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Welcome to the 2006 Foxtrot Diary. You will find two versions of the trip here, one is Chrissy’s version and you’ll notice by the descriptions Chrissy spends most of the time off with the fairies, the other version by Andrew is one everyone can understand. Enjoy.
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Day 1: Monday June 26, 2006 Sydney ~ Nyngan
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After enjoying a good breakfast provided by the Penrith Bowling & Recreation Club, we left Penrith at 8.OOam headed west, stopping at Bathurst for morning tea and Wellington Caves for lunch where we met up with Bob, Lana and Rachelle. It was along day's drive, finally arriving at Nyngan for the night, enjoying pizzas for dinner.
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Good Morning Sunshine! The earth says hello! The Foxtrot Papa egg has now hatched, we’ve sprouted our wings and readied to take flight. This day is marked on the 26th of June 2006, leaving Penrith Bowling Club 8am, with full bellies, caffeine and excitement in our veins and smiles on our dials! This convoy has taken off. Well, well, well, I think Stu is the first candidate for the Orange Vest (Fool of the Day Award), Stu’s just backed into a car load of uni students in a hire car and thus being presented with the Fool of the Day award. The incident has given rise to the first limerick of the trip.
There once was a man named Stu, Who got to wear the vest by day 2, He reversed into a hire car, Reckon that’s a beauty by far, He’s a Queenslander, Hey what can you do?
Stopped at Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park settled in for 25 boxes of takeaway pizza and a few tinnies around the campfire sharing stories and plenty of belly laughs. Devastation quickly rippled through the camp once we realised there was no TV or radio broadcast of the Socceroos game against the Italians, oh well it was back around the campfire doing what we do best and sharing warm fuzzies with the Foxes and the Papas of the family. Life’s good!
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Top | Day 1 Photo’s
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Day 2: Tuesday June 27, 2008 Nyngan ~ Broken Hill
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We woke to a very cold morning with ice on the tents. We set off at 8.30am for another long day's drive to Broken Hill, our destination for the day. While packing his vehicle, Russell had a fall from the back of his vehicle and later became unwell so we stopped at Cobar Hospital so he could have a check-up. The rest of the day went along okay, arriving at Broken Hill at 5pm where we pitched our tents, still with ice on them from the previous day and we then headed to the Broken Hill Legions Club for dinner.
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During pack down after breaky, Sheriff falls off the back of his truck while packing his gear, and lost his marbles, drove to Cobar hospital were the verdict was UTI. We cruise on the Wallaby track following the ominous straight stretch of the long white dotted line. Lucky Mother Nature is keeping our eyes locked on a different channel, with her rich red earth and the occasional Wedge Tail Eagle. It’s getting bumpy now, time to kick back with the tunes and watch which songs the mudflaps on Dennis’s truck beat in time to. Set-up camp at Broken Hill Caravan Park and went to the local club for dinner, Margaret and Bob earned the infamous Orange Vest by dropping Karen in her wheelchair down the club’s dining room steps. What an entrance!
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Top | Day 2 Photo’s
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Day 3: Wednesday June 28, 2006 Broken Hill ~ Peterborough
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The day began early, thanks to Wayne, who turned his watch the wrong way and got up at 3.30am to start preparing breakfast. The sound of pots and pans banging and clanging going straight through the thin walls of tents - hence the birth of the Orange "Fool of the Day" Vests. There were enough indiscretions happening amongst the group requiring a 2"d vest. In the Broken Hill area we visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and Silverton where films Mad Max 2, Wake in Fright, The Boar and A Town Like Alice were filmed. The day ended at Peterborough where the campfire was most welcome as the nights was very cold.
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Early start to do the Broken Hill Royal Flying Doctor tour where our trip leader Wayne got lost in the car park. It was nice for some of the wheelies to shake the hand and pay homage to their heroes once again for taking them under their wings – Keep your wings a flappin’, Angels of the sky.
Headed off to Silverton where they filmed the Mad Max movies. A magical historical spot in an early 1800s town. Back at camp and it was three cheers for the camp kitchen crew for a melt in the mouth BBQ, true champions for the bellies! Then it was time for the campfire armed with tinnies, stubbies and wine glasses, with a few Murderball nudges and we were settled for the night for more stories, wisecracks and laughs around the much welcome flames on a subzero night.
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Top | Day 3 Photo’s
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Day 4: Thursday June 29, 2006 Peterborough ~ Brachina Gorge (Flinders Ranges)
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The next destination was in the Flinders Ranges. Dennis's 4-Runner had a slight mechanical problem and while Graham was driving Andrew's Landcruiser, got the first flat tyre for the trip, earning them the "Fool of the Day" vests. The scenery is spectacular along the way to Brachina Gorge where we camped and enjoyed the first of a number of roast dinners. After dinner "Court was in funds to be later given to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and lots of laughter for a very enjoyable evening. Later in the evening a very gusty wind blew through the campsite that brought the kitchen tarp down and a couple of the tents, but we all managed to survive the night okay without any real damage.
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The 4WD track through the Flinders Ranges into Brachina Gorge was nothing short of spectacular. First shredded tyre of the trip was on Andrew’s car with compliments of Karl’s dad Graham, that makes him the honourable (that’s questionable) Orange Vest wearer for tomorrow. Set up camp at Brachina Gorge with Mother Nature blessing us with a view that simply takes your breath away. The show she puts on when the sun hits the red earth on the walls of the gorge is amazing grace! The bush camp meal was yet again a magic 5 star performance with roast pork and vegies cooked slowly over four hours in an old Telecom transformer box…. Can’t beat it. If we could compare the kitchen crew to a bottle of grog, they would be the Moet sitting on the top shelf. The Flying Dutchman Oki Dokie put his engineering degree to good use to make the Taj Mahal of fires, which kept us toasted and roasted till we were ready for the dream fairies. All was quiet on the western gorge and just as the bugs were snug in thier rugs, a gust of wind at 100 km’s an hour, rip snorted through the camp and played a little havoc through the camp kitchen, crushing it and flinging it all over the place. At the same time, Karen’s tent collapsed with arms, legs and wheelchair flapping in the breeze. Chrissy to the rescue, relocating Karen to our camper – grabbed the double bed air mattress, took one foot out of the tent and she was off …. The mattress became her cape and she was doing a superwoman across the paddock. Ten minutes later, she was back at the camper, tucking Karen in for the night once again.
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Top | Day 4 Photo’s
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Day 5: Friday June 30, 2006 Brachnia Gorge ~ Curdimurka Railway Siding
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Saw us headed to Curdimurka (along the Oodnadatta Track). Along the way we stopped at Talc Alf's at Lyndhurst, what a character he is. Further along the track we stopped at the Ochre Cliffs, Lake Eyre South and then to Curdimurka, which was a railway siding of the original Ghan Railway operating to Alice Springs in past years. With the joint effort of many helpers, we cleaned up one of the rooms for a kitchen and the other rooms for sleeping quarters. While preparing the evening meal, the cooks had a great time singing, joking and laughing - a pre Birdsville Gala Night. One of the highlights here were the magnificent stars and the Milky Way - millions of stars so clear and bright.
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HAPPY birthday Rochelle!
Headed to Lyndhurst to stop off at Talc Alf’s Art Gallery where he shared with us some of his literary wisdom of the tribal origins of where letters and words come from. Leaving the art gallery, Okie Dokie blew the second tyre on the trip. I think it was Karl’s mum driving….. I’d be getting worried, Karl. Stopped at the Ochre Cliffs just out of Lyndhurst for lunch. 70 kms out of Curdimurka Camp on the Oodnadatta Track Dennis overheats his engine from a seized thermostat. Andrew and Stu’s truck stays behind. Dennis, Paul, Stu and Andrew grab tools and male bond around the engine, while the girls Chrissy, Leanne and Pam kept John and Karen company and the troops entertained. The rest of the convoy headed into Curdimurka to set up camp. Left roadside at 5.15pm enjoying the sunset drive back to camp – with flies in the truck, dust in our eyes and salt in the teeth, we were looking forward to a coldie at the camp. Camped at the Curdimurka Railway Side homestead with a night-off from the tents. Craig and Rachelle are swagging it under the stars, the rest of the troops in the homestead and the quiches are in the oven.
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Top | Day 5 Photo’s
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Day 6: Saturday July 1, 2006 Curdimurka Railway Siding ~ Coober Pedy
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Seeing this place in the daylight, is believing its vastness. We stopped at William Creek for lunch where a few of us put a business card or old drivers licence on the pub wall. The group also signed a Foxtrot Papa T-Shirt and hung it on the wall. Not too long after leaving William Creek we came upon Dennis, Leanne and Robyn who had left earlier due to a problem with the vehicle overheating. After rigging up a towbar to Andrew's vehicle, the 4-Runner was towed to Coober Pedy. Some of our group went on a pre-arranged tour of Coober Pedy, organised by Karl. Our first stop was at Crocodile Harry's amazing mine/house. He can make use of just about any old bits and pieces. We then went to one of the opal mine fields to see some mine shafts and there were heaps of them. On our way back to Coober Pedy, we drove past the local golf course, which has Blacks not Greens. The tour finished off at an underground hotel and a church where Pam, Carolyn and Barbara attended a service.
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Left the homestead with bacon and egg toasties, a quick swill of coffee, sunrise snaps and back on the track to stop a few kilometres down the road at The Bubble and Blaches Cup springs to enjoy a little piece of oasis in the desert. Lunch was at William Creek Hotel – another fantastic “pub in the middle of nowhere”. The race is on for the blown tyres – Wayne and Bob on their trailers to The Bubbler, Blanches Cup Springs and Stu’s 20 Kilometres out of Coober Pedy. About 60 kms out of Coober Pedy, the boys rigged up a towing bar for Dennis’s truck with Andrew towing. A piece of water pipe from the homestead camp, some chain and shackles, some expertise from the boys, with a bit of luck thrown in as well and we were back on the wallaby track cruising in to Coober Pedy. Pulling into the caravan park, a chorus of welcome sighs of relief rang through the Foxtrot Papa group – it has been 3 days since our last shower and we were keen to peel off the crusty threads and wash the dust off the travel weary bodies. Fed the worms with steak and snag sambos and tucked in for an early night. Before tea tonight, some of the group did a sight seeing tour through the mines, an underground home and a church and finished off with a wander through an opal shop.
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Top | Day 6 Photo’s
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Day 7: Sunday July 2, 2006 Coober Pedy ~ Yulara (Ularu)
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An early rise, with Wayne and Paul's cars leaving early to do the 750km run to Yulara to set up the catering equipment before the rest of the convoy arrived. Dennis and Leanne had to stay 6 days in Coober Pedy while repairs were done to their vehicle (cracked head on the 4-Runner). The day was fun filled and relaxing with Karl as the convoy leader, Stu as tail end Charlie and Andrew in the middle relaying messages. Karl had previously worked as a Tour Guide before his accident, so he was able to pass on his knowledge of the area. Ayers Rock (Uluru) came into sight just on sunset - what a sight. After setting up camp, dinner was served with most retiring early after the long day.
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There was movement at the camp at 4:30am with bodies staggering out of the swags in the same position we fell into them the night before. Wiping the sleep out of our eyes at 7:30am to have a gander at another piece of mother earth’s magic at “The Breakaways” just out of Coober Pedy. Dennis and Leanne stayed behind waiting for parts for their truck, with them catching up with the crew at Alice Springs. Two trucks have gone ahead to set up kitchen camp at Yulara before it gets too late and the rest of the convoy is making tracks with today’s haul of over 700kms.
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Top | Day 7 Photo’s
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Days 8 & 9: Monday & Tuesday July 3 & 4, 2006 Yulara
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At Yulara - Free days at the Rock - most had some rest, as well as other activities, such as helicopter joy flights, camel rides, rock climbers and circumnavigators of Uluru. We had a great view of the sunset over the Rock (Uluru) from the viewing site in the campground. We are meeting a lot of friendly tourists (mostly German), some of them joining us around the campfire for drinks and laughs. We also had time to do some organising for some activities later on in the trip. We also promoted Karl as Convoy Leader, relieving Wayne of one of his many tasks. Everyone participating has been pitching in and the group has a good mix of very different people.
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Pulled up for a well-earned rest and play break at Yulara. The boys tinkered on their trucks for maintenance and the rest of the troops made a B-line for the laundry armed with clothes, dollar coins and half the red desert! Over the next three days, the Foxes and the Papas scattered to explore The Red Centre in all its glory and wonder, joy flights, helicopter scenic tours and camel rides even! Okie Dokie climbed the rock and Mick and Andrew did the 10km wheel-a-thon around the rock with a little help from Okie Dokie! Had Happy Hour up at the lookout at the park for front row seats to witness the sun setting on Uluru – Happy Hour, happy snaps and happy Foxes and Papas! Let the good times roll!! A few of the wheelie lads (and Okie!) enjoyed some meet and greet with some German backpackers, who later shared the bonfire, a few ales and some rather hilarious education from true blue aussies at their best! Cheers to Larna and Sophie! Went to the Outback Pioneer for dinner – a massive pub and quite the happenin’ place for tourists and backpackers. The meals were rather expensive! And the price of grog……gob smacking!! $21-$25 for a 6 pack or $84-$100 for a carton. (and you could only buy a carton by the 6 pack!!) After another day of washing, tikki touring and catching some zzzzzz’s, we filled the hungry bellies with curried snags and chicken spag bol. Then it was stack up and pack up with much anticipated excitement for our next adventure to the infamous Boggy Hole.
Hello world!
This trip has been jammed packed full of fun, excitement and adventures – it’s been hard to find the time to put pen to paper! The days have all blurred into one big happy happy joy joy so we’re just going to fill you all in as best we can!
Doing a trip such as this one gives you a beautiful opportunity to experience being part of a family of soul brothers and sisters – a cocktail of humanity filled with characters and personalities that when shaken and stirred, blend into a bubbly cauldron of what life is really all about! If nothing else, we would recommend that at least once in your life - do it! Life – live it and love it! We’ve seen shy people stand up in the limelight, the reserved and mysterious open up their hearts, the weak become strong and the dependant become independent. The blessings you are also touched with is the opportunity to gain insight and wisdom by sharing your story and experience with others. It’s been a very special and humbling experience. Happy Happy, Joy Joy!!!
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Top | Day 8 Photo’s | Day 9 Photo’s
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Day 10: Wednesday July 5, 2006 Yulara ~ Boggy Hole (nearly made it)
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We were packed up and left by 9am headed for Curtin Springs for fuel and drinks. Turning off the highway for Boggy Hole was our first real 4WD experience with long sandy, rutted stretches and our new convoy leader keen to take credit for everything and real quick to point out all mistakes are the responsibility of his navigator Don. Sheriff had mechanical problems, which Paul quickly rectified. Not far from campsite Karl's trusty steed was stuck in the sand (stopping to take a photo) along with Wayne, Bob and Stu. The trusty Landcruiser managed to snatch them through the sandy spot. Novices Pam and Carolyn showed them how it should be done. It was getting dark and not being sure how far we were from our original campsite destination, a bit of exploring was done to find a suitable spot to camp for the night. Headed back to the group and found Karl parked on a log - going nowhere. Margaret with the trailer was well and truly bogged. Paul hooked up chains and straps and called the shots. It took some time but we got it out. The selected campsite was very sandy and the wheelies needed to be pushed everywhere. Karl and Don helped with dinner - sausage sizzle, eggs and bacon. We were able to pick up the ABC coverage of the 3r° match of the State of Origin. We didn't bother setting up full camp, just the bear essentials with some of the wheelies sleeping under the stars. With the howls of dingos earlier in the night, Robyn wasn't real happy when one of the dingos started scratching on the side of her tent.
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Left Yulara and pulled into Curtin Springs to top up the fuel, gas bottles and grog and headed into Finke Gorge National Park to do some 4WD-ing through the dry river bed of the Finke River. Oh! The Bush Fairies that live there!!! What a magic journey through yet another one of Mother Natures’ spectacular shows of the great Australian Outback. Took care of Russell with a few truck problems on the drive and sat back to enjoy the ride. Almost landed at Boggy Hole when the first of 6 trucks got bogged – with 3 of those getting bogged twice! Oh what fun we had! Knowing our crew, we just had to do the “get bogged at Boggy Hole!” Hence, by the time the laughter and wise cracks, photo shoot, hitching, towing and wheel spinning had finished – the sun had gone to bed and camp was made in the dark at that very spot. Weary from the long day, the bogs and the laughter, the wheelies got out of the trucks, and with about 2 or 3 pushes, they themselves were bogged – axle deep in the soft silty sand! Where they parked is where they stayed! There is a positive to everything though – the wheelies got 5 star service with meals and drinks delivered and every request for them was served with a smile! The bones were chilled with the sub zero temperatures with lips turning blue and wheelies curled up in the foetal position in their chairs trying to keep warm! Woke in the morning to crack the ice off the swags and tents and heading off, we realized that we were only a couple of kms from the actual Boggy Hole camping spot – and what a beautiful oasis in the desert it was!
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Top | Day 10 Photo’s
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Day 11: Thursday July 6, 2006 Boggy Hole ~ Ellery Creek Big Hole
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It was another cold morning, so the wheelies sat around the fire keeping warm and were being waited on (due to the sandy ground). We left at a reasonable time, with more 4WDriving and spectacular scenery including a perfect campsite at Boggy Hole, our original destination. Stopped briefly at Hermannsburg where we left the trailers under the watchful eyes of Wayne and Bette who caught up on some paperwork and got the generator ready for pumping the tyres up after the others returned from Palm Valley, as we were going to be traveling on bitumen roads again. Continued on to Ellery Big Hole arriving just before dark for our next bush camp where Wayne cooked roast chicken and vegetables. Andrew conducted the first auction of the trip to raise funds for the RFDS, up for grabs was an exemption from traveling with Russell. Bidding was intense with Michael the eventual winner for a mere $95 (a bargain). Sheriff took the auction in fine spirits even singing a few lines to help push up the price.
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Leaving behind the Australian Bush wonderland, we all left with a piece of the magic of the Finke River in our hearts. The radios stayed silent as it blessed us with a lovely sense of peace and contentment, reigniting the warmth of respect for the beauty this land has to offer. Yet another wonderful memory to take home with us! We headed to Hermannsburg, a small aboriginal community town, situated near Palm Valley and Kings Canyon. On the way, the convoy pulled over in the middle of an aboriginal reserve to tend to Karl's flatty. As there were signs to warn us not to leave our vehicles or wander from the roads, there was nothing to do but pull out the sanga's and raid Okie's snack attack stash, fill the bellies and keep each other amused on the radio. Keeping the respect of travelling through the aboriginal reserve, the boys fixed the tyre in record time and leaving nothing but footprints, we landed at Hermannsburg for a top up of fuel and another munch out from the local servo. Wayne and Bette volunteered to stay behind with the trailers so the rest of the troop followed Karl into the breathtaking journey of Palm Valley. Another enjoyable 4WD trek while we kicked back to the entertaining and informative muses from our much beloved trip leader. After capturing the essence of the valley on a thousand happy snaps, we slowly meandered back to savour every little piece of this amazing landscape. It was then that Mic, Stu and Chrissy saw out of one of the rock formations a perfect formation of the heads of an aboriginal man and woman. It just made us wonder how much we miss the awe and wonder that continually surrounds us, yet we miss it because we get too busy with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. This trip has woken up the inner child in all of us! Thanks Foxtrot Papa for letting them come out to play! With the palms waving in the breeze their goodbye's we headed out onto bitumen to our next campsite at Ellery Creek Big Hole. Nestling in amongst fellow campers with their dreadlocks & tambourines, we settled down to a feed of roast chicken and vegies gearing up for an auction to raise more money for our 'Angels of the Sky'. With the Sheriff replacing his pride with good spirits he was nominated into giving an exemption pass not to be a passenger in his truck. You're a legend Russell; it raised $95 and respect for you, with Mick as the pass holder.
Just when you thought the girls couldn't spoil you any more, we were treated to a gastronomical delight of pancakes and maple syrup for breaky, it was high fives and hugs all around before packing down camp to head off towards yet another momentous dot on the map - Alice Springs.
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Top | Day 11 Photo’s
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Day 12: Friday July 7, 2006 Ellery Creek Big Hole ~ Alice Springs
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Pancakes for Breaky was great. We strolled to the waterhole that was between two large cliffs, on a newly created path - what a top spot. We left approx. 10am with a stop at Simpson's Gap. Karl briefing us on the last few days, headed to Alice Springs following the MacDonnell Ranges. Arriving at about 3pm for a much relieving shower break. Mick and Andrew went on a reconnaissance mission to check out a few local attractions. Dinner was good old performed his stuff to the delight of the audience while we sat around warm campfires - all round fantastic entertainment. Bob Magor gave us a few books that could be used as prizes during our trip.
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On the way, we broke the trip with a stopover at Simpsons Gap, strolling in the silence of the beauty of another dry river bed carving through a mountainous rocky gorge. You could almost hear the gorge whisper its ancient wisdom and felt one with the rock wallabies standing guard in the place they call home. With more warm fuzzies jammed into our souls, we jumped back into the trucks, onward bound through the MacDonnell Ranges for Alice Springs. Welcoming a few days rest at the Alice, the first night was enjoyed around the campfires with the delights of recital from a bush poet, Bob Magor. The poetry on camping and travelling were hilarious as we relate with giggles the same experiences of how much fun and liberating camping truly is. We were thankful in receiving donated copies of his books to use on our awards night at the end of our trip, thank you Bob!
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Top | Day 12 Photo’s
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Days 13 & 14: Saturday & Sunday July 8 & 9, 2006 Alice Springs
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Rest Days in Alice Springs - Andrew went to Vinnies to buy some dress up clothes (for the Black & White Night), then to the Transport Museum. Joy arrived, flying into Alice Springs from Sydney to be greeted by the infamous Orange Vest ("Fool of the Day") for not being aware of a large rock in the middle of Australia - "What Rock?". Dennis and Leanne also turned up after spending 6 days in Coober Pedy for their vehicle repairs. We all went to a fantastic restaurant, The Overlander Steakhouse, for dinner where all sorts of Aussie cuisine were on the menu (except our famous Oomidoodlebird and Hoop Snake). We wobbled boards and sang along to some good old Aussie songs - a great group bonding session. Okie, Mick and Rachelle ventured to the Casino to try their luck. The next day we went to the Alice Springs Desert Park in the morning, having a great time there. Wayne and Dennis picked up a trailer load of food in town, the additional supplies that had been sent from Sydney plus shopping in Alice for fresh supplies of meat, fruit, vegetables, etc. Whilst discussing what stupid feat it would take to wear the Vest for tomorrow, Wayne tipped his entire plate of spaghetti bolognaise all over the vest and his chair, alas, Wayne wears the Orange Vest again. Early packing wasn't going too well, even more so when 2 vehicles (Bob & Lana plus Stu & Chrissy) were staying back for repairs.
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Celebrations and hugs all round as we welcomed the dearly missed Dennis and Leanne back amongst the Foxes and Papas where they belonged. The gang's all 'ere! The next day was spent enjoying the freedom of our time with some heading off to the transport museum and doing the sights, while others made the most of the mechanical experience of the crew to do some repairs on the trucks and long overdue 'spring cleaning' of our travelling homes! Dinner was treated at the Overlander Steakhouse and what a hoot that was! The menu was a gourmet's delight of Aussie cuisine (and much to Okie Dokie's disappointment, minus the hoop snakes and oomidoodlebirds!) There were drinks all round with many a 'cheers' to friendships and good times, yoga maneuvers with Rolf Harris wobble boards and all inhibitions out the saloon doors singing like contestants on Australian Idol to some ol' fashioned bush ballads! A mammoth good time had by all. Today the Desert Park was honoured by treating the Foxtrotters to a magnificent show and display of some of our amazing bird life & their habitat, a stroll through a kaleidoscope of desert flora, finishing off with a captivating talk on the Dreamtime and their cultural connections with this great Land of ours by one of the Elders of the area. We were also treated to a sensory experience of bush medicine, amazed yet again by the wonders of Mother Earth, She's amazing grace! Back to camp to savour our final evening at the Alice, crawling into bed with smiles on our dials. The next morning it was decided that Bob and Lana with Stu and Chrissy, were to stay behind to book their trucks in for mechanical repairs before risking further damage and to hopefully catch up in a few days. Rachelle and Mick volunteered to stay behind with us (yippee! yippee! squeels of delight!) It worked out well as Rachelle used the opportunity to get some repairs of her own on a tooth that had been giving her grief for a few days now. With the girls out to play, the boy’s male bonded around the campers, chilling out with a few zzzz's and Bob and Lana relaxed around the town. Once the trucks were done, we set off 2 days later with fire in our bellies and one mission on our minds.....to be back with our soul brothers and sisters that we missed being with - back on the rainbow to our pot of gold!!!
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Top | Day 13 Photo’s | Day 14 Photo’s
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Day 15: Monday July 10, 2006 Alice Springs ~ Tenant Creek
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Wayne and Dennis went looking for a trailer to help spread the load but when they found out the price of a basic box trailer was $1100 they decided against that idea. Bette had arranged for Karl to do a "live" interview on Radio ABC Alice Springs, telling them about our group. Bob, Lana, Stu, Chrissy, Mick and Rachelle waved us off at 9.30am, headed for Tennant Creek. We stopped at a UFO crossing at Wycliffe Well then off on a mission to find the Sheriff's Marbles at Devils Marbles. We looked for big and small ones, high and low, even broken ones but he couldn't remember which ones were his. We've had many candidates for the Orange "Fool of the Day" Vests so voting will be tough. Arrived at Tennant Creek at approx. 4pm. Set up camp and had use of the park's kitchen area. The curried snags (Lorraine's recipe) had been such a success at Yulara, we did it again. The nominations for Fool of the Day were announced and the favourite was Lorraine with a double nomination and Carolyn awarded the other vest.
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Top | Day 15 Photo’s
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Day 16: Tuesday July 11, 2006 Tenant Creek ~ Matarancka
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Woken to an early nomination for Fool of the Day - Robyn looking for her torch and she was using her torch to find it. Up early for breaky, packed up and gone at 8.30am. Quite a long drive to Matarancka, Andrew nominated himself for the vest after spilling strawberry milk all over the counter at the service station. Arrived at Matarancka and a few of the group went for a quick dip at the Bitter Springs Thermal Pools close to the camp ground and to check out the suitability for the wheelies getting into the water the following day. The weather was getting warmer in the evenings now. Up to Alice Springs the days were warm but the breeze and evenings still quite cold so, it was pleasant not to have to rug up so much.
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Wanting to drive day and night with adrenalin in our veins, we agreed with Bob and Lana’s sensible decision to stop for the night at a quaint little campsite at Banka Banka. With Bob and Lana tucking in for an early night, the four musketeers sat up with some fellow travelling enthusiasts to share stories of the great outback. Climbing into bed with Mic and Rachelle opting for the swags under a starry sky, we enjoyed another night with the dream fairies keeping us company with the magic memories of our journey so far.
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Top | Day 16 Photo’s
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Day 17: Wednesday July, 12 2006 Mataranka ~ Batchelor (Litchfield NP)
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Packed up and then went down to the Bitter Springs Thermal Pools for a hot dip. It was a great experience for all involved. Okie and Craig were great by assisting some of the wheelies to get across the creek and also further on up the creek. We then headed to Adelaide River stopping at the War Memorial and Australian War Graves. We arrived in the afternoon at the caravan park in Batchelor, later doing some repairs to the trailer. After setting up camp, we had time for a beer. Stu, Bob and the rest of their gang turned up at about 6pm after their catch up from Alice Springs. The Caravan Park owners put on a sausage sizzle, which we all attended. Okie (Karel - Dutch backpacker) met another couple of Dutch backpackers (Maria and Carolyn) who spent the night sharing stories and pics with us.
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The next morning we woke to learn that Mic and Rachelle had a guardian angel nestled beside them on their swags for the night......not many people can say they had an emu for a sleep over! The joy on their faces was precious. Now that's Gold! Magic does happen in the great outback! Another early start to get back on that rainbow to our friends and we drove until the worms starting biting for lunch. We pulled into an eccentric little town called Alleron - 'The UFO capital of Australia!' It was both fascinating and bizarre, certainly a must see on your travels! The cafe was covered in newspaper clippings of UFO and alien sightings, it certainly tickled both interest and wonderment of the universe. After a very interesting and entertaining chat with a gentleman who 'had seen them', we shared our lunch with fellow travellers, and it was back in the trucks to complete our mission. Stu, Mick and Chrissy decided to press on while Bob, Lana and Rochelle stopped at Mataranka to enjoy a dip in the natural thermal springs. We finally arrived at Batchelor in the Litchfield National Park early that night, joyous to be back with the gang once more.
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Top | Day 17 Photo’s
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Day 18: Thursday July 13, 2006 Batchelor (Litchfield NP)
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Most of the group went into Darwin, checking out local attractions. Andrew and Karl were lucky enough to see a school of dolphins in Darwin Harbour. A large group met up at the night markets for a browse and to check out the sunset over the water. Some went to the Air Museum where one can spend many hours. Others went shopping for something suitable for the G-Night the next evening. It was very hot with many of us feeling the heat especially when only a few days earlier we were gathering around campfires to keep warm.
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There was much to enjoy in this beautiful part of Australia, swimming in the local gorges with the most spectacular waterfalls - a most welcomed activity along with the more welcoming sunshiny days from the warmth of the north. The temptation was also much too great knowing that Darwin was only 80kms away, so most of us took advantage of the experience with some of the wheelies booking a unit for the night. The shopping, the markets, the food, the people.....it was fantastic!!! We had to pinch ourselves....we were in Darwin!! Rachelle picked up a didgeridoo which proved to be an entertaining and musical challenge for the rest of us talented wannabee's!
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Top | Day 18 Photo’s
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Day 19: Friday July 14, 2006 Batchelor (Litchfield NP)
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Most of us went to explore Litchfield National Park. The first stop was at a spot where there were lots of Termite Mounds. The Lost City, Waterfalls (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi) were all very spectacular. A number of us went for a swim at Wangi Falls and later had our lunch there - very enjoyable. We headed back to the camping ground to prepare for the evening G-Night plus another sausage sizzle. Some salads were prepared plus salmon patties. Stu and Chrissy went to a lot of trouble and looked fantastic - Chrissy dressed as a Garden Fairy and Stu as Guns & Roses. A great night was had by everyone and Carolyn was a great hit as our MC. I'm sure the locals and other campers were equally entertained.
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Back at Batchelor for the much anticipated 'G' party and oh what fun we had! Everyone got into the spirit of it all with amazing imagination, enthusiasm and dress ups. We had everything from the greenies to the green & gold, gardeners & golfers, gangsters & gay-sters, guns & roses and gothic and the hilarious 'gee that hurts' just to name a few. And Chrissy was in her element, she got to wear her wings as the garden fairy that she is!
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Top | Day 19 Photo’s
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Day 20: Saturday July 15, 2006 Batchelor (Litchfield NP) ~ Katherine
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Packed up early and 4 vehicles left early to make Katherine in time to do some running repairs and shopping. The park at Katherine (Springvale Homestead) was a fine picturesque location. A historical presentation of the homestead's past plus the viewing of the unique radioactive natural spring of the original homestead was very interesting. After another great roast dinner of pork and vegies - "the Kangaroo Court was in Session" again. Russell (alias "the Sheriff) read out a number of charges - it was then up to those being accused to plead their case. Dennis "the Judge" gave his decision - either guilty or innocent - more funds were gathered to add to the Royal Flying Doctor Service collection.
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Leaving behind the most northern part of our journey, we were on the downhill run heading south with much still to see and do. Next port of call was Katherine for 2 nights of camp and adventure with the nighttime crocodile tours and flights over the magnificent Katherine Gorge. Enjoying a dip in the pool, throwing a line in the river for a spot of fishing, all the while enjoying the sunshine, peace and tranquility of the park. Can it get better than this! As the sun was setting on the second evening, it started off with the tapping of sticks and a jingle of a tambourine & we were off! Stars of our own spontaneous musical jamboree! Out came the didge and shakers, BBQ tongs even the crinkling of a chip packet! There was no stopping our legendary Craig, adding to the entertainment with his musical talent of hilarious 'odes to his fellow Foxes and Papas' , keeping us in time and in stitches as we played into the night in our little bubble of joy! Much to Chrissy's delight I think we even had the fairies join in the party and break into dance!
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Top | Day 20 Photo’s
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Day 21: Sunday July 16, 2006 Katherine
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A free day in Katherine saw a number of the group taking helicopter rides over Katherine Gorge while others opted for a river cruise and some just lazed around the camp or in the pool. Craig got into the spirit with his version of a corroboree along with his fellow musicians, thoroughly entertaining. Rachelle and Joy took some time out to do some sketching. Dinner for those not on the Crocodile Cruise was seafood and lots of it.
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Top | Day 21 Photo’s
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Day 22: Monday July 17, 2006 Katherine ~ Daly Waters
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Left for Daly Waters, nice 3-hour drive. What a great spot, nice camp site and great locals and souvenirs. We went to the pub for dinner in our Black & White outfits. Food, entertainment and service were superb - our thanks to the management and staff. Wayne gave a sermon to the crowd about the history of Foxtrot Papa Inc. as an organisation and where we had been and were headed. We were advised that the cooks served the most meals ever from the barbie (160) for a night. After dinner Andrea (the Foxtrot Tart) was auctioned off. With Craig as the auctioneer, bidding was intense but eventually she sold for $27 (cheaply in Andrew's opinion). A biker group (BOAB) then offered a 1-hour ride on one of their Harley Davidson bikes as an auction prize. Bidding was hot, mostly amongst our wheelies. Eventually Rachelle, Joy and Mick each got one. Andrea and Pam then went around with our donations tin for the Royal Flying Doctors to a very generous group of people.
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With yet another warm fuzzy memory in our hearts, we left Katherine to head for the famous and fun-tastic Daly Waters where we had the privilege of camping at the grounds behind the Daly Waters Pub. Arriving there early afternoon, the group nestled into relax mode as we sat getting earthed beneath the company of the gum trees and enjoying both the solitude & friends of fellow travellers and the warmth of the locals. It wasn't long before the inner child in all of us came out to play as we gathered with glee to get ready for another party themed as the Black & White night. The joy and giggles shared amongst the group as the make-up, wigs, cardboard, garbage bags, newspapers and tape were thrown together with creative magic, certainly reflected the friendship and bonds that have grown so affectionately over the course of the journey.
The pub welcomed us with open arms, delicious food and hilarious entertainment - it was only just the start of a memorable night! Wayne made us proud by giving an honourable speech to share with the public on the principles behind Foxtrot Papa. Following the humbled cheers in the roar of the crowd, Craig led the next part of the evening with an auction to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctors. With compliments of Andrew, (dressed as our resident 'Andrea!), he enthusiastically volunteered to auction 'herself' off for a hug and kiss on the cheek for the grand prize winner with the highest bid! Personally I think Andrew got more out of the hug than he did about the well-earned $27 he raised! On ya Andrea! You go girlfriend! Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the B.O.A.B. Bikies that were living life to the fullest with us at the pub, generously contributed a free ride on their Harley as a part of our auction. Oh the jubilation that stirred the wheelies delight when the bidding got started!! It was a hungry and enthusiastic wrestle for the bid between the wheelies when it was bounteously declared by the inaugural B.O.A.B.'s that they would give away 3 rides instead! Raising $95.00 a piece, Joy, Rachelle and Mic celebrated with the biggest smiles I've ever seen! Thank you with all our Love beautiful people of the B.O.A.B.'s!
I don't think any of us slept that night as we crawled out of our swags even before a single bird sang 'good morning world'! None of us will ever forget the opportunity life blessed us with that day.
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Top | Day 22 Photo’s
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Day 23: Tuesday July 18, 2006 Daly Waters ~ Barkly Homestead
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Packed up and ready to go at 8am, the Harleys turned up and excitement was in the air. They put on the helmets and jackets, we strapped the girl's feet to the pegs and they set off for a quick run down the old WWII runway. After returning to the front of the Daly Waters Pub for some photos, they set off at the rear of Foxtrot Papa's convoy then started overtaking down the highway. They must have taken Rachelle, Joy and Mick 70 klms before stopping to drop them off. All 3 hadn't stopped smiling all day. Must congratulate the BOABs for the outstanding generosity they showed us, truly great Australians. The rest of the drive to Barkly Homestead was a long and boring piece of road, arrived and set up camp with time to spare. Dinner was at the Roadhouse restaurant.
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As the purr of Harleys broke the morning silence arriving at the camp with a standing ovation, I wanted to wrap that moment up and keep it in my pocket forever! Waving Joy, Rachelle and Mic off on the bikes was a precious treasure of joy for all of us to experience and will always think back on with a smile in our hearts. If life ever gets you down, all you gotta do is think of a day like that, and in an instant life's good again. Thank you earthly angels of the B.O.A.B.'s and the Foxtrot Papa's for providing us with yet another joyous memory to take home with us.
Barkly Homestead was the next port of call on the Foxtrot journey and after setting up camp we enjoyed a relaxing night with a scrumptious meal at the Roadhouse, followed by a few games of pool with a bop and a sing-a-long to the classic tunes of the jukebox. Weary from the excitement of the day we tucked into bed early, still glowing from the happy happy joy joy memory.
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Top | Day 23 Photo’s
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Day 24: Wednesday July 19, 2006 Barkly Homestead ~ Mt Isa
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Wayne, Bette, Karen, Dennis and Leanne set off for Mt. Isa ahead of the main convoy to do some bulk shopping for the next few days. Bette also contacted the local ABC Radio station and the local newspaper to set up a time for some interviews the next day. Met up with the 2 Dutch backpackers again. Mick traveled in Carrolin's Commodore and Maria jumped in with Okie. The tar road to Mt Isa was uneventful except for the border crossing. Coming into Mt Isa was the first large town we've seen in a while. Paul and Margaret went to spend the night with Paul's brother and Craig's brother drove 400 klms to visit. We also celebrated Rachelle's birthday, which was earlier on in the trip, but didn't take place due to vehicle breakdown happening on her actual birthday.
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Next morning found us heading for the historical mining town of Mount Isa, organizing on the way in the trucks the surprise birthday celebration for our Rachelle. The afternoon was spent in the rotunda of the caravan park, stringing balloons, tooting tunes on party blowers, crowning Rachelle with her sparkling birthday tiara, whipping up a storm for the party munchies of happy hour and topping up beverages for many happy birthdays and cheers all round. After our king chef Dennis on the BBQ served us another mouthwatering gourmet, we settled into an evening of bonding & Bette organized an ABC radio interview with Andrew Saunders, herself and Karl to promote Foxtrot Papa for the next morning. Before heading off, we hugged together for a group photo to take to the local paper to accompany a write up for the locals. Short of wanting to stand on the rooftops to shout to the world the opportunities and blessings that an organisation like Foxtrot Papa provides for wheelies and volunteers alike, we settled for the radio interviews to spread the word of how a group like this can make the world a better place. C'mon fellow wheelies - life's out there to live it! Come and join the special people that can make it happen!
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Top | Day 24 Photo’s
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Day 25: Thursday July 20, 2006 Mt Isa ~ Boulia
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Karl and Bette went to the Mt Isa ABC Radio for their interview about Foxtrot Papa Inc. and the trip, which aired the next morning. Bette earned herself the right to wear the Orange Vest when she said to Andrew Saunders at the radio station that she must say Wheelies not Wheelchair People. What does she say, Wheelchair People, oops. Karl spoke about how he had previously been a tour operator before his accident and by going on the trip with Foxtrot Papa that he felt that he would like to return to the tourism industry, particularly working with backpackers. Next was the newspaper interview, which appeared in the next week's paper. After a group photo shoot at the caravan park and a bit of general business and shopping in town, we headed past the major LP Gas Mine, which is a large supplier of gas in Australia. Good quality bitumen road all the way to Boulia.
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Top | Day 25 Photo’s
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Day 26: Friday July 21, 2006 Boulia ~ Birdsville
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Andrew lead the convoy as Karl and Joy teamed up with him to rehearse their act for the Birdsville Gala Night. Left for Birdsville via Bedourie with more desert scenery, this was what a lot of us expected for the entire outback. The dirt road had a number of water crossings after the recent rain and 2006 flooding ® in the area. Okie went through the water a bit too quick and the electrics filled up and stopped the engine. Pam got bogged, but with Carolyn's guidance managed to free herself, true girlpower.
Birdsville was built up as having some of the best accessible disabled facilities but much to our disappointment, they had been removed. The local service station opposite the caravan park came to the rescue and allowed the wheelies to use the disabled toilet and shower at the service station. Upon further inquiries, the Birdsville Hotel itself has excellent disabled facilities so a couple of rooms were booked and the wheelies stayed the 2"d night at Birdsville at the Hotel. Our Gala Night took place with acts of singing, dancing, poetry, comedy and musical items. The standouts were the handbag quartet staring Stu, Chrissy, Rachelle and Mick with their own song. Graham's bush poetry and Foxtrot Communications provided some close to home laughs as presented by Karl, Joy and Andrew. Russell was another surprise talent playing a couple of tunes on his mouth organ. A comedy sketch by Karen, Rachelle and Craig was also excellent. Once again, Carolyn's MC work and encouraging everyone to take part helped to bring together the group.
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After a break stopover camp at Boulia, we headed off for another much anticipated discovery of Australia in Birdsville - land of the famous pub and the 'Big Red' in the Simpson Desert - a must see and do for the 4WD enthusiasts and tourists alike. On the way we primed our 4WD experience with spectacular bogs on the dirt tracks with lots of laughs, photo's & comical digs across the 2-way. We arrived in Birdsville with the desert doing what it does best, welcoming us with wind and dust wrapping its friendly arms around our camp. With a short period of anxiety after we learned that the disabled facilities of the caravan park were no more, the 'hero's with hospitality' emerged from the hearts of the locals, and the servo and pub provided us with their facilities whenever we needed them day or night. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Birdsville! At different times, we took the time to stand in the middle of the dust with nothing but dirt and sand for miles to see, with the occasional tree holding up its branches in celebration of it's survival. Just when you least expect it, the land gave back to us in return of our surprising awe, a gift of such raw beauty. The desert somehow awakens a sleeping remembrance of ancient whispers of the essence of who we are and where we've come from. That first afternoon watching a storm roll across the horizon, a rainbow appeared. I believe the desert was saying thank you. Australia sure does boast its wonder in our beaches and cities, but you've got to give yourself the experience of its desert as well, it certainly does open up your eyes to the everything that Australia has to offer.
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Top | Day 26 Photo’s
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Day 27 Saturday, July 22 2006 Birdsville
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A number of vehicles had a trip to "Big Red", the first big sand dune entering into the Simpson Desert. Excitement was high and the track out to Big Red was very wet. It didn't take Craig long to drown Andrew's Cruiser, then only going about 20 feet before getting bogged. Margaret's recovery skills soon had Andrew's vehicle pulled out. Big Red wasn't as steep as first thought with 3 options - easy, medium and impossible. After all vehicles and most drivers had a go at driving up Big Red we then headed back to Birdsville without incident. Checked with the local police about road closures due to the recent rain and flooding. A report had come through that a Tour Bus had been stuck since l0am that morning with a group of elderly passengers on board. Some of those passengers attended our Gala Night the previous evening. We had Dinner at the hotel and all the wheelies were treated to a real bed in accommodation at the hotel.
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The next day saw much excited souls of the Foxes and the Papas taking the journey out to the 'Big Red' to enjoy the thrill of climbing the mountain of red earth in their trucks to shout from the top, 'I Did It!' The night topped off a great day at the Birdsville Pub with a Gala Night that was planned to release and expose the hidden and surprising talents of the fellow Foxes and Papas- and weren't we all pleasantly surprised! The talent show provided side splitting laughter, awe and wonder as everyone participated with bush poetry, original songwriting and attempted singing, harmonica playing, jokes, skits and hilarious rendition of the antics of the brothers and sisters across the 2-way. It was simply the best!
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Top | Day 27 Photo’s
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Day 28: Sunday July 23, 2006 Birdsville ~ Providence Creek
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A late start to the day was made even later when Stu's car only made it 20 minutes out of town before overheating. It was a real low point in the trip for everyone when Stu and Chrissy had to turn back to Birdsville for repairs to their vehicle, which took several days to be repaired as parts had to be sent from Adelaide. The day turned out to be another 4WDriving challenge with lots of mud and water due to a lot of local flooding and earlier road closures. Andrew's strategic bogging of his vehicle and trailer for about 1.5 hrs, meant that getting to Innamincka that night was not possible. We set up camp on a nice grassed area beside a creek, one of the best spots during the trip. BBQ dinner and sitting around a warm campfire was fantastic. There was a threat of a storm, with lightning on the horizon, but luckily it didn't come in our direction. Sleeping under the stars was good.
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With numerous photo opportunities with the trucks and happy campers in front of the famous Pub, we left Birdsville with many a fond memory in our hearts to cross the recently flooded dirt tracks to Innamincka. Twenty minutes down the road saw Stu and Chrissy's truck puff its last mechanical breath, which pulled up the convoy to a halt and along with it, the painful decision to fall behind back to Birdsville for much needed repairs. With tears, hugs and 'see you soon' the Foxes and Papas pressed on, sadly leaving behind 2 of it's companions.
With Stu and Chrissy back in Birdsville and hearts torn out from missing our Foxtrot Papa family, we came to the realization (after creating the first billabong in the desert town from 3 days of tears!) of what being on this trip was all about. We got ourselves out there and lived just what the Foxtrot Papa crew taught us and gave us the opportunity to do. We spent the rest of our week with the most amazing people in the fellow travellers and locals, and created the best fun amongst ourselves! The hospitality and generosity we were blessed with was a gift most people only dream of. A special mention to the beautiful family of 'The Blues Cafe' - thank you, thank you for your amazing and simply delicious cuisine and company, your humble and homely outdoor fireside backyard of your eccentric and magical cafe and for your humanitarian spirits for the people and life itself. It was a blessed experience we will eternally be grateful for. You certainly helped in replacing our sadness with a memorable good time.
I'd like to finish this journal with 'Thanks for the Memories Foxtrot Papa'. If it wasn't for you putting yourself out there with your dreams and visions making this a world a better place for the ones who thought for a brief moment that they had lost it - we would live the rest of our lives missing something pretty special.
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Top | Day 28 Photo’s
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Day 29: Monday July 24, 2006 Providence Creek ~ Innaminka
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Wayne was hoping to catch some fresh water yabbies in the creek. No luck with yabbies but he did manage to catch a crab, which we were amazed to see so far inland. The crab was safely returned to the creek. More 4WDriving was the order of the day with varying terrain from slippery to wet. We arrived at Innamincka with the threat of a storm again. With the camp set up at the top of the hill, Wayne and Dennis drove to the tavern to see if the group could be accommodated for a meal, which they were able to do. Wayne also had to check about road closures near White Cliffs and contact the Underground Motel where we were booked in for the night of Day 31. Craig became the Orange Vest candidate after he reversed Andrew's car into a tree. We headed to the tavern where most of us had 2 course dinners, quickly prepared and enjoyed by everyone. The local water was quite muddy looking so Rachelle tried the heat exchanger/shower set up on Wayne's vehicle, which Rachelle said was very good.
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Top | Day 29 Photo’s
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Day 30: Tuesday July 25, 2006 Innaminka ~ Camerons Corner
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After the mechanical team made some repairs to the trailer we set off for Camerons Corner. The road was a series of dune crossings and the trailer snapped a spring. The convoy went ahead leaving Wayne, Paul and Andrew to do a makeshift repair using chains to hold the axle in position. We arrived at the Camerons Corner to find a general store/fuel station/pub and campground. Facilities were great. We had another great baked dinner and a sing along around the fire, accompanied by Russell on the harmonica. A group meeting was held after dinner which formed the groundwork towards the "Trip Guidelines" which will be added to the website in the next few weeks.
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Top | Day 30 Photo’s
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Day 31: Wednesday July 26, 2006 Camerons Corner ~ White Cliffs
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After a photo shoot at the Corner Post and Craig's Border Tax (more funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service) we set off for White Cliffs. We stopped for lunch at Tibooburra where Andrew found some great jewellery for his girls back home. The White Cliffs Underground Hotel was spectacular, unusual and beautiful. We had a baked dinner there - it was good but we have been spoilt with our baked dinners cooked in Dennis' portable oven. Dinner was followed by our Awards Presentation Night. In between the Awards, Graham read out some of the Limericks that were submitted for group judgement as to the best limerick. It was a close decision between 2 limericks, both submitted by Craig. A practical joke was played on Okie who had his bed short sheeted and he thought the staff in the hotel didn't know how to make beds. After 30 days of sleeping in tents, it was a real treat to finally sleep on a real bed.
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Top | Day 31 Photo’s
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Day 32: Thursday July 27, 2006 White Cliffs ~ Nyngan
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Finally, a civilised breaky in a dining room. We arrived at Nyngan with the extreme cold of that first night still entrenched in our memories so most of us organised cabins for the night. Pizza was once again ordered at Nyngan as everyone enjoyed them so much on our first night at Nyngan. It wasn't as cold as our previous visit but still cold enough to enjoy the campfire.
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Top | Day 32 Photo’s
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Day 33 Thursday, July 27 2006 Nyngan ~ Sydney
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We left Nyngan with Andrew driving Okie's car to Dubbo. Joy could hardly contain herself when she saw all the major fast food outlets. After lunch we rearranged cars and said goodbye to Bob and Lana at Dubbo. Rachelle led the convoy back to Lithgow. From there we went via the Bells Line of Road. As we came into the Sydney peak hour traffic, we had people staring at our cars, which were covered in Simpson and Strzelecki Deserts sand and mud. We arrived early at Penrith Bowling Club and were greeted by family and friends. We enjoyed a final dinner with the people who had become family over the past 5 weeks. The Fools Vests were auctioned off with the funds going to Foxtrot Papa Incorporated
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Top | Day 33 Photo’s
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