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Post by kiwijim on Jan 15, 2010 13:40:22 GMT 10
G'day Guys, Just a very short note, I'm running on battery power only at the moment, First off thanks all for the info on that fibreglass camper, I shall forward it to the owner, along with another invite to join the forum. Don't worry Carl, I'm sure these camping spots will still be here when you and the Dear lady start your round the block trip. We left Kingston around 8.30am this morning and found this ripper camp site only an hours drive South, I had to drag a protesting Thomson over some pretty rough gravel roads to get here, but when I slowed to 10kph she handled it fairly good. The property we found was marked on the map as Wright's Bay. but it is private land, owned by a 93yr old bloke who is a real character, doesn't look a day over 60, Any-way, I asked how much he was going to slug us to camp there, his answer....How does $2.50 ea sound young man ? ( Kingston= $30p/n Pt Lincoln= $33p/n ) "Yep" said a very delighted kiwi ....I'll take 3 days worth for a start, and if the fishing is as good as he said, I might grab another week's worth. Photos of this spot (and Fish) should appear here shortly. Gotta go Guys, this machine is beeping at me, off to the Nissan for a dose of 12v. Cheers kiwijim ;D ;D  |
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 15, 2010 19:40:28 GMT 10
Crikey kiwijim, even when you're not at the markets, you're still scoring bargains!! ;D ;D Do you get a hot shower for that price as well??  cheers, Al. |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 15, 2010 21:12:26 GMT 10
Howdy Al, "Yep" I guese some blokes are born lucky, ;D ;D ;D Now come on!! hot showers for $2.50 per head....I wish. Here is a couple of pics of our camp, only half a dozen others there, and all happy-go-lucky folk..........   No fish as yet....working on that at first light tomorrow, "gez" it's a hard life ;D ;D ;D Cheers all kiwijim ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2010 16:56:11 GMT 10
Hi Kiwi
Looks tops could be good with some surface poppers in that shallow patch hope to see some pics of your catch soon fresh whitting with a bit of sallad yum
Gary
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2010 9:12:04 GMT 10
Any razor bait?
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 18, 2010 15:39:30 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, Well the weather took care of any chance I had of going fishing at Wright's bay, It turned flamin cold and the rain came in from the West in high powered squalls. We had to be satisfied with a meager meal of whats below......  The following morning we took off for another sea-side camp called Beachport, this was about an hours drive South. The weather was not much better here, still freezing cold, around 16deg but the rain left us alone for most of the day. Once again, we were swamped with people wanting to have a look in the Thomson, we also met some others who also had Vintage and Classic vans, One couple we met, (Dennis & Di from Adelaide) who owned a 1971 17ft Aldelma caravan, this van has been in their family since new, Dennis told me that his Father bought it from the Coppola Bros who were building vans in St Marys Adelaide in the 70's. their van is a full 8ft wide and very roomy as can be seen in the following pics......   The front kitchen in the Aldelma  The single beds toward the rear, Di apologies for the mess, they were about to move off, Dennis and Di have a great interest in Classic vans and are very keen to join this Group on their return home. One other item that really stuck out while traveling through Kingston was this 100 year old wagon, built originally for the roads dept, it was one of several which were hooked together and towed to various work sited through S.A......     "Yep" it's got wooden wheels and believe it or not, it is licensed for the road, all that was required was that tail lights were to be fitted, no brakes, but that little item didn't seem to worry any-one.  We are now camped in Mt Gambier, the home of the Pine tree, still flamin cold and blowing, but will endeavor to get some more classic shots here if possible. Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 18, 2010 22:17:56 GMT 10
Good grief! Wasn't the Adelaide region in the grip of 40 degree temps recently? And now you're down to 16 degress? Hmmm...ya might wanna think about a right turn up to Cairns! ;D Great to see you out there being an Ambassador for the forum! Some really well kept old Classics out there. Looks like you're getting out there amongst it all, and having a great old time, including some top quality tucker to boot. And I hope you're eating all your veggies too!   Keep those pics coming!! ;D ;D cheers, Al. |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 19, 2010 4:34:00 GMT 10
Howdy Al, Yes, you are right, It was stinking hot a week ago while we made our way down from Pt Augusta, that,s the reason why we have done such a big mileage in a week. The heat saw us sitting in the Thomson way back in Pt Lincoln with the air-con belting away flat out, at that point it was in the mid 30s, as we traveled up the coast toward Pt Augusta the temp rose,reaching 45deg, That's when I decided to do the over-night run down to Adelaide, and as I have mentioned,the rain started and the temp dropped like a stone. I see on the news tonight there is snow falling in Victoria, Maybe we don't have to go to Tassie for that after all, Yep, just may-be a sharp l/h turn toward Cairns could be the answer, there again, I can't stand Humidity so there is a few months yet to fill in. Eat my veg's ? did you see the color of them ? typical canned junk, and just as tasteless !! While in Pt Lincoln we had a major disaster, in the way of not being able to pick up any T.V. reception, The reason was because I forgot to bring the remote control and could not tune the T.V. for The local channels, on top of that the Set-top box for H.D. reception blew up. So off we went to Harvey Normans on a Sunday morning, Spotted a 19" LCD with built-in H.D. tuner for the tidy price of $399.00, grabbed hold of the Bird serving, said I wanted that T.V. plus a H.D. cable plus an extended 2 yr warranty, "NOW" I am a pensioner !! .....Whats the best price you can do for cash ?? OK she said.........how does $400 all up sound ?? You know the answer ? "sold" said the kiwi .  Great reception on the new T.V even receives my favorite singer. When we returned to the Caravan Park, I dumper the old T.V. and the set-top box out side near the rubbish bins, they were both gone with-in 1/2 an hour. By the way Al, I'm working in getting a photo of myself relaxing, so be ready for a shock. ;D I will post some more pics of this rather pretty part of the woods shortly, we're off to see the blue lakes tomorrow and then out to the Coast again to have a gander through the Rock Lobster processing plant there. Cheers all. kiwijim |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2010 9:55:40 GMT 10
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2010 14:29:14 GMT 10
Hi Kiwi Jim
Meet you in Beachport last Sunday. I have the Adelma caravan and it is 16 ft. long, not 17 ft. Great to see the photo and I joined up today.
Regards Dennis
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Post by bobt on Jan 19, 2010 20:10:00 GMT 10
Hi ya kiwijim
If it was me who left the remote behind I would have been seriously scolded and told to go back and get it.. then we would have discovered it missing the fist night out...
bobt
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 20, 2010 15:36:56 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, Vkgreenie, Good to see you are still behaving your-self Mate, Sorry I can't recommend any beaches over this way, to tell the truth, it's to flammin cold here to go any-where near them at the moment, don't worry I'll keep you in mind if I spot a nice secluded one. I don't recognize the word Dole Bludger, I would rather describe your present position as being a Re-coupe of payed tax's ;D ;D ;D Cloudybay , Howdy Dennis, A Very big welcome to you and Di, Great to see you on board, Now don't be shy, post anything you like and make any inquiry, theres bound to be some-one out there who will come up with an answer to what-ever you ask. One other thing, be prepared to get a bit of leg-pulling, there's a number of members who just can't resist having a dig at others, I can assure you that it's all taken as a joke and they are all a pretty good mob, who have the same interest at heart. Now Bobt, What can I say to you !!................. If the Missus was to tell me to go home for the remote, I reckon she would be on the next freight train West. And by the way.....Whats happened to Ugly-as-sin lately  Got tooooohard or saving the bickies for the Tassie trip "AW SHOO" I just looked out the window of the Thomson, "YEP" it's raining again, it's just warm enough to take off the jumper, Luckily, it was rather a pleasant morning, so off we went hunting for Classic Caravans again, We came across a recyclers yard right in the center of the City, and there they were,around 5 Classic Vans and (at a price) they were all for sale..........   I grabbed hold of Ron The owner, and after introducing my-self told him of our interest in Classic vans, His answer was....you haven't seen anything yet, Ya should see what I've got at home, before we knew it we were off, belting out of town trying to keep up with him. This is what he had in his shed at home, a completely original 1966 Roadstar 16"  ![]() i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee197/kiwijim/AROUND%20THE%20BLOCK/100_0243.jpg[/IMG]   This van has been under cover all it's life, Ron is the 3rd owner and has written info of every km it has traveled. Any-one notice the original S/S Fire Extinguisher at the door, The upholstery is still as brand new and the Perspex windows are still as clear as though they were fitted yesterday. That's all from Mt Gambier for present, we're here until Sunday and camping at the Show grounds, full facilities for $15 per night and there are trots on Saturday, free entertainment chucked in for free. Cheers all kiwijim ;D ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2010 16:58:42 GMT 10
Wowee. That is excellent stuff!
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Post by bobt on Jan 21, 2010 21:41:06 GMT 10
wow!!!! a real live recycle yard for caravans... never in my did I ever think one existed............... Ugly hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm moved her outa the shed. She is sitting on the car trailer under the carport with a tarp over her... All while I get the little red rocket ready for its adventure to tassie.. we set sail on the 19th of Feb........... I have ta get my finger out... made a commitment with some friends to have ugly ready for a run in the later part of the year... they have acquired a rather delightful tear drop... lots of undoing to do to re do...  But it is all fun ;D ;D ;D Glad ta see ya having a good time. Strikes me your still aloooong way from mexico............ |
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Post by Paul Greig the younger Bro on Jan 22, 2010 9:21:45 GMT 10
Well, well, well.....Jimbo, this is your little brother from Brisbane...you may, or may not know, that I too have spat the tummy and retired early...well three years early anyway...and we too are following a life-long dream and heading off on the Grey Nomads' road less traveled around the middle of February...only about three weeks away...in fact I sent you a text to your mobile phone last week but of course you West Aussies are not used to modern technology and we were not surprised at no reply!!..hehe. Our plans are simple, we dont intend to be anywhere but out there!!...in fact the only real plans we have are to be in Canberra for the dawn service on ANZAC day...this is something we did last year and were so moved that we vowed to do it each year if at all possible...perhaps we all could meet up there if you get back from 'overseas' by that time.... Just a hint regarding wireless broadband...are you aware that most McDonalds restaurants have free wi-fi for their customers?...we have used it regulary over the years...buy a cup of coffee and you are in. Pam sez g'day and like me, she is looking forward to the four of us knocking back a good beer...a Queensland beer of course! Paul and Pammy, Brisbane (for now) |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 22, 2010 12:16:05 GMT 10
G'day Paul,
I will answer you in private E mail shortly.
Old Bro jim.
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 22, 2010 12:38:56 GMT 10
Howdy Gang an all, This will probably be our last post from Mt Gambier, We pull the pin from here come Sunday morning and head for parts un-known further South. I took the camera out this morning (early) to get a few more pretty pic's of the local scenery, The following shots are of the Information Center in town....    These next shots are of the Umpherston Sinkhole,this is the result of a cave roof collapse and has been developed into a very pretty native garden, the hole is well over 30mt deep and is accessible by some very steep stairs, the hole is situated with-in a couple of km from the C.B.D. and is a must to see if passing through this area..........     Cheers kiwijim |
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Post by ROB ROSE on Jan 22, 2010 14:50:37 GMT 10
Your both well on your way
a bit envious. We would love to do it all again.
Your going to have sooooo much fun with soooo
many stories to tell.
Just sold our Nissan Jim like yours after 10 yrs
it will tow your van beautifully.
Jean couldn't see you in the pics give us a big wave?
Till next time have fun
Robert Gibbo NZ
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Post by thomsonglennevis on Jan 24, 2010 3:25:18 GMT 10
Hi Jim and Jean, hope all goes well and Happy Travels! Proud to see your Thomson doing such a big tour and looking so Great!!! I will certainly be keeping an eye on your travels and will sort out a feature page on the Thomson Caravans website with your pictures as you plod along! All the Best ;D Graham & Joan Thomson Caravans H&I |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 24, 2010 4:39:11 GMT 10
Howdy Robo N.Z. Great to see you on line, Now I know you have done the Block a few years back but, You are retired like me so, Whats holding you back from doing it again ? ? ? Howdy Also to Graham, all the way from Scotland, I have already invited you to hop over and join the Classic Crusade, it would be great to see you and Joan Should the Lotto fall your way......here's hoping. We leave Mt Gambier in a few hours time, but just before we hit the road I must show every-one our last pic's of this lovely City. Here are the Blue lakes, taken yesterday, the first clear day since our arrival............   these next two shots, showing the very fertile country side, were taken from the top of the hills surrounding the lakes,   Thats it, So Long Mt Gambier, A great place for a break. Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2010 7:37:08 GMT 10
Hi kiwijim, Nice pics. You can 'stitch' those panoramas together more sweetly. This is a very small, simple and easy to use ... but most excellent panorama image creator. Download (zip file 1Mb) By default the output image size will be reduced to 10% (you loose image quality). To preserve the full quality of the input images:  Select Edit->Options then set Output Size to 100%. Then select Stitch->Start. The rest of the standard settings will work fine although I prefer to set 'JPEG Quality' to 80%. Although it is called a 'Demo version', it works 100% with no watermarks as seen below.  You can crop and resize it with your image software. Looking forward to some great panoramas.  |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 25, 2010 14:25:39 GMT 10
Howdy wahroonga, Thanks for the info Mate, If I do some more panorama shots, I'll give it a go. The more information one gets the easier life becomes........... And about B#^^%y time. ;D ;D ;D I've got a load more photo's to shove into Photobucket at the moment, but I don't think any of them are linked. cheers kiwijim. |
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Post by bobt on Jan 25, 2010 20:49:37 GMT 10
Hi Ya Kiwijim Love the photos... keep em coming.. wahroonga, thanks for the tip.. I will have ta give it a go. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2010 10:40:42 GMT 10
Gidday fellas, Hope you all have a great Australia day guys, we are having a barbie and a couple o' beers this arvo ourselves. Jim, - The trip is looking good mate and I still wish I could catch up and join ya but my boss unfortunately has other ideas on how I should spend my time hahaha the b@gger. That mount Gambier looks like a beaut place indeed as do all of the other spots you have been to on the way there. Keep those piccies and stories comin' mate. Wahroonga - hope ya dont mind but I downloaded that stitch programe too, and it seems a little ripper and will come in handy for sure, thanks mate. Carl. |
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Post by kiwijim on Jan 28, 2010 14:50:35 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, Well since I last posted some pic's we have done a heap more traveling, At present we are sitting in Colac, a City of 11,000 people and well inland from the Coast, (unfortunately) The reason for our present situation is because the Nissan required a Doctor, "Yep" old faithful has let us down in that the Alternator has given up the ghost, being no where on the coast where there was a Auto Electrician to be found we were forced to travel well over 100km with the Gennie light shining in my eyes. After our last post we traveled to Warrnabool looking for a camp site in a park, the only thing we found was one site that couldn't take a 17" van, that was out of 4 Caravan Parks in town. Being a pessimistic kiwi, I grabbed the Camps 5 book and found this delightful free spot, called Saw-pit Camping Grounds, only around 5km out of town, complete with a deep drop toilet and only another 1/2 doz campers...........  The following day we continued South and started on the Great Ocean Road, the following Pic's have their own Captions, so they tell their own story...........         That's it for now Folks, We don't know how long it will take to get "Nissie" back on the road,  as the Locals are flat out, Hopefully we will be on our way to Gelong within a couple of days ;D and no doubt a couple of hundred bucks poorer Cheers all kiwijim |
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as the Locals are flat out, Hopefully we will be on our way to Gelong within a couple of days ;D and no doubt a couple of hundred bucks poorer