Well just a tad over 6 months to go for the big trip. How is everyones planning going.
I have still alot to do on the camper plus a few little things to do on the cruiser. But with the eet season approaching I should have all this done well before then, unless fishing gets in the road.
We will be heading to Darwin on Sunday 29th April 2018 for a few days to get a service done on the cruiser and maybe new tyres. Some shopping and then head to Katherine.
Mark
We have to replace some things that are going to be going sometime soon(eg. car tyres, batteries in the car etc). But will do those closer to the trip.
Have planned the trip up and back at a high level..........not sure if we'll plan those bits out much more. Since we'll be going for 4.5 months, am keen to try a bit of 'winging it'.
Have spares etc to get.
Other than that, really not much more on the car or camper...
Just have to work out how the house is going to be looked after while we're gone, and how/if/where Olivia will be joining us...
MarkVS
Quote from: MarkVS on October 19, 2017, 05:38:53 PM
.......... am keen to try a bit of 'winging it'.
I can recommend it Mark. Makes for a very relaxing holiday.
We plan to join the crew for part of the run down the GRR. We're really looking forward to getting out again. It's been too long since our last big trip.
:cheers:
Quote from: MarkVS on October 19, 2017, 05:38:53 PM
We have to replace some things that are going to be going sometime soon(eg. car tyres, batteries in the car etc). But will do those closer to the trip.
Have planned the trip up and back at a high level..........not sure if we'll plan those bits out much more. Since we'll be going for 4.5 months, am keen to try a bit of 'winging it'.
Have spares etc to get.
Other than that, really not much more on the car or camper...
Just have to work out how the house is going to be looked after while we're gone, and how/if/where Olivia will be joining us...
MarkVS
Just a suggestion on how to have your house looked after Mark..... We went on to Aussie House Sitters site and orginized a house sitter when we went to Broome for 2 months. We went placed our departure and return dates and then went through the list of applicants and after checking references ect. picked out a couple to house sit our house and look after our doberman. It worked out great. The sitters don't charge anything and we didn't pay anything. They just stayed in house for free rent ect.
Cheers Tracker.
To whet the appetite ;D
https://vimeo.com/179548836
Bought a new to us car for the trip so that lessens the stress a little. Got a nice 100 series with not much left to add to it for the trip. Little bit more room in the back for the kids now!
Will start replacing the odd hose here and there now.
Trip up and back has changed a little as we realised dates worked in better with school terms than we thought. Probably do red centre on the way up, Tanami on the way home. Have 8-10 days to get home to eastern vic. Will plan this over Jan more.
Biggest planning thing at the moment is food. Be interested to hear what everyone else uses for planning. Do you use a spreadsheet etc?
Also now just packing. Moving down from ute to wagon has its disadvantages!
Quote from: Doweymex on November 01, 2017, 08:33:52 PM
Bought a new to us car for the trip so that lessens the stress a little. Got a nice 100 series with not much left to add to it for the trip. Little bit more room in the back for the kids now!
Will start replacing the odd hose here and there now.
Trip up and back has changed a little as we realised dates worked in better with school terms than we thought. Probably do red centre on the way up, Tanami on the way home. Have 8-10 days to get home to eastern vic. Will plan this over Jan more.
Biggest planning thing at the moment is food. Be interested to hear what everyone else uses for planning. Do you use a spreadsheet etc?
Also now just packing. Moving down from ute to wagon has its disadvantages!
With regards to shopping do the alcohol shopping in Katherine due to restrictions in Kununurra. Regarding food do the main top up in Kununurra as they have a Coles there. The WA border crossing is very strict with what you can carry in to WA. Along the way most places will have the bare minimum until we get to Kalumburu where there is a local store. Will go through all this when we all meet up in Katherine.
No need for a spreadsheet.
Mark
On some of our earlier trips, we used to plan out the meals and Kerry used to freeze up individual meals etc.
Kerry now makes sure our pantry has spices, dry herbs, rice, pasta, tinned veggies, sauces...and some good camping recipes you know you can do easily.......and we adapt as we go....
You never know how your day will turn out...long drive, hot day, quick lunch stop,instead of long.... and from what Mark has said and others on the GRR Facebook page, access to grocery shops isn't that hard....
We over planned our food.....if you are concerned about access to greens, then just take some supplements with you in case.....
So keep it simple and easy and don't over think it...
Mark & Kerry
Bit of Froze meat some salad and veg
It is the Gibb not the Kalahari
Just wondering how many Fridges do members recommend. Say one for Drinks and cheese fruit and veges ect and another used as a freezer. From the Itinerary it appears that we are spending many days between access to supermarkets so I am thinking that the 2 fridges would almost be mandatory. What do you Guys think?
Quote from: barraboy on November 02, 2017, 12:31:09 PM
Just wondering how many Fridges do members recommend. Say one for Drinks and cheese fruit and veges ect and another used as a freezer. From the Itinerary it appears that we are spending many days between access to supermarkets so I am thinking that the 2 fridges would almost be mandatory. What do you Guys think?
I will be traveling with 2 fridges. Currently have 2 x 40ltr ones but may upgrade to a 75ltr plus use one of the 40ltr ones. I drink alot. :cheers:
Also need to keep all the fish fresh. ;D
Mark
Have a 40l in the car and 90l in the camper
Quote from: MarkVS on November 02, 2017, 05:52:17 PM
Have a 40l in the car and 90l in the camper
Might go 110 ltr, just so mines bigger ;D
Mark
Our last trip that way in 2015 we had 90L in the camper, and 75L + 35L in the car.
Dunno, but it may have been a slight overkill..... ;D
:cheers:
Quote from: GeoffA on November 02, 2017, 08:11:38 PM
Our last trip that way in 2015 we had 90L in the camper, and 75L + 35L in the car.
Dunno, but it may have been a slight overkill..... ;D
:cheers:
Says the man with 2 axles on his camper........😀
I remember that fridge you had in the back of your Car Geoff, on the Cape trip. Always full of ice cold beers .Beautiful!
At the current 'parts replacement' rate that I am going at the moment, I will have an almost new Pajero travelling up.... ;D....Gotta love the Paj....
We only have 1 fridge, is there any point in bringing an esky, is there enough ice available to make it worth while?
Quote from: Alan Loy on November 15, 2017, 06:40:32 PM
We only have 1 fridge, is there any point in bringing an esky, is there enough ice available to make it worth while?
What size fridge.
Mark
It's a Bushman so up to 50lt
Quote from: Alan Loy on November 15, 2017, 07:27:52 PM
It's a Bushman so up to 50lt
There will be limited places along the way to get ice.
I just purchased a 75 ltr fridge and will also carry a 40 ltr fridge.
Mark
I am slowly getting things done to the camper. My problem is I grab a beer stand there looking at the camper in the garage working out ideas on what I want to change / fix. Well that takes at least 4 to 5 beers by that time I forget what my idea was and then have a few more beers hoping the idea comes back but then too pizzed to do anything.
So waiting for gear to come from Ebay and hopefully the ideas I forgot will come back to me.
Mark
You and my hubby Greg are gonna get on pretty well I suspect ... same interests ... BEER BEFORE ALL ELSE!
Lyn Richo
145 days to go. :cheers:
Mark
;D
We are heading off mid April, so about 124 sleeps till departure day😀😀😀
Quote from: McGirr on December 11, 2017, 01:18:15 PM
145 days to go. :cheers:
Mark
A few more for us, but the chase will be on.... ;D ;D
Yep,
Grandson's birthday on Anzac Day. Then we're off like a rocket on the 26th.. 8)
Quote from: McGirr on November 02, 2017, 07:28:26 PM
Might go 110 ltr, just so mines bigger ;D
Mark
FRIDGE ENVY!!!!
112 days for us before we leave... ;D ;D ;D
Now less than 4 months until we meet :D 101 days until departure ;D ;D ;D ;D
9,331,200 seconds
155,520 minutes
2592 hours
108 days
15 weeks and 3 days
Till we hit Darwin
Mark
We're down to
13 weeks
91 days
2181 hours
before we leave....and possibly never come back ;D ;D ;D ;D
Actually it's 90 now.......
Quote from: McGirr on November 02, 2017, 07:28:26 PM
Might go 110 ltr, just so mines bigger ;D
Mark
;D
So, it comes down to this , again..... ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: MarkVS on January 06, 2018, 01:11:10 PM
Actually it's 90 now.......
Think you'll find it's only 89 days Mark ;D
Quote from: b1 on January 07, 2018, 05:50:35 AM
Think you'll find it's only 89 days Mark ;D
your right !!!!
Only about one and a half hair cuts to go now.....
Quote from: b1 on January 11, 2018, 05:10:06 PM
Only about one and a half hair cuts to go now.....
At least you have hair :'(
Mark
C'mon fellas give me a break.
I've got 105 days, 310 cartons, and a lot of shoe shuffling till we leave 😩
Hairs overated ;)
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So there's about 84 days till we leave! ;D
Working on April 10 departure with a few days to get to Yulara then a week or so around Uluru/kings Canyon/Palm valley. A few more days to get to Darwin. A week or so around Darwin and kakadu before heading to Katherine. Aiming to get to Katherine a few days before the scheduled meet up.
The way home will be leaving a bit early :'( probably around the 1st/2nd July. Heading home via Purnululu and the Tanami track. Have to start work on 16th and would prefer NOT to get home late on the 15th. That would suck!!
Kids are excited, well one at least because he misses the NAPLAN test and the other doesn't want to miss school!! You would think having a Primary Principal as a dad and speech Pathologist as a Mum would cover the schooling side but apparently not!
We are in Darwin from the 22nd April for a week then head down to Katherine for a week. Need to test the :cheers: in Katherine to acclimatise ;D
Mark
Only...
89 shaves
11 Sunday roasts
and about 3 Jeep recalls
Until we head off ;D
79 days
Will you lot please cease and desist with the teasing??
We still have 109 days before we hit the road... :'(
Quote from: GeoffA on January 17, 2018, 07:08:30 AM
Will you lot please cease and desist with the teasing??
We still have 109 days before we hit the road... :'(
And before Bird jumps on the bandwagon I will second Geoff's request. Most of us will be watching this from their screen living the journey from afar 8)
GG
Quote from: GGV8Cruza on January 17, 2018, 11:42:08 AM
And before Bird jumps on the bandwagon I will second Geoff's request. Most of us will be watching this from their screen living the journey from afar 8)
GG
yea.. ya pack of ****s :'(
Cmon guys...for some of us its not often we get to tease like this.... ;D ;D
Only
35 bottles of American Honey
25 hangovers
3 haircuts
10 Barra
18 hairs lost
To go for us
Mark
Quote from: b1 on January 17, 2018, 06:17:52 PM
Strewth, must be hard up for fun
You try parting 3 hairs, its not easy ;D
Mark
As my son said to me the other day at the barbers, "Why does your haircut take so long Dad?"
Cheeky bugger
So I said " Cause they're still looking for it"
😂😂
After seeing McGirrs latest photos.....77 days to go.
Brake booster recall done
Getting close now, only 2 recalls to go ;D
Quote from: b1 on January 30, 2018, 07:48:54 PM
Brake booster recall done
Getting close now, only 2 recalls to go ;D
It's great to know we will have firewood on wheels on the trip ;D ;D
Mark
Only 80 days
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180201/dff4ede23f3d2a7393fbfccfd87afeb0.jpg)
Mark
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69 times walking the dogs
And (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180212/e532f31fcb9b3e3da4d90ff229c6c73a.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Quote from: McGirr01 on February 12, 2018, 06:38:28 PM
And (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180212/e532f31fcb9b3e3da4d90ff229c6c73a.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
and how is the above fitting in with this .... http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53017.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53017.0)
Quote from: filcar on February 13, 2018, 10:20:32 AM
and how is the above fitting in with this .... http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53017.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53017.0)
Front toolbox is wired up with lights and a 3 cig plug holder.
Just have to attach the big slideout kitchen to the camper, plumb it up and add power to it.
Then do some testing with the joolca shower and tent, spray one more mag on the trailer black. Only hopefully 2 weekends to do all this. Test pack.
Then start on the cruiser installing the 1000w inverter, a new start battery, new wind screen wipers, fix the electrical fault that has sprung up in the centre dash panel, plus other things.
Then start packing up our gear to send into Darwin for storage.
Not much really :'(
Mark
Quote from: McGirr on February 13, 2018, 10:50:32 AM
Then start on the cruiser installing the 1000w inverter, a new start battery, new wind screen wipers, fix the electrical fault that has sprung up in the centre dash panel, plus other things.
Mark
What can I say ? Shudda bought a Jeep ;D ;D ;D ;D
Buy a Defender and reach for the stars ....
Glad I've only got 50 more sleeps till blast off
41 days...............
71 days......
I can now say "next month" before we hit Darwin :cup:
Mark .
55 days and we're off 😎
Gave my employer notice yesterday. Getting very real....
Quote from: b1 on March 06, 2018, 05:43:35 AM
Gave my employer notice yesterday. Getting very real....
:cup:
Pajero is ready...fully serviced, new shoes.......22 days to go...
B1 getting his jeep ready for the trip.
Mark(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180315/3ecb6a65e17bb4d6e73a69f779e2ed1a.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
thats not funny ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I did get some reading material today though. 4 weeks, 1 day 13.6 hrs
My Patrol has been on the back of one of those twice recently.
1st blew a radiator near Orbost. Fixed this and did the injectors, got it back on Tuesday
2nd Today, got a bad batch of fuel so its back in the shop.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Jeeps nearly ready. Just working out where to put the spare and trying to get wheels on trailer to match ;D
Quote from: b1 on March 19, 2018, 09:00:41 AM
Jeeps nearly ready. Just working out where to put the spare and trying to get wheels on trailer to match ;D
:cup: :cup: :cup: :cup: Great comeback !!
Quote from: b1 on March 19, 2018, 09:00:41 AM
Jeeps nearly ready. Just working out where to put the spare and trying to get wheels on trailer to match ;D
And that's where it will stay in the carpark ;D
Mark
Quote from: Alan Loy on March 16, 2018, 03:41:41 PM
My Patrol has been on the back of one of those twice recently.
1st blew a radiator near Orbost. Fixed this and did the injectors, got it back on Tuesday
2nd Today, got a bad batch of fuel so its back in the shop.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Hey Al, that's obviously no good, but better that the radiator go now rather than later.
Have you had any word on what (if any) damage the bad fuel might have done, and when you'll get it back?
:cheers:
Geoff
Quote from: McGirr on March 19, 2018, 11:01:39 AM
And that's where it will stay in the carpark ;D
Mark
Quote from: McGirr01 on March 15, 2018, 07:48:06 PM
B1 getting his jeep ready for the trip.
Mark(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180315/3ecb6a65e17bb4d6e73a69f779e2ed1a.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Think they were just trying to recreate this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AIVY9BrMkfk
Yeah, I guess it's just a Jeep thing ...
https://www.facebook.com/superiorengineering/videos/1715710895139467/ (https://www.facebook.com/superiorengineering/videos/1715710895139467/)
Quote from: filcar on March 20, 2018, 01:53:06 PM
Yeah, I guess it's just a Jeep thing ...
https://www.facebook.com/superiorengineering/videos/1715710895139467/ (https://www.facebook.com/superiorengineering/videos/1715710895139467/)
;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vfSk-6tIvo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vfSk-6tIvo)
32 Days
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/9f1b26fbe7ce5d294a56bd8b44702553.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/65ac0cbec8138d8267d29c5daaece787.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/958bf65b7253cd56bd8535d2c32e624f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/b336f047d1ed8f73807e002fde49e39e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/11de26f07e335784daf699821136cd41.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/7023806b49b0150d199c14f6b09704df.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/fb5da1124e2b17c863ddce2518270245.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/0b83ab5ab9a29e7a96e2d140ee6700e1.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/343f989ef93dfdf3700a44b9b0cd242b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/948baea01e8501d20f7416194e03fde3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180320/ac647ee1d1bb2ed798000d6feaaaeeaa.jpg)
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👍
Woo Hoo
Quote from: GeoffA on March 19, 2018, 04:09:39 PM
Hey Al, that's obviously no good, but better that the radiator go now rather than later.
Have you had any word on what (if any) damage the bad fuel might have done, and when you'll get it back?
:cheers:
Geoff
Still have not heard ???
Quote from: Alan Loy on March 20, 2018, 08:41:02 PM
Still have not heard ???
When were you planning to head off??
Still have not heard ???
Bugger.
When in April is your departure date Al?
20 something, so times getting tight.
Any news Alan?
Not yet :'( :'(
Quote from: Alan Loy on March 27, 2018, 07:35:44 AM
Not yet :'( :'(
I hope you hear REAL soon...what have they said when you contact them....
Time for an update Alan. We're all fingers and legs crossed for you....
I phoned AAMI and they said that they will assign an assessor tomorrow ???
This weekend and we're off......
Hope you get sorted soon Alan. They're not doing u any favours from the looks of things
Countdown is on. We are GO Saturday week
https://youtu.be/YnJbA0xz5GM
17 Days
Quote from: Alan Loy on April 03, 2018, 04:30:47 PM
I phoned AAMI and they said that they will assign an assessor tomorrow ???
Alan, is the main hold up just getting the insurance company to act ?
It's been a combination of getting my mechanic to submit the quote and now getting AAMI to act. Getting caught up with the pre Easter madness at the mechanics has not helped at all :'(
I am hoping to get some action this week.
The estimate came in at around $6000, so I'm glad I'm not paying for it.
We're heading off tomorrow....be glad to get underway....lts been a long time coming.
Chairman Moe said ,
The Longest Journey Starts with The 1st Step . Step Out There :cup:
Have a great trip!!
Quote from: MarkVS on April 07, 2018, 07:25:46 PM
We're heading off tomorrow....be glad to get underway....lts been a long time coming.
Such a nice feeling, heading off at the start of a trip... :cup: :cup: :cup:
Still got 4 weeks before we head off....see you in Kununurra, Mark.
:cheers:
Treg Up & Make Dust :-* :-* Enjoy :cup: :cheers:
I'don't want to get to carried away but I finally heard that AAMI has given the go ahead to fix the Patrol. :D Now I just need to get the job done ???
Quote from: Alan Loy on April 09, 2018, 04:19:31 PM
I'don't want to get to carried away but I finally heard that AAMI has given the go ahead to fix the Patrol. :D Now I just need to get the job done ???
Sounds good Alan. Sleep in the car to make sure the job gets done.
Mark
One more sleep, then lookout Darwin, the McGirrs are coming ;D
Mark
Big day today Mark! Best of luck.
See you in Katherine, we will be leaving on Wednesday :cheers:
Yep, safe travels Mark and Penny.
My mate works in the military at Darwin. I'll warn him out that the McGirrs are on their way. 😋
We're off Thursday. See you in Katherine.