Monday 25th

Day started off at 1200 midnight, Chester the dog was in my room, got up to let him out, found lost cat in lounge room, they do not understand 'drunk'; if only I could talk to the animools. Wet and cloudy, put the washing on and cleaned the machine. Went to the Spearwood Tavern, met Aub but left Wing at home, day turned out perfect but did not want to pack wet clothes if it rained; now have to repack to allow for clothes I am wearing. How do you thank a man that lends you his house fridge/freezer, a car, a workshop, washing machine, dryer and a GREAT shower plus a dog and a cat to talk to. (Bandit takes a course in 'Animool Speak'). Steve Blackstock you are one in a million (not won in a raffle). Checked my pics in the camera today, Maaaaaaaaaaaaate can I bore some people to bits when I get back, not halfway round yet; left home 5 weeks ago today. After today the net could be a bit sparse but will do what I can, up and over sounds interestin with wild camel, stock, roos emu, pigs, wombats and some not too nice other people; my mate Aub Bird has told me tales of his trips with 4 W D and caravan, them animools iz BIG. Have not had haircut in one year or shave in 3 weeks 'Grow Old Disgracefully' our motto., my sister in Pommie Land will frown L.O.L. Tiz 1320hrs in W.A, sun is shining, I am out there with the dog........... 9000Ks to go. Dog wants me to throw ball while he barks, "What Fun"... Better I pack............ Done, just gotta wake up tomorrow and went, 'this is the first day of the rest of my life' Indian proverb. Bandit

Sunday Sunshine

Went for a drive this morning in mate's car, headed for the water; found ship yards and navy service area, got pics of some large ships. Wobbled pack to Spearwood Tavern, met same group as yesterday, very nice people, they all leave their money, wallets etc. on the bar and wander outside for a smoke, just like we used to do in the old days; great to see. One elderly person, Aub, could not believe the cost of the Wing, he has done the big trip with a 4 W D and caravan so we swopped a few stories; it is amazing how many nice people you meet who wish you well and want to shake your hand. At the moment the sun is shining but it is still very cold, even the locals were complaining, I hope it is fine tomorrow and I will show the Wing off at the tavern. Tomorrow I will do the washing, pack and prepare for the rest of the adventure, short run to Perth on Tuesday to meet with Nev then Wednesday "on the road again" 'NOT Willie again'... "Hello" CDM & VJP nice to here from you. big HELLO to Sue and my club. Be Lucky. Bandit on the Wing.

Rain woke me

Tiz 0400 Western time, the rain is so heavy it woke me (now who want's to by a motor bike?) co rider rang yesterday to say his tent is leaking real bad and he is not taking it with him when we move on, told him 'too old' for tents. Trying to arrange get together of Ulysses members at the end of the trip at Currumbin Surf Club, still a long way to go and not easy to organise while on the road, will need a great deal of help, not sure when I arrive, about end of August. I would like to make a D.V.D of this trip, it is not the same as 'The Long Way Round' but I am not halfway round yet, still got to go up and over top yet, all downhill from Townsville, I know that road. Co rider, who knows these things, has suggested we go slightly inland on West coast as there are more places to stop if we need to, as long as I can see the ocean on my left then I am heading in the right direction. (blue one on the left, brown one on the right. Too easy) who needs G.P.S.? Been stopped for three days, hot showers, home cooked food, Bourbon and just lazing around, this is the life; can't afford it but too late now, I am here. Sorry Kids I just spent your inheritance, they said 'Go for it' and I have :-). Just had very loud noises on window, the cat has come back, so I now have the cat and the dog who do not understand why I am here and my mate is not, I did try to explain it to them but I only speak 'drunk' and not 'little animal'; as long as I feed them we will get along.

Coogee Beach W A

Tiz Friday. bloody cold, went to Coogee Beach W.A. this morning, took pics (as u should) went back did washing (no dryer) out on line, played with dog before he ate washing. Down the pub, bin there twice now I am a 'regular', back to house, washed Wing (as U should), just got washing in as rain hit, had a win. Lotza marks from road grime on Wing, not easy to remove, people over road seem to wonder about this Charlie flat on his back in driveway. 'A clean Wing is a happy Wing!' Spent most of the afternoon on poota, I have not felt this cold since the North Pole in 1962, must be OLD AGE, and the little dog sleeps outside most of the day; where is the cat? It is now 1400 Hrs and quite dark, would like to see more of this country, planning second trip round, this is learner.(must admit cannot wait to get back to my 'family' in Currumbin, miss them.) Tamarra, Mick, Sue, Erin, Megs, Chris, Sisi, Candy, Kirsti, Karen, Addo, Mark and the ladies from the office. If I have missed anyone, My apologies, not a day goes by when I would not luv to be back there, end of August, get the media in. "old Fart does round Oz on Bike" LOL I will return alone but I will finish my dream. Estimate 16000 Ks to 18000 Ks, Wing is superb, only $40000 for a new one, (Christ HAVE TWO), my dream is half way through. How many 65 year olds are digging weeds from there gardens and done nothing, seize the day. Be lucky. Bandit on the Wing :-)

Bottle shops around Oz

Mail arrived today from Mike (Coffs A.G.M.) suggesting I write a book on bottle shops around Australia ( could this be a best 'cellar' I wonder? ). Today my mate took off for Broome and I borrowed his car (smaller than the Wing) found chemist, pub, bottle shop and deli; Returned to his fridge/freezer to find it PACKED to the limit with food, I am only a small person and my stomach holds Bourbon not food. Mate just rang from Broome to tell to put the garbage out. "They lend U their house, car, fridge/freezer, garage, dog, cat and then wan't U to put the garbage out" U won't find better people than that. We think that the last time we met was over 25 years ago in Penrith, my sons called him 'Wickers" coz he had whiskers (not the cat food) The weather forecast does not look real flash but the Eastern States are copping more than us, looks like we got through just in time. Wednesday we start heading North and the warmer weather, I hope, the nice people we met from Florida on the ferry South of Melbourne (Queenscliff?)they WERE cold. If they read this I hope you went to Currumbin Surf Club, I gave them the address of this site as I do to all that are interested. They are very nice people who seemed suprised that Ozzies were so friendly,some of the friendliest people I met was in America I hope we made a good impression (Wild Hogs, Mild Dogs?). We were refuelling one day when a man in a suit and tie remarked 'I envy you blokes' we agreed. ( my favorite statement "How lucky am I?" ) Robbin Williams 'Sieze the day' Be Lucky Bandit On The Wing

Extractions

Staying near Fremantle with mate who escorted me to Honda Perth to get Wing serviced, he then took me to a dentist who extracted a tooth and a large part of my wallet. When the pain wears off we have to pick up the Wing and I am sure another large part of my wallet will be extracted, the Wing needed oil change and 1 headlight had blown. My mate is flying out to Broome tomorrow for a week with his family and has loaned me his house, not bad for a bloke I have not seen in over many years. Nev, the other rider, is in a tent in Perth where he intends to visit relatives, he will call me in a few days when he is ready and away we go again. The next part of the trip is up the West coast and a long way between petrol stations, Nev carries spare fuel in his trailer and my Wing economy is very good. We must watch out for kangaroos, wombats, camels, emues, eagles and any other animals that could be waiting for us. We have blue skies at the moment but rain is forcast for the next few days and my waterproof gear is not real waterproof, there are hairdryers in most motels to dry the gear out.

Fremantle

Just had tour round Fremantle, very nice city. WE FOUND BOTTLE SHOP. nice town; my guide is well versed on these locations. I could write book on nice people I have met and I am only half way round. There will be more to come as the plot unfolds, pics to follow, my mate, Blackie is poota wizz. Have not seen this man in many years but it was just like yesterday and he is good cook. ( I only travel with GOOD cooks ) I am good cook too but do not admit it. good at washing up. Just took pics of sun going down over Western sea, I live in the East so only see sunrise on the ocean

West Coast, Cockburn Sound

Went to " Land of the Giants" out of Denmark for tree walk, up to 40 Metres high on floating walkway, wobbley. Stayed at Margaret River hotel, D'vine resturant nice people; went to Augusta to see where the Southern and Indian ocean meet " U can C the join" LOL. Went West to Coogees, got lost, ocean on left but so is shadow, 'North is South' ??????????????????????????? we got to my mate's place after many losses. Now into Bourbon at Blackie's place; dentist tomorrow and service on Honda, blown headlight and oil change. Blackie leaves for Broome tomorrow but I have his fridge. LOL :-))))I am just South of Fremantle and Perth THEN over the top, 7000 down 9000 to go. Be lucky, Bandit.

The Margaret

Off to Margaret Bay tomorrow.
Nev is cooking again tonight. I could get used to this.
I have no shakes, no worries and I feeling great.
Nev can't get over my health pattern.

I am fantastic, and lucky of course. 17/6/07

Whale World

Last night my co rider (Neville) cooked dinner in the cabin, steak with all the trimmings; he is a good cook, so good I'll let him cook again tonight. Today we went to Whale World which used to be a whaleing station, met a very nice lady employee and a very nice gent that was involved with the place, bikes attracted lots of interest. We then went to take pics of "Dog rock", a large rock that looks like the head of a Rottie, day started off cool and cloudy but the sun is shining now, Nev is watching OLD Disney film with Mouskateers. We are off to Margeret River tomorrow, where two oceans meet, then off to Freemantle where I must see a dentist (bugga), mate from way back is meeting me while Nev is going on to Perth; both machines to be serviced this week then over the top. I finally changed my C.D.s after 6000 plus Ks, poor old Willie is in the top box. Hi St. Clem. Be lucky, Bandit on the Wing.

Albany, West Oz

Just arrived at Albany, West Oz, like drowned rats, Middleton Beach, fantastic people, most helpfull, had trouble with poota but all fixed now. We had 6 hours of cold rain, bikes are 'clean', Nev my co rider is cooking, bloody good cook, nice lady called Caitlin has helped no end with this entry; I have severe tooth ache and appointment in Coogee on Wednesday, what a trip, we stay tomorrow for washing and bike clean then Perth and over the top to Darwin, on to East coast. be lucky Bandit

Esperance

We were awakened at 0400 today with an attempted murder being carried out by a local tribe trying to take out a native, blood everywhere, police, ambulance etc. Lucky the machines were locked up, they could have been wrecked. We have travelled 400 Ks today to Esperance and found nice motel that will put bikes in secure area, we eat at Subway and find bottleshops; off to Albany in the morn, about 480 Ks then we turn North to Perth, need washing done and bikes cleaned. Bought more CDs yesterday, 6000Ks of Willie Nelson is wearing thin. Weather is cold and rain has just arrived, get to next internet when I can, my co rider does not understand pootas. Gotta went. Be lucky. Bandit.

Kalgoorlie day 2

Last night the part owner of the hotel found us to ask if we would lock our machines in his garaage, he gave us a spare key so we had freedom. We watched the State of Origin in the pub opposite (Go Qld )Beer is $5 a midi all over town, they even have Boddingtons ( one for the English ). The sun is shining but still cool, just went to the bank and the cashier had never seen the card I have, she is new, a word with the manager and I went on my way rejoicing. The miners make BIG money in this town therefore everything is expensive but we are only passing through; I think tomorrows town should be spelt Esparance ( oh U look it up L.O.L.)My co rider went out last night, I cannot say where, the censor would cut it; he is now looking at museums while I look at bottle shops and take pictures. This is a very old town with buildings dating way back, lots to see but the mine tour is only on 3rd. Sunday so we will not see it. I cannot download pics until I get back so I will text my son if I cannot find internet site. We found a pub that has bikini barmaids so mate will be in there, wanna go to my surf club, about the end of August, what a great trip so far, I would recommend it to everyone. Just had a call, gotta go to the museum. Be lucky, Bandit

Kalgoorlie

Found internet cafe, arrived Kalgoorlie today, staying at Palace hotel in main street, great weather but cool for a Queenslander. Another of our riders has moved on to return on his own so now there are two of us, there were 4 to start but a broken leg and a desire to get back has caused a nasty feeling to the trip. I will stay in Perth while the bike is serviced then the 2 of us will go over the top in about 10 days time. It is difficult to find internet access, the machines take the money and often do not work, we are off to Esparanze two days time then move towards Perth. We will make it, Be Lucky, I am.

Nullifying the Nullarbor

Crossed the Nullarbor, 7:30pm, temp 5 to 18!!
Kalgoorlie tomorrow.

Already looking at the next time I go around ;)

12/6/07

Dinner

Went to Dan's (cop) house, very nice people.
The Pro has caught up and is in the next room.
500k's tomorrow!!
Eucla then 700k's to Norseman then Kalgourlie 10/6/2007

Dinner with the Cop

The cop who helped us has invited us to his place. If he has internet will post a msg for you all.
Ceduna is closed, has major problem with Indigineous.

That Cop

Cop has Wing. Had a chat and he took us to the hotel. So we booke din for 2 days.
The cop even came back to see we were ok.
Head for Nullabor Monday!!!
Will try to find some internet access tomorrow. 9/6/07

Friendly Cop

Arrived in Ceduna, sunshine!!! Lucky, out of fuel at Iron Nob.
Fuel station shut down, locals opening a new cafe had 20ltrs in drum for us.
Got pulled by cop in Ceduna cont..............

Nice Motel

At Pt, Augusta, nice motel with pub.
Tried the interent but seems to be down.
Now we are 2. The pro is stopping for a longer stay here and there. 8/6/2007

Big Dog

Adelaide.
Big dog, 2 emu's, bike cop..........all missed!!!
Only me and pilot on road now. Not into the camping in every place thing. 8/6/07

Another day another feed

Great day. Vanessa at Jubilee Motel, top cook!!!
Off to Adelaide tomorrow.
Wing service in Perth, need brake adjustment. Minor but will help. 6/6/07

Mt the Gambier

Arrived Gambier, Cold/wet.
Top Motel, 3 rooms $45 a night each. Staying 2 nights.
I lead today, but they stopped for pics. I was then half an hour in front of them. They didn't tell me they were stopping. 5/6/07

The Great Appollo

Stopped in Apollo Bay, rained all the way.
Then left my camera in the bottleshop, went back, still there. Lucky!!

LOST

We all got lost again. Twice.....
I follow sun, shadows and signs.

Driveway to digs is a SHEAR drop, so I tried to rise down steps, whoops!!
Reverse

We're at Portsea.....Away We Go 3/6/07

Leaking suit!!

400K's through freezing rain, found out my suit leaks.
In a cabin at Inverloch........welcome to sunny Melbourne.
Catch boat tomorrow the Great Ocean Road!!! 2/6/07

Lake entrance

We are at Lakes Entrance, Vic. Found internet cafe and now learning, off to Cowes tomorrow then Portsie then to Queenscliff, by car ferry, then Gt. Ocean Rd. from there...... who knows? Be Lucky. we are, Bandit.