Date: September 3rd 2010

Westprint Friday Five September 3, 2010  

Included this week:

·         Grampians NP road closure

·         Francois Peron National Park (WA) Closed due to heavy rains.

·         Great Central Road information.

 

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Unless otherwise noted all special prices listed in the

Friday Five are valid for seven days.

Friday Specials 03.09.2010

 

1. (The) Sky Racers. Fasten your fleecy-lined flying suit, and pull on your leather helmet, goggles, and gloves. It is 1919, the First World War is over, and the Commonwealth Government has put up £10,000 prize money for the first Australian air crew to fly from London to Port Darwin. Up until now, the longest flight anywhere in the world has been 2,000 miles, yet this one will be 11,000 miles, almost halfway round the planet - with very few landing strips on the way. Sixteen outstanding young Australian aviators - decorated ex-servicemen - have the opportunity to participate in the unique air race. Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler, Hudson Fysh, Keith and Ross Smith and the indefatigable Ray Parer - all to become legendary for their exploits - are involved. By today's standards their aircraft would be considered almost unbelievably primitive. Yet at the time, they were at the cutting edge of the new science of aeronautics. Still, only six flyers will reach Australia by aeroplane. Others will never see their country again. $35.95 Add to Cart 

2. Bluebird and the Dead Lake . John Pearson. In Australia 's remote outback, on the dazzling saltpan of Lake Eyre , Donald Campbell set out to drive his Bluebird car at over 400 miles an hour, faster than any man in history. Things went wrong from the start: unseasonal rains, a sodden lake bed in which every high-speed run slewed dangerously deep ruts, money running short, and even an Aboriginal curse. But with enormous courage, as death shimmered on the horizon ahead of him, the lonely and isolated Campbell tried to hold his nerve until he broke the record. 272pp $25.95 Add to Cart 

3. Sister Elizabeth Kenny. Maverick heroine of polio treatment. Sister Kenny (1880–1952) struggled her whole life to have her unique treatment for the crippling disease of polio accepted by conservative medical authorities in Australia and in the USA . Wade Alexander tells of Sister Kenny’s service in WWI and her struggle for recognition resulting in the government’s Townsville test of her work in 1934. Challenging the Queensland health official’s report, she carried on her crusade to help polio patients. In 1940, Kenny went to America, where she helped thousands of children and adults overcome the effects of this crippling disease. Sister Kenny became an American celebrity, featured in Time, Life and Newsweek. In 1951 she shared the title of Most Influential Woman in America with Eleanor Roosevelt. Kenny’s treatment continued in use until the advent of the Salk vaccine. $29.95 Add to Cart

Some books remaining from Aug 20.  

1. Tins. Collectors Guide. $12.00 including post. One copy.
2. Grandpa’s Store. $16.00 including post. One copy.
3. More Australian Tins. $12.00 including post. One copy.
4. Old Signs. Valuation guide. 80 page A4. $35.00 including post. Two copies.
5. Shop by Post. Edments Cash Stores. One copy.
6. Kitchenalia. Valuation guide. $35.00 including post. Two copies.
7. Garagenalia. Valuation guide. $35.00 including post. Two copies.

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.  

Hooray, it’s Spring!! Rain and water everywhere and each time I turn my back for just a minute the weeds have grown another 10 cm or so. I have discovered the most eco-friendly way of keeping the lawns mown and the garden weeded – I just let Emma’s horses in for a bit of a snack! They aren’t too choosy as to whether they are chomping on weeds or flowers but since our garden has been professionally landscaped by a succession of Labradors, assisted by the four chooks and a couple of cats it’s not exactly a garden that humans would call manicured (wild and unkempt springs to mind).  

John and Bev were last heard from in the Elliot area, heading towards Darwin . Let us know if you see them. They are researching Ralph and John Milner. If you have any information on these little known pioneers John would like to hear about it.  

It is our policy to answer all enquiry emails. The exceptions to this are the dodgy ones (lottery winnings, check your bank account details etc.). Sometimes I don’t get time to reply to all forwarded jokes but please keep sending them, keeping in mind that all computers at Westprint are able to be viewed by children and customers. If you have sent an email and it hasn’t been answered please send a follow up email with an alternative contact.  

We are just learning about Facebook here (we’re over 20 so it takes a while for us oldies). For those people who have figured it out, you can check out our page by searching for Westprint.  

Gibson Query

The following query was emailed to us but our reply keeps bouncing back.  

·         Do you have the maps of Earnest Giles' second journey which best show where Gibson was lost? Thankyou for your assistance, Peter  

Hi Peter,

I'm not sure of the exact place where Gibson was lost, except that it was near the Alfred and Marie Range .

The book Australia Twice Traversed includes copies of Giles own maps of his expeditions.

The book Geographic Travels includes a map which shows Giles' journeys 1872 – 1874

Giles' routes are shown on the Westprint Alice Springs to Uluru map and on the Westprint Gunbarrel Highway map.

All are available from Westprint.  

Cooper Crossing  

·         At the Cooper Creek crossing along the Birdsville Track, trailers and campers are not permitted by themselves but they can be loaded and secured on the back of a truck for a fee. If a vehicle has a trailer they will wait until any cars travelling as a group have been through and the trailer is loaded ready to go. The car will then cross followed by the trailer on the next crossing. The wait could be an hour or more. The time for a vehicle to cross is approximately 6-7 minutes. The ferry may also be shut down in the case of strong winds blowing across the path of the ferry. We were there the weekend before the election and arrived at about 10:20am on the Saturday but were unable to cross until Sunday at 7:05am . The community feel of the group of strangers at night was great. Nick  

Great Central Road

·         We are currently Mulga camped in our 21ft Caravan approx 12Km North of Newman in the Pilbara, having travelled across the Great central Road from The Olga's starting Sat 14th Aug arriving Laverton evening of 18th August, (slow progress by our choice.). We did this route for first time in 2005 (almost same dates), and the condition 10 days ago was so contrasting. Yes, it is pretty corrugated to the WA Border but from there on it is superb. I have spent a great deal of my driving life in the Mulga and on gravel in the past 50+years, and it was a joy to drive on for 80% of the way. There are some rough patches and small surprises as dips and the odd gutter but if you have learnt to read the road and drive at a sensible speed it is a delight. There are two Graders working full time on the Warburton/Laverton end. I spoke to one operator and told him how impressed I was. Also called at Shire Office and congratulated CEO Peter Crawford on the Shire’s work. He told me he was working on the detail for spending another $1.5 Million on it and they seldom get praise for their efforts.

Was in Yalgoo, Morawa, Mullewa area two days ago, there are lots of wildflowers, but you need to detour to look. If you head down the Yalgoo Morawa Road , after approx 30 kms there are plenty until about 30 kms from Morawa. Then also on Morawa/Mullewa & Mullewa - Mt Magnet sections.

Rain and a very cold winter has delayed some species. Odd Wreath Flowers are out but small, Mullewa will give you directions to current sites. We coincided with their annual W/Flower show in the Shire Hall and they had a couple there set in natural surroundings from a Private Property, truly spectacular. They say next 2 weeks they will be much better. Hope this is of help to others in the regions or planning travel "SOON". Thomas  

Grampians National Park Road Closure

Visitors need to be aware that limbs are continuing to fall due to the wet ground conditions and all unsealed roads are very wet and slippery. Where possible, Parks Victoria recommends only travelling on sealed roads unless you are travelling in a four wheel drive vehicle.

Syphon Road, Victoria Valley - Closed until early 2011

The bridge at the southern end of the road was assessed by DSE engineers who have deemed it unsafe and have provided advice to Parks Victoria that the bridge should be closed immediately. Funding has been allocated by DSE and the bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the first few months of 2011.  

Looking for a map

Do you know of a paper (wall) map that covers the following area: all of Simpson Desert NP including NT and Qld sections south to almost Port Augusta, and from Coober Pedy east to Noccundra. I'm looking for a scale of no less than 1:2million, preferably 1:1 million. Neville  

We don’t have that scale. Does anyone know of anything?  

From last week - Permit information  

·         The Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council (ANFWDC) website is the ONLY place where Permit applications and Permits to traverse the Canning may be obtained. They also have the most current and up to date information on their website regarding the locations you can and cannot visit when travelling the Canning and lots of other information. The ANFWDC website is at www.anfwdc.asn.au. If you contact one of the two Land Councils involved, they will simply refer you to the ANFWDC website.

Re the Transcontinental Railway, the Australian Rail Track Corporation ( ARTC ) has advised that “the only publicly accessible parts of the access road which runs parallel to the transcontinental rail line are those parts between Kalgoorlie and Rawlinna in Western Australia and between Kingoonya and Tarcoola in South Australia . Both of those sections remain gazetted as public roads”.

It is thus illegal to travel east of Rawlinna or west of Tarcoola utilising the rail access road. It is private property and absolutely no permits are being issued. This situation arose consequent to the corporatisation of Australian National Railways some years ago. Regrettably, there had been far too many instances of travellers breaking down, or needing help, and they were, incredibly, flagging down the trains! Management have simply barred access and will have transgressors dealt with as trespassers. The fine can be quite hefty. You have been warned!

Additionally, ARTC advise that “the only places where it is legal to actually cross the rail line are at properly constructed and marked rail crossings”.

This means that the only legal access to or from the northern end of Googs Track is via the marked crossing at Malbooma, and then the north/south track from Malbooma to the east/west track to the Stuart highway via Carnes and Bulgunnia HS. John

PS: I’m the bloke who produces the information reprinted in the VKS magazine and available on about a dozen or so other websites around Australia , including Exploroz, regarding permits and other special requirements needed to access indigenous lands and other areas around Australia where special or unusual requirements exist. I’m currently in the process of updating all of that information including the Canning information, and hope to have it finalized by about the end of September. The information is available on the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Sydney), (TLCC), website at www.tlcc.com.au click on “Members Info” then “Track Permits”.  

 Paper Catalogue  

Gday- just saw a print catalogue of yours for the first time over the weekend - drooled over many of the book titles! Do you still have copies of the Australian Souvenir Map? Dave  

We not only have copies of the map, we have spare copies of the paper catalogue. If you would like one sent to you please email us your mailing address to send it to and we will post one out. (Dave, your email is another that bounces when we try and reply to your request)  

Francois Peron National Park (WA) Closed  

·         All visitors to the Shark Bay area please note that due to wide spread rainfall, Francois Peron National Park has been closed until further notice. Sites that will be affected in the park include Cape Peron , Skipjack Point, Bottle Bay , Herald Bight, Gregories, South Gregories , Big Lagoon and the Peron Homestead. Visitors are encouraged to visit other sites in Shark Bay during this time. Access to the park will be reviewed daily and when conditions improve DEC will send further advice as to when the park will be reopened. For further information please contact the DEC Denham office on (08) 9948 1208.  

Gary Junction

·         We would just like to thank the people who took the time to send in info on the Gary Junction road etc. We are just back from a great 4 weeks, travelling up the Birdsville Track, (first vehicles through after the top end of the road opened!) Then out onto the Simpson Desert , the wild flowers were just fabulous - we have never seen the desert looking so magical. We camped for 4 nights on the desert, and wished we had more!!

Then travelled up the Old Ghan line to Alice springs , via Chambers Pillar.

After a cleanup and restock we headed out onto the Gary Junction road, via the West MacDonnell 's. Another 5 nights across and we were in Marble Bar. This part of the journey was very isolated, and I think we may have been the only vehicle going our way (we met a couple of vehicles heading east). We diverted down the Sandy Blight Junction road, and had lunch near some huge rocks (it's a pity someone called 'IAN' decided to leave his autograph in white paint across the front!!).onto Tietkins tree, and then came back up. The scenery through here was spectacular. We camped at a couple of spots recommended by Westprint readers...thanks, the information was really helpful.

After that down to Laverton and onto the Anne Beadell Highway to Neale Junction ( did the other end last year) and headed south down the Connie-Sue to Rawlinna and came out near Cocklebiddy on the Eyre Highway , then home.

We were lucky to dodge the rain all the way, only a few spits a couple of times. Then home to lot's of rain on the farm...which was wonderful. Gayle. Donald, VIC

Burn The Scare Crow 2010  

Burn the Scarecrow is an interclub 4WD gathering held each year in Western Victoria . This year it was held at a property near Pomonal. Clubs involved were Wimmera, Portland , Hamilton , Grampians and Mildura. The following is from the Wimmera 4WD club newsletter.

·         The course consisted of a small climb, before stopping where the passenger had to throw darts at a dart board to score.  The next stop had the passenger getting out and walking about 15 metres and putting in a second pole with the driver giving instructions to the passenger judging the distance for them to put the pole, so they were able to drive through with enough room without hitting their mirrors. The driver had to then stop between the poles, so the official could measure the distance between each pole and mirror.

From there, there was a steep, sharp climb and descent, before stopping a third time for the passenger to throw a ball through a basketball ring. The passenger than had to advise the driver where to stop, so the front left hand wheel was on top of a yellow board.

When that was done the driver had to go up a slight embankment and stop at a certain point, before reversing down, turning left and parking in a taped area. At the next task the passenger was given a piece of pipe which hung out of their window between the mirror and onto the bulbar and a golf ball.  The driver had to judge roughly how far they should be so the passenger could put the golf ball in the pipe and have it land in a circle marked on the ground.

For the final task the passenger picked a piece of paper that had a sequence of numbers on it, these numbers were to be memorized in order before handing it back to the official.  The passenger was then handed a set of rings, which were to be put on the numbered poles in the sequence of the numbers that the passenger had memorized. This meant the driver would have to drive to the first pole, so the passenger could put the ring on, than either reverse or drive forward, until all rings were on poles.

Competitors were scored on how well they went, losing points if they hit poles and or if they got stuck.  

I’m not sure Graeme and I would have been on speaking terms at the end of that! 

Perhaps we may have been speaking but would the other have been listening?

 

Loose Wheels  

·         We had a wheel come very close to falling off and our local tyre agent told us that for cars with alloy mags (as we do) the major problem is that the wheel nuts don't seat properly when being done up. One way to fix this problem is to put grease on the flange of the nut and what that does is make the nut not grip the alloy and then it can seat properly by slipping smoothly into place. We have never had a problem since thankfully. Mark.  

Westprint reprint plan  

·         Good to know that you are updating some maps - we always use your maps on our travels. Just one request - to please put the date of printing on the map. If there is ever any doubt about a track/s it is good to know how old the map is and therefore if tracks may be more recent than the present map etc. Sometimes when using various maps of a track or area and there is a variation it is reassuring to go to the most recent one. Your maps and the information on them make for safer and interesting travel - thank you. Lee.  

The publication date is supposed to be on the back cover of each map, however upon checking, some of the Westprint maps’ publication dates are hard to find. We will try to make sure that the publication date is on the back cover of each of our maps in future.

Tunnel Creek National Park (WA)

·       The DEC has recently become aware that people have visited the Aboriginal rock art site near the western entrance/exit to Tunnel Creek National Park . Please be advised that for Aboriginal cultural reasons, access to these sites is not permitted. Thank you for your co-operation.

Friday Funnies  

·         “Our youth now love luxury.  They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders, and love chatter in place of exercise.  They no longer rise when others enter the room.  They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up their food, and tyrannize their teachers.”

Aristotle - 350 years before Christ!  

• "I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them."  

• "Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs." --P. J. O'Rourke  

• Never argue with an idiot; because people watching may not be able to tell the difference.  

• Random thoughts from people aged 25-35yrs from Anthony part 3.

•  I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

•  I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

•  Bad decisions make good stories.

•  You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

•  Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

 

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

 

 

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