1 Westprint Friday Five

Westprint Friday Five 2013.6.14

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:48:00 GMT

<html> <img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>   <h1 align="center" dir="RTL" style="text-align:center; mso-outline-level:1;direction:rtl;unicode-bidi:embed">Westprint Friday Five 14th June 2013<o:p>  </o:p> </h1> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p> </o:p> 1.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport.htm">Droving Down the Cooper</a>. A Saddlemaker's Yarns. Col Hood. �Let�s go bush� These laconic words were to spark the beginning of a journey for two adventurous city kids under the spell of Banjo Paterson, and his tales of horses and men in the Australian outback. So this yarn unfolds. In his introduction to this book, Col invites the reader to �ride stirrup to stirrup� with him while he tells his stories. Mad if you don�t. Their adventures take place at a time when Australia was very much in transition �having got TV, Olympic Games, rock �n� roll, and going truly urban. It is a period that also pretty well marks the end of a distinct chapter of the postwar world. 160pp. First published in 2010. $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Droving+Down+the+Cooper&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport2.htm">Wheel Tracks</a>. W Amon. Wheel Tracks...over the red sandhill, across the boggy claypans, into flooded rivers, cutting their lonely path through kilometres of wildflowers or desert blasted by the heat ... in the country of the wild turkey and the giant lizards, where a mob of kangaroos can be so big that it takes an hour to pass by; where Tom Davies perished of thirst, and Micky Brown rode the outlaw mule ... the land of Terrible Bill Cridlen, Gus the Swede, Brumby Pete, and the celebrated Musical Bogger. Wheel Tracks is the epic of the first transport drivers in the north west of Western Australia, told by one of their company. Men who began driving when the camel teams were still on the tracks, and continued until they were replaced by the new generation in their huge, modern semi-trailers. It was a life in which the drivers encountered every kind of weather from a three year drought to a cyclone and met every kind of man, bird and beast that the Outback can provide; a life of humour, tragedy, endurance and adventure; and it is most vividly described in this memorable book. First published in 1961,  this edition 1993 $22.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Wheel+Tracks&price=22.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport2.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="3" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Audio_Books4.htm">The Rouseabout</a> � Audio CD. Rachael Treasure. Kate Webster is a loveable larrikin who likes to play hard now and worry about the consequences later. She can't help mucking up the opportunities life gives her. Rocked by the death of her mother, she takes on a dare at one of Australia's wildest rural social events - a Bachelors & Spinsters ball - to 'scalp' gorgeous farm boy Nick McDonnell. It's a dare that changes everything. For just as Kate is ready to start her new life, away from her grieving father and the pressures of the family farm, she discovers she is pregnant. Now, several years later, with toddler Nell by her side, it's time for Kate to come home to face the music - and the father of her child. $34.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=The+Rouseabout+CD&price=34.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Audio_Books4.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> 4.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping2.htm">The Complete Caravan Chef</a>. Combining the popular Caravan Chef and Caravan Chef 2 recipe books, Eva Stovern's latest cookbook includes 30 new recipes, including 10 desserts. The Complete Caravan Chef features delicious and easy recipes for preparing satisfying, tasty meals in a campervan or cabin, or at a campsite, plus plenty of useful tips on equipment, utensils and storage. In this edition, Eva also provides instructions for using thermal cookware in a caravan kitchen, with step-by-step directions for cooking a range of dishes. First published 2011 $29.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=The+Complete+Caravan+Chef&price=29.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping2.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="5" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/places.htm">Birdsville - My Year in the Back of Beyond</a>. Evan McHugh. For a town with seventy residents (on a good day), Birdsville is remarkably well known � the Birdsville Track, the rodeo, the pub, the infamous races. With its ruggedness, inaccessibility and larrikin charm, this small town on the edge of the Simpson Desert has become a symbol of the great Australian outback. What is it about Birdsville that has made it stand so large in our legends? And what's it like to live there amongst the floods and the heat and the dust storms? To find out, Evan McHugh packed up his Sydney home, bought a four-wheel drive and headed off with his wife for a year in the back of beyond.  Here, he tells us of the large adventures � midnight desert rescues, aerial mustering on vast cattle stations, relentless heat and massive floods � but also the small details of life in one of Australia's most isolated towns � like driving 700 kilometres to go shopping. As the month fly by, Evan learns about an ancient culture, sees dunes carpeted in millions of tiny wildflowers, and meets the members of an outback community facing extraordinary challenges with quiet determination and buckets of good humour. Birdsville is about breathtaking beauty and harshness of this country the generosity of its salt-of-the-earth people, and one man's discovery of his own reserves of courage and resilience. 270pp. First published in 2009, this edition 2010. $26.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Birdsville&price=26.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/places.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> From the Second Hand Shelves<o:p> </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">How to Tame Lions. Max Walker. Hard Cover. $9.00 A humorous look at Australian cricket in the 1980s.<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">In Step with Sturt. Keith Swan & Margaret Carnegie. Soft Cover. $16.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">India, a Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet.1987, Soft Cover. $6.00 An excellent guide with photograph and maps, 800 pgs of information<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">It�s Your Shout, Mate. John O�Grady. Soft Cover. $6.00. An hilarious look at Australian drinking habits. <o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">James Cook. Thea Stanley Hughes. Soft Cover. $5.00 A concise book about the life of Captain James Cook.<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">Jarhead. Anthony Swofford. Soft Cover. $6.00 A soldier�s story of modern war<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">Jessica. Bryce Courtenay. Hard Cover. $8.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">Jolliffe�s Outback #113. Jolliffe. Soft Cover. $12.00 Featuring Eric Jolliffe�s, Wonderful cartoons of outback life in the 1920s<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">Jolliffe�s Outback #121. Jolliffe. Soft Cover. $13.00 Featuring Eric Jolliffe�s, Wonderful cartoons of outback life in the 1920s<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2">Journey into Russia. Laurens Van Der Post. Soft Cover. $9.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> We have way too many secondhand books at the moment. For the rest of June, any second-hand book purchased will be sent post free in Australia (International post at cost)<o:p> </o:p> Notes from the Office<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum<o:p> </o:p> Editor�s comments in green.</o:p> Travel Notes.<o:p>  </o:p> Halligan Bay Track Level Post Bay Track Please note that the Public Access Routes (PARs) into Lake Eyre are closed due to rain. <o:p>  </o:p> Simpson Desert<o:p> </o:p> On the 2nd of June 2013, I decided to go across the Simpson Desert.  Prior to that, I did all the vehicle checks and purchased the required permit.  I even contacted a few people about it.  The only issue was that I had 8 days to go from <st1:City w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Brisbane</st1:place> </st1:City> to Mt Dare and then back again.<o:p> </o:p> I was told that 2-3 days was not enough to get across as I should be looking at 4-5 days.  I thought �Yeah right, that is if you intend to stop every hour�.  So my friend and I headed at 2am on the Sunday 2nd of June from Ipswich, <st1:City w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Brisbane</st1:place> </st1:City> .  Well, were we wrong!!!<o:p> </o:p> The first leg was to Windorah and it was a great drive.  We stayed on the outskirts of Windorah.  The second day saw us driving to Birdsville where we had a nice meal and drink at the Birdsville pub.  After checking the car over and filling up ($1.69/L Diesel) we headed out into the desert.  It was 3pm in the afternoon.  That night we made it as far as Eyre Creek, which I think was about 20 kms from Big Red.  We were averaging 35-40ks per hour.<o:p> </o:p> The next day saw us leaving at 6.30am and only managing a further 120kms in 9 hours.  We calculated that we were averaging about 15kms/hour.  At that pace we realised that we would not get to Mt Dare and back in time to start work on Tuesday the 11th June 2013.<o:p> </o:p> It was at this point that we decided to turn around whilst we still had enough fuel.  All was not wasted as we then drove to Innamincka and stayed the night there. The next morning we woke up and left the small outpost of Innamincka at 8.30am after re-fuelling.  The price of diesel there was $2.09.<o:p> </o:p> From there, we drove along the Strzelecki Track to Cameron Corner.  It was a nice stop over.  I was a bit upset at the fact that the famous double decker bus is no longer there.  We were told at Cameron Corner that the bus had been buried as it was creating a lot of problems for the land owner.  As always, people were using it as a dump, leaving all their rubbish there.<o:p> </o:p> We had lunch and continued on towards Thargomindah.  The petrol at Cameron Corner was $2.20/L.  A bit high so I only put $50 worth and used me Jerry cans that I was carrying to cross the Simpson desert.  From there we headed to Thargomindah and then back on the bitumen to <st1:City w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Brisbane</st1:place> </st1:City> .<o:p> </o:p> After all, it was a very enjoyable trip.  I have learnt a lesson though.  I will heed any advice given to me in the future.   I thought this could be published in your newsletter for other travellers to read and pay more attention to where they are going and to seek plenty of advice, but of course, act of that advice. Jose.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Continuing from last week <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">The recent advice that pensioner concessions are only available to NSW residents is incorrect. It is available to all pensioners. We have recently been granted a concession pass and are South Australians. Alan</li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">Nyngan Council invites input from travellers, and the best effect will be from positives not negatives, e.g. the amount you would honesty be likely to spend in the town if taking advantage of the self contained 96 hours free camping that you wouldn�t do if spending your money on a local caravan park, or the fact that you just would drive on through if a caravan park was the only option.   <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> �You are welcome to make representations to Council on this matter via email or letter addressed to The General Manager at <a href="mailto:admin@bogan.nsw.gov.au">admin@bogan.nsw.gov.au</a> or to PO Box 221, Nyngan, NSW, 2825�<o:p> </o:p> I also suggest writing similarly to the business association to reach businesses, but make it clear that you wish your submission to go to the full membership, as the contact person is one of the people putting in a complaint as a caravan park owner. Motherhen <o:p> </o:p>  Email <a href="mailto:bogantourism@hotmail.com">bogantourism@hotmail.com</a> or see here for full contact details: <a href="http://www.bogan.nsw.gov.au/services-facilities/local-directory?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=110&sobi2Id=272">http://www.bogan.nsw.gov.au/services-fa ... obi2Id=272</a>.     The Australasian Touring Caravan, Motorhome and Camping Club INC. members are very disappointed in the decision that the Bogan Shire Council has taken to declare Nyngan a RV Unfriendly town and hand back to the CMCA this status.<o:p> </o:p> Our members are always on the road and travelling this vast land and always spend money in towns that are RV Friendly. Our members are disappointed by not being able to have freedom of choice in Nyngan. Closing the Showground to self contained caravan and motorhomes for whatever reason shows our members that the Bogan Shire Council do not want travellers visiting their shire and town.<o:p> </o:p> This is a sad thing for the businesses in the shire as travellers get to know of the shires decision.<o:p> </o:p> The majority of our members are self funded or aged pensioners who are on a fixed budget and staying in low cost accommodation is the only way they can travel this great country.<o:p> </o:p> The caravan park operator in his correspondence states that traveller�s rigs/outfits are worth in the vicinity of $250,000.00 � $500,000.00. While this may be true many of the owners have nothing else and are not affluent as he intimates being mainly pensioners who were not lucky enough to have had superannuation as the next generation will have.<o:p> </o:p> Further the caravan park owner states that it costs local ratepayers to have these travellers stay as the amenities have to be cleaned and garbage to be removed. The amenities have to be cleaned after an activity and garbage removed. <o:p> </o:p> The caravan park owner who first complained has his business up for sale and we see him wanting to increase the number of travellers staying in his park to make it a better saleable business. He does not care if the shire of Bogan misses out on travellers $$$ as long as he is able to sell, maybe the shire cannot support 2 caravan parks. Terry. Public Relations/Special Projects Officer ATCM&CC Inc<o:p>  </o:p> On the funding for caravan park development in Queensland. Another interesting point worth noting is that in the recent Qld budget, $750,000, yep, three quarters of a million has been earmarked for a redevelopment of the Green Mountains campsite in Lamington NP. I�ll wager a bet once the redevelopment happens, the government will hand the management over to private enterprise. Not a bad taxpayer funded deal. Justin<o:p>  </o:p> Re News from VKS. New Zealand has an excellent volunteer-operated radio service for outdoors people. The transceiver sets are rugged, easily used and readily transportable. Range is good. It�s possible to pick up the Christchurch base station from Stewart Island. Recent upgrades even permit making telephone calls from the transceiver. As part of the service, you get regular weather forecasts which are valuable in planning one�s day. I�ve used them several times on trips to remote parts of NZ and I�ve often wondered why we don�t have a similar service here in Oz.<o:p> </o:p> See<o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/Safety-Tips/Mountain-Radios-Tranceivers--Personal-Locator-Beacons.asp">http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/Safety-Tips/Mountain-Radios-Tranceivers--Personal-Locator-Beacons.asp</a><o:p> </o:p>  As regards education of the public in safely venturing into remote parts of the outdoors, the NZ Mountain Safety Council is something that could usefully be emulated here. Interestingly, the NZ Mountain Safety Council caters for all outdoor recreationalists � not just those laying claim to ideological purity; probably says something about the NZ character that they work together instead of engaging in pathetic stoushes at 100 paces as so often seems to happen here. Don<o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/default.asp">http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/default.asp</a><o:p>  </o:p> Tech Talk.<o:p>  </o:p> Wheel Off-set<o:p> </o:p> This article is provided by the Caravan Council of Australia. <o:p>  </o:p> Along with the rim diameter and the rim width, the �off-set� of a wheel is most important.<o:p>  </o:p> When people talk about wheels, for caravans and their tow-vehicles, the first point is usually are they steel or �mag� (magnesium light alloy)?  The next most common items are the diameter and width. <o:p> </o:p> Then comes �what will they fit�?  How many stud holes are there?  What diameter studs are the holes designed for?  What PCD (pitch circle diameter) are they spaced on?  There have been many reports of studs breaking - even all at once seemingly - and wheel nuts coming loose, even to the extent of coming completely un-done, with the horrible dilemma of a wheel falling off (and often over-taking the tow-vehicle)!<o:p> </o:p> Camp-fires and forums have been flooded with opinions and theories as to why these events happen, and how to stop them from happening.   Whether or not to lubricate the stud threads, and what torque to apply to the wheel nuts are two of the more contentious issues.  One thing is certain� tighten the wheel nuts exactly how the manufacturer of the hub assembly advises.  <o:p> </o:p> The correct tightening sequence is vital; you never just tighten the nuts in a circular fashion in one �go�, but rather use a 4, 5 or 6-point �star� sequence, and use 2 or 3 stages to tighten them, e.g. Tighten all nuts in the star sequence to say 40 Nm (Newton-metres), and then repeat the sequence to say 80 Nm.  Then use the same sequence to tighten the nuts to the torque recommended by the hub manufacturer.  The correct wheel nut torque is so critical, that it should be prominently stated on the caravan or camper-trailer, as part of the vehicle manufacturer�s duty-of-care responsibilities.  <o:p> </o:p> One thing is definite:  Never use an air (rattle) gun to tighten wheel nuts.  Unless you have an extremely precise �calibrated arm� - as some old-timers claim to have developed - always use a torque-wrench to ensure the nuts are accurately tightened. <o:p> </o:p> While it is most advisable to frequently check the security of the wheel nuts, a simple and quick way is to use a pencil, and mark one face of each nut, and draw an alignment mark on the wheel, so that any rotary movement of a nut can be easily noticed. <o:p> </o:p> Other �what does it fit?� items of concern are:  <o:p> </o:p> 1:  Does the centre hole in the wheel perfectly match the diameter and contour of the spigot on the hub?  If not, the wheel mounting surface may not make solid contact with the flange of the hub.<o:p> </o:p> 2:  Is the PCD of the wheel holes exactly the same of the PCD of the hub studs?  There are some metric and imperial wheels where the two PCDs are nearly the same, but not quite.  This will cause the studs to bend as the nuts are tightened, and possibly fail.<o:p> </o:p> 3:  Are the flare angles on the stud holes in the wheel, and on the wheels nuts, exactly the same?  If not, the small contact area will eventually deform, causing the nuts to loosen.<o:p> </o:p> 4:  Is the radial clearance between the studs and the stud holes the small design amount?  If there is excessive clearance, the nuts may bottom-out on the hub flange, rather than secure the wheels as intended. <o:p> </o:p> The often ignored, or misunderstood, dimension of a wheel is the �Off-set�.  The �off-set� is the lateral distance that the mounting face is displaced from the centre-line of the wheel. Like the camber of a wheel (on an independent-suspension system) where the amount and the direction must be specified, off-set also has two properties� the distance (mm or inches), and the lateral direction.   The distance is designated as either �positive� or �negative�.  �Positive off-set� is when the mounting face is out-board of the wheel centre-line.  <o:p> </o:p> If the off-set is reduced, the �track� of the vehicle is increased.<o:p> </o:p> Like advising the correct torque for wheel nuts, all caravan or camper-trailer manufacturers also need to advise what the off-set of the wheels on their vehicle is.     <o:p> </o:p> If wheels are replaced on any vehicle - caravan or tow-vehicle - with a different off-set to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheels, the wheels will then be secured in a different lateral (sideways) position to the vehicle body.  Vehicle regulations require that, for all combinations of steering, suspension, cornering and braking movements, there must always be sufficient clearance between the wheels/tyres and the vehicle structure/body.  Just checking the static clearance around the tyres is not enough� you have to consider what will happen when you hit a bad bump, and there is a lot of body-roll when cornering.  There have been many cases where the sidewalls of tyres have been cut, due to contact with sharp metal, leading to a sudden blow-out.  This dangerous problem can happen regardless of whether the off-set is increased, or decreased. <o:p> </o:p> An additional hazard can easily arise when the off-set is decreased� in other words; the track (the lateral distance between the centres of the tread of the two tyres on an axle) is increased.  Axles are subjected to the combination of shear, bending and torsional forces, along with sudden shock impacts from road bumps.  Combined forces are much more complex than just a single force.  When a wheel is moved outwards, the stresses on the axle increase considerably, such that it may fail due to fatigue.  Vehicle registration authorities have always limited the increase in a vehicle�s track to 25 mm (1�), or less if there is a possibility of �rubber contacting metal�.   <o:p> </o:p> The off-set of wheels should have the off-set stamped or embossed in the wheels, for example +25 or -10.  If not, you can measure the off-set by laying the wheel on the ground, with the mounting side upwards.  Using a straight-edge and a ruler, you take two vertical measurements to determine (a) the height of the centre-line of the wheel (the height of the top of the wheel/tyre above the ground, divided by 2), and the distance from the top of the wheel/tyre down to the mounting surface of the wheel.  The difference between the two measurements is the amount of off-set; if the off-set is greater than the distance to the wheel centre-line, it is positive� and vice-versa. <o:p> </o:p> The same problem of cutting the side-walls of tyres can easily occur if wider tyres are fitted.  All combinations of wheels and tyres must be in accordance with those stated in the Manual of the Australian Tyre & Rim Association.  All tyre dealers should have a copy of this Manual.  Apart from possibly causing serious handling and stability problems by using mis-matched tyres and wheels, it is an offence to alter any components on any vehicle such that the legal compliance - either VSS-approved, or self-complianced - of the vehicle is invalidated. <o:p> </o:p> The rims of road wheels must have circumferential �beads�, or raised rings, to help keep the tyre secured on the rim, should there be a blow-out.  The �J� or �JJ� marking on wheels indicates if one or two beads are incorporated.  On steel wheel, the recessed beads can be felt, but on cast alloy wheel, this is not possible. <o:p> </o:p> The final word on wheels:  Always ensure that all wheels on your vehicles have genuine Approval markings on them. There have been cases of cheap non-compliant wheels being sold in Australia. Some even had air leaking through the steel� yes, the steel!  <o:p>  </o:p> Next week. <o:p> </o:p> Caravan & Camper-Trailer Axle Alignment The Painted Outback<o:p> </o:p> The following is from Rob Brennan�s Bobby Dazzler blog. <a href="http://dazzlerplus.wordpress.com/author/dazzlerplus/">http://dazzlerplus.wordpress.com/author/dazzlerplus/</a><o:p> </o:p> In the north of South Australia, there are two areas which are sometimes confused: the Painted Desert, and the Painted Hills. The Painted Desert is located on the track between Cadney Homestead (sometimes known as Cadney Park) on the Stuart Highway and Oodnadatta. A few kms east of Arckaringa Station, the road runs through an area of multi-coloured hills and rock formations on both sides of the road. To see the area to best effect, you need to do some walking in among the hills. It�s a photographer�s dream! Basic accommodation and camping is available at Arckaringa Station (phone (08) 8670 7992). The Painted Hills are on Anna Creek Station near William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track. There is no access by road, so to see the Painted Hills (which are a lot more extensive than the Painted Desert); you need to take a scenic flight. These are available at William Creek, and also from other centres further away. The Painted Hills flight is often combined with a flight over Lake Eyre, although now that Lake Eyre has dried up again, that is not so popular. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Jo & Graeme�s Turkish Adventure.<o:p> </o:p> I am going to use tour notes plus some emails home (instead of all the emails home as I mentioned last week). <o:p> </o:p> First some background. I am not an international traveller, three teenage children pretty much stops that. My idea of a holiday is a tent in the bush or by the water in summer. <o:p> </o:p> The idea of this trip was to <o:p> </o:p> 1. See the oldest map in the world. <o:p> </o:p> 2. See a different culture and country as one can�t really claim to live in the best country if one hasn�t been anywhere else. <o:p> </o:p> 3. Psyche ourselves for the next four years of getting three teenagers mentioned above through the final year of school. <o:p> </o:p> 4. Go to Gallipoli. <o:p> </o:p> Here�s my story. Jo. <o:p> </o:p> This week � starting out. <o:p> </o:p> The few days before we left were hectic to say the least. A trip around the outback to deliver maps and books. Home again with a few days to spare. End of season tennis BBQ at our place, scrambling to finish off our work so that we could go away and trying to coordinate the calendars of three teenagers to cause least stress on Bev and John (the Responsible Adults). Packing and repacking over the weekend and we are ready to go. I think I have too many clothes but both my mother and my teenage daughter told me I had to pack them all. <o:p> </o:p> From Nhill we boarded the V/Line bus at 5.55am. In addition to our cases and cabin bags we had four large and heavy boxes of maps as sponsorship for the Toyota Landcruiser Club�s Cruiserchana. Even the bus driver asked if we were moving house by public transport. The bus was fine, it was changing on to the train and then disembarking at Southern Cross station that was the problem. We had one box in a green bag, two in another shopping type bag, and one in with our luggage so logistically it should have all worked. The problem was...maps weigh an awful lot when they are packed tightly in boxes. Never has a platform seemed so long. I was able to load the heaviest box on top of my suitcase and haul it along. That wasn't too bad except when I went round a corner and lost my load. Fortunately Angela from TLC was waiting for us with a trolley and took all the boxes. Hooray! <o:p> </o:p> We had hours to fill before going to the airport so we invested $16 in a locker. An exorbitant fee for a small box for a few hours. We hadn't been to Federation Square so spent some time looking around there. Unfortunately the exhibition we were hoping to see was closed. Instead we found a glass gallery and looked around for a while. <o:p> </o:p> Since Lee, the glass artist at Beyond 39 Dips in Silverton, showed us the process we have a new appreciation of how glass art is incredibly labor intensive. We also marvelled at the prices of the work. $7000 for a vase seemed a little out of our budget. <o:p> </o:p> We then walked to the Immigration Museum. The museum is in the original Customs Building. The building itself is worth looking at and we spent a few hours looking around at the exhibits. There are plenty of interactive displays and enough to keep kids amused while adults browse. One of the best displays was the interview room for prospective migrants. You get to be the judge of who stays and who doesn't. It is not so easy on the other side of the fence. It is also staggering to see the figures on illegal immigrants in Australia. For every boat person or refuge there are ten or more from who come on a legitimate visa and just never go home. What sort of a drain does that put on our resources?<o:p> </o:p> By 5PM I wanted to head to the airport. The flight wasn't until ten but I was already nervous. I don't like confined areas, I can't sit still even long enough to go to see a movie. How on earth am I going to sit still for fourteen hours?<o:p> </o:p> Going through the security checkpoint I was the lucky person chosen to go into the cylinder for the whole body scan. Came out the other side and waited for the computer analysis. What are all those squares over my body? Oh, they are the places that are dodgy in the scan. Then had to wait for the female attendant to come and frisk me. I thought it was just a sensitive machine but I watched a couple of blokes go through and there were no squares on their bodies. Maybe it picks up anxiety. Finally through those grey metal doors. It is another city through those doors. An expensive city. <o:p> </o:p> Graeme commented that there weren't many people for the size of the plane. Suits me. As the time drew closer people arrived in the thousands, including lots of people traveling with infants, babies and toddlers. There were no spare seats on the plane. So many people for one plane, how will we all fit? If I can't sit still for fourteen hours how are these babies going to? Mostly they didn't. The flight staff were great, some kids giggled, chuckled and gurgled their way through the flight but some just bawled. It was heart wrenching to listen to because they really sounded distressed. <o:p> </o:p> The flight was really smooth with only a few bumpy bits. Graeme says they were just the plane flexing but I know when a plane has just dropped altitude �cos my belly remains at the original height. I probably didn't need to see the lightning out the window during one of these �belts on� sessions either. The food was really good and included prawn cocktail and cheesecake. We landed in Dubai at 5.30am local time with very little sleep during the flight, but by following others, found the train to take us to customs and baggage. Dubai Airport looks like a palace. The tour company had people with signs with our names and directed us on how to get through customs and baggage, then we were loaded onto the bus. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Ted Goes To War.<o:p> </o:p> The farmer becomes a teacher.<o:p> </o:p> I made it my business to study the literature supplied to me as a guide for my instruction to the men. Some of it was quite good, but much of it was unrelated to Australian conditions and from experience I knew it to be unworkable. Untrained as a teacher, with very little basic education -myself, and only partly confident in my teaching material, I began rather uncertainly. Perhaps this was a good thing. The men did not take me as a teacher, they took me for what I was - a man who had spent his life on a farm. I noticed that they began to show an interest in what I was saying, and this encouraged me. The number of men who came to me for information and instruction about going on the land when they got home surprised me. I rejoiced that so many expressed preference for the wide open spaces over city life, and I began to see that I really did have a service to perform for my country in this way, which had opened up so suddenly, for I neither sought nor expected it.  My mate, Arnold, was discharged and sent home to England, like all other Englishmen who had enlisted in Australia. This saved the authorities much time and expense. As for the rest of us, all of whom wanted to get home quickly, we had to wait and return in the order we had enlisted. Those who arrived in England just as the armistice was signed had a long wait. Parting with Arnold was hard, and rather than turning to look for new friends I just gave myself to the rehabilitation program to which I had been assigned. Furthermore, I was now a Sergeant, and that made it difficult to make new friends. I got my satisfaction in feeling that many who were in my classes eventually did go on the land and made good. Others, because of their ailments, or lack of capital, or inability to face the hardships, did not make good farmers as I had expected. It is not easy to change over from the life of a soldier to that of a farmer. The land requires physical and moral stability, regular habits, self-discipline and determination. The average soldier has his thinking done for him. He has his orders and must obey without question.  There were other men who liked and accepted the way of army life, and determined to stay put as professional soldiers. But of course in peace-time those required for this occupation were not numerically great. Then there were those unfortunate chaps, many of whom had been the flower of Australian youth when they signed up - as volunteers, not conscripts - but who were now disfigured in their bodies, having lost perhaps limbs or eyesight, so much so that some-times their relatives did not recognize them. All the time I had been overseas, men like this were being sent home. These are our real heroes. They deserve more than a meagre pension, especially from all whose freedom was preserved by their sacrifice.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies<o:p> </o:p> A former Army sergeant took a new job as a school teacher; but just before the school year started he injured his back. He was required to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt and wasn't noticeable. <o:p> </o:p> On the first day of class, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school. The smart-alecky punks, having already heard the new teacher was former Army, were leery of him. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, the new teacher opened the window wide and sat down at his desk. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he picked up a stapler and promptly stapled the tie to his chest.<o:p> </o:p> He had no trouble with discipline that year.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, 'I know what the Bible means!'<o:p> </o:p> 'Okay,' said his father.  'What does the Bible mean?'<o:p> </o:p> 'That's easy, Daddy...' the young boy replied excitedly,' It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> To write with a broken pencil is pointless.<o:p> </o:p> When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.<o:p> </o:p> A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.<o:p> </o:p> The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.<o:p> </o:p> The batteries were given out free of charge.<o:p> </o:p> A dentist and a manicurist were courting. It was a tooth and nail affair.<o:p> </o:p> If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p>To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as below </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.6.7

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:36:00 GMT

<html> <img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>   Westprint Friday Five 2013<o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p> </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/atlas2.htm">Tasmania Atlas & Guide</a> 3rd Edition. $34.95. Explore the wonders of the island state with the Tasmania Atlas & Guide. This book is full of advice on what to do and the best ways to go about it, along with information about the environment, plants, animals and human history. Whether you want to experience the great outdoors, immerse yourself in the convict past, or enjoy superb food and wine, this self-drive touring guide will help you get the most out of any Tasmanian adventure. This guide includes many unique features that will aid your travels. This handy guide also contains detailed maps and easy-to-follow inset maps showing some of Tasmania's top bushwalks. Published 2012. <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Tasmania+Atlas+and+Guide&price=34.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping8.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/exploration_books2.htm">(The) Fatal Shore</a> $34.95 Robert Hughes. An epic description of the brutal transportation of men, women and children out of Georgian Britain into horrific penal system which was to be the precursor to the Gulag and was the origin of Australia. 688pp. First published in 1986, this edition 2003 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=The+Fatal+Shore&price=34.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/exploration_books2.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> 3.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/exploration_books3.htm">Outback</a>: The Discovery of Australia's Interior. $24.95 Derek Parker. In 1800, while the coast of Australia had finally been charted, the vast interior of the continent, and routes across its deserts and mountains from north to south and east to west lay all undiscovered. By 1874, its lands had been all but won. Derek Parker's new and exciting book gathers together the stories of those intrepid explorers who, often against great odds, on journeys of months or even years, beat starvation, inadequate information and mapping, disease and loss, to forge routes which would enable the country's development. From early explorers, who were generally escaped convicts, to the son of a Lincolnshire surgeon who coined the name 'Australia'; from explorers Major Mitchell, who slaughtered aborigines, to Sir George Grey, who learnt their language, recorded their culture and came to love and understand them; and from the greatest overland expedition in Australian history in 1844 to continued failed attempts to find a mythical 'inland sea', this is a fascinating read. 240pp. First published in 2007, this edition 2009 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Outback&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/exploration_books3.htm">Add to Cart</a> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="4" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping3.htm">Bush Camping with Dogs</a> - Second Edition. $34.95. 1300 camp sites featured nationally. New layout and design allowing a lot more information for each site. New maps and plenty of additional photographs. Full colour covers with durable grain lamination. 208 pages in two colors (up from 128 pages in single colour), A4 portrait. Camping is an ideal way to see quiet secluded spots while travelling, without leaving your four legged family member at home. Whether you enjoy a sandy beach camp, the cool native forests, the meandering inland rivers or the red sand of the Outback, this guide contains the information you need to get away from it all with your dog. Ideal for travellers with a 4WD, car and tent, caravan or motorhome. First published in 2003, this edition 2011 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Bush+Camping+with+Dogs&price=34.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping3.htm">Add to Cart</a> </li> </ol> 5.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport.htm">The Drovers</a>: Stories behind the heroes of our stock routes. $32.95 From the High Country to the Outback, there are extraordinary stories of the men and women who have travelled across Australia behind mobs of cattle, sheep and horses. These quiet achievers, of every race and creed, forged an Australian legend. Evan McHugh bring alive the hapless convicts attempting to round up the First Fleet's escaped cattle on foot; Overlanders blazing through trackless wilderness to supply the vast stations carved from the bush; stockmen who risked blizzards to bring cattle to alpine pastures; and drovers who crossed the continent behind the largest mobs of cattle the world has ever seen. These stories overflow with colourful characters: cattle-duffers like Harry Redford, renowned boss drovers like Nat Buchanan and strong women like Edna Zigenbine and Red Jack, who could measure up to any man. They lived a life most of us only dream about and came to love the beauty of Australia's most famous and infamous stock routes, including the Birdsville, Murranji and Strzelecki tracks, and the Canning stock route. 253pp. First published in 2010 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=The+Drovers&price=32.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/transport.htm">Add to Cart</a>  <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> From the Second Hand Shelves<o:p> </o:p> Dinkum Dictionary, The. Susan Butler. Soft Cover. $20.00<o:p> </o:p> Dictionary of Australian Colloquialisms. G.A. Wilkes. Soft Cover. $8.00<o:p> </o:p> Do Not Go Around the Edges. Daisy Utemorrah. Hard Cover. $25.00<o:p> </o:p> Down Under. Bill Bryson. Soft Cover. $15.00<o:p> </o:p> Down Under. Bill Bryson. Hard Cover. $18.00<o:p> </o:p> Do You Take This Man? Kerry Conway. Soft Cover. $13.00<o:p> </o:p> Essays in Economic History of Australia. James Griffin. Soft Cover. $15.00<o:p> </o:p> Garfield on Vacation. Jim Davis. Soft Cover. $6.00<o:p> </o:p> Gareth Evans. Keith Scott. Hard Cover. $3.00<o:p> </o:p> Ginger Mick. C.J. Dennis. Hard Cover. $10.00<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum<o:p> </o:p> Editor�s comments in green.</o:p> Vale Yothu Yindi frontman. <o:p> </o:p> Yunupingu was an Aboriginal musician, songwriter and campaigner who fought many battles - most of which he won. As the frontman of Yothu Yindi, he pushed indigenous music beyond Australian borders and gained a global audience with the 1992 hit Treaty. Yunupingu, died on June 2, aged 56. Born in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land he began teaching at the Yirrkala School in his early twenties, becoming the first indigenous Australian appointed as a school principal after receiving a Bachelor of Education in 1987. He developed a progressive curriculum that straddled Western and Aboriginal traditions. The same could be said for his songwriting style, which fused rock and pop with Aboriginal music. Yunupingu formed Yothu Yindi in 1986 under a banner of uniting cultures. The Yunupingu was named the 1992 Australian of the Year for his role in "building bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people". The award was previously won by his brother Galarrwuy in 1978 and followed a rich tradition of political activism throughout the family. In 1998, Yunupingu was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Queensland University of Technology, "in recognition of his significant contribution to the education of Aboriginal children, and to greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians." <o:p> </o:p> The above information is from The Age newspaper. Full name withheld at the request of the family for cultural reasons.</o:p> Trip Notes<o:p>  </o:p> Innamincka<o:p> </o:p> Regarding comments about the use of the Innamincka Regional Reserve, under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act, a Regional Reserve is declared as a multiple use reserve that permits gas/geothermal exploration and extraction, pastoral industries as well as tourism and conservation. Visitors will notice an increase in petroleum activity now after the wet years of 2010 and 2011 when these activities slowed down.' Tony Magor. District Ranger Desert Parks<o:p>  </o:p> Hay River<o:p> </o:p> We did the full length this time last year and the big floods of 2010 have had a big effect on the track. The wattles have thrived and there were long sections that were crowding the track and some cutting was required. I thought at the time that when they die or are burnt in summer fires it�s going to be very hard on the duco! The section in the river near the Lake Caroline Jct is very soft and you will need to air down for that. Best to check the latest with Joel Fleming at Direct 4WD in Alice Springs. I have tried unsuccessfully to include a picture of our first trip in 1979, there when there was no track and we went all the way to Poeppels and back to Alice Springs, mostly in the river bed till it disappeared, then cross country.<o:p> </o:p> It was a trip where I carried the most petrol ever 96 Gallons! I bought the first diesel Toyota troopy with power steer that came on the market in Alice Springs and haven't looked back<o:p> </o:p> We also use a temporary protective coating called Auto Skin. It�s fantastic stuff. Dave<o:p>  </o:p> I just want to say thank you for all the practical information in Friday Five in response to my query regarding Hay River. I really appreciate people's replies. And thank you too for the Hay River CD�.a wealth of fascinating information there. Morag <o:p>  </o:p> Arnhem Land<o:p> </o:p> The Central Arnhem Road has been the only allowed access to Nhulunbuy for a very long time. I also tried to gain access by the top road some 15 years ago, to no avail.  Did make it via the Central Road some years later, but even then I had to have a nominator who lived in Nhulunbuy (Worked in the Mine).<o:p> </o:p> I think the only view of the track from Riper Bar is from a Bush Tucker Man (Major Les Hiddins) Video I saw many years ago (and tried to emulate later) but he had inside and Army permissions, being on Army business as much as anything.  This video may be the only View we will ever have of that part of Arnhem Land. Sorry, I forget the name of it now, but one of the TV series, when Les Hiddins was still a Major in the Army, and preparing Bush Tucker maps for soldiers who may have to operate in the area. Darryl.<o:p>  </o:p> Paddle wheeler up the Darling River.<o:p> </o:p> My good mates Rex and Patti Ellis own a 60ft Paddle Wheel called the Dromedary [One Humped Camel]. It is about 15 years old with a steel hull and is driven by a 3 cylinder 36hp diesel engine. Whilst the bottom bit [Hull] is modern the rest is built in traditional 1800s style with lots of timber and of course the chain driven rear paddle wheel with timber paddles<o:p> </o:p> Rex has had the inclination for some years to drive the Dromedary as far up the Darling River as possible if conditions and water levels would allow. After our major drought of the last few years the rains and floods in the far north and north east caused an exceptional flow into the Murray Darling system so he decided to give it a go.<o:p> </o:p> Unfortunately the system is highly regulated with major storage systems such as the Menindee Lakes as well as local weir's resulting in spasmodic flows and levels all manipulated and dictated by remote bureaucrats<o:p> </o:p> Over a period of months on and off as water levels permitted Rex and the Dromedary finally ended up at Menindee. Only problem is that the Darling north of Menindee has a 15m dam/weir with no navigation lock.<o:p> </o:p> So poor old Rex had to bite the bullet and cough up a substantial amount of money to engage the services of a 50 ton crane and low loader to move the vessel 400m from the downstream side to the upstream side of the weir this took us one whole day.<o:p> </o:p> The lift involved removing some of the deck boards fitting huge lifting straps front and rear then assembling a lifting jig with heaps of chains and spreader bars to finally get it onto the low loader. Total weight including the lifting gear was 16 tons. Then as we anticipated the prime mover didn't have enough traction in the sand to move but the locals helped out with a six wheel drive grader.<o:p> </o:p> Once up the top we then had to get it back in the water, too many trees to use the crane. After repeated attempts involving progressively faster reversing into the water we had the rear afloat but the front still firmly on the trailer. Using our tinnie were secured a heavy rope to a decent size dead tree in the swamp behind, started the paddle going in reverse and then towed the truck and trailer out with the grader.  <o:p> </o:p> From there on it was reasonably plain sailing/paddling up to Nelia Gaari Station about midway between Menindee and Wilcannia. Of course as this river hasn't seen a large boat for at least 70 years we were constantly checking for snags, sometimes heading off in the tinnie to check and prune if necessary. <o:p> </o:p> Unfortunately paddle wheelers, particularly rear paddle wheelers have steering response that can be likened to what one would expect from a bowl of porridge, so if in doubt its back off in the Dromedary and check it out first with tinnie. We left the Dromedary at Nelia Gaari for a week as there was a lot of uncertainty about water levels.<o:p> </o:p> From Nelia Gaari up to Wilcannia the water level dropped a bit, the river narrowed somewhat and snags increased, so de-snagging  with tinnie and chain saw became more prevalent. On occasions we even had to push it a bit on tight corners with the tinnie. After I hit a submerged snag that tipped the whole boat up about 6 inches on one side we were down to on rudder instead of two which made the cornering even worse.<o:p> </o:p> Eventually we made it to Wilcannia where with about an hour�s notice the whole town turned out to greet us, after mooring we had about 120 school kids and some of the adults through to have a look over the boat. At this stage unless conditions change a lot Wilcannia is probably about as far as it can go but you never know what the weather can do over the next months or even a year, it may still be possible to get to Bourke. The Dromedary is now back at Nelia Gaari waiting to see what happens.<o:p> </o:p> So what's the highlights for me, I am now an honorary Crane Rigger, Ships Engineer, Snag Cutter and Rex recons I almost have my Paddle Wheeler licence but he won't let me attempt parking. Of course damaging the rudder didn't earn me any brownie points either. We have seen emus and pigs swimming across the river and met some really Interesting and friendly people on stations along the way.<o:p> </o:p> NELIA GAARI STATION: If you are up that way, Greg and Lilly at Nelia Gaari have brilliant camping area on grass close to the river, plenty of shade along with toilets and hot showers. The best spot we saw all the way along. And by far the friendliest hosts I have come across in a long time. It looks like Rex will have Camels based at Nelia Gaari in the near future so if you want Camping, Camel Treks, or explore the Darling River check out their website. Peter. <a href="http://www.neliagaari.com.au/contact.php">http://www.neliagaari.com.au/contact.php</a> <o:p>  </o:p> Information wanted</o:p> When working in western Qld I was speaking to a keen horse-woman who recited a poem as she checked the age of a horse...with the number/size/wear on the teeth being the determinant of the horse�s likely age.  Wondering if anyone knows of the poem and what the words are? Brad <o:p>  </o:p> Road Trains<o:p> </o:p> The attached <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Friday%20Five/IMP%2011693%20Stay%20on%20Track%20Road%20Trains%20Changes.wmv">ad</a> (small Windows Media Player file) may be of interest to Westprint readers and companies that have staff working on single lane bitumen roads or gravel roads. Please share as widely as possible. Graeme<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Old Rigs<o:p> </o:p> Below there is a link to the Historic Truck Forum. It is a story of early Borroloola which is just fascinating. Politically incorrect but written at the time by one of the legends of the north and early pearling. I think your readers would love it. Lang. <a href="http://www.hcvc.com.au/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1369414641">http://www.hcvc.com.au/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1369414641</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Camp Ovens<o:p>  </o:p> I read with interest the article about camp cooking by Joan, because everything we cook tends to burn on the bottom. I am just a bit confused about how/where the camp oven is located in relation to the fire.<o:p> </o:p> Joan said "We get a good bed of coals going in the fire and then dig a circular hole beside the fire � radius about 5cm great than that of the camp oven, and depth about the same as the height of the camp oven. Try to keep the sides of the hole vertical.<o:p> </o:p> Then we place the camp oven with food prepared centrally in the hole and flat on the earth/sand bottom" which I understand, but she then went on to say "Take a fire brush (not nylon bristles!) and brush to one side, the ashes around the edge of the lid".<o:p> </o:p> How did the ashes get 'around the lid' if the hole was (a) to the side of the fire, (b) larger than the camp oven and (c) no coals were moved? Peter.<o:p>  </o:p> At our Charleville Bush Caravan Park we have been donated 4 camp ovens (from people not travelling any more) we have them in the park for people to borrow and try out camp oven cooking.<o:p> </o:p> We have some recipes and care instructions available, all this is free. We have installed a second concrete fire place for the camp ovens. People love having a go and there is always an expert around to add some advice. Graham & Deb<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Trailers, caravans and campsites<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">I travelled to The Tip (Cape York) in 1994 in company, and even back then, camping places were damned scarce, and generally ultra dirty with free flying toilet paper, and lots of 'loose bowels' around on the ground, and all camping places were on the banks of creeks.  Camping generally, until we got to a Private Property, was a bit of a distressing experience.  I can only guess that it has got a lot worse since, human beings being what they are. We avoided National Parks, as we had dogs as travelling companions, so cannot comment on them.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> But, with the Newman Government more interested in closing down National Parks, returning them to Cattle Grazing for their mates, and saving the wages of a few staff (they have always been understaffed, and infrastructure utterly poor, access roads in terrible condition) I do not think that the situation in Queensland will change for the better while this Feral Government is in charge. <o:p> </o:p> I no longer travel in Queensland, other than to use roads to egress it as quickly as possible.  I recently travelled from Theodore to Roma (personal business) and found that there were NO toilets for use by travellers the whole distance, not an unusual situation in Queensland. Nor were there any places to pull off the road for a short tea break, other than ONE truck park area, and these are always replete with cattle urine and faeces. No toilets, no shelter shed. <o:p> </o:p> Queensland does NOT encourage Grey Nomads who do not use Caravan Parks for every stop, or even normal travellers, other than stock transports. All money in Queensland is spent in the SE Corner where the votes are, the rest is left to the tender mercies of the Coal Seam Gas Industry, who are destroying the whole country, with Government encouragement. For a Government comprised of some National Party long term stalwarts, they take a lot for granted, and treat the 'bush' with utter contempt. Darryl. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Interesting discussion re trailers.  I have two pieces of interest:<o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.4wdhandbook.com/rmp/blog/offroad-trailers-ban">http://www.4wdhandbook.com/rmp/blog/offroad-trailers-ban</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.4wdhandbook.com/rmp/blog/offroad-trailers-dune-recovery-load-technique">http://www.4wdhandbook.com/rmp/blog/offroad-trailers-dune-recovery-load-technique</a><o:p> </o:p> <pre>Robert Pepper Journalist, author, photographer etc. <a href="http://www.4wdhandbook.com" target="_blank">www.4wdhandbook.com</a> | <a href="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/06/LOCALS~1/Temp/facebook.com/4WDHandbook" target="_blank">facebook.com/4WDHandbook</a><o:p> </o:p> </pre> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Having just read the bit of information regarding Govt funding for Caravan Park upgrades, it does seem that the money is going for the "Tourist Season" crowd.  Luxury cabins and water features for the children. RVs just want a powered site, water inlet and a dump point as they are self contained. Having just been into a caravan yard today looking for something they don't sell these days, I was astounded at the prices of the caravans. From $60,000 and then they are towed by the 4WDs which cost $70-100,000.  I can understand these people not wanting to pay the extra for water slides and deluxe cabins when they are self-contained and probably a bit above the set age limit to enjoy the waterslides.  <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> Many have their own generators when not in a caravan park with power and run them all hours to watch TV at night and in the morning before they move out at 7am to get to the next good spot by 3pm.  I camp, meaning it is a swag or a tent and do not need a powered site. It usually is in the worst spot in the caravan park. Either hard up on the facilities or right away from them, and sometimes not even close to the camp kitchen or BBQ. Even got stuck next to the RV dump point once in Alice Springs. In some of the less popular areas away from the tourist areas, the camper is well looked after. Hungerford, Qld is a great spot for camping and the locals even provide firewood. They have an honour system for the hot showers, although we did have to wait an hour for the blow-ins to finish early one morning for us to use them without them even donating.  Wash<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Please have a look at the link below and you will see the power that caravan parks owners are putting on councils. I believe that we who travel should all write a letter to the Mayor loudly sounding our disappointment of the council�s decision and how now we will make sure that we bypass the township of Nyngan for our needs. Brian Kelleher. NACC Ltd<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.nynganobserver.com.au/story/1535214/budget-plans-to-be-put-forward-at-next-meeting/?cs=1242">http://www.nynganobserver.com.au/story/1535214/budget-plans-to-be-put-forward-at-next-meeting/?cs=1242</a><o:p>  </o:p> Re the letter from Rob & Alex 31.5.2013 concerning annual passes for N.S.W. National Parks - they have changed because we obtained our pass in March this year (we are Queenslanders) and have used it without any problems in N.S.W.  Pauline, Nth. Qld.<o:p>  </o:p> I enjoy Fridays with Westprint. Keep them coming. I have been wandering remote areas for over 50 years. In 1961, ventured to Ayers Rock in a beat up 1948 V8 Ford Custom. Ran up the Rock without the help of chains & followed white splotches of paint to the top. (The Rock has since become steeper because 5 years ago I had to catch my breath about every 10 metres).<o:p> </o:p> What a shame it is that my grandchildren & some of my children won�t be able to enjoy some of the magnificent art in the Calvert Ranges. Someone in the last couple of years has decided that they are off limits. Surely some of the Aborigines who live there could safeguard the place by having someone permanently on hand to discourage vandals.<o:p> </o:p> My wife & I travelled the Kidson track 3 yrs. ago. We pulled a camper trailer & had some exciting times in dry creek beds & traversing deep washaways. Our lasting memory is hearing a message on VKS737 that we had a new grandson. We love OUR remote AUSTRALIA. We have stopped many times over the years to help people (mainly Aboriginal) to get their cars going or to render some other form of assistance. We will still do it. However it makes my blood boil when these people close off areas and tracks in OUR country. The tracks wouldn�t be there if it hadn�t been for some of the great explorers & surveyors who opened up this country! Which area will Australians be denied access to next? Keith.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Batteries<o:p> </o:p> A number of us use lead acid batteries or one sort or another to power various devices when we go travelling particularly if we get away from mains power. I recently purchased a semi sealed deep cycle lead acid battery. I like to be sure that I am getting what I pay for, so I made sure that the battery was fully charged with a conventional charger and a little while later with a 3 stage smart charger.  <o:p> </o:p> In between each charge I discharged the battery with a tester I made up that will discharge the battery connected at any current between 0.8 amps and 12 amps as set, and when the voltage reaches 11 volts the whole device shuts down so the battery is not discharged below what is classed as flat. I have a quartz analog clock attached to the device so the amps by the time calculation will give me the useable AHC of the battery, to within a few percent of dead flat. I discharged the battery at the 20 hour rate and found that its capacity was around 60% of the stated capacity. This battery had been in stock for some time so this may explain this low AHC percentage, although I am beginning to doubt that.  I returned it as I do want the stated capacity to run my equipment.  <o:p> </o:p> I got another new battery which had a claimed capacity of 120 AHC at the 20 hour rate. This gave me an AHC of 72 amp hours when discharged to 11 volts at the 20 hour rate, after having been charged correctly. This was returned and grudgingly I was given my money back.  I visited a couple more battery suppliers one said he expected around 80% of the listed AHC capacity the other one estimated around 50 to 60% of stated capacity. They seemed to believe that this was normal, I don�t, or if it is then we have deceptive claims being made about the batteries. <o:p> </o:p> So I would suggest anyone who is obtaining a battery to run their equipment needs to thoroughly check that they are getting what is claimed on the specification plate on the battery. The batteries may meet the cranking amps but they are certainly not meeting the claimed capacity. Maybe the ACCC might look into this, certainly it could be claimed that the batteries are not fit for the purpose they were bought for as they do not meet their specifications. Rodney <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> News from VKS737<o:p> </o:p> I have two pieces of information for your readers. Robert. <o:p> </o:p> The first is about a Selcall App that can be installed in Smart Phones to enable people with older non-selcall equipped HF radios to make contact with any of VKS-737's nineteen Base Stations outside of Operator assisted voice skeds. The Selcall App can also be used to contact any other VKS-737 Subscriber by arranging to selcall them. Direct contact can also be made with Royal Flying Doctor Service, Police etc.<o:p> </o:p> The App is used to generate tone sequences through the phone's speaker. The phone is held against the HF radio's microphone and the tones are transmitted over the air. For around $3 it's by far the cheapest way to get older HF radios to send selcalls.<o:p> </o:p> The media release, with instructions can be found by going to <a href="http://www.vks737.on.net/">http://www.vks737.on.net/</a> and clicking on the BULLETINS Tab. Next concerns an incident we were involved with recently in the Simpson Desert that demonstrates the dangers of going remote with inadequate communications. It also highlights the importance of, where possible, having someone stay with an injured person:<o:p> </o:p> Over the weekend of 17/18 May a group of five motorcyclists left Mungerannie Hotel on the Birdsville Track, planning to ride along Birdsville Track, then Warburton Track and Rig Road, eventually to meet their support group of five vehicles, waiting for them at the intersection of WAA Line with Colson Track. Near the intersection where the Warburton Track becomes the K1 Line a rider, travelling at about 50 kilometres an hour lost control and fell, suffering chest injuries. His mates erected a swag for him. Two of them left to ride to Birdsville, calling in to at Clifton Hills Station on the way to enquire about recovering the bike. Meanwhile, a traveller who is with the VKS-737 Radio Network contacted VKS-737 by radio at the start of the Monday afternoon Charters Towers voice sked. Initially he was difficult to hear, so the operator connected to our Alice Springs Base, where the caller was loud and clear. VKS-737 Subscribers David and his wife Jenny had come across the support group for these riders and had been told of their concerns. At this stage, the riders were over a day late. News of the injured rider was learned after contacting Clifton Hills Station by phone to see if any riders had called in on their way across the Simpson Desert. Armed with this information, Birdsville Police were contacted by phone. Neale McShane, the officer in charge at Birdsville Police is an excellent first contact when things are not well in the Simpson Desert. Even though one of the riders had a SatPhone, he couldn't or didn't use it to report the accident and arrange help for the rider. What is worse, the other motorcyclists then progressively abandoned the injured rider, even though there were enough people in the group to leave someone with him while others arranged help. Their support group of five vehicles had no effective way of communicating with the riders or with anyone else for that matter until David and Jenny met the group and passed on their concern about the riders being well overdue. David and Jenny stayed with the support group until the welfare of all the riders could be confirmed. Two riders arrived at Birdsville during Monday evening. Police Officer Neale McShane from Birdsville was increasingly concerned about the injured rider's welfare. He and the ambulance from Birdsville clinic left overnight, reaching the injured rider some hours later. He was on his own, inside his swag and in severe pain with breathing difficulties. He was initially taken to Clifton Hills Station, where it was expected that the Royal Flying Doctor Service would evacuate him by air but he couldn't be flown out because of deteriorating weather and had to be taken by road back to Birdsville. Senior Constable Neale, the nurse from Birdsville Clinic and a community volunteer who drove the ambulance were out overnight and much of the next day, rescuing this motor cyclist. The injured rider was later flown to Adelaide by the RFDS where it was found that he had sustained fractured ribs and a punctured lung. Last heard, he was recovering well back at home. Some of his companions had ridden to Birdsville and the fifth rider had apparently 'pulled the pin' and headed off on his own. In this case, Police, RFDS, Birdsville Medical Staff and VKS-737 Personnel worked to ensure the best possible outcome for the abandoned injured rider. Why his companions abandoned him when he was injured and in distress beggars belief. This example shows why it is vital when going outback to be properly equipped. This includes having appropriate communications equipment that is tested and working. I have read regularly about the advantages of having a SatPhone however, I've heard of a number of examples where SatPhones failed to make contact, even in clear country and other forms of communications had to be relied upon. UHF Citizens Band is useful for point to point contact (vehicle to vehicle) and can be used to communicate with a number of outback stations or towns when in range. In remote areas it doesn't have the range to be relied on when help is needed. 27MHz Citizens Band is a waste of space. Try sending a distress call when there are so many intentionally causing interference or just talking up and down the street to each other in capital cities, oblivious of what else may be going on. The new EPIRBs are becoming more popular. Properly registering personal details with the Rescue Coordination Centre - Australia, the national search and rescue organisation, which is part of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) provides an accurate way to identify travellers and their position if the EPIRB is activated. What helped to save this motorcyclist in the incident above was High Frequency Radio. It just worked and went on working when most other forms of communications failed. Whether you lash out on a new setup or buy a good used one through the second hand markets, their sense of worth and value when you consider life and safety, particularly in the outback, can be priceless. Whether you're with one of the HF Radio providers or you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, a High Frequency radio, licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and a 406MHz EPIRB are definitely worth having on your big trips. So many people purchase 4WD setups worth many thousands of dollars and equip them with the best of everything, then skimp on the essentials that may just save them one day. How much is your life and those of your loved ones worth? Robert. Coordinator/Base Operator. VKS-737 Radio Network<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> News from the West<o:p> </o:p> Public access to The Loop (including Nature's Window) and Z Bend in Kalbarri National Park will be restricted from 4 June 2013 for 17 weeks while major upgrades of facilities take place. Road works are expected to be complete by October 2013.<o:p>  </o:p> Dubai, Turkey, Jordan.<o:p> </o:p> I have travel notes from our recent trip to Turkey and Jordan, but I thought I would start with the emails home. Jo<o:p> </o:p> Dubai<o:p> </o:p> We have arrived! We are a bit confused since apparently we have arrived before we left. Dubai airport is like a palace. Had to take a train from arrivals to baggage collection. Our hotel is definitely in the seedier side of town. We walked around the city from 7 - 10am as we are waiting for our room to be serviced. Now collapsed in a heap in the lobby. We didn't dress appropriately for 35�C. I now have $US, �, $A $UAE in my wallet. It�s doing my head in especially since it�s been more than 36 hours since we slept. There would have been at least 20 babies & toddlers on our flight. Who would willingly put a kid that age up in a plane for 14 hours? Most were good but there were two a few rows behind us that bawled ALL night. Felt so sorry for them. Had my first interesting toilet experience this morning. First I walked into the men's. That gave them all a bit of a surprise! Then I gave Graeme my bag to hold. Get inside and then remember that my toilet paper is in my bag. They have a hose contraption that would take a firefighter years to master. Now I know why the women wear long dresses and not long pants! That's all from here. Hoping for a sleep soon. Love to all. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Ted Goes to War<o:p> </o:p> Ted the Teacher From Antwerp we joined our train for the long journey back to the Front. We wondered why we had to go back there. Why could we not have gone with the horses to England? Rules, regulations, orders, red tape by the yard, so we had to do as always, go on and ask no questions. At least the railway had been improved in many of the damaged places. Other fellows who also wanted to go home had been engaged on this task, being held up also in France. Even so it took us a week to complete the journey. These long weeks after the termination of the actual fighting were very frustrating for the Australians who wanted to get back home to their domestic duties, which now assumed a greater priority of claim in their eyes. The fear was that one would get still another assignment and have to make still another set of adjustments. Sure enough, that other assignment came along. But what a surprise! I was made an instructor in agriculture and given the rank of Sergeant. I received this rank while I was still in France. Although all this was a complete mystery to me at first, I soon came to see the problem the Australian Government would have on its hands with all the returned soldiers trained for nothing but war. When one stopped to think of it, he could only wonder if the country could absorb these men without upsetting the whole economy. I also saw the danger of thousands of untrained and jobless men, who had developed crowd habits under war-time camp life, suddenly congregating in the cities. I saw nothing but trouble ahead in this. Thus I came to see that perhaps at this critical time between the front line warfare and the arrival home there was a job of rehabilitation to be done if the aftermath of the war was not to be as bad as the war itself. I also saw that this effort had to be directed to all aspects of life, if our huge army of men was to be placed properly in civilian life. Certainly everybody could not be doing the same thing.  As I thought about all this my concern was once again for the land. Certainly some thousands of these men should be prepared for work on the land in some way or other. Although I was not sure that I could be their teacher, I was sure that whoever those teachers were, they had to be experienced farmers. I also saw that this was a job of short duration that would end on my arrival home. So I resolved to give my best to the task.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies<o:p> </o:p> Does this sound familiar? Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.<o:p> </o:p> This is how it manifests itself: I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I head towards the garage, I notice post on the porch table that I picked up from the postman earlier. I decide to go through it before I wash the car. I put my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the recycling box under the table, and notice that the recycling box is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the recycling first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the post-box when I take out the recycling paper anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my cheque book off the table and notice that there is only one cheque left. My extra cheques are in the desk in my study, so I go into the house to my desk where I find the cup of coffee I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my cheques but first I need to push the coffee aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The coffee is getting cold, and I decide to make another cup. As I head toward the kitchen with the cold coffee, a vase of flowers on the bench catches my eye - the flowers need water. I put the coffee on the bench and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I put the glasses back down, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote control. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realise that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I put the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. <o:p> </o:p> At the end of the day: The car isn't washed, The bills aren't paid, There is a cold cup of coffee sitting on the kitchen work-surface, The flowers don't have enough water, There is still only 1 cheque in my cheque book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, And I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day and I'm really tired. I realise this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail..... Don't laugh - if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!<o:p> </o:p> An eighty year old says to his eighty two year old neighbor. �I hear you�re getting married?� �Sure am.� <o:p> </o:p> �Do I know her?�  �Don�t think so�<o:p> </o:p> �This lady, is she good looking?�  �Not really�<o:p> </o:p> �Is she a good cook?�  �No, she can�t cook at all�<o:p> </o:p> �Does she have lots of money?�  �No, poor as a church mouse�<o:p> </o:p> �Well, is she good at house work?�  �No, not at all�<o:p> </o:p> �Why would you want to marry her then?�  �Because she can still drive�<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> A senior citizen was telling his neighbor. �I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me just on four thousand dollars. It�s state of the art--- perfect� <o:p> </o:p> �Really�, answered the neighbor �What kind is it?�<o:p> </o:p> �Twelve thirty�<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p>To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as below </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.5.31

Thu, 30 May 2013 23:17:00 GMT

<img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>   <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint Friday Five - May 31, 2013<o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Babes in the Bush</a>. The Making of an Australian Image. $35.00 Kim Torney. A powerful exploration of the making of a uniquely Australian image - the image of a child lost in the bush. Stories of children lost in the bush, along with drought, fires and floods, became central to many Australian colonial experiences. This cultural legacy remains to this day, and is one of the few experiences modern Australians share with their colonial past. First published in 2005 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Babes+in+the+Bush&price=35.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Captain Thunderbolt & His Lady</a> $33.00.  He was the gentleman bushranger ... she was the woman who rode with him. This is the true story of Captain Thunderbolt and his lady. Driven into banditry by injustice, this colonial Robin Hood, magnificent horseman and skilled bushman was celebrated by his victims as vigorously as he was hunted by the law. She was his chief lieutenant, his eyes and his ears. Intelligent and beautiful, Mary Ann Bugg dressed as a man, rode like a man, and helped keep Thunderbolt ahead of the troopers and trackers intent on pursuing him to his end. First published 2011 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Captain+Thunderbolt+&+His+Lady&price=33.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="3" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Australians</a> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm"> - Origins to Eureka</a>. $40.00 Thomas Keneally brings to life the vast range of characters that have formed our national story. Convicts and Aborigines, settlers and soldiers, patriots and reformers, bushrangers and gold seekers, it is from their lives and their stories that he has woven a vibrant history to do full justice to the rich and colourful nature of our unique national character. This is truly a new history of Australia, by an author of outstanding literary skill and experience, and whose own humanity permeates every page. First published in 2009, this paperback edition 2010 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Australians+Origins+to+Eureka&price=40.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/australia%20-%20general.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="4" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping5.htm">The Grey Nomad�s Guidebook</a>. $30.00 430 pages. This fully revised and updated edition of the Grey Nomad�s Guidebook offers advice on: When and where to go, State by state breakdown including detailed maps, Planning a long-term trip, Health on the road, Setting up camp. First published in 2007, this revised edition 2009 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Grey+Nomads+Guidebook&price=30.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping5.htm">Add to Cart</a> <o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">High Country, 4WD Tracks & Camping</a> - 2nd Edition. A touring guide to Australia's alpine region. Twenty of the best destinations in both Victoria & NSW. Full of information on the history, natural features and highlights of the high-country area. First published in 2007, reprinted in 2010. $29.95. <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=High+Country+4WD+Camping+Guide&price=29.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> From the Second Hand Shelves</o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Opal Desert, The. Di Morrissey. Soft Cover. $14.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Outback Heroes. Even McHugh. Soft Cover. $15.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Outback Heroes. Kay Bastone. Soft Cover. $6.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Pathway to Magic. Jean Lang. Soft Cover. $20.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Perfect Journey, The. David Dale. Soft Cover. $5.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Persimmon Tree, The. Bryce Courtney. Hard Cover. $11.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Phosphateers, The. Maslyn Williams & Barrie Macdonald. Hard Cover. $40.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Place of Pioneers, A. Philip Geeves. Hard Cover. $24.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Playmaker, The. Thomas Keneally. Hard Cover. $25.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Plot to Kill the President, The. Blakey & Billings. Hard Cover. $6.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> If you are interested in any of the second hand books listed above please send an email to <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a> with the book title in the subject line and we can forward further details about edition, condition, payment, postage etc. In most cases there is only one copy of each book listed and these are allocated on a first in � first served basis.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum<o:p> </o:p> Editor�s comments in green.<o:p>  </o:p> Trip Notes<o:p> </o:p> Birdsville Track. <o:p> </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">We completed the track last week. It is very stony but quite good. Ensure all piping under the van is protected as anyone we met whose wasn�t, was broken. Has been recently graded but there are some corrugated areas. We lost two metres of outlet piping but had it fixed in Birdsville. Boulia is a great stop after the track. Lovely grass in the Park. Julie <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">We were on it a week ago. It's a highway. We turned off and used the Warburton inside track. Garry and Chris<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">We travelled the Birdsville Track on Tuesday 21st May. As we left Birdsville it started to drizzle. We took the Inside Track since it was open for the first time in years. The track has recently been graded and is in excellent condition. It crosses the extensive flood plain of the Diamantina/Goyders Lagoon, so is grey dirt. Mud started to flick up under the vehicle but a cloud of dust followed us. The southern section of the Inside Track is through gibber plains of the Sturt Desert. After 140km or so we joined the Birdsville Track which is a formed gravel road, in excellent condition�the �Birdsville� is now a �road�.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> Rain continued but progress was quick (easy to average 80 kph). South of Mungerannie the road became a muddy skating rink, until we approached the Cooper Crossing, where a road maintenance crew, camped at the Brennan Memorial, has placed clay on the surface. That is fine until it rains, when it becomes diabolical!!! We then slipped and slid across the road at 20kph following a road train with cattle from Clifton Hills Station, and other vehicles. The road was a mess. The road crews, clever guys, were on holiday. The road train had stopped at the Brennan Memorial, unable to proceed. After talking to the driver who would need to unload his cattle for a drink before long, we went in to Etadunna Station, 20 km south to alert them to the problem. Since I guessed that the next 125km to Marree could take up to 6 hours at 20 kph with an ETA of 10.00p.m., we begged a bed at the Station overnight. The hospitality of the bush dwellers is amazing�thank you to Paul and especially Charlie and Cassidy. Etadunna had 14.2 mm. of rain in 24 hours. <o:p> </o:p> The sun was out next morning, and the road started to dry, so we headed into Marree. The road is quite significantly cut up and will be difficult to travel until it is graded. Despite all this, the official version was that the road was open to all vehicles. We hope this helps travellers. Always check the weather forecast before travelling outback tracks. <o:p> </o:p> Don and Chris.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4">We have recently travelled some outback tracks (May 12th-23rd) The road north from Yunta to Balcanoona is almost complete, except for the last few km into Balcanoona where the road gang is currently working. It is in excellent condition.   The Walkers Crossing track is now open, and is excellent (thank you Clifton Hills). Travelling west from Innamincka is still a navigational nightmare as far as the crossing, with only the occasional sign to Birdsville. Travelling east is worse with no signs to Innamincka at all. The smart new bridge at the crossing, which we used several years ago, is now closed due to damage in the 2010 flood. So we are back to the old ford!<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> West of the crossing is a well defined bush track, mostly through sandy country. Thank you for the Westprint digital maps and Oziexplorer - makes navigation a cinch. The Warburton crossing is open but bone dry. The K1 line is generally very good, but the QAA line from Poeppel Corner to Nappanerica was a disaster. We were following 3 OKAs, one of which needed help to crest the steeper dunes. The western approach to the dunes on the QAA is now significantly destroyed risking damage to CV joints and diffs. The OKA drivers seemed to be devoid of sand driving skills. The eastern approach to the dunes was in general quite smooth. Innamincka is no longer a quiet tourist town, but is now a busy mining hub. The town square is littered with mining personnel, their utes, trucks, semis, road trains, oil and gas tankers, drilling rigs, etc. Innamincka Regional Reserve is now �Innamincka OIL GAS AND GEOTHERMAL RESERVE�. It is not possible to deviate from the main road. For example, we tried to access  Durantie Waterhole, on the old Coongie track, but met a closed gate� NO ENTRY, PRIVATE PROPERTY, BEACH PETROLEUM�.  Anyhow, the Old Strzelecki had been recently graded and in general was quite good, as was the Coongie Track.  Coongie Lake was covered with hundreds of pink-eared ducks. Don and Chris<o:p>  </o:p> Permits<o:p> </o:p> We tried to get a permit last July to travel from Nhulunbuy to Roper Bar but the Land Council just wouldn't entertain the idea and no reason given. The Central road is the only one you can get a permit for. I tried years ago to travel the northern route from Darwin to Nhulunbuy and got the same response. Good luck trying and if you do get permission, please post here. Jeff. <o:p>  </o:p> Hay River<o:p> </o:p> We traveled the Hay River Track down to the Rig Rd across to Mt Dare in 2011, this route was approx 900kms. "Great trip� What I really would love to say, is that our stay at Baton Hill was enhanced by a great guy, Max. If you showed any interest, he would be more than happy to show you any or everything about the area, so when I think of Baton Hill I always think of Max. Pete <o:p>  </o:p> South Australia Desert Parks Bulletin<o:p> </o:p> Stuart Highway closures. Due to Department of Defence range activity in May and June, the Stuart Highway will be closed at certain dates and times, in an area between Bob Bon rest stop (85kms north of Glendambo) and Ingomar rest stop (85km south of Coober Pedy) due to Department of Defence range testing.<o:p> </o:p> Closures are: Friday 31 May 1130 to 1530hrs, Saturday 1 June 1130 to 1530hrs, Sunday 2 June 1000 to 1400hrs<o:p>  </o:p> Lake Eyre is now dry. The best way to see the enormity of Lake Eyre is from the air. Local charters are available at William Creek and Marree, and tour operators run ground and air tours.<o:p> </o:p> Innamincka Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes National Park. All tracks open except Bore Track South. No visitor access across Bollards Lagoon station.<o:p>  </o:p> Witjira National Park and the Simpson Desert Reserves. Simpson Desert � Open to 4WD with caution.  Warburton Crossing open. Use caution along the French Line as a group with trailers have recently cut up the track. The first few sand dunes west of the K1/Rig Road intersection along the Rig Road are difficult to traverse and may cause problems for drivers.  Carry extra fuel reserves as up to 50% more fuel may be used currently than a normal desert crossing. The use of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged.  Serious damage can be caused to vehicles and the environment, and difficulties are likely to result. The K1 track may be difficult to follow early in the season due to that area of the Simpson having limited visitors over the last four years with the closure of the Warburton Crossing and good 2010 rain.  Please use caution.<o:p>  </o:p> How to join<o:p> </o:p> How could we go about having a slot to promote our not for profit club in your weekly Friday Five?  We've got plenty going on this year so far and we'd love to share it with our like minded readers.  Geoff <a href="http://www.Outback4wdclub.com.au">www.Outback4wdclub.com.au</a><o:p>  </o:p> I�m a subscriber to Friday Five, invariably find it interesting and informative. However it is not clear after reading it how I can post a comment. Please advise. Kevin <o:p>  </o:p> Whether you want to voice an opinion, promote an event or share a tip on outback travel just send an email to <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a> </o:p> Good Books</o:p> I thought your readers might be interested in a book my wife's great aunt recently self-published about growing up on the Roper River in the 1920s. It's available electronically as well as in print. Keith. Here's the link to Roper River Jack by Helen Litchfield (95 years), "Roper River Jack". <a href="http://store-au.blurb.com/ebooks/359791-roper-river-jack" target="_blank">http://store-au.blurb.com/ebooks/359791-roper-river-jack</a> And here's the link to Blurb Australia <a href="http://lp-au.blurb.com/g/brand?ce=google_aunz_blurb&b_medium=cpc&b_source=google&b_campaign=AU_Brand&b_term=blurb%20australia&gclid=CMWS2MLJv7UCFQ0ipQodi04AUQ" target="_blank">http://lp-au.blurb.com/g/brand?ce=google_aunz_blurb&b_medium=cpc&b_source=google&b_campaign=AU_Brand&b_term=blurb%20australia&gclid=CMWS2MLJv7UCFQ0ipQodi04AUQ</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> I have a museum at Hill End <a href="http://www.historyhill.com.au">www.historyhill.com.au</a> and have just released two expanded 2nd edition publications on gold and our area. Books can be purchased through the website. Malcolm Drinkwater. <o:p> </o:p> Hill End Gold, first published in 1982, looks specifically at the gold rush in Hill End. The 2013 edition includes colour photographs and more information. Over the past 30 years, I have gathered more to add to this book, keeping the theme the same but answering the questions I often get asked in my museum that relate to the subject matter of this book. Hill End Hearsay focuses on the people of the Hill End district. The updated version now has an index, as well as more anecdotes and photographs. This book is a record which concentrates more on the people rather than the gold finds; the character and lifestyle that evolved and was born form the gold diggers� spirit,�  Both books are available for purchase through the website, <a href="http://www.historyhill.com.au">www.historyhill.com.au</a> Malcolm Drinkwater.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Vale Ruth Lockwood<o:p>  </o:p> Ruth Lockwood passed away peacefully on 2 April 2013 aged 99 years. Ruth was the beloved wife of Douglas Lockwood (deceased). <o:p> </o:p> While working for an insurance company Ruth was promoted to a position at Mildura and it was there she met a young reporter on the Sunraysia Daily called Douglas Lockwood. He joined the Melbourne Herald in early 1941. They married in October that year and went to Darwin where Douglas was to report on the preparations for enemy invasion. Ruth was evacuated on the last civilian plane out in mid-January after briefly working as an army typist, carrying a tin hat and gas mask to work every day. Douglas stayed for the bombing on 19 February before joining the army and toting a rifle (and a notebook) around the islands to the north while Ruth spent the war years in Melbourne and in Perth. <o:p> </o:p> Apart from 11 months back in Melbourne in 1948 and two years in London 1954-56, the Lockwoods stayed in Darwin until 1968 when they moved to Port Moresby for the Herald Company where Douglas created the country�s first national daily newspaper. After three years they returned to Melbourne, where Douglas was manager of the Herald, then off to Brisbane for a similar job, and then back to Port Moresby. <o:p> </o:p> The tropics eventually took a toll on Douglas�s health and they moved to Bendigo, where he was managing editor of the Bendigo Advertiser. When Douglas died in 1980 Ruth moved to Melbourne, where she researched and finished a book Douglas had started on the bushman, poet and storyteller Bill Harney. It was published as A Bushman�s Life. In 1996 Ruth moved to Adelaide for her last 17 years, the final few in poor health.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> What�s On in the Bush</o:p> Bedourie Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana. 28-30 June 2013. Two days of entertainment for the whole family at the Bedourie Campdraft & Gymkhana. <o:p>  </o:p> Bedourie Camel Races & Camp Oven Cook Off. 13 July 2013. The annual race meet sees professional camel riders from across Australia converge on Bedourie each July for the first of Queensland�s three camel racing carnivals. Race goers will be treated to a fun day of activities for all ages to enjoy including a Bedourie Camp Oven cook off and demonstrations, foot races, closest to the pin, putting and wood-chopping competitions as well as kids novelty events and music and entertainment into the night.<o:p>  </o:p> Big Red Run & John Williamson Concert. 8-13 July 2013. The Big Red Run will be an exciting weeklong event, covering unchartered parts of the Simpson Desert as well as a sunset concert atop Big Red featuring Australian music legend, John Williamson. Runners can choose from the Big Red Run which is a 250 kilometre six day stage race; the Big Red Dash which is a 42 kilometre marathon from Birdsville to Big Red; or the Born to Run 100 kilometre which is a unique 100 kilometre desert run. Funds raised from the Big Red Run will help fund Type 1 diabetes research. E: <a href="mailto:adrian@borntorun.com.au">adrian@borntorun.com.au</a> W: <a href="http://www.bigredrun.com.au/" target="_blank">bigredrun.com.au</a><o:p>  </o:p> 10th Four Wheel Drive Gathering � Easter 2014.<o:p>  </o:p> My name is Bruce Close. I am a Member of the Central Coast Four Wheel Drive Club in New South Wales and the Event Coordinator for the 2014 Four Wheel Drive Gathering. The Gathering is being run by a group of Members from a variety of Clubs in the Region.<o:p> </o:p> This will the tenth Gathering to be held and it is proposed to hold it over the Easter weekend of 2014 from Friday 18th to Monday 21st April. The Venue for the Gathering will be at Dungog Showground in Dungog, New South Wales. Dungog is located in the Upper Hunter Region about 50km from Raymond Terrace. There are ample camping sites at the Showground many of which are powered. A website has been set up. It is pretty basic at the moment but more will be added. Link is http://www.4wdgathering.org.au/<o:p> </o:p> For any further information please feel free to contact me:<o:p> </o:p> Email � <a href="mailto:wom84t2005@hotmail.com">wom84t2005@hotmail.com</a><o:p>  </o:p> If you have an event you would like to promote please email details to <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a> Emails and word documents preferred (rather than pdf files).<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Camp Oven Cooking.</o:p> We have been camp oven cooking for over 30 years and still use the same original camp oven/s. Whether we are cooking a roast, a casserole or baking bread, our basic approach is the same. We get a good bed of coals going in the fire and then dig a circular hole beside the fire � radius about 5cm great than that of the camp oven, and depth about the same as the height of the camp oven. Try to keep the sides of the hole vertical.<o:p> </o:p> Then we place the camp oven with food prepared centrally in the hole and flat on the earth/sand bottom. WE HAVE NEVER FOUND IT NECESSARY TO HAVE DIRECT HEAT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE OVEN ITSELF!<o:p> </o:p> We have observed many who do place coals on the bottom, or who place the camp oven right in the main fire itself, and this usually leads to uneven heat and food burnt onto the bottom! Take a shovel and place hot coals around the sides of the camp oven, and a few on the top. (We don�t place coals on the top if cooking bread)<o:p> </o:p> If you wish to check on the contents, do not remove the oven from the hole and the coals. Take a fire brush (not nylon bristles!) and brush to one side, the ashes around the edge of the lid. Make sure you have a couple of pieces of wood or a flat board nearby on which to rest the lid. The meat or vegetables can then be tested and if extra cooking time is required simply replace the lid and add a few more coals on top. When cooking is complete, remove the camp oven from the hole before dishing up or carving. FILL IN THE HOLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER REMOVING THE CAMP OVEN TO AVOID SOMEONE ACCIDENTLY STEPPING INTO IT. Barry <o:p>  </o:p> The issue about what to cook is irrelevant. If you can cook at home, you can cook the same food in the bush and our rule is that we eat better on the track (through better food selection and preparation) than we do at home. The real issue is how to cook � and that�s about not doing it the hard way.  Good fridges and cryovaced meat will keep food fresh for longer than most people are away from the shops and there are endless tricks for keeping bread and vegetables fresh that I�m sure I don�t need to repeat here.  What �First Timer� needs to do is to get a decent cooking stove � even a 2 burner stove will do � and a few sensible cooking implements of the sort found in the average kitchen.  We bought a little square Weber oven thing (now about $100) and a Le Crueset pot � remaindered for about $100 or so because it was an unfashionable colour.  The Weber is driven by a dozen heat beads and we have even cooked a full roast dinner in it at Domblegabbie half way across the Nullarbor in a howling gale. Camp oven cooking may be fun (if you happen to like that sort of thing) but it isn�t the easiest way to do it. Tony<o:p>  </o:p> The best thing I ever did was buy a dehydrator. The instruction book tells it all. Everything can be done and requires no refrigeration. Google for recipes as well. Enjoy! Anita<o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.aussiecampovencook.com">http://www.aussiecampovencook.com</a> I found Derek and the members on COCIA very willing to help with hints on cooking in either caste iron or spun steel camp ovens when I first started. There is lots of information already provided but the chat section is always there if you have a question. Posters are not too proud to include pics of their burnt offerings as well as successes. Joan<o:p>  </o:p> The Trailer Debate<o:p> </o:p> The trailer debate is as heated as Nissan vs. Toyota. Here is a sample of the many replies received. <o:p>  </o:p> I have travelled the Simpson Desert and others deserts quite a few times. My last trip across the Simpson Desert was last July after the Nissan 50th Celebrations. I towed a camper trailer across the desert for the first time, and at no time did I spin the wheels, get stopped going up the dunes or have any other problems. I found that those who do rough up the tracks have three major problems. Firstly many people are reluctant to deflate their tyres sufficiently, or at all. I deflated my tyres down to 12lbs. on BOTH the vehicle and trailer. Secondly most drivers tend to attack the dunes with far too much speed and quite often the incorrect gear, so when the vehicle speed and revs die they try for another gear thus bogging down. Thirdly there are still a number of drivers who do not have a properly prepared or incorrect 4WD for the situation. Too many 4WD dealers do not understand that a vehicle off the showroom floor is not generally suited to the desert.<o:p> </o:p> Finally I have found over the years that contrary to popular belief it is easier to cross the Simpson from East to West rather than the other way, mainly due to the idiots who won�t deflate their tyres, thus rutting up the dunes. There is only one thing that needs to be done and that is education of persons wishing to travel off the black top. Join a four wheel drive club that conducts trips into the area you wish to travel or do a 4WD driving course such as those by Four Wheel Drive Victoria. DON�T BAN TRAILERS, BAN BAD DRIVERS. Ron Horsham <o:p>  </o:p> Once again we read about the damage that towing trailers does to desert sand tracks. There is no doubt that these are the cause of a lot of the very rough scalloping that one finds on the steep side of dunes. Here is something to think about that may help reduce the problem, and this comes from some considerable experience in the matter. <o:p> </o:p> Everyone reduces vehicle tyre pressures to cope with dunes BUT how many also reduce trailer tyre pressures at the same time. I think you will find that probably half of trailers in the Simpson or anywhere else, are towed at full pressure under the assumption that it�s only a trailer so what�s the problem? Well, trailer tyres are no different to vehicle tyres and they do pose a problem. Under pressure, they are forced into the soft sand and are continually pushing a miniature sandhill along in front which impedes progress, just as the vehicle tyres do. The wisdom behind this lies in the fact that easy progress after reducing tyre pressure has little to do with increasing the footprint. It is all about getting rid of that nasty little sandhill that each tyre has to climb over when fully inflated. A squishy tyre rolls along without pushing up a mound in front and trailer tyres are no exception. Robin. Adelaide<o:p>  </o:p> In my opinion 4x4 drivers do a lot more damage when they drive without Airing Down, then a well prepared vehicle with enough power to tow a trailer with the correct air pressure to tackle the dunes. Andy <o:p> </o:p> We have towed a camper trailer in the Simpson Desert and have travelled with others who were also towing trailers.  We let our tyre pressures down on the trailer as well as the tyres on our vehicles.  None of us have had any trouble whatsoever crossing any of the dunes.  We have done two other trips in the Simpson without a trailer and had no trouble either.<o:p> </o:p> On numerous occasions we�ve seen examples of vehicles not towing who have had to have several tries at crossing dunes (this includes tour operators).  It is not the trailer that is the problem - it is the failure to let your tyres down.  If people would let their tyre pressures down they would not need to have numerous attempts to cross a dune thus damaging the track.  Maybe better education (information in magazines etc) is the answer rather than banning trailers. A full off road trailer should be able to go anywhere that your fully set up 4WD can go. Karen<o:p>  </o:p> The problem is not the trailer it's the driver. In regards the Simpson which is one of my favorites, many people refuse to use or are ignorant of the tyre pressures required for successful desert crossings even though there is a ton of information on the subject.<o:p> </o:p> You hear them on the radio telling their mates that they will give it another go in 2 wheel drive. In 2WD you will also chop up the dunes and make it harder and rougher for the people following. You drive a 4WD for a reason, use it. Put it in 4WD at the start of the dunes and take it out after the last dune, or once off the dirt roads, it won't hurt the vehicle. Tyre pressures can change depending on the season and time of day; afternoons are dryer and softer than the morning so you may have to alter pressures during the day. Good starting pressures are vehicle 18 to 20 psi, trailer 10 to 12 psi. I have been down to 12psi and 8psi respectively at times. There is no need to ban the towing of trailers, just work out a way to train the drivers that use them. Maybe a start is that the trailer manufacturers give purchasers a book on how to setup a trailer for the various road/track conditions when they purchase a trailer. I like many are astounded at the lack of knowledge that many drivers have, when they are travelling our great country. They put themselves, their family and others at risk. John <o:p>  </o:p> I guess there are quite a few that agree with the call to ban trailers in the Simpson, and a few that don't, but I very strongly object to being classed as a "selfish traveler". <o:p> </o:p> A trailer itself is not a problem. The problem is the weight per footprint and of course a heavily laden trailer, possibly without the tyre pressure lowered, is going to cause the also probably heavily laden 4WD pulling it to cut up a dune. Such rigs should definitely be discouraged. Banned? Maybe. However a lightly constructed trailer, with matching tyres and track to the tow vehicle, with pressures lowered to 10 psi., and ONLY carrying gear which would otherwise have been in the tow vehicle will do no more damage to the track, and more often less. I would rather spread my load over 6 wheels than 4 - it is not only easier on the tow vehicle but offers less pressure on each footprint on the fragile dune.<o:p> </o:p> I have towed a purpose built trailer weighing only 200kg unladen across the Simpson; the Hay R track; and Madigan's line, with no more trouble at difficult dunes than some of the vehicles in company without trailers. There are advantages when you do get stuck too - you disconnect, and simply drive the light 4WD over, then when your wheels are no longer on a fragile dune cap, just tow the trailer over. There are two sides to every issue, and the answer is not black & white. John<o:p>  </o:p> Our group of 4 vehicles without trailers crossed the desert last September. The scalloping evident on the track while ascending the dunes causes severe bouncing or pitching of the vehicles. In many cases the scalloping is staggered. The bouncing is then replaced by rapid side-to-side rocking motion. As stated, currently the recommendation is no trailers across the desert. Maybe it�s time the recommendation was upgraded to a definite ban east of Dalhousie to just east of big red. Bob <o:p>  </o:p> Yes some people should not tow trailers across the Simpson but there are many capable people who can. I drove a 100 series Turbo diesel Landcruiser with Adventure camper trailer in tow across the Simpson. In our group was another 100 series Turbo diesel Landcruiser fully loaded and a Ford F250 6 cylinder Turbo diesel with an Adventure Tray Top camper on the back of this vehicle. The fuel consumption for all was approximately 140 litres the vehicle with the trailer being the least.<o:p> </o:p> The fully loaded TLC did on one occasion get caught on top of one of the many dunes requiring a gentle snatch backwards to have a second attempt which was done with ease. The Ford was different story having had new truck tyres fitted with a recommended inflation pressure of 80 psi (yes that�s right 80). The question was how low do you go?<o:p> </o:p> Well the low tyre pressures for desert driving were the same as the other vehicles being around 16 psi or less <o:p> </o:p> What about the vehicle with the trailer in tow? No assistance was required at all for the main trip except for Big Red. All that was needed was sensible driving and respect for the track and those who follow. If a dune was not conquered on my first attempt we simply reversed the trailer back down, reassessed our gear selection and made it over with ease. Yes, we did have more second attempts but this was due to our desire to make the point that trailers do not damage the dunes. I felt as though the trailer was smoothing over the tracks that we were driving over and this was agreed to by all other parties in our group. <o:p> </o:p> What we should be doing is educating more diligently to all users of the desert the need for correct tyre pressures. In my line of work of camper trailer hire and sales I hear of people thinking they are super heroes because they didn�t need to deflate their tyres or even use 4wd for their trip across the desert. Spinning highly inflated tyres in 2wd does a lot more damage to the tracks and dunes. This is what is doing the damage NOT trailers.<o:p> </o:p> Another consideration in the education process should be that those wanting to tow a trailer should be at least with one other vehicle with or without a trailer and they should know how to confidently reverse their trailer. You should also be aware of your vehicles performance capabilities in sand .Go somewhere close to home for a weekend and put yourself and vehicle through its paces to see what works best. By this I mean tyre pressures, high range or low range 4wd and be honest with yourself; is the vehicle up to the trip with a trailer in tow. I had a 2.8 Litre diesel Hilux and know that this vehicle would not have managed a crossing of the desert with a trailer in tow. <o:p> </o:p> The debate can go on and on with someone even saying �why would you even want to take a trailer across the Simpson?� Well I believe that this is up to each individual to decide for themselves using the Think, Assess and Decide principals of 4wdriving.<o:p> </o:p> There are many remote tracks in our country on which trailers are taken without such controversy and still the chances of major trailer damage and costly recovery expenses to the owners.<o:p> </o:p> My findings are that the majority of negative feedback in relation to trailers and the Simpson are from those who have done the trip without a trailer or not even done it at all. <o:p> </o:p> I have looked closely on my trips to this area and seen those ready for the SD crossing and am bewildered at how much weight some have put on their roof racks and vehicles alike. Not to mention keeping the vehicle within its gross vehicle mass capacity and what this is doing to the vehicles center of gravity increasing the possibility of a rollover.<o:p> </o:p> Let�s begin to educate more stringently the precautions that should be taken rather than the current response of �No you can�t �because �yes you can �.Paul</o:p> Camping<o:p>  </o:p> I read with dismay the comments re the ridiculous idea of booking sites in National Parks in advance and have been advised, (after camping in a South Coast of NSW NP last week) that the same insane system is to be introduced into all NSW�s  NP�s in September. I sent an Email to NP�s NSW and received a typical public Service reply. This new system was no doubt thought up by some bean counter or deskbound clerk. I will not be cow towing to this and ask everyone to complain to your NP�s and Local Members of parliament. Jeff. <o:p>  </o:p> I fully support a mix of free camping with caravan parks. CP operators in Australia are too greedy. In USA, Canada and Mexico there are many parks that offer 50% off. Okay, so the 50% off may not be available every night, such as peak periods, school holidays and there may be limited sites available, but if you book ahead it can be very cheap travel. Gary.  <o:p> </o:p> We had the "experience� of pre-booking a few years back. Arrived at a small NP in Nth Qld - must pre book! I managed to find mobile coverage (out on the beach). NP staff then went on to enquire name, address, who to contact in case of emergency, etc. I said I just want to book a site its costing me money standing out here on the beach. �Well you should have used the internet for free.� Told him that when travelling you don't have it. When we told him what site we were in, we were told �it�s booked so move, but he then said probably no one would turn up, (they didn't). <o:p> </o:p> Incidentally re the NSW camping pass free to pensioners as said in 24 May unless things have changed it is only for NSW residents. You have to show pension card with address on it. As for preplanning so that you arrive on the booked date, as the saying goes �the plans of mice and me�. Anything can happen on the way, breakdown, accident, not only yourself but one that closes the road for long times, illness, possessions or vehicle stolen etc, all can cause delays which will throw out all the preplanning. Many years ago Qld has a system where you could pre-purchase stamps which were put on to the camp docket when arriving, this meant NP got money up front, one didn't have to have the right money and there was no risk of people breaking in to the money box to steal. We used them to great advantage. Also with pre booking a site, unless you know the park you can't tell if the site is suitable or if the campers in the adjacent site are noisy. <o:p> </o:p> I have come to the conclusion the increase in charges etc are to dissuade people from using the NPs so the Government doesn't have to pay for maintenance and provide facilities and rangers. In some cases it is cheaper to go stay in a caravan park which is required to keep toilets etc clean. Thankfully most of our past travelling has been when camping was a relatively cheap thing as we travel less these days. Rob and Alex Qld<o:p>  </o:p> Hi. Not sure whether you guys are aware of the grants recently handed out to assist with regional tourism. I send the following document. Maybe I have got it all wrong but $250,000 to a Caravan Park to put in a water playground feature and a jumping pillow just doesn't sit well with me. Chris <o:p> </o:p> Some snippets from the Tourism Industry Regional Fund website <a href="http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tirf/Pages/index.aspx">http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tirf/Pages/index.aspx</a><o:p> </o:p> �The Australian Government is committed to maximising tourism's net economic contribution to the Australian economy and to fostering an industry that promotes the principles of environmental responsibility and sustainable development.<o:p> </o:p> On 15 March 2013, the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson announced that 65 applicants were successful in the first round of the TIRF (Tourism Industry Regional Fund) Grants Program. The Australian Government will offer these projects a total of $13.1 million in funding, which will leverage a combined investment value of over $141 million.<o:p> </o:p> A second round is expected to be announced in the second half of 2013. The competitive merit-based TIRF Grants Program offers grants from $50,000�$250,000 (GST exclusive) on a matched dollar for-dollar funding basis. A major focus of the program is to improve the quality of accommodation and attractions in regional areas and encourage innovative projects to attract interstate and international visitors and extend their length of stay.�<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> What a wonderful initiative by our Federal Government. It's great to see that they want to invest our taxes in projects that will attract interstate and international visitors to regional areas. Having said that you would think that some of the grants would be applied to Regional Shires and Councils, local community groups and other organizations that are desperately trying to establish low cost no frills accommodation options for tourists international, interstate or local visitors. I was "gob smacked" when I saw who got grants and how they were going to spend it. Bearing in mind it was based on a dollar for dollar input basis so the organisation that got the money had to input an equivalent amount for the project. There is a complete list on the TIRF website <a href="http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tirf/Pages/index.aspx">http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tirf/Pages/index.aspx</a> of how much was handed out and what it is going to be spent on. Of the 65 applicants 16 appear to be from local government and/or nonprofit organisations with the remaining 49 are from commercial interests. Here are some of the successful applicants.<o:p> </o:p> BIG4 Merimbula Tween Waters Resort will install an innovative water play adventure structure adjoining the holiday park�s island pool complex. The project will also install a jumping pillow as well as a new BBQ and picnic area. $250,000<o:p> </o:p> BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park in Tweed Heads will build a nature inspired water playground designed to depict the �The Green Cauldron�, an area of natural significance and one of Australia�s National Landscapes. The waterpark will use this natural environment and icons from around the region as a theme for a slide and cascade grotto including beach tidal pools, dunes, lighthouse and lazy river pool. The innovative design of the playground will differentiate the park from competitors and provide a unique selling point for both the park and the region. $250,000<o:p> </o:p> Lightning Ridge Outback Resort and Caravan Park rooms will be upgraded to remove hazards, improve product quality and align with customer expectations. These upgrades will increase the star rating of the resort to three and a half stars. $249,550<o:p> </o:p> Holiday Parks in Pambula Beach. A shallow play area with spray park features and a small slide as well as two fast, twisting waterslides will be installed alongside the existing outdoor swimming pool. $250,000 <o:p> </o:p> BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort in Airlie Beach. This project will see the construction of a multipurpose conference facility at the existing accommodation options at the resort and will cater for up to 100 guests. $250,000<o:p> </o:p> The BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park new �Eco Family Lodge� project has been designed to provide a high quality, innovative product at an affordable price for guests staying in the region. The funding will contribute towards the construction and fit out of a three bedroom cabin, to be built from sustainable materials with wheelchair access, providing an eco-accommodation experience and setting a new benchmark for sustainable caravan park accommodation in the region. Atherton QLD $83,693<o:p> </o:p> Clare Valley. This project will deliver an upgrade to existing cabin stock at Discovery Holiday Parks in Clare, with the addition of eight new deluxe 4-berth cabins complete with a deck and a second outdoor kitchen. Clare SA $250,000<o:p> </o:p> So there you have it $1,583,243 of your taxes being handed out to 7 caravan parks to help develop their businesses. I suppose they were "doing it tough" and these improvements will help to attract the travelling RV tourists to come and stay in their upgraded deluxe accommodation, have a play in their water complexes and a bounce on the new jumping pillow. Please have a look at the other successful applicants and ask the question "Will these projects encourage and attract the normal RV tourist to these regional communities." As mentioned previously Regional Shires and Councils, local community groups and other organisations around the country are desperately trying to establish low cost no frills accommodation options for tourists (international, interstate or local visitors). <o:p> </o:p> Basic infrastructure like dump points, access to potable water and rest and camping areas are critical to improving the Regional touring experience of tourists in RV's and yet obtaining funding for these community assets is like pulling teeth. In this lucky country where we are told to expect up to ten years of Federal deficits and we will all need to tighten our belts it seems our federal representatives think that grants like this will encourage us all to take a luxury holiday rather than a budget low cost touring option.<o:p> </o:p> Write a letter to your local media, ask your local member what they think of these "handouts" and please pass this information on to everyone you know who enjoys the RV lifestyle without the need for exotic playgrounds and conference centres. Chris<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> It does seem that some contributors have a confrontational approach to life. Generally it pays to treat others the way you would like to be treated. If you asked to move on, it may be for a very good and legitimate reason, one that involves your welfare and safety. Insisting that they fill out a form for you or being abusive is hardly likely to end well. I wonder what the result will be if in the future we find people being clamped or towed away due to the reluctance to following a legitimate direction.<o:p> </o:p> On a separate note it does not cost $30-50 to provide water and power for an overnight stay, but the other costs incurred in running a caravan park are considerable, including insurance, maintenance, workcover, rates, wages etc.<o:p> </o:p> Remember that the park is there 24/7 365 days of the year whether you choose to stay there or not and the costs do not have a holiday. By all means be fussy about the park you stay at, but don't complain about the facilities when you are only paying $15 per night.<o:p> </o:p> The whole argument about travellers supporting businesses in towns is rubbish. We know that grey nomads in particular come into town to use the facilities, use the dump points and leave their rubbish. They only buy the minimum amount and then complain that it is much dearer that at home. They rarely support the small local supermarket operators because the big guys are cheaper.<o:p> </o:p> Towns survive because the locals support it, not the blow flies that come and go.<o:p> </o:p> It may not be you that dumps rubbish or toilets at a road side stop but it is a member of the travelling community for whom we must all take responsibility. Don't blame the council or shire employee for doing their job; after all it is them that you expect will clean up the rubbish of others. Nomadic4wd<o:p>  </o:p> Ted Goes to War<o:p> </o:p> More horse works.<o:p> </o:p> Once again we were commandeered to work with horses, although I should have been glad to have nothing more to do with them. The military authorities, so we were informed, were organizing a sale of second and third grade horses. The first grade animals were to be sent to England. Our next assignment we did not appreciate. We were put in charge of a train-load of horses that were being sent to England. We began right where the war ended - and what a war-wrecked area it was! What a ghastly way war is to settle human differences - nothing but destruction and chaos on every side. Once we camped innocently in a fairly large stable. When the armistice became a fact, the Germans were compelled to place a small red flag near every land-mine. When we awoke after our night in the stable we were surrounded by more than thirty red flags which we had not seen in the dark! Our train journey with the horses was a horror trip, owing to the line having been blown up in so many places. Keeping the carriages on the rails slowed down the speed to four miles per hour at times. One day I lost my hat, jumped off the train, retrieved it and climbed back on again, it was so slow. We were handling our horses 12 at a time, having the horses face each other with a space of six feet between. This was in a huge captured German truck with a rain-proof roof. Two strong ropes were fastened about three feet high, and fixed to bolts on the side of the truck. Arnold and I took it in turn watching the horses and keeping them awake. We used a small bamboo cane to rap any horse on the nose if he showed signs of sleeping. Had they fallen forward our fate would have been sealed. There was no room for a horse to lie down, consequently they became leg-weary and were pitiful to see. We fed them light meals of pure oats, but we could not give them much water because of the danger of poisoning. Our late enemies had poisoned every underground water storage and drinking facility. I remember the many fatal signs Kein Trink Wasser indicating that the water in the well could not be drunk. This policy however rebounded on them before the end of the war.  After the armistice, the military personnel thought only of going home. The poisoned water was just left for the general public to deal with as best it could. It must have taken years to rectify it. The long slow haul of our horses seemed to be unending. We had no idea how many horses there were in the consignment. We travelled across France and Belgium until we arrived at the port of Antwerp, where the horses were unloaded and shipped to England. We delivered them safely and for once our officers seemed gratified, and thanked us; but we wondered how they would have liked the dangerous assignment themselves. <o:p> </o:p> Next week: - Back to the Front<o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies<o:p> </o:p> The man told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete he said, "Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me."<o:p> </o:p> "Well, in plain English, you're just lazy," the doctor replied.<o:p> </o:p> "Okay," the man said. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> At a high school in South Australia, a group of students played a prank. They let three goats loose inside the school. But before turning them loose, they painted numbers on the sides of the goats: 1, 2, and 4.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Students at school were asked to write about the harmful effects of oil on fish. One 11-year old wrote, "When my mum opened a tin of sardines last night it was full of oil and all the sardines were dead."<o:p> </o:p> Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbled across a monastery and requests shelter there. Fortunately, she's just in time for dinner and was treated to the best fish and chips she had ever tasted. After dinner, she went into the kitchen to thank the chefs. She was met by two of the Brothers.<o:p> </o:p> The first one says, "Hello, I am Brother Michael, and this is Brother Charles."<o:p> </o:p> "I'm very pleased to meet you," replies the nun. "I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful dinner. The fish and chips were the best I've ever had. Out of curiosity, who cooked what?"<o:p> </o:p> Brother Charles replied, "Well, I'm the fish friar."<o:p> </o:p> She turned to the other Brother and says "then you must be....?"<o:p> </o:p> "Yes, I'm afraid I'm the chip monk."<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p>To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as below </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.5.24

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:28:00 GMT

<img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>   <o:p>  </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p> </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Holiday in Northern Territory</a> - 2nd Edition. $19.95 Holiday in Northern Territory is now available in a smaller format with a practical flexi-bound cover. This guide covers Darwin, four touring regions, an A�Z listing of all major towns and a complete Territory road atlas. Also included is a new food and accommodation directory with detailed reviews on selected restaurants, cafes, hotels, motels and serviced apartments. Colourful and packed with information, this guidebook provides you with everything you need to get the most out of your next holiday. Soft-cover, 107pp. First published 2008, this edition 2011 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Holiday+in+Northern+Territory&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Holiday in Western Australia</a> - 2nd Edition $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Holiday+in+Western+Australia&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Add to Cart</a> Same format as above.</li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="3" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#232323;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Woman from Nowhere</a> $17.95 Hazel McCallum's story as told to Kerry McCallum. Sent out to work at 11, married at 16, a mother at 17 and on the track as a drover�s wife, Hazel McKellar has had a life of drama. "I crossed the raging Cato Creek with three horses, a wagonette and four children..." The drover's wife becomes drover herself, in charge of 5,000 head. Hazel graduates to consultant and heads off to do battle in committees after the Cunnamulla 'riot' arouses her fighting spirit to new causes. First published in 2000. <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Woman+from+Nowhere&price=17.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="4" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:#232323;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Wongi Wongi</a> $22.00 For over a decade the Drake-Brockman family have been depicted as heartless exploiters of the Aboriginal people. Now Judith Drake-Brockman has spoken out. Wongi Wongi tells a story, not of a people dispossessed, but a people loved and cared for by their employers. This book is a personal history and account of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relationships supported by documentation from official files. The author does not deny the tragedies of the past but helps place them in perspective. First published in 2001<a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Wongi+Wongi&price=22.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="5" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Wyndham Yella Fella</a> $24.95 Brilliantly captured are the many bittersweet experiences of his family such as fleeing the Forrest River Mission to escape the threat of a WW2 Japanese invasion and travelling the vast Kimberley landscape in search of work and a place to settle. Back in Wyndham, against a backdrop of yarns spun by station legends still clinging to their colonial roots, Reginald Birch brings to life the challenges faced by an Aboriginal family as they carve their place in an outback society. 228pp. First published in 2003, this edition 2006 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Wyndham+Yella+Fella&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/aboriginals9.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> From the second hand shelves<o:p> </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Sheeds, A Touch of Cunning. Tom Prior. Soft Cover. $5.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Silver in the Sun. Tony Parsons. Soft Cover. $10.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Solomon�s Song. Bryce Courtenay. Hard Cover. 7.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Sons in the Saddle. Mary Durack. Soft Cover. $2.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Spell of Lake Eyre, The. Roma Dulhunty Hard Cover. $16.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Story of Danny Dunn, The. Bryce Courtenay. Hard Cover. $16.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Survival in the Doghouse. John O�Grady. Hard Cover. $8.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Sylvia. Bryce Courtenay. Hard Cover. $5.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Territory, The. Ernestine Hill. Soft Cover. $12.00 <o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo2">Kenilworth. Sir Walter Scott. Hard cover. $30.00. Printed 1832. Condition poor.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> From the office<o:p> </o:p> There are certainly some hot topics being debated in the Friday Five at present; trailers, campsites, the legal implications of stopping on the side of the road. If you have sent an email and haven�t seen it published � we will include it as soon as we have space. For those who would like to join the conversation but are unsure how just send your comments in an email to <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> I would love to hear from you. At present I am looking for emails about 4WD club events. If you would like to give your club a bit of publicity please send me an email at the address above. Until then, happy travelling. Jo<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum</o:p> Jo�s comments in green.<o:p>  </o:p> Track Notes<o:p> </o:p> Aysons Reserve<o:p> </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">Campaspe Shire Council has advised that Aysons Reserve at Rochester (Victoria) will be closed for camping from Mon June 3 to Fri June 7th. Toilets will remain open Dump Point will be inaccessible. Limited camping may be available around the reserve boundary.</li> </ul> Hay River <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">We travelled this route in 2006 and found it most enjoyable and quite easy, as most of the way you are travelling on a dirt track alongside the river. The dunes at the southern end after the Claypan heading towards Beachcomber can be a little soft, but all in all no real drama for a moderately skilled driver and a well prepared 4wd. Baton Hill Camp was an especially enjoyable place to stay. Perry<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">We travelled the Hay River Track in late July 2012 in our L/C 79 series with Active Camper on the back, in company with 3 other vehicles. It is truly beautiful country, made more memorable by its remoteness. The track through Batton Hill and then south down (beside) the Hay River is a relatively easy drive � 4WD is unnecessary in most places � until  the Hay River disappears into the Simpson and you begin to cross sand dunes. However if you venture into the dry Hay River bed, you will most definitely need 4WD and even lower tyre pressures. Although the track was an easy drive, it was very slow and winding because of the massive growth of young trees due to the past couple of wet seasons. At times so slow in 1st gear with the thick bush scrapping along the side of car and camper for over 2 days travelling south of Batton Hill. It may be worse now � at least the bush was still green last year � it may now be dead (and scratchier). We used much less fuel than expected on the Hay Track. (We didn�t do the Sunset tour from Batton Hill � approx 80km � because of our fuel concerns). There are numerous great campsites � just find a spot to pull off the track. Some stats may be helpful. Jervois Station on the Plenty Hwy (last fuel) to Birdsville (next fuel) via Batton Hill is 660 km. Took us 6 days from Batton Hill to Birdsville � so about 100 km per day. Fuel consumption:  Jervois to Poeppels Corner via the Hay Track � 13.7 L/100km. Poeppels Corner to Birdsville via QAA line � 16.9 L/100km. Used less than 100 litres for the whole trip (so would have had plenty for the Sunset tour at Batton Hill). You will need to obtain a permit for the Batton Hill section � from Direct 4WD in Alice. (Quite expensive at $125 per vehicle last year plus camping fees).  Despite the bush pinstriping, we loved it!  Cheers, Rodger.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3">The Wesley 4X4 Club from Melbourne travelled the Hay River Track from south to north in July 2012. We were a group of 9 vehicles, and took 4 days to travel from Site 8 just east of Poeppel Corner to Lindsay Bookie's Baton Hill Camp, including a side trip to Lake Caroline. In hindsight we would have been better taking it a bit easier, spending 5 days to travel this section.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> The track condition was good to very good for such an isolated area. In sections there were a few potholes which rearranged the groceries a bit; however in the main the mostly sandy tracks provided a very easy drive. There are a few sand dunes to negotiate along the Shot line at the southern end; however we had no difficulties with any of these. We generally ran tyre pressures around 18-20 psi, and at no stage had traction difficulties.<o:p> </o:p> The Hay River was a real surprise - much larger than expected. Travelling south to north, our first encounter with the river was nothing more than a little creek, however as we progressed further north this became a fantastic wide shallow river, with up to four separate channels in some places.<o:p> </o:p> I have attached a photo of our vehicles lined up across the bed of the main channel at the crossing, where the track to Lake Caroline leads off to the west. This gives some idea of the scale of the Hay River. I would love to see it in full flow.<o:p> </o:p> Baton Hill Camp is a must stay. Host Lindsay Bookie provides a great camping setup, complete with excellent his and hers donkey showers, a large camp BBQ and kitchen area, and an "Armstrong washing machine". Highly recommend that travellers stay two nights with Lindsay, and take in his My Country Tour - an 85 Km sweep around his back country, with lots of stops and points of interest.<o:p> </o:p> And of course we used Westprint's Hay River maps, both paper and digital, which provided a great deal of information as well as accurate guidance. Terry. Wesley 4X4 Club<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6">The Hay River trip is one of the easier desert trips you can do around the Simpson. Make sure that you have sufficient fuel once you leave Jervois Station. NB: They only accept cash not credit cards. The distance to Birdsville is about 700km from memory and took about 140lt of diesel in the old LC80.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> At least one night in Lindsay Bookie's camp at the northern end of the Hay River is recommended, and his native food and sunset trips are well worth the effort. You will need permits and the easiest way to get one is through Jol Fleming�s office in Alice. NB: Jol is a top bloke but hard to pin down. However the lady in his office was very efficient. The track itself follows along the side of the river and is no harder than the Plenty Hwy. A more interesting route is to actually drive up the river bed and cut back to the track just before you get into the dune field.<o:p> </o:p> There is one choke point in the river which will mean driving up on to the bank and around the obstacle before re-entering the river bed. This is also not a bad camp site. The dunes vary with the season and can be difficult with a trailer even in a good year. Ensure you have a good map (Westprint of course) and a GPS, and there is little chance of getting lost. The usual rules apply for remote camping and travel. Plenty of fuel, water, and good communications (not forgetting your sand flag). The area closer to the Simpson has a history of native wells, the Madigan line, oil exploration, etc. Nomadic4wd <o:p>  </o:p> Tanami Road.<o:p> </o:p> Regarding Tag-Along help and Tanami Track notes a couple of forums that may be interest to your readers (and indeed to any outback traveller) are Campertrailrs.org (http://www.campertrailers.org/) and MySwag.org (http://www.myswag.org/).  I belong to both and know the members of both groups not only have a wealth of knowledge about tracks and travel but anything else about outback travel, camping, camper trailers and camping gear. Joining is free. Dave<o:p>  </o:p> Chillagoe & Peninsula Development Road<o:p> </o:p> Last week�s Friday 5 was asking about the road from Chillagoe to Wrotham Park and the Palmerville Rd to Peninsula Development Rd. We just did those exact roads (91 Troopy & off road camper trailer) and can tell you the Burke Development Rd is in good condition along that stretch and the graders are out there now working their way towards Dunbar. The Palmerville Rd up to Fairview is also drivable but a lot slower for most of the way, with lots of ridges and creek crossing but the last 28 K's is quite good and flat. We actually drove most of it at night wanting to get some K's behind us. Lots of Brahmans to watch out for and a few Roos too. Oh and the odd piggy. As for the road from the Palmerville to Maytown we saw the turn off but could not say for sure what the road is like but if it is anything like the Palmerville road I would say it's ok. I can definitely tell you that the road from Dunbar up to the Peninsula Development Rd is closed as the crossing at the Mitchell River is stuffed according to Normanton and Karumba Information Centres. Little Schotty & Yvonne <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Information wanted</o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5">We are travelling from Borroloola in July heading for Roper River and would like to know the experience of other travellers in obtaining Permits to enter EAL from the east travelling via Numbulwar to Nhulunbuy or does all travel seem to be restricted to the Central Arnhem Road? Thanks Roly. </li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5">I am after some current info on the state of the Birdsville Track as we are contemplating doing the run in early JUNE 2013 if anyone has some current info it would be much appreciated. Big Bob</li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4">I have recently heard a rumour that you now can�t take campervans into Mitchell Falls in the Kimberley and have to go in there with a tent only as the road is so bad. Can any of your Friday Five recipients confirm this for me please? Laurie <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> Free camping, rests stops and value for money parks.</o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4">I would like to add my very strong point of view to the oft debated following scenario.  <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> Traveller (and maybe family) travelling from point A to point B. The trip takes a bit longer than anticipated or the kids have drained the parents a bit too much... so they pull over on the edge of the road. Next appears council worker/inspector or police and tells them to move on or that they can't stop there. So what happens if they move on, tired, and have an accident? Has anybody thought of this?<o:p> </o:p> Firstly, the chances of being asked or told to move are unlikely. If it is a once popular overnight spot now day area only, a Ranger might speak to you if you have your annex and washing line out or he has had reports of a camper staying for several days. These areas are usually closed for some reason, such as backpackers or other travellers setting up camp long term and not caring about the environment, or becoming a squatter�s camp for workers due to pressure on accommodation such as in mining areas. A polite explanation to the Ranger would be all that was needed. In more remote areas, no-one will ever check.<o:p> </o:p> Roadside rest areas are for resting � whether we have our bed behind us or not.  They are not desirable places to spend the night, however if my husband who does all the driving with our big rig has a bad headache or is showing signs of becoming tired, we will pull over as soon as possible and stop for safety. We will not drive in darkness hours due to dangers of animals on road, so we will stay until morning.   We are not breaking any laws and are of course clean leave no trace campers. IF challenged I would point out our circumstances and if necessary, refuse to move.  Judy<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4">I work with a number of Councils in rural SA, and it would be impossible to answer the question of whether councils have authority to fine campers who camp on road sides. This is because main roads and high highways are under the control of the State government, this only extends to the inside the white posts on the road side, therefore the road verge  it is often crown land and the council has care and control over it. There may be some councils who have passed a by law to restrict activities on roadsides, but I think this is usually things like, setting up street stalls, riding motor bikes on the verge  and business ventures. If you are fined, the notice should indicate under what authority the fine was issued.  Once you go further bush, the remote areas are generally not controlled by Councils but be the state (not enough people to pay rates!), you would be hard pressed to find a compliance officer in those regions, if indeed there is any restrictions, you only have to be wary of complying to the road traffic laws and the state and national park laws. David</li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4">I left NSW in 2002 but at that time, the Grey Nurses (parking cops) were part of the NSW Police and were responsible for parking infringements on all roads in NSW. In Victoria, parking enforcement is undertaken by local Councils Enforcement Officers.  A couple of years later the NSW Police had transferred the responsibility of parking enforcement over to the local Councils and they became Council Enforcement Officers (or something like that). The NSW Police and every other State have parking enforcement powers on all roads where a vehicle parked is considered to be a road safety hazard and may have that vehicle towed away.  And start hooning in the roadside parking areas and the cops have the power.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> Roadside parking areas that are clearly and properly signed as "No Camping" are enforceable.  This then comes down to who is the responsible authority to enforce the restriction. If it is not covered by the State Road Rules, then the Police are unable to enforce it. Then it is up to the Responsible Road Authority (State Road Authority, National Parks, State Parks or local Council) to undertake the enforcement.  I find it a bit hard to visualise them coming out at 3.00am to roust the tourists out of their slumber.<o:p> </o:p> Then again, people have the best defence of all....."I am tired and it would be unsafe for me to drive any further. I had to pull over for a decent rest." Doesn't work when you decide to camp for more than 1 night. Wash<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo7">When are caravan parks going to wake up and realise the world doesn't revolve around them. Because of their attitude, people will not stop in their towns; therefore it is the towns that are suffering. Their prices are ridiculous. Even in your own home you do not spend $30 - $50 a night on water and power. That is why people prefer to free camp. Why should they have the monopoly of business while putting others out of business through their selfishness? Joan.</li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo7">If caravaners would like to come to Charleville Bush Caravan Park we will show them our new project Charleville Bush Camp. It's so exciting; lots of shop keepers in Charleville have spoken positively about our new park. Last Thursday we got local council approval for our second caravan park development. We should open Charleville Bush Camp at Easter 2014. Will have nice but basic amenities and camp in the trees 2km from Charleville and $10 per nite. Nice camp fire and secure location. Should be just what all your 'free' campers are looking for. I will join the debate now we have approval to let people know what we are doing in Charleville. Will send you some updated info later with a media release. Graham & Deb   <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> We are �free campers� � currently on the road around the Southern Darling Downs- we are �free campers� partly because we like the lifestyle but also very much because we simply can�t afford $25+ a night (oftentimes significantly more)�we just couldn�t afford to travel if we couldn�t free camp. However $10.00 a night with basic one or two star amenities is eminently affordable and we would happily support such a caravan park wherever we found one. Bouquets to Graham and Deb� and here�s hoping some more caravan park owners realise that many of us are very happy with a basic camping situation and would support such facilities. We tour with a 12 foot York which we bought for $350 and have since probably spent another $3K on. Once we fit a solar panel and 12 volt refrigerator we are self-sufficient apart from a basic toilet and shower. Many travelling folks can�t afford the latest and best RV or resort level caravan parks. 1974 when we honeymooned in Nth Qld camping fees were minimal compared to powered sites and we enjoyed a very economical honeymoon. These days there is almost no difference between powered and unpowered sites meaning that basic camping just isn�t a budget option anymore. Dave<o:p> </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8">Just wanted to let you know that Kilcowera Station is open for visitors, we have been welcoming people to the place now for 12 years. Kilcowera is on the Dowling Track in SW Qld between Thargomindah and Hungerford.   We have accommodation available in our modern Shearers Quarters, a beautiful big lawn area for campers to camp on as well as bush camping by Cardenyabba Lagoon.  Camping prices start at $25 per vehicle and for this visitors receive an information pack on arrival, some quality time with us as we show you to your campsite or accommodation and access to the self drive tours on the property.  Fireplaces and wood is supplied as well.  Visitors to Kilcowera have exclusive access to the western side of Lake Wyara, part of Currawinya National Park. Toni & Greg Sherwin. <a href="http://www.kilcowera.com.au">www.kilcowera.com.au</a> <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> A few years ago I was sent a form that could be shown to the 'authority' making the 'move on' request. It is shown below. <o:p> </o:p> TAKE NOTICE<o:p> </o:p> My vehicle/trailer is roadworthy and registered.<o:p> </o:p> Its current location complies with road traffic rules and regulations. At present I am resting for personal reasons. I am not able to and do not wish to move or travel any further. I will proceed when I am able and it is safe to do so. Legal reasons and my insurance company require me to obtain the following information from you.<o:p> </o:p> Title, Surname, Given name, Address, Phone No.<o:p> </o:p> Authorised by, Authority name, Authority address, Authority phone<o:p> </o:p> I hereby declare that the above information supplied is true and correct and that I am ordering vehicle registration No.  �� make ��.<o:p> </o:p> Model ��.. Trailer ��to move from its current location.   In so doing I take personal responsibility for the safety of said vehicle, its occupants and other road users that may be affected by its further progress.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Signed ��..  Date ��..  Time ��..<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  Mallee Tracks<o:p> </o:p> Just thought I would drop you a line to say what a wonderful book and trip planning resource <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping6.htm">Mallee Tracks</a> is. If anyone is considering travelling to the Vic or SA Mallee then they should get this book. Scott <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Camping in Queensland</o:p> Yesterday we drove from Bramwell Station to Chilli Beach (near Lockhart River), and called in at the rangers' station to book a campsite.  There were no rangers on duty, just a sign from another camper to say that he couldn't get the touch screen to work, but would try to get mobile reception at the one place on a rise on the road in to Chilli Beach, to book by phone.  The touch screen didn't work for us, either, so we went on to Chilli Beach and set up our tent at one of the sites.  This morning we went back to the rangers' station to pay for our stay.  Both rangers were very pleasant.  One had trouble with the computerised booking system - which is not a touch screen at all, but a keyboard with a touch pad that was very temperamental - while showing me what to do.  I eventually filled in all the information required but when I hit PAY, the system crashed.  So one of the rangers phoned (the call went to the Queensland Government switchboard) so that I could pay by phone. However, I could not pay in arrears, and had to book a site for tonight to enable me to pay! (Too bad if the site is needed by someone else tonight!) All this took half an hour. We will now avoid staying in Queensland national parks. Julie <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> When Harry and I travelled to the Cape in late September last year, this new system of pre-booking had just been implemented. It was an absolutely DISGUSTING experience. Everyone who once travelled this region, especially the Old Telegraph Track, knows that the time of arrival at any campsite cannot be predicted at all. When we changed plans along the way, pre-booked sites could not be used. I guess we paid some 50, - AUD for pre-booked campsites in total which we did not use, due to unpredictable changes in plans. Instead, we several times camped at Roadhouses along the way. Of course not as nice as camping in the bush, because it is the beauty and adventure of bush camping what keeps me travelling to marvelous Oz. <o:p> </o:p> Things got worse further up north. We left the OTL before the Gunshot (yep, we�re chicken, I know, but I didn�t want to damage the rental Troopy) to go to the Heathlands Ranger Station, which has one of the extremely rare computer terminals for campground bookings along the way. Took us an absolutely stupid detour of one hour, because after arrival at the Heathlands Ranger Station we found out that the bl�dy booking system had broken down completely. The Ranger told us that Queensland NPs had to shut down the system for several days and were trying to set up a backup system for booking. Meanwhile we should just go and take an unoccupied camp site at our next stop. We would of course have to vacate it if someone with a booking would show up. Well, and that was just exactly what happened. We arrived early and had just set up camp on the nicest spot, when another party arrived, presented their pre-booking, and we of course vacated the site and had to take another campsite, which was the lousiest one in the whole place.<o:p> </o:p> I can understand Queensland NPs that they have to handle many, many travelers up there, but this system is just absolutely stupid and completely unsuitable for the typical Cape York traveler. The system should be first come � first serve, and duration of stay shall be limited to three nights in the most desired places � as easy as this. Long time campers may escape to the more remote places. Another possibility would be to invest in new, additional camp sites or to upgrade existing facilities. Instead of improving the situation for the traveler, so as to enable more people to visit this GREAT country, the Queensland Government implemented a system which takes fun and sense out of Cape York traveling. <o:p> </o:p> That was not the only bad experience: On our way back from the Cape we booked a cabin at one of the Roadhouses, as thick rain clouds were threatening. We had to pay $120 for a lousy container with just two beds in it, dunny over the yard. For the same money, we stayed at a top rated five star hotel in Bangkok, including the mother of all breakfast buffets for the two of us on our way to Oz. <o:p> </o:p> Another disgusting experience in Queensland was the Cairns region: No budget camping in and around Cairns. We left the city in the evening and drove for three hours, before we happened to find a small private camp ground where we could stay. The community campground was overcrowded, and the camp host was not there. The Cairns regional tourist council shall be aware of the fact that there are many budget travelers, who may spend the night on a budget, but who pay large amounts of money for the Kuranda Scenic Railway Tour and a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef and so on. If they do not offer suitable accommodation, I do NOT stay there and do NOT spend my money in this disgusting place. The Cairns City Council guys seem to concentrate on the hotel guests from China much more than on their own people, Aussie families who are not well-off and who still want to show this beautiful country to their children and who need budget camp sites. <o:p> </o:p> What I will do in the future? I will definitely NOT travel up the Cape again. Too many restrictions. If I need to pre-book my campsite, I can travel to the United States or Canada instead, who have the same system of pre-booking, paying half of the money for a holiday trip. Or I can do the same thing like end of last year and travel to Southeast Asia instead. Travelled round for three weeks; some days in the United Arab Emirates, then through Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. All the way in luxurious hotels, and this journey cost much less than the previous trip to Cairns and the Cape. <o:p> </o:p> For my future journeys to Oz, I will concentrate on the more remote regions. Western Australia and the Northern Territory, as well as parts of South Australia have much more to offer with regards to 4WDing adventure and real wilderness camping than Queensland. Go for a nice trip along the breathtaking Bomb Roads instead or take a trip up to the Kimberley, via Rudall River NP. This is REALLY nice and REALLY remote, and no bureaucrats will force you to pre-book your campsite there.   ;-P<o:p> </o:p>  <o:p> </o:p> The Queensland tourism industry shall talk to their government and shall tell them to do the right thing. On the other hand it is absolutely vital that all travelers obey the rules of wilderness camping. This may for instance be promoted by special brochures which should be handed out at tourist information offices and 4WD rental companies. <o:p> </o:p> Cheers from bl..dy boring Dortmund/Germany, Juergen    (about to travel to Canada in about a week from now; sorry, but much better value for money than Queensland�)<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">We travelled to Cape York in March 2012 when this new system was introduced, like Maureen I contacted Qld NPs prior to leaving, it was a total waste of time and no help was forthcoming so we set off and we spent 5 weeks in the Cape area in and out of NPs without per booking or per paying and always found a site to set up our camp, and do you know we never saw a Ranger in all that time.<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> I make the following comment; just say you book and pre pay your site and you get there and there is someone in it, are you going to tell him to pack up and move? So what do you do? Ring the Ranger? No, because there is no phone service and if there was it is 4 pm and he is in his office 50 kms away filling out a report for head office so he is no use. So you setup where you can and suck it up as a failed system.  So my suggestion, go on your trip to the Cape and set up when and where you like and I bet you will get on ok. This Qld NP system is a joke and that�s being polite. John. Echuca <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> In reply to Maureen from Bunbury W.A. regarding Queensland National Parks and pre-booking I would like to say that, although I have not been up the Cape, I don�t like the idea of pre-booking at all.  When it first came in I wrote to the relevant Minister and his reply was �it was the smart way to go.�  They don�t seem to understand that when travelling you don�t often have a strict itinerary � if you see a National Park on the map you might like to call in and check it out.  Quite often they don�t have mobile or internet coverage so you can�t pay.  And quite often, if you did pre-book a site unseen, it may not suit your particular rig.<o:p> </o:p> We are travelling down the N.S.W North Coast at the moment and they now have pre-booking as well and it is a lot more expensive than Qld.  In Bundjalung Nat. Park (Black Rocks camp) it was pre-booking but luckily we had mobile service there.  It cost $20.00 per night plus a surcharge for using credit card, plus $7 car entry per day.  It was, however, a well set-out camping ground.  If doing a lot of N.S.W. National Parks get an annual pass which is free for pensioners and covers the daily entry fee. Pauline. Nth. Qld.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> We were in Queensland in 2011 and much prefer the current system.  You really didn't know where you were with the old system and campers could retain their sites for extra nights at the last minute.  I'd be very surprised if this system didn't stay.<o:p> </o:p> We travelled to Arnhem Land last year staying a week on the Cobourg Peninsula and a week in the Gove Peninsula.  Both had to be booked well in advanced.  We booked for June in February.  As you are travelling through aboriginal land, they like to limit the amount of vehicles on the road as well as the campsites. Lorraine <o:p> </o:p> With regards to Maureen's post from Bunbury, we were in Cape York last August and had to use the pre-booking system. It was a disaster. (1) The rangers hated it because they had to police it and (2) people like Maureen who were travelling at will, and also didn't know about the system, were camping in the first unoccupied camp they came across at the end of the day.<o:p> </o:p> My suggestion to Maureen is to contact somewhere like Moreton Telegraph Station, and through them a local ranger. They might be able to give you more relevant info. A ranger I spoke to in Lakefield said there was a possibility that the system would be improved, but I'm not if that has yet happened. Anyway, enjoy the Cape, it's fantastic. John, Brisbane<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> I�m not sure how relevant this is concerning pre-booking, but here is a letter published in 4X4Australia a couple of years ago about our experience with the booking system for the Great Central Road Feel free to re-publish it.<o:p> </o:p> So not much has changed at Uluru � except for the worse. When we were there in 2005 we had all the necessary permits and were on our way along the Great Central Road. However, because we had been delayed by rain from Charleville westwards our SA Ngaanyatjarra Land Council permit was a few days out of date and our best efforts to renew it by fax had been unsuccessful. When we got to the Park gates a very officious Parks employee was not going to let us through because of the expired SA Land Council permit even though we could demonstrate that we�d done the right thing. Eventually, after much argument and helped by a steadily lengthening queue behind us, she let us through with all the good grace of an East German border guard. We�d managed to enjoy our Uluru visit in spite of all the petty rules, but so much for friendly assistance to travellers. Goodness knows what an overseas visitor would have made of it. Tony <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> There are always 2 sides to a story. We travel to Queensland every year & we are in favour of the new system of prebooking.  In the old system it was often chaotic - you just turned up and often couldn't get a site, particularly in popular areas.<o:p> </o:p> We have been to Cape York twice - in 2004 and 2012. Loved the new system of prebooking - it was easy to do although you did have to do some preplanning. It was great not having to rush to get to a national park earlier in the day - just turn up knowing that a site was available and which site it was. So for us - a vote in favour. Ken & Faye <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Travel Turkey<o:p> </o:p> Just a note to say how much we enjoy the Friday Five. We enjoyed hearing of your travels on your delivery trip; also another episode of Ted goes to war. The outback is so special isn�t it? Hope you had a great experience in Turkey & Jordan. Perhaps we may read a report of your trip in due course? Fred & Norma. <o:p> </o:p> There are only a couple more instalments of Ted�s story. Once that is done I will start on the Turkey and Jordan trip. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Ted Goes to War � Armistice <o:p> </o:p> Ted and Arnold�s unwanted adventure<o:p> </o:p> One morning we discovered that our four fine horses were missing. Two of their rugs were lying there, but the horses were gone, and we were responsible. How were we going to explain this to our officers? Arnold, who was very attached to the animals, almost broke down. We had noticed that none of the people owned any animals. When Germany over-ran Belgium and France she commandeered everything belonging to the people, including all the live animals. We saw a 70-acre paddock crammed full of commandeered machinery. The civilians were told the machinery would be repaired and restored, and when the war was won, they could help to build the food production of the mighty Fatherland. The dream did not eventuate. In any case it was doubtful if these oppressed people would have agreed. I knew a Belgian who reacted to the situation by hiding his cow between two sheds and taking it out for food and water by night. He concealed it so cleverly that the Germans never discovered it during the whole of their occupation. The poor creature had lost most of her hair, but she lived through it. He fully expected that we had been ordered to take her to our own forward lines. I had learned enough French to put him at ease. He was overjoyed and praised the Australians. I also knew an elderly woman who saved her piano by putting a label �Made in Germany� on it, and changing it to suit the occasion. Our animals therefore had a high market value once people thought the war was over. Arnold and I were brought before a military tribunal - Colonel, Major, Lieutenant and Military Police - and all the evidence we had to offer was that our examination of the locality showed that the thief had worn wooden clogs. It was a wet night and he walked close to the wall partly because it was drier there, but probably to give the impression that the thief was a Belgian or Frenchman. As evidence this was of little value, except that the tribunal probably had as good an idea as we did about what had happened to the four fat horses. The use of wooden clogs increased when the German Army took the local�s leather shoes. They cut a suitable forest tree and carved the clogs entirely from the wood and lined them with strips of blanket. Both rich and poor did this. They had no other choice: either go barefoot, which was impossible in the severe winter, or make clogs. I tried a pair on one occasion and found them comfortable, but heavy. There had been tales of the whereabouts of the horses. The police had investigated them all and found them false. They had completely disappeared. As I knew German and had picked up enough French I had also learned a little about some of the things that were going on in the neighborhood. I knew that there existed nearby a butcher who boasted he could kill a full-grown horse and make it completely disappear from sight in less than one hour. He paid big money for good animals. There was a real demand for horse flesh in those days. I said nothing of this at the inquiry because I had no proof, but I had no doubts about what had happened. The tribunal probed our characters - were we in the habit of going out late at night, of leaving the horses unattended, of drinking or gambling, or getting involved in anything to cause us the loss of money? On all these counts we were innocent as our officers knew well. We were able to show that our horses and our duty meant much to us, and the enquiry terminated. Officially we heard no more. However, one day a local woman who lived nearby told me the police had arrested two men for horse-stealing. They came under suspicion when they passed some French bank notes of unusually high denomination in a local shop.<o:p> </o:p> The ending of the war was now ratified. The rejoicing of the people everywhere had to be seen to be believed. Thousands of prisoners were still passing through by train and in open trucks, herded together like animals, and whenever they caught sight of an Australian they called out for food. Either they had the idea that we had the food, or that we were more disposed to share it. Friday Funnies<o:p> </o:p> A guy is in the hospital with two broken legs. The nurse comes in and tells him that there's good news and bad news. The guy asks for the bad news first. The nurse says, "We're going to have to remove your legs." Then the guy asks for the good news. The nurse says, "The guy beside you wants to buy your sneakers."   Q: Why did the forgetful chicken cross the road? A: To get to the other side -- er, no -- to go shopping -- no, not that either � gosh darn it.   One Sunday morning, Satan appeared before a small town congregation. Everyone started screaming and running for the front church door, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away. Soon, everyone was gone, except for an elderly gentleman who sat calmly. Satan walked up to the man and said, "Don't you know who I am?"<o:p> </o:p> The man replied, "Yep, sure do." Satan asked, "Aren't you going to run?" "Nope, sure ain't," said the man. Perturbed, Satan asked, "Why aren't you afraid of me?" The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for over 48 years."<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> The novel "Fifty Shades Of Grey" has seduced women - and baffled blokes. Now a new book Fifty Sheds Of Grey, offers a treat for the men, recounting love encounters at the bottom of the Garden. Here are some extracts...<o:p> </o:p> We tried various positions - round the back, on the side, against a wall...But in the end we came to the conclusion the bottom of the garden was the only place for a good shed.<o:p> </o:p> Ever since she read THAT book, I've had to buy all kinds of ropes, chains and shackles.<o:p> </o:p> She still manages to get into the shed, though.<o:p> </o:p> "Are you sure you can take the pain?" she demanded, brandishing stilettos. "I think so," I gulped. "Here we go, then," she said, and showed me the receipt.<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p>To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as below </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.5.17

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:23:00 GMT

<img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>   <o:p>  Westprint Friday Five - May 17, 2013<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p> </o:p> Len Beadell books<o:p> </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">A Lifetime in the Bush</a>. Mark Shephard. For the first time Len Beadell�s life has been chronicled, from the early influences which spawned his love of the outback to the years as tour guide and unsurpassable bush camp yarn spinner. Len Beadell can lay claim to being the last of the great explorers of Australia: in the 1950's and 60's he undertook solo surveys which led to the building of roads through the most inaccessible tracts of the outback. But Len was more than just a surveyor - he was an author, cartoonist, raconteur and, above all, a great family man. This book is more than a biography. The detailed appendix is a gazetteer which will prove an invaluable guide to Lenny's greatest legacy to Australia, the 6000 km of outback highways. S/cover. 246pp. First published in 1998, this edition 2009 $32.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Lifetime+in+the+Bush&price=32.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Beating about the Bush</a>. When your grader breaks down in the middle of the desert, there's only one thing you can do - attach it to your bulldozer and tow it back to civilisation. For Len Beadell's team, that meant a journey of 800 kilometres at three kilometres an hour - the longest towing operation ever in the history of Central Australia. The party hitched up their 'train' and set off back along the road they had just built. But while they were all set for a long and arduous journey, the last thing they expected was for their ration truck to melt. This had its disadvantages but was the best entertainment they'd had for a year. 192pp. First published in 1976, this edition 2012 $19.95. <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Beating+About+the+Bush&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="3" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Blast the Bush</a>. With his road building exploits behind him, Beadell was the perfect choice for the task of selecting and preparing the location for the weapons testing trials. With his characteristic humour and embellished with his own cartoons, Beadell tells the story of the people who worked on the project - in some cases it was as much a trial of them as it was of any weapon - and he recounts the sequence of events that led up to the gigantic explosion that was to BLAST THE BUSH. 212pp. First published in 1967, this edition 2009. $19.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Blast+the+Bush&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="4" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Bush Bashers</a>. In this book, Len Beadell tells the story of his second road across Australia which was driven 1600 kilometres from east to west, from South Australia to West Australia through the heart of the Great Victoria Desert. Construction took years, as the road was driven through the almost impenetrable mulga scrub and over sand ridges which until Beadell's bulldozer came had stopped everything but camels. 163pp. First published in 1971, this edition 2009. $19.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Bush+Bashers&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="5" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">End of an Era</a>. Len Beadell's team had to contend with flat tyres and broken gear boxes as well as all the natural difficulties of the outback as they endeavored to build three highways in one year! On one forward reconnaissance Beadell discovered a small group of Aborigines who had never before seen a white person, as well as rediscovering two wells on the Canning Stock route. These and many other adventures of the outback are retold in Beadell's own lively and entertaining style. 206pp. First published in 1983, this edition 2010. $19.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=End+of+an+Era&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="6" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Still in the Bush</a><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">.</a> Laden with trig poles, theodolites - and porridge - Beadell and his team built roads, laid out town sites and undertook an enormous survey program in order to prepare a test launching area in one of the most isolated parts of the world. The problems ranged from taking astrofixes in a cloudy sky and becoming surrounded by a sea of red mud, to patching a bald spot on a pet joey. All were solved by using those two most necessary ingredients of life in the bush - ingenuity and imagination. Len Beadell's descriptions of the countryside, the adventures the team experienced, and the Australian bush characters they encountered are by turns illuminating and hilarious. His high-spirited account of the work that had to be done 'before they called it Woomera' makes vivid and entertaining reading.175pp. First published in 1965. $19.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Still+in+the+Bush&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="7" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Too Long in the Bush</a>. Too Long In the Bush is the story of how, from 1956 to 1958, Len Beadell and his team made the first road across Central Australia from east to west, 1500 kilometres from the Alice Springs road to Carnegie homestead 650 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie. On the way he surveyed and built the Giles Meteorological Station and aerodrome before moving on to skirt the edge of the infamous Gibson Desert. Beadell, using astronomical observations, would survey up to 400 kilometres of the projected road entirely alone, often in country then known only to small groups of Aborigines. Returning to his construction team, he would supervise operations as the road was pushed slowly forward through the heat and dust, over sandhill and desert, rounding the desolate salt lakes. 176pp. First published in 1965. $19.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Too+Long+in+the+Bush&price=19.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="8" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Outback Highways</a>. A compilation of the six books above. Len Beadell was often called the last of the true Australian explorers. As a surveyor and road builder he worked all over the outback - from Arnhem Land to the Gibson Desert. Drawn from his bestselling books, these stories sparkle with humour and paint a fascinating picture of the hard work, the bush characters and the rollicking adventures that were all part of Len Beadell's rich experience. 237pp. First published 1979, this edition 2012. $26.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Outback+Highways&price=26.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="9" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Len Beadell's Legacy</a>. Len Beadell's name is now part of the folklore of the Australian outback, and he has achieved something resembling hero status amongst many people who might be inclined to describe themselves as "typical Australians". However, it would be quite incorrect and misleading to describe this notable man himself as a "typical Australian". Len Beadell was an exceptional Australian; he was a man of unusual and unique qualities and personality. He did not drink, smoke or swear, and was moderately religious. People who knew him well refer to his great personal integrity, strong sense of humour, cheerfulness in adversity, and extreme resourcefulness. He rarely if ever wrote or spoke ill of anyone; on reading his several books it would seem that if he couldn't write something favourable about a person, he said nothing. 144pp. First published in 2009, this edition 2010 $35.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Len+Beadell's+Legacy&price=35.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/modern_explorers.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p>  </o:p> Pre-loved books<o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Australian Poems that would Dazzle a Dingo. Phillip R. Rush. Soft Cover. $25.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Australian Son. Craig McGregor. Soft Cover. $22.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Australia�s Toughest Golf Holes. Tom Hepburn, Selwyn Jacobson. Soft Cover<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Australians, The. Robert B. Goodman, George Johnston. Hard Cover. $7.00 X2<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Back at Sundown. Marie Mahood. Soft Cover. $11.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Barbecue Cookbook. Jack Absalom. Hard Cover. $25.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Birds Of Prey. Glenys & Derek Lloyd. Soft Cover. $5.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Birthday Plan, The. Elizabeth Batt. Hard Cover. $4.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Black Beauty. Ann Sewell. Hard Cover. $3.00<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Bombers in Service. Kenneth Munson. Hard Cover. $10.00 <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Please email <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a> if interested and we will let you know if the book is still available and the cost of postage.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum</o:p> Jo�s comments in green.<o:p>  </o:p> Camping in Queensland National Parks<o:p> </o:p> Last week Maureen asked how people managed the pre-booking system in Queensland�s National Parks. We have received a flood of emails regarding this topic. So many that we think the best option is to collate all the emails and send them to the relevant authority for comment. (Much appreciate it if anyone can tell me exactly who this should go to). Below are two of the many emails we received, including the only positive response. If you would like your comments added please email us before May 25.<o:p>  </o:p> In Queensland they saw problems with the old system so invented a new one. The only problem is the bureaucrats have not thought all the issues through and have caused more problems than they have solved. Our 4WD Club with over 250 members had several trips to Qld last year and they all ran into to trouble with this new system. Letters from the Club detailing our experiences and offering some practical solutions were met with a similar reply that Maureen received. It seems that they are too stubborn to admit they are wrong. As far as I am concerned, and most of our members, Qld is off our agenda until they change to a system that is practical and workable. Chris. Beaumaris<o:p>  </o:p> Re prepaying for NP camp sites in Queensland. I've never had any trouble with rangers when I've been unable to book. They've always been most understanding and accommodating. Bruce <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> The original Tom Kruse<o:p> </o:p> Press Release. Marree Hotel celebrates the life of an outback legend<o:p> </o:p> The life of Birdsville Track mailman E.G. (Tom) Kruse MBE and his 1936 Leyland Badger are now permanently celebrated in the Marree Hotel. A major art installation in the dining room includes 180 photographs representing various periods in his life and artifacts from the Kruse family and other private collections. The artifacts include a signed mailbag, an axe and chromed shovel presented to Tom and Valma Kruse and a floorboard and the original grill from the Leyland Badger. <o:p> </o:p> A celebratory 12-minute audiovisual presentation produced by Keith Webb from Image Control includes sequences from The Back of Beyond and Last Mail from Birdsville and interviews with former Governor-General Michael Jeffery and outback identities Keith Rasheed, John Parnell, Dave Burge and Ted Egan. Ian Doyle designed and Mark Metzger constructed and installed the frames and artifacts. <o:p> </o:p> Outback mailman Tom Kruse was a film star before his Top Gun Hollywood namesake Tom Cruise was born. The 1954 Australian film classic The Back of Beyond introduced Tom Kruse and his 1936 Leyland Badger mail truck to a generation of Australians. Most never forgot the extraordinary images of the man and his battered trucks doing battle each fortnight with the sand and isolation along the Birdsville Track - outback Australia�s toughest mail run. Produced by the Shell Company Film Unit, directed by John Heyer and shot in black and white, The Back of Beyond remains one of the most critically acclaimed and awarded films ever produced in Australia. <o:p> </o:p> A 50-year tribute double DVD <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/video2.htm">The Back of Beyond Collection</a>  that includes The Back of Beyond (Film Australia 1954), The Outback Mailmen (ABC Countrywide 1986), The Postman (ABC TV Australian Story 1996) and Last Mail From Birdsville � the Story of Tom Kruse  (Corrugated Air Productions 1999) was released in 2004 at the Marree Hotel. <o:p> </o:p> �Tom Kruse was a dogged, tough giant of a man who was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth in 1955 for services to the people of the outback. We recognise far too few of our heroes. The anniversary DVD and the Marree Hotel Tom Kruse Room recognises the significant contribution made by Tom and the other Birdsville Track mailmen to Marree and the tracks beyond,� Executive Producer of The Back of Beyond Collection Ian Doyle said.<o:p> </o:p> Support for the Tom Kruse Room was provided by retired cabinet maker Roger La-Grone, All Frames and Mirrors Andrew and Ralph Platten, Don McLeod and Alan Logue from Hutt Street Photos, Dynasty Video Productions, the Leyland Badger Restoration Group and photographers Keith Webb, Irene Zada, Nigel (Digger) Campbell, Mark Brake, Neil Weidenbach, Harry Ding, Leon Mead, Ian Doyle and the Kruse and Heyer families. Tom died on June 30th 2011 aged 96. A gold coin entry to the Room donation is in support of the RFDS. <o:p> </o:p> Mr. Darryl Bell AO from Dulkaninna Station and local member Hon Dan van Holst Pellekaan will officially open the Tom Kruse Room at 2.00pm on Saturday May 18th. <o:p> </o:p> More details <cite><a href="http://www.marreehotel.com.au">www.marreehotel.com.au</a></cite><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> We dropped into Marree two days after the film crew vacated in late March and saw the Tom Kruse exhibition, it is excellent, Phil and Maz need to be congratulated for what they have done to immortalise and celebrate Mr Kruse�s life. Vic Widman Great Divide Tours<o:p>  </o:p> There is also a major long term exhibition at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood - the Leyland Badger is the centre piece - it's called 'A Sunburnt Country - Legends of Outback Transport'. The official opening is scheduled for May 31 - Ian<o:p>  </o:p> Track Notes<o:p> </o:p> Hay River<o:p> </o:p> We are thinking about travelling down the Hay River track, north-south through the Simpson Desert, and would really appreciate feedback from anyone who has been there in the last year or so. It's a remote area and we want any information available before we make a decision. Morag <o:p>  </o:p> Tanami Road<o:p> </o:p> It�s been a few years since we last went down the Tanami Road (from north to south) so this information might be a bit out of date.  There are a few camping spots marked on the Westprint and Hema maps, but generally my recollection is that it was a fairly desolate drive. We bush camped at Sturt Creek and then drove to Tilmouth Well in one hit (we were on our way home). Apart from the few camping spots on the maps, there actually isn�t much to stop you from just pulling off the road overnight. As far as the road itself is concerned, it seemed ok to us even though we had been given dire reports.  We were in the faithful Troopy towing the first of our off-road Challenge camper trailers and we had no problems. We�ll do it again one of these days so we can stop off at a few places rather than whizzing past everything except Wolfe Creek Crater. The road in to the crater was very rough as I recall, but perfectly driveable towing a trailer with care. Tony <o:p>  </o:p> Palmerville to Maytown Road North Queensland.<o:p> </o:p> We travelled this road last year towing an Ultimate Camper and had no difficulties whatsoever. The only catch was the need to keep your eyes open as you approach Palmerville from the north where there is a new road not shown on most maps. It turns off to the left, is signposted �Maytown�, and bypasses Palmerville Station via a new river crossing before rejoining the route on the maps. The notation on some maps �Restricted Access Road� is no longer the case � it is a public road and the new road we found may well be the reason. Jim, Canberra<o:p>  </o:p> Simpson Desert.<o:p> </o:p> We crossed it west to east on the French Line � including Approdinna Attora � in early April. In general, the track was in good condition and we had no difficulty on the salt pans although following recent rain it would have been inadvisable to leave the track on some. The lead in road from Oodnadatta and the roads south to Innamincka and Tibooburra were rough due to the rain. The meal at the Birdsville Hotel and lunch the following day at the Bakery were both excellent. In fact, the latter is the only establishment that provides �camel pies� to customers so inclined! Vaughan W.<o:p>  </o:p> Trailers<o:p> </o:p> It is appalling that selfish travellers across the Simpson on the French line have wrecked the track by pulling trailers. We travelled that track last year [without a trailer] in the desert parks pass it is recommended that people do not tow through the desert. A fairly good reason for that I would think, once you get out there and experience it. <o:p> </o:p> We were witness to a lot of damage done on the dune approaches by trailers. One vehicle towing a camper trailer, not too far out of Birdsville going west .got stuck on the second dune and held up about 10 vehicles. Wonder how he coped with the rest of the 1000 dunes? Don't these people realise there are other people out there as well as themselves.  <o:p> </o:p> Once again we are going to find that because of a few, the rest of us will have to pay... Maybe it needs the Powers that be to monitor those using the deserts and make sure Trailers are banned - full stop. Jean. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Outback Recipes<o:p>  </o:p> Can anyone tell me where I can get any info about what to cook and for how long in a camp oven as I am having trouble with what I am doing? Hank. A first timer<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">You may like to give the link to my tried and easy no fridge recipes, about half of which use no meat.   While some would be better with an oven for browning a cheese topping, it is not essential, and they can be cook on an open fire in either a camp oven or on a barbecue plate according to the recipe.  <a href="http://www.australiasomuchtosee.com/cooking3.htm">http://www.australiasomuchtosee.com/cooking3.htm</a></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">Recipes, 1 tin of corned beef, 1 tin of tomatoes, dried peas, curry powder and rice. Cut meat in small pieces, add everything except rice, and heat in saucepan. Cook rice. Quite tasty. Jean</li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">We have been travelling extensively since 2007�. Our travel notes are on <a href="http://www.gypsytwitchers.com/">http://www.gypsytwitchers.com/</a> We are also vegans so Helen may find our recommend pantry and recipes for outback travel helpful. Albert and Eleanor �The Gypsy Twitchers�  <a href="http://www.gypsytwitchers.com/Recipes.htm">http://www.gypsytwitchers.com/Recipes.htm</a></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">Most of the camping stores now carry the NZ produced freeze dried meals.  They are quite tasty and provide balanced nutrition.  Just add boiling water and wait the required few minutes and in to it.  They even do strawberries and cream which, believe it or not is quite good.  All these things go down well when you are miles from anywhere and hungry.  And then of course there are the good old standbys - tins!  Some people freeze dry their own creations and then simply add water to prepare.  Hope this helps. Robin </li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">Last century, my bible for living aboard with no fridge was Janet Groene�s, �Living on the Go�. My edition had an opened can on the dust jacket. Now she has a website, blog, avails her recipes and has become land-bound as we do (sad). Second hand copies of her book can be found for around $10. ASR<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> I couldn�t find this book on the second hand market but there is a book by the same author called Cooking on the Go.  <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> In relation to Helens query (WFF May 10) we recommend Viv Moon's "Travellers'  Cookbook" & "Outdoor Cookbook"- Moon Adventure Publications Geoff & Shirley. <o:p> </o:p> Check out our website <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Camping2.htm">bush cooking</a> books <o:p> </o:p> Canning Stock Route (WA)<o:p>  </o:p> I am writing about Gaynor Schoeman's CSR Walk along the Canning Stock Route. <a href="http://www.canningwalker.com">www.canningwalker.com</a> In summary:<o:p> </o:p> The Challenge: To walk 88 half marathons across 1850km of Western Australia desert, solo.<o:p> </o:p> The Route: The iconic Canning Stock Route, an old drovers trail linked by wells established over 100 years ago in order to move cattle from the north to the south of the country. The Canning Stock Route is now a popular 4x4 track, the attraction being its remote location and history. It is one of the longest, most isolated 4x4 tracks in the world.<o:p> </o:p> The Schedule: Gaynor arrives in Kalgoorlie 5 May where she will purchase provisions and then depart for Wiluna around 12 May. For the next two weeks, Gaynor and Andy will be establishing a supply route across the desert, marking positions with GPS coordinates. The walk begins at the end of May.<o:p> </o:p> The Canning Walker: 46 year old South African Gaynor Schoeman, a seasoned off the beaten track traveler and the only person known to have hitched the CSR - and she did it twice. Gaynor's ultimate goal is to do an unsupported walk of the CSR sometime in the future. No fellow walker, no support vehicle and no resupplies. It has never been done before. Gary. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Cruiserkhana</o:p> The Toyota Landcruiser Club -Victorian Branch (TLCCV) would like to thank everyone at Westprint for your generous support of our annual 4WD skills based event, Cruiserkhana, which was held at Yarck on 13th and 14th April 2013. We really appreciated having Westprint on board again as a sponsor and the prizes were very much appreciated by the winners of the Flag Slalom. We had some fantastic prizes totaling about $14,000 overall and really appreciate the support from all facets of the 4wd industry. Cruiserkhana went extremely well this year with over 60 entrants, 250 people camping on the property overnight and enjoying the 3 course dinner provided and nearly 100 volunteers providing manpower to run the event. The logistics were huge but everyone had a ball!<o:p> </o:p> Event winners and some photos are on our website- <a href="http://www.cruiserkhana.com.au">www.cruiserkhana.com.au</a> <o:p> </o:p> We very much hope you will be able to attend our 2014 Cruiserkhana on 22/23 March next year! Angela. Cruiserkhana Publicity"<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> The First Mildura Truck & Tractor Show</o:p> The weather promised warm to hot conditions as the inaugural Mildura truck and tractor show began. The Benetook Avenue grounds of SuniTAFE began to noisily fill as tractors with exhausts crackling and trucks of all description rumbled into position <o:p> </o:p> The show, for commercial vehicles and tractors over 25 years of age, was being hosted for the first time by the Tractor Restoration & Appreciation Club Sunraysia, had been some months in the organising. <o:p> </o:p> The event was supported by the Mildura Rural City Council in the form of grant funding. It was with some fear and trepidation that the gates had opened on Saturday 26th April to admit both exhibitors and spectators. However the event attracted 103 commercial vehicles, both vintage and classic, and 63 tractors, a result that exceeded all expectations, as TRACS members had anticipated a purely local turn out of vehicles. <o:p> </o:p> Over the weekend about 2000 spectators were treated to a display of vehicles which had helped Mildura�s early growers get their produce to Melbourne markets, and the tractors which made it all possible. In addition there was a photographic display of tractors and trucks in working situations from the early days of transport and farming, which created a lot of interest and much comment.<o:p> </o:p> Seven big rigs from Melbourne swelled numbers and also created a great deal of interest.<o:p> </o:p> A highlight, of the weekend was the appearance of a Yorkshire steam truck. It called in on its way back to Victoria from the National Historic Machinery Association�s 14th annual rally at Mudgee. The truck, with passengers, did a quick tour of some of Mildura�s streets to advertise the event during Saturday morning.<o:p> </o:p> The trucks were lined up according to year of manufacture, while the tractors were backed into an impressive lineup. Strangely there was only one John Deere represented and not one Lanz �Bulldog�. We can only hope for these featured in future shows.<o:p> </o:p> It seems a strange situation that the vehicles �au natural�, in their ordinary working day garb and showing the scars of a hard life, drew as much of the crowd as did the big, heavily restored later classic models. The �feral utes� which rolled in were a case in point. But there was something to suit all tastes. The weekend went extremely well, and there were many positive comments about the whole show prompting the Tracks Club to proceed toward running the event again in 2014. <div align="center"> <center> <table border="0" width="80%" cellpadding="6"> <tr> <td width="50%" align="center"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/ffphotos/Mildura%201.JPG" width="573" height="430"></td> <td width="50%" align="center"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/ffphotos/Mildura%202.JPG"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" align="center"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/ffphotos/Mildura%203.JPG" width="570" height="426"></td> <td width="50%" align="center"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/ffphotos/Mildura%204.JPG" width="606" height="455"></td> </tr> </table> </center> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Festivals<o:p> </o:p> Re the Morundah Opera. I was fortunate enough to attend the Morundah Opera last Saturday evening in the converted pig pen, now known as the Paradise Palladium Theatre (pictures attached). It was a wonderful occasion! Among the distinguished guests were ex-Deputy PM and until recently Australian Ambassador to the Vatican Tim Fisher and senior journalist Michelle Grattan. South Australian Opera Company Co-Opera performed Johan Strauss�s Die Fledermaus in English (re-titled �The Revenge of the Bat�). See <a href="http://www.co-opera.com.au/revenge-of-the-bat-die-fledermaus.html">http://www.co-opera.com.au/revenge-of-the-bat-die-fledermaus.html</a> You�re right about the Underbelly Ball � it was held in the Paradise Palladium last year. I�m told there was a lot of grass in town that night! Morundah is a very happening town! Rob B<o:p>  </o:p> We went to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival last year and what a fabulous time we had there.  Along with the many other visitors we laughed and laughed as we tried on a multitude of very different styled beanies!  We bought a couple of beanies, including one for a friend who absolutely loves it.  The displayed beanies in the competition area were absolutely amazing and very unique, and the evening food stalls and entertainment were great.  We would certainly recommend this as a must see so plan your trip to include it, make sure you book early as it�s very popular. Jill and Gary <o:p>  </o:p> I just completed a beanie for a friend. Comments from my children. �Did you intend to make the world�s ugliest beanie or was that just a happy accident?� and �look it�s got tags so you could pull it off � no wait, no one would steal that beanie� ...Sigh.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Channel Country Photography Competition<o:p> </o:p> Media Release<o:p> </o:p> Vast Arts Inc, in collaboration with Desert Channels Group is excited to announce the launch of the 2013 Channel Country Photography Competition. The competition seeks to have photographers capture the essence of the unique and wonderful scenery in the region interpreted through the lens of a camera. Photographers are asked to submit photos that were taken within the Queensland catchment areas of the Diamantina, Georgina, Barcoo and Thomson Rivers and the Cooper Creek within the last twelve (12) months (map available). Images are not to be of babies, children or pets. For the twelve Finalists of the competition, their photographs will be used in the Desert Channels Group 2014 calendar which goes on sale in October this year.<o:p> </o:p> Competition categories and prizes are:<o:p> </o:p> OPEN�Open to Australian residents, any age. Prizes�$3000, $500 <o:p> </o:p> REGIONAL� Only amateur photographers who have not won a major photography competition before and reside in the designated area. Prizes�$2000. $250<o:p> </o:p> YOUTH�20 years and under. Prizes�$1000, $250. <o:p> </o:p> All prize winners receive a Vast Arts Inc. subscription & tour packages from Qantas Founders� Museum and/or Kinnon & Co, as well as photographs being hung in the Cobb & Co Historic Old� World Gallery, Longreach and published in a DCG calendar for 2014.<o:p> </o:p> Entries must be received by Friday 23 August 2013.<o:p> </o:p> Competition forms and terms and conditions are now available. For more information contact Nicole at Vast Arts Inc by email <a href="mailto:admin@vastarts.net">admin@vastarts.net </a>or visit the website at <a href="http://www.vastarts.net">www.vastarts.net</a>.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Ted goes to War<o:p> </o:p> Rumours of peace.   More and more reports of a supposed armistice were coming through. The preparation for our march into Germany was soon forgotten. My mate, Arnold, and I had everything ready whatever happened. Our four horses looked sleek and fat. Then we heard that an armistice had been declared. German soldiers were surrendering everywhere. The noise and jubilation had to be seen to be believed. Soldier and prisoner became friends and shared food together. That was the thing most to be remembered - the whole business of food. I saw trains packed with German soldiers near starvation, they had thrown away everything but their water bottles. There were just too many prisoners to handle. No one knew what to do with them. They were starving, war-sick, home-sick and completely fed up with the war and the Kaiser who had got them into it. How were these thousands of men to be dealt with? They were making inroads into our own food supplies, and our railways for removing them were in a bad state.   Yet in a remarkably short period of time they had disappeared. My guess is that the astute organization of the German leaders had prepared for their evacuation in the months before the armistice. They had repaired their own railways and had gangs doing this all the time. It was fortunate for us that it was so. It was a relief to find these prisoners no longer with us.   I never heard any more about marching into Germany, but there was a request that came from Headquarters calling for volunteers who knew the German language to act as interpreters on the trains going back to Germany. This sounded attractive to me, but when I had to make my reply to this request, I said that if it was an order I would certainly go, but otherwise I considered my duty done, and my next duty was where my loved ones were still carrying on in my absence. But I was not to see them for a long time yet. Arnold and I got involved in an unwanted adventure right there where we were.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies<o:p> </o:p> Subject: Modern Technology?!!<o:p> </o:p> Should I Really Join Facebook? A good laugh for people in the over 60 group.<o:p> </o:p> When I bought my Blackberry, I thought about the 30-year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a cell phone that plays music, takes videos, pictures and communicates with Facebook and Twitter. I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, my 13 grand kids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space. <o:p> </o:p> My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. <o:p> </o:p> I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag. <o:p> </o:p> The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the supermarket or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [its red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. <o:p> </o:p> I wore it once and was standing in line at Woolies talking to my wife and everyone in the nearest 50 metres was glaring at me. I had to take my hearing aid out to use it, and I got a little loud. <o:p> </o:p> I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside that gadget was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-u-lating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then if I made a right turn instead? Well, it was not a good relationship... <o:p> </o:p> When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me. <o:p> </o:p> To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I lose three phones all at once and have to run around digging under chair cushions, checking bathrooms, and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings. I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I do fart a lot." We senior citizens don't need any more gadgets. The TV remote and the garage door remote are about all we can handle. <o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p>To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers <o:p>  </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as below </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.5.10

Thu, 09 May 2013 23:33:00 GMT

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.5.3

Thu, 02 May 2013 23:32:00 GMT

<img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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.<o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five Double up for Mother�s Day<o:p>  </o:p> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography2.htm">A Fortunate Life</a> - A B Facey. This is an extraordinary life of an extraordinary man. It is the story of Albert Facey, who lived with simple honesty, compassion and courage. A parentless boy who started work when he was eight. He struggled as an itinerant rural worker, survived the gore of Gallipoli, the loss of his farm in the depression, the death of his son in World War II and that of his beloved wife after sixty devoted years � yet he felt his life was still fortunate. S/c 330pp. First published in 1981, this edition 2005 $26.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=A+Fortunate+Life&price=26.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography2.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <ol style="margin-top:0cm" start="2" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Pioneering8.htm">Women of the Outback</a> - Sue Williams - Drought, flood, harrowing isolation and horrific accidents . . . the Australian outback is no place for a lady. But the women of the Outback are a different breed: tough, resilient and endlessly resourceful. They're both the backbone and the heart of Australia, keeping their farms going, their families together and their communities alive - and often against overwhelming odds. Maree was left with three small daughters when her husband and young son were killed in a light plane crash. Molly lived alone in a 1920s homestead in the middle of the Simpson Desert for twenty years without even a phone. Alice admits she couldn't tell a cow from a bull when she first went to live in the Outback. This book tells the inspiring stories of fourteen remarkable women, from high-achievers to everyday heroes. $26.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Women+of+the+Outback&price=26.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/Pioneering8.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography.htm">(The) Boy Who Wouldn't Die</a> - David Nyuol Vincent was a little boy when he fled southern Sudan with his father, as war raged in their country. He left behind his distraught mother and sisters, his village and his childhood.For months David and his father walked across southern Sudan, barefoot, desperately searching for safety, food and water. They survived the perilous Sahara Desert crossing into Ethiopia only to be separated. David was taken in and trained as a child soldier, surviving the next 17 years of his life alone in refugee camps. Life was a relentless struggle against starvation, air bombings and people determined to kill him and his people.In 2004 David was offered a humanitarian visa as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and was resettled to Australia. $30.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Boy+Who+Wouldn't+Die&price=30.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography.htm">Catherine's Gift</a>  John Little. Dr Catherine Hamlin has been described as a living saint and one of our greatest Australians. Since 1959 she has lived and worked in Ethiopia, helping the victims of fistulas � devastating injuries caused by obstructed labour in childbirth, which condemn women to a lifetime of incapacity and degradation. The surgery she pioneered has helped tens of thousands of sufferers return to normal life after being shunned by their families and communities. The hospitals she has set up in her adopted country now act as teaching centres for obstetricians and surgeons from many developing nations.  $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Catherine's+Gift+book&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography3.htm">The Happiest Refugee</a>  Anh Do. Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing - not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days - could quench their desire to make a better life in a country where freedom existed. Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of back-breaking work, crowded rooms, ruthless landlords and make-do everything. But there was a loving extended family, and always friends and play and something to laugh about for Anh, his brother Khoa and their sister Tram. Things got harder when their father left home when Anh was thirteen - they felt his loss very deeply and their mother struggled to support the family on her own. The Happiest Refugee tells the incredible, uplifting and inspiring life story of one of our favourite personalities. Tragedy, humour, heartache and unswerving determination - a big life with big dreams. Anh's story will move and amuse all who read it. First published in 2010, this edition 2011 $33.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Happiest+Refugee&price=33.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography3.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography3.htm">Head over Heels</a>  Sam and Jenny Bailey. At the age of 19, a young farmer, Sam Bailey, miscalculated a bend in the road, overturned his ute and became a quadriplegic. After months of struggle, he learned how to resume his life as a farmer, running a sheep and cattle property in northwest New South Wales. Then he met and fell in love with Jenny Black, an ABC Rural journalist, proposed to her on air, and the rest is history. $29.95  <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Head+over+Heels&price=29.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography3.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography4.htm">Life Without Limits</a> Life Without Limits is the story of gutsy Nick Vujicic, an amazing 28-year-old Aussie born without arms or legs who is now an internationally successful inspirational speaker. Packed full of wisdom, testimonials of his faith and laugh-out-loud humour, Nick tells of life in his 'Chesty Bond' body, his visit to Africa at the age of 20 where he gave away $20,000 of his life savings to the poor, and raised another $20,000 for them on the side, and how he learned to surf, skateboard, dive and more. $25.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Life+Without+Limits&price=25.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/autobiography4.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic_fiction.htm">Australia Street</a> Ann Whitehead. Friday the thirteenth of February 1948 is Hannah Gordon's thirty-sixth birthday. Her daughter Allie turns sixteen on the very same day. What's more, it's a full moon. Hannah doesn't need Grandma Ade's warning that bad luck is coming to realise the odds are against them. Hannah Gordon has always wanted to be someone important, yet she's stuck in an inner-city back street, fighting to keep hold of her children, her home and her sense of self. $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Australia+Street&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic_fiction.htm">Add to Cart </a></li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic_fiction.htm">The Cattlemans Daughter</a> - Rachael Treasure. Born on the rugged Dargo High Plains and raised by her cattleman father, Emily Flanaghan has lost her way in life. Locked in an unhappy marriage in the suburbs, Emily misses the high country with a fierce ache. To make matters worse, her heritage is under threat. A government bill to evict the mountain cattlemen is about to be passed, and the Flanaghans could be banned from the mountains their family has looked after for generations.  $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=the+Cattlemans+Daughter&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic_fiction.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p>   </o:p> </li> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic%20fiction_2.htm">Territory</a> - Judy Nunn. A priceless 16th century locket threads two riveting stories together in this saga set in and around Darwin, Australia�s ultimate frontier town. Commissioned by a Dutch noblewoman as a gift to present to her beloved on her arrival in the East Indies, the locket becomes a symbol of strength and inspiration for the woman as she struggles to survive the tragic wreck of the Batavia off the West Australian coast, and endure the hideous events that followed. By the time the survivors were rescued from the small island on which they had sought shelter while their captain sailed away in the longboat for help, they were either speechless with horror or had been driven mad by the atrocities they had witnessed and been forced to commit by the bestial crew aflame with bloodlust. A young passenger resolves to escape and is given the locket as a good luck charm. It saves his life when he is discovered washed up on the mainland shore by a tribe of Aborigines, who take him in give him a new life. $21.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Territory&price=21.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/classic%20fiction_2.htm">Add to Cart</a></li> </ol> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> From the Second Hand Shelves</o:p> Notes from the Office<o:p> </o:p> We are starting to clear the backlog of work that was waiting for us on our return from holidays. It is taking a while for me to get through all the emails so please be patient with me. I would appreciate any trip notes you have, especially from anyone who has been travelling on tracks that have recently been re-opened; Inside Track, Coongie Lakes, Warburton Crossing, and Walkers Track.<o:p> </o:p> Thanks to those who have responded regarding ebooks. We are on a steep learning curve. To those who have asked if there will be trip notes from our holiday in the Middle East � yes I did keep a travel diary so trip notes will be published sometime in the future.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum</o:p> Jo�s comments in green.<o:p>  </o:p> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on"> Tallaringa</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on"> Conservation</st1:PlaceName> Park<o:p>  </o:p> Due to Department of Defence requirements, the <st1:Street w:st="on"> <st1:address w:st="on"> Anne Beadell Highway</st1:address> </st1:Street> and thus Tallaringa will be closed from the 13th of May to the 2nd of June 2013.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Travelling in the Diamantina Shire<o:p> </o:p> A big thank you to Jo Lewington who prepares the Desert Yarns newsletter. The following information is from the March edition.<o:p>  </o:p> A few recent incidents have called for a quick reminder to all those people wishing to travel within Diamantina Shire. Inexperience in driving in outback conditions can become fatal. We all love to get out of town for day fishing or visiting other towns or camping, but if you are not familiar with the roads and the country you could get into a lot of strife. Follow these few simple rules and you cannot go wrong.<o:p> </o:p> 1. Always ask what the road conditions are. Roads can become closed overnight out here. It might not be raining where you are but it could be raining 20km down the road.<o:p> </o:p> 2. Carry at least 20 litres of water always. If you break down water becomes liquid gold. No Water and you can perish.<o:p> </o:p> 3. Tell someone where you are going. It is not a hard thing to do. If you do not tell anyone where you are going and when you expect to return no one will go looking for you.<o:p> </o:p> 4. Drive to the conditions of the road. You are not in the Bathurst 1000 so there is no need to drive flat out. Dirt roads are unpredictable and if you have never travelled on them before GO STEADY. Even people who have travelled on dirt roads all their lives get unstuck sometimes. <o:p> </o:p> 5. If you see a truck coming, get off the road and stop and wait until it goes past. Remember it is a lot easier for a small car to get off the road than a triple road train and your windscreen will remain intact too. If a road train has to get off the bitumen, rocks and stones are going to go flying everywhere. What�s more logical? Getting off the road for 5 minutes or a cracked windscreen? I know which one I would prefer!<o:p> </o:p> 6. If you have an unfortunate break down or have an accident, stay at the scene. It is an offence under the Traffic Act to leave the scene of an accident. If you had completed step 3 then someone will eventually come looking for you.<o:p> </o:p> Extracted from Diamantina Workplace Health and Safety newsletter - Under Construction. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> What�s On in the Bush<o:p>  </o:p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt:solid #E7E7E7 .5pt;padding:0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;background: white"> Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum Vintage Rally. To be held in Jeparit, Victoria 8th & 9th June (Queens Birthday Weekend). The weekend features Tractors and engines, working displays, food stalls, car club displays. In addition the museum will be open, featuring many unique and interesting artefacts and displays. Camping accommodation is available at the Jeparit Caravan Park and nearby Lake Hindmarsh. More details contact Secretary John Pumpa <a href="mailto:jpumpa@active8.net.au">jpumpa@active8.net.au</a><o:p>  </o:p> Camel Cup - 13 July 2013 Alice Springs.  Lasseters Camel Cup is an amazing race that is iconic, quirky and its reputation reaches far beyond Northern Territory soil. The Cup is held annually on the 2nd Saturday in July in its own arena at Blatherskite Park, a section of the Central Australian Show Society grounds. The family and fundraiser event is well known for its unpredictable and very entertaining camels as well as the brave and crazy riders. With camels supplied by Camels Australia and Dennis Orr Camels - the Lasseters Camel Cup attracts around 5,000 people from all over the world. While camels may have a reputation as dedicated 'ships of the desert', these magnificent beasts are certainly not short on personality. Racing them can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators. Entertainment is assured, with nine unique races scheduled around the dusty outback track throughout the day. There will be lots of action between races, too. Belly dancers, rickshaw races, Mr and Miss Camel Cup challenges, food stalls and bars will add to the carnival atmosphere.The Rickshaw Races are sure to be a barrel of laughs. Two people start off sitting in these people powered machines and two intrepid runners will pull them to the half�waypoint. They then swap and the pullers become the pulled. Numbers are limited for this fun event.  Teams of 4 need to enter, on a first come first served basis. Entry is totally free and there is even some prize money on offer! The hilarious honeymoon handicap is one of the highlights on the annual program. The Camels start as in a normal race � however half way around the track, the Camel (and new husband aboard) must stop and pick up their new Brides and then proceed to the finish line in normal race fashion. (Brides be sure you get the right husband!) Since 2012 the Lasseters Camel Cup is run by APEX Club of Alice Springs with assistance of the Lions Clubs of Central Australia, and supported by other Alice Springs service clubs. All proceeds from the day are distributed to local charities through the community grant scheme.<o:p> </o:p> </div> Free Camping and caravan parks</o:p> <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #E7E7E7 .5pt; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; width: 1355; height: 115; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; border-bottom: 1.0pt solid #E7E7E7; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; padding-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%"> I would like to let your readers know we own a caravan park in Charleville. When people complain about service they receive from some park owners, just remember we are not all like that. We charge $25 per night for a powered site; we have heaps of room, a camp fire, plenty of kangaroos and birds. We look after the park till our managers Nev and Caroline start in May. We get nothing but praise about our park.<o:p> </o:p> We are building another park, Charleville Bush Camp which will be just what you are all looking for, basic amenities and $10 per night. We are going to allow small pets in to the new park. The park will be like our other one for Non-Smokers Only. We hope to have this new park in operation at August this year. Call in and we will show you around. Cheers from Charleville. Graham & Deb<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </div> I had heard that this caravan park was not suitable for children and emailed a query. Here is the reply. <o:p> </o:p> <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #E7E7E7 .5pt; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; width: 1358; height: 65; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; border-bottom: 1.0pt solid #E7E7E7; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; padding-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%"> Our park is unsuitable for children. That is we don't have any facilities for children, we have had plenty of kids stay with us, we love kids. You are more than welcome to come and stay and bring the brood. Graham.<o:p> </o:p> </div> <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #E7E7E7 .5pt; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; width: 1337; height: 246; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; border-bottom: 1.0pt solid #E7E7E7; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; padding-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%">   The issue of 'free' camping is not all that new - I fell afoul of the 'law' over 40 years ago! <o:p>   On 3rd February 1971 a complaint was sworn against me by a Gold Coast City Council inspector in the Southport Magistrates Court that "... did camp upon land ... not then being a public camping area, a private camping area, or camp site approved by the said Council." On 13th April 1971 I was subsequently convicted of the offence of 'Breach of Council by Laws' and fined $10.00 plus $12.50 costs,<o:p> </o:p> "... and in default of payment of such sums forthwith the defendant is to be imprisoned for seven days."<o:p> </o:p> In 1971, I was a shift worker operating power stations and on relatively good money, but $22.50 was still a very big lump out of a week's pay. I wonder if seven days imprisonment is still the standard for such a heinous crime? (Not that I served the time, I paid the fine!)<o:p> </o:p> Allan.<o:p> </o:p> </div> <o:p>  </o:p> <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #E7E7E7 .5pt; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; width: 1336; height: 78; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; border-bottom: 1.0pt solid #E7E7E7; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; padding-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%"> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:18.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;background:white;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #E7E7E7 .5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm">Re: Lennox Heads. It would be nice if towns looked at the bigger picture, people coming to stay at a town like Lennox Heads must travel and pass through other towns to get there. This is often an inland route as the traveler is made to feel more welcome and catered for on these routes. If towns like Lennox Heads took the time to make the traveler passing through more welcome they might just be amazed the positive impact it has on the town. Have you ever tried traveling the coast in summer looking for a place to stay? Most caravan parks are booked out and if not charge ridiculous prices when all you are looking for is a place to pull up and have a rest. Andy<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> </div> Where�s the nearest toilet?<o:p> </o:p> I guess many of you already know of this great resource but I just discovered it this week<o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.toiletmap.gov.au">http://www.toiletmap.gov.au</a> <o:p>  </o:p> News from the West<o:p>  </o:p> Update on Jellyfish at Ningaloo<o:p> </o:p> The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is advising people in the Ningaloo area that there has been a spate of jellyfish stings causing Irukandji syndrome, a severe reaction to the toxin of several jellyfish species. <o:p> </o:p> In the past two weeks several people have been stung in the northern parts of Ningaloo Marine Park and adjacent Exmouth Gulf and have been hospitalized. The last confirmed sting was at Turquoise Bay on 17th April.<o:p> </o:p> People are being advised to take extra care or to avoid swimming altogether, especially young children, ill and elderly people as they may be more susceptible to the effects of Irukandji syndrome. While it is not unusual to have one or two suspected cases of Irukandji syndrome in Ningaloo every year, to have multiple stings in a short period of time is unusual and has prompted DEC to provide this advice.<o:p> </o:p> Wetsuits, Nylon/lycra full body stinger suits and other body coverings can prevent or reduce the effects of the sting; however the face, hands and feet are at risk if they are not covered. The jellyfish associated with Irukandji syndrome were very small with a bell about 5mm to 25mm wide and four tentacles ranging from just a few centimetres to 1m in length. Anyone who thinks they may have been stung should seek urgent medical attention.<o:p> </o:p> What to do if stung<o:p> </o:p> A sting by jellyfish is often felt as nothing more than a painful irritant with a rash akin to that of prickly heat.<o:p> </o:p> If you have been in the sea and feel like you may have been stung, treat with suspicion all unexpected pain, no matter how slight, especially if accompanied by a rash or skin welts.<o:p> </o:p> Signs and symptoms relating to Irukandji Syndrome may not be immediate and may appear between 5 to 45 minutes after the initial sting. Signs and symptoms can include:<o:p> </o:p>  Severe backache or headache<o:p> </o:p>  Shooting pains in their muscles, chest and abdomen<o:p> </o:p>  Nausea, anxiety, restlessness, vomiting, breathing difficulties.<o:p> </o:p> If you suspect you have been stung by a jellyfish, of whatever species, first aid must be quickly applied when available. <o:p> </o:p> If you suspect someone has been stung<o:p> </o:p> 1. Call for help (call triple zero 000). <o:p> </o:p> 2. Treat the victim (provide emergency care - CPR if necessary). <o:p> </o:p> 3. Treat the sting (flood with vinegar) - do not rub, do not apply freshwater. <o:p> </o:p> 4. Seek urgent medical assistance.<o:p> </o:p> DEC is working closely with experts from the CSIRO to monitor the situation and gather information. For further information please contact the DEC Exmouth District office on (08) 9947 8000.<o:p>  </o:p> West Kimberley parks opening for 2013 <o:p> </o:p> Windjana Gorge National Park including the campground and Tunnel Creek National Park will open on Friday 26 April 2013. Please note that the water level in parts of Tunnel Creek Cave is still up to 1 metre deep. Caution must be exercised and please ensure all visitors have appropriate clothing, footwear, are carrying torches and physically fit. <o:p> </o:p> King Leopold Range Conservation Park, Silent Grove campground, Bell Gorge and Lennard Gorge will open on the 3 May 2013. <o:p> </o:p> For further information on any of the above mentioned parks please contact the DEC West Kimberley District office in Broome on (08) 9195 5500.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Toyota Land Cruiser Club Emergency Response Group</o:p> Dear Jo, below is our press release. Bruce. <o:p> </o:p> PS I�m involved in a 4X4 Photography Safari in Botswana Africa 29 June � 14 July (Kalahari to Okavango Delta and Victoria falls, there has been a couple of cancelations. If there was anybody keen on taking up these positions they could contact Bruce Fullard <a href="mailto:ca124518@a1.com.au">ca124518@a1.com.au</a> for further information.<o:p>  </o:p> Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Vic) Inc Emergency Response Group.<o:p> </o:p> A lot has been said in the media in recent times about the bush fires and floods which have affected areas of Victoria. The Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Vic) Inc maintains an emergency response group to assist in times of such disasters.<o:p> </o:p> The Toyota Land Cruiser Club in Victoria is prepared wherever the need arises to help in cleaning up of rural properties.  Such tasks include site clearing and removal of damaged materials ( other than asbestos which is a clean-up left to qualified professionals), fencing removal and replacement (subject to availability of fencing materials at owners cost), and removal of fallen trees and any other allocated tasks by agreement to assist in getting the rural community back working again.<o:p> </o:p>  The Victorian branch of the Association of Toyota Land Cruiser Clubs of Australia formed the  Emergency Response Group during the Black Saturday fire emergency and spent some 9 months assisting owners in their recovery in Kilmore, Glenburn, Yarra Glen and Flowerdale and  subsequently  during the Victorian floods in Skipton and Baringhup and more recently in the Moira Shire � Tungamah, Lake Rowan and Nathalia areas and recently  the fires in  Glenmaggie.<o:p> </o:p> As a result of the most recent devastating fires in Dereel, the club response group undertook recovery tasks this past weekend with 32 volunteers attending.  Recovery work was undertaken on 8 properties and some 6 kilometres of fire damaged fencing was removed along with chain sawing a considerable quantity of fallen timber. Some 460 man hours was spent over the weekend.<o:p> </o:p> Why do we do it?  The answer is obvious, our members travel this country with trips every weekend and enjoy the generosity of the rural community from north to south, east to west, with trips into the high country and many areas of Victoria such as Sunset Country, Big and Little Deserts   as well as interstate, to areas such as Cape York, Simpson Desert to name a few.  This is our opportunity to give back community support when the need arises.  We don�t look for funding or volunteers outside our own club and we prefer to work within our own club resources.<o:p> </o:p> We have the knowledge and procedures that have proved successful in all the past events and accordingly we will continue to do so into the future. <o:p> </o:p>  Many hours have been spent providing this needy support, our members wear the cost of fuel and wear and tear on their equipment and vehicles, but that�s what we do and we enjoy doing it. <o:p> </o:p> Overall the payback is seeing the surprise and appreciation on owners faces to see a group of four wheel drivers who don�t have universal community support, being there in their time of need just to help them.<o:p> </o:p> Bruce Fullard, Emergency Response coordinator, Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Vic) Inc. Email: <a href="mailto:tlccrg@tlccv.com.au">tlccrg@tlccv.com.au</a><o:p>  </o:p> I know the work of many Four Wheel Drive Clubs in rural areas is very much appreciated. Please let us know what your club has been doing lately.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Ted Goes to War<o:p> </o:p> Horse works<o:p> </o:p> We shifted camp and in the new area of service I was fortunate to run into Arnold Burrow again. I think of the many friends I made and how the war that brought us together also separated us. But with Arnold it turned out to be different. We kept running into each other, and after the war we went on corresponding. Arnold and I shared one exciting experience with our horses. Two men of our company had been either killed or wounded whilst in charge of army vehicles (each with two horses), used for bringing up supplies, so we were ordered to take their place to keep the supplies moving. This was the last thing I desired as I had worked with horses all my life, but duty is duty and there is no way out of it. Arnold enjoyed it. We had four horses, very heavy draughts, active and good pullers, and also very quiet. They were in good condition, well groomed and shiny. We were ordered to feed them on pure oats, a ration that was carefully measured each day. The vehicle used was a two-wheeled cart with a pole. It reminded me of the old-time chariot. My first experience was a trip to bring up army supplies from a town six miles away. There had been a heavy fall of snow the night before, and I wondered how the horses would stand up to the slippery conditions. I soon discovered that each horseshoe had four one-inch studs, two in front and two at the back. Whoever would have told me when I enlisted that I would be spending my time in France, in the front lines on the German border, removing and replacing horseshoes on draught horses? The exciting episode came, however, when I had to pass through a village where the small boys were snowballing. My draught horses were far too good a target for them and the animals did not take at all kindly to the barrage of snowballs. They bolted. There was no seat in the cart. One just stood. There was nothing I could do but let them go and try to keep them straight. We went through that village at a dangerous pace to the great amusement of the small boys who had caused it. Events and people helped to relieve the monotony of the front line ambulance work, which after all took up the bulk of our time and effort.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies</o:p> The following is a true story from a friend of mine who has been keeping a brood of chickens in the lounge where it is warm, and who incidentally works at the local supermarket...cooking chooks amongst other things...<o:p>  </o:p> Yesterday I let the chickens out of the lounge for a run about in the garden. 3 hours later I wander out the front and notice only 8 chickens...there should be 9! Mad search and find him in the frog pond. I flick him out and think where to bury him? Then his foot moves the tiniest bit. He is so floppy, wet and icy cold and not breathing. What do I do? I wasn't sure about giving mouth to mouth to a chicken in case I over inflated him. So I remembered something from �Call the Midwife� and gently swung him down and up a few times and quite a bit of water came out. Raced him inside to warm him up. Hairdryer on low and dried his floppy limp body out. Hmmmm how to keep him warm?......SLOWCOOKER. I stick an old cardigan in the slowcooker and put it on low and tuck him in. Really thinking it would be a lost cause. Go out to break the news to the two mummy hens, not sure they understood what I was saying because they seemed quite indifferent. Two hours later I dare to check on him and he was standing up on the edge of the slowcooker cheeping away. As I went to pick him up he took off running all over the kitchen. Who would have thought three hours ago he was floating face down in a frog pond? Finally caught him and took him back out to his mummies and they were soooo excited to have him back...even if they hadn't actually noticed he was missing. First time I've ever been excited that a chicken has emerged alive from my slowcooker!!<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, was one of the greatest political sages the USA has ever known. For example: - 1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco. 2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day. 3. There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works. 4. Never miss a good chance to shut up. 5. Always drink upstream from the herd. 6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. 7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back into your pocket. 8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves. 9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. 10. If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there. 11. Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back. 12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut. <o:p> </o:p> Reaching the end of a job interview, the HR Person asked the young graduate from uni �And what starting salary were you looking for�<o:p> </o:p> The candidate said �Somewhere around $150,000 a year depending on the package�<o:p> </o:p> The HR rep responded �Well, what would you say to a package of 6 weeks holiday, extra superannuation payments, a leased company car new every two years � say a Porsche?�<o:p> </o:p> The young man sat up straight and said �Wow!! Are you kidding?�<o:p> </o:p> �Of course �but you started it�<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers.<o:p> </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as above<o:p> </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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Westprint Friday Five 2013.4.26

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:09:00 GMT

<html> <img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Copy%20of%20westprint%20logo.gif" width="190" height="135"> <O:P> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestprintMaps"><img border="0" src="http://www.westprint.com.au/images/Web%20Page%20Photos/facebook_button.gif" width="32" height="39"></a> Like Westprint on facebook<O:P> Disclaimer.<O:P> </O:P> 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. Westprint Friday Five April 26th 2013<o:p>  </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/">www.westprint.com.au</a><o:p> </o:p> <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/Friday_Five/">Link for archives</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Five<o:p>  </o:p> 1.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Bullets Beans and Bandages</a>. Viet Nam was Australia's longest war. What was it really like for the 50,000 Australians who served between 1962 and 1972? Bullets, Beans and Bandages is a unique collection of impressions, reactions, feelings and fears - the often spellbinding personal experiences of Australians who saw active service in the Viet Nam War. Gary McKay conducted extensive interviews with over a hundred veterans and their families in order to build up a picture of their war. He spoke to nurses and doctors, Qantas cabin crew and pilots, men who had served with the Army, Navy and Air Force in helicopters, armoured units, maintenance division, destroyers on the gun lines, units attached to American forces and ships carrying troops. Bullets, Beans and Bandages goes beyond the combat and into the many units and organisations that fought with and supported the 'grunts' - the infantrymen. This story has long needed to be told; it gives recognition to those who made the infantryman's job - and his survival - possible. 300pp. First published in 1992, this edition 1999 $24.95 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Bullets+Beans+and+Bandages&price=24.95&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 2.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Bullwinkel</a>. Vivian Bullwinkel survived the Japanese attack on Singapore but was captured, tortured, starved and is the sole survivor of a Japanese massacre. See also White Coolies book and audio. 240pp. First published in 2000, this edition 2008 $30.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Bullwinkel&price=30.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 3.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Borneo Surgeon</a>. Peter Firkins. The story of Dr James P Taylor surgeon to Australian POWs during their internment in Borneo. 150pp. First published in 1995 $22.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Borneo+Surgeon&price=22.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 4.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime3.htm">Goodbye Cobber</a>. John Hamilton. This book is the acclaimed account of one of the bravest, and most futile, actions of the Gallipoli campaign�the 3rd Light Horse Brigade�s tragic charge at the Nek. 365pp. First published in 2004, this edition 2008 $25.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=Goodbye+Cobber&price=25.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime3.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 5.    <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Changi Brownlow, The</a>. After Singapore falls to the Japanese early in 1942, 70 000 prisoners including 15 000 Australians, are held as POWs at the notorious Changi prison, Singapore. To amuse themselves and fellow inmates, a group of sportsmen led by the indefatigable and popular Chicken Smallhorn, created an Australian Football League, complete with tribunal, selection panel, umpires and coaches. The final game of the one and only season was between Victoria and the Rest of Australia , which attracted 10 000 spectators, and a unique Brownlow Medal was awarded in this unlikely setting under the curious gaze of Japanese prison guards. Meet the main characters behind this spectacle: Peter Chitty, the farm hand from Snowy River country with unfathomable physical and mental fortitude, and one of eight in his immediate family who volunteered to fight and serve in WW2; Chicken Smallhorn, the Brownlow-medal winning little man with the huge heart; and Weary Dunlop, the courageous doctor, who cares for the POWs as they endure malnutrition, disease and often inhuman treatment. This is a story of courage and the invincibility of the human spirit, and highlights not only the Australian love of sport, but its power to offer consolation in times of extreme hardship. 376pp. First published in 2010, this edition 2012 $25.00 <a href="http://ww3.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=5227620&product=The+Changi+Brownlow&price=25.00&qty=1&return=www.westprint.com.au/Product%20Pages/wartime.htm">Add to Cart</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Books listed are often limited supply. Products are allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Postage Rates. Westprint normal postage rates are $8.50 for one book, $11.00 for two books, $13.00 for 3 or more books. Where possible, postage on multiple items will be recalculated to offer you the best price. Free post applies to orders of more than $150.00. Postage rates apply to Australia only. Airmail postage rates apply to overseas orders. Special: We have 3 copies of the hard cover Camps Australia Wide 6, including Camp Snaps left. Normal price was $89.95 but now that the 7th edition has been released we have these few old editions to clear- below cost - at $44.95<o:p> </o:p> - Including postage. Just email me at <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a> if you would like a recently superceded copy <o:p>  </o:p> Notes from the Office<o:p> </o:p> Stop Press: Jo and Graeme are home.  <o:p> </o:p> We are back at work but the backlog of emails is a bit daunting. Please be patient, I will get to your email eventually. Turkey and Jordan are amazing countries. For me the highlight was exploring the Gallipoli Peninsula and for Graeme exploring Petra in Jordan. Jordan is a very small country surrounded by larger feuding countries. How it keeps on diplomatic terms with all its neighbours is a feat in itself. Turkey has a population of 80+million plus 60million tourists annually and a traffic system that can best be described as insane! I kept travel notes while we were away and these may make it into the Friday Five one day. I can say, we are both very happy to be back in Australia with our wide open spaces, our wide starry skies and despite the population turning over 23 million this week � a lack of crowds. Jo<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Forum</o:p> Jo�s comments in green.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Tallaringa Conservation Park.</o:p> Due to Department of Defence requirements, the Anne Beadell Highway and thus Tallaringa will be closed from the 13th of May to the 2nd of June 2013.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Roads and tracks updates.<o:p> </o:p> SA Desert Parks.<o:p> </o:p> Good News. It's been a long time since so many tracks were open. Innamincka: Coongie Track, Walkers Crossing Track, 15 Mile Track and Access to Cooper Creek, Cullyamurra Waterhole, Burke�s Grave, Bore Track North all open to 4WD. Old Strzelecki Track, Bore Track South � Closed. Lake Eyre: Halligan Bay Track, Level Post Bay Track � Open to 4WD. Simpson Desert, Warburton Crossing open to 4WD. The K1 track may be difficult to follow due to limited visitors over the last four years and good 2010 rain. Please use caution. <o:p> </o:p> Not so good news. Use caution along the French Line as a group with trailers have recently cut up the track.<o:p>  </o:p> Great news: Birdsville Track - The Diamantina Shire Council says the 145-kilometre section of the inside track has reopened for the first time in several years.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre<o:p> </o:p> Please note that the latest edition of the Nhill Anson Newsletter is available from the link below. This newsletter is the official communication from the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. The newsletter has a feature article about FK McKenzie and the numerous articles on aviation he published in the Nhill Free Press. McKenzie almost single-handedly negotiated for the RAAF base to be built at Nhill during WWII. A report on building progress is included as well as a comprehensive list of current and future projects. <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/anson/020%20Nhill%20Anson%2025-02-2013.pdf">http://www.westprint.com.au/anson/020%20Nhill%20Anson%2025-02-2013.pdf</a> <o:p>  </o:p> Free Camping<o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none">My wife and I have travelled around Australia since retiring 2010. The attitude of Caravan Parks in general is appalling; they do not provide what I would call "good customer service".<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> One caravan park owner complained to me that these "Baby Boomer" caravaners have their caravans set up so they camp out for 7 nights and then come into a caravan park just to take on water and do their washing. He charged extra to fill mater tanks in vans even though we stayed there overnight. My response was "aren't you lucky that they still need you for that" <o:p> </o:p> I travelled around Australia in a caravan with my parents and family in the late 50's, there were no caravan parks, you had to stop in the local football ground where there were toilets & water available. Then as tourism & caravanning became more popular the councils set up caravan parks, motels then appeared in many small towns to cater for those that did not have a caravan. Then the caravan parks saw fit to introduce "on site" caravans so they were in direct competition to the Motels. How many motels around the country do you now see closed down & derelict, many.  <o:p> </o:p> I know of two Caravan Park owners who conspired to have the council close a free camp that was on crown land and a designated stock route. When I challenged one of the caravan park owners about using his influence to have the free camp closed, saying you cannot close an overnight stop on a stock route; his comment was not many people know that.<o:p> </o:p> I have witnessed a caravan park owner harassing an older couple who stayed overnight in a 24 hr reserve in an advertised RV friendly town. When I challenged his authority and said I would report him to council he promptly withdrew. Councils set up the caravan parks, and then they put up "no camping signs" by order of the council around the towns, even on the town common that originally was set aside for that purpose. This is unfair trade practice, forcing people to stay in the caravan parks or face fines. Councils and Caravan park owners should wake up to themselves as the travelling public have a very large network and some towns are getting such a bad reputation that many travellers are avoiding them. <o:p> </o:p> There are many small towns around Australia that are in decline, councils should be encouraging travellers to stay overnight or longer if possible to inject some business into these towns. Graeme & Chris. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">All I can do is state what I know happens here--but also with most country coastal towns that I know of in NSW. The local councils have the responsibility in relation to casual parking--that is that they can set the rules in their jurisdiction --as far as street parking they set the parking time limits and put up relevant signage-also they employ rangers to check on vehicle parking times and hence book the vehicle if it is over the limit. <o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> I guess the other places could be classified as open parking spaces--ones that are alongside beaches-look outs or similar tourist locations--the local councils have the rights to nominate the parking--camping rules accordingly--up here signage is put around these places to show people such as tourists the rules--it is fair to say that in some places the signage is not easily seen in my opinion--but it�s there somewhere in the area involved. In most coastal towns there are camping/caravan parks-there is one in Lennox and the 2 closest towns, Byron bay and Ballina have a number each located in their towns. <o:p> </o:p> What happens in Lennox Heads and Byron Bay (not so much in Ballina) is at school holiday times we get a huge influx of visitors with caravans or camper vans of various types. At times every place is overfull with them. The truth is that most of them are fair and reasonable people--but sadly there are always a few jerks amongst them.<o:p> </o:p> These people take absolutely no notice of any parking rules, there are just too many examples that i know of to write here but one of the biggest issues is when these people camp overnight where ever they feel that they want. Mostly they cause inconvenience to all others along with leaving all their rubbish etc all over the place where they have camped. It is the rangers employed by the council to enforce these situations. <o:p> </o:p> It is also fair to say that they cop a heap of abuse by these people especially from the campervan mob who are mostly back packers. One of the things that is missing in Lennox Heads is a tourist outlet. Ballina and Byron have one each(managed by the councils) where tourists can ask about the local rules on all sorts of subjects and that would solve a lot of queries for the tourists. Gregg<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Amen to that Jim from SA. Its like banging your head against a brick wall to try and educate people who have no idea about manners when it comes to free camping.  We have travelled this great country for something like 25 years now so we have pretty much seen it all!!! The good the bad and the downright ugly... Those that spoilt it for others trying to do the right thing and who wish to preserve our freedom to camp.  Jean. SA<o:p> </o:p> </li> </ul> <o:p>  </o:p> Jim, SA commented on a traveller not bothering to cover his excrement. My wife and I get very angry at this habit, and the selfishness of the perpetrators. We carry a Porta Potti that cost us less than $200 in our cramped Troopy high-roof camper, and reckon that it should be a requirement for travel in places like Desert Parks. Ladies much prefer the dignity and comfort to having to scratch in hard ground, and it is possible to stop at a moment's notice and surround one's partner with a tarp for privacy if necessary. There are plenty of dump points, and where there are not, we tend to find that if you enquire at Council offices, someone will take you to a manhole where you can empty your toilet directly into the sewer main.<o:p> </o:p> A few years back, we were driving from Borroloola to Burketown, unable to find a campsite, as all the good spots were occupied, and we always have the courtesy to leave others in peace. It was 9:30 p.m. before we wearily found a spot on the bank of the Calvert River. Next morning, an arrogant man in a red Range Rover pulled up, and his first words were "You are blocking ze road!" The tiny grassed area had once been the old road which forded the river, but the proper crossing is well down-river. He made a huge fuss, so I reluctantly moved our gear to allow him to pass us and cross the river, though it was a bad place to do so. Instead of crossing, he set up his camper trailer almost touching my front bumper. I asked him how come it was OK for him to block the same road he had accused me of blocking...<o:p> </o:p> The final straw came when he walked past us carrying a spade, dropped his trousers when no more than 10 metres beyond us, and in full view of my wife, defecated on the ground. He had not dug a hole, merely scraped the grass off, and flies immediately swarmed onto the odious pile. As he walked back, I asked him why he had not walked at least 50m from the watercourse and buried his waste at least 15cm deep, so he gave me a heap of abuse. I chucked him in the river, then ordered him to pick up all the rubbish left by other mongrels before departing. He nearly broke diffs smashing his way across the river, but I had to go and pick up his toilet mess and bury it properly to keep the campsite usable.<o:p> </o:p> On another occasion, my wife and I wanted to camp beside the Burke and Wills Bridge, east of Innamincka, but piles of stinking excrement covered the ground, and great rolls of used toilet paper blew about in the wind, getting caught up in the lignum. We donned gloves, and spent three hours using tongs fashioned from sticks to collect all the muck and bury it deep well away from the river. No wonder that the next time we visited, a huge sign had been erected warning, "NO CAMPING. THIS MEANS YOU!" and ever since, visitors have had to drive to the Dig Tree area and pay to camp.<o:p> </o:p> We dearly wish that everyone would take pride in our wonderful country, and look after it, before all areas are closed off due to such selfishness. With the amount of money that people pay for their rigs and gear, buying a portable toilet is a small price to pay for the convenience, and with the increasing numbers of travellers, it is imperative.  <o:p> </o:p> The other pet hate is of course, litter. We seem to spend more time collecting other people's rubbish and taking it to the nearest official tip than almost any other camping activity. Broken glass, used nappies, even drug needles and bongs, are becoming increasingly common. What a sad world. Ken QLD<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> More festivals from around the country.<o:p>  </o:p> Alice Springs (NT). The Tatts Finke Desert Race is an off road, multi terrain two-day race for bikes, cars, buggies and quads through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community. The race is held each year on the Queen�s Birthday long weekend in June. �The Finke� as it is commonly known, is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory and has the reputation of being one of the most difficult off-road courses in one of the most remote places in the world. The Finke is unique and the most fun you can have with a helmet on! <o:p>  </o:p> The Festival of the Beanie occurs in Alice Springs. (For non-Aussie readers, a beanie is a knitted head covering.) The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is a community- based event that began in 1997 with a �beanie party�, organised by Adi Dunlop. In the early years, the festival was run by a group of friends. The core group has slowly grown into a committed band of beanie-ologists. <o:p> </o:p> The festival was organised to sell beanies crocheted by Aboriginal women in remote communities. It has grown into a fun event where Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal artists share their culture and exhibit together. The festival is unique because of the incredible amount of community participation and our unique ties with local Aboriginal organisations. The festival�s aims have always been to develop Aboriginal women�s textiles, promote women�s' culture and the beanie as a regional art form, as well as promote handmade textile arts. In 2004 after much deliberation, the festival incorporated.<o:p> </o:p> The official objects and purposes of our Association are as follows: (a) Promoting community participation in the arts, (b) Developing fine art, (c) Reducing poverty and dependency by developing artistic and entrepreneurial skills, (d) Promoting reconciliation.<o:p> </o:p> Why beanies? Hand made beanies have long been valued in Central Australia. They are often colourful and individual in pattern and style. Everyone, no matter who they are, needs a beanie to enjoy the outdoors during our crisp, cold winter nights. Centralian craftspeople from remote areas and Alice Springs have taken up the challenge to raise beanie making into a distinctive regional art form. Beanies can be given distinguishing characteristics and decorated with seeds, various fibres and embellishments. There is no limit to the shapes, textures, colours and patterns that are evolving. They are ideal for the tourist market, being light and inexpensive. Every year beanie lovers gather at Witchetty's in the Araluen Centre, Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, to admire the latest crop of hand crafted beanies. There is an air of anticipation as the artists wonder if their creation might win one of the coveted trophies. Local entertainment and great food make the opening a great night out Because Central Australia now has a national (indeed, international!) reputation for the production of quirky beanies. The Beanie Festival continues to strengthen its links with the local communities. The Committee continues to be amazed by the strength of the interest in these old crafts, as well as the enthusiasm that reinvents traditional patterns into contemporary creative designs. We have no doubt that beanies are in. Women from the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council give demonstrations of Indigenous methods of spinning and basketry each festival. These demonstrations are highly popular, as it is a time of sharing culture and skills. Women from Ernabella also have given wonderful demonstrations of their fibre crafts. Ted Goes to War<o:p> </o:p> Not the size of the man in the fight.<o:p> </o:p> About this time I chanced to meet an interesting fellow from Western Australia, who was a member of the Field Ambulance like myself. He had become cut off from his mates, and like many others in a similar predicament, had attached himself to our unit. We became very friendly. I had lost a number of my close friends and was glad of his companionship. One day we came across some Aussies playing football behind the lines. We had with us a German prisoner, who had surrendered. He said to me, �Why in the world do you Australians play football when there is a war on?� I told him, �We live that way in Australia. After work we are free to enjoy ourselves. That is why we are in the war - to keep that freedom. You people think of nothing but war.� Later on, the same afternoon, my new mate slipped on the snow and dislocated his shoulder. I carried him on my back in the approved manner to our medical orderly room, and helped the doctor to get him fixed. The operation was done quickly and without any drugs - my new friend didn�t seem to notice it. When we got back to camp I said, �Jack, what is the strength of you, don�t you feel pain?� Without a word he pulled a card out of his gear. It was crammed with medals and the words � �Jack Johnson, Lightweight Champion of Western Australia.� <o:p> </o:p> After staying with us for a fortnight, Jack Johnson thought he should make an effort to rejoin his unit. Three days before he left we were having our evening meal at a rough table the cooks had rigged up. The place was packed to the limit and Jack and I were a few minutes late but we managed to squeeze in at the end of a long table with Jack on the very end. A moment later another chap came in, a stranger, an aggressive and hungry type. He bumped against Jack and said, �Move over, you little b�.� Jack wasn�t to be handled that way. �When we�ve finished here� he said, �we can settle this matter between us elsewhere.� The big chap sneered, �You would have to catch me asleep, sonny, wouldn�t you?� But when tea was over Jack took off his tunic and gave it to me to hold. The big man didn�t think it worth taking off his coat, but before you could count �one, two� he was on the floor a sadder and wiser man. Soon after, we parted in our ways and I never saw the little fighting man again.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> Friday Funnies<o:p>  </o:p> A drover, who just moved to Queensland from Victoria, walks into a bar and orders three glasses of XXXX. He sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, He comes back to the bar and orders three more. The bartender approaches and tells the drover, "You know, a glass goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you bought one at a time." The cattleman replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One's in 'Tassie' , the other one's a 'sandgroper'. When we all left our home in Echuca , we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together.<o:p> </o:p> So I'm drinking one beer for each of my brothers and one for myself." The bartender admits that this is a nice custom and leaves it there. The drover becomes a regular in the bar and always drinks the same way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn. One day, he comes in and only orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss." The drover looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns in his eyes and he laughs. "Oh, no, everybody's just fine," he explains, "It's just that my wife and I joined the Salvation Army and I had to quit drinking." "Hasn't affected my brothers though." <o:p>  </o:p> Ole..... A born salesman<o:p> </o:p> Ole, the smoothest-talking Swede in the Minnesota National Guard, got called up to active duty.<o:p> </o:p> Ole's first assignment was in a military induction center. Because he was a good talker, they assigned him the duty of advising new recruits about government benefits, especially the GI life insurance, to which they were entitled.<o:p> </o:p> The officer in charge soon noticed that Ole was getting a 99% sign-up rate for the more expensive supplemental form of GI insurance. This was remarkable, because it cost these low-income recruits $30 per month for the higher coverage, compared to what the government was already providing at no charge.<o:p> </o:p> The officer decided he'd sit in the back of the room at the next briefing and observe Ole's sales pitch. Ole stood up before the latest group of inductees and said, "If you haf da normal GI insurans an' yoo go to Afghanistan an' get yourself killed, da governmen' pays yer beneficiary $20,000.<o:p> </o:p> If yoo take out da supplemental insurans, vich cost you only t'irty dollars a mont, den da governmen' got ta pay yer beneficiary $200,000!" "Now," Ole concluded, "Vich bunch you tink dey gonna send ta Afghanistan first?" <o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> ABOUT GROWING OLDER... 1. Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. 2. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. 3. Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me; I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've travelled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved. 4. When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. 5. You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. 6. I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. 7. One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it's such a nice change from being young. 8. One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. 9. Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. 10. Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf. And, finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old.<o:p> </o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> To all of our Faithful Friday Five readers.<o:p> </o:p> Westprint contact details:<o:p> </o:p> Email: - as above<o:p> </o:p> Phone: - 03 5391 1466<o:p> </o:p> Fax: - 03 5391 1473<o:p> </o:p> Snail Mail: - 6 Park St. Nhill, Vic 3418<o:p> </o:p> <o:p>  </o:p> 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 <a href="mailto:info@westprint.com.au">info@westprint.com.au</a>. Remember to include a phone number or other alternative contact.<o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p> </o:p>

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