Friday, April 25, 2014

Hi there viewers.
Wednesday we drove up Castle Hill for a look see.  It's amazing how spread out Townsville has become.  It has doubled in size since we were last here.  That was 28 years ago.
Well ANZAC Day has come and gone for one more year.  Helen and I attended the March at Thuringowa and I can tell you from experience that it was a hot and long way to march.
When I arrived at the FUP (that's "forming up  point' for you civies), there was a lot of confusion as to who was to be where so I stuck my Scarlet Beret on and within a couple of minutes I was approached by another ex MP. For those who know him it was triple K. Rudy then alerted me to another blast from the past, Stan Hodder. Stan was my first Patrol IC when I joined the Corp in 1977. Hope to catch up with him for coffee in the next few days.
Overall the march and service went well the we retired to the Thuringowa RSL for lunch and a lite libation. 
Had a chat to a couple of Sand Gropers staying at our van park last night and they have given me some tips of where to go and not go in WA.
Until next we chat.
All the Best
Col & Helen

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Catching Up

Well it's Easter Monday and the Bilby has come and gone.  One lousy block of chocolate to share between us.  The Ex Townsville Coppers Reunion on Saturday afternoon went very well.  For something that was meant to finish at 1900 hrs (that's 7 pm for you civies) were soldiered on at the Cowboys Club for dinner finally making home about 2200 hrs (10 pm). We met up with quite a few old faces from our time in Townsville, Helen more so the me, however, a great time was had by all.
Sunday saw us rediscovering parts of Townsville that we remembered from 30 years ago.  What was a sleepy army town back then is now a very large city that has expanded immensely since we were last here.
More later.
Stay safe

Helen & Col.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Hi All
Second day on the road.
Yesterday saw us leave Bundaberg in light drizzle and made our way to The Caves Caravan Park about 25 Km north of Rockhampton.  Not a place I would hurry back to.  No mobile or internet reception available.

Today we headed to Proserpine where we have found a quiet little park to spend the night.  Made the mistake of purchasing fuel at Marlborough at $1.69.9 per litre.

Sad to see a lot of sugar cane in the horizontal position due to cyclone Ita.
Townsville tomorrow.

Until next we talk

Helen & Col
Hi All
We left Bundy on Monday in light drizzle and made it as far as The Caves (North of Rockhampton) where we set camp for the night. Not somewhere I would rush back to in a hurry. Tuesday seen us head to Proserpine. Made the mistake of purchasing fuel in Marlborough, a lowly cost of $1.69.9 per litre.  Passed a number of cane farms with the cane leaning over almost horizontal as a result of cyclone Ita.  The weather today has been great. Sunshine most of the way.

Until next time.

Col & Helen

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Back on the road again.

Well we have finally made it back on the road again.  After leaving Alice Springs in November 2012, we arrived back in Brisbane to spend Christmas with family.  Australia Day 2013 saw Bundaberg inundated with it's worst flood ever.  As a result our unit in North Bundy went under. 
12 months later we are back to normal, whatever normal is.
We were caught in a hail storm whilst staying at Kurt's place, causing $26,000 damage to the van.  All fixed now so we are on the move again.
Friday 4 April we headed to Bundaberg to do a house sit until 14 April when we head towards Townsville for Easter.  Whilst in Bundy I was able to perform at the Bundaberg Country Music Club monthly play out.  It was good to catch up with some old friends again.
Looking forward to heading off again Monday morning.
Until next time.
Keep the rubber on the road
All the best
Colin & Helen
"Old Farts on Tour"