After 1003kms (Peterborough to Renmark for lunch, then straight through with only fuel stops) I asked Will if we could stop for the night as I just couldn't sit any longer. He was wide awake and the adrenaline was pumping as he could smell home, his shed and his Transtar. None the less he willingly agreed and we had our first evening of free camping - outside the Koo Wee Rup swimming pool.
We were back on the road by 6.00am and filling up for the final time at the same petrol station that had been our first fuel stop - Lang Lang, 7 636kms later! This time there were grey clouds and rain, "At least there will be no sun in our eyes" declared Will.
The last 83kms went by quickly thanks to the familiar sights - potholes, green rolling hills and flooded plains. These were mixed with items that had changed since we left. A new service station, trees full of blossom and rows of brilliant daffodils welcoming us back. So, whilst things appeared to be the same when I looked closely they were different. Just like the two of us are. We have had our eyes opened to the wonder of travel and many of our conversations have been around 'Next time we go to Alice..' Until then we will enjoy the company of Fergus, who was waiting in the hay shed for us, watch Kyle play his footy and see what life at home holds for us.
Thanks for journeying with us!
Friday, 4 September 2015
Thursday, 3 September 2015
1143 Kms to go but a Thank You message first
This blog is a little different but one I've planned to write since early in our trip. This blog is a thank you, not to my Birdsville mates or Mr Kenworth or anyone I've met on our trip but my thanks goes to my big brother, Kevin. Months ago he asked me to write a blog during our trip and I brushed the idea off with an 'I don't know how to do that' - a great throw away line when I feel out of my depth at a new challenge. So he emailed me a site with instructions and then gently asked me a number of times if I would write it.
At first I was really hesitant but after my first blog, which had only writing and no photos, Kevin said my words were enough, just keep writing. Then others of you thanked me for writing and told me how much you were enjoying the trip with us and how it was helping you recall special moments so I kept at it. It's been a wonderful way for me to record my special memories, write subtle reminders for myself about the photos I want to include in my coffee table book and most importantly it's reminded me to find something important and special in each day and to be focused on the day I was living, not one that had been or one yet to come.
So each day I looked for that special moment to share, like today when we saw the sunrise as we left Coober Pedy just before 7am, which was pretty spectacular. Or when Vina and Trevor's dry wit and humour over the CB had us laughing out aloud. Did you hear how they moved Uluru and ran a train track under it? Or when they pulled up and gave us a helping hand when we ran out of diesel just 5kms short of the servo called Spuds at Pimba (we had a jerry can so we would have been okay on our own but a little bit of support is always a good thing). Or our mixed emotions as we farewelled Trevor and Vina in Port Augusta which was a tiny bit easier than previous goodbyes as we have all promised to speak soon and a visit will definitely happen in 2016 (although as they were one of our favourites couples it was pretty damn hard, Vina made me promise to text when we hit Fish Creek safely - how gorgeous.). Local knowledge was also shared however maybe we aren't so good at listening as this was only the second time for the whole trip we missed a turn - both happened in or around Port Augusta.
Then later as I wandered Peterboroug in my coat and beenie, feeling cold and exhausted after traveling 700kms, I reminded myself that I needed something positive to write about. All of a sudden the grey clouds were less noticeable than the beautiful old buildings, the weeds weren't as eye catching as the grape hyacinths or the old fashioned flags flowering brightly. Both made me think of my dad, although neither were his favourites. My mind wandered to my garden and I wondered what spring flowers would be popping through to welcome us home. And once again I was thankful for what today had held whilst excited about what is to come. Thanks Big Brother!!
At first I was really hesitant but after my first blog, which had only writing and no photos, Kevin said my words were enough, just keep writing. Then others of you thanked me for writing and told me how much you were enjoying the trip with us and how it was helping you recall special moments so I kept at it. It's been a wonderful way for me to record my special memories, write subtle reminders for myself about the photos I want to include in my coffee table book and most importantly it's reminded me to find something important and special in each day and to be focused on the day I was living, not one that had been or one yet to come.
So each day I looked for that special moment to share, like today when we saw the sunrise as we left Coober Pedy just before 7am, which was pretty spectacular. Or when Vina and Trevor's dry wit and humour over the CB had us laughing out aloud. Did you hear how they moved Uluru and ran a train track under it? Or when they pulled up and gave us a helping hand when we ran out of diesel just 5kms short of the servo called Spuds at Pimba (we had a jerry can so we would have been okay on our own but a little bit of support is always a good thing). Or our mixed emotions as we farewelled Trevor and Vina in Port Augusta which was a tiny bit easier than previous goodbyes as we have all promised to speak soon and a visit will definitely happen in 2016 (although as they were one of our favourites couples it was pretty damn hard, Vina made me promise to text when we hit Fish Creek safely - how gorgeous.). Local knowledge was also shared however maybe we aren't so good at listening as this was only the second time for the whole trip we missed a turn - both happened in or around Port Augusta.
Then later as I wandered Peterboroug in my coat and beenie, feeling cold and exhausted after traveling 700kms, I reminded myself that I needed something positive to write about. All of a sudden the grey clouds were less noticeable than the beautiful old buildings, the weeds weren't as eye catching as the grape hyacinths or the old fashioned flags flowering brightly. Both made me think of my dad, although neither were his favourites. My mind wandered to my garden and I wondered what spring flowers would be popping through to welcome us home. And once again I was thankful for what today had held whilst excited about what is to come. Thanks Big Brother!!
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
Returning South
We gave ourselves the night off cooking and driving and headed to the RSL club via the courtesy bus, maybe not the wisest move when you need to be up at 5.30 am to hit the road, but we survived. The laughter and jokes continued and later a few farewell gifts were shared; some lemon slice, a tin of WD40, and a bag of crunched up chips. Earlier in the day Dave had come requesting a photo of Will acting as a gorilla, this was actually a lovely parting gift as it reflected how much time and thought Dave had given the on going camp joke.
The morning came around quickly due to the beers, late night and early alarm. I felt a little concerned that we might slip off without a final farewell to our closer friends. I should have known better. By 6.15 am the crew were up and gathered round - a first for that time of day. Vina and Trevor had planned to head off earlier but had decided to wait for 'The Kids' so we could travel together, just in case anything went wrong for either one of us - my suspicion is they thought they'd keep an eye out for us in our old Nissan. After a final round of hugs, some tears and promises of catching up we headed off with much tooting of the horn, just to be sure Whiskers, who was missing from the gathering, didnt feel left out.
An uneventful day saw us arrive at Coober Pedy late afternoon. Once again the temperature gauge was reading hot causing Will some angst and the wind had blown every way except as a helpful tail wind, so the two drivers deemed it a day. The passengers were ready to call it quits too.
So, tomorrow we have one more farewell however, as Vina and I already have plans for their visit to Fish Creek in 2016 I'm hoping this farewell will be a little easier. Time will tell.
Monday, 31 August 2015
The festival is over
The festival is over, the feet are tired, the volunteers have celebrated with a final shared meal and the end of our stay at Birdsville is only one sleep away. I've woken early to sort photos and watch one more sunrise. The sun is streaming in the kitchen window, blinding me whilst highlighting the Old Ghan carriage. Will is laying in bed listening to his music, the galahs are calling and all seems right in the world.
Today we head to the Kenworth shed for the last time to sweep and mop. Dear Peter was worried that he would have to do the floors all by himself - no way!! The three of us hope that another one and a half hours together will see the job complete. We will return to pack up our beautiful caravan and get ready for the trip home tomorrow, after us Birdvillian's have one more meal together, this time cooked by professionals and NOT a bbq!
The good news is that we are both ready for home. It's time to have the green grass under our feet, hug the son and daughter and hopefully find the cat waiting for us. I know I will miss our very special time together terribly. This seven weeks has been the most tranquil, relaxed, exciting and fun of our 11 years together. As I sit here crying because I am already missing this wonderful place and our wonderful new friends and the new experiences every day brings, Will is reassuring me that everything will be okay and that there is plenty more good times ahead. As the reassuring words flow my phone buzzes with an invite to a friend's 50th, what wonderful timing - a great reminder that we have wonderful friends and family waiting to welcome us home.
So, it's time to wipe the tears, cook the bacon, hang the lanyard around the neck and see what treats today brings.
(Hi Blog readers, rather than email I thought I would slip in this note. We will be leaving early Wednesday morning and we hope to make it home by Saturday lunch time to watch Kyle's preliminary final, it's a home game. I will continue blogging on the way home, take care all, looking forward to hugs and catching up!!)
Today we head to the Kenworth shed for the last time to sweep and mop. Dear Peter was worried that he would have to do the floors all by himself - no way!! The three of us hope that another one and a half hours together will see the job complete. We will return to pack up our beautiful caravan and get ready for the trip home tomorrow, after us Birdvillian's have one more meal together, this time cooked by professionals and NOT a bbq!
The good news is that we are both ready for home. It's time to have the green grass under our feet, hug the son and daughter and hopefully find the cat waiting for us. I know I will miss our very special time together terribly. This seven weeks has been the most tranquil, relaxed, exciting and fun of our 11 years together. As I sit here crying because I am already missing this wonderful place and our wonderful new friends and the new experiences every day brings, Will is reassuring me that everything will be okay and that there is plenty more good times ahead. As the reassuring words flow my phone buzzes with an invite to a friend's 50th, what wonderful timing - a great reminder that we have wonderful friends and family waiting to welcome us home.
So, it's time to wipe the tears, cook the bacon, hang the lanyard around the neck and see what treats today brings.
(Hi Blog readers, rather than email I thought I would slip in this note. We will be leaving early Wednesday morning and we hope to make it home by Saturday lunch time to watch Kyle's preliminary final, it's a home game. I will continue blogging on the way home, take care all, looking forward to hugs and catching up!!)
Sunday, 30 August 2015
Some days are diamonds
Some days are diamonds and should never be forgotten. Today was one of those days!!
The first thing I ever knew about the NRTHF was that every 5th year they hold a massive parade of old trucks from all over the county and that if we were ever to visit Will wanted it to be at that time so he could watch the parade. When we made the decision to volunteer we accepted that there was a risk that we would have to work during the time of the parade and therefor miss out, but we decided to go ahead anyway and just see what happened. And what happened was just amazing.Will did have a job to do thanks to Mr Kenworth. He had a black T909 Kenworth to drive in the parade and Pete had a red 200?? to drive. Yes, drive in the 25th Anniversary Parade of the NRTHF.
The alarm went at 6.15am and the air was already filled with the smell and the haze of diesel. Trucks were starting up in the paddock, some quickly, others less convincingly. Orange flashing lights from trucks were sending out wake up calls for any who had hoped for a slight sleep in. We were at the Kenworth shed by 6.45 am and trucks were already pulling out. With trade plates attached, and final instructions given, the last from Mr Kenworth being - Enjoy yourself, we rolled out! And enjoy ourselves we did!
As we lined up at the Motor Registration Office we watched trucks of all shapes and sizes join the queue. Old ones, new ones, shiny ones and quirky ones. The atmosphere was electric. A journalist from the ABC spoke to us after they interviewed Craig Membrey, who was 3rd truck in the parade. Paraders wandered in between the trucks and checked out each others vehicles, made comparisons and shared stories. I found darling Noelene making a cuppa at the back of her and Dave's beautifully restored Diamond T. When she found out that we too were in the parade she jumped for joy. She was so excited for Bill that she couldn't stand still!! She was even more excited when she found out which truck. She said "Oh, I dusted that last year but the bastards always had it locked, I never got to see inside it." My response was "Well honey, it's not locked now." Boy did she move quick. She was up at the steering wheel in no time!!
Once the Police Chief arrived in the helicopter to conduct the safety watch from the air the call came to move on out. And so we did. With toots and blasts of air horns the show began. It was amazing. The boys in their toys - and I say that with genuine respect. They were all so proud of the rigs they were driving and so grateful and happy to be there, their air horns sang to each other and the camaraderie was palpable.
The joy we gave to people and people gave to us in that 50 minute drive was immense. You'd make eye contact and people would smile and wave. You'd hear their conversations 'Look at the black one',
'I want that one', and they'd smile so brightly when you blew the air horn for them. Will was a softy for the kids, I don't think any who wanted to hear the air horn missed out! One or two ladies standing close to the edge may have lost 5 minutes off their life as he swung the enormous rig in their direction before correcting it with a burst of laughter.
As we sheded the rig Will said, "I wish it had been a longer parade," but fortunately for us Liz CEO of NRTHF said "Sit and watch guys, everything is under control and if it's not, too bad. Volunteers should enjoy the parade." And so we did for the next hour and a half. We saw the other truckers and trucketts have the fun of waving and tooting. I leaned over to Will and said, 'Watching a parade has always been a buzz, but it's sure not the same as being IN a parade!'
And I thought the day was about as good as it could get, but it wasn't quite over yet. Another 3 hour stint in the kitchen saw us pack up and head for home - tired, sunburnt and warn out. I thought I didn't have any energy left until returning from a cool shower I found the Birdsville crew sitting around the camp fire. The festival was over, the crowds were thinning and our crew had time to sit together for the first time since Wednesday. Heaven. Potatoes in the coal, a piece of corn, some roast lamb, a glass of wine, shared stories and camaraderie. Some days truly are diamonds!!
The first thing I ever knew about the NRTHF was that every 5th year they hold a massive parade of old trucks from all over the county and that if we were ever to visit Will wanted it to be at that time so he could watch the parade. When we made the decision to volunteer we accepted that there was a risk that we would have to work during the time of the parade and therefor miss out, but we decided to go ahead anyway and just see what happened. And what happened was just amazing.Will did have a job to do thanks to Mr Kenworth. He had a black T909 Kenworth to drive in the parade and Pete had a red 200?? to drive. Yes, drive in the 25th Anniversary Parade of the NRTHF.
 |
| At the start line |
As we lined up at the Motor Registration Office we watched trucks of all shapes and sizes join the queue. Old ones, new ones, shiny ones and quirky ones. The atmosphere was electric. A journalist from the ABC spoke to us after they interviewed Craig Membrey, who was 3rd truck in the parade. Paraders wandered in between the trucks and checked out each others vehicles, made comparisons and shared stories. I found darling Noelene making a cuppa at the back of her and Dave's beautifully restored Diamond T. When she found out that we too were in the parade she jumped for joy. She was so excited for Bill that she couldn't stand still!! She was even more excited when she found out which truck. She said "Oh, I dusted that last year but the bastards always had it locked, I never got to see inside it." My response was "Well honey, it's not locked now." Boy did she move quick. She was up at the steering wheel in no time!!
 | |
| Craig Membrey, Malcom (2nd in charge Kenworth shed), Peter and Di and a touch of our bonnet! |
The joy we gave to people and people gave to us in that 50 minute drive was immense. You'd make eye contact and people would smile and wave. You'd hear their conversations 'Look at the black one',
'I want that one', and they'd smile so brightly when you blew the air horn for them. Will was a softy for the kids, I don't think any who wanted to hear the air horn missed out! One or two ladies standing close to the edge may have lost 5 minutes off their life as he swung the enormous rig in their direction before correcting it with a burst of laughter.
As we sheded the rig Will said, "I wish it had been a longer parade," but fortunately for us Liz CEO of NRTHF said "Sit and watch guys, everything is under control and if it's not, too bad. Volunteers should enjoy the parade." And so we did for the next hour and a half. We saw the other truckers and trucketts have the fun of waving and tooting. I leaned over to Will and said, 'Watching a parade has always been a buzz, but it's sure not the same as being IN a parade!'
And I thought the day was about as good as it could get, but it wasn't quite over yet. Another 3 hour stint in the kitchen saw us pack up and head for home - tired, sunburnt and warn out. I thought I didn't have any energy left until returning from a cool shower I found the Birdsville crew sitting around the camp fire. The festival was over, the crowds were thinning and our crew had time to sit together for the first time since Wednesday. Heaven. Potatoes in the coal, a piece of corn, some roast lamb, a glass of wine, shared stories and camaraderie. Some days truly are diamonds!!
My Prediction was right!
Oh boy, was I right. Once we started work Saturday there was no rest until all the pre-dinner drinks had been served and the Kenworth hall had once again been swept and mopped!!
Will's Day
8.30 am Head to Kenworth shed - sweep, mop, tidy up
11.00 Roll trailer away
11.45 am Grab a bite for lunch - queues very long so grabbed dim sims and chiko roll - Mr Healthy!
12.00 noon Go to TIA shed, pack up seating for 1000 guests listening to inductions
1pm Put out tables and chairs and settings for 1000 guests for dinner
3.10 pm Stop for a snack delivered by Kate prior to next shift
4pm Commence set up of bar in Kenworth shed for pre-dinner drinks for 1000 guests at TIA shed
5.30 pm Serve beer to guests
7.00 pm Usher guests to TIA shed, start clean up
8.00 pm Stagger home with sore feet and near exhaustion
Kate's Day
8.00 am Write blog
10.00 am Check in at Kenworth Shed - all under control head to Stuart's Bush Kitchen
10.20 am Not needed until 11.45 at kitchen, wander back to Kenworth shed, have cuppa with Will and Wayne
11.00am Help roll trailer away, collect water for Mr Kenworth
11.45 am Call was made by Irene "Are all stations manned?" - she's ran army kitchens and successfully had her crew all organised ready to feed the 1000 or so guests from the induction.
12.00 pm Hand out containers of Butter chicken, beef and mash or vegetarian noodles
2.30 pm Hit the sink
3.00pm Irene says thanks, you've done heaps head off for a while
3.05 pm Check in on Will and others. Find a few who haven't stopped for lunch or have had very little with a long night still ahead of them
3.10 pm Collect leftovers from lunch for the crew
3.30 pm Return to caravan to collect Will and my shirts for bar duty
4pm Commence set up of bar in Kenworth shed for pre-dinner drinks for 1000 guests at TIA shed
5.30 pm Serve beer to guests
7.00 pm Usher guests to TIA shed, start clean up
8.00 pm Stagger home with sore feet and near exhaustion
8.20 pm Band member from The Giants comes to collect wood as crowd is dispersing due to cold
8.25 pm Will and Kate help band member take wood around and stay to listen to music
8.30 pm Will is asked if he comes from Victoria- what the???? Will catches up with blokes he drove milk tankers with and has a great chat and many laughs
10.00 ish head for home
12.30 am finally Will stops talking and is winding down, Kate already nearly asleep!!
Will's Day
8.30 am Head to Kenworth shed - sweep, mop, tidy up
11.00 Roll trailer away
11.45 am Grab a bite for lunch - queues very long so grabbed dim sims and chiko roll - Mr Healthy!
12.00 noon Go to TIA shed, pack up seating for 1000 guests listening to inductions
1pm Put out tables and chairs and settings for 1000 guests for dinner
3.10 pm Stop for a snack delivered by Kate prior to next shift
4pm Commence set up of bar in Kenworth shed for pre-dinner drinks for 1000 guests at TIA shed
5.30 pm Serve beer to guests
7.00 pm Usher guests to TIA shed, start clean up
8.00 pm Stagger home with sore feet and near exhaustion
Kate's Day
8.00 am Write blog
10.00 am Check in at Kenworth Shed - all under control head to Stuart's Bush Kitchen
10.20 am Not needed until 11.45 at kitchen, wander back to Kenworth shed, have cuppa with Will and Wayne
11.00am Help roll trailer away, collect water for Mr Kenworth
11.45 am Call was made by Irene "Are all stations manned?" - she's ran army kitchens and successfully had her crew all organised ready to feed the 1000 or so guests from the induction.
12.00 pm Hand out containers of Butter chicken, beef and mash or vegetarian noodles
2.30 pm Hit the sink
3.00pm Irene says thanks, you've done heaps head off for a while
3.05 pm Check in on Will and others. Find a few who haven't stopped for lunch or have had very little with a long night still ahead of them
3.10 pm Collect leftovers from lunch for the crew
3.30 pm Return to caravan to collect Will and my shirts for bar duty
4pm Commence set up of bar in Kenworth shed for pre-dinner drinks for 1000 guests at TIA shed
5.30 pm Serve beer to guests
7.00 pm Usher guests to TIA shed, start clean up
8.00 pm Stagger home with sore feet and near exhaustion
8.20 pm Band member from The Giants comes to collect wood as crowd is dispersing due to cold
8.25 pm Will and Kate help band member take wood around and stay to listen to music
8.30 pm Will is asked if he comes from Victoria- what the???? Will catches up with blokes he drove milk tankers with and has a great chat and many laughs
10.00 ish head for home
12.30 am finally Will stops talking and is winding down, Kate already nearly asleep!!
Friday, 28 August 2015
A little self-preservation
Now, maybe I'm selfish or maybe I'm wise but I am sitting quietly, taking a little time to catch my breath, make the bed, hang the washing and feel the calm before my day really begins. Once I walk into the NRTHF I will be lucky to get a break and I will be surrounded by strung out people, so as the saying goes, I'm giving myself the oxygen first, because I can't save anybody else if I can't breathe.
Today is open day to the public and Inductee day - that's happening as I type. Kenworth opened their shed last night to rousing applause. We worked the bar, saw the joy on J.J. Hurley's face as the shed was named after him and got to watch the pleasure the opening gave our Mr Kenworth. And we also got to wipe, mop and sweep at the end of the event - just like old times!!
We did get to hang with a few celebs - well, Kenworth celebs. We've met most of the people who speak on the video that goes ALL day, Ronnie - we've had a beer with around the camp fire, Paddy Ward has thanked me for cleaning his truck but without a doubt, the highlight for Will was when he introduced himself to Steve Graham of Outback Trucker Fame. We've jested about him numerous times as we've bounced ourselves along the bumpy dirt roads and laughed and said it would be great to meet him. I wasn't fortunate enough to say hello unless he was one of the 300 who nibbled from the plates I was carrying however I'm sure Will will introduce us today should he be so lucky as to chat with his old mate, Steve, again.
Today is open day to the public and Inductee day - that's happening as I type. Kenworth opened their shed last night to rousing applause. We worked the bar, saw the joy on J.J. Hurley's face as the shed was named after him and got to watch the pleasure the opening gave our Mr Kenworth. And we also got to wipe, mop and sweep at the end of the event - just like old times!!
We did get to hang with a few celebs - well, Kenworth celebs. We've met most of the people who speak on the video that goes ALL day, Ronnie - we've had a beer with around the camp fire, Paddy Ward has thanked me for cleaning his truck but without a doubt, the highlight for Will was when he introduced himself to Steve Graham of Outback Trucker Fame. We've jested about him numerous times as we've bounced ourselves along the bumpy dirt roads and laughed and said it would be great to meet him. I wasn't fortunate enough to say hello unless he was one of the 300 who nibbled from the plates I was carrying however I'm sure Will will introduce us today should he be so lucky as to chat with his old mate, Steve, again.
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| Di, Peter, Graham (Mr Kenworth), Kath and Bill ready for the opening |
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