Sat. 28/8 Wedderburn to Charleville

Our trip actually left two days earlier than planned due to bad weather coming in. So instead of our planned Monday 30/8 getaway, everything was fast forwarded and with a lot of last minute rearrangements, everyone was ready to go on Saturday 28/8. Six aircraft left in the morning approx. 9.30 a.m. (Dave Rittie was delayed and did not get away until the afternoon).

From Wedderburn we headed out past some magnificent scenery and cliff faces of the Blue Mountains and our first stop was Mudgee where we got a fuel top up and did a general check of our aircraft to ensure all was in order. Mudgee was soon behind us and look out Walgett here we come. During the flight we all kept in contact with each other on our chatter frequency, testing our call signs. Everyone was in high spirits.

Arriving at Walgett was staggered, the faster ones Dave E and Ottso arrived first, checked out the scene and relayed back to the rest of us wind direction, and active runway info. They were our lookouts. It was easy for the rest of us to arrive within minutes of each other. The locals there were quite surprised and chatty. One local organised to get a mini bus out to pick us up and take us in for some lunch and return us to the airfield later. Very friendly lot. Greg was in happy snap mode and got a group photo.

Time to be back in the air. From Walgett we headed for Charleville - a longish leg and a bit lumpy for some. The smaller craft went high to get some smoother air, RED 1 & 2 stayed relatively low. We all survived. Overnight stay was at Charleville at the Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn. Charleville is on the banks of the Warrego River and by the 1860’s the area was being settled - the first pub and general store happened in 1866. By the 1880s it had become an important stopover point for Cobb & Co and on 2/11/1922 the first regular Qantas service took off from Charleville bound for Cloncurry.

Day 2

Sunday 29th August: Charleville to Longreach

The morning was at leisure - we heard that Dave Rittie escaped Wedderburn and made it to Walgett overnight. As we had a couple of days up our sleeve we had time to look around Charleville and take a look at the Cosmos Centre and that gave Dave a chance to catch up with us at Blackall. By midday we headed for Blackall, over the Warrego Ranges we had a headwind all the way. The crosswind landing at Blackall was interesting. There we hired a mini bus, got some lunch in town where we met up with a Coach Tour who were heading in the direction we were going. They were quite fascinated in the trek we were doing. Our mini bus took us on a sightseeing ride around town and out to the Woolscourer where "Beaver" our guide explained the set up - what a mine of information he has and what a character. The Woolscourer is the only one left in Australia. A restoration group got together some years ago and with some Government grants they have restored the majority of it to working exhibition order. Stopped off at the Black Stump for another group photo.

By the time we got back to the Airfield, Dave was there waiting for us. We gave him 5 minutes to catch his breath and then it was up, up and away again. Now we had 7 aircraft and late afternoon we flew on to Longreach arriving there approx. 5.45 p.m. The 2 speedy birds were already landed and were sitting back watching. There were 5 of us all in the circuit at once and I must say we did a magnificent job of spacing line astern, landing and pulling off to the side (for the ones behind still landing) and taxiing down the grass strip alongside the runway. Unfortunately the airport gestapo was not impressed - he had to go out to double check we didn’t run over any of his runway lights. As if we would !!! . If that’s the way he reacted to us, I wonder what he did when the 747 came in and landed.

Stayed at the Longreach Motor Inn - very nice - excellent food. Greg & Cliff were tough and did the camping bit.

PS Sorry folks, we did think of you at the Work Day for a minute of two - but then we got busy doing those horrible things like flying and sightseeing.

Day 3

Monday 30 August: Longreach

Free day (we were still 2 days ahead of schedule) and although we originally did not plan to stay here, we found plenty of things to look at and do.

Leisurely morning, a wander around town, and then we all went back to the airport and had a look through the Qantas Founders’ Outback Museum. Qantas was conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton, grew up in Longreach, came of age in Brisbane and reached maturity in Sydney and the world.

The museum was excellently set up, with the main museum, great restaurant (got to keep our own fuel reserves topped up whenever possible), a Discovery Centre and exhibition galleries, theatre, the original 1921 Qantas hangar with historic aircraft display and of course the Boeing 747-200B Jumbo where we walked through and checked out the equipment, cockpit, black box, cargo hold, upper deck, electronics pit and more and more and more. Vic felt quite at home. I tell you standing underneath it made you feel very very small. You’ll see below in the photo section we got a photograph of Dave Ritties’ Jabiru against the Jumbo. (mother and son?? - although son needs a lot of growing up still to do to get to mums size.)

The afternoon saw some of us go visit the Stockman Hall of Fame - a tribute to the men and women of the outback. There are five galleries that tell the story of the outback life, Discovery, Pioneers, Outback Properties, Life in the Outback and Stockworkers. It’s a mix of open exhibition, text interpretation and video presentation. Excellently set up and very worthwhile to see.

Some of us who have seen the Stockman Hall of Fame previously, had a look at the Power House Museum. This showed the power house generating equipment, displays of yesteryear kitchens, classrooms and School of the Arts, static machinery displays, a replica Airport Control Centre. Electricity was first generated from this site for Longreach in Dec. 1921. Original cost of the power station was in excess of 19,000 pounds. The site was selected beside the Artesian Bore because of the need of water to cool the engines. The Artesian Bore was drilled in 1897. The bore in 3590 ft (1094.3 M) deep and delivers water at 162 degrees F (55 degrees C).

Later on in the afternoon, some of us just lazed around the Camp pool or the Motel pool, others checked out a pub or two. A most interesting day was had by all, but wait, there’s more. Evening saw us booked on a cruise on the Thomson River. Where it should have been a nice calm cruise on a sunset reflected river, instead the wind had come up creating white caps on the river, and it was a tad chilly. Vic & mates became quite matey under the tarpaulin or whatever they found at the back of the boat and huddled together. The rest of us braved the winds. We were glad to get back to shore and to the camp fire and where we devoured a 2 course meal, billy tea and damper that was put on for us. Followed by some country music entertainment and a bush poet.

Our Coach Group that we met in Blackall were on the Paddle steamer alongside us also freezing to death.

(There was a quite a front passing through which we were hoping would be cleared by morning - rained heavily through out the night and brought some much needed rain to the area).

Day 4

Tues. 31/8 Longreach to Winton

Longreach

Morning was still overcast, cloudy and showery so we did a Wildlife Safari Drive to Lily Lagoon, Warrigal waters and sightseeing to the Herbert Range lookouts. Billy tea for our smoko stop and a look at the wildlife. Just had to be careful as the rain from the previous night made the dirt tracks a bit boggy. In fact while we were walking down to the Lily Lagoon we had to cut it short and go back to the bus as it began raining and if we weren’t quick we would soon be stuck there in the mud. I very quickly grew 3 inches in height with all the mud stuck to my shoes. It was a sight later on down the track, when we got back on to bitumen road, we stopped and found some rain puddles and so all us were happily splashing through them to wash the mud off our shoes.

By this time it was getting on to lunch so the tour chap dropped us at the airport where we refuelled ourselves at the Qantas museum restaurant. By afternoon it had cleared reasonably, the sun was trying to shine through, so we packed the planes and took to the skies again.

Dave Eccleston heading off towards Stanthorpe where he was seeing relatives and then returning to Wedderburn.

We were heading to Winton - only about 40 minutes away, not far but this actually got us back onto the original schedule that was planned.

Evening saw us attending the open air picture theatre, one of only two remaining in Australia still operating its original projection equipment. This time we were forewarned - it would be cold, so we borrowed the blankets from the Hotel and came warmth prepared. All of us wrapped up and snug, nestled down in the deck chairs, sat back and enjoyed some old advertisements, cartoons, news clips, short movies. And guess who was there as well. Yes the Coach Group. Unfortunately they were not told that it would be cold, and so the 3 amigos got some very interesting offers to share their blankets with the old dears.

Don’t worry spouses nothing happened, the 3 amigoes were quite selfish (and warm) and kept their blankets to themselves.

There was heaps to see and do around Winton but we were now on schedule and didn’t have the time to do everything and see everything - but next time we’re back this way it’s a must to go see the Dinosaur Dig at Lake Quarry, Carisbrooke Station, and many other places.

Wednesday, 1 September: Winton to Barkly Roadhouse

Early start - borrowed the pubs cars and off to the airfield. Did a farewell fly over down the main street and then with a lovely tail wind it was full speed ahead to Mt Isa via Kynuna and McKinlay. On the way and as we passed the Blue Heeler Pub that also required a fly around for closer inspection. Arrived Mt Isa mid morning so we hired a mini bus for a hour or so and had a look around town, visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service, took a look at the Mt Isa Mine and up to the town lookout. Lunch was partaken and then it was back to the airfield and on our way again. Tailwind again, great. Passed Camooweal and Avon Downs. Headed for Barkly Roadhouse over the Barkly tablelands - flat grassland as far as you can see. Incredible how big this country is.

At Barkly Roadhouse the airstrip is alongside the road. From the airstrip, access leads up to the back of the roadhouse and the camping grounds. Caused quite a stir with the campers for 6 aircraft to pull up and park. Everyone was fascinated with the Aircraft especially Dave Ritties’ - got a laugh when we told them he washed it and it shrunk. But Dave has done exceptionally. At each stage he was only about 10-15 minutes behind us, so by the time we have landed, taxied, parked and begin unloading, he’s there in the circuit getting ready to land. All the aircraft are going great.

At Barkly Roadhouse some of us were in the Motel units, some in cabins, some camping under the wing.

One young lass I talked to at Barkly Roadhouse was camped there with her two young children (perhaps 4 and 7), her husband’s job was to go out and check the power lines. She would set up camp for 3-4 months till his work in that area was done then they would pull up stakes and move on to the next area. She was teaching her kids via radio and the outback school. The kids were over the moon when they had a chance to sit in our Yak 52. He couldn’t wait to get on the school radio to tell the other outback kids what he had done. Those children were the most polite and well spoken, very respectfull kids I have come across in a long time. They were a credit to that young couple.

Evening we took a stroll down the road and star gazed. Words cannot describe it. Dead quiet, pitch black all around us, and there is this sparkling milky way above us.

Thurs. 2/9 - Barkly Roadhouse to Mataranka

A quick sprint up to Tennant Creek just to top up with fuel. Flying over the Barkly Tablelands - it’s dead flat as far as you can see to the horizon. Passed over Three Ways Roadhouse, Renner Springs and Elliott. Newcastle Waters Station and Homestead is a huge spread, on past Dunmarra and to Daly Waters.

Now the book says you have to buzz the Daly Waters Pub for pick up and fuel. So that’s is just what we did - all of us - it certainly got their attention. Oh except for Dave Ritties’ - his aircraft is so quiet they didn’t hear him but they certainly saw him - well let’s say they won’t need to trim their bushes this year. Daly Waters airstrip is an old World War 2 airstrip and still has some relics of aircraft lying around in the scrub.

"Knocker" from the Pub came out to greet us - another outback character that you have to meet. Loose sloppy trousers, singlet, and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a glass of beer in one hand. His ute is in similar theme.

So we were fuelled up and then taken into the pub for some lunch. The bar area was getting a spring clean - all the underwear that is displayed around the ceiling beams and walls were just getting put back up again after their yearly wash. Offerred Knocker a beer and he requested a "bloody big one". We ordered lunch - most of the boys ordered a hamburger which when they saw it left them gaping - it was big. A meat skewer was set through the middle of it to keep it upright - you won’t believe it so see the photos. After the ‘light lunch’ it was siesta time for some - it must be hard to fly a Jabiru. see photo. We were given some entertainment while we sat and relaxed - Ken Sneddon the music man was putting on a performance that night and so we got to listen to his rehearsal. Very good too.

But we soon had to get back to the hard slog of flying. Knocker took some of us back in the fuel ute. Rest of us went in style in the 4WD by the publican’s wife. Again they were all very friendly and helpful. Of course after take off we had to fly past once again to say thank you for their outback hospitality.

Heading for Mataranka and "We of the Never Never" land via Larrimah. We are looking forward to swimming in those lovely thermal pools at Mataranka.

Here we met up with John & Cherly Jackson. They flew over from Hervey Bay and were on the ground waiting for us when we arrived. Had to shoo the roos off the strip first but that was OK. Quick check in to our rooms - again some in motel rooms, some in cabins and some camping.

Afternoon - swimming time - down to the thermal pools. The place is lovely and not at all crowded, water is crystal clear, you can see the little fishes swimming around and the occasional little turtle in the recesses. Palm trees swaying. Peaceful. Relaxing.

Late afternoon and its time for a quite drink and a chat.

The place is teeming with bats and at sunset we all congregated up at the airstrip to watch nature at is best. Just on dusk you hear the stirrings of them, then a little trickle start flying from east heading west. The trickle thickens into a stream and then into a river reaching from as far east as you can see to as far west across the horizon. Then the river of bats start spreading out and more start flying out at wider angles and more and more continue to come out of the trees and river area until all the sky to the west is thickly dotted in black. This goes on for a good 30 minutes or more. Millions of bats. A sight you will not see anywhere else. At the same time the local wallabies and roos come out for a feed.

Dinner was great - most I think ordered the barramundi - mouth watering.

Friday 3 September: Mataranka to Emkaytee (Darwin)

We’ve got a tailwind again which we love. Heading for Tindal. Didn’t get away till 9.30 a.m. as we had to wait for Tindal to go back to a MBZ status. Along the way we could see in the distance all the gorges at Katherine Gorge, but unfortunately didn’t have a chance to get a closer inspection there - local sightseeing planes were up and about and it would have been a bit crowded with all of us there as well. Refuelled at Tindal and we were off again - getting closer to our final destination. Flew past Pine Creek and at Adelaide River we did a salute to the War Cemetry there.

Arrived at Emkaytee around lunch time. Of course each of us had to do an airfield inspection and check it out.

We received a great reception from the mob there, they put on some lunch for us, we sat and talked, rested and then checked our aircraft. Emkaytee inspected our aircraft and we inspected their aircraft. They have mainly ultralights of all descriptions plus one Yak 52. They were all quite impressed with Dave’s Jabiru.

Emkaytee is very similar to Wedderburn but not as many hangars. They have a club house - very light and airy - window louvres for air flow. Verandah style in front to sit and watch the aircraft. BBQ area. For the ‘do’ they actually put up extra marquees and open tents in front to give a bit extra shade. Nice breeze flowing through and 31 degrees. Bliss.

We eventually organised some hire cars, got ourselves into Darwin for some accommodation and then took ourselves off to watch the Darwin sunset taking along some drinks and nibbles. It is so popular we had trouble finding a parking spot.

Darwin is quite a pulsing city - but also still laid back and relaxed - easy going on the roads, we saw no road rage, cutting off, horn blasting etc as per Sydney, people gave way and let cars merged. The roads into the city are great, modern buildings popping up everywhere. The lifestyle is relaxed - everyone is out and about. It is surprising all around the beach area, parks etc late afternoon / early evening everyone is out sitting, chatting, having nibbles & drinks or picnics - not just on the weekends but weekdays as well. It is also surprising for the size of Darwin the number of markets that are held and very well attended. Evenings are a pleasant temperature with a bit of a breeze - very nice.

Later in the evening we went back into Darwin for a light dinner and a walk around town. The number of restaurants and open sidewalk cafes/eateries is amazing.

One hitch we got the first night was the US navy was in town and that night the lads were out to celebrate all over town and it was very roudy in our motel. Things were soon sorted out the next morning with apologies from the big bosses in the Navy and assurances that the following nights would be very quite - which they were.

Saturday 4 September: Emkaytee ‘fly in’

Before driving out to the airfield, we stopped and did a bit of sightseeing at the Croc farm, which is situated at the end of the airstrip where you either turn finals to land or are about to turn on takeoff. Don’t want a forced landing in their patch of the pond. Just checking out to see if they were friendly or not. They were big fellas.

Arrived at the fly in and during the day quite a range of aircraft went for a fly around. The local Yak 52 was having non stop flying fun. Our group did us proud. Kept the skies humming with noise. In fact we couldn’t get Dave’s Jabiru down - just wanted to fly and fly.

MKT had a good roll up of people coming and going throughout the day. The BBQ was on overload, the mango ices gave a cool welcome, and drinks were plentiful. Everyone was in high spirits. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves.

Cliff and Greg arrived during the afternoon. Late afternoon we headed back to town and had to have another experience of the Darwin sunset. What a life. Headed around to Causarina beach - sat back, enjoyed some wine, beer and nibbles. Just down from us a wedding was in place. All around us people were out and about enjoying the balmy evening. Back to town for some dinner.

That evening was a lot quiter in our motel.

Sunday 5 september: Emkaytee ‘fly in’

Before heading out to the fly in we did some more sightseeing and went and fed the fishes at Doctors Gully. All these big fat fish at our feet and we weren’t allowed to catch and cook them. Not fair. Along the way we came across the B.52 Bomber Museum so a must see in we go and look about. Back on the road and a drive around Fannie Bay, East point, Nightcliffe and then out to MKT.

Again they had a regular stream of people coming and going all day. Started running out of food early afternoon so that was a good sign for them. We did our support thing again and hit the skies and showed off. MKT were very happy with the turn out and very positive they got a fair bit to donate to Camp Quality.

Once the crowds left for the day, the locals decided to have another play and they were out there practicing landings and takeoffs and other things. The critique group were out giving points to the flyers on their performance. All in great fun and jest.

We found the MKT group to be very friendly, all pulled together and helped and worked hard to make it a great fly in - a credit to them all. It was refreshing to see they all stuck around afterwards for a drink, a chat and plenty of laughs. Everyone pitched in to help clean up which needed plenty of assistance from liquid refreshments all through the night.

We left fairly early that evening, partly we wanted to go visit one of these markets that Darwin was famous for. Stopped at Mindel Markets, although we were running a bit late there was still plenty to see, do and eat. We’ve been following the weather reports and it looks like another front is heading across from WA. So we’ll be getting out as soon as possible on Monday and start heading south to beat the weather.

Monday 6 September: Emkaytee (Darwin) - Tennant Creek

Sadly we had to leave and start heading south for home. Dave Rittie and Greg & Annette stayed on for a few extra days to sightsee and catch up with friends. Cliff caught a commercial flight home on Sunday and Annette joined Greg for the return flight home. Cheryl and John Jackson headed east via Escott Station for Cairns.

The rest of us, Vic, Brian, Rod, Ottso, Ivor & Garry, and Lindsay & I all headed south. We are down to 4 aircraft. Wanted to get to Alice Springs tonight but were delayed in Tindal (Katherine) awaiting fuel. That put us over a hour behind. So we continued on to Daly Waters - and of course buzzed the pub. Interrupted Knocker in his drinking time so not to keep us waiting while he finished his drink he brought it with him. When asked if he spilled any beer on the drive out, he replied, "not unless me kidneys are leaking" . Another coach was in at the pub so they came out to check us out and have a chat and take some photos. The 3 amigos are gluttons for punishment - had to go have lunch again at the Pub. Didn’t order the hamburgers, just toasted sandwiches - well you should have seen the toasted sandwiches, sorry no photo evidence this time.

Time to leave and Knocker was out on the side of the runway wanting a birds eye view of us taking off, which we did, and which RED 2 came back and buzzed him down the runway and RED 1 snuck up from behind him and waved goodbye. Last we saw he had this great big grin on his face.

We continued on to Tennant Creek but the day was running out so we stayed overnight. Locals very helpful and drove us in to the motel. Motel was great, restaurant was great but cookie boy was having some problems in the kitchen and it was rather slow getting our meal. But we were eventually fed and it was worth waiting for.

Tuesday 7 september: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs

A short flight to Alice Springs accompanied by a tailwind. Followed the road - the Stuart Highway and passed along the way the Devils Marbles where we got a great birds eye view of them. On past Wycliffe Well Roadhouse, Barrow Creek with Central Mt Stuart over in the distance, Ti Tree, Aileron and into Alice Springs. There we hired cars, booked into accommodation and then hit the tourist trail. Drove out to Simpsons Gap and wandered around, spotted the rock wallabies, then on to Stanley Chasm taking in the enormous cliff faces. The water level was pretty low so this enable our intrepid flyers to scramble over the rocks and boulders and have a look further up the Chasm. Stopped off at Flynns Grave and also looked through the Air Museum in Alice Springs. Checked out the town from the lookout and later wandered through the town mall.

Late afternoon and evening Brian caught up with his sister/brother in law who own and run the Firken & Hounds pub - we had some great tucker there.

Wednesday 8 September: Alice Springs to Coober Pedy

The weather is changing - still trying to beat that front coming across from WA. We now have a headwind. Again followed the Stuart Highway via Henbury and the meteorite craters, Erldunda, Marla and got to Cadney Park roadhouse but there were some light showers about. On the way in caught up with a freight train and went and said hello to him. He returned the hello when he caught up to us at Cadney. I think it made his day. Spotted some camels along the way. Just a quick bite to eat at Cadney, it is windy and cold and it’s back in the air. There are dark clouds appearing and we want to get to Coober Pedy. Apparently the previous day at Cadney winds were 60-70 knots. Dodging rain squalls all the way to Coober Pedy we kept close to and followed the road. We made it but it’s cold & windy. Coming into Coober Pedy the landscape looks like a mole has been busy at work with mounds of dirt and holes all over the place.

There is a film cew in town shooting a film, so there are no hire cars available, limited accommodation but we finally managed to get a mini bus to pick us up and get us into town. The 3 amigos went underground for the night. The rest of us stayed above ground. Between rain squalls we wandered around town, checked out an underground church, house, opal mine and found some opals (in a display case unfortunately but for sale if you had the money).

The majority of the town is underground, so at first look you don’t think there is very much here. Approximately 80% of the houses are underground.

Dinner that night was in an underground restaurant, which was different - great food.

Thursday 9 September: Coober Pedy to Mildura

Morning was clear and fine but cold.

Headed out from Coober Pedy and south to Port Augusta. Via Glendambo passing Lake Hart. There are some pretty big salt lakes out here. Bypassed Woomera and skimmed across Island Lagoon. Saw plenty of camel hoof prints but no camels. Further out to the west was Lake Gairdner - huge, it looked like the ocean. Into Port Augusta where we had a snack. Had to empty out the pantry and fridge of the Yak 18T. Besides being the ute and carrying all the surplus gear and spare parts, tools etc, we also loaded him up with a box of food goodies and drink. From Port Augusta Ivor and Gary would continue direct south to Adelaide.

The remaining 3 aircraft (Vic & co, Ottso, Lindsay & I) continued to Port Pirie and hung a left turn and headed to Burra. Amazing how the countryside has changed from desert and salt planes to luscious green and yellow fields almost in an instant. From Burra, to Renmark and on to Mildura for overnight stop.

Mildura is a very lovely city - all down the main road are beautiful colourful gardens done up via the Lions Club, Apex and other prominent clubs. Mildura is located on the banks of the Murray River. A lot of irrigation is here with plenty of grapes and fruit being grown. Walked around town a bit, down to the Mildura Wharf where you can do a paddle boat cruise - maybe next time when we have a bit spare time we’ll do a boat cruise. Heaps and heaps to see and do.

Day 14

Friday 10/9 - Mildura to Wedderburn

Last day and we’re ready to head home. But Vics aircraft had other ideas, it was enjoying itself so much that is was a bit reluctant to start and head home. He eventually persuaded it to start on the promise we’ll be back at some stage to further look around the area. Maybe it will be next years flyaway destination.

Headed for Hay and across the Hay Plains to Temora for a refuel and on the Wedderburn. Otso parted company after Temora and headed for Camden. Countryside along the way looked pretty good - fairly green and most of the dams were half filled (whereas on previous flights we’ve seen them empty).

Tiger Tango came home to roost on Sunday 12 Sept. Dave Rittie landed safely on Monday 13 Sept. They can tell you their return trip tales from Darwi

We all had a terrific time - the company was great, everyone was out to enjoy themselves. There were no hard and fast rules about the trip like all must stick together, do this, do that. Everyone could choose what they wished to do, but actually all of us found it fun to fly and do things as a group. We were not all bunched together in the flying legs. The faster ones soon got ahead, some kept in sight of each other, we all passed Dave Rittie and waved good bye every time. He was good spirited about it, just got his rat-a-tat-tat recording out and shot us all down every time. We all kept in touch with each other via radio so no one felt alone or left out. We flew along near the main roads, or kept them in sight mainly because from a safety issue if you needed to land then the road made a great runway.

In saying that, as we flew along the roads (and usually the railway line was in close proximity to the road as well), it was fun to spot the freight trains, the road trains (up to 4 semi trailer lengths), tour coaches, caravans and motor bikes. We made their day by passing and saying hello. We were always very friendly. Most of the group started out flying high altitudes, that’s for the birds and Qantas, you get nose bleeds that high up. Towards mid trip and later most of our group appreciated that lower altitudes allows you to see more things like observing the wild life and landscape - you get a different perspective altogether, and it’s more fun.

It added to the fun and interest that Lindsay has travelled all over this country so many times, has been to these places before, knows a lot of local contacts, has a mountain of information on all sorts of things from history, landscape, flowers & animals, crammed somewhere in the recesses of his brain. His knowledge and stories of past added tremendously to the fun of the trip.

A lot of talking was done over these past 14 days - in fact virtually non stop. A lot of tales and stories told, I thought after the first 5 - 7 days topics to talk about would begin to peeter out but oh no, not these chaps. Anyway, it was always entertaining to listen to their stories. A lot of laughing was had by all.

Along the way we met some terrific local people, characters that you really had to meet to believe. Strangers offerred to drive us into town or out to the airfield, others organised mini buses, locals just came out to the airfield on hearing so many engines flying over. The roadhouses we pulled into, campers came to greet us on arrival and were there again in the morning to wave us goodbye and wish us luck, half hoping we’d come back the same way and drop in and have another chat with them.

The outback certainly had a more relaxed outlook - no rushing or stress. Darwin traffic amazed us - no horn blaring, when changing lanes they let you in, you weren’t cut off - not like Sydney!!! The group at MKT were an inspiration, they gave us great ideas that hopefully we may be able to do at Wedderburn in the near future. They were very pro the social scene at their club, every one got in and helped and they are making it very successful.

Both Lindsay and myself enjoyed organising the trip and flying with the group, our reward was seeing people do something that they would never dream to attempt on their own, but in a group they got the chance and they saw and did new things, had a great adventure and got to see a part of this wonderful huge country of ours.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the guys on our trip, I was the only female for the majority of the trip (although Annette joined Greg on the return trip from Darwin, we never got to meet up). But the guys were great, included me in on all things and really made me feel part of the group. It wasn’t a boys trip only at all. So ladies, next time, you have to come along as well.

Thanks everyone.

Cheers, until the next flying adventure......

Maree

IMPORTANT NOTE
Some of our Club members have asked us how we went with the fundraising that we were organising on this trip. You may recall, we were endeavouring to have this trip sponsored with all monies going to the kids at Camp Quality NSW. Unfortunately, there was a newspaper article from outside the club a few weeks prior to the trip, which ended up causing our main sponsor to reluctantly pull out, which in turn snowballed to other sponsors not coming forth and our whole attempt to raise money via sponsorship proved impossible. This cost the kids at Camp Quality in the vicinity of $ 5,000 + all because a group outside the club put their own selfish agendas first, without realising what damage they might do to others. We are hoping that future fund-raising events that we hold won't encounter the same fate - because in the end - no one wins and it's the kids that lose out.