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Post by kiwijim on Feb 16, 2010 15:13:21 GMT 10
;D ;D ;D "Have no fear, the Kiwi's here" ;D ;D ;D G'day Bobt & All, Here we are sitting on a beach front in Tassie, the sun is shining and it's a mild 22 deg........... "MAGIC" Since I last reported back we have done heaps of traveling, We took off from Colac a week ago with the intention of spending a few days in or around Geelong, unfortunately once again there was no signage of by-pass roads or any sign of a caravan park any-where, So on we traveled until we arrived in Werribee South, found a real cheap park there,so stayed a week until it was time to catch the Tub to Tassie. In that week we saw the Rose Gardens, the Wild life park, The Airforce Muesum and every other attraction on offer. Our story begins when we arrived at the Spirit of Tasmania last Sunday morning ( 4.30 am ) I thought we would be the first ones there.....wrong, there were a dozen before us. The weather could not have worse, a thunder Storm was rolling across Melbourne and it had started to rain,  The ship was still loading holiday-makers 2 hrs after we boarded  The ship finally got under way in drizzling rain and visibility of only about half a km, almost had a close call with the ferry crossing the entrance from Queens cliff to Portsea  Once we left the shelter of the Main land we copped a very strong head wind and a swell of around 2.5 mt, All outside exits were locked as the bow wave was really cleaning the decks, a flamin long time between smokes  Half way across we met the other ferry coming to Melbourne, she was bouncing like a top as well.  After a total of 13 hrs we finally arrived in Devonport (Tas) to over-cast conditions, just on dusk, We made a bee-line to the Mersey Bluffs C/van Pk and totally exhausted, hit the pit (bed) Awaking next morning, it was like coming into a new world, Beaut clear skies, clean fresh air, and what a view......   Were staying here for a week before we have a look around the top and Western part of this (Easy to live in) ;D ;D ;D part of the Apple isle. Cheers all kiwijim |
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Post by bobandjacqui on Feb 16, 2010 17:15:55 GMT 10
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 17, 2010 5:10:58 GMT 10
Howdy B&J, "Yep" we have already sampled the hospitality of the R.S.L That was back in Mt Gambier, good fresh Tucker, and at a reasonable price.  Thanks for the reminder, I spotted their rooms yesterday, so we could well end up there tonight.  Cheers kiwijim  |
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 17, 2010 7:42:50 GMT 10
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Post by welcome on Feb 17, 2010 8:45:43 GMT 10
Welcome to Tassie I will keep an eye out for you. If i spot you i will say g'day Craig Ps if you need anything or assistance just ask |
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Post by philouise on Feb 17, 2010 11:34:37 GMT 10
G'day Kiwijim.
Glad to hear you are having a good time.
Could you tell me what it cost to cross the strait. (truck, van, yourselves etc.)
Got to go back (in a van) myself one day. (sooner than later, i hope)
Cheers.
phil.
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 17, 2010 15:04:09 GMT 10
Howdy Guys, First off, ATOG......I can see why your Dear Lady wants to spend 6 Months here in the Apple Isle, and I don't blame her for a second. We went for a drive this morning, out to a ripper little town called Port Sorell, clean white beach's and hardly a soul around............  Now here's something to think about, we called into a small business who served ice-cream filled with crushed local berries, talk about doing a roaring trade. On the way out I noticed the place was up for lease......... There Ya go Mate, " git down ere quick" Just think.....no more Humidity and high Temps, just very friendly people and a good income, all rolled into one. Howdy CraigThanks for the welcome, Just give us a holla if you spot us, we're always happy to meet another Local, Can't get over how happy ever-one is down this way........must be that clear mountain air we're loving. G'day phil, The entire trip including two Pensioner fares, and the Nissan plus Van (total 10.9 mt ) on the Day crossing and being Off Season, came to $529 one way, we were going to book a cabin but saved over $100 by putting up with lounge seating (near the Bar) The one who rules has decreed that because of the rough trip over ...."WE'RE GETTING A CABIN" for the return trip.... Can't blame her, She did look pretty drunk staggering down the passage to the ladies ;D ;D ;D Gotta go Guys..... off on another excursion into a State Forrest next. Cheers kiwijim ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by groundedgypsy on Feb 17, 2010 17:06:22 GMT 10
Ahhh Tassie, now you are making me a little home sick. Mind you I only spent four years down there but loved every little part of the island I managed to see and the weather being as it is these days I'd love to go back there :-)
atouchofglass, I can really appreciate what your better half is saying. Even the winter months were ok by me.
What more can I say than I hope you enjoy it and thanks for the pics. Keep them rolling :-)
Chez
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2010 21:27:24 GMT 10
Gday kiwi Great photos mate keep them coming for the poor bugga's still punching the clock.  Hope you have great weather and all goes well. Cheers Bazz |
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 18, 2010 4:59:23 GMT 10
Howdy Guys & Gals, Sorry to make you all envious, but I just can't understand why any-one is living on the Mainland when there is this little bit of Paradise sitting here, just beckoning every-one to come on over. Climbed out of the sack this morning, stuck the head out the door, "Yep" another clear day in Paradise, then checked to see what had arrived in the Park over-night, this is what was parked next to us...........     This 67 Murrumba Star was originally a tandem axle van, the owner told me that as the chassis was rusted out when he bought it, he built a completely new chassis then converted the van to suit. he very nearly lost the lot a while back as there were batteries fitted into the metal box up front that didn't have a circuit breaker fitted, they shorted out causing a fire and also did over $1000 damage to the wiring system in his tow vehicle. kiwijim |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2010 7:44:11 GMT 10
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 18, 2010 8:48:59 GMT 10
Hey Jim Glad to see you having a great time LOVE the photos It gives me tooooooo many ideas Have always thought the Murrumba star was one of those quirky and yet interesting vans. Just didn't like the 10 inch tandem bit..... This fellow has solved that And it looks GREAT Hmmmm Now how can I fit one in my yard ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Cheers Atog |
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 18, 2010 15:47:12 GMT 10
Howdy wahroonga, Yes I must admit that van is very similar to the ones you have shown, The owner told me he had done a lot of modification to the original body and that it did have a center window that he filled in, plus it also had twin axles, the wheel arches have also been filled in. I would say it definitely did come from the same factory. Hello atog, And why ain't you on your way South ? ? ? That little Country berry fruit farm business is just crying out for an enterprising Queens-lander to run, who knows, there could be an united nations effort involved there....... KIAUS BERRIES or something similar ;D ;D  We didn't end up in a State Forest yesterday, instead we visited the Don River railway.......  Had a couple of K.M. ride in this 1937 train, being mechanically minded, I had to ask what sort of engine she had, the answer was a 6 cyl Perkins desiel...........  After the Vintage ride, the Dear One said she was hungry, so off we went to the Chocolate Factory.......  This is the Chocolate Shop, Cost me a few quid there as well, Next we had lunch in this restaurant which fronts onto the factory  Sorry no pic's of the factory inside, not permitted, but I can say if ever any-one is in this region, a visit here is a must. Gotta go, times a waistin. kiwijim ;D ;D |
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 20, 2010 6:42:10 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, Just a quick note before we head off tomorrow morning for the Wild North/West Coast of Tassie, and probably out of range of communication for some time. We had the pleasure of meeting a local yesterday.......... Welcome Craig, Craig told me that he had been following our progress for some time, but as yet has not registered as a member, At present he has his eyes on a Classic van sitting in a back yard and with a bit of luck could very soon be another member of our Happy Group. I think it's a great asset to have people like Craig on board, who, being a local, was very helpful in giving good advice on local places to see and some very good pointers as to where to camp, avoiding the over-priced and low grade Parks. There is probably many other interesting people who only pop in as guests on occasions, I believe that everyone has a story to tell, So I would like to welcome anyone who has a couple of moments to spare.........drop in.........say G'day...........Your Welcome. ;D ;D ;D Cheers kiwijim |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2010 7:09:56 GMT 10
What a small world.  Welcome Craig. |
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Post by bobt on Feb 20, 2010 22:06:17 GMT 10
gidday kiwijim yep that would be right. you go down the west coast when we are going down the east..  sure is a great place to be........................ wish my wireless had better coverage... aahh thats the price ya pay for being cheep... ;D damm we are only here for 2 weeks............ damm damm damm |
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Post by auntyjack on Feb 21, 2010 18:08:04 GMT 10
Hi all
It was nice meeting you and your wife the other day kiwikjim
I finally took the plunge and registered and once i get this picture
thing sorted out i will post a pic or two of the teardrop and
a pic of the van i have one eye on. Hope your travel day went well
and hope to catch up again before you leave our little island
cheers for now
Craig
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Post by auntyjack on Feb 22, 2010 9:50:06 GMT 10
Hi Jim Now if I have done this right, maybe you can see a couple of Pictures of the tear I built 18 months ago.  |
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Post by auntyjack on Feb 22, 2010 9:55:16 GMT 10
[  camera date incorrect |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2010 17:00:56 GMT 10
Gidday auntyjack, Welcome to the forum mate, That's a bl@@dy corker of a teardrop there Craig - nice job. Perhaps you could give us a few details ie: how long it took, self designed or from plans, costings etc if you want to that is. I have often thought about building one for short weekend trips instead of hauling my 21 footer around for short trips. I'm sure Jim has filled you in on all the characters that are here on the forum but don't believe all he says - most of us are nice people hahahaha. I live about 1/2 hr away from Jim in Perth and run into him at the odd swap meet etc here (did he show you some of his robberies bargains that he has picked up lately.) I'm positive that he's as Scottish as that blimen van of his. Unfortunately I'm working out in the middle of nowhere at the moment with no internet and barely any phone coverage so am only home 1 week in 3 and can only catch up on the gossip then so bear with me if I disappear now and again and seem to drop off the face of the earth. As I'm sure you have had a look around the forum you will see that there is alot of knowledge and experience out there and a nicer bunch you would struggle to find, It's informal and friendly and your input is more than welcome. Anyway Craig once again welcome and look forward to more from you in the future. Carl |
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Post by auntyjack on Feb 22, 2010 19:22:44 GMT 10
Thanks for the welcome
Wahroonga and Kiwicarl
i will start a thread about the teardrop ,i don't want to
hijack jims thread.
cheers
Craig
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 25, 2010 14:35:05 GMT 10
Howdy Gang, Bobt Isn't the Apple Isle " MAGIC" Pity your heading the wrong way....."Hell" and I've got a stock-up of the good fluid as well ;D ;D ;D If you race down to Hobart, we should be there by the end of the week, we could give the little red car a real blessing ? ? ? ;D ;D ;D ;D Howdy Auntyjack Great to see you on-board Mate, we just love your Teardrop, It's a little ripper, sorry we missed you when shooting through Burnie, maybe we will catch up to you again before we leave....there's heaps of time our way. don't believe what Kiwicarl said, I don't grab all the bargains at the Sunday Markets, "strewth" he has all the chances in the world while I'm not there...... "Come on Carl" get out of bed before Sun-up, that's when you could strike it lucky ;D ;D ;D Anyhow Guys and Galls, we've had the pedal to the metal lately and done a ton of sight-seeing and covered several hundred km's since I lasted posted........... We traveled out to the very edge of the West Coast calling into many different towns and camped in some great spots, The only bad weather we encountered so far was the night we went bush (because all C/van are full ),we traveled as far down the West Coast as the road would take us and ended up in the tiny town of Arthur River, it rained and blew all night, the next morning I found a wee Wallaby sitting behind the van, poor little devil was soaked and not happy with us taking away his shelter.....  After leaving this very wet part of the world we backed tracked to Somerset (near Burnie), then headed South toward the Murchison Rangers, now if any-one Say's that they're not steep and winding..... they need their heads reading, On the accent something caught my eye along the side of the road "Yep" what I had hoped to see.....Blackberries by the ton, growing wild..........   After having a bit of a pick we continued to climb the Rangers through some magnificent country.....  after climbing over 900 mt to the top of the Rangers (Above Snow level) going by a talkative Truckie, we had a great view of Mt Murchison in the distance........  Today we are having a rest in a small Tin mining town of Queenstown, tomorrow it's out to the Coast again, to another seaside town of Strahan, Now for a cold Beer. Kiwijim ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by millard1399 on Feb 25, 2010 18:31:51 GMT 10
Hey kiwijim, nine years ago my partner and I were last down in Tassie. Did a bit of touring around in a hire car, staying in caravan park cabins along the way. Went to Stanley and found out there was a river cruise along the Arthur River. Took the cruise, with only us and one other couple as passengers. The skipper of the boat came from Engadine, which is about 30 minutes north of me, before moving down to buy the boat. The woman in the other couple was the sister of my boss at work (at the time). My partner ducked into a hairdressing salon one day to get a quick haircut. The hairdresser had moved down there from Figtree, which is about 15 mins south of us here. Good to get away from home, ay!?? Keep the stories coming. I'm very, very jealous!! Oh, and tell Jean I can see a definite improvement in her dashboard photography skills. That recent award must have spurred her on to go to the next level!! cheers, Al. |
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Post by auntyjack on Feb 25, 2010 19:58:50 GMT 10
Hi jim and mrs jim
Geeeez i can't see the fish pictures ?
You not gunna tell me a little tassie wind and rain stopped
you from taking the mighty nissan onto the beach at Arthur
river and dropping a line in are ya?
cheers
Craig
ps when you get to strahan drive out to the heads to ocean
beach ,you can drive for miles on the beach...just watch out
for the quicksand ;D
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Post by kiwijim on Feb 26, 2010 5:40:39 GMT 10
Howdy Al, I can't get over what a small world it is........ We were camping at an information bay the other night when an old couple came up to talk about the Thomson, The old boy made a comment about there being some vans in N.Z. similar to ours, asking him if he happened to be a kiwi, "yes" was the answer, not only that but he turned out to be a retired Butcher from my home town. We spent the next hour or so remembering different people we both knew. I'm amazed the number of people we've met who have come over for a short holiday and have never left, I don't blame them, when I saw on T.V. last night that Perth was expecting 42 deg today and here we are awaking to find an inside temp of 9 deg. It's going to be very hard to leave this bit of Paradise, it will only take the cold winds and snow to drive us out in the end. Howdy Auntyjack. I did consider chucking the line in the drink while at Arthur River, but, with such a wind blowing the line still ended up on the beach behind me ;D I'll give it another go very soon, I've heard all about those Atlantic Salmon off the Coast, so there (hopefully) will be one on the B.B.Q very soon. Cheers all kiwijim |
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