Date: August 27th 2010

Westprint Friday Five August 27, 2010  

Included this week:

·         Cooper Creek Ferry Information

·         SA road and track information

·         Basin Bullet

 

Have you missed any copies? Use this link for archives

To view the range of products from Westprint use this link

www.westprint.com.au

Unless otherwise noted all special prices listed in the

Friday Five are valid for seven days.  

Friday Specials 27.08.2010  

1. Gone for a Song. Jeff Waters. A death in custody on Palm Island . In November 2004 a young indigenous man made some comments that clearly irritated the police officer in the midst of making an arrest nearby. Less than two hours later the man died in a lock-up, and more than two and a half years after that, the first policeman to be charged over a black death in custody faced court. He was later found not guilty. $24.95 plus post. We have one copy in stock. May be able to get more but stocks are low. Add to Cart 

2. Lamb Enters the Dreaming. Robert Kenny. "The Lamb" traces the life of Nathanael Pepper of the Wotjobaluk people. Pepper was born as the first pastoralists were driving cattle and sheep into Victoria 's Wimmera region. In their wake came the Christian missionaries, who were just as hostile to the settler’s violence as they were to the traditional beliefs of Aboriginal people. Pepper converted to Christianity in 1860, and began an extraordinary story of his attempts to reconcile the apparently irreconcilable differences between his culture and the symbolic nature of Christianity. $29.95 plus post. This book is available as an order only. Orders need to be emailed to us by Sept 3.

3. Singing Saltwater Country. John Bradley's compelling account of three decades living with the Yanyuwa people of the Gulf of Carpentaria and of how the elders revealed to him the ancient songlines of their Dreaming. At twenty John Bradley was sent to teach Aboriginal children in a school at remote Borroloola, on the Gulf of Carpentaria in far north Australia . But it is the teacher who is educated by the Yanyuwa elders and their families. Over three decades he learns their language and their country, becoming intimately drawn into other ways of being, both practical and spiritual. With passion and pride they teach him their songlines, relating what they know and value - ancestors, kin, allegiances; places, plants, animals; seasons, ceremonies, stories - and the spirit that sustains all.
   As we follow Bradley on his journey, we begin to see that the songlines are keys to the authority and continuity held by Aboriginal Law. We begin to understand why, when country can no longer be sung, the Yanyuwa feel it so deeply. And what such loss means to us all. Just published and not yet in stock. Orders being taken. $39.99 plus post. 
4. Journal of Explorations in Central Australia. A A Davidson. By the Central Australian Exploration Syndicate, Limited, 1898-1900. Allan Davidson is one of Australia ’s least-known inland explorers. He discovered indications of gold at Tanami and The Granites which led to the later development of the gold mines there. Until now little has been known about Davidson apart from what is in his very readable journal. Valmai Hankel’s introduction reveals for the first time details of his adventurous life, and includes the first photographs of him to be published. Trained in surveying, metallurgy and mining engineering, Davidson wrote a daily journal which is important as a geological description of the territory he covered. He has written a lively and at times amusing tale of his experiences. The only version of this important journal appeared as a parliamentary paper in 1905. The text has now been reset, and the publication includes superb coloured topographical and geological charts in a matching case. Limited to 300 copies we have one copy only available. $120.00 including post.

5. Saints and Soldiers. Harley Matthews. Second Hand book from the Westprint collection. Published in 1918. No dust jacket. Book in fair condition. After working as an articled clerk in 1906-14 Matthews enlisted as a private in the 4th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, on 13 September 1914. He took part in the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, was mentioned in dispatches and wounded early in August. After service in France, in August 1916 he was posted to the Australian Army Pay Corps at A.I.F. HQ, London; repatriated towards the end of 1917, he was discharged on 29 December. His volume of twenty short stories, Saints and Soldiers (1918), illustrates the typical traits and exploits of diggers during the war. $100 inc post.

Sonya’s Special. Four Minute Mile DVD . This is the last copy we have available and Sonya would like to clear the shelf space. The true story of John Landy, Roger Bannister and the "race of the century". Though Bannister will always be remembered as the first man to break this barrier, this film continues to the 1954 Empire Games and their first head to head race. Was $33.50 including post. This copy $20.00 including post.

Books are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. To reserve your copy of any of the following books please email info@westprint.com.au with the title you are interested in. All emails will be answered during the following week, either with details of how to pay, or a ‘sorry, the item has already sold’ email. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price.  

Postage Rates. These items will usually not be found on our website. Orders will be supplied on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Westprint normal postage rates are now $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.

 

Friday Forum

Jo’s comments are in green.  

Disclaimer.

Please note that the opinions and articles included in the Friday Five are not necessarily those of the Westprint mob. Nor do we endorse any products (other than our own), or tours listed in contributed articles.  

Notes from the Office.

It’s raining, raining, raining. The creeks and rivers are flowing and we might even get some water in Lake Hindmarsh . The only other time my kids have known it to rain every day for a week is when we have been north during the wet season!

Last week we wrote “Comments from Users Welcome”. Thank you to those who have sent snippets of information for us. Some of these are printed below. We are always looking for changes, corrections and alterations for our maps. It is a big country and we can’t get to each and every road and track (although we’d like to!). All corrections are sent to our cartographer (also named John) who, being far more organised than we are, logs all the changes on the computer so that each new edition will be as up to date as we can make it.

John and Bev are currently on the road field checking and doing research for the next six weeks. They are in the Alice Springs area for the Road Transport Hall of Fame Reunion (happening between August 25 – 31), travelling in a white Toyota Troopy/camper. Give them a wave or say G’Day if you see them. Happy travelling, Jo.  

Outback Helpers

·         Just wanted to thank you ever so much for putting our information onto your Newsletter site. We are getting quite a bit of feedback from it which is great. Cheers. Jean in Mt Gambier (where it’s a bit soggy at the minute!)  

From last week – best time to travel

·         To Gary from Windsor Downs, We did Mount Isa , Birdsville, Haddon Corner, Innamincka, Cameron Corner, Tibooburra, Broken Hill to the Riverland for our Wedding last year in October. We had no dramas what so ever. Didn't see any rain at all, the Cooper was down and tracks were great. They had big dust storms though, making for some awesome photos heading into them! It'll be interesting going that way this year after the big wet they had further north with the Strzelecki and Cooper Creeks flooding but should be well down by October. But then again you never know what good old Mother Nature can dish out. Just go - it'll be an adventure and something to write about for sure! At Innamincka pop into the post office and they'll sort you out for camping and permits etc. I definitely would personally travel there the time you are going, it's an awesome part of Australia and don't get me wrong all the outback food is awesome, experience at least 1 feed at the pub in Innamincka! Hope this makes you want to go more. Brian & Lisa, Mount Isa QLD  

National Parks and Wildlife South Australia  

DESERT PARKS BULLETIN. NO. 367. 27th August 2010

Full Bulletin is on the Westprint website.

Halligan Bay Track – Closed due to rain.

Level Post Bay Track – Open to 4WD with caution around ponded water. 

Coongie Track – Closed due to rain.

Walkers Crossing Track – Closed due to rain

15 Mile Track and Access to Cooper Creek – Closed due to rain

Cullyamurra Track – Closed due to rain

Bore Track – Closed due to recent rains.

The Dalhousie airstrip is currently closed to public use until further notice.

Warburton Crossing – Closed until further notice. Water from the Birdsville/Bedourie area will keep the Warburton Crossing closed for an unknown time.

 

SA Roads info  

COOPER CREEK FERRY INFORMATION

Signs displaying condition of use of the ferry are installed at Marree, Birdsville, Mungerannie and at the ferry crossing.

Conditions of use of the ferry: Maximum load for vehicles - 10t gross, Maximum length of vehicles is 7.8m - Trailers are permitted providing the total length of towing vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7.8m. Caravans are not permitted. Trailers cannot be transported separate to towing vehicle. Trailers must remain hitched to towing vehicle whilst on ferry. The use of a quad bike to load / unload trailers is not allowed.

Persons use the ferry at own risk. No more than 6 passengers permitted on ferry at the one time. No persons permitted in vehicles during crossing. Lifejackets must be worn

The ferry will operate during daylight hours only 7 days per week weather permitting.

The ferry WILL NOT operate if the Birdsville Track from Marree to Mungerannie is CLOSED

All persons must follow instructions and conditions in loading as directed by the ferry operator.  

Loose Wheels  

I have been reading with interest all of the stories about losing wheels, particularly on Patrol’s, as a good friend of mine lost his left rear just a couple of weeks ago. This occurred fortunately at low speed and did little damage to his vehicle. He had spare studs and nuts for his caravan that were a suitable temporary fix and with a steel rim, was able to make repairs and get himself home. When we started to look into the failure, it appears that the nuts have worked loose over a 12 month period as I removed that wheel and replaced an axle seal for him last year; the nuts were re-torqued twice at 100 K intervals after and had not been removed again. When he went in to his local 4x4 repairer, the service manager was not at all surprised and had three other vehicles with a similar problem including one with a rather large insurance claim pending as it had removed the entire brake assembly from the axle housing along with some rather extensive panel damage. These vehicles were all late model Patrol’s with factory alloy wheels.

On a personal note, a couple of years ago I had my driveshaft rebuilt (among other things), prior to a trip up the Canning. This repair was one of two I did not do for myself: lesson, never let anyone else touch your 4WD! Between Well 1 and Well 2, I heard a small clicking sound a couple of times, as I slowed to stop (from about 20Kmh) and have a look, my tail shaft fell off the rear diff pinion flange almost tearing a hole in my fuel tank as it pivoted around the one remaining bolt. Three of the nuts were gone and two of the bolts, but neither of the bolts still there were useable and the flanges were damaged. I cleaned up both the flanges with a file and the “borrowed” one bolt from each joint in my front shaft and the transmission flange of the rear shaft, giving me three bolts in each joint. We were able to finish our trip like that and had to have the shaft rebuilt again as it was dented, this time I removed and installed it myself, replacing the bolts as I went. The guy who did the work originally asked me why I had not stopped and checked them! And refused to accept any responsibility for the damage. I am a mechanic myself with over 30 years trade experience and now work as a trade instructor, there is no way you should be expected to re-torqued drive shaft bolts after all, that would mean that every time we visit a repair shop we would get a note asking us to come back next week for a re-torque. Wheel nuts excepted. I have recently sold the faithful old Hilux and replaced it with a Landcruiser ute, this one has alloy wheels! Let’s see if they are a Toyota problem also. Brett and Robyn  

Comments from users

·         Information on permits for Canning can be obtained from VKS-737, Toyota Landcruiser Club of Australia , ExplorOz and of course the various land councils. I have a copy of VKS-737 Network News Autumn 2009 in my file that is as comprehensive an article as I've seen. I'm pretty sure the ANFWD mob has all the info as well. Tony.  

·         Pam is the publican at Urandangi, a lovely lady who fed and entertained us a few weeks ago. Fuel may or not be available at Lake Nash , depending on the local holidays. The police there are very helpful but travellers should call them for the latest fuel & road info. Daryl  

·         Beltana Station has shearer’s quarters available for accommodation. Good clean basic accommodation. Phil  

Westprint reprint plan

·         At present the Westprint Goog’s Track is unavailable as a paper map. (Still available in digital format). It will not be reprinted until early 2011. Any changes/comments or track logs about this area, Anne Beadell Highway and Transcontinental Railway will be greatly appreciated.

·         The Canning Stock Route map is due for revision and stocks are low. We are looking for comments/information about:

- how the permit system is working (easy to obtain, any difficulties getting them)

- any problems encountered on the track itself.

- any information about new tracks, especially around Well 4

- any track logs.

·         The Alice Springs – Uluru map is due for revision early next year. John and Bev are field checking in this area but other information is always appreciated.

Basin Bullet  

·         The August edition of the Basin Bullet, published by Desert Channels Queensland is available. This edition contains some interesting reading on the difference between native frogs and cane toads, plus other great stuff. To have a copy sent to you email info@dcq.org.au

(The difference between frogs and cane toads – cane toads are uuuggllyyyy!!!)  

Mobile Phone reception for Birdsville Races 

Part of a press release from Telstra

·         If you’re about to hit the road and head to Birdsville for the famous races next month, don’t forget to pack your Telstra Next G™ mobile phone because the town now has its first permanent 3G mobile service. It will provide coverage to the town and surrounding areas, extending outwards in a radius of approximately 20 to 30 kilometres.

Friday Funnies

 

·         AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.

You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape.

If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.

If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Remember:

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily Thought:

Some people are like slinky’s: not really good for anything but bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs. 

·         The French President is sitting in his office when his telephone rings.

'Hallo, Mr. Sarkozy!' a heavily accented voice said. 'This is Paddy down at the Harp Pub in County Clare , Ireland . I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you! We voted to reject the Lisbon treaty!'

'Well, Paddy,' Sarkozy replied, 'this is indeed important news! How big is your army?'

'Right now,' says Paddy, after a moment's calculation, 'there is myself, me Cousin Sean, me next door neighbour Seamus, and the entire darts team from the pub. That makes eleven!'

Sarkozy paused. 'I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100,000 men in my army waiting to move on my command.'

'Begoora!' says Paddy. 'I'll have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, the next day, Paddy calls again. 'Mr. Sarkozy, the war is still on. We have managed to get us some infantry equipment!'

'And what equipment would that be Paddy?' Sarkozy asks.

'Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor.'

Sarkozy sighs amused. 'I must tell you, Paddy that I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armoured personnel carriers. Also, I have increased my army to 150,000 since we last spoke.'

'Saints preserve us!' says Paddy. 'I'll have to get back to you.'

Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day. 'Mr. Sarkozy, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We have modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Bar have joined us as well!'

Sarkozy was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. 'I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100 bombers and 200 fighter planes. My military bases are surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I have increased my army to 200,000!'

'Sheesh!' says Paddy, 'I will have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, Paddy calls again the next day. 'Top o' the mornin', Mr. Sarkozy! I am sorry to inform you that we have had to call off the war.'

'Really? I am sorry to hear that,' says Sarkozy. Why the sudden change of heart?'

'Well,' says Paddy, 'we had a long chat over a few pints of Guinness and packets of chips, and we decided there is no way we can feed 200,000 prisoners.'

 

To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers.

Please be aware that there are numerous reasons why your email address may be deleted from our system. One of the main difficulties is that many spam companies also use the program we use for publishing and this means the Friday Five may be rejected as spam. If you do not regularly continue to get the Friday Five please check with Graeme at info@westprint.com.au Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.

New email addresses are constantly and automatically being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our Friday Five group then please unsubscribe from the link at the bottom of this newsletter. This takes effect immediately. Westprint apologises for any inconvenience. 

Cheers for now,

Jo

 

 

The link below is to UNSUBSCRIBE from this Newsletter only.