perhaps you’ve may have been thinking where’s Baz, has he gone underground or something…
Well talking about going underground, I took this photo late in the afternoon at White Cliffs, Outback Australia on one of our recent trips…
And just below the surface is the Underground Motel where we stayed in rooms fashioned out of an old mine. White Cliffs is an opal mining town, whose day time temperatures in summer can be above a ‘hundred on the old Fahrenheit scale for weeks on end and below zero at night in the depths of winter.
White Cliffs, Underground Motel
Seemingly, there is little happening on the climbing front just at the moment, even though I have recovered sufficiently from the operations earlier in the year, I’ve just lost a bit of zest for it.
Baz, Southern Alps, New Zealand
Isn’t life funny sometimes, hey!
I wanted to be on those high mountains so badly earlier this year, in fact I was scheduled to be in Nepal climbing this month, and now I’m struggling to get motivated enough to get back out there – so fingers crossed for me!
And crikey, in the meantime, it is Janet’s scones cooked in a camp oven in the Outback and TomO’s antics whilst on tour– and there’s nothing wrong with that!
The gathered crowd were anxious to witness a remarkable feat by a man and his whip and with little effort it coiled down the road accompanied by the sound of a thunderous clap.
Mind you, this was no ordinary whip, and no ordinary man who gripped its handle firmly. This is a whip measuring 66 feet in length, and weighing in at 17-kilograms.
Richard had done this a thousand times before and it made my attempt to crack a whip a fraction of its size rather feeble indeed.
The small township of Murringo, situated in the Central-West of New South Wales, was abuzz, and it was almost a carnival atmosphere as people travelled from both nearby, and further afield, to celebrate the opening of the 150 year old Hancock’s Store with owners Richard and Leah Taubman.
The sign above the small, but quaint, building proudly announced “Taubman & Webb, Trading Post – A Tribute Centre to Richard Taubman and the Late Syd Bayliss”.
The Webb part of Taubman and Webb, referring to Craig Webb, a best mate and earlier partner of Richard in a leather making business.
But the store, lovingly restored by Leah and a close family friend, Paul, over a period of two-years and supported wholeheartedly by the local community, is more than just a Trading Store, equally, it is a fine tribute to a true man of the Australian Bush, Syd Bayliss.
Syd’s story is one of a boy who served his country in the First World War after enlisting in the army at the young age of fifteen. It is a story of his passion for the timeless craft of leather plaiting, and one of a man travelling our wonderful country in search of work, of the hardships he endured, and the laughs he shared with those fortunate to meet him.
Syd was no ordinary man…
Mind you, Syd was born into a time in Australia’s past when it was hard to find any ordinary man or woman.
At 13-years of age a young Richard Taubman became entranced by Syd’s story and willingly sought him out, encouraged by his parents to learn the craft that this man of the bush had perfected so beautifully.
Despite the large age difference, Syd took Richard under his wing, becoming a mentor, and more importantly, a lifelong friend; a friendship that spanned the decades until his death in 1983.
Richard has dedicated a large part of his life to ensuring we don’t forget Syd and the men and women like him who forged a path, a tortuous one at times, for future generations of young Australians.
He has written a self-published book about Syd titled “One of The last” and ensured the story of his life is preserved for all in the Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach, in Queensland.
On learning the old Hancock’s Store was for sale, Leah jumped at the opportunity to acquire it and Sunday’s grand opening was the culmination of her vision of restoring it to its former glory. It now stands proudly as a living tribute to the store that Syd owned in the town of Tumut, a tannery and saddlery store named The Valley of the Whites Trading Post, a tribute that Richard has long dreamed of doing.
And rest assured Leah has renovated Hancock’s Store true to its original form.
But it wasn’t all hard work, as Heather, the owner of the Ploughman’s Inn situated next door and now used by her as a private residence attested in a wonderful speech that she gave on behalf of the local community. She fondly recalled how the sound of country and western music serenaded her as tea and scones were served for morning tea on the verandah of the store as the restoration progressed.
Country and western music was a feature of the day with Syd’s brother-in-law, David, penning and singing a song as his own tribute to Richard.
And a highlight was witnessing Joy McKean, the wife of the late and great Slim Dusty, doing the official honour of cutting a ribbon to officially open Hancock’s Store after giving a wonderful account of her and Slim’s first meeting with Richard, and of her own childhood days of growing up, in the Australian bush.
Joy spoke about how both she and Slim where enthralled all those years ago by the passion that this young man and roustabout, Richard, held for the Australian way of life, our culture, our heritage. Something Slim and Joy wrote and sang about together to generations of Australians prior to Slim’s passing in 2003.
All Australian’s owe a great debt of gratitude to Leah for having the vision, the patience and the perseverance to bring Hancock’s Store back to its former glory. Too often we see buildings like Hancock’s Store slipping into decay in our rural towns, in our own communities, and I swear that as I walked through the store I could hear the echo of voices long gone whispering their thanks to Leah…
And I am certain that when Slim penned the song “We’ve done us proud” that he had men just like Richard, a big bloke, with a big heart, and a hat and whip just as big to match, at the forefront of his mind.
Thanks to Richard the inspiring and moving story of Syd Bayliss lives on and so does his craft through his skillful hands…
On the drive home to Sydney, back to the big smoke, I quietly reflected that for as long as we have people like Richard and Leah, visionaries with a love of the Australian Bush and of the people who have made Australia what it is today, there is little risk that our “Old Bushmen will ever die”.
Mutawintji Gorge is spectacular for its towering rusty red rock cliffs and overhangs, its magnificent rock pool, cool and soothing on a hot outback day…
We took the time to wile away the hours at the base of the cliffs, and later climbing them…an oasis in the desert, a timeless place, inhabited by an ancient people.
Rivers, creeks, and billabongs, they have a way of drawing you in, somewhat like a divining rod in search of water.
Australia has a wonderful maze of inland river systems, which, at times dry up leaving waterholes, or billabongs, as we know them…
They feature heavily in stories and poems, songs and prose, of the Australian Outback.
Recently we camped beside a billabong, nearby to the Darling River, one of Australia’s largest, which slowly meanders its way towards a confluence with the mighty Murray River at Wentworth.
Steamboats plied their trade along the river as far north as Bourke, carrying supplies to the towns that dotted the Darling, transporting wool bales back to the cities on the return trip. Of course, drought, of which there were many, could see the boats stranded for long periods of time.
This land attracted many writers, inspired by the wide open spaces of the Australian Outback, and included Henry Lawson, whom I wrote about recently, and Banjo Paterson.
The (Dusty) Road less Travelled
They are two of my favourite Australian writers.
Simply, their writings are timeless, despite both passing long-ago, you can sit by a billabong or a river and hear the echo of the men, and women, they wrote about, the friendly banter, the sorrow, the laughs, the tears, the highs and the lows.
Both men travelled extensively in some of my favourite parts of the Australian Outback.
One such place is the Barcoo River, nearby to the town of Jundah and the Welford National Park in far western-Queensland. A small town of not too many people, where the pub, owned and operated by Monica, is the go to place to hear news, a social epicentre for the area.
Parched and Dry Country
Lawson and Paterson, parched from travelling the dusty land, would have quenched their thirst at establishments just like the Jundah Pub!
Banjo Paterson was especially inspired by the Barcoo and surrounding area.
We travelled to this area to visit the site of Maggee’s Shanty and Richard Magoffin’s Grave which were not too far from Jundah and the Welford National Park. Those familiar with the writing’s of Banjo Paterson will recognise this is the place immortalised in his poem A Bush Christening.
Maggee Shanty – A Bush Christening
The grave of Richard Magoffin, who perished in 1885, is nearby.
Magoffin came to Australia from County Down in Ireland in 1853, digging for gold in Victoria and fighting at Eureka. Later he settled with a brother at Chiltern, Victoria, before moving to Bourke, where they sank dams and ran a carting business before tough times sent them further north, to Queensland.
There was very little to see of Maggee’s Shanty, although a plaque indicated its site, but Magoffin’s Grave was very well kept.
And under darkened skies, with the threat of rain present, we huddled together at the site of Maggee’s Shanty, and read…
The Bush Christening – By AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson
On the outer Barcoo where the churches are few,
And men of religion are scanty,
On a road never cross’d ‘cept by folk that are lost,
One Michael Magee had a shanty.
Now this Mike was the dad of a ten-year-old lad,
Plump, healthy, and stoutly conditioned;
He was strong as the best, but poor Mike had no rest
For the youngster had never been christened,
And his wife used to cry, “If the darlin’ should die
Saint Peter would not recognise him.”
But by luck he survived till a preacher arrived,
Who agreed straightaway to baptise him.
Now the artful young rogue, while they held their collogue,
With his ear to the keyhole was listenin’,
And he muttered in fright while his features turned white,
“What the divil and all is this christenin’?”
He was none of your dolts, he had seen them brand colts,
And it seemed to his small understanding,
If the man in the frock made him one of the flock,
It must mean something very like branding.
So away with a rush he set off for the bush,
While the tears in his eyelids they glistened-
“‘Tis outrageous,” says he, “to brand youngsters like me,
I’ll be dashed if I’ll stop to be christened!”
Like a young native dog he ran into a log,
And his father with language uncivil,
Never heeding the “praste” cried aloud in his haste,
“Come out and be christened, you divil!”
But he lay there as snug as a bug in a rug,
And his parents in vain might reprove him,
Till his reverence spoke (he was fond of a joke)
“I’ve a notion,” says he, “that’ll move him.”
“Poke a stick up the log, give the spalpeen a prog;
Poke him aisy-don’t hurt him or maim him,
‘Tis not long that he’ll stand, I’ve the water at hand,
As he rushes out this end I’ll name him.
“Here he comes, and for shame! ye’ve forgotten the name-
Is it Patsy or Michael or Dinnis?”
Here the youngster ran out, and the priest gave a shout-
“Take your chance, anyhow, wid ‘Maginnis’!”
As the howling young cub ran away to the scrub
Where he knew that pursuit would be risky,
The priest, as he fled, flung a flask at his head
That was labelled “Maginnis’s Whisky!”
And Maginnis Magee has been made a J.P.,
And the one thing he hates more than sin is
To be asked by the folk who have heard of the joke,
How he came to be christened “Maginnis”!
The Bulletin, 16 December 1893.
As a footnote, the heavens opened up as we walked back to the vehicle bringing much needed rain to the area, but turning the roads into a slippery brown sludge.
Covered in mud
The Landy, with Tvan in tow, arrived in Quilpie a few hours later covered in mud!
Such is life, but what a great day with my two favourite people…
By the Billabong with Janet and TomO (the walking hat!)
The author of a blog titled ‘tiny lessons blog’ contacted me recently and asked could she use one of my photographs for a poem she would like to write.
Of course, I told her, and she has done the photograph great justice in the way she has digitally altered the way it presents, and with the poem that the photograph inspired her to write.
The photograph was taken a number of years ago in the Simpson Desert, Outback Australia. It is the fourth largest desert in Australia and it is the world’s largest sand dune desert.
Travelling from East to West, I spent around five-days in the desert crossing about 700 sand dunes and covered around the same distance in kilometres, so a sand dune almost every kilometre.
Accompanying me on the trip was my father Brian, my mother Fay, and son TomO, who was around three-years old at the time.
It was a wonderful trip on many levels, my parents loved being taken to a place they had never travelled before, especially with their grandson. They had a passion for travel, but would never had contemplated a trip like this, and lived vicariously through the travels that I undertook with Janet… For TomO, I weaned him off his bottle on this trip, and he threw away his night-time nappy… And me, well it was great to be out with a wonderful family, although we did miss Janet, who was spending time with her sisters in the Margaret River Region of West Australia…
Please be sure to visit tiny lessons blog, where the author describes herself as a, happy beach bum, former director, active world traveller, so-so wife, mother, grandmother, and good friend. And adding, that she is not a photographer, but a pretty creative illustrator.
Thanks tiny, and to all, be sure to visit “down under” one of these days, we’d love to see you!
Australia has many outback towns that are full of charm, old buildings, magnificent pubs or watering-holes, and of course, just as many characters to fill them.
There are also some hidden gems to be found, if you scratch the surface deep enough and spend the time to fossick around, talk to the locals who might be just willing to point you in the right direction.
And you can bet there is always some healthy and good natured banter at the coming together of the city and country folk, especially if it is over a cold beer.
An Outback Pub
Broken Hill, a frontier town on the far western border of New South Wales, is one place that will need little introduction to most Australian’s. A town built on the back of silver and the hard toil of the men who worked the mines, and the women who supported them. It is the original home of the Big Australian, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, or BHP as it later became known, and the nearby area of Silverton was the site of the Mad Max Movies starring Mel Gibson…
It also has a great pub, The Silverton Hotel!
It was with great anticipation that we drove The Landy into town a couple of weeks ago as it was the staging post for our travels into Mutawintji National Park.
Mutawintji National Park – An Ancient Land
And speaking of characters, we were able to catch up with a local resident of The Hill, a man who oozed knowledge of the area and a passion for sharing it, over a cold beer of course!
Dave Beharre was aware of a love I have of Broken Hill and the Corner Country region. Contacting me ahead of our visit, Dave offered information on places that we might find of interest, knowledge collected from the many years spent as a tour guide operating out of Broken Hill.
The Old Cobb and Co Coach Route – Broken Hill to White Cliffs
TomO, an avid reader, was thrilled to be presented with some books on the area from Dave…
Such is the way of the people of Australia’s outback, a tough, no-nonsense people, embodied with a pioneering spirit and a heart of gold…
And talking about scratching the surface and finding a gem, we visited the Living Desert Reserve just outside of town and situated on a hill that provides majestic views over the harsh, but wonderfully beautiful countryside.
Country of the Wilyakkali People who traditionally occupied the lands around Broken Hill.
The Reserve is set on 2,400 hectares of land and has a number of walking trails that you can traverse. At its centre-piece, perched atop a hill, is a number of sculptures carved from sandstone rock, around 52 tonnes of it brought in from the MacCulloch Ranges, a range situated about 250 kilometres to the east of Broken Hill.
Living Scultures
The sculptures were completed in 1993 by artists from around the world in collaboration with Australia’s first inhabitants, the aborigines.
The story of the bringing together of all these different people and cultures, sculpting by day and at night, dancing and singing by the glow of a warm fire under a sparkling outback sky, and in tongues native to their own lands, is one that portrays a spirit of human co-operation.
The sculptures include Nhatji – the Rainbow Serpent, Thomasina – the Water bird, the Bride, Motherhood, Moon Goddess, Tiwi Totems, and the Jaguar – Bajo El Sol Jaguar.
The latter, a creation of an Aztec Sculptor from Mexico.
An Endless Sky and Endless Horizon – Outback Australia
Broken Hill is more than an Outback Town, it is a living beauty, touched by sunrises whose rays reach out to breathe life into the land, and of sunsets that redden the parched, dusty ground with a brilliance that is hard to define, but awe-inspiring as the sun slips below a far-off western horizon…
Above all else, “The Hill” is a town full of endearing people – they are the real gems that you will find there!
Seemingly, our land down under is cursed with the world’s largest population of flies. They tickle your nostrils, gather on your back, shelter in your ears and heaven forbid, get swallowed with every breathe you take, well almost…
And here is the thing, where do they go at the end of each day, you know, the sun goes down and they disappear faster than Wally when it is his shout down at the local footy club.
It is like in an instant, the sun slips below the horizon and it is pure bliss, well at least for five minutes, which is usually the time it takes to go and find a light to put on. Strewth, flick the switch and some weird and wonderful bugs appear out of no-where…
It had me thinking on this trip, yes I did have a couple of beers, so the mind was fluid, but I mean, did the bugs clock-on when the flies clocked-off?
Or was it a case of the same horse, just different eyebrows, and in fact it was just the flies dressed up. Lets’ face it, they had the time, cause if I said it took me five minutes to get out a light, it was probably ten minutes by the time I finished my beer, had another, and then flicked the light, so they had time!
Janet has just asked me where I’m heading with this, which is just as well because I’m not really sure…
But anyway, you can either put up with the little blighters, wave your hand around your face from time to time, pretend you didn’t really swallow one or two, or you can grab a fly net and whack it over your head.
TomO and I have generally opted for the viewpoint that they are a source of protein, and casually ignore the fact they have probably spent the last hour or so sunning themselves on a cow patty, or you can go the Janet option and grab a veil.
Isnapped this photo of Janet, with fly veil at the ready, whilst Out and About last week, and I’ve been fascinated by the look on her face – what was she thinking…?
So I invite you to put a caption on the photo…over to you!
We are not long back from the Australian Outback and planning is underway for a couple of trips next year, already!
We were travelling in “The Landy” our original Outback travelling machine, although we did take delivery of the new vehicle just before leaving for the big sky and red soil country…
Prior to leaving I was inviting you to send a design for a muralthat will go on the side of the canopy of the new vehicle and I was also asking you to suggest some names for the new vehicle.
Camp Fire by the Billabong – Outback Australia
I’m pleased to say that after a few beers and wines around the camp-fire we have a winner. In fact, the winner was a clear stand-out, and was produced by Sassy who has a wonderful blog called Sasieology…
In her bio, Sassy writes that she has made a promise to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year…
I’m yet to see Australia turn up on her blog, but perhaps she’ll visit wearing her new Akubra hat one day!
Strewth, not sure how we’ll find her a good feed out in the “beef” country we frequently visit though as she is a self-confessed plant-based vegetarian.
And hey, don’t you go misreading me here, nothing wrong with that…if you’re a rabbit
But, do baked beans count? We love baked bean jaffles on our travels…
Whilst we have modified the original design that Sassy sketched, she fully captured the essence of what we were looking for, perfectly!
A mural that depicts a vehicle that will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge in full view of the Sydney Opera House and the magnificent Sydney Harbour most days, but equally, be at home in the red ochre deserts of the Australian Outback.
The Old Cobb & Co Stage Coach Route – Broken Hill to White Cliffs
That is the work this vehicle will be put to, much the same as “The Original Landy”.
Just a sec, Janet is asking have I sold “The Landy” in order to pay for the new one…
“Yes, working on it sweetie” 😉
Anyway, let’s not get bogged down in a small domestic issue here, so Sassy, we’ll be sending you…
An original Akubra Outback Club Hat,
A jar of our prized Australian vegemite,
Two packets of Tim Tams (you’ll love these!), and
A bottle of our famous Bundy Rum.
And that brings us to the determination of a winner for a name.
Despite receiving many suggestions, we could not agree on one, preferring to leave the new vehicle simply as “The Landy”.
We placed the name of all who participated into an Akubra Hat, yes mine, and pulled out a winner, Nancy, who has a blog titled My Year of Sweat.
I’m betting she’ll love those Tim Tams and with all the exercise she’s be doing, knocking off a couple of packets of our delicious Tim Tams won’t be a problem. And I’m betting the rum will go down well.
So please make direct contact so I can arrange to send you the following goodies…
A jar of our prized Australian vegemite,
Two packets of Tim Tams (you’ll love these!), and
A bottle of our famous Bundy Rum
And don’t tell Janet, but after a couple of beers around the fire I thought what is another Akubra Outback Club Hat between bank balances…
After all the cost of this vehicle makes the United States National Debt look healthy…
The “New” Landy
So not only will I be sending you some of our favourite Aussie tucker, we’ll get you to size up for a hat as well…
Hey, keep an eye out for those big sky country photos, we took heaps!
And by the way, thanks to everyone for having a go, because for sure, that is the Aussie Way…
Being an avid reader of colloquial poetry I welcomed the opportunity to once again be out in the countryside that inspired the great Australian Poet, Henry Lawson…
For those not familiar, Henry Lawson was a poet, a writer of fiction, and many will argue, Australia’s greatest writer.
Earlier this year we packed ourselves into “The Landy” and headed to Grenfell, his birthplace in the Central West of New South Wales, to attend the Henry Lawson festival, as well as just getting Out and About – of course!
On our most recent trip to the outback we visited Toorale Station which was a vast sheep and cattle property before its purchase by the Federal Government in 2008 and development into a National Park in 2010.
The purchase of the property did have political overtones, and was done, in part, to release water that was used for cotton growing back to the river systems.
At the time it drew a mixed response, but that is a debate for others…
Toorale had at its centre, a magnificent homestead, with a glass ceiling ball-room, sprawling verandahs, wonderful gardens and hand-painted wall paper.
Standing at the gate, my mind’s eye could picture a by-gone area, of women in long-white dresses sipping tea from delicate porcelain china, shaded by the afternoon sun by one of the many trees in the manicured garden, while men toiled on the land..
Toorale Homestead, Outback Australia
Janet, with a sly grin, casually mentioned how things had changed whilst casting an eye towards TomO and I…
Set at the confluence of the Warrego and Darling Rivers it remains a place of cultural significance to Australia’s first people, specifically the traditional owners, the Kurnu-Baakandji / Paakantji People.
Ross Morris, Toorale Homestead
Ross Morris, a member of the Kurnu-Baakandji / Paakantji family, showed us around and was enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead for the park, especially the cultural centre, which is teaching their traditional language, heritage and beliefs to younger members of their community.
In fact, it is now a language module offered at the local school in the nearby town of Bourke…
Ross spoke fondly of the time his father and grandfather spent on Toorale, and of the original owner, Samuel McCaughey, later Sir Samuel.
And it was Ross’s proclamation that it is no longer Black and White, a nice pun I thought, when he explained that we all have a bond to Toorale, whether through traditional ownership, or the heritage created by earlier settlers to the region.
His attitude brought a smile to my parched lips, as I love learning about aboriginal culture and history, something TomO shares in common with me…
Ross’s viewpoint was also echoed by other first Australians’ we spent time with on this trip, on our visit to Mutawintji and Peery Lake.
Samuel McCaughey was by all accounts a big-hearted bachelor and built Toorale for his much admired niece, Louisa, but tragically corporate ownership of the property in more recent times saw it decay and it is currently very dilapidated and in need of substantial repairs.
Toorale Homestead, Outback Australia
Janet and I asked each other how could such a treasure be left to ruin in the elements, Ross shook his head…
But what of Henry Lawson I hear you ask?
Henry spent the later part of 1892 working as a roustabout on the property and it has even been suggested that he penned one of his poems “When the Ladies Come to the Shearing Shed” whilst working in the shearing shed on Toorale…
The Old Shearing Shed, Toorale Station, Outback Australia
Perhaps he did, but I cannot say that was the case with any certainty, but nor does it matter, as the “Toorale Shearing Shed” is typical of shearing sheds all over this great country of ours…
TomO, Janet and I were presented with a great treat whilst admiring the shearing shed.
A lady who was travelling with us on this particular day, Janice, stood in front of the shed and recited, with great aplomb…
“When the Ladies Come to the Shearing Shed” – By Henry Lawson
‘THE LADIES are coming,’ the super says To the shearers sweltering there, And ‘the ladies’ means in the shearing shed: ‘Don’t cut ’em too bad. Don’t swear.’ The ghost of a pause in the shed’s rough heart, And lower is bowed each head; And nothing is heard, save a whispered word, And the roar of the shearing-shed.
The tall, shy rouser has lost his wits, And his limbs are all astray; He leaves a fleece on the shearing-board, And his broom in the shearer’s way. There’s a curse in store for that jackaroo As down by the wall he slants— And the ringer bends with his legs askew And wishes he’d ‘patched them pants.’
They are girls from the city. (Our hearts rebel As we squint at their dainty feet.) And they gush and say in a girly way That ‘the dear little lambs’ are ‘sweet.’ And Bill, the ringer, who’d scorn the use Of a childish word like ‘damn,’ Would give a pound that his tongue were loose As he tackles a lively lamb.
Swift thoughts of homes in the coastal towns— Or rivers and waving grass— And a weight on our hearts that we cannot define That comes as the ladies pass. But the rouser ventures a nervous dig In the ribs of the next to him; And Barcoo says to his pen-mate: ‘Twig ‘The style of the last un, Jim.’
Jim Moonlight gives her a careless glance— Then he catches his breath with pain— His strong hand shakes and the sunlights dance As he bends to his work again. But he’s well disguised in a bristling beard, Bronzed skin, and his shearer’s dress; And whatever Jim Moonlight hoped or feared Were hard for his mates to guess.
Jim Moonlight, wiping his broad, white brow, Explains, with a doleful smile: ‘A stitch in the side,’ and ‘he’s all right now’— But he leans on the beam awhile, And gazes out in the blazing noon On the clearing, brown and bare— She has come and gone, like a breath of June, In December’s heat and glare.
The bushmen are big rough boys at the best, With hearts of a larger growth; But they hide those hearts with a brutal jest, And the pain with a reckless oath. Though the Bills and Jims of the bush-bard sing Of their life loves, lost or dead, The love of a girl is a sacred thing Not voiced in a shearing-shed.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to stay in an underground motel, a room dug into a side of a hill?
Tonight our accommodation is the Underground Motel at White Cliffs in far-western New South Wales.
TomO and I have been frequent visitors over the years, stopping off on our way to and from the Outback, but seemingly, Janet has never been on those trips, so tonight is a first for her.
And what a welcome sight the reception was, standing tall on Smith’s Hill, about the only hill in sight for a hundred or so miles, well not quite, but the landscape is very flat and barren.
We have spent the past three days in Mutawinji National Park undertaking a number of walks through the magnificent gorges set in the rugged and fiery red Byngnano Range. And the wildlife was beautiful…
Kangaroo – Mutawintji NP
Mutawintji is the tribal area of the Makyankapa and Pandjikali people.
Aboriginal people have lived and hunted in this area for thousands of years and during our stay in the park we spent time with an aboriginal elder who took us to view some rock art and engravings of great significance to his people.
Mutawintji Hand Painting
Mark shared the love of his land, his people, his culture with great passion and enthusiasm and we look forward to meeting up with him once again in the future, to share the experience of this great land together…
We left Sydney a couple of days ago in “The Landy” heading west for a tour of Mutawinji National Park and Outback New South Wales.
Our trip to Mutawinji National Park in far western New South Wales, and Trilby Station, situated on the Darling River, will give us some great exposure to Australian Outback Landscapes.
Mutwawinji NP is about 130-kilometres to the north of Broken Hill and situated in the Bynguano Range.
Apart from the natural beauty of the park, with its many gorges, rock-pools, and red gum lined creek beds, it is of great significance to aboriginal people who have been visiting the area for thousands of years to avail themselves of the food and water. The area has also been used for ceremonial reasons and still is to this day.
Throughout the park there are many examples of rock engravings, stencils and paintings. This is one of the park’s great attractions and we will endeavour to see as much as we can, which is usually done with the guidance of the Park Rangers.
After a few nights in the park we will head east towards White Cliffs, a town renowned for its opals and the many “characters” that come to mine the prized stones and we will stay in an underground motel, just for the experience!
After freshening up following a few days in the bush, we will leave for Trilby Station, a working sheep and cattle property on the banks of the famous inland river, the Darling River. A favourite of ours, we will camp by the Billabong and engross ourselves in very little, just taking in the atmosphere of the outback.
Kangaroos, Trilby Station, Outback Australia
We’ll have a few days of relaxation before leaving Trilby and travelling via the small locality of Louth, making our way towards Narromine for our final night of the trip.
Of course, all trips come to an end, and as we make our way back to Sydney on our final day, passing through the towns of Orange and Bathurst, I’m sure there will be plenty of stories and experiences to recount from our couple of weeks “Out and About in The Landy”.
And be sure to keep an eye out for some pictures of our tours over the coming week, hopefully we can capture the beauty of our magnificent outback on camera…
Janet, TomO and I will be heading out in “The Landy” in about a week’s time to visit Mutawinji National Park, which has a lot of aboriginal history, rock engravings and paintings.
And I look forward to sharing some more of the Australian Outback with you…
In fact, this will be the last trip “The Landy” will make for a while as the new vehicle, “The Landy – Mark 2” arrives later this week and will be customised for Outback Travel over the next couple of months.
At the risk of looking like I am casting off an old friend, a tried and trusted travelling companion, who has stood by me through thick and thin, good and bad…the highs and lows!
I’m selling The Landy…
Yep, that’s right, trading it in for a fancy new Toyota…
The Landy – Out and About
Phew…that rolled off the tongue just a little too easy.
Crikey, just having a read over that and realised you might have been thinking what is Baz doing with Janet, or heaven forbid, TomO.
Nah, rest assured, I have no better outback travelling companions in the world, besides Janet’s camp oven scones are to die for and TomO’s energy is infectious.
Janet’s camp oven scones
But after a number of years of great service and tours and despite a couple of teething problems here and there, it’s time to retire The Landy…
As we are running out of driveway space both The Landy and Red Rover are under the auctioneer’s hammer…
Okay, shoosh, I might keep Red Rover, but crikey, don’t tell Janet…
Red Rover, The other Defender
But therein lies a bit of a dilemma for me.
I have been called Baz – The Landy for as long as I can remember.
When we take delivery of our brand new Toyota 79 Series Dual-Cab, which, incidentally is still on the boat in a shipping container coming from Japan, what will I call myself and the vehicle?
I mean “Baz, The Toyota” or “Baz, The Toy” doesn’t quite work…
Um… Baz, The Toy, hey?
Seriously, great real…
Just keep calling me, Baz -The Landy, okay.
In fact, you can call me anything you like, just don’t call me cheap!
Yes, hold your horses, I’m getting to the how you can win bit.strewth, talk about an impatient mob.
I have to come up with a name for the new truck, which will look just like this one once completed and in the same colour…
Toyota 79 Series Dual Cab
So here is the deal…
How about you blokes’ and sheilas’ that pop into here to see what I’m raving on about from time to time suggest some names for the new Truck.
And if you’re artistic, how about designing a logo that can go on the gull-wing doors of the canopy.
A logo that represents what we are about and reflecting our interest in travelling the Australian Outback..
By the Billabong, Outback Australia
Yeah, good point, I’m not sure either on “what we are about” so I can see how it might be hard for you – just wing it, okay!
Put your thinking caps on, send me your thoughts on a name in the comments section following, and if you have a logo in mind email it to me at thelandy@optusnet.com.au
The only condition on the logo is it must be as Australian as a Chiko Roll, okay?
Hurry up then, go back and click on the link if you don’t know what a chiko roll is…
But I’ll let you in on a little secret, they are the best thing since sliced bread…
Yes, I know, some of you don’t live in Australia, strewth we can’t all be that lucky, but just use some imagination.
And yeah, sure, have a couple of cocktails and grab the kids colouring in crayons, whatever works best… at least I’ve given you a new reason to throw a couple back!
Janet, TomO and I will review them and decide on the winning name and logo…
Winning?
Yeah, you’ve put the cocktail down now we’ve got to this bit, haven’t you?
So here we go, I will send the winner of the name and the winner of the logo the following…
A packet of Tim Tams, okay two packets and a gym membership to work em’ back off your hips,
A bottle of our famous Bundy Rumthat will clinch it for some of you, and
An autographed picture of me in my budgie smugglers, sorry just kiddin’ -I’ve handed so many out recently I’ve run out.
But, that’s not all, so I’ll tell you what…
Because I’m a bloody good bloke, if you come up with the winning logo design I’m going to throw in an authentic “Akubra Outback Club Hat“.
Strewth, they’re worth a small fortune and you’ll be the envy of all, but hey, you lot are worth it…well some of you maybe
Of course, I will ensure there are plenty of pictures taken of the new truck Out and About in the Australian Outback with the winners’ entries blazoned all over it.
And, just for the record, ’cause I don’t want the art police pulling me over in the outback accusing me of stealing your design, I get to emblazon it over the vehicle, okay! that sorts out the LA Law and Boston Legal wannabes
So get cracking you lot…
Appropriately, we will decide the winners sitting around an outback camp fire on our upcoming trip to the Outback in September…
Around the fire – Outback Australia
So you’ve got about a month, and hey, don’t be like TomO with his homework and leave it till the last night, okay!
And if you are willing how about re-blogging this among your mates or sharing it with your friends on facebook, they might be interested!if you’ve got any mates or friends to share it with…
And remember, if all else fails, just remain out of control and enjoy yourself…
Baz – The “Toy” Landy (hiding the budgie smugglers?)
At the risk of looking like I am casting off an old friend, a tried and trusted travelling companion, who has stood by me through thick and thin, good and bad…the highs and lows!
I’m selling The Landy…
Yep, that’s right, trading it in for a fancy new Toyota…
The Landy – Out and About
Phew…that rolled off the tongue just a little too easy.
Crikey, just having a read over that and realised you might have been thinking what is Baz doing with Janet, or heaven forbid, TomO.
Nah, rest assured, I have no better outback travelling companions in the world, besides Janet’s camp oven scones are to die for and TomO’s energy is infectious.
Janet’s camp oven scones
But after a number of years of great service and tours and despite a couple of teething problems here and there, it’s time to retire The Landy…
As we are running out of driveway space both The Landy and Red Rover are under the auctioneer’s hammer…
Okay, shoosh, I might keep Red Rover, but crikey, don’t tell Janet…
Red Rover, The other Defender
But therein lies a bit of a dilemma for me.
I have been called Baz – The Landy for as long as I can remember.
When we take delivery of our brand new Toyota 79 Series Dual-Cab, which, incidentally is still on the boat in a shipping container coming from Japan, what will I call myself and the vehicle?
I mean “Baz, The Toyota” or “Baz, The Toy” doesn’t quite work…
Um… Baz, The Toy, hey?
Seriously, great real…
Just keep calling me, Baz -The Landy, okay.
In fact, you can call me anything you like, just don’t call me cheap!
Yes, hold your horses, I’m getting to the how you can win bit.strewth, talk about an impatient mob.
I have to come up with a name for the new truck, which will look just like this one once completed and in the same colour…
Toyota 79 Series Dual Cab
So here is the deal…
How about you blokes’ and sheilas’ that pop into here to see what I’m raving on about from time to time suggest some names for the new Truck.
And if you’re artistic, how about designing a logo that can go on the gull-wing doors of the canopy.
A logo that represents what we are about and reflecting our interest in travelling the Australian Outback..
By the Billabong, Outback Australia
Yeah, good point, I’m not sure either on “what we are about” so I can see how it might be hard for you – just wing it, okay!
Put your thinking caps on, send me your thoughts on a name in the comments section following, and if you have a logo in mind email it to me at thelandy@optusnet.com.au
The only condition on the logo is it must be as Australian as a Chiko Roll, okay?
Hurry up then, go back and click on the link if you don’t know what a chiko roll is…
But I’ll let you in on a little secret, they are the best thing since sliced bread…
Yes, I know, some of you don’t live in Australia, strewth we can’t all be that lucky, but just use some imagination.
And yeah, sure, have a couple of cocktails and grab the kids colouring in crayons, whatever works best… at least I’ve given you a new reason to throw a couple back!
Janet, TomO and I will review them and decide on the winning name and logo…
Winning?
Yeah, you’ve put the cocktail down now we’ve got to this bit, haven’t you?
So here we go, I will send the winner of the name and the winner of the logo the following…
A packet of Tim Tams, okay two packets and a gym membership to work em’ back off your hips,
A bottle of our famous Bundy Rumthat will clinch it for some of you, and
An autographed picture of me in my budgie smugglers, sorry just kiddin’ -I’ve handed so many out recently I’ve run out.
But, that’s not all, so I’ll tell you what…
Because I’m a bloody good bloke, if you come up with the winning logo design I’m going to throw in an authentic “Akubra Outback Club Hat“.
Strewth, they’re worth a small fortune and you’ll be the envy of all, but hey, you lot are worth it…well some of you maybe
Of course, I will ensure there are plenty of pictures taken of the new truck Out and About in the Australian Outback with the winners’ entries blazoned all over it.
And, just for the record, ’cause I don’t want the art police pulling me over in the outback accusing me of stealing your design, I get to emblazon it over the vehicle, okay! that sorts out the LA Law and Boston Legal wannabes
So get cracking you lot…
Appropriately, we will decide the winners sitting around an outback camp fire on our upcoming trip to the Outback in September…
Around the fire – Outback Australia
So you’ve got about a month, and hey, don’t be like TomO with his homework and leave it till the last night, okay!
And if you are willing how about re-blogging this among your mates or sharing it with your friends on facebook, they might be interested!if you’ve got any mates or friends to share it with…
And remember, if all else fails, just remain out of control and enjoy yourself…
Baz – The “Toy” Landy (hiding the budgie smugglers?)
At the risk of looking like I am casting off an old friend, a tried and trusted travelling companion, who has stood by me through thick and thin, good and bad…the highs and lows!
I’m selling The Landy…
Yep, that’s right, trading it in for a fancy new Toyota…
The Landy – Out and About
Phew…that rolled off the tongue just a little too easy.
Crikey, just having a read over that and realised you might have been thinking what is Baz doing with Janet, or heaven forbid, TomO.
Nah, rest assured, I have no better outback travelling companions in the world, besides Janet’s camp oven scones are to die for and TomO’s energy is infectious.
Janet’s camp oven scones
But after a number of years of great service and tours and despite a couple of teething problems here and there, it’s time to retire The Landy…
As we are running out of driveway space both The Landy and Red Rover are under the auctioneer’s hammer…
Okay, shoosh, I might keep Red Rover, but crikey, don’t tell Janet…
Red Rover, The other Defender
But therein lies a bit of a dilemma for me.
I have been called Baz – The Landy for as long as I can remember.
When we take delivery of our brand new Toyota 79 Series Dual-Cab, which, incidentally is still on the boat in a shipping container coming from Japan, what will I call myself and the vehicle?
I mean “Baz, The Toyota” or “Baz, The Toy” doesn’t quite work…
Um… Baz, The Toy, hey?
Seriously, great real…
Just keep calling me, Baz -The Landy, okay.
In fact, you can call me anything you like, just don’t call me cheap!
Yes, hold your horses, I’m getting to the how you can win bit.strewth, talk about an impatient mob.
I have to come up with a name for the new truck, which will look just like this one once completed and in the same colour…
Toyota 79 Series Dual Cab
So here is the deal…
How about you blokes’ and sheilas’ that pop into here to see what I’m raving on about from time to time suggest some names for the new Truck.
And if you’re artistic, how about designing a logo that can go on the gull-wing doors of the canopy.
A logo that represents what we are about and reflecting our interest in travelling the Australian Outback..
By the Billabong, Outback Australia
Yeah, good point, I’m not sure either on “what we are about” so I can see how it might be hard for you – just wing it, okay!
Put your thinking caps on, send me your thoughts on a name in the comments section following, and if you have a logo in mind email it to me at thelandy@optusnet.com.au
The only condition on the logo is it must be as Australian as a Chiko Roll, okay?
Hurry up then, go back and click on the link if you don’t know what a chiko roll is…
But I’ll let you in on a little secret, they are the best thing since sliced bread…
Yes, I know, some of you don’t live in Australia, strewth we can’t all be that lucky, but just use some imagination.
And yeah, sure, have a couple of cocktails and grab the kids colouring in crayons, whatever works best… at least I’ve given you a new reason to throw a couple back!
Janet, TomO and I will review them and decide on the winning name and logo…
Winning?
Yeah, you’ve put the cocktail down now we’ve got to this bit, haven’t you?
So here we go, I will send the winner of the name and the winner of the logo the following…
A packet of Tim Tams, okay two packets and a gym membership to work em’ back off your hips,
A bottle of our famous Bundy Rumthat will clinch it for some of you, and
An autographed picture of me in my budgie smugglers, sorry just kiddin’ -I’ve handed so many out recently I’ve run out.
But, that’s not all, so I’ll tell you what…
Because I’m a bloody good bloke, if you come up with the winning logo design I’m going to throw in an authentic “Akubra Outback Club Hat“.
Strewth, they’re worth a small fortune and you’ll be the envy of all, but hey, you lot are worth it…well some of you maybe
Of course, I will ensure there are plenty of pictures taken of the new truck Out and About in the Australian Outback with the winners’ entries blazoned all over it.
And, just for the record, ’cause I don’t want the art police pulling me over in the outback accusing me of stealing your design, I get to emblazon it over the vehicle, okay! that sorts out the LA Law and Boston Legal wannabes
So get cracking you lot…
Appropriately, we will decide the winners sitting around an outback camp fire on our upcoming trip to the Outback in September…
Around the fire – Outback Australia
So you’ve got about a month, and hey, don’t be like TomO with his homework and leave it till the last night, okay!
And if you are willing how about re-blogging this among your mates or sharing it with your friends on facebook, they might be interested!if you’ve got any mates or friends to share it with…
And remember, if all else fails, just remain out of control and enjoy yourself…
Baz – The “Toy” Landy (hiding the budgie smugglers?)
Yesterday I wrote about a customer service experience I had recently with Track Trailers, the manufacturer of the Track T-Van Camper Trailer.
Lloyd Waldron, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Track Trailer, and I have had a lengthy telephone discussion on the company’s products, and importantly what the Track team are doing to improve its customer service.
The company fully understands the position I took in regards to its customer service in this instance, and as indicated previously I understand it cannot warranty its product inputs forever.
Whilst it would have been more beneficial to have had this discussion much earlier, and in private, I think the key take-away from my perspective is the company acknowledges short-comings it can have at times in its customer service area, but is constantly working to improve this.
They are to be congratulated for looking to improve; the care factor is there.
I am pleased the company has taken the time to respond in a professional way and this gives me every confidence to continue extolling the great virtues of the company’s product offering.
Welford National Park, Outback Australia
It is a great product and that is why we tour the great Australian Outback in a T-Van.
In a world fast evolving towards the grabs of consumers on social media the importance of customer advocacy takes on a new and important meaning.
The press of a few buttons on a tablet or a smart phone can see a company’s product, or service endorsed or questioned.
But what does customer advocacy mean and are there responsibilities attached to it?
I pondered this question recently when I had both a favourable and unfavourable experience that was both related.
What were my responsibilities and to whom was I responsible, and what of the responsibilities of others?
Let me set the scene.
Many of you know that Janet, TomO, and I are avid travellers of the Australian Outback, and to help make our journeys as comfortable as possible we travel with a camper that is home grown, made for Australian conditions and manufactured by Track Trailer – the uniquely styled T-Van.
“The Landy” and T-Van crossing the Darling River into the Australian Outback
I won’t bore you with a lot of detail but not long after purchasing it the unit had a small component failure that was replaced under the manufacturer’s warranty, and it has worked well for some time, but failed again recently.
Today, the camper is out of warranty, but I was confident that given this was a component that had failed previously and replaced that the company would want to make sure it made good the item once again, after all if something fails more than once it might be pointing towards a quality control issue.
Well, the manufacturer, Track Trailer, played “hard-ball” and refused, pointing to the expiration of the warranty.
Naturally, it was disappointing, not so much because I would be out of the pocket the cost of replacing it, but because as a consumer I felt let down, after all this was the second failure. Had it been the first time I would have paid the price, acknowledging the warranty had expired and moved on.
But it wasn’t all a bad story, the company that sold the unit brand new, Alan Graham’s Caravans and RVs, and who have serviced it since new jumped to the rescue and agreed to replace the item free of charge to myself, and for which I am grateful.
Mind you, it wasn’t so much about the money, but about a company backing its own product, a product that is at the top-end of the price range and billed as perfect for the “Australian Outback”.
Red Sand dune – Welford NP (Outback Australia)
But coming back to my point on customer advocacy and responsibilities, not only had the manufacturer let me down in this instance, but I felt I had let down all the people whom I had recommended to take a look at this product.
If they have a similar customer service experience with the company it reflects on me and my judgement in recommending the company and its products to them.
We purchased our Track TrailerT-Van after receiving much feedback “in the field” from people travelling in one. We placed a far greater store on this feedback from other travellers when making our original purchase than the glossy advertising the company did in magazines, in the print media.
Yes, we now live in a world fast transforming, one where social media has given the consumer the ability to quickly endorse and support, or to be critical of a company or its product and services.
Companies can embrace this, be thankful for responses in kind, and to see negative feedback as an opportunity to address consumer concerns. After all, there may well be a good reason for taking a particular viewpoint or stance – but it needs to be communicated effectively and with consideration.
Smart companies learned long ago that advertising budgets, no matter how large, can only promote a product or service so far, the greatest advertisement comes from customer advocacies and that can never be bought, it can only ever be earned.
Can you relate to this, I’m sure you can!
And remember, if all else fails, pack up “The Landy” and head west into the Australian Outback…
Ps. I have donated the $250 cost of the unit being replaced for free by Alan Graham’s Caravans and RVs to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in recognition of the great work they do in servicing the medical needs of Australian’s living, working, and travelling in the Outback.
Take the time to click on the link to read more about this marvellous organisation!
A popular landmark situated between Bollard’s Lagoon Station and Merty Merty, sand-dune country on the edge of the Strzelecki Desert, Outback Australia…
Regular visitors to my much rambling blog will know that apart from trying to climb mountains, and run around the bush with a back-pack, that we frequently get “Out and About” in a four-wheel drive vehicle.
A Landrover Defender that co-incidentally goes by the name of “The Landy”. A vehicle that you’ve got to love, even if it is too slow to keep worms in a tin.
Janet is suggesting you go and grab yourself a cocktail to sip on, after all it is approaching the cocktail hour, and she knows too well I can be Harry-have-a-chat, you know, the sort of bloke that can talk under wet cement with a mouthful of marbles.
Um, I see you made yourself two, good, it is nice to have company.
Strewth, you’re going to drink them both?
Anyway, where were we?
Oh, yes, and don’t we love “The Landy” as it gets Janet, TomO, and me “Out and About” in the Australian Outback, soaking up the big blue sky country.
Mayne Range, Diamantina NP, Outback Australia
Recently, around the camp fire with “Bluey and the Boys”, the conversation got around to the money we spend on our toys.
A self-confessed newbie to off-road travelling and touring posed the question…
“What should I buy and how should I equip my vehicle”…
Crikey, these types of questions are welcomed around the camp-fire as it means at least another couple of beers while answers are given and debated, and besides there is no such thing as a silly question.
Around the fire – Trilby Station, Outback Australia
Janet is hovering a bit and has just suggested silly questions are highly probable if it involves, four-wheel drive vehicles, beer and boy’s around a camp-fire.
But this question got me thinking that perhaps it is asked the wrong way around.
I thought, how much better our bank balance would be money one could save if the question was turned around to read…
“What equipment shouldn’t I buy?”
An often held view is that today’s modern four-wheel drive vehicle needs to be optioned up and fitted with all kinds of after-market gadgetry.
In reality, late model examples of the most the popular brands, including Toyota Land Cruisers, Nissan Patrols, and heaven forbid, Landrovers , yes I have two Defenders, are quite adequate straight out of the box, right off the showroom floor.
Red Rover, The other Defender
The vehicle after-market parts industry would have us believe that a five-inch lift, winch, diff-locks, a bull bar big enough to push over a small building, and an over-haul of the suspension system is required…
And that is just to get you down the front-driveway to the gate of your house!
The Landy and T-Van heading down the driveway (On another adventure)
But strewth, the reality is quite different, and a slightly different approach could have you banking cash to spend whilst on a trip, or something to put away for the next.
Whoops, Janet is still looking over my shoulder…
Yes I’m hearing you sweetie… or that new dress!
Mind you, after that big event you went in whilst in London recently, you remember shop till you drop, will mean “The Landy” won’t be getting any new gadgets for at least another week a long, long time.
Crikey, when it comes to vehicle modifications I reckon you’d be best to just go out and enjoy the country and “suck it and see” on any short-falls you might find.
So I tossed this little list of “things you can do without” into the discussion around the fire…
Bull bars, nice to have, but adds a lot of weight to the front-end almost guaranteeing you’ll need a suspension upgrade.
And yes, I know your uncle lives out at whoop, whoop and he hits a “kangaroo-a-week” and no doubting he needs one.
But I have never hit one in years of travelling the outback.
Kangaroos, Trilby Station, Outback Australia
A Winch… no Bluey, I said winch, so watch your tongue and go and grab yourself another beer…
Well if you get a bull bar, a winch is a great accessory to adorn it.
But really, unless you actually “intend” to go into areas where it is almost guaranteed to be required, than save your money.
Many want to add it for insurance, just in case, and it usually dies from under-use.
A suspension upgrade – crikey, this can be a tricky one, if you have wasted spent money on the first two then you’ll probably need to chuck some money at this as well. Besides, your Toyota Prado will look great in traffic driving across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, head and shoulders above everything else.
Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge in Red Rover (Head and Shoulders above everything)
But if you can drive with caution and approach obstacles carefully, and not like you’re in the Paris to Dakar rally, you might get away with the stock standard system that was fitted to the vehicle when you drove it out of the show room.
Riversleigh World Heritage Site, Outback Australia (Would test any Paris to Dakar Rally Car)
Communication radios – okay, if you like colourful language and you’re as lonely as a country dunny, it might be a useful addition to an already cluttered dashboard.
Otherwise, if your wife blushes at the thought of a four-letter word, or you have got three kids strapped in the back, then save your money, you can do without it.
If you keep a look out the front windscreen you’ll probably avoid most vehicles coming the other way, after all seeing is believing, or so they say!
Although, come to think of it, if you have got three kids in the back, it might make a change from the “are we there yet” whine.
“The Landy”, Outback Australia (with antennas for the communication radios fully visible)
Power and Engine upgrades – strewth, isn’t that the beauty of modern motor vehicle engines that use computer technology.
You can just plug a few leads in and spend lots of your hard earned cash tweaking something the vehicle manufacturer and its engineers’ spent tens of millions of dollars on ensuring was the best combination when they made it.
Sure, if you want to tow a caravan half-the-size of a Hollywood Mansion behind you, or you have a need to cover the breadth of Australia in record time, then I can see you might need it…
But hey, don’t get me wrong, there are people out there doing chip-upgrades and they need a retirement fund, so live in the knowledge you’ll be making it a more comfortable retirement for them.
A Fridge – hell, this is heading into dangerous territory, after all how do you keep Janet’s wineTomO’s milk refrigerated without it?
The Landy – Outback Australia (that looks like a fridge to me!)
Back in a ‘sec, Janet has just suggested that it would be best if I went to the fridge and get her a top up from that lovely bottle of Hunter Valley Chardonnay she has almost knocked off bought the other day.
Janet – Cheeky as ever
Dual Battery System – well, if you need a fridge to keep things refrigerated then you’ll need a second battery to run it, and perhaps a couple of beers to get you over the bill when it comes in from the auto-electrician.
Roof Rack – have you ever lifted one of those things, they’re usually pretty heavy if you want a good one and another reason you’ll probably need a chip-upgrade and better suspension.
But if you can leave a few items at home, like three-quarters of the things that Janet tries to stuff in “The Landy” you think you’ll need, then you may be able to say no thanks to your local four-wheel drive warehouse, I’ll not be needing one.
The Landy – packed full of Janet’s stuff toys
Spot Lights – the bigger the better, after all if you’re going to spend money on those shiny things that go up front, you might as well get a pair that would spot a Spinifex Hoping Mouseat three miles.
But many of the people I see with them on the front of the vehicle are tucked up in bed at one-minute-past-sunset, which sort of makes them a bit redundant…
Um, the spotlights that is.
But hey, what better way to let someone into your wallet again.
Anyway, I hope you’re still around and not rolling around on the floor somewhere as I can see you finished off those two cocktails…
See, reading a long rambling post does have its merits.
So what makes me an expert anyway?
Yes, I heard you whispering!
A four-wheel drive named “The Landy” that is full of gadgets, and an empty bank account to go with it…
Hey, and good luck out there, wherever there is!
Come on, you can relate to this can’t you?
After all you don’t need a four-wheel drive to whip out that “Fantastic Plastic” and do some damage with that “Weapon of Mass Destruction”…
For the benefit of those not in the know Australia has six states and two territories that make up our Great Southern Land.
For sure we could have a lot more like the United States of America, but hell we’re flat out counting to ten, let alone trying to name 50-States.
Hey, where are you going, don’t worry this isn’t some kind of history lesson.
Alright, grab a beer or a wine if you like, but hurry back, and don’t go wasting your time googling how many States America has, it isn’t that important.
So picking back up, having an unbiased view, of course, there is one State that shines above all, Queensland, the Sunshine State.
Yep, we’ve got the barrier reef full of colourful fish…
You remember Nemo don’t you?
Of course you do, a couple of fish that talk, a few turtles swimming down the East Australia Current, and who could forget Dory, and that great quote of hers?
“Hey there, Mr. Grumpy Gills. When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do?”
Anyway…
Rainforests that roll from the mountains to the reef…
You’re looking for pictures aren’t you?
Well, I’m teasing you, you’ll have to come on over and snap a few for yourself.
Here, I’ll toss you a bone…
Mayne Ranges – Outback Australia
Anyway, we’ve got the warmest people that you could ever meet and whose each and every sentence ends with, hey.
I’m still talking about Queensland, just to be sure…
And hey, don’t get me wrong, the rest of Australia is pretty darn good mind you, just not as good.
Crikey, you know what I’m trying to say…the place is bloody perfect!
Weather to die for!
I mean, 364-days of sunshine a year…doesn’t get much better than that, hey!
Okay okay, yes you’ve called me on this one so maybe not quite 364-days.
But let’s face it, if you’re a pommie, you know, English, those blokes that flogged us at Rugby about a week or so ago banished us from England on convict ships all those years ago, anything more than 5-days of sunshine a year would be a bonus.
If only they knew at the time, strewth, we’d be overrun with those Lion supporters running around in red shirts looking for a “warm beer”.
Yes, Queensland, we’re they’ll call you mate, and mean it…and where the beer is ice-cold.
Now, it might come as little surprise that both Janetand I were both born in Queensland, and to be more precise I grew up in the North. North Queensland that is, and Janet has roots deeply set in the same region.
And TomO, well he is an honorary member…
Crikey, how did that happen…I mean, he’s a Cockroach.
Oh yeah, sorry, meant to say, Queenslanders’ are often referred to as “Cane toads” and New South Welshmen as “Cockroaches”.
So by now you’re probably wondering, what is the point of all this, hey?
Has Baz lost his marbles?
Bumped his head?
Is he a sandwich short of a picnic?
Um, Janet and TomO are nodding yes to all three!
So I’ll just try and make my point…hey.
Strewth, there is none really!
So how about this, pop on over to this great place, you know, our sunburnt country and I’ll buy you a beer at one of our favourite watering holes.
Yeah, up at the Einasleigh Hotel up in the Gulf Savannah, hey.
Gulp Country.
How’s that for a pub…!
Give us a bell so we can get the beers on ice and just ask for Baz, hey!
By the Billabong – Trilby Station (Outback Australia)
It has been quite an intense period in our “down-under” household over these past couple of months.
Surgery on my leg, the passing of Janet’s father, Archie, after a long innings stretching almost to his 100th year, and presently the terminal illness my father, Brian, is suffering and that will take him from us in the not too distant future.
Archie and a favourite motor-cycle
Mind you, Brian is comfortable and at peace, and even quipped to me the other day that we’re all dying from the day we’re born, it isn’t how long you live, but how you live it that counts. Of course, his only real concern has been for the love of his life, his partner for over 50 years, Fay.
Courageous words indeed I thought and his faith has kept him, both of them strong…
Brian and Fay – 50th Wedding Anniversary
But I wanted to drop a note to thank you for your kind words of support over these past couple of months, and to be honest, I haven’t caught up on all the news and stories that many of you write on a daily basis, but rest assured, I’m looking forward to getting back into the routine soon.
The Shed – Font of all knowledge (and my daily training ground)
And speaking of routine, I have stepped back from my usual training regime to avoid “running myself down” during this difficult time, but I’m looking forward to a return shortly, and of course, back into the mountains, back on the journey to the summit of some of the world’s highest mountains.
Baz – Climbing in New Zealand
Oh, sorry, what of the jet-setters. I hear you ask?
TomO swanning around in the south of England
Strewth, TomO and Janet are having a “whale of a time” over in the south of England, but I must confess, I’m missing them and look forward to their return in about a week’s time.
By crikey, I’m sure they’ll have some news and tales of adventure that will be sure to cheer us all up!
Good luck out there, and remember, those that don’t think it can be done shouldn’t bother the person doing it!
Today marks the first day of TomO’s mid year break from school, and let me say it seems like only yesterday the school term had begun.
Crikey, why wasn’t school like that when I was a young whipper snipper?
Hell, hang-on I’m still a young whipper snipper, at heart…
Janet and TomO aren’t ones to waste a moment of living, so today they will jet-set out of Sydney, accompanying Janet’s mother, Clare, on a visit to her sister who lives in the wonderful Devon area in the south of England.
For those who visit regularly you may recall that Janet’s father, Archie, passed away about a month ago after a long and wonderful life and not too far short of his 100th year.
Archie – Have Pith Helmet, will travel
Archie always had a passion for travel and seemingly with all the travel TomO has done over the past twelve months it is becoming quite obvious there is only a “sheet of tissue paper” between Poppa Archie and grandson TomO!
It’ll only be a matter of time before TomO will turn up in a Pith Helmet, for sure!
Of course, as many will recall we had all planned to be in Nepal later this year for my climbing expedition, but as I am still recovering from my recent Achilles tendon operation we’ve put those plans aside for the moment.
After all the mountains aren’t going anywhere!
Usually, we travel as a family to experience this wonderful world together…
Always together – Always smiling (Well mostly!)
But now is the time for both of us to spend time with our families. Janet in support of her mother Clare, and me with my family.
It would almost seem a cruel twist of fate, but having just lost a great mate in Janet’s father, Archie, my father, Brian, has been admitted to palliative care in his hometown on the Redcliffe Peninsular, suffering from an illness that will take him from us shortly.
Brian and Fay – 50th Wedding Anniversary
Mind you, he is a man of great faith and he is showing tremendous courage at this time. I said at the time of Archie’s passing that it was hard to be sad when we have so much to be happy about, to have shared our lives with them.
Life, you never know what it is going to dish out to you, but one thing for sure is all you can ever do is live the best way you can…and only one moment at a time.
The other day TomO and I got into a discussion that loosely revolved around what it was like being a parent.
It was an interesting choice of topic given he is most unlikely to become one anytime soon.
So I took the opportunity to tell him like it was; one of the most rewarding things you can ever hope to do. But added it was a bit like herding sheep sometime…
How do you mean, he asked, with a sly grin on the corner of his mouth.
He knew all too well what I meant.
Yes, sudden deafness when asked to switch off the iPod, or getting ready for bed at a reasonable time, and did I hear you say homework.
Yeah, herding sheep, I mused…
And too highlight just how hard herding sheep is I pulled out this great photograph of him doing just that a few years back!
With a long weekend in the offering and great weather, Janet, TomO, and I jumped into “The Landy” and headed into country New South Wales, the Riverina Area…
And we came across a quaint little town called Ariah Park, with a motto of Wowser, Bowsers, and Peppercorn Trees.
The main street is lined with old petrol bowsers and peppercorn trees, but we can’t vouch for wowsers as we didn’t see another soul!
And strewth, what a great old pub!
Out and About in “The Landy” hey – crikey you wouldn’t be dead for quids…
Visit the Australian Outback in the warmer months, especially after rain and most likely a billion flies will join you.
And yes, I meant a couple of billion.
It is a funny occurrence, they turn up at the crack of dawn, literally, and as the sun shimmies below the western horizon in the late afternoon they disappear, seemingly from the face of the earth.
Mates hanging out in the outback – with fly nets (only girls wear veils!)
I’ve often pondered where do they go…
Personally, I try to ignore them, which is hard when they crawl all over your face, up your nostrils, and heaven forbid, don’t breathe through your mouth, lest you want some additional protein for breakfast.
TomO – Outback Australia
Strewth, I hope I haven’t painted a picture that turns you away from visiting, after all we do like to share the experience of the never ending outback!
A never ending sky kissing the parched red earth in the far off distance…
But don’t worry, we have a solution, a veil, a fly veil that you can put over your head, and bingo, they’re out of your face!
Crikey, speaking of veils and kissing, 29 years ago today Janet was wearing a beautiful veil and lovely dress as we walked down the aisle together. Talk about a radiant bride who has blossomed into the kindest and most beautiful person you could ever be lucky enough to meet… 😉
She was literally the girl next door, how’s that hey!
When traversing the harsh and barren landscape of the Australian Outback, Australia’s indigenous aboriginals used mound springs for their water supply.
The “Old Bus” was driven from the city into the Outback by two fencing contractors who used it for their accommodation on Trilby Station, an outback property in Western New South Wales, Australia.
And it came well ventilated; the roof was demolished when they misjudged the height of an overhead bridge on the trip to the Outback!
Almost two weeks have passed since I had surgery on both ankles and recovery seems to be going well. I’ve been getting plenty of rest on the couch, a few books, some movies, and lots of sleep.
I’ll be seeing the Doctor tomorrow and will have the stitches out and my first physiotherapy session.
But I can’t wait to get back into training for the climb in Nepal this coming November, but slowly does it…
Janet and TomO
And Janet & TomO have been fantastic, as usual, although Janet was heard to quip to a friend the other day, that keeping me resting is like telling our beautiful Border Collie, MilO, to sit still.
A bit like herding cats, she laughed…
MilO – The Wonder Dog
Thanks to all for your wonderful messages of support, the best way I can repay your kind thoughts is to stand tall on those big mountains I want to climb, and give you a window into the beautiful Australian Outback at other times…
Xplore 