The time is getting ni! (I think tha’t how you spell it)
Gees I can’t bloody wait to get going, a lot of vans are departing heading south yet others still are setting up. We wish we were on the road so bad we can taste it.
We were having a bit of trouble with the new BBQ burning anything you tried to roast. It seems that the tray is too close to the flame. I sent an e-mail to Marine BBQ’s Australia and a nice gent rang me to say he was very sorry about my problems (or my inability to cook). He sent me ,(at no charge,I might add) a new tray to sit in the bbq to keep the cooking tray further from the flame. I have yet to try this but there is a weekend coming up and Fae insists that she does not cookon weekends!! She has a good life.
Got some prices on tyres the other day, don’t they vary and for the same tyres too! Settled on some 225x70/R15 at $158.80 fitted and balanced, light truck with a load rating of 1150kg and speed rating of 180kph. Should just do the trick I recon. I will have to replace the bearings before we start off as the wheels have not turned for around two years (they might be stuck) Still it will be easier to replace them now than on the side of the road somewhere.
Take care all
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Cold August
August,
It’s getting closer !! We did a bit more changing last week. I have put the gas bottles back where they were when the van was new. i.e. In the front boot.
This allowed me to put a big tool box across the front of the van, the genny and new BBQ live there now. We got rid of the big electric frypan as it would not fit into any cupboard and the boss said it had to go. We also sold the Webber Q and three burner stove. Replaced all three with a small covered in rectangular type BBQ. This is working well and you can use it as a BBQ, oven or cook top.
There is a gent in the park at present that does vinyl signage so we got a quote to put the van’s name “Witch – Way” on the back of the van and some matching stipes on the side of the Tug, great price so that’s more money gone.
When we get going we plan to go up on the table lands to Walkamin for a couple of days to get things set up and to go into relax mode before setting of down south.
Fae is crook at present with the flu or such, but she is getting used to being at home now and coping quite well looking after Misty and me.
It has been very cold in the evenings up her (by our standards) although I hear the tourists saying the locals are soft. Bloody hell it is getting down to 15 degrees etc.
One of our dear friends that had a run in with their insurance company just got another replacement van lined up. We hope all goes very well for Jules & Len, they certainly deserve a break. We just went to renew our insurance and I asked the rep how much it was insured for, Market Value, was the reply, fine I said but how much would I get if it was written off today. The lass could not give me any idea and said that was the way it was. I got another quote and am about to change to this company with an Agreed Value policy as my previous company would not do it. I also found out that other companies will not insure if you are full time on the road, be aware, be very aware!!!
It’s getting closer !! We did a bit more changing last week. I have put the gas bottles back where they were when the van was new. i.e. In the front boot.
This allowed me to put a big tool box across the front of the van, the genny and new BBQ live there now. We got rid of the big electric frypan as it would not fit into any cupboard and the boss said it had to go. We also sold the Webber Q and three burner stove. Replaced all three with a small covered in rectangular type BBQ. This is working well and you can use it as a BBQ, oven or cook top.
There is a gent in the park at present that does vinyl signage so we got a quote to put the van’s name “Witch – Way” on the back of the van and some matching stipes on the side of the Tug, great price so that’s more money gone.
When we get going we plan to go up on the table lands to Walkamin for a couple of days to get things set up and to go into relax mode before setting of down south.
Fae is crook at present with the flu or such, but she is getting used to being at home now and coping quite well looking after Misty and me.
It has been very cold in the evenings up her (by our standards) although I hear the tourists saying the locals are soft. Bloody hell it is getting down to 15 degrees etc.
One of our dear friends that had a run in with their insurance company just got another replacement van lined up. We hope all goes very well for Jules & Len, they certainly deserve a break. We just went to renew our insurance and I asked the rep how much it was insured for, Market Value, was the reply, fine I said but how much would I get if it was written off today. The lass could not give me any idea and said that was the way it was. I got another quote and am about to change to this company with an Agreed Value policy as my previous company would not do it. I also found out that other companies will not insure if you are full time on the road, be aware, be very aware!!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Happenings in Cairns
Well let’s see what’s new.
I have been on workcover for three weeks as I seem to have RSI or the likes from the computer at work. But that stopped when they did x-rays on my neck and decided that there was more wrong than we thought.I was booked into a specialist surgeon yesterday and duly went to see same. A rather nice bloke actually, he asked when I was going into semi retirement and I said around mid October. He answered that that was a very good idea with what he saw on my X-rays?? He explained that I had Degenerative Arthritis of the spine and I was at my “use by date”. Nice! He explained that I should take it easy at least for the next three months whilst it settled down again. Then no undue heavy lifting, pushing etc.
So that settled it we are on the road mid October and we are counting the weeks.
We have spent more money in the form of a little electric heater, waterfilters, and a new solar panel set up for the fridge in the tug. I went with an 80 watt folding display which should be enough to run the Engle and keep the battery topped up for the evening run.
I selected the Platinum Plus filter set to filter all water coming into the van ,and we also have a carbon filter under the sink for drinking water. We hope to be able to pump water out of running creeks some times, just to top up the tanks, of course all the creek water will go through the twin filters before going into tanks.
I have to get a rack put in the back of the truck to put the table and chairs on above the fridge. That should be all for the tug. The next bit is a bike rack on the rear for two pushbikes, yep, finally got talked into it by the boss. She says it will help with the neck thing and keep us a bit fitter than I am at present,. LOL to all from Dreamcaster & Fae
I have been on workcover for three weeks as I seem to have RSI or the likes from the computer at work. But that stopped when they did x-rays on my neck and decided that there was more wrong than we thought.I was booked into a specialist surgeon yesterday and duly went to see same. A rather nice bloke actually, he asked when I was going into semi retirement and I said around mid October. He answered that that was a very good idea with what he saw on my X-rays?? He explained that I had Degenerative Arthritis of the spine and I was at my “use by date”. Nice! He explained that I should take it easy at least for the next three months whilst it settled down again. Then no undue heavy lifting, pushing etc.
So that settled it we are on the road mid October and we are counting the weeks.
We have spent more money in the form of a little electric heater, waterfilters, and a new solar panel set up for the fridge in the tug. I went with an 80 watt folding display which should be enough to run the Engle and keep the battery topped up for the evening run.
I selected the Platinum Plus filter set to filter all water coming into the van ,and we also have a carbon filter under the sink for drinking water. We hope to be able to pump water out of running creeks some times, just to top up the tanks, of course all the creek water will go through the twin filters before going into tanks.
I have to get a rack put in the back of the truck to put the table and chairs on above the fridge. That should be all for the tug. The next bit is a bike rack on the rear for two pushbikes, yep, finally got talked into it by the boss. She says it will help with the neck thing and keep us a bit fitter than I am at present,. LOL to all from Dreamcaster & Fae
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Beautiful Day in Cairns
Hi again from Lake Placid, well how things change. As was previously mentioned the site fees went up and the amenities block has still not been opened, Bah! I went to dry the washing the other day to find they have now put up the cost of washing and drying to $4 a go !! and still no toilet roll in the handicap loo !! Have to walk another 200 metres.
Still I guess the poor buggers have to make it whilst they can, as only full for four months of the year.
Last year we reported that we went to Bali, well I will post a couple of pics from there. We went to the new Bali Safari Park. I am telling you it was the best money we have spent over seas, we had an absolute ball at the park including the high lights of being able to cuddle the animals, including the Orana tang and big cats. If you would like to know more go to the guest book and leave me a note and I will contact you.
We finally found out how much we have to pay for Fae’s HECS bill before we head off, Ouch!! that is going to really hurt!!! Ow!! again, about 20 weeks of budget. Bugger.
The weather is just starting to promise what to expect, cool nights with sunny days, can’t wait as we are really over the rain. (yep heard you!!)
I have to do the jayco’s water again as we are having trouble with the pressure reduction valve getting stuck shut and no water. I have pulled it out and am going to the plumber for a replacement, I hope.
Have a great day folks
Still I guess the poor buggers have to make it whilst they can, as only full for four months of the year.
Last year we reported that we went to Bali, well I will post a couple of pics from there. We went to the new Bali Safari Park. I am telling you it was the best money we have spent over seas, we had an absolute ball at the park including the high lights of being able to cuddle the animals, including the Orana tang and big cats. If you would like to know more go to the guest book and leave me a note and I will contact you.
We finally found out how much we have to pay for Fae’s HECS bill before we head off, Ouch!! that is going to really hurt!!! Ow!! again, about 20 weeks of budget. Bugger.
The weather is just starting to promise what to expect, cool nights with sunny days, can’t wait as we are really over the rain. (yep heard you!!)
I have to do the jayco’s water again as we are having trouble with the pressure reduction valve getting stuck shut and no water. I have pulled it out and am going to the plumber for a replacement, I hope.
Have a great day folks
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Update From Cairns
Hi again from Cairns, I for one just can’t wait to get on the road so we have some thing exiting to put in the blog. We have had such a long run of rain up here every body is over it, yes I can hear you now, but please come and help yourselves,!!!
I just noted that we have done 30000klms on the Ford, it seems only a few months ago we bought it; it will be worn out before we start our adventure. Fae has had a big clear out of goods and chattels, the van should drop half a tonne at least. All those things we could not do with out!!! Suddenly we can. You don’t need 36 pairs of shoes! 10 will do, same with hand bags. Ouch!! Ouch again!!
We went in to Kmart today and they had some good specials on push bikes, we got two Cyclops ones, gel seats (a must have), two baskets (for Misty carrying) and of course two “hats ridicules”
I have to look at mounting a bracket on the rear bar to carry these.
I have upgraded the lights inside the van to LEDs, very easy to do and the savings on battery power will more that pay for it.
Having a look at a new 120amp hr AGM battery for the van, gees they are cheap !! not. I have purchased and fitted a nudge bar to the tug and it looks great, if I say so myself. I have to mount the radio now and all will be finished.
We changed over to the turbo wireless internet modem the other day, what a drama that was, Telstra is very helpful when you finally get to talk to someone in OZ not India. This set up will be much better that the old blue Toaster type.
The park is slowly starting to fill up now with the not so grey nomads and their million dollar rigs. Still they will move on shortly as the park is already nearly booked out for the rest of the year. The park manager has been able to keep one block (half) of the amenities closed as a cost saving to him, and an inconvenience to every body on the wrong side of the park!! Unfortunately the site fees went up by $10 a week from next month, and I still have to ask for a toilet roll to be put into the toilets!!! Maybe he is saving on that too.
OK folks that’s all for now, keep safe and well
I just noted that we have done 30000klms on the Ford, it seems only a few months ago we bought it; it will be worn out before we start our adventure. Fae has had a big clear out of goods and chattels, the van should drop half a tonne at least. All those things we could not do with out!!! Suddenly we can. You don’t need 36 pairs of shoes! 10 will do, same with hand bags. Ouch!! Ouch again!!
We went in to Kmart today and they had some good specials on push bikes, we got two Cyclops ones, gel seats (a must have), two baskets (for Misty carrying) and of course two “hats ridicules”
I have to look at mounting a bracket on the rear bar to carry these.
I have upgraded the lights inside the van to LEDs, very easy to do and the savings on battery power will more that pay for it.
Having a look at a new 120amp hr AGM battery for the van, gees they are cheap !! not. I have purchased and fitted a nudge bar to the tug and it looks great, if I say so myself. I have to mount the radio now and all will be finished.
We changed over to the turbo wireless internet modem the other day, what a drama that was, Telstra is very helpful when you finally get to talk to someone in OZ not India. This set up will be much better that the old blue Toaster type.
The park is slowly starting to fill up now with the not so grey nomads and their million dollar rigs. Still they will move on shortly as the park is already nearly booked out for the rest of the year. The park manager has been able to keep one block (half) of the amenities closed as a cost saving to him, and an inconvenience to every body on the wrong side of the park!! Unfortunately the site fees went up by $10 a week from next month, and I still have to ask for a toilet roll to be put into the toilets!!! Maybe he is saving on that too.
OK folks that’s all for now, keep safe and well
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Up date on Blog
I have just had the finishing touches completed on the Ranger, new fridge plug and spare etc; the boys had to shift the Red Arc battery controller as I wanted to put in a cav type pre filter on the tug as it is a big job to change the standard fuel filter. The whole unit has to be taken out of the veh to access the filter, not a job to be done on the side of the road. I will put in the filter water trap (Cav type) before the main filter so I can drain the water and change pre filter every 5,000 klm or so. A much easier option!!
I must again sing the praises of the team at TJM Scott St Cairns, Jason and crew did a most professional job on the Ranger, you know, every thing was finished, no bits half done, insulation on all wires, kill rust and grommets on all holes etc, just a trade quality job. If any one up here needs any thing for their tug I would highly recommend them, Thanks again Guys.
The Mojo 150 scooter I bought is going great guns, very cheap to run and a whole lot of fun to ride, until it rains and you have a leak in your wet weather gear, right where you don’t want it. I got to work and had wet b***ls all day, bloody shit!**!!
It looks as thought we will be off in October now as we have a conference in Hervey bay then and a wedding in December in Mullumbimby!!! (hope I spelled that right). So we will have a month or so to do that short trip from Hervey to Byron Bay.
I am looking at a nudge bar for the Ranger so I can mount the UHF aerial on it, also for a little protection. Gee they are not cheap.$800 from Ford I might try ebay.
OK folks that’s all for now and a reminder please sign our guest book so we know someone is reading this
LOL Dreamcaster, Fae & Misty
I must again sing the praises of the team at TJM Scott St Cairns, Jason and crew did a most professional job on the Ranger, you know, every thing was finished, no bits half done, insulation on all wires, kill rust and grommets on all holes etc, just a trade quality job. If any one up here needs any thing for their tug I would highly recommend them, Thanks again Guys.
The Mojo 150 scooter I bought is going great guns, very cheap to run and a whole lot of fun to ride, until it rains and you have a leak in your wet weather gear, right where you don’t want it. I got to work and had wet b***ls all day, bloody shit!**!!
It looks as thought we will be off in October now as we have a conference in Hervey bay then and a wedding in December in Mullumbimby!!! (hope I spelled that right). So we will have a month or so to do that short trip from Hervey to Byron Bay.
I am looking at a nudge bar for the Ranger so I can mount the UHF aerial on it, also for a little protection. Gee they are not cheap.$800 from Ford I might try ebay.
OK folks that’s all for now and a reminder please sign our guest book so we know someone is reading this
LOL Dreamcaster, Fae & Misty
Christmas has been and gone.
Well x-mas has been and gone, as expected we had an absolutely brilliant x-mas lunch at Bella Baci the owners Sam & Christine were the fantastic hosts you would expect. The day went of very well with Sylvia and myself doing justice to 4 or so bottles of Jantz Champers !!!!!*********** Bloody great.
New years was spent at the same establishment with much the same results ***********
Sister Sylvia had a few problems with her van whilst she was here but all in all she now has a few ideas of what she wants to change or not with the van. It will be interesting to see it when she has finished with the rebuild. She had a good trip back to Barmera but had some bad news as two of her friends passed and so she had a couple of funerals to attend. Not a good way to start the year.
Fae has just started a part time job; she bought some new sheets and saw a note, wanting staff. She asked the lady and was told they really wanted a junior, no worries she said, paid for her purchase and was then asked if she would be interested?? Got the job nearly on the spot, works on three days a week and has a ball, no stress, aircond comfort. The place is Pure Zone in the DFO at Westcourt Cairns.
Well bye for now and we will keep you posted on our journey.
New years was spent at the same establishment with much the same results ***********
Sister Sylvia had a few problems with her van whilst she was here but all in all she now has a few ideas of what she wants to change or not with the van. It will be interesting to see it when she has finished with the rebuild. She had a good trip back to Barmera but had some bad news as two of her friends passed and so she had a couple of funerals to attend. Not a good way to start the year.
Fae has just started a part time job; she bought some new sheets and saw a note, wanting staff. She asked the lady and was told they really wanted a junior, no worries she said, paid for her purchase and was then asked if she would be interested?? Got the job nearly on the spot, works on three days a week and has a ball, no stress, aircond comfort. The place is Pure Zone in the DFO at Westcourt Cairns.
Well bye for now and we will keep you posted on our journey.
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