L2bs's travel diary

[luv2bslim]

28.10.3
OK, so I have only walked about 500k's so far since Tracye gave me this idea. Thats working on a 10:1 ratio per km, because I am in Perth and I would never get anywhere otherwise..:p

I have been past Moonies and I guess I am getting close to Kalgoorlie by now. I really really have to get a decent map.
I will pin it here at work, as this is where I get the most net time.
Does anyone live near Kalgoorlie? I guess the next stop is South Oz, so put the kettle on all you South Ozzies....

[tracye_aust]

Ok I just did a check and i am about 50's north of Newcastle about now. I am heading straight to Pennys door and will be looking forward to jumping straight into her pool. I will imagine will be there in about 2 weeks. I guess we will have to meet at Sams place as planned as i sure Penny wont put up with me for that long :p :p :p

[Cazza]

I guess the next stop is South Oz, so put the kettle on all you South Ozzies....

YIPPEEEEE

when you hear the whistling you know you are close ;)

[sambalam]

i'll get the party drinks ready. oops i meant food.

[Moonie]

That's LC food hey Sam!!!

[luv2bslim]

OK, so cazza and Sam are my next stop...with only 180k's per week, it's going to take a while. Who lives closer to the WA border, just let me know what town you live in so I can mark it on my map...
Are you coming for the walk moonie, if you start jogging now, you can catch up as I am only 60 k's out of your town:p

[Moonie]

Would love to catch up, but Sherrie says no jogging;)

[luv2bslim]

OKIE, I have the map here at work, but didn't walk last night because I was going to walking gurus house and walk from there after work, but typical of me, I left my gear at home..so instead I went to the shops and bought a lovely light pair of runners :-)
Then I went to wen's for coffee, and we talked about walking instead. Tonight is out becasue it is kid 4's basketball night, and my walking guru is giving her extra coaching before the game.
I will do the map marking today...
Can you all give me the town where you live so I can pin point everyones area with marking pins
Thanks

[Moonie]

I am joining you here like you suggested L2bs ...I did my 30 minutes yesterday and thought maybe I would head for wagin (48k's), dumbleyung, lake,grace, lake king and then down to Ravensthorpe where I would get on the south coast highway , that would take me through Eucla then into south Australia..

If you are going an easier way let me know and I will change direction and follow you...

I probably only walked 2 and 1/2 k's yesterday so using you 10:1 ratio that's half way to wagin:)

[Sherrie]

Have fun getting through the Nullabor(sp?) :)

[luv2bslim]

OK, I have just got my photos of Merredin, lovely place really...I will head off through Southern Cross and head for Kal, I should be there by the end of next week.
I will post a pic of Merredin and every nice town I go through. Don't forget to bring plenty of water Moonie:p

[luv2bslim]

Moonie Said

I am joining you here like you suggested L2bs ...I did my 30 minutes yesterday and thought maybe I would head for wagin (48k's), dumbleyung, lake,grace, lake king and then down to Ravensthorpe where I would get on the south coast highway , that would take me through Eucla then into south Australia..

Bugger Me moonie, I am heading in the wrong direction if I am going to meet you again..I am on the Great Eastern Hwy and you are on The Great Southern. lol..( I am going insane I think)

I will cut backwards come through Narambeen and meet you at Lake Grace. We should both arrive at the same time.. I am close to Narambeem on route 53...I am only 2 walks away from Lake Grace (I have cut a peice off pink wool which is about 60k's in legnth...ratio to ratio tho!) ( I am definately completely insane...but this is totally amusing me)

[luv2bslim]

There goes Narambeen:p :p

[Moonie]

left from the Town Hall in my town..

[Moonie]

Passed the big ram in Wagin this arvo!!

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, If you are already in Wagin..which you must be beacuse you took a photo, you will have to wait in Lake Grace for me because I wont be there for 2 more walks, which means I will have to do an extra one one the weekend. If I don't get there on time WAIT FOR ME!!! I will be 1/2 way tonight around 8ish:p

[PP]

I luv the photo's guy's. Where are you digging them up from. hehe.
Glad to see you have changed your avatar, Harry. Did you get my pm's. Maybe your guru can give me some upper body tips on Sunday.:D

[Moonie]

Iv'e still gotta make Dumbleyung yet;)

[luv2bslim]

PP saidI luv the photo's guy's. Where are you digging them up from
We are taking them along the way silly...aren't you reading out diary :-)

Moonie, I just had a customer in from Poppanning, who's wife owns or works are the accountants in your town :-) I said "Gee I know where that is,and I pulled out my map, pink wool and all and showed him..he must have thought I was completely insane,

:D :D

[Moonie]

Moonie, I just had a customer in from Popanyinning, who's wife owns or works are the accountants in your town :-) I said "Gee I know where that is,and I pulled out my map, pink wool and all and showed him..he must have thought I was completely insane,
HaHa!!

Actually our accountant who is at the business next door to us is from there...Small world hey!!!

[Moonie]

Started out for Dumbleyung yesterday and up early this morning to get to Lake Dumbleyung..

Just a point of interest, it was here that on New Years Eve 1964, after a particularly wet winter had seen the lake fill to overflowing, Donald Campbell set the world water speed record when he raced his boat Bluebird across the lake at the remarkable speed of 444.66 km/h (276.3 mph).
At one time he held both the land and water speed record..
http://website.lineone.net/~donaldcampbell/home.html

[luv2bslim]

I did my walk in record time last night,and we got it down to 42.10..which is nearly a minute off :-)

I am half way to Lake Grace, but seeing as you will be here I guess you wont be walking much for a few days.
I passed through Kenderdin and I have stopped for a rest in Kulin..I should have pics soon :p

See you tomorrow

[luv2bslim]

East Kulin Primary..

[luv2bslim]

I ambled on in to Lake Grace last night. I will set up camp and wait for you here if you like Moonie, I may walk tonight but I will head 50k's out of town and come back again and wait for you..Oh what a good friend I am...
pS Lake Grace is lovely

[luv2bslim]

4.11.3
walked the walk into Newdegate..pronounced new-dee-gate..
I dont know if Moonie is on the road as she is away for a few days, but Moonie, If you are stuck in Lake Grace, don't worry, I will come back and collect you :-)

Next stop, Lake King, and then on to Esperence

[luv2bslim]

Moonie called last night and she has done an extra 50kms, so she's half way to Lake Grace right now. If she goes walking today we should meet up OK. I am off tonight so I will walk and back track so we can still walk together.
I tried to con Moonie into walking with me but she wont come with the Guru becasue he walks too fast :-) and on the other nights we both have something on ...next time MS!! next time :p

[luv2bslim]

fri 7.11.3

Went out for the day yesterday, and needless to say, ate all the wrong things, but not too much though...I felt sooo bloated...

I felt so guilty I actually got up at 5am today and walked the walk with hubby...gee it's lovely at that time of day..and tonight is power walk night so I had better just hang around Lake grace until I know where Moonie is...
Moonie, how much walking did you do since tuesday???

hurry up annd get home, I miss walking with you :p :p

[Moonie]

Well I have finally made it to Lake Grace...I passed the sign into town earlier and I am on the road out of town heading towards Lake King will keep an eye out for you L2bs...Although I reckon you should be hiding after telling big porky pies about me;)

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I walked Friday Night and Sunday morning, so we are about together again..

I have been hiding, but you are too far away to hit me now :D

(PS do you think anyone actually believed me?? hehehe)

[Moonie]

(PS do you think anyone actually believed me?? hehehe)
God I hope not...it didn't make a pretty picture me with my tongue out:D

50 k's out of lake Grace, what a hot day for walking;)

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, you should have called me to rescue you when you zapped yourself. I would have taken you to the Drs, you silly thing:mad:

I never walked yesterday, because I had a h/ache but did 2 over the weekend. I haven't marked the map yet, where are you and I will see how far away I am..

I am glad you are OK...

[Sherrie]

I still think you should report in to your doctor for a checkup just to be on the safe side.

[luv2bslim]

She won't listen, but will eat her words when her fingers fall off or her heart starts beating all over the place....electricty...bad bad bad stuff...

( I would like to have seen that though. Moonie flying through the air with her hair standing on end... hehe) Has your hair gone frizzy Moonie?

[Moonie]

After my walk this morning, I am 70k's out of Lake Grace, heading towards Lake king:)

I was at the doctors yesterday for another matter and I told him then...He agreed with me that getting thrown away was the best thing..If I hadn't been able to let go it could have caused my heart to stop, if it burns inside I would have an entry point and an exit point..All it did was give me a big fright , which probably sent my blood pressure up and gave me a headache...:(

I was a bit embarrased about not turning the power off , but when he told me something similar had happened to him when he was trying to prime the pump for his bore retriculation I felt better...
Has your hair gone frizzy Moonie?
HaHa!!! I said to hubby that I felt my scalp prickle, and I wondered if my hair stood on end..

[Sherrie]

Glad to hear Moonie

( I would like to have seen that though. Moonie flying through the air with her hair standing on end... hehe) Has your hair gone frizzy Moonie?

ROFL

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I am in Ravensthorpe, I will camp and wait for you. I will take it easy on you since you nearly zapped yourself to death:(

See you soon...glad you're feeling better

[luv2bslim]

This is the Ravensthorpe Palace, look for me in the public bar (I will be the one with the water):p :p

[Sherrie]

(I will be the one with the water)

Water? or vodka in a water bottle??? :p

[luv2bslim]

:p

one or the other, it doesn't matter...

[Moonie]

Moonie, I am in Ravensthorpe,
Did you go through the bush and give Lake King a miss???

[luv2bslim]

I went form Newdegate to Lake King then on to Ravensthorpe..down highways 63&64...
the beer here is lovely and cold...hurry up before I drink too much...:D

[Moonie]

Well if I cut through the Salmon Gums trees I should make it tomorrow (that's if I don't get lost)..If you don't want to wait tell me where you are heading next:)
p.s lots of people enjoying the sunshine under the salmon gums...

[luv2bslim]

Moonie said
If you don't want to wait tell me where you are heading next
Thats OK. I am quite cumfy here in the pub...I will wait right here...

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, check out Jus' diary..we are turning around and heading up to Alice springs, then on to darwin for April. Jus has a job in the pub, so I'm set...:D

Get them boots on girl...left right...

I'm off walking tonight, I just got an email from my guru..I hope it cools down, it's been over 40 here today. I'm Ok though, my shop is air conditioned, so I stay comfy all year long :-) (thats the main thing!!)

[luv2bslim]

On second thought, we are so close to SA, we would be silly to turn around now, becasue Cazza has the kettle on, and Tracye is heading to Penny's..we should cut back across the centre and go to Jus' after we have seen the others...
Sorry Jus, we will get to you soon
:D :D
(I think the heat has fried my brains)

[Sherrie]

we are so close to SA

I better go find somewhere safe to hide... :D

[luv2bslim]

Sherrie said
I better go find somewhere safe to hide...
:D
you may run but you can't hide..hehehe

[Sherrie]

hehe

[luv2bslim]

lol..you can't hide because I know where you live...:D :D

[Sherrie]

Oh shit...

Time to move... :D

[luv2bslim]

Oh shit...time to move

:D you are just no fun Sherrie...Moonie and I are very nice people..aren't we Moonie :-)
Thats until she's had white wine and I have had 3 beers, then we get a bit loud...

Anyway, if you move, we will just follow anyway so you may as well get it over and done with...:p Put the kettle on...

[Sherrie]

I'll make sure to get the lego out :p

[luv2bslim]

I'll make sure to get the lego out
and the playdough...:p I can have some fun with that!!!

[Moonie]

you are just no fun Sherrie...Moonie and I are very nice people..aren't we Moonie :-)Thats until she's had white wine and I have had 3 beers, then we get a bit loud...
Yes we must remember that low carbing makes the alcohol more potent or we will be getting ourselves talked about;) ;)
and the playdough... I can have some fun with that!!!
Mmmmm I wonder what you would make!!!

Well made it to Ravensthorpe, but I ain't movin' anywhere in this heat..If L2bs wants to go check out Hopetoun, and come back for me, I will be fine here in the pub with my tall glass of ice water;)

[luv2bslim]

Well made it to Ravensthorpe, but I ain't movin' anywhere in this heat..If L2bs wants to go check out Hopetoun, and come back for me, I will be fine here in the pub with my tall glass of ice water

Yep, the Palace here is lovely and cool, and the beer..say no more...
I walked the walk last night, and I have arrived in Monglinup..what a funny name for a town. I will wait here until tomorrow night..
Only 2 more walks to Esperence and then my map nearly runs out, so I will have to buy one for the whole of oz, and not just WA..
We are getting close to SA now...start running Sherrie
:D

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, has it cooled down enough for you to catch up yet?
I am supposed to go out tonight with the walking guru, but with the tommy ache I have right now, I don't think I will bother..
I will keep you posted..

[Moonie]

Yes it has cooled down, but you have got ahead of me. I am about 25k's out of munglinup..I am having a rest under one of the wa christmas trees that are growing in the area..Their botanical name is Nuytsia floribunda, they are also known as the Mudja floribunda..They are flowering beautifully at the moment..

[luv2bslim]

Okie Moonie, I will wait here for you. What is the little white thing in the bottom left corner of your pic? A ghost maybe?

[Moonie]

Must be my guardian angel;)

[luv2bslim]

munglinup

I wondered if that was how to spell it. My map folds on the letter "U" and made it look like it might have been an "O"

hence, I thought I was in Monglinup...they are both weird names anyway..
(Ok it's late Friday and my brain hurts...)

[Sherrie]

Wow I love that tree!

[Moonie]

Yes the tree is so lovely I had to make myself leave it. I have made Munglinup and have been chatting to a schoolteacher who's house I stopped to ask directions and refill my water bottle. I have attached an image of the teachers accomadation in this town. Very flash don't you think;)

[luv2bslim]

I have finally made Coomalbidup..I am having trouble pronouncing that so I will have to find someone to teach me how to say it:p
I will wait here Moonie
See you later today

[luv2bslim]

Okie, I was bored last night so walked the walk :-)
I did it without my guru and tried my darned hardest and made it in 43 mins, so I was well pleased with myself.
That puts me close to Broomstick hill. Did you walk on the weekend Moonie or were you too afraid of all the smelly men ad their noisy cars??

[Moonie]

I walked Saturday but not yesterday, I walked this morning and have got 25k's past Munglinup so I still have a way to go to get to Esperance, looks like I will have to up my walks.(don't have a great deal of left over energy on the fat fast)..
Where are you, don't forget you can't take any fruit over the border;)

[luv2bslim]

Where are you, don't forget you can't take any fruit over the border says Moonie

I have discovered although my map runs out just after Esperence we are still miles away from SA. I turned my map over (Doh!) and it's a smaller version, so I have re-adjusted my milo-o-metre
( pink peice of wool) and it will take us weeks to get to SA so we can keep the fruit for a while...I don't like fruit anyway. After tonights walk I should be close to Mt Baring, right down on the "Archipelago of the Recherche" Wow, it's lovely there!!
I will pitch the tent and put the billy on and just wait for you.

Get off the fat fast and get walking again..even though 3 kgs is fantastic, it's no good if you have no energy and you can't brag to anyone:p

[Jus]

Hey L2BS...just a little map so you find your way to alice. It is however over 2000 kilometres from Esperance and I dont think you guys are there yet.....therefore if you walk 50 k's a day it will still take you over 40 days to get here......may poor the beer closer to the time I think otherwise it may be a bit warm

[luv2bslim]

Thanks Jus, thats great :-)

I will divert From Port Augusta and head on up to you. All those in SA will have to meet Moonie and I in Port Augusta:D
Keep PLENTY of beer, nice cold cold BEER!!!
extra cheers

[Moonie]

I've still got 25k's to get to Esperance, let alone heading for Port Augusta..:( :(

[Sherrie]

LOL, That place is a dump!

Won't catch me there thats for sure :D

Watch out for the refugees or whatever they're called hehe

[luv2bslim]

Walked the walk in record time last night. Guru was whinging at us ALL the way that we are too slow etc, but we were really trying hard. We did it in 41.58...
I will hang here where I am and wait for you MS. The weather has been too bad here to walk too, so last night was the 1st walk since Sunday..See you soon

[FaithyBaby]

How do you guys calulate the kilometers?
I have no speedo in my car to do that!!! and my treadmill has none either....sitting here crying as i feel left out! I think I would like to walk to the goldcoast by next Friday...living in brisbane should see me there before too long, cheers love to all Faith

[luv2bslim]

Faith, nothing too technical at all. I just got a big map and down the bottom looked at the Km scale..all maps have them, and cut a peice of pink wool that was *70k's* in comparison to the map.
Each time I walk I just mark the map another 70k's using my peice of wool as a guide. I don't walk 70 k's I only walk 7 at a time, but because we are in WA we would never get very far doing only 28k's per week, so we do it on a 10:1 ratio

:D
Moonstruck "walks" with me and we are past Esperence and heading for SA to have "lunch" with everyone there. Then we are off to Alice springs and then to Darwin, to see Jus...It's just a novel way to keep enthusiastic about walking...
BTW, this WOE has turned me completely insane..(if you hadn't already figured that!)

[FaithyBaby]

Cool. What a great idea! That is excellent!
I will go buy a map today..what a great idea to motivate...
cheers Thanks for the idea!

[Moonie]

I'm just sitting here by the Pink Lake and enjoying the view..I will be leaving here about 1.00pm;)

L2bs how far out of esperance are you, and how far is it to the border??

I won't be posting for a few days, but I will keep a note of how far I walk...

p.s. see you soon;)

[luv2bslim]

I will check and let you know when I see you.
:p

Pink Lake looks gorgeous...I never saw that:confused:

[sambalam]

so i've got a fair whack of time before you nutters turn up at my place in melbourne demanding beer and white wine then???


phew.

[luv2bslim]

You are safe for a while Sam, but expect us for a while in winter. We will need port and hot food:D
I am about to put up my new map, where do you live (or the closest major town) so I can put my post-it on your suburb.

Moonie, have you walked this week? I have just discovered form my guru that I wasn't walking as far as I thought, so I will have to cut back to 60ks per walk not 70:p

We upped the distance last night and it nearly killed me:D

[sambalam]

PORT!!! gasp. not the port.

i live in preston, melbourne.

winter eh? lots of time!!

[luv2bslim]

This is the road at Balladonia...it is the longest peice of dead straight road I have ever seen..The weather is warming up nicely now, don't you agree MS?

It is only 6 more walks until the SA border

[luv2bslim]

Sam we have about 4 weeks to reach you , and then we really have to turn around and head up the Stewart Hwy to see Jus, it seems silly to turn at the SA border when you are sooo close, especially as you will feed us..

Moonie will have a stash of l/c treats with her and I will have nothing:D

[luv2bslim]

I just remembered a conversation MS and I had at lunch the other day. It went something like this
"Pink Lake, I never saw that" and in all seriousness MS said "Well, it's off the main road a bit, you have to look for it"

Then I realized that we were having a serious conversation about and imaginary walk we are doing, and I totally lost it..
It's like you really believe you are there...we are obviously both as insane as each other,..hehehehe

:D
PS I have my nice new map of the whole of OZ pinned up on the back of the toilet door with little yellow post-its all over if for where I would like to visit..Where do you all live ???

[Moonie]

It's like you really believe you are there...we are obviously both as insane as each other,..hehehehe
Yep looks like it..As they say it takes one to know one;)

I am waaaay behind, will have to get off my butt and get walking!!!! (when I have finished reading all the new posts;) )

[Alies]

This is hilarious!:D

You guys seriously walk 7km?:eek:Would it be cheating if I did something similar on my air walker?:(

If you're visiting Sam in Melbourne, you'd better refill your water bottles in Ballarat. I've got a filter on the bench.;)

[coruba]

You guys are TOO funny!! I thought you were talking WAY too seriously the last lunch date we had about your 'journey'...was wondering just what drugs your were on or if this was a result of long term LC'ing!!! LOL

BUT what a great way to inspire yourself to do the km's!!! I wish I had started with you...reakon it would have been some great 'adventure' and would have got rid of this damn 'jelly belly' LOL!

Happy travelling guys!

[luv2bslim]

Annelise, you are on our map now :-)

I may have to detour from Sams to Jus' though and give Brigitte a chance to catch up..she can meet us back in Melbourne and all 3 of us can come for a visit, I like Ballarat, I went there in about 1984...it was bloody freezing in July

I walk 7 ks 3-4 times a week, you could do exactly the same on your air walker..we can meet you at Jus'.. she is inAlice Springs ( or was it Darwin..one or the other she keeps moving )

(My God, I am insane )
:D
It s a great way to keep track of excercise...

[Moonie]

Puff Puff!! I have phoned ahead for a bed at the Balladonia Homestead..They said they will leave a chair out the front and a cold jug of iced water for me;) L2bs how far past Balladonia are you..
You guys are TOO funny!! I thought you were talking WAY too seriously the last lunch date we had about your 'journey'...was wondering just what drugs your were on or if this was a result of long term LC'ing!!! LOL
HaHa!! no drugs, must have been the beer and wine;)

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I am already at the homestead, I will get you the water and ice, I will wait here until tonight then I am off again. I will have to pitch a tent becasue there are no motels 60 k's from here..I hope it's not too cold here at night

[coruba]

Well I just did about a 4km walk with the tandam pram and if you guys are doing the x10 thing, that's still only 40km...I think there will be NO way I'd catch up or keep up!

I'd be eating your dust the whole way!! LOL

Brigitte

[luv2bslim]

Brigitte, get a map, mark your progress and meet us back in Melbourne. We will wait for you there. you should get there in time for when we get back from Darwin visiting Jus...

You can come with us to the Gold coast, through Victoria:D

Since you are pushing a pram, you could assume you are doing the same as me, and do 70k's per time, as pushing must use more energy..make sure it is a brisk walk though...go get your map now, pm me when you have walked and I will map it for you here...

[Moonie]

With some extra walking I have made it to the Balladonia Homestead..No sign of L2bs with my water, guess she is on the move again, probably half way to cockabiddy by now...The chair was there though;)

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I waited and waited but figured you weren't coming so I had to leave...I am 60k's out of town, I have pitched the tent and set up camp, so I will wait for you here, just try and get here before Sunday night, becasue I usually walk Sundays
Make sure you have fly spray, the fries are dreadful at the moment:mad:

[Sherrie]

Make sure you have fly spray, the fries are dreadful at the moment

Well if your going to flavour them with fly spray make sure you do it after any heating... :p

[luv2bslim]

LOL. Sherrie, the flies have to be better than parsley, although I am getting used to it:D
Don't flies have lots of protein in them???

[Sherrie]

Maybe but fries don't :D

[Moonie]

Make sure you have fly spray, the fries are dreadful at the moment
Have picked us up a couple of bush hats with corks dangling off them for the flies :D , don't know what we can do about the fries though;)

[luv2bslim]

I have made it to Caiguna..look out Sherrie..he we come..

[luv2bslim]

Here is the motel room, Moonie, I bags the middle bed :-)

[Moonie]

I suppose you will be a sulky puss if you don't get it..;)

I am 120k's out of Balladonia, heading towards caiguna, I still have 62k's to go to get there...( if you look carefullyat the map you may see my shadow..) I suppose you will be half way to Madura by the time I arrive...

Did you check out the blow holes just out of caiguna while you were there???

[luv2bslim]

Yep, I checked them out. Do you know they found the remains of a tassie tiger in one?

I wont sulk if you want the middle bed, I will just move over and share it with you. It can get pretty cold in Ciaguna :-)

[Sherrie]

You two are a worry lol

[Moonie]

HaHa!!:D :D we aren't as bad as Alice over at Size Matters are we??:eek:

[Sherrie]

See you prove my point, your even comparing yourselves to a computer script :p

[luv2bslim]

IS that actually the computer and not some nut case furiously typing???

[luv2bslim]

I will just move over and share it with you. It can get pretty cold in Ciaguna :-)

Moonie look back at the photo of the bed, and see if you can see what looks like a bit of rope hanging from the ceiling:D

Maybe I could tie you to the bed

[Sherrie]

Originally posted by luv2bslim
IS that actually the computer and not some nut case furiously typing???

ROFL yes thats right, you were having a conversation with a computer program *chuckle*

[luv2bslim]

I went back and played with it ;-)

It has certain responses to words like "We"
I had fun though, and laughed my head off..Moonie was getting really annoyed with it!!!

[Moonie]

Moonie was getting really annoyed with it!!!
So were you, telling her to make sense.HaHa!! What was that you called her on Yahoo??

Then I was trying to get the better of her (:confused: it) and was trying to stir her (:confused: it) up HaHa!!!! I thought she was trying to be a smarty pants, :D :D :D

Might go pay her another visit;)

[luv2bslim]

It was funny :D :D

[Moonie]

My last camping place was at one of the rest stops along the way between Balladonia and caiguna, there a three of these which are water tanks under corrugated iron set at different intervals. The one I stopped at was the last one..I was very windy and the sand kept blowing in my face:(

Got up early and started of for Caiguna, and am looking forward to sleeping in a bed again..It was really late when I arrived, had a quick shower, ate the last of my muffins and crawled into bed..Can't see if the lump in the middle bed is L2bs or not, but I don't want to take the risk of waking her in case she want's to start walking straight away;)
I left a note asking her to order me a big plate of bacon and eggs for brekky:)

[Jus]

Hey Girls.....almost here.....From Caiguna WA to Alice Springs NT is 2505.7 Km.....just thought I would put in the k's to keep you going. :D

[luv2bslim]

Jus, we are going to adelaide before we come to you so we can spend more time in your pool :-)

We walked 2/3 of the walk cos Wendy was still queezy from the bug she had. I think I may be getitng it now..I feel like s**t...its either that, or the lack of coffee..

[Moonie]

Where are you and where is my Bacon and eggs:(

[tracye_aust]

This diary sounds like a game called Gumboots that my son used to play on the Pc..lol

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I am the lump in the bed..dying form lack of coffee..this had better be worth it:(

You will hvae to cook this time sorry
I will get brekky tomorrow

[Moonie]

Blow cooking I'm going to the shop to order...

There is a bit of commotion coming from the diner, sounds like some crazy women going off because there is no decaff in the rooms or in the diner...

I noticed a few essentials available to buy ready for the next leg of the trip but no jars of decaff...Just as well I bought mine with me...Now if I can just get her to calm down while I tell her;)

At least she won't be tempted to get on the booze, they don't have a license here :D

[coruba]

Now L2BS has heard the rumours of a low carb beer being in existance, she's probably forgotten about the coffee anyhow Moonie!! LOL

[luv2bslim]

Now L2BS has heard the rumours of a low carb beer being in existance, she's probably forgotten about the coffee anyhow Moonie!! LOL

Coffee...whats coffee??

[Moonie]

HaHa:D

[Moonie]

I'm sitting having Brekky at the wedgetail Inn, in cockabiddy, I don't know where L2bs is, the last time I saw her she was power walking ahead of me.. (I still haven't forgiven her for tying me to the bed)

There is a lot of activity happening here at the moment, a tourist bus has just pulled up and the place is full..The duke box is blaring, there are people playing pool and darts, and there are kids playing on the swings..I might just hang around for a while..;)

[Moonie]

p.s this is some of the scenery I have had to look at along the way:)

[luv2bslim]

There is a lot of activity happening here at the moment, a tourist bus has just pulled up and the place is full..The duke box is blaring, there are people playing pool and darts, and there are kids playing on the swings..I might just hang around for a while..
It was quiet while I was there
Moonie, I snuck off while you were sleeping, just after I tied you to the bed:D :D
I am in Mundrabilla..its boring compared to Cocklebiddy, thats for sure!
I will get dinner on OK, but I am heading out of town tonight! You'd better get here before the dinner is ruined:mad:

[luv2bslim]

Mundrabilla Roadhouse is operated by Bruce and Joanne Mulroy. Normal Roadhouse opening hours are from 5-30 AM to 12PM seven days a week. Mundrabilla's Roadhouse staff can also provide home cooked meals aswell as the usual takeaway fast foods.
Mundrabilla Bar is also attached to the Roadhouse and is open from 11AM to 12 PM seven days a week. Mundrabilla Bar is definitely one of the Nullarbor's snuggest little bars and comes complete with a pool table and interesting pubobilia. One of the quirks of Mundrabilla Roadhouse is that Bruce permits his pets to wander about the place.

This is Bruce at the petrol pump. Its a good thing we are walking because fuel is megga expensive here!!

[coruba]

GEEEZE...you guys are WAY too far ahead for me to catch up! I think this is gonna be a long lonely journey with just me and the blowflies!
SNEZ...can't you start walking and meet me somewhere????

[Moonie]

Goodness L2bs you are really powering along now. I am just coming into Madura, and have another 116k's to get to you at the
Mundrabilla Roadhouse ..What did you do with my dinner, give it to the pets??

I might have to jump on one of these roadtrains to catch up again:(

Did you see this wreck just out of Madura?? Didn't see any bodies, so I hope the occupants were ok..

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I saw that accident, I was bored, so I flahsed my tits at them, and they ran off the road in shock..they were all fine, especially when they were chasing me on foot nearly all the way to Eucla..:D

I am just out of Eucla, but have seen some lovely things:p

[luv2bslim]

Brigitte, now my kids want to walk too, so I told them every 2nd night for them and the other night for the walking guru, so you'd better get your runners on and get moving :-)

I still have to get to Darwin before I meet you, so plenty of time....plenty of time..

Moonie, when are you back down my way

[Moonie]

God with you walking every night I will never catch up:(

(Not sure when will be up there again..)
I was bored, so I flashed my tits at them, and they ran off the road in shock..
Your a bad, bad, girl:eek:

[Moonie]

Made Madura in good time, slowed down to look at the sweeping views of Madura Pass and the Roe Plains on the way in .
Ordered a meal and went for a quick swim in their pool to cool off while it was cooking, aah bliss!!

While I was eating this old bloke who looked about 100m started telling me tales about Madura..

It was interesting to hear that between 15 and 45 million years ago sea levels repeatedly advanced and retreated in this area of the Nullarbor. Both the Hampton Tablelands and Roe Plains are landforms representing changing sea levels caused by the advance and retreat of ice ages..

No time to rest must get a move on or I will lose L2bs forever:(

This photo of the roadhouse doesn't look much, but the short visit here was really friendly..The staff and atmosphere were great!!

[luv2bslim]

While I was eating this old bloke who looked about 100m started telling me tales about Madura..

so moonie, was he tasty??
hehehe

I have hitSOUTH AUSTRALIA . I got up early and walked with mick, and half way around, I yelled (cos we both had headphones on) "Hey Hun, I just crossed the border into SA!" It was lucky it was only 6am and no-one was around:D
I will stay in tonight, and walk tomorrow, so I will be camped here waiting for you. There are no motels here, but my tent is pretty comfy...

All you in SA will have to meet me in Adelaide as I am running behind schedule...I will let you know when we are getting close and we can all get together!!!
Cazza can cook :-)

[Moonie]

so moonie, was he tasty??
His skin looked like leather, a bit tough for my liking!!

I hit the Mundrabilla Roadhouse at a run, (was surprised the photo I took on the move came out) I rang ahead for takeaway, (cdma works out here) and arrived just as they were closing, I am heading into Eucla now..If I hurry I should be at the border later today..

[luv2bslim]

If I hurry I should be at the border later today..
Moonie, I am still waiting for you. I will be here most of the weekend as I have a hectic schedule this weekend. Tonight school speech night, tomorrow morning work, avo, xmas party, and Sunday Adventure World..
I dont think I will fit a walk in..
Have a great weekend and I hope you find your cat:(

[luv2bslim]

Sat morning..where are you moonie? I was freezing last night...
I am getting restless and this tent is rather boring. I have been singing a lot to myself to keep the insanity from hitting...I nearly left this morning, but decided a nice comfy lay-in and wait for you was a better idea..

[Moonie]

I have made it finally, looking out for the tent with L2bs in it, but all I can see now is cars, bikes and trucks at the border checkpoint..I hope I didn't miss her somewhere in the dark before the sun came up;)

[Moonie]

Well I couldn't find L2bs at the border village, but I could have sworn I heard her singing (or maybe it was an emu calling it's mate)..Anyway I have had a bit of a cheat and hopped a plane that was at the border..It has taken me over the great Australian Bight to see some great sights. The plane landed at the Nullabor roadhouse and I am now fully refreshed after a great meal and shower..I topped up on surplies and water, and headed out for my next stop The Yalata roadhouse..God I hope I am going in the right direction..I think I am heading for Ceduna and then Port Augusta..
Will post some shots of the Bight soon.

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I just couldn't wait any longer..I was getting restless...anyway, I have done 180k's since Sat, so I will have to mark my map. I am Heading for Port Augusta, then Adelaide city , where I am staying for a few days to party before heading off to see Jus....(I'm coming Jus, I'm coming...)
I am just waiting for some photos I took to develop and I will post them for you
:D
I think walking guru is coming over tonight, but I walked at 6am today, so I hope I can keep up..
Sorry I couldn't wait any longer..did you see you camp site? I was there for so long there were still burning embers, which I put out before I left..
I think it was me you heard singing...don't I sound just beautiful..hehe

[Moonie]

The Bight really does look like something has taken a big chomp out of the coastline..

[luv2bslim]

I wish I had waited at the border now. I would love to go flying with you
:(
Maybe we should go on the way home:D :D

[Moonie]

I have done 180k's since Sat, say's L2bs
Well that make me ahead of you now, because the Nullabor roadhouse is 185k's from the border village..You must just about have it in your sights now..I am30'ks out towards the the Yalata roadhouse,but the way you walk you will probably catch up and leave me in your dust:D

[Moonie]

I am still on the way to the Yalata roadhouse, I am posting a picture of what the scenery is like the closer I get, one more spurt should get me there;)

I had a big willy willy pass me, stirring up the sand, I ended up with dust in my eyes and up my nose.:( Do you think maybe it wasn't a willy willy, but L2bs passing me??

[Sherrie]

A whirly whirly?

I dunno about you but I would think it was a big strange to have a big willy willy pass me ;)

[luv2bslim]

I dunno about you but I would think it was a big strange to have a big willy willy pass me ..said sherrie

:D :D That what we call them in West OZ :-) the windy things I mean..hehe

[Sherrie]

But how do you get willy?

They don't will round and round, they whirl round and round :)

[luv2bslim]

I had a big willy willy pass me, stirring up the sand, I ended up with dust in my eyes and up my nose. Do you think maybe it wasn't a willy willy, but L2bs passing me??

That probably was us Moonie...I didn't see you in the dark though sorry...Guru nearly killed me last night making me walk like a loonatic to keep up. We even had to jog a few times becasue he was getting cross with us..hehe

I have arrived safely in Nundroo. Not much to do here, but there are a few things close by to look at. There is a cheap roadhouse I will book into. Only 9 more walks until Port Augusta

[Moonie]

But how do you get willy?
I don't know, but here is a photo of one..Don't know where the other name for them "cock eyed Bob comes from either;)
http://strikeone.com.au/dustdevil/.

p.s should have realised it was you L2bs as the dust was closer to the ground;)

pps..it is worth looking around the site, beautiful photography..

[Moonie]

I have arrived in Nundaroo, and from here I have 78k's to get to Penong and another 75k's to get to Ceduna....Can't walk anymore today, so I will have to find the cheap roadhouse that L2bs has booked into.....Hope their water is cold and their beds soft;)

[Sherrie]

Oh you crazy WA'ers, willy willy's make no sense hehe :p

[Moonie]

Oh you crazy WA'ers, willy willy's make no sense hehe
HaHa!! but we understand each other well;)
What I can't understand is why a whirlpool is called an Eddy...(not just in WA)

I have passed Ceduna, but got a bit confused at the roundabout, there were two ways to get to Port Augusta, so I have taken the short way..If L2bs has gone through Port Lincoln I might get ahead of her;)

p.s 35c in Ceduna, but plenty of heavy cloud..Needed to get extra water...

[luv2bslim]

I have passed Ceduna, but got a bit confused at the roundabout, there were two ways to get to Port Augusta, so I have taken the short way..If L2bs has gone through Port Lincoln I might get

Ok Moonie, I didn't see you pass me..I Must have been sleeping:mad:
I am still about 20k's out of Ceduna. You must be hiking it because I walked this week, Sat, Sun, Mon, wed, and Thursday, now my thighs are sore..hehe
Can you wait for Me?? Guru is walking me tonight, so I will pass Ceduna. Have you been on the main road? or cutting through the bush???
Pics nearly developed

:D

[luv2bslim]

Penong was lovely. The beer cold and the bed comfy. It was a shame we missed each other. I can't wait to get into mobile phone range so we can keep in contact.:D It had been a bit hot, but has cooled down a bit today..
There isn't much low carb food in these roadhouses. Steak is expensive here..so it's usually bacon and eggs:(
Here are some pics I took in Penong

[Moonie]

I am still behind you, I have only just passed Ceduna, I am about 1k out of town...Yeah I have been mainly having bacon and eggs, if it is for dinner or lunch I have it on top of shredded lettuce and grated cheese:)

[Moonie]

Coming into Wirrula there is a sign that says "town with a secret", I couldn't find anything out about what it means and at the pub they just got this silly grin on their faces when I asked in there...

I thought I saw L2bs in the pub when I first walked in, but then I couldn't find her, after having a look around I thought Nah!! it wasn't her that sheila was to skinny, and she had no hips;)

[luv2bslim]

it wasn't her that sheila was to skinny, and she had no hips :D :D
definately wasn't me, wen cut her big toe really bad so we didn't walk all weekend. I tried to walk with Mick, but only made it 1/4 of the way before I ran out of steam :-)
We are doing pilates tonight. Guru has a good grip on it now, he has been practicing, and says the dvd is excellent...look out trim tum tum..
I will catch up with you tomorrow, and if wen's toe isn't better she will ride the bike next to us..

[Moonie]

I tried to walk with Mick, but only made it 1/4 of the way before I ran out of steam :-)
Must have been the scotch;)

I'm sticking around here for a while.... I have found out what their secret is, it's their jetty. Painted on the side of the boat at the jetty is : "Wirrulla Fishing Charters - Leaves Daily with the Tides." Wirrulla is 35 Km inland.:D Not since the days of Noah has there been such a high tide.:D

[luv2bslim]

LOL.. I can't wait to see that. Are you cheating and riding a bike??

[Moonie]

Nope the only cheat I had was from the border village to the Nullabor restaurant, when I hopped the plane to see the Bight...It wasn't my fault the pilot dropped me 180k's further up from where he picked me up:D :D ..I have been trying to have two good walks a day;)

p.s Poochera is only 35k's away, one good spurt should get me there, then again, maybe not....

[luv2bslim]

I have been trying to have two good walks a day

good girl, one for me, and one for you???

[Moonie]

Have arrived in Poochera, and it is still 329k's to Port augusta, so there is no hope of getting there before xmas...maybe New Year

The town itself is populated by no more than 60 people, but the little settlement services the surrounding wheat and sheep farmers..There is a pub, caravan park, roadhouse,bowling green, golf course, oval , tennis courts and that's it...Nothing to keep me here, Wudinna here I come;)

[luv2bslim]

Bloody Hell Moonie, slow down will you:mad: :mad: I will never catch you now you have your stepper...(was that in the rules? you need to be walking in the fresh air I think!!!)

:D I will have to walk in the morning..eldest daughter is getting an MP3 player for xmas, and I am downloading songs *I* like becasue she said I could use it when I walk...she's and angel that one...

[Moonie]

I am trying to get ahead a bit, because once you start moving you will leave me in a ball of dust again;)

[luv2bslim]

Went walking last night after I told Mick you were way way ahead of me and I didn't want to be alone for Xmas:(

I am still about 180k's away from you, so you had better turn around and walk back to me, unless you want a lonely xmas lunch in the middle of the desert too...please...pretty please....

[Moonie]

Where are you then,?? I haven't walked today, but one walk and a bit will get me back to Wirrula..Coming from you way it's 100ks' from Ceduna so you should be nearly there...

I am not walking anywhere xmas day so we will have to stay put!!

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I am about 20ks out of Wirrula...shall we stop there for Xams? I will walk here in the shop today, up and down, up and down, up and down...hehe..until my 20ks are done

I will book into the motel, 2 singles and request low carb lunches for both.

I am wearing a stripy top and 3/4s, so if you cant recognize me with the new specs you should be able to find me:D :D

[Moonie]

Okey dokey, I will be there don't forget to order something cold to drink;)

[Moonie]

I arrived in Wirrula Xmas eve and met up with L2bs, we talked until late and went for a walk to check out the jetty that hadn't seen any water for a long while..

I tried to have a sleep in but L2bs was up early jumping on my bed, saying "happy Xmas" get up:(
We went to the pub for an early breakfast and then spent most of the day there listening to the locals telling yarns, they got funnier as they day went on.

L2bs was soooo good, but I was soooo bad, I ate all the bar snacks that the barman put out:o

I could hardly move by night time and when L2bs said she wanted to start walking I said I couldn't, so the last I saw of her was the soles of her feet as she high tailed it out;)

I started off boxing day and have done 148k's to reach Wuddina last night...I camped in Apex park overnight, not sure if that is allowed but no one said anything.

The park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is the Tourist Information Bay and rest area for travellers passing the town. Within the Information Bay is a picnic area and barbecue site operated by 20 cent pieces. Above the barbecue is a light for night time barbecues. Adjacent to the barbecue area is a building signposted as "Concrete Crappa". I'll leave that to you to discover what it means. The area is surrounded by trees and provides quite a pleasant rest stop..

Next stop is Kimba, 97k's away if I get moving I might catch L2bs ...maybe not....

[Sherrie]

Okay lol now I'm getting worried :D

[luv2bslim]

Wow, what an appetite that Moonie has. She has been soooo good all year, but just the slightest hint of Santa and my God, she eats like I used to:D :D There we were in the bar...all the food in the motel has gone...Moonie is attacking the bar manager for sweet things...I snuck out when she wasn't looking..she can be so embarassing:o I am beginning to wonder if she was secretly drinking too...

Anyway, I hightailed it out of there before we both got arrested..
I have arrived in Eyre. The walk here was magnificent..I will be here until tonight, and then off to Port Augusta, where I am detouring up the Stuart Highway to see Jus, (as long as it cools down there or she gets a house with a pool and a decent airconditioner!)

I am surprised that with the amount of sugar Moonie consumed she never ran past me at a hundred miles per hour..

[Moonie]

Made it into Kimba and from here it is 160k's to Port Augusta.. I see dust whirling ahead of me but don't know if that is L2bs or another willy willy;)

Kimba is the centre of a major wheat growing area, and site of one of South Australia's largest inland grain terminals. The name Kimba has its origins in a local aboriginal language and is said to mean "Bush Fire".

[Moonie]

I am surprised that with the amount of sugar Moonie consumed she never ran past me at a hundred miles per hour..
All it did was make me talk faster, get a headache and then came crashing down to have no energy:(
she can be so embarassing
:o :o

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, I am 40 ks past Port Augusta, heading straight up the Stuart Highway to see Jus:D
I see dust whirling ahead of me but don't know if that is L2bs or another willy willy
Moonie, that was guru and I, we were fairly hiking it last night, he was impressed (which coming from him is a real compliment!!)
There is another lady which walks our walk, who I often see. She has a lovley body, broad shoulders, narrow waist about 5'8" and long blonde hair. She walks a waimirana (sp?)..we were following her, and she hikes it along and I kept up...Guru was extra happy because she was pleasing on the eye:D

I am not sure when I am out again, but probably go alone tonight..

[luv2bslim]

All it did was make me talk faster, get a headache and then came crashing down to have no energy
hey, that sounds like a hangover from too much booze:(

[Moonie]

hey, that sounds like a hangover from too much booze
Nope no booze, just overload of sugar;) Moonie, I am 40 ks past Port Augusta, heading straight up the Stuart Highway to see Jus
How the heck did you get there so fast, I still have 100k's to get to port augusta... I probably won't make it there until Sunday night:(

[luv2bslim]

How the heck did you get there so fast
LOL..I was walking while you were eating:D :D

[Moonie]

Finally made it to Port August and am heading up the Stuart Highway...Would have like to stay and look around, but I am only 10k's further on than L2bs was on Saturday so I have to kep moving:(

[Delia]

I am having a good laugh you two are really having fun.

[Sherrie]

LOL trust me you don't want to look around Port Augusta hehe

[Moonie]

I have made it into Woomera, but I don't think I will hang around here,although Woomera Travellers Village provides a selection of accommodation styles. Powered caravan sites, grassed tent areas, backpacker rooms, air-conditioned en-suite park cabins and motel style rooms and budget cabins. Campers have access to the laundry and amenities, barbecue, camp kitchen and kiosk. The village has a Heritage museum, missile park, shopping centre, theatre and swimming pool amongst other facilities.

L2bs has been air lifted off to Fremantle for a little op and I'm not sure when she will be back on the road...I reckon if I can get far enough ahead while she is resting I might just make Alice springs before she passes me...

Woomera was established in 1947 by the British and Australian governments to deliver rocket capabilities with a range of 2000 miles. The town and associated rocket range have passed through many phases, the European Launcher Development Organisation and the American Nurrungar satellite tracking station being among them.
It was from here, on the 29th August 1967 Australia launched it's first Satellite ...
In 1999 the Woomera detention centre was established to cope with a sudden influx of asylum seekers arriving illegally by boat. While the facility closed in April 2003 and detainees have been transferred to other camps, it was the site of regular suicide attempts, numerous protests and the beating of inmates by guards wearing riot gear since it opened .

[luv2bslim]

I hit woomera way before Moonie, but as she said I was airlifted off to have a small op :-) The op was a huge success, but I won't be back in woomera for at least another week. I will have to get a move on to catch up with Moonie though...I am hoping to be back to a gentle walk in another week..I miss walking more than I thought possible:( :(

[Moonie]

I made good time getting to Glendambo, it was like a little oasis in the dessert....I booked into the outback resort and layed back..It is so hot out here, and laying by the pool munching on glasses of ice that was shaped like australia was devine...L2bs should get air lifted back here to gain her strength back...

I wish I had stayed in Port Douglas for a while now, it seems when I was passing through Kylie Minogue, and her latest, Olivier Martinez were dining at Sassi Cucina there and had a very serious argument...I would have gone up to them the and said "WILL YOU TWO STOP IT"!! Well it turns out Kylie ended up going home to her parents without him and once again he has opted out of meeting her parents...

Anyway after resting at the resort I am on the road again with about 160 k's to go before I reach Coober Pedy..

[luv2bslim]

Still no energy to walk ...:( This is terrible..I miss walking with you Moonie:( Hopefully the iron tablets will kick in soon...then I will have to jog to catch up with you...enyoy yourself and pave the way for me
xx

[Moonie]

Well I made it to Coober Pedy, and looks more like another planet than Earth. The cast of Star Wars wouldn't look out of place in this harsh environment. It gets so hot here that a lot of the residents have built their houses underground. These must be stubborn people because they live in the middle of the desert with hardly any water, seasonal dust storms and considerable summer temperatures. Apparently Coober Pedy is Aboriginal for 'white fellow's hole in the ground' - not sure if that's true or not. Opals are the main reason people live here, the area is rich and that has attracted lots of miners over the years. Not surprisingly Coober Pedy has also featured in a number of films including Ben Elton's mini series Stark - remember that?

One of the residents, Crocodile Harry is very eccentric. He is so eccentric that he and his house have become a tourist attraction, he is reputedly a Latvian baron who emigrated to Australia and hunted crocs for 13 years, then began mining in Coober Pedy.
He still lives in his dug out home and for $2 he let me wander around taking in the graffiti and art on every surface, walls and ceiling. Some Harry has done himself but visitors can still add to his works if they can find space, but you need to ask first. Many people seem to donate t-shirts, baseball caps, bras, knickers etc but I walked out fully clothed. I wonder what L2bs will leave behind;)

Won't be long now before she catches up and pases me!!

[luv2bslim]

Yippee, I am on the road again:D :D I am still miles and miles away from Moonie, but watch up , I will pass you again soon:D I don't expect to be in Coober Peedy for another few weeks though.

[luv2bslim]

Okie, I have just passed Coober Pedy..films in for developing, and no time for update as I need to catch up with Moonie....Look out Moonie, here I come:D

[Moonie]

Whaaat!! four days ago you said it would take two weeks to get there, what did you do hop a plane or hitch a ride.;) Just as well I didn't ease Off!!
The people travelling out this way are very friendly, either waving or stopping for a chat and offering refreshments..
There seems to be a lot more wedge tail eagles eating the night before's road kill and I am sure they are getting bigger..

Have made it into the Northern Territory, with L2bs coming up behind me fast..

[luv2bslim]

Shit Moonie, I will never catch you at this rate..hehehe

I misjudged the distance to Coober Pedy, thats why I am there already. I am out walking tonight so keep an eye out for me..

I can't believe you are in the Northern Territory already...I hope Jus is ready for us:D

[Moonie]

HaHa!! tricked you..I borrowed that photo of someone coming the other way:D

I have just made it into Marla another stop in the middle of nowhere, which is 159 km south of the Northern Territory border ...

'Marla' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'kangaroo'

[luv2bslim]

pant pant pant..no time to stop...

[luv2bslim]

puff puff puff...still going....I'll be there soon Moonie

[Moonie]

Have made it past Kulgera, a small bush town surrounded by thousands of kilometres of cattle station, situated just 21 kilometres from the South Australian - Northern Territory border. The area is Pitjantjatjara country, and aboriginal paintings can be found at sites in the area.

Kulgera in the last few years has been put on the map for being
nearly the pin point geographical centre of Australia,

weather Observed at Kulgera
Temperature 104 °F / 40 °C
HeatIndex 105 °F / 41 °C
Humidity 24%
Dew Point 62 °F / 16 °C
Wind WNW at 6 mph / 9.7 km/h
Wind Gust -
Pressure 29.59 in / 1002 hPa
Conditions Partly Cloudy
Visibility 31 miles / 50 kilometers
UV 8
thunderstorms forecast:(

[Moonie]

Have finally made it to Alice springs, after talking to the locals I have come to know that it is the heart of Australia, the capital of the Outback and the most romantic country town in the world. It's where the Arrernte Aboriginal tribal group have lived for 20,000 years and where pioneer men and women gave "tough" a new meaning. It's where they race camels, hold hilarious holiday regattas in dry river beds and where Peter Finch finally caught up with Virginia McKenna in the 1956 film classic "A Town Like Alice".

Don't know where L2bs is, she could have been and gone, but I am just going to sit in the mall and drink coffee for awhile...;)
29 degrees in Alice today..

[Jus]

Yay for Moonie. Have just rung my friends and they are waiting for you at the Todd Tavern. As promised all cool refreshing beverages are free and thursday night is snitzel night...oops not low carb...but it is only $6.95 for all you can eat and the salad bar is great.

Seans bar has also got live music tonight if you are looking for somewhere to hang out.

Only 1500 k's to darwin....

Let me know what you want to see and I will tee it up with a friend and you can have their car for the day...better yet to keep in the spirit of exercise you can borrow a couple of bikes :D

[luv2bslim]

Don't know where L2bs is, she could have been and gone, I am trudging inot the NT now..I am only just over the border:( You will be waiting a long time for me to catch you Moonie..see you soon Jus, I may have to borrow your friends car to catch up, I have been a slack ass lately..My walking nights have been taken over by taking daughter 2 to the physio for excercise classes and I dont even get home from work until 7pm:( No excuse I know, but I'm sticking to it:p

[Moonie]

Ok it's on to the Todd tavern for free drinkies, and the salad bar, then on to Seans bar for a night of dancing...

p.s might just stay around here for a while sounds like fun;)

[luv2bslim]

might just stay around here for a while sounds like fun Stay for a few weeks Moonie and I might catch you yet!!

[Moonie]

I could hang around and do some sight seeing, I was going to have a look at Ayres Rock ( Uluru ) on the way here but decided not to... so I might just borrow your friends car Jus and cut back that way ;)

[Jus]

No worries moonie. I will give them a call now. When you get to the rock you are more than welcome to stay at my friends house. She can take you on a sunrise camel rise overlooking the rock. She manages the place so will swing you a freebie. It is an amazing couple of hours (except for the early start!). Then after that my other friend is a director of anangu tours. Its a tour around the rock but the local aboriginals actually speak in Pit and then he will translate what they are saying for you. get to chuck spears (actually you wont as you are a woman and that is forbidden) but get to do interesting stuff. Will swing a freebie for you there too.

Hurry up L2BS...maybe you could meet her there and do it together.

[Moonie]

Thanks for arranging that Jus, I will leave on the weekend to visit the rock...The sunrise camel ride sounds ok, except last time I rode a camel on Cable beach I ended up with a sore tooshy:D

[luv2bslim]

sore tooshy LOL :D :D

I am going to catch you soon Moonie...new walking plan.While Sarah is at physio ball 2xweek, I will bring my walking gear and head off while I am waiting for her, that way I don't miss out for much longer. Went with Guru and Wen last night, and I felt heaps better today:)

[Moonie]

With the help of Jus's friends I made it to Uluru...Instead of lending me the car they came along for the ride.....I wanted to stay for longer than they were able so after a night of fun they left me with another of Jus's friends ...She organised an early morning camel ride for me to see the sunrise over the rock,this was breathtaking!!, then after a lovely breakfast out there we headed slowly back....I am looking forward to more tours and just lazing around....The days are hot but it is pretty cool at night....

[Moonie]

One of the highlights so far must be the night I dined in the Sounds of silence restaurant under the stars..We Traveled out to a private dining setting in the middle of the desert. Sipped on a glass of champagne with the sound of a lone didgeridoo filling the air as the sun slowly set over (Kata Ayers Rock (Uluru).

After dining on a gourmet BBQ of Australian delicacies I sat back and took in the mystery of the desert at night as an astronomer took us on a tour of the clear Southern night skies. Magical!!! Where are you L2bs???

[Alies]

Can anyone guess what I miss reading?:D

What an iconic thread!

I hope someone comes up with an equally brilliant idea in 2005.:)

[luv2bslim]

OMG!! Annelies, I have been stuck on the road to Darwin for months:D :D Poor Moonie is somewhere lost in the desert I think:( I'll track her down after the new year:D :D

[Moonie]

I have been in Uluru so long I have just about become a "local", in fact I have a job with an ultimate 4-Wheel Drive 5-day safari so I can see the sights for free!!!.

As would be expected, the tourists see Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Watarrka (Kings Canyon), Palm Valley and the West MacDonnell Ranges. More importantly, they also get to truly experience the outback in an authentic way by going wayoutback' through 2 Cattle Stations, using bush tracks that only the tour have access to use.

After experiencing the magic of all that they go on a mind blowing 4-Wheel Drive expedition to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) through two outback Cattle Stations, Curtin Springs and Kings Creek. Between the two they total more than 6,300 square kilometers. This is Tour Company using this direct route, negotiating over 130km of bush tracks through places only a few Aboriginals, early settlers and station workers have seen. This is a great chance to really absorb the expanse and beauty of the Australian outback.

The experienced guides have all the required bush skills to keep everyone safe and comfortable. They are among the best in Central Australia because of their enthusiasm and ability to bring people together to have the best time. This is backed up with extensive local knowledge of land, people and history.

You can take your time L2bs I am so laid back it will take me awhile to get walking again!!

Moonie
;)

[luv2bslim]

Moonie, if you hang on, I'll meet you for Xmas lunch..as long as you PROMISE to be better behaved than last year:D I have vague memories of you eating everything in site last Xmas while all I had was your leftovers:(

I can't wait to get to Darwin, but if I start running now, I'll be with you by lunch Saturday ok? (I may have to hitch a ride)

I'll go pack right now and leave straigh away before it gets too hot:D

[Moonie]

Are you coming to Uluru or do I have to leave here and get back to Darwin??...

[debs66]

Hi there, is it Ok if I join your walk?? You have been in Darwin a long time!! surely you should be walking to work off all your Xmas Food!!!
Where to after Darwin - any suggestions for the best way for me to go - or if I walk up and down the aisle on a plane for the whole flight can I meet you in Darwin??

[luv2bslim]

Deb, I can't walk this week, but hopefully back on the road next week:D Meet us in the centre of Darwin and we'll find somewhere exciting to go, probably East and back through QLD:D

[Jus]

You have been in Darwin a long time!!

Is there something you guys arent telling me!!!!! Does this mean you are in darwin or still on your way...or you are both going to take a little flight from Uluru....If you can find moonie that is...last I heard she had found true love and was joining the camel crew for their annual 3 month simpson desert treks...(apparently she is now also a accomplished camel racer...she is the one in the red!)

I live two minutes from the centre of darwin so you can meet at my house. Actually it is illegal to get to darwin and not head straight to pub so will meet you at lizards I am thinking. Let me know when you get here as I have been waiting a really really really long time......:rolleyes:

[debs66]

I just realised L2BS that you won't be walking as Dr is making you take it easy - which gives me a week to get to you - so I might fly to Broome as not been there - quite fancy riding a camel at sunset at Cable Beach - and maybe do some diving for pearls? and just taking in the sights -

I'll see what flights are available and try to be with you and Jus in Lizards next week - I'll keep you posted.

[luv2bslim]

sounds Brill Deb:D Can you get me a nice cold beer and I'll txt as soon as I get into town:D :D

[luv2bslim]

Moonie:D We are expecting company on our travels next week!!!...We are meeting Deb and Jodi in the pub in Darwin and they are getting nice cold beers to drink, Jus is organizing the welcoming committee, see you Monday:D :D

[Moonie]

I had my heart broken in the dessert and caught a flight to Darwin..I am now set up in the Holiday Inn , it is ideally situated on The Esplanade with magnificent views over tropical parklands to the foreshore, yet located within the central business district and close to major tourist attractions.

I am going to make use of the Sauna, Gym, and pool to get in shape before we start walking again, What way do you want to go L2bs...

p.s Jus if you want to call around for a night cap, please do, but before 1am hey!!!

[luv2bslim]

I had my heart broken in the dessert and caught a flight to Darwin :( It wasn't one of those bastard camel riders was it?? You just wait until I see him!!I am going to make use of the Sauna, Gym, and pool to get in shape before we start walking again, What way do you want to go L2bs... LOL, good Idea Moonie...let's head towards Qld, up and over the top of OZ then down the East Coast, so we can pick up some more walkers on the way:D :D Jus if you want to call around for a night cap, please do, but before 1am hey!!! yep, she's been know to call in the wee hours of the morning ( just ask Anne!)

Now I am really motivated to start a GENTLE walk next week:D

[debs66]

Originally posted by luv2bslim
sounds Brill Deb:D Can you get me a nice cold beer and I'll txt as soon as I get into town:D :D

No probs!!

[Jus]

in the Holiday Inn

hey Moonie. That is like a 5 minute walk from my house! This is insame but I am actually excited you guys are getting here...In theory really or else I have gone seriously troppo :cool:

Am thinking tonight if you want we can go to the Ducks Nuts for dinner and drinks.

www.ducksnuts.com.au

Its a pretty cool place and the food is good although service sometimes isnt the best. OR else we can head down to the wharf where they have a massive eatery over the ocean. There is even a bar there so we wont go thirsty. You get to see some barra swimming around underneath us and amazing darwin sunsets and the meals are like 10 bucks!

Then have your party shoes on as the pubs are open till 4.00am.

she's been know to call in the wee hours of the morning ( just ask Anne!)

It was all for love though. All for love.

Hee hee I will keep everyone entertained till L2BS gets here. Everyone will have so much fun they wont want to leave (ask a territorian!)

All you other guys...you can always fly up and join in. We could have one big POH reunion in darwin!

p.s they sell Pure Blonde as well so you can keep your carb count down!

[Sherrie]

Yeah L2B can show us how ladylike she is and get 'pissed' off her 'tits' at the Ducks 'nuts' ;)

[luv2bslim]

I am actually excited you guys are getting here... LOL..and I was babbling to Mick how I was excited about going to Darwin..hehehe..and he loked at me, and for a sec looked panicked and then said "oh, that's right, it's only in your imagination!"

I will start walking tomorrow, I'm not missing drinks for anything:p

[Moonie]

Dinner and drinks at the Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill sounds good to me Jus!! I will meet you there in either the Bar, Restaurant, or Vodka lounge;)

[luv2bslim]

Dinner and drinks at the Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill sounds good to me Jus!! I will meet you there in either the Bar, Restaurant, or Vodka lounge Wait for me!! I'll be there Monday evening:D

[Moonie]

I will die of starvation if I wait until Monday for dinner and drinks!! We will just have to go again when you get here;)

[luv2bslim]

I will die of starvation if I wait until Monday for dinner and drinks!! We will just have to go again when you get here sorry, LOL, I'll re-phrase that, STAY there until I get there, enjoy your weekend :p

[debs66]

Oh so excited I can't wait - dancing shoes are packed!!! Tell them to stock up on VOdka!!!

[debs66]

Jo, I don't think we'll have time to do Broome - how about we fly straight to Darwin?? I was thinking Saturday?

[jojoamethyst]

Yep, what time? I'm there with you. Always wanted to go to Darwin - I like the humidity.

[Moonie]

Don't know what time I got in this morning, but the sun was well and truly up when I fell into bed...I lost Jus somewhere along the way home, I guess she branched off to her place.....I was so busy concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other to get back to the inn..

What a night woo hoo!! Don't know what the band was called but it was hot..and I had to keep having a drink to lubricate my voice..Singing along with the band and having a good laugh was making me very parched...

Think I better stay in tonight ;)

p.s I hear the first round of drinks is free at the Ducks Nuts on Friday nights:)

p.p.s I don't usually drink, must have been Jus' influence;)

[jojoamethyst]

Originally posted by luv2bslim
Moonie:D We are expecting company on our travels next week!!!...We are meeting Deb and Jodi in the pub in Darwin and they are getting nice cold beers to drink, Jus is organizing the welcoming committee, see you Monday:D :D

Champagne please - this is a celebration.:p

[luv2bslim]

ROFLMAO:D :D I was so busy concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other to get back to the inn.. I don't usually drink, must have been Jus' influence save some for us:p :p

[Jus]

I lost Jus somewhere along the way home, I guess she branched off to her place....
Moonie I told you I was escorting that young lost gentleman in uniform back to his barracks...Dont you remember???I was just showing my hospitality :D

Yeah the ducks nuts have free drinks tonight if you are part of the club. Which so happens I am. However, we will only start off there moonie. Its Friday night and there is sooo much to do. We'll have dinner somewhere though (Make sure I eat as I tend to forget when out...adn the hotdog without the bun at 3 in the morning does not substitute!), I know we can go to Lewinsky's (yep after uno who!) Restuarant and have some of their famous mudcrab and then we can go from there. A couple of great bands playing tonight around town as well. I finish work at 5 moonie and am meeting my friends at ducks nuts to start? I'll save you a seat! What are you doing today?

Tried to find the site for Lewinsky's but came across this. I like the heading..

http://www.thegreatoutdoors.com.au/display.php?location=NT&ID=7601



Tell them to stock up on VOdka

No worries there. They have over 30 different types I think!

I was thinking tomorrow we could go to litchfield national park ( a miny kakadu) for a swim and a picnic. We'll come back early arvo and meet up with the others for a few beverages before I have to go an make a fool of myself in the speed dating. Dont ask. I had know choice and am dreading it!

Moonie next time dont walk...get a pedicab! $2 bucks and you dont have to concentrate!

[luv2bslim]

I have booked a flight so I will meet you tonight:DI'll txt as soon as I get there, my flight will be in at 6pm, save some vodka, and catch you all later:D :D

[Jus]

L2BS................Your getting in tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D
:D :D :D :D

Oh how exciting. Moonie and I will already be at the pub but we'll save you a seat and I'll get my driver to pick you up!!!!!!!!!!!!

[debs66]

Jo, meet me at airport at 11am - fly direct to Darwin

[luv2bslim]

I just borrowed a laptop with net connection from the bloke sitting next to me (he fell asleep!) He's a bit smelly, and burps a LOT! Only a few more hours to touchdown...oopps, better go, flight attendeant giving me the evils:mad: :mad:

[Moonie]

Moonie I told you I was escorting that young lost gentleman in uniform back to his barracks...Dont you remember???I was just showing my hospitality
It's all starting to comeback to me now :o
What are you doing today?
I went to have a look around the Cullin Bay Marina, very restful..I had lunch in this restaurant and then fell asleep outside under the trees..If you look closely you can see me...
I'm up for whatever you have in mind for tonight !! Moonie next time dont walk...get a pedicab! $2 bucks and you dont have to concentrate
I'll keep that in mind, maybe you had better just shove me in one and tell the driver where to go...as long as it isn't a camel driver:( Can't wait to see you all tonight;)
L2bs You behave yourself now!!
Looking forward to meeting you Deb, and Jo:)

[Moonie]

I was thinking tomorrow we could go to litchfield national park ( a miny kakadu) for a swim and a picnic. We'll come back early arvo and meet up with the others for a few beverages before I have to go an make a fool of myself in the speed dating. Dont ask. I had know choice and am dreading it!
The Park sounds great!!! and the speed dating sounds interesting...I would like to be a fly on the wall for that, who knows you may meet the man of your dreams, and then won't want to hang out with us lot;)

[jojoamethyst]

Originally posted by debs66
Jo, meet me at airport at 11am - fly direct to Darwin

I'll be there - how long is the flight? 3 - 4 hours?

[Moonie]

Ohhhhh!! My head what happened, where am I:(

[jojoamethyst]

Big night last night, Moonie?;)

[debs66]

Originally posted by jojoamethyst
I'll be there - how long is the flight? 3 - 4 hours?


Yes, I guess, Im on the flight now - where are you - I was just chatting to this lady who I thought was you - but it wasn't - Look if I don't find you - wait by the first lot of toilets when we get off the plane - I'll be holding a big sign saying "IT's ME!" -

I've got screaming child in front of me - who keeps leaning over the chair and stareing at me_ want to poke my tongue out at it!!

Where is the VODKA!!

[jojoamethyst]

I'm here Deb - I got lucky and upgraded ot 1st Class. There is a spare seat so just comme on up. I'm the one with long reddish hair wearing my new brown poncho. Wont need it in Darwin though I suppose LOL

[debs66]

Im on my way - do we get champers in 1st class??

[debs66]

oh this is so exciting .... have been reading up on places to visit in Darwin - and Fannie Bay sounds intriguing?? but more interested in tonights BAR!! havent had a girls night out for...too long!!

See you Moonie and L2BS soon...... we can catch a shuttle to Darwin (oh hold on better keep the noise down - air steward giving me funny looks - don't want to get booted out into economy!!)

[Moonie]

Big night last night, Moonie?
Ummm I think so,started out having free drinks with Jus, L2bs joined us for dinner, and then we went to a club and last thing I remember is L2bs and Jus out on the dance floor with Ltbs doing this dance that really showed off her new tight belly and her perkies;)

[jojoamethyst]

Originally posted by debs66
Im on my way - do we get champers in 1st class??

IOf course - getting us in the mood for a big night tonight when we meet up ith the girls.

[debs66]

I think we must be here - L2BS where are you?? Jo, shuttle bus from the airport to the bar - can't remember the name of it though can you?? We might just have to stop off at them all on the way until we find L2BS and Moonie - and obviously sample on the way!?

[jojoamethyst]

It was the Ducks Nuts last night - not sure where tonight.
Yep - might have to do a pub crawl. How about Dolly O’Reilly’s Irish Pub?

How about dinner? Crustaceans on the Wharf sounds good. "Enjoy the magnificent ocean views and gentle sea breezes while dining al fresco."
I could do with some seafood. Low carb of course!!
Shall I ring and book for us all?

[debs66]

Oh yes, the breeze is beautiful, sat out here, eating crustations!!! yummy -

[Sherrie]

No more buses and planes, you girls gotta be walking remember? :p

Enough to burn off all that alcohol atleast!!! :D

[debs66]

OMG where am I?? Where is everyone? I don't remember anything??? How come I slept under this tree??

[jojoamethyst]

Shall we start walking - have a look at the sights? Before it starts to rain again?

[debs66]

wow, walked up to Fannie Bay today, the spit of undeveloped bushland north of Fannie Bay is good to visit in the late afternoon when the wallabies come out to feed, not that I was sharing!I was told that a cool breeze usually springs up as you watch the sun set across the bay, but had to get back to town to meet the others. We swam in a salt-water, jellyfish-free lake which was so refreshing on such a humid day.
So many things to see and do here - where to tomorrow - and I guess we need to decide when we are setting off for - wherever is next??


:D