Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 03:54:55 PM
We are currently working in a store at a place called Pukatja which has a population of around 600 people. We are about 140klm from the Stuart Hwy and about a 4hr drive to Alice Springs. The store is a good size and we get our supply's delivered from Adelaide by road train every Wed. On average around 15 pallets. The local people are very friendly and we have 2 that work on a casual basis in the store. The store is has a large takeaway section with 2 people working in the kitchen.
Accommodation
This can vary in areas but we were lucky to be given a 40ft shipping container to live in which has been remodeled and includes a good size bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge area. We are situated in a compound with a high fence and barbed wire on top. There is an old house also situated in the compound that has 2 separate bedrooms for 2 other workers. We are about 80 metres away from the shop.
Things to do
Apart from going for walks there is not much else to do but watch movies and relax. We work Mon to Friday and Sat mornings till 12.30pm. Sunday is spent washing and just chilling out. We go for the odd drive to look at the scenery.
The Weather
Being in the middle of Australia the weather is warm but is a dry heat and very tolerable especially for us coming from Cairns as we are used to the high humidity. The evening temperature will start dropping in the next few months and also the rain is expected to start. The days currently are nice with no clouds and just blue skies.
Positive things
You get to save money. You have nothing to spend it on apart from food. We bought alot of things with us such as 3 months worth of toiletries etc and have been back to Alice Springs to buy up big on food. We enjoy interacting with the local community as you get to know them by name and going for walks we stop and chat when we see them.
Downsides
Expect to get bored depending on what you are used to. You will miss going to the nearest shop or retailers to grab things but as we are working and just relaxing I can now see where I wasted all my money ha ha. Also being a dry community there is no alcohol. Since working we have both lost weight and are alot healthier and even going for a 45 min walk we were not tired or out of breath.
Another thing to remember is that there are some shady people in the community. We have been broken into and a few things stolen but its was our fault and a big learning curve. We now lock up everything. I have set up a number of my led camping lights to try and prevent people coming into the compound but they still jump the fence, yes a barbed wire fence, but are after petrol to sniff. Apart form that we enjoy the job and the people living here.
That's all I can think of for now but feel free to ask questions.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 03:59:25 PM
Some pics
Post by: Swannie on March 15, 2015, 04:04:31 PM
Swannie
Post by: jk on March 15, 2015, 04:06:26 PM
Cheers
Johnno
P.S.............................please ignore the drinking smiles ............................sorry about that ;D gotta go
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:07:06 PM
Inside the shop and the shop on the left from our compound.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:11:04 PM
The area
Mark
Post by: Swannie on March 15, 2015, 04:12:02 PM
Swannie
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:13:59 PM
Nice spot for a Myswag meet
Swannie
Unfortunately you need permission to enter the community but will be doing recons around the place as we are only about 2.3 hrs from Ayers Rock, which would make a great my swag meet.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:16:06 PM
Wow mate that's a change alright
Swannie
Yes a big change as we have a 5 to 10 year plan to work and travel Australia. Next purchase is a Hybrid van to base our living and traveling in.
Good to hear you both alive and well mate, you'll be a lean, mean, camping machine after a few more months out there :cup: you might consider buying a few solar panels and setting up an electric fence to help deter the curious locals ;D Stay well and we'll talk soon :cheers:
Cheers
Johnno
P.S.............................please ignore the drinking smiles ............................sorry about that ;D gotta goget another Coronamow the yard !!!!
Will chat soon John, don't choke on that corona ;D
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on March 15, 2015, 04:20:45 PM
Wow, what a beautiful place to love and work in, hope you guys make the most of every opportunity that living out there gives you. :cup:
Keep the pictures coming.
Enjoy,
Matt
Post by: KingBilly on March 15, 2015, 04:22:50 PM
KB
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:25:29 PM
Cheers guys, the sunsets are spectacular
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on March 15, 2015, 04:26:07 PM
lm busy when ever it is anyway in " D " country :cheers: no what l meant to say was Ummmmmm :laugh:
Post by: Foo on March 15, 2015, 04:27:06 PM
Foo
Post by: chillipepperz on March 15, 2015, 04:49:11 PM
Cheers!
Andrew
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 04:54:05 PM
Looks to be a beautiful place and a great adventure. How do you go with a petrol vehicle? I thought it was diesel only out there, or is it OPAL fuel?
Cheers!
Andrew
Opal fuel and diesel. Fuel here is $2.05 per litre.
Mark
Post by: xcvator on March 15, 2015, 06:41:21 PM
Post by: fuji on March 15, 2015, 06:48:59 PM
Cheers
Wayne
Post by: MDS69 on March 15, 2015, 08:34:23 PM
What hours do you work during the week and does the store operate public holidays. What range of services des the store offer the community eg bill paying, banking etc
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 09:24:19 PM
Looks like a nice spot Mark. We decided this weekend to go up the centre to get to Lorella Springs in June so hopefully we can catch up in Kulgera or somewhere.
Cheers
Wayne
Wayne
No problem mate. Keep me updated.
Mark
Post by: yogi on March 15, 2015, 09:26:50 PM
yogi
Post by: McGirr on March 15, 2015, 09:31:38 PM
What a great experience.
What hours do you work during the week and does the store operate public holidays. What range of services des the store offer the community eg bill paying, banking etc
The store opens 9.00 to 5.00 each day and lunch time is between 12.00 to 2.00pm. Sat is 9.00 to 12.00. The store sells grocery lines, white goods and furniture but only small amounts. As mentioned there is also a takeaway area. It's one of the bigger stores. Local people have their money paid on their centre pay account, which is centre link, and ask us to always check what money they have available to spend. Sometimes they have a couple of hundred sometimes no money so they cannot buy any food. We work on average 42 to 44hrs per week and Sat is overtime.
There is an ATM in the store which we fill up to a certain amount for them. It's very interesting compared to what we all are used to.
Yes Yogi, there is a big ice making machine ;D
Mark
Post by: Cozzie on March 15, 2015, 11:25:05 PM
Post by: Barrabart on March 16, 2015, 12:16:51 AM
Sounds like a great tree change......... for a while anyway, take it as it comes i say.
Prepare yourself, the longer u stay the harder you'll find coming back to the big smoke......... this is not a bad thing, just something to keep in mind, your views and outlook on life and priorities will be different from what it was.
I say this as i've been working out of Aus now for the past near 10yrs, always in impoverished countries. Things i see in Aus and things i hear people stress over just blow me away, i have to bite my tongue otherwise i come across as overly uncaring >:( about most first world issues. ;D
All the best! :cheers:
Post by: bentnose on March 16, 2015, 11:49:55 AM
Prepare yourself, the longer u stay the harder you'll find coming back to the big smoke..
Very true. Wise words by MCGirr
Post by: rockinj on March 16, 2015, 12:10:07 PM
Post by: Hoffy on March 16, 2015, 02:45:32 PM
Really looks like something we would like to do closer or into retirement
Post by: Nifty1 on March 16, 2015, 03:40:21 PM
Post by: rossm on March 16, 2015, 05:43:02 PM
Interesting stuff. I was wondering if there are any restrictions on where you can travel sightseeing in your leisure time.
It looks like great country but are there many places where you or your partner are not permitted to go for cultural reasons?
Cheers
Post by: McGirr on March 16, 2015, 10:13:59 PM
Do you think you will see much change in the community and or your work with Abbots plan/idea on funding people's remote lifestyle choices.
Really looks like something we would like to do closer or into retirement
Typical politicians, who knows what they will come up with next.
Hi Mr Mcgirr
Interesting stuff. I was wondering if there are any restrictions on where you can travel sightseeing in your leisure time.
It looks like great country but are there many places where you or your partner are not permitted to go for cultural reasons?
Cheers
We haven't really done much exploring but will in the future and will check with the locals where we can and can't go. As long as you have permission it's good.
Great little update, thanks. I lived and worked on a community about 3 hours north of the Alice a couple of years ago. I was on my own, the only white person living there, no phone or internet and no previous experience, but it was one of the most interesting periods of my life. I feel privileged to have done it, but realise it would have been too confronting for most people. I loved the open-ness and disarming honesty of most in the community, and really came to admire the few people who did their honest best to make a difference. I have to say I came away with a pretty poor opinion though of many of the white people who were supposed to be running the support programs - I'm sure you will experience a bit of that as well. Keen to hear your next update.
It really boils down to having the right attitude working in these places. Knowing that its only for a certain amount of time and enjoying the culture and people. Yes some people who are here should not be but talking to a teacher today she has worked on a settlement not far from here for 15 years.
MCGirr,
Prepare yourself, the longer u stay the harder you'll find coming back to the big smoke..
Very true. Wise words by MCGirr
We will be taking breaks to make sure we don't. Talking to some people in the community they have lived here for over 4 years but do go away regularly to get their perspectives right.
Hi Mark, my Wife's Cousin Marg and her husband Rick also work at Pukatja (Ernabella) great people and love an adventure :cheers: Cozzie
I probably have seen them in the store but only say hello as I am yet to get everyone's name.
Mark
Post by: letsgoplaces on March 16, 2015, 10:36:12 PM
That's a great overview of life in community :)
Glad to hear you've settled in nicely :D
You're spot on about the attitude which you go in with will determine how you deal with life as a whole.... even being broken into! Take it as an initiation :p
Keep smiling :D :D :D
Cheers
John
Post by: McGirr on March 27, 2015, 03:24:48 PM
In the mean time we are just relaxing. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Paul (SA) on March 27, 2015, 05:08:34 PM
Post by: GeoffA on March 27, 2015, 05:20:11 PM
.....We only arrived in Alice Springs yesterday and had a call from an employer today and will find out Monday if we head to Warburton working at the roadhouse........
Didn't take long to get a response Mark..... :cup:
I reckon you'll like the GCR.
Post by: rockinj on March 27, 2015, 05:35:24 PM
Sent from my GT-S5300 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: speewa158 on March 27, 2015, 05:39:24 PM
Post by: McGirr on March 27, 2015, 05:56:09 PM
We still enjoy the lifestyle and experiance.As one bloke said to me today in the caravan park he should have done this years ago.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on March 27, 2015, 07:34:58 PM
Ditto
:cup: :cheers:
Post by: oldmate on March 27, 2015, 09:00:25 PM
We are very confident in obtaining work. We are relaxing and getting some things sorted on the cruiser, bloody airbag on the drivers side is not inflating again so getting that fixed tomorrow and also more drinks :cheers:
We still enjoy the lifestyle and experiance.As one bloke said to me today in the caravan park he should have done this years ago.
Mark
So I thought you moved out there with a job secure? Not the case?
Post by: McGirr on March 27, 2015, 10:06:58 PM
So I thought you moved out there with a job secure? Not the case?
So did we but we see it as a learning curve. Any way we will head off soon to our next adventure.
Mark
Post by: Rumpig on March 27, 2015, 10:13:58 PM
A slight change of plans. Unfortunatley our postion in which we were emplyed was changed and we were not happy so left and currently staying in a caravan park sending out resumes for our next job. We only arrived in Alice Springs yesterday and had a call from an employer today and will find out Monday if we head to Warburton working at the roadhouse.i know a couple who moved to Warbuton about November last year to work in the store there...say hello to Sue and Pete when you get there for me will ya.
In the mean time we are just relaxing. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Mobi on March 27, 2015, 10:19:14 PM
All the best to Penny and you.
:cheers:
Peter
Post by: Barrabart on March 27, 2015, 11:45:14 PM
Post by: V8CRSA on March 28, 2015, 01:27:05 AM
A slight change of plans. Unfortunatley our postion in which we were emplyed was changed and we were not happy so left and currently staying in a caravan park sending out resumes for our next job. We only arrived in Alice Springs yesterday and had a call from an employer today and will find out Monday if we head to Warburton working at the roadhouse.
In the mean time we are just relaxing. :cheers:
Mark
We will be travelling the GCR in a few weeks, leaving Melbourne next weekend for the the Anne Beadell hwy, GCR etc....might get to catch up in a few weeks at Warburton.
Matt
Post by: oldmate on March 28, 2015, 06:36:36 AM
So did we but we see it as a learning curve. Any way we will head off soon to our next adventure.
Mark
Bugger mate.
Right attitude though. Good luck with the search :cheers:
Post by: McGirr on March 28, 2015, 11:22:59 AM
Getting 2 extra jerry cans today so we will have 4 jerry cans that will give us 80 litres of back up fuel.
Mark
Post by: GROB on March 28, 2015, 12:26:49 PM
We worked Piplajara Which is right in the corner of WA/SA/NT ,also Papunya , Mount Alan doing 2 month stint's twice a year
All the best to you both , be safe
Grob
Post by: McGirr on March 31, 2015, 12:26:05 PM
Just got word we are off to Warburton :cheers:
Waiting for the paperwork to come through. After checking our references we passed with flying colors and they are keen to have us.
On the road again ;D
Mark
Post by: jk on March 31, 2015, 12:29:40 PM
Johnno
Post by: duggie on March 31, 2015, 12:43:43 PM
cheers and best wishes, duggie
Post by: McGirr on March 31, 2015, 01:04:09 PM
Good to hear your on the move again mate, will talk soon................................all the best :cheers:
Johnno
John
We will have mobile service there. Will have to drink all the beer I have. Life is tough ;D
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on March 31, 2015, 01:24:59 PM
KB
Post by: McGirr on March 31, 2015, 01:30:25 PM
We are going to spend 2 nights at Ayres Rock to check it out.
Mark
Post by: chester ver2.0 on March 31, 2015, 01:45:48 PM
We are going to spend 2 nights at Ayres Rock to check it out.
Mark
Make the effort and get up for the sunrise viewing it is well worth it
Post by: trevc on March 31, 2015, 04:24:51 PM
We are going to spend 2 nights at Ayres Rock to check it out.
Mark
And please make sure you head out to the Olgas and do the long walk - some of the most spectacular scenery I saw in the whole of Aus
Trev
Post by: GeoffA on March 31, 2015, 05:15:11 PM
......Will have to drink all the beer I have. Life is tough ;D
.....and you're just the man for the job Mark ;D
Good luck to you both, Mark and Penny. Hoping this one fits better.
The sunset chopper flight over the rock and the Olgas is pretty good... :cup: :cup: :cup:
Post by: LuckyDog on March 31, 2015, 05:31:57 PM
Sent from my ZTE T83 using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on March 31, 2015, 05:38:30 PM
.....and you're just the man for the job Mark ;D
Good luck to you both, Mark and Penny. Hoping this one fits better.
The sunset chopper flight over the rock and the Olgas is pretty good... :cup: :cup: :cup:
Yes going to look into the flight.
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on March 31, 2015, 05:55:08 PM
You can camp in the overflow area for $10/person/night. Just need to walk to the amenities. Also some of the cheapest LPG refills I have had at the Resort shop.
Enjoy
KB
Post by: speewa158 on March 31, 2015, 06:30:30 PM
Post by: V8CRSA on March 31, 2015, 07:29:08 PM
Just got word we are off to Warburton :cheers:
Waiting for the paperwork to come through. After checking our references we passed with flying colors and they are keen to have us.
On the road again ;D
Mark
Congrats on the new position, we will be up that way in a few weeks time.
We are leaving melb this week and traveling via the Anne Beadell hwy.
Will make the effort to come and say g'day on the way through.
Cheers. Matt. :cheers:
Post by: McGirr on March 31, 2015, 08:03:35 PM
Congrats on the new position, we will be up that way in a few weeks time.
We are leaving melb this week and traveling via the Anne Beadell hwy.
Will make the effort to come and say g'day on the way through.
Cheers. Matt. :cheers:
Just posted on your thread. Look forward to catching up.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on April 02, 2015, 07:02:05 PM
Mark
Post by: edz on April 02, 2015, 08:31:48 PM
Post by: McGirr on April 02, 2015, 08:34:09 PM
Pics from the top would be good ;D
Hopefully the weather improves for some aerial pics.
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on April 02, 2015, 09:04:04 PM
KB
Post by: Rumpig on April 02, 2015, 10:26:26 PM
Hey mate, bit unique to see rain on the Rock. Grab some photos and share ;Dyeah make the effort to get some waterfall pics of the rock if it rains hard enough
KB
Post by: KeithB on April 02, 2015, 11:20:31 PM
I work for a convenience store magazine and, if you are okay with it, it might be nice to do a story on your life running a store in a very remote area. Coincidentally we are leaving Sydney on Saturday to head to Uluru and will be arriving in about 7-10 days and not returning to Sydney for a month. I won't be contactable for that time.
If you could PM me tomorrow, that would be good, or we could get in touch after my return. Maybe even meet up on the road?
Cheers
Keith
Post by: edz on April 03, 2015, 11:04:43 AM
Hopefully the weather improves for some aerial pics.Be some awsome colors too with the rain bringing out the richness, wonder how much actualy pools on top and not runs off .
Mark
Post by: McGirr on April 03, 2015, 04:54:03 PM
Photos of the rock do not do it justice. The sheer size of it is hard to comprehend. Driving around it, it changes shape and design. The weather today was good and we missed any chance of pics with the drizzle we had last yesterday afternoon. You can stand there for hours looking at it.as it is a days drive from our new job at Warburton we will come back to spend time and do an aerial tour of the area.
We decided to lash out and bought a camera. A Fuji model but with a set lense. Good enough for us to learn with before we upgrade in the future.
The photos attached are from our phones. We are going to take sunrise pics tomorrow and do a walk around the rock.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on April 04, 2015, 05:06:19 PM
Current fuel prices in Ayers Rock are $2.04 for both petrol and Diesel.
Tomorrow morning we head off for our drive to Warburton.
Post by: Terry W4 on April 04, 2015, 05:34:13 PM
BTW - what is the price of diesel in Alice?
Post by: GeoffA on April 04, 2015, 05:46:50 PM
Spent today cycling around Ayers Rock. Attended the sunrise viewing but the clouds hid the sun. I had to laugh when Penny was blown off her bike by a large gust of wind.
Current fuel prices in Ayers Rock are $2.04 for both petrol and Diesel.
Tomorrow morning we head off for our drive to Warburton.
Enjoy the drive Mark. ;D ;D
Plenty bulldust between The Olgas and Docker River when we did it in 2011.....
Post by: McGirr on April 04, 2015, 05:59:26 PM
Have followed your desert change with interest. You will need to change your signature block now Mark.
BTW - what is the price of diesel in Alice?
Terry about $1.39 per litre
Enjoy the drive Mark. ;D ;D
Plenty bulldust between The Olgas and Docker River when we did it in 2011.....
Yes expecting some bull dust but in saying that they have had some rain here and there. Oh well we will find out tomorrow.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on April 04, 2015, 06:01:16 PM
Enjoy the drive out to Warburton, can't wait to hear what the road is like.
Matt
Post by: McGirr on April 04, 2015, 07:08:00 PM
Enjoy the drive out to Warburton, can't wait to hear what the road is like.
Matt
Matt will update on road conditions once we get there.
Mark
Post by: Rumpig on April 04, 2015, 10:18:54 PM
Terry about $1.39 per litrenot to bad considering some places in Brissy were charging $1.34 per litre on Thursday night...though the Matilda at Kybong (near Gympie was only $1.24 per litre at the same time.
Post by: McGirr on April 05, 2015, 09:39:41 PM
Once we hit the dirt road the coruggations were waiting for us. That plus some sandy patches kept our speed to around the 80 klm per hour. It was on this section of road that a large herd of camels decided to stand in the middle of the road. after waiting for them to decide which way they wanted to go the road did improve slightly. Once we hit the tWA border , our time zone went back 1.30hrs, the road improved and was like a highway. Forgetting that today was Easter Sunday the fuel stop at Warakurna Roadhouse I was going to fuel up at had the closed sign on the door. Back up plan was to use the extra fuel I was carrying , 80ltrs in Jerry cans. Only had to use 40ltrs.
We arrived at Warburton at 3.30pm WA time and unpacked some gear into our new accommodation and will do the rest tomorrow. We don't start work until Tuesday and we live right next door.
The accommodation is very different from our last place. It's a half duplex with 2 bedrooms, lounge / dining area with a good size kitchen. Bathroom with bath and separate shower, big laundry that has a chest freezer if we want to use it, a patio that surrounds 3/4 of the place and a lock up garage. There is a cage surrounding the property and will get pics. The new manager greeted us and also had some food in the fridge and chocolates on our bed to welcome us. The best thing is that we stay rent free and that includes the Internet and a phone. A bonus is we now have a TV.
Some pics from today.
Mark
Post by: edz on April 05, 2015, 10:42:52 PM
Post by: GeoffA on April 05, 2015, 11:27:27 PM
The WA side was very good, and was a LOT better than the NT section for us.
You seem happy with your new digs.... :cup: :cup:
Geoff
Post by: letsgoplaces on April 06, 2015, 12:30:03 AM
Sounds like things are on the up and up :cup:
Cheers
John
Post by: achjimmy on April 06, 2015, 05:42:46 AM
Post by: speewa158 on April 06, 2015, 06:07:29 AM
Post by: McGirr on April 11, 2015, 03:00:02 PM
The community store is very big and gets a dry food truck every 2 weeks and a cold food truck once a month. The truck comes from Perth, approx 1800klms away.
It's a busy store and a very enjoyable work place.
Our terms of employment are great. We don't get any overtime and only work 38hrs per week. we have a half day every Wed and Sat and Sunday off. What we do get also is every 3 months a flight each to Alice Springs plus a weeks holiday. We can take the money, approx $1200 for the 2 of us, plus a weeks pay and drive. After working for 12 months we get 5 weeks holiday plus return flights to Cairns. A total of 8 weeks holiday in all. As mentioned our only costs are food and fuel as everything else is free.
Some pics below showing the store, in blue, and how close we are to the store.
Post by: McGirr on April 11, 2015, 03:03:23 PM
We are still yet to unpack alot of gear as we may be moved to a 3 bedroom house in the future.
Will get out and about soon and get some pics of around the area.
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on April 11, 2015, 04:00:00 PM
KB
Post by: slave on April 11, 2015, 05:04:52 PM
Post by: McGirr on April 11, 2015, 06:14:20 PM
I found out recently that an ex neighbour is working out in Warburton area on the road construction crew. He loves it. They work 4 weeks on and 2 off.
Yes there are quite alot of people out here working. Slowly meeting them when they come into the shop.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on April 12, 2015, 07:16:04 AM
Post by: GeoffA on April 12, 2015, 07:27:23 AM
We've been wondering how you and Penny were settling in to the new place.
Looks like you've got a pretty good setup now. :cup:
:cheers:
Post by: McGirr on April 12, 2015, 09:38:08 AM
Hi Mark,
We've been wondering how you and Penny were settling in to the new place.
Looks like you've got a pretty good setup now. :cup:
:cheers:
Geoff
A great set up. The place is perfect and bigger than our unit we had in Cairns. Settling in and we both are enjoying working here.
Mark
Post by: Barrabart on April 12, 2015, 10:28:43 AM
Post by: rossm on April 12, 2015, 08:01:04 PM
Yes there are quite alot of people out here working. Slowly meeting them when they come into the shop.
Mark
Good luck to you and well done for talking on the challenge.
There is some great country within easy driving distance when you get some time off.
Post by: Bill on April 13, 2015, 07:29:08 PM
All the best from Morag and I.
Bill
Post by: barraboy on April 14, 2015, 01:30:14 PM
Post by: Kangaron on April 14, 2015, 08:56:44 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbKkGh3x8jM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbKkGh3x8jM)
Post by: McGirr on April 14, 2015, 10:29:32 PM
We had a bit of a storm but only had a small amount of rain. The lightning put on a show though.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on April 15, 2015, 07:27:17 AM
Post by: stiffbreeze on April 15, 2015, 01:04:16 PM
Never been that far outback, so loving the pics.
Post by: McGirr on April 15, 2015, 07:12:42 PM
Post by: duggie on April 15, 2015, 07:31:42 PM
When I have lived/worked in the Tanami Desert ( 4 times now over the years ) the storms and lightning were nothing but spectacular. The desert would come alive with wild flowers only days after a storm covering the ground with a beautiful carpet of flowers and grass. Absolutely bloody beautiful.
Post by: McGirr on April 15, 2015, 07:34:37 PM
Hi Mark,
When I have lived/worked in the Tanami Desert ( 4 times now over the years ) the storms and lightning were nothing but spectacular. The desert would come alive with wild flowers only days after a storm covering the ground with a beautiful carpet of flowers and grass. Absolutely bloody beautiful.
Duggie
We have Sunday off so we may go for a drive to explore the place.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on April 15, 2015, 09:09:53 PM
Another storm came through this afternoon. Some decent wind but not much rain.
Yeah we where driving through it all afternoon........
Was good to meet you this evening mate. :cup:
Matt
Post by: McGirr on April 15, 2015, 09:56:19 PM
Yeah we where driving through it all afternoon........
Was good to meet you this evening mate. :cup:
Matt
Great to catch up with you guys.
Mark
Post by: Hoffy on April 16, 2015, 05:15:01 AM
May I ask what qualifications would be handy to have or experience in order to prepare ourselves?
Post by: McGirr on April 16, 2015, 09:00:02 AM
Awesome adventure and great reading Mark. Sounds like the type of stuff me and missus would like to do in the future.
May I ask what qualifications would be handy to have or experience in order to prepare ourselves?
In regards to qualifications, it will depend on what job you are after. As store workers you don't really need qualifications but some places prefer people with retail experience. It's not rocket science doing what we do but just common sense. Preference is given to people who are happy to stay for at least a year in places.
It's the best thing we have done and should have done it years ago.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on April 16, 2015, 11:03:41 PM
We went into the community store to see Mcgirr as well as get our tarp and a few other goods, a very handy store with almost any thing you will ever need.
Matt
Post by: McGirr on April 16, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
Had the pressure of seeing Mcgirr at his place of work this morning, as we got caught in some rain while in Warburton we needed a tarp to keep our bedding dry.
We went into the community store to see Mcgirr as well as get our tarp and a few other goods, a very handy store with almost any thing you will ever need.
Matt
Great to catch up and I arranged some farewell rain for you.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on April 17, 2015, 06:46:20 PM
Great to catch up and I arranged some farewell rain for you.
Mark
Yeah, thanks for the "farewell" rain........we didn't get a lot more after we left you, just had to deal with the wet roads. Ended up getting into yulara just before 7 with the 1.5 hour time loss.
Matt
Post by: McGirr on April 17, 2015, 07:45:19 PM
Yeah, thanks for the "farewell" rain........we didn't get a lot more after we left you, just had to deal with the wet roads. Ended up getting into yulara just before 7 with the 1.5 hour time loss.
Matt
Always happy to assist with a good send off.
Enjoy a couple of relaxing days at the Rock.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on April 18, 2015, 09:00:39 PM
There is a spot to have a fire and in the future we will take a BBQ to have lunch.
The views are stunning.
The first pic you can just make out Warburton in the background.
Mark
Post by: xcvator on April 18, 2015, 09:05:03 PM
Post by: MarkVS on April 18, 2015, 09:34:46 PM
Mark, you really are going to have to stop photoshopping your photo's before you post them up ;D ;D ;D :cup:
Yeah..I find it hard to believe that his car EVER looked that clean..... ;D
Post by: McGirr on April 18, 2015, 09:59:17 PM
Mark
Post by: Barrabart on April 18, 2015, 10:12:57 PM
Post by: McGirr on April 20, 2015, 08:18:37 PM
Looks like the weather is starting to head south with overnight temps dropping to 8 degrees by the end of the week.
Time for jackets and air con being switched to heat.
Mark
Post by: barraboy on April 21, 2015, 12:28:35 PM
Post by: McGirr on May 01, 2015, 08:47:49 AM
Mark
Looking towards the Warburton Range
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/30/d0a2aed340ea21304d40dab3b73c1363.jpg)
Looking to the west.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/30/169a48d9273ca07fccd96876567e687b.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: vicandug on May 01, 2015, 09:00:11 AM
How do you find these sort of jobs?
Sorry if it's been asked but there is a lot to read through
Vicki
Post by: McGirr on May 01, 2015, 09:53:55 AM
Hey mark
How do you find these sort of jobs?
Sorry if it's been asked but there is a lot to read through
Vicki
Vicki happy to chat about getting jobs like these. My number is 0407287620. It's easier talking than typing ;D
Mark
Post by: McGirr on May 03, 2015, 09:33:59 PM
First stop was waiting for the camels that blocked the main road to make up their mind when they wanted to cross.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/6fa2db90fe7840e9c71a084dba8f698d.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/b9419db7a54a8a04dc741ed89a8473d0.jpg)
We continued approx 25 Kim's on the Blackstone - Warburton rd and turned left on to a track. The track was easy and the vegetation varied.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/c8b9399bc10ef3ed2c26f778a8a346a0.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/75b6a9f57bf8c14956e4362ef3b424b4.jpg)
After 12 Kim's we came to an old out station. This was originally owned by a local family but now is abandoned. The windmill still works but is not connected and solar panels are used to power the pump to draw up the water. There is a 2 room shed also.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/ba39fb40fca308fd8b3fa56c4d9f30a5.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/071734d9b74037277132e1dc17252824.jpg)
After a good look around we backtracked and headed off to the ruins of an old copper mine.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/ea55f131068be5b8fd47bdc13095301e.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/ae8cabc89cac2549af66a16ad307db73.jpg)
The blocks that built the place were made from the dirt and then cement rendered. Unsure the history of the place.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/548a55828ae9a0bd7e681fac54db9715.jpg)
There is a large hole nearby where they mined.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/3401c2c09401858350fb00c0627ad527.jpg)
You can see the copper in the rock from the hole.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/e1c08c6ecf4e26d78b4ecdc61aab55df.jpg)
Last stop was an old bore that still works and handy if you need water.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/366129263d11fd46430ba391dad5723a.jpg)
Warburton has 5 major bores that supply the settlement. The water table is shallow being only between 30 to 50 feet deep from the surface.
Mark
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Post by: cruza driver on May 04, 2015, 01:38:34 AM
Post by: Hoffy on May 06, 2015, 08:58:54 PM
Post by: champin on May 06, 2015, 09:41:26 PM
Post by: mittens on May 06, 2015, 09:52:50 PM
Post by: MDS69 on May 07, 2015, 12:42:58 PM
Post by: McGirr on May 07, 2015, 03:09:10 PM
Mark
Post by: champin on May 07, 2015, 05:47:13 PM
Eutre gorge. Unsure of the spelling.
Post by: Barry G on May 07, 2015, 06:55:05 PM
:cheers:
Post by: McGirr on May 07, 2015, 07:43:31 PM
A great sunset tonight but only had the mobile phone to take a pic.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/07/228f945ae81fb3d8eb3514087dc073bc.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Barrabart on May 07, 2015, 08:08:37 PM
Post by: letsgoplaces on May 08, 2015, 02:07:53 AM
Pretty much every night is a great sunset.... and you don't get sick of them
This one was from our last night in Pip
(http://s29.postimg.org/kp17smdiv/PC190262.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
capture (http://postimage.org/app.php)
Post by: gclan on May 08, 2015, 08:12:34 AM
Looking forward to your updates and more pics.
Cheers
Karen
Post by: fuji on May 11, 2015, 07:41:09 PM
Geez Mark, all these pics are giving me an itch to head to the red dirt country!!! ;D
Few more weeks and I will be in the Gulf hoping to take same sort of photos. Hanging out.
Wayne
Post by: McGirr on May 11, 2015, 08:51:44 PM
It's roughly 280 klm there so approx 560klm round trip. As it gets dark here early, around 5.15pm, we will drive for about an hour and a half before setting up camp. Looking forward to camping in the bush with a nice fire.
Should be able to get some great pics.
Some info:
In June 1968 two monuments were erected at the junction of the boundaries approximately 127 metres apart running east-west along the 26th parallel south. The most easterly monument common to all three jurisdictions was named Surveyor Generals Corner at the suggestion of the Director of National Mapping.[4] The site is not named after a single Surveyor-General, because there were a number of them present as follows.[1]
On 4th June 1968, two concrete pillars were completed to mark Surveyor-Generals Corner in the presence V.T. O'Brien, Acting Director of Lands, N.T., P.J. Wells, Acting Surveyor-General, N.T.;H.A. Bailey, Surveyor-General, S.A.;Harold Camm, Surveyor-General, W.A.; and B.M. Allwright, Surveyor, N.T.[1]
From 7 March 2003, access to the area was restricted following a decision by the Irrunytju (Wingellina) Community in whose traditional land the Surveyor Generals Corner is situated. Access to the area is limited to guided tours and visitors require a special permit in addition to the standard Great Central Road transit permit.[5] The nearest settlement is the Aboriginal community of Kalka in South Australia, situated on the Gunbarrel Highway just a few kilometres to the south.
Mark
Post by: MDS69 on May 11, 2015, 08:59:38 PM
Yes please share some pics when you get back. That corner is the last one I need to complete the set and I will get there one day, hopefully within the next 5 years. I know you are probably on the inside there but can you please detail permits etc. Thanks.
Post by: Barry G on May 11, 2015, 09:10:24 PM
Should actually be Surveyors General's, but those place name mobs don't like apostrophes.
Post by: Bad Scott on May 12, 2015, 07:20:35 PM
^^^^^x2
Yes please share some pics when you get back. That corner is the last one I need to complete the set and I will get there one day, hopefully within the next 5 years. I know you are probably on the inside there but can you please detail permits etc. Thanks.
Post by: Glenno on May 12, 2015, 09:47:19 PM
Your living a sensational adventure, very different and exciting!!!
As mentioned in your extract above there is a huge amount of restricted area around there. Hopefully you get the ability to go explore a heap of it!!!
Envious.
Enjoy and stay safe
Post by: GU Rich on May 13, 2015, 08:27:42 PM
Cheers
Post by: McGirr on May 13, 2015, 11:31:19 PM
I just caught up on this thread again Mark. Sounds like a great trip planned with Sue!
Cheers
Yes mate looking forward to the expedition.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on May 14, 2015, 12:21:50 AM
Cheers Matt
Post by: McGirr on May 17, 2015, 10:09:41 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/7bdcd9a2a0b3cce2124227fb33d35f01.jpg)
We had cut some wood a couple of days earlier and bought with us but as it was going to be a cool night we were lucky to have firewood on tap.
The next morning the wind was blowing with a slight chill factor.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/319391898a986bfa16c7298fae7a227b.jpg)
We arrived at the corner around 10.30am. The road in from the main road is not signposted but says private property. A short distance up the road and we arrived.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/c44ff7832f9d57699d2b41ec35b378a9.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/746f14095fece4e7c88764bb040660aa.jpg)
There is a small covered area.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/273f618281a8c685bf3a8cd92980500c.jpg)
Approx 50 meters further up is another post.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/1fcfebca69ce7a8311cb175f8e28b732.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/b1d19d8de5a06d4ab167c68bcde04dae.jpg)
As you can see the markers are both not done as they should be but it was different being able to walk around three states and three time zones.
A short walk and there is an out station that looks abandoned. There are 2 drop toilets here.
On the way back we came across the usual herd of camels.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/038996a3ea7e3b7019807ab58fbe364b.jpg)
Just north of Blackstone the unusual hills were hard not to take a few pics of.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/994e8ead6d13da824f2ded4a5b0808a7.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/e346040d46fdc5f6858485333ba7e698.jpg)
The dirt road was good and all up about 560klms round trip.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on May 17, 2015, 10:10:55 PM
Some pics from Sue who we went with on the trip.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on May 17, 2015, 10:11:50 PM
Mark
Post by: Rumpig on May 17, 2015, 10:21:36 PM
Post by: Barry G on May 17, 2015, 10:33:33 PM
Also, why 2? I would've thought there would only be one, at the corner itself.
Post by: McGirr on May 17, 2015, 10:35:39 PM
I see Sue and Pete went in Pete's big yellow bus...has Sue got her Defender out there with them also?
Yes Sue has got her defender here.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on May 17, 2015, 10:42:25 PM
Fancy getting vthe markers do worn, FFS!!!!
Also, why 2? I would've thought there would only be one, at the corner itself.
I think they are right, I've red somewhere that the S/A-N/t border isn't a straight line with W/a there is a small kink where they meet.......
Post by: Barry G on May 17, 2015, 10:48:10 PM
I think they are right, I've red somewhere that the S/A-N/t border isn't a straight line with W/a there is a small kink where they meet.......That makes sense of the markers, ... a pity about the 'grafitti'.
Post by: Bookleaf on May 17, 2015, 11:31:24 PM
ie
!
WA ! NT
!_______
!
! SA
Can any one provide credible evidence that this is so??
Post by: letsgoplaces on May 18, 2015, 01:00:40 AM
The follow is a piece taken from this page http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/geographic-information/dimensions/border-lengths (http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/geographic-information/dimensions/border-lengths)
A glance at most maps of Australia will tell you something that isn't quite true. The border which runs along the eastern edge of Western Australia is not actually one continuous straight line.
The survey of the Western Australian border was first discussed in 1911, but it wasn't until 1922 that an agreement was signed between then Prime Minister W.M. Hughes, the Acting Premier for South Australia, Mr. Bice, and the Premier of Western Australia, Sir James Mitchell. The agreement set out the border as being a line determined by the 129th meridian east longitude. However, the agreement required that the boundary be defined by lines running north and south from independently fixed points at Deakin and Argyle. When survey work began on the South Australia - Northern Territory border in 1963, it was quickly realised that the earlier agreement precluded the possibility of these lines meeting exactly.
Precise survey methods confirmed this and in June 1968 two monuments approximately 127 metres apart were erected at the junction of the boundaries. This ceremony was attended by the respective Surveyors General, H.Comm from Western Australia, H.A. Bailey from South Australia, and P.J. Wells from the Northern Territory. The monuments common to all three jurisdictions was named Surveyor General's Corner at the suggestion of the Director of National Mapping. One interesting piece of trivia is that fewer people have visited this site than have been to the South Pole.
Cheers
John
Post by: Kunnara on May 18, 2015, 06:28:14 AM
Cheers...
Post by: swanny on May 18, 2015, 08:01:06 AM
Living the dream, good on ya's.
Safe travels
Luke.
Post by: McGirr on May 18, 2015, 09:05:02 AM
This is a great read and thanks for posting it up,although I haven't been through the whole thing as yet.Out of curiosity what age bracket are you guys in???c
Cheers...
I am a very young 54 and Penny is 41.
Mark
Post by: Symon on May 18, 2015, 04:32:33 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/17/1fcfebca69ce7a8311cb175f8e28b732.jpg)
That graffiti really Shits me. People can be so stupid and ignorant, the markers are right and some twat with a paint pen decides to 'correct' them.
Post by: dales133 on May 18, 2015, 04:49:47 PM
Case in point I took a friend from overseas to the northern most tip of NZ and was telling her about the sign post with all the major capitals and distances to them....get to the top after a 6 hour drive then a long walk and some pole smoker had snapped all the signs off then spray painted all over the brass monument.
I was livid
Post by: Rumpig on May 18, 2015, 06:41:17 PM
I thought similar when we got to Poepple Corner in 2010, only to find some clown with the same name as mine had scratched his name into the marker >:( ...atleast the Haddon and Cameron Corner markers were unscathed when we visited them, which was good to see.
That graffiti really Shits me. People can be so stupid and ignorant, the markers are right and some twat with a paint pen decides to 'correct' them.
Post by: McGirr on May 18, 2015, 07:26:44 PM
I thought similar when we got to Poepple Corner in 2010, only to find some clown with the same name as mine had scratched his name into the marker >:( ...atleast the Haddon and Cameron Corner markers were unscathed when we visited them, which was good to see.
If we ever head there again I will clean that stuff off. Also some people have tried to steal the markers.
Mark
Post by: Glenno on May 20, 2015, 03:28:56 AM
For more information about going there send me a pm.
Mark
Great write up Mark, thanks.
Definitely on my interest list. Have been down GCR, but need to return to do side trip exploring!!!
G
Post by: McGirr on May 21, 2015, 12:02:28 AM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/20/2a9c22545b8308e5c9c8145ffbee143c.jpg)
On the far left is the Warburton Roadhouse which is on the Great Central Road. On the far right is a place called Workcamp. It's a prison for low risk prisoners. Total number of prisoners is 5. They pick up rubbish from around the place. Every Wed they come into the store and buy food escorted by prison guards.
Just on the left of the community is the street that houses the police. You will see each house looks the same. Each house has a double garage and they are quite big. They call it millionaires row as each house cost around that much to build. Some even have outdoor spas.
Also it's only a short walk to the airport.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: letsgoplaces on May 21, 2015, 03:45:53 PM
Cheers
John
Post by: McGirr on May 21, 2015, 07:14:02 PM
Mark, what's the population there?
Cheers
John
Between 400 to 500. It's the biggest store in the land with a catchment area of 500klms. Interesting the store owns 2 x 2 bedroom duplexes and 3 x 3 bedroom houses for the staff. Not bad for a small community.
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on May 21, 2015, 09:54:39 PM
Between 400 to 500. It's the biggest store in the land with a catchment area of 500klms. Interesting the store owns 2 x 2 bedroom duplexes and 3 x 3 bedroom houses for the staff. Not bad for a small community.
Mark
We only ventured around half the store, but wow it's huge and they really do have some of everything.
We found it very impressive, and driving through town to watch the rulettes leave was also an experience.
Matt
Post by: letsgoplaces on May 21, 2015, 10:11:03 PM
Between 400 to 500. It's the biggest store in the land with a catchment area of 500klms. Interesting the store owns 2 x 2 bedroom duplexes and 3 x 3 bedroom houses for the staff. Not bad for a small community.
Mark
Holy cow, 5 dwellings for staff...... and not a container in sight :o ;D
Post by: duggie on May 22, 2015, 10:20:24 AM
letsgoplaces, thanks for the link, you learn something every day.
cheers duggie
Post by: edz on May 23, 2015, 07:48:51 PM
Post by: McGirr on May 23, 2015, 08:26:35 PM
Found the perfect avatar pic for McGirr
Done :cheers:
Mark
Post by: edz on May 23, 2015, 08:40:59 PM
Post by: Glenno on May 24, 2015, 08:36:29 PM
Any artwork around Mark?? You might find yourself sending some masterpieces home!!
G
Post by: McGirr on May 24, 2015, 09:19:51 PM
Have been to the Warakurna store near Giles, but missed stopping in at Warburton, which sounds much bigger.
Any artwork around Mark?? You might find yourself sending some masterpieces home!!
G
Yes Warburton is a little bigger with the biggest store. Travelers are allowed to shop at the store as the prices are cheaper than the roadhouse and we have a bigger range. I need to get some pics up of the store inside.
We have bought 2 paintings and get asked all the time to buy some. You have to find the right artist first who has been doing the paintings for years.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on May 30, 2015, 03:28:41 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/29/1ef9741e7f2a383ae568d6f2f76340e0.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/29/2ad389cde0c051de443aa27a23c4090c.jpg)
It looked so funny as the driver is tall and he just fits in the car. Not sure what nationality he is but the car is a left hand drive and looks like he is traveling the world.
Mark
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Post by: D4D on May 30, 2015, 04:29:31 PM
Post by: edz on May 30, 2015, 04:46:44 PM
Post by: McGirr on June 14, 2015, 06:53:08 PM
It's interesting the plants that come to life after the rain we had a few weeks ago.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/9d241f6bd4c31cc0f3f9c351c0eef3e7.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/4ca956dd92cd54ffed0c63d57a4a294c.jpg)
There is also a dam that is feed by a bore. Some people swim there but it was built to keep the camels out of town.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/8d606ca1595abaaa5d129ffdcdbd8c93.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/850e0d8edc7f84fedd01e748d94eb570.jpg)
Even scored a fly landing on the lens.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/a645a18e1d151a1ea33b400d14202aa1.jpg)
The bore is located approx 800mtrs away that pumps into the dam.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/49e699a28c2cec64fa2f304112d610c9.jpg)
A scenery shot.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/861e8a71ea8def08da5676838cb8e1a5.jpg)
We are hoping to head out on the Connie Sue Highway next weekend to camp overnight. There is a gorge about 95klms away to explore.
Mark
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Post by: fc_holden on June 15, 2015, 06:06:20 PM
Post by: McGirr on June 16, 2015, 08:32:32 PM
Due to Penny having a sore wrist we have travelled to Kalgoorlie a week early. We left Warburton this morn at 6.00 am and arrived in Kalgoorlie at 4.30pm. Penny sees the doctor tomorrow and I booked the cruiser in for a service also. A lot of shopping to be had so we bought the camper which I emptied out to carry a heap of groceries back. We leave here Sat with a stop overnight somewhere then arrive home on Sunday.
Then back to work Tuesday. Trip report to follow when I stop drinking. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: yogi on June 19, 2015, 11:38:15 AM
yogi
Post by: McGirr on June 19, 2015, 07:03:12 PM
While we are here we had a look the super pit. Holy crap it's big. This is the first open cut mine I have seen.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/f0efe672fb34476fd33c300abb2c6034.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/e215686a9bcdcaf13145adadac7cc041.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/6e3f2c944dfd7f76117c49e6e42fd868.jpg)
This will give an idea of the size of the place taken from the viewing area photo that's on display.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/19/609367668566be82e39c49b8d71b921a.jpg)
Full trip report in a few days.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Redcherokee on June 19, 2015, 07:10:36 PM
Post by: McGirr on June 19, 2015, 07:27:31 PM
You are not going to go all that way for a minor pain. Hope Penny is OK.
It's either here or Alice springs. We think Penny may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here wrist is very painful. They are not sure if she has it so we are waiting on more tests. We bought a wrist brace. It's getting better.
Mark
Post by: Hogie on June 19, 2015, 07:44:38 PM
Post by: MarkVS on June 19, 2015, 08:04:00 PM
how are they going to fill that hole when its finished ? Its huge.
MarkVS
Post by: McGirr on June 19, 2015, 08:09:02 PM
We are travelling through there on our way to the NT in two weeks time. What is the condition of the GC Road at the moment?
Road is great, we sat on 100k for most of it.
Mark,
how are they going to fill that hole when its finished ? Its huge.
We were lucky to see them set of explosions at the pit. The sound was 10 seconds behind the explosion. Mark the pit is HUGE.
Mark
MarkVS
Post by: GGV8Cruza on June 19, 2015, 08:45:54 PM
GG
Post by: McGirr on June 19, 2015, 08:56:32 PM
Hope the :cheers: are going down well
GG
There's a lot of dust to clear :cheers:
Mark
Post by: McGirr on June 28, 2015, 07:53:58 PM
The grass is very slow growing and there were a heap of foam boxes that people who originally lived in the duplex would grow plants. Decided they would go and would start a garden. I have no plan with the design but would add things as I go.
The first thing was get rid of the foam boxes and some grass then use the dirt from the foam boxes to start the garden.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/28/5d066f8118e4f05a72ea5ff12c5e9bd9.jpg)
After driving around the area I found some rocks in a large spot that I would rake up and use a container to bring the rocks home. So far only 3 trips to gather the rocks. A lot more trips to gather more. The area I get the rocks from is about 4 klms from home. Unfortunately there is no landscape suppliers here. So everything I want needs to be raked up, put in a large bucket and tipped into the containers.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/28/
d47dafa9dade41d113c9fb6ed4796cc9.jpg)
I found a few flat rocks buried in the back yard so decided to dig them up and use them as a path. The greenish colored rocks I used to fill the gaps between the flat rocks I got from the old copper mine. Same thing rake them up and put them in a container in the back of the cruiser.
Today I gathered some flat rocks from another area to make a fire pit. Still some work to go as I need to add more rocks in the base of the fire pit. While digging the hole in the yard I found the main tap buried under the grass so had to move the fire pit design away from it.
The garden is starting to take shape as I found a heap of Quartz rocks in an area that will be used in the design. I am trying to use as much color as possible in the design.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/28/3d122d895def1f477c72cad4a2c7412f.jpg)
Just need to move some more dirt to the garden from the yard then will dig up some plants from the area. More rock gathering to come from different areas.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: D4D on June 28, 2015, 07:59:58 PM
Post by: McGirr on July 16, 2015, 10:27:23 PM
The road was pretty corrugated in sections and was very hard to get above them due to the track weaving all over the place. The scenery changed constantly from vegetated sand dunes to tree less open plains.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/dec19b2a2a1cc723e8db8271e2d5621d.jpg)
The corrugations.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/4949ae65e83f528890837ef33d9a28b7.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/ebd605d624706111a232174f671f9e75.jpg)
Some of the plants along the track.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/d086d6e990fe1a3202755e8abbf75d88.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/3f16b234d4ce16aec9f6af7109c9b9f6.jpg)
The track changes dramatically from being heavily vegetated to open plains.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/072c72ab04f3403a9b670830168e0274.jpg)
The Gorge.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/31a487c5ea401a849403ac67f35714ff.jpg)
We decided to make our way into the gorge to get away from the wind. After 10 min we found a track in and set up camp. It took us. Approx an hour and a half to get here.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/b3a3d0510046063786d82940dfc75ea6.jpg)
The fire was quickly started as we knew it would be a cool night.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/e5919570f6602e0e58d7ed7064545907.jpg)
The bush pin strips. Some of the bushes love cars.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/1f09ce0c51d6a4c224ec3e023f1d37a9.jpg)
I managed to get a few pics before the sun set.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/f73efa61cb9f6693d95c7d94d156f30d.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/c109cc3092415755c6cc5101596f1b56.jpg)
After cooking some burgers on the webber Q we settled in as the cold weather hit and F€%¥ it got cold. We rugged up around the fire and even put hot coals under the chairs but walk one foot away from the fire and it was like hitting a frozen wall. Time moved on and it was time to go to bed. Opened the camper up and I swear there was ice inside. We jumped up on the bed with our 15 layers of clothing on and even the pillow was frozen. I just laid there with the hood of my jacket over me. I swear I know now what rigormortis is like. I dare not move as any mm either way the bed was freezing. Any way I finally fell asleep, hoping I would wake up, and not freeze to death.
About 3.00am, you guessed it, I was busting to go to the men's room. I tried to hold on but my kidneys shrunk to the size of a pea so I had no hope. I crawled out of bed with a wimped and made my way out of the camper. Holy *%€¥ it was freezing. I found a spot away from the cool icy breeze and hoped I would be able to undo my pants and hopefully find it. I swear I had to empty 50 ltrs of fluid. I pictured myself being found in the morning frozen in this position. Finally what seemed like hours I crawled back into bed and whimpered again. Penny was snoring but her snores were broken by her mumbling something about ice.
Morning came and I was alive. I waited until there was some sun and got up. There was a breeze but not as cold or I could not feel it still being numb. Bacon and eggs was the ideal breakfast and I let Penny sleep in a little as I could still hear her snoring so I was relieved she made it through the night. We found out the temperature was down to 1 degree that night.
I decided to get some more pics of the area.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/7cd1d91584e724cb3c463fa467c654f2.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/c37ad6c9600b5d525d0e937f204339b9.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/b7f89b49567fa594e72cb7b2b5ea5c9b.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/f59360168561cac8e98ea52f8872fb73.jpg)
We started to pack up and head back taking our time. The road seemed a lot rougher on the way back. After about 30mins driving I heard a noise and pulled up. Checked the camper and all seemed fine. Another 2 klm and I could smell something burning. Next minute the drivers side rear tyre exploded. Bugger. I get the jack out, crawl under the car and here is a stick that got stuck between the shock and wheel and it was tearing a hole into the tyre hence the burning smell. The tyre was destroyed and still had some great tread on it. Oh well these things happen.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/4224767d2079575ff8916158f93401ca.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/078507dc04c5a189ad82e15f32aa2344.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/16/6146ef13121336aadb6d3c8fce868101.jpg)
We made it back and the fun of cleaning begun. We enjoyed the trip and the country side out here.
Mark
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Post by: V8CRSA on July 16, 2015, 10:41:00 PM
That looks like a pretty cool spot mate, I have been doing some research on the commie sue as we are planning on doing ABH again in a few years and also doing the connie sue.
I have read that the traditional owners don't want anyone leaving the track in these areas now and the gorge is impossible to get access too ?
Check the pics coming mate,
Cheers Matt
Post by: jk on July 16, 2015, 10:42:42 PM
Please keep the trip reports coming.....................their a breath of fresh air to us here in the big
Cheers
Johnno
Post by: stiffbreeze on July 17, 2015, 06:53:29 AM
Cheers.
Post by: KingBilly on July 17, 2015, 08:34:30 AM
KB
Post by: Kangaron on July 17, 2015, 10:38:57 AM
Post by: McGirr on July 19, 2015, 09:47:51 PM
What an incredible plant. I have only ever seen them in Alice Springs and never out here. They were growing in a culvert on the side of the road.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/19/9261342887a838789318f2b3afa01c94.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/19/807cc4f6c383c3688958aafd0c31f920.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/19/17785414c87b1c12ee262ee43a3d8d95.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: letsgoplaces on July 19, 2015, 10:15:54 PM
Great pictures of your travels so far. It's great to get out and have a look around :)
I certainly don't miss those corrugations though :p
Cheers
John
Post by: marvellous_matt on July 19, 2015, 11:17:23 PM
Matt
Post by: edz on July 19, 2015, 11:47:36 PM
Decided to head out today to grab some more plants from the bush. While driving around I spotted a dark red plant from the road. .........They were growing in a culvert on the side of the road.Operative words " They Were growing " Does that mean they are now adding colour to the McGirrs new garden ;D ;D
Post by: McGirr on July 19, 2015, 11:55:30 PM
hey Mark, it must be great to see some wild desert peas, the ones in Alice are actually all cultivated, the natural range is a few hundred KM sth, closer to Uluru way, of course with a green thumb you can get them to grow many places! they don't like having their roots disturbed too much, so you might not have much success relocating them. the seeds are easy to collect when the flowers die off, I can talk you through growing them from seed if you like.
Matt
Matt that would be appreciated. Send me a pm.
Operative words " They Were growing " Does that mean they are now adding colour to the McGirrs new garden ;D ;D
The soil here is like digging through concrete. It is baked from the sun. I would rather leave them in the wild and collect the seeds.
Mark
Mark
Post by: gclan on July 20, 2015, 08:05:11 AM
Post by: rotor138 on July 20, 2015, 07:00:33 PM
Matt that would be appreciated. Send me a pm.
The soil here is like digging through concrete. It is baked from the sun. I would rather leave them in the wild and collect the seeds.
Mark
Mark
Can you send me a PM on how to grow them as well please. We have heaps of them around here at the moment.
Post by: McGirr on July 20, 2015, 08:27:44 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/0a83b1ba385f3a386d1174d9d309e8f2.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: letsgoplaces on July 20, 2015, 09:51:28 PM
Post by: marvellous_matt on July 20, 2015, 11:15:39 PM
Can you send me a PM on how to grow them as well please. We have heaps of them around here at the moment.Ive got some days off later in the week,will send something through then.
Post by: McGirr on July 20, 2015, 11:32:07 PM
Ive got some days off later in the week,will send something through then.
Thanks Matt.
Mark
Post by: rotor138 on July 21, 2015, 04:29:08 PM
Ive got some days off later in the week,will send something through then.
That would be awesome.
Thanks Matt.
Post by: Paul (SA) on July 23, 2015, 06:45:15 PM
We bought a painting off a local artist. He had done one for a another person and we liked his work.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/0a83b1ba385f3a386d1174d9d309e8f2.jpg)
Mark
I'd prefer a dot painting from Lake Gregory myself...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on July 28, 2015, 09:50:40 PM
It was a 9 seater plane she flew on. Her first time on a small plane.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/f2231aa18e81eaafcef1a78400b9e438.jpg)
Warburton from the air.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/e4b912fbc949fbc2f7196bf677545810.jpg)
The salt lakes that are scattered around the place before coming into Kalgoorlie.They mine the gold underneath the lakes. You can see a perfect circle which is a current mine.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/bdd99b6968795d6cac2007e0b2a6c544.jpg)(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/ead6d58fa24a64209f4c8f273c85db3b.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/2492a68188bb2571f78818c28891c99d.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/28/6ac6041f986b02a95a6f396212e2e39e.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on August 09, 2015, 04:12:26 PM
Not happy with that she flew back out recently to Perth to get tested and has severe Carpel Tunnel in her right hand. She told the specialist at Perth Hospital what the other specialist said and he was stunned. Also the #^^* specialist at Kal did not tick the box on Penny's paperwork for the flights to be reimbursed as he diagnosed Menopause. The results will be sent to him. I should del it myself and stick it where the sun don't shine.
Any way long story short, she has to fly to Perth, a 4 hr flight, to see the specialist on the 20th August just for a 30min consultation for the surgery to be done 2 weeks later. We worked out it will be cheaper to find somewhere to stay in Perth as it will be cheaper than flying back. and forth. She is now off work for 2 months until she has the op and all good to come back to work.
Costs so far including flights, taxi, accommodation $2700. Ouch. Another return flight $1200 plus what ever accommodation and food costs over the time she is in Perth. The joys of working remote.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Rumpig on August 09, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 09, 2015, 04:19:42 PM
In the end, the important thing is she gets it fixed...you can't put a price on your health.
Very true, she was a bit upset but the shop manger was fine and her job is there once she gets better.
Mark
Post by: jk on August 09, 2015, 04:57:01 PM
All the best guys
Cheers
Johnno
Post by: GeoffA on August 09, 2015, 05:42:26 PM
Hopefully, now that the correct diagnosis has been made, Penny will have this issue sorted.
Best wishes to you both, from Kay and I.
:cheers:
Geoff
Post by: KingBilly on August 09, 2015, 06:36:46 PM
Very true, she was a bit upset but the shop manger was fine and her job is there once she gets better.
Mark
You will just have to work twice as hard to cover for Penny ;D
Mate, please pass on our best wishes to Penny for a speedy recovery.
KB
Post by: listo on August 09, 2015, 06:51:42 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 09, 2015, 07:04:30 PM
Thanks everyone, will update in due course. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: CRW on August 09, 2015, 08:48:10 PM
Just a bit of an update. The specialist Penny saw in Kal would have to be the worst one ever. She sat down in front of him and discussed the problem with her hands thinking it may be Carpel Tunnel as the systems seem to suggest that. The specialist said after checking her hands that she is going through menopause and needs to go on hormone replacement tablets. Penny said how he can come up with this synopsis without tests such as blood tests. The doctor replied blood tests are inconclusive and that at her age 40 she is getting old. I was stunned when she told me this. Any way she flew back to Warbuton and thankfully the cost of the flights were covered, $720.
Not happy with that she flew back out recently to Perth to get tested and has severe Carpel Tunnel in her right hand. She told the specialist at Perth Hospital what the other specialist said and he was stunned. Also the #^^* specialist at Kal did not tick the box on Penny's paperwork for the flights to be reimbursed as he diagnosed Menopause. The results will be sent to him. I should del it myself and stick it where the sun don't shine.
Any way long story short, she has to fly to Perth, a 4 hr flight, to see the specialist on the 20th August just for a 30min consultation for the surgery to be done 2 weeks later. We worked out it will be cheaper to find somewhere to stay in Perth as it will be cheaper than flying back. and forth. She is now off work for 2 months until she has the op and all good to come back to work.
Costs so far including flights, taxi, accommodation $2700. Ouch. Another return flight $1200 plus what ever accommodation and food costs over the time she is in Perth. The joys of working remote.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Mark, I feel your pain and in the wallet, if she was coming to Sydney, I have a spare room she can use, Hey can any of you Perth swaggers help out here with a bed. mark has given so freely of his knowledge for swaggers and anyone going to the Cape. I have been on the receiving end of his knowledge and the constant phone calls to keep us updated when we were traveling to the cape, have never meet Mark but believe we are friends, he passed me he was on the way back from the cape and we were on the way up. I was driving around Cairns one day when I got a call on the radio, it was Mark following me, such a real nice guy so if you can help him out here I would be grateful. Thanks for reading guys
Cheers
Carl
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Post by: Black Diamond on August 09, 2015, 08:59:18 PM
John
Post by: edz on August 09, 2015, 10:58:54 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 09, 2015, 11:09:58 PM
Just be sure to tell Penny dont be tempted to get both Carpell's done at the same time, Had a mate do that Good thing he was living at home at the time, His mum had the lob of looking after her adult infant son all over again in every way .. ;D
Getting the right hand done first and the other will have a cortisone injection until next year as it's not as bad. Plus I am not wipping no ones butt :D
Mark
Post by: Barry G on August 09, 2015, 11:14:25 PM
Idiots like that should be held accountable.
Post by: McGirr on August 09, 2015, 11:50:15 PM
Has Penny considered reporting the specialist in Kal to the A.M.A?
Idiots like that should be held accountable.
Yes she is going to contact them and discuss what he said.
Mark
Post by: RallyDog on August 10, 2015, 06:15:39 AM
Post by: plusnq on August 10, 2015, 07:19:38 AM
Yes she is going to contact them and discuss what he said.
Mark
Make sure you write to the State Medical Board as well. Not much will happen with an individual complaint but it is the body of evidence that usually will force them to act.
Post by: Paul (SA) on August 10, 2015, 07:53:12 AM
I hope the swagger family in Perth can really round and help out.
All the best.
Post by: GGV8Cruza on August 16, 2015, 12:47:16 AM
GAG
Post by: McGirr on August 27, 2015, 08:08:45 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/27/75d74a1b03350a417a2559eb700c463e.jpg)
A massive THANK YOU to Richard who arranged accommodation at his father in laws place. Dennis, a big thank you for letting Penny stay and assisting in driving her to places. Hopefully in the future we can repay the hospitality she received.
She will spend another month until the doctor gives her the all clear to come back to work.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: KingBilly on August 27, 2015, 08:35:57 PM
KB
Post by: edz on August 27, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Post by: jk on August 27, 2015, 08:46:41 PM
Speedy recovery Penny.........................Look after her Mark, she's a keeper :cup:
Cheers
Johnno
Post by: RallyDog on August 27, 2015, 09:58:50 PM
Richard
Post by: Nomad on August 27, 2015, 10:14:23 PM
I hope Penny has a speedy recovery.
Best regards
:cheers:
Post by: Mobi on August 27, 2015, 11:49:03 PM
All the best.
Peter
Post by: fuji on August 28, 2015, 01:43:32 PM
Post by: Whistler on August 28, 2015, 05:46:41 PM
To say we have had a good time is an understatement.
I say to any one even thinking about hitting the road to work their way around Australia just DO IT.
There is a heap of work out there if you are willing to do it. Every now and again you will pull a job that you will not want to leave.
To make all this work we have an agreement with each other that if either one of us does not like it where we are after say 6weeks then we move on to the next place. Some of the people that we have met have become very close friends and I would not change any thing that we have done.
You only get one chance......life is not a rehearsal just do it.
Whistler
Post by: jswaggerking on August 31, 2015, 07:01:31 PM
Live the dream, not dream it.
Post by: McGirr on September 06, 2015, 05:33:38 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/50637e88cb754094fea1bb34bf8d64dc.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/3cebb31e1c7eda6ad0d76a66c7c4cf26.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/3a9bd072e8b567c2a60617d9478f655d.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/043776b2ce5d4b5a09a48d55aca8e3fc.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: ATC on September 06, 2015, 06:02:39 PM
was camping at Myall Lakes a few years ago and a group these, and old Massey Fergusons came through.
I though it was interesting, the missus not so much.....
BTW - been following the thread - hope Penny's healing well
Post by: McGirr on September 06, 2015, 06:53:00 PM
Yes, Penny is healing quicker than expected. Hopefully she will be back at work in a few weeks.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on September 06, 2015, 07:19:00 PM
To me this is what MySwag is all about . A connection to people that share a common interest .
This is the most part of every thing . :cup: :cup: :cheers:
Post by: rags on September 06, 2015, 07:58:33 PM
The things you see at Warburton.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/50637e88cb754094fea1bb34bf8d64dc.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/3cebb31e1c7eda6ad0d76a66c7c4cf26.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/3a9bd072e8b567c2a60617d9478f655d.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/043776b2ce5d4b5a09a48d55aca8e3fc.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Love to see them getting the spare tyre of the roof!
Post by: McGirr on September 13, 2015, 06:27:52 PM
On the left is the large chiller (fridge) and then next to that is the large freezer past the free standing freezer. They are walk in ones that store a lot of gear.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/55765ad6c03284a86369109e4e58b268.jpg)
There are 4 big isles.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/3790507f537c41e8ffd5bb00910257cf.jpg)
There are 2 registers. I was on the main register that day.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/1c6919ce5805102f9e735f20134edf77.jpg)
Out the back, through the doorways we have a store age area for fridges, washing machines etc, then there is a clothing rook that is pretty big plus a food prep area for the fresh food we get once a fortnight. There are rooms every where. It also leads to the ware house that opens out to 2 large, container size freezers, where we store pallets of bread and meat. Also access to the walk in chiller and freezer is off from the warehouse. We have 20 cameras to Monitor everything and also have UHF hand held radios to contact staff
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/f2e58ff507777a0b451741a25e3873b3.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/ae86b01433a39fb162cd573c459d384a.jpg)
It used to be on old servo many years ago but has been extended.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: KingBilly on September 13, 2015, 06:31:01 PM
KB
Post by: McGirr on September 13, 2015, 06:32:18 PM
Mr McGirr, the checkout chick :cup:
KB
I am multi skilled and also a lean mean stacking machine ;D
Mark
Post by: V8CRSA on September 13, 2015, 07:34:04 PM
Having been in that very store when we where in Warburton in April and also met Mcgirr, I can say with out doubt there is almost nothing they didn't have in that shop a truely amazing range of stuff.
But can't say I'm glad not to be paying those prices everyday.......
Matt
Post by: McGirr on September 22, 2015, 06:33:14 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/14119a5841ae8d401e869c74acef7df8.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/26ef12c82169e9f4c9e51175e277d0de.jpg)
This put me 2 hrs behind and after a 12hr drive arrived in Kalgoorlie. Total distance 890k. 540k of that is dirt.
Over the last couple of days I have collected the new chainsaw, a heap of groceries and eaten as much junk food as possible. Plus drinking as much as I can. Currently staying at a caravan park as Penny is still back at Warburton.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/dab45e4634faf52f0cf1a9daf7d5d924.jpg)
Trailer just about full. Roughly 150litrs of bottled water, 100litres of coke, 9 packs of toilet paper, plus a heap of other gear. The trailer is full plus a big storage case at the front gets filled. Yet to do is the meat shopping. I have 3 fridges to fill.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/b033622d46800efad5b1c3f22086d69c.jpg)
I even got a chance to give the car a wash and polish. Well polished one side any way. All the bush pin striping is gone. Still plenty of dust inside in the nooks and crannies.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/d97dfc9747023ba8845eeb57f3c435ab.jpg)
Hopefully the trip back is nice and easy.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Barry G on September 22, 2015, 07:35:44 PM
Post by: KingBilly on September 22, 2015, 08:12:09 PM
What do you think caused that Mark? Corrugations?
Or Mr McGirr not checking his nuts 8)
KB
Post by: McGirr on September 22, 2015, 08:41:20 PM
What do you think caused that Mark? Corrugations?
I did the bearings a week prior and made sure I tightened the nuts up. But being slack I should have checked them after an hours driving. I thank myself lucky that's the only damage. The road was smooth with no corrugations and the soft dirt helped keeping the damge to a minimum. Interesting I checked the other side and the nuts were still nice and tight. I dreaded the damage when I stopped and checked but was glad of the outcome. A semi driver stopped and offered assistance but told him all was fine. Another learning curve.
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on September 22, 2015, 08:45:09 PM
I did the bearings a week prior and made sure I tightened the nuts up. But being slack I should have checked them after an hours driving. I thank myself lucky that's the only damage. The road was smooth with no corrugations and the soft dirt helped keeping the damge to a minimum. Interesting I checked the other side and the nuts were still nice and tight. I dreaded the damage when I stopped and checked but was glad of the outcome. A semi driver stopped and offered assistance but told him all was fine. Another learning curve.
Mark
Always check your nuts mate. I am always in trouble from my wife for checking mine too often ;D
KB
Post by: jk on September 22, 2015, 08:45:26 PM
Post by: GeoffA on September 22, 2015, 08:53:30 PM
You need a big breaker bar mate ;D ;D that'll help ;)
......yeah, break the other nuts...... :P
Looks like you got out of that pretty lightly Mark. Could have been much worse.
Did you check the condition of the stud holes in the wheel? Not good if they've been flogged, even a little.
Surprised you weren't carrying spare studs and nuts....
:cheers:
Post by: McGirr on September 22, 2015, 09:16:34 PM
......yeah, break the other nuts...... :P
Looks like you got out of that pretty lightly Mark. Could have been much worse.
Did you check the condition of the stud holes in the wheel? Not good if they've been flogged, even a little.
Surprised you weren't carrying spare studs and nuts....
:cheers:
Geoff
Getting them in Kal while I am here. The other studs look fine but will double check before I leave.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on September 22, 2015, 09:18:26 PM
You need a big breaker bar mate ;D ;D that'll help ;)
John
I have a big pipe that I add to do my nuts up with ;D
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on September 22, 2015, 09:20:43 PM
No point putting new wheel nuts on if the holes in the wheel have been damaged. They won't hold....
Post by: McGirr on September 23, 2015, 05:44:28 PM
What's the wheel like Mark?
No point putting new wheel nuts on if the holes in the wheel have been damaged. They won't hold....
Stripping it down tomorrow. Taking the trailer hub to get new wheel bolts at a local place at Kal and more nuts. Going to check bearings etc as I have a 900klm trip back on Sat and will be loaded right up.
Mark
Post by: GGV8Cruza on September 24, 2015, 08:50:27 PM
GG
Post by: McGirr on September 24, 2015, 09:18:21 PM
Stripped the bearings down and the outer one was slightly bent. Went to a local place and got 3 new complete bearing kits with one new complete kit going on the camper also got 7 wheel studs plus extra wheel nuts. Now prepared.
Garrick, I will be pulling up a fair bit just checking the wheel nuts and also how the new bearings are going. I will be loaded up with the camper full of gear plus carrying 3 fridges in the car filled with meat and a heap of other gear. Will be leaving Sat morning after I pick up a dog that was flown in today from Warburton to see a vet.I will have some company on the trip back. Will post up a pick of the fully laden car. Expecting an 11 to 12 hr trip. The downside is I will be out of phone range for 530klms after I leave Laverton.
Mark
Post by: Black Diamond on September 27, 2015, 08:26:51 PM
Post by: McGirr on September 27, 2015, 08:30:17 PM
Made it back last night. A 13hr drive after the new bearings I put in on the trailer played up so stopped a number of times to make sure they were good plus kept checking my nuts (trailer ones) ;D
Mark
Post by: fuji on September 28, 2015, 06:31:59 AM
Post by: Barry G on September 28, 2015, 01:25:29 PM
Made it back last night. A 13hr drive after the new bearings I put in on the trailer played up so stopped a number of times to make sure they were good plus kept checking my nuts (trailer ones) ;DWhat was wrong with them?
Mark
Not good when they have just been fitted.
Post by: yogi on September 28, 2015, 02:52:52 PM
They do good work at the Warburton Kmart Tyre and Auto I see 8) 8) 8) :cheers: :angel: :angel: :angel: :cup:
yogi
Post by: McGirr on October 14, 2015, 07:23:20 PM
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/14/4bf40bafa5e53e510b2098f1d02a8ae7.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/14/be4ed694496af09993e776df8674db9f.jpg)
The garden is coming along. When I was in Kal I bought some sleepers and a few different colored Kangaroo Paws. Still a bit of work to do but slowly getting there. Also made the fire pit bigger.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/14/0d9b60480d282f2eb2207e8171ce0eb4.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/14/833fe5c38ce34695a8906d2e4eeddecf.jpg)
How the garden looked when we got here.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/14/5429bc017843c1415f15dc1299597154.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: speewa158 on October 14, 2015, 07:29:32 PM
Post by: Barry G on October 14, 2015, 09:01:34 PM
Post by: McGirr on October 20, 2015, 08:50:23 PM
We picked a great spot to set up camp for the night at the base of a rocky out crop. Being a bit warm we still had a fire but sat well away from it.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/0ee9eedc181ea7f5a8f3e08f5a92ede2.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/2099a2492a2fed361d94aef7dc1f2ec0.jpg)
We had the wind come down the gully where we camped and even though we could hear it now and then it did not blow too hard but gave a nice cool breeze at night.
The next morning we headed off early to tackle the road. The scenery changed constantly as it does out here. We came across a number of camels sheltering from the sun in shadows of what ever trees they could find.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/87b9a18bb4d414d058c53f7a31a5e323.jpg)
Here are some scenery shots.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/778e094915f1cd66c8796550911e13e0.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/c2a947517007faf2ecb2307a1058a2bd.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/6f7f7f6f462cc3908377b347bfe07989.jpg)
Some of the old cars we came across
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/4f57fa9f7ffc54b8b95bd7634ad28df3.jpg)
Even a very old Jag
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/422abf5ecdd45a00071ad5a20786f4c4.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/c91d54d0172e4c0bbbdc972c84890fdc.jpg)
We continued along the track and came to a rocky outcrop. We stopped to explore the area and it seems to be the same rock geometry as Ayers Rock.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/994e942f2e71c53ca520eb8281bf5290.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/75277d6c86ac5b634800914d41592113.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/d7593b7d41093111011f7a45621d512a.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/20/7a1e7e4174a0cfe42491763ed600cd0b.jpg)
Back in the cars we continued along the track for another 10klms before realizing we had taken a wrong turn. We were on the right track and the road was well travelled but taking our eyes off the gps had us traveling along a track that did not register. We backtracked and found the track we needed which veered off the road we were on and was only 2 tyre tracks that were easily missed. It's so easy to get lost out here hence we always travel in 2 cars and carry enough water and supplies for a week even if we are going for 2 days.
It was an interesting road /track and another crossed off our bucket list from out this way.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Black Diamond on October 20, 2015, 08:58:51 PM
Post by: mjharps on October 20, 2015, 09:39:45 PM
Post by: speewa158 on October 21, 2015, 04:52:11 AM
Post by: plusnq on October 21, 2015, 05:43:25 AM
There is somebody out there just waiting for Warburton Motors to advertise this weeks " Hot Specials " ::) :cheers: :cheers:
And the specials are going to get a lot hotter ;D ;D
Post by: McGirr on November 30, 2015, 07:46:40 PM
Well today started as normal at work until around 10.30am a cheesed off local came in brandishing a metal wheel brace banging on the metal rails when you walk in. He came straight at me but backed down and walked back out banging the metal cage at the front of the shop. I quickly grabed the keys and closed the shop. The joys of working in a community. A lot of the locals were not impressed with the guy and were apologetic.Penny was on one of the registers when the guy came in and stood back. It happened so quickly and it was over. The old heart was pounding ;D.
This has not been the first incident in the shop but probably the scariest.
The cops turned up and explained over the weekend a car at the clinic was broken into and they tried to drive it through the metal gates and wrecked the car. They were young kids who did that.
It's all a learning curve and we get used to it as you have no choice. We are lucky where we live as its like Fort Knox with a big metal cage around the place and deadlocks on the doors. We still get our roof rocked now and then but not as much as when we first came hear. Like all places most are great people and very friendly but you will always get the bad apples. Most of the bad apples are some of the young kids.
We are staying till our year is up in April 2016 and then have a 2 week break back on the east coast and then start looking for our next adventure ;D
Mark
Post by: Fizzie on December 01, 2015, 07:39:08 AM
Yeah, not good >:(
So who talks to the bloke - cops / "town council" (not sure what you have there?) / elders? Is it one tribe in town or a mixture, & do they work under tribal law?
Had a mate working at the copper mine on Bouganville back in the '80s. Steve was saying that this day, he & a mate left their quarters, walked down the front steps (2 storey place) & half-a-dozen locals out from under the house & after them with machetes & so on. They took off & another bloke was just driving away in a ute, pulled up & they dived in & away. Thing was, they worked with & knew the blokes chasing them! They (locals) were missing from work for a couple of days, then re-appeared & best mates with Steve again! They didn't remember doing anything wrong & were surprised & upset when Steve explained what they'd done? Best guess was that they'd got a bad batch of the local hooch & were off the planet at the time >:(
Post by: Black Diamond on December 03, 2015, 08:07:44 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 03, 2015, 08:25:07 PM
Sounds like you need to carry a piece around Mark, pretty full on stuff mate ???
You get used to it. The coppers are always in the shop buying food and are well aware of who it is. We still enjoy working in communities.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on December 18, 2015, 07:36:04 PM
Well fingers crossed, we applied for a couples position at Mt Barnett Roadhouse on the Gibb River Rd and await the outcome. Spoke to the manager today and we feel confident but you never know. We find out around the 7th Jan if we are successful. The job is for the season May to Sept /Oct 2016. We will be living in the camper but will have free power, wi fi and rent apart from fuel and food.
http://www.kimberleyaustraliaguide.com/gibb-river-road/manning-gorge-and-mt-barnett/ (http://www.kimberleyaustraliaguide.com/gibb-river-road/manning-gorge-and-mt-barnett/)
If we do get the position we will leave here around early April and spend some time doing a recon for the 2018 Kimberley Trip.
Mark
Post by: alnjan on December 18, 2015, 10:38:11 PM
Post by: wakychapmans on December 19, 2015, 06:05:53 AM
Hope it works out for you.
Post by: speewa158 on December 21, 2015, 05:53:10 AM
Post by: McGirr on January 05, 2016, 03:04:16 PM
Woo hoo, we start work at Mt Barnett Roadhouse in mid April to the end of Sept.
We will take 3 weeks to get there to do some recon for the 2018 Kimberley Trip.
Mark
Post by: MarkVS on January 05, 2016, 03:12:27 PM
Post by: alnjan on January 05, 2016, 04:39:51 PM
Post by: grc on January 05, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
CHEERS GRC :cheers:
Post by: Paul (SA) on January 05, 2016, 06:00:11 PM
Post by: Mobi on January 05, 2016, 08:04:04 PM
:cheers:
Peter
Post by: letsgoplaces on January 06, 2016, 02:55:46 PM
Livin' the dream Mark. Good on you and Penny for getting out and having a crack. Wish I had your guts to do the same.
Warburton will probably need a new couple around April ;D
Post by: McGirr on January 06, 2016, 03:50:52 PM
Warburton will probably need a new couple around April ;D
Certainly will ;D
We head off on the 18th March and will take 4 weeks to get to Mt Barnett to have a well earned break :cheers: :cheers:
Mark
Post by: glenm64 on January 06, 2016, 04:28:44 PM
We'll be up that way mid year so safe and happy trails and hopefully we'll pop in and say hello
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: letsgoplaces on January 06, 2016, 07:24:25 PM
Certainly will ;D
We head off on the 18th March and will take 4 weeks to get to Mt Barnett to have a well earned break :cheers: :cheers:
Mark
Congrats Mark & Penny :cheers:
Onward and upward :cup:
Cheers
John
Post by: speewa158 on January 07, 2016, 06:42:06 AM
Certainly will ;D2 days driving 26 days :cheers: that's a plan :cheers:
We head off on the 18th March and will take 4 weeks to get to Mt Barnett to have a well earned break :cheers: :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Glenno on January 27, 2016, 10:06:24 PM
We bought a painting off a local artist. He had done one for a another person and we liked his work.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/0a83b1ba385f3a386d1174d9d309e8f2.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Mark
I know this was a ridiculously long time ago, but I'm just catching up :).
This painting looks spectacular. How nicely does it capture that country!!! Amazing colors!
Don't suppose you remember the name of the artist and where you could get any of their paintings, other than going there of course (which I may do this year anyway).
Love it
Glenno
Post by: McGirr on January 27, 2016, 10:57:27 PM
Mark
I know this was a ridiculously long time ago, but I'm just catching up :).
This painting looks spectacular. How nicely does it capture that country!!! Amazing colors!
Don't suppose you remember the name of the artist and where you could get any of their paintings, other than going there of course (which I may do this year anyway).
Love it
Glenno
Glenno
The artist is Clnton Yates. He came into the store with this painting which we bought. He was from Jameson. Have not seen him for ages. We bought another one that we gave to Geoff's wife Kay at our wedding as well as a few paintings to JK and Symon. The painting pictured was given to my parents at our recent wedding. There some great artists out here. It's always cheaper buying directly off the artists than at the gallery's such as Uluru.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on March 09, 2016, 05:00:26 PM
We decided to take the storage unit out of the camper as it took up too much room and we have got rid of gear that we don't need and never used. This gave me more room to fit extra things in such as our large clothes bags.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160309/6e3bfa5f512706a19dc33deeddbd6b2a.jpg)
The large case at the front of the camper has all our electrical cooking gear in plus kitchen utensils and storage containers.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160309/86f1e9f7eea11c68b492a1749083929a.jpg)
The rear side compartment on the camper carries motor oil, chainsaw oil and generator oil plus other fluids for the car.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160309/f4cc3302f3cda7f7af06c761c9a7ef92.jpg)
I did a test run packing the roof rack as it will go on the cruiser the morning of our departure.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160309/52030fe6ee154441da2e40e9a68ff72c.jpg)
Interesting this will be only my second 4 week holiday since starting work at 16.
Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: xcvator on March 09, 2016, 06:07:50 PM
That's a clever idea doing a trial pack on the roof rack while it's on the ground :laugh: :laugh:
Post by: MarkVS on March 10, 2016, 03:35:23 AM
Post by: McGirr on March 22, 2016, 06:40:40 PM
The only minor issues have been one airbag on the passenger side would not inflate but getting it looked it was only the valve and all fixed. The other minor issue was getting a small tear in one tyre. It was nothing major and thanks to BD for his advice we decided to get 4 new tyres for the car and use the other 3 tyres for the camper. Got a great deal on the goodyear wrangler duratrac, buy 3 and get 4. Plus also getting a wheel alignment for the car which it needs.Apart from that all going well and the beer is flowing in the camp. :cheers:
We head further north on Friday and see where we get for an overnighter.
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on March 22, 2016, 06:44:39 PM
It is your honeymoon, after all.... :cup: :cup:
:cheers:
Post by: McGirr on March 22, 2016, 07:30:47 PM
Mark
Post by: Black Diamond on March 22, 2016, 09:09:54 PM
Currently we are relaxing at Alice Springs for a few days topping up on some gear and drinking. Since driving from Warburton to Uluru and to Alice we have had no major problems.Nice One Mark a good decision made. Doesn't feel too bad handing out the folding when you know the other 3 tyres will be in good use. 3 for 4 deals going on everywhere at the moment, good time to buy.
The only minor issues have been one airbag on the passenger side would not inflate but getting it looked it was only the valve and all fixed. The other minor issue was getting a small tear in one tyre. It was nothing major and thanks to BD for his advice we decided to get 4 new tyres for the car and use the other 3 tyres for the camper. Got a great deal on the goodyear wrangler duratrac, buy 3 and get 4. Plus also getting a wheel alignment for the car which it needs.Apart from that all going well and the beer is flowing in the camp. :cheers:
We head further north on Friday and see where we get for an overnighter.
Mark
As long as the beer is flowing life is good, like the doctor always says to me it's important to keep the fluids up :cheers: ;D
Post by: letsgoplaces on March 22, 2016, 09:46:33 PM
Cheers
John
Post by: listo on March 23, 2016, 08:26:05 PM
We've really enjoyed this thread & it's inspired us for our plans for the future, can't wait to read more updates
Post by: McGirr on March 23, 2016, 09:13:41 PM
Good stuff Mark, hope you guys are enjoying your break :cheers:
We've really enjoyed this thread & it's inspired us for our plans for the future, can't wait to read more updates
We head off on Friday from Alice. Next stop unsure at the moment but expect to be in Mataranka by Sat pm for 2 nights.
Mark
Post by: wakychapmans on March 24, 2016, 08:09:44 AM
We head off on Friday from Alice. Next stop unsure at the moment but expect to be in Mataranka by Sat pm for 2 nights.If you get the chance, check out Cutta Cutta thermal caves just south of Mataranka. Well worth the stop.
Mark
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutta_Cutta_Caves_Nature_Park
Post by: Terry W4 on March 24, 2016, 08:36:07 AM
Post by: McGirr on May 08, 2016, 06:43:19 PM
Only a week ago a couple hit a bull and wrote of his car.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/2acb346822c6d1552d46d4bfea375b27.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/fbd2fc904bec4bfdd8233e6f883c6ddc.jpg)
As mentioned we have received some heavy rain here and across the Kimberley. We have people camping at the roadhouse as the roads are closed and the rivers are flowing and deep. Its like a caravan park here. Hopefully the rain will ease and the roads will open soon.
A couple rolled their car not far from us today due to the road conditions. The track to manning gorge is closed and we have a large number of people stuck down there. Its a real mess and will take a week to dry out and get graded. There is a tour bus stuck down there also. We have tomorrow off and will go for a drive and check the conditions with pics.
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on May 09, 2016, 12:46:48 PM
The roads are still closed.
The guys from the cattle station are using a tractor to assist people across the Barnett River who are stuck there.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/d54ace884280400a4df5499a16700c84.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/8d2300a044d5cdd2c64c721641146a33.jpg)
We went for a drive to Galvins Gorge this morning and great to see water coming over the falls.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/fd1046fee9696b735fc54ef79e8ebf32.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/78b66487fea0b9782866ea34afeb7a5b.jpg)
The main road is slippery and muddy with a number of people heading back to Derby.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/2dcbe686f29b3c4ab06d9513748d1e2a.jpg)
We are still receiving some very light rain.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on May 28, 2016, 07:06:22 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/476ec5c1a20de4dfde70d05315bbc713.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/d56272234253ffe4e2b140363b0381d5.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/fd573724e34f9b83c5875025fffeaddb.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: rossm on May 28, 2016, 07:40:27 PM
Post by: GeoffA on May 28, 2016, 08:22:07 PM
:cheers:
Post by: GGV8Cruza on May 28, 2016, 08:42:13 PM
GG
Post by: McGirr on May 28, 2016, 09:19:54 PM
Mark, are they still doing the 'roo pies?.....
:cheers:
No roo pies. Lack of kangaroo's ;D
Mark
Post by: xcvator on May 29, 2016, 11:36:17 PM
No roo pies. Lack of kangaroo's ;DWhat, no road kill ;D ;D ;D
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on May 30, 2016, 12:55:37 PM
Post by: jk on May 30, 2016, 03:21:31 PM
Post by: McGirr on May 30, 2016, 06:46:25 PM
Now that's a burger :cup: :cheers: ............are there any onions on them >:D
No onions for you John. We have to protect the ozone layer ;D
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on May 30, 2016, 08:41:43 PM
No onions for you John. We have to protect the ozone layer ;D;D it wast me :cheers:
Mark
Post by: McGirr on June 10, 2016, 06:52:19 PM
2 remote places and full time work. Both jobs are in the NT.
Stay tuned.
Mark
Post by: Barrabart on June 11, 2016, 06:08:11 PM
Some of the great food we serve up at Mt Barnett. Penny is master chef, l get the plates ready:-)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/476ec5c1a20de4dfde70d05315bbc713.jpg)
Mark
Mark......... please don't randomly throw in pics like this....... I'm at work on nightshift, prior to coming to work I grabbed a part stale bread roll with peanut butter on it from the mess....... A most glorious meal. :'(
These types of photos do not help me or my rumbling guts! :)
Post by: mrdenn1s on June 11, 2016, 06:59:45 PM
Wow. And thank you
Post by: McGirr on June 11, 2016, 07:41:42 PM
Rather it happen here than in a remote place.
Mark
Post by: xcvator on June 11, 2016, 09:29:26 PM
Post by: jetcrew on June 11, 2016, 11:35:09 PM
We have had an issue with the cruiser being a leaking power steering box. Being a public holiday in Katherine Monday we have the car booked in on Tuesday morning. Pretty sure the part will have to be freighted overnight from Darwin.
Rather it happen here than in a remote place.
Mark
My 105 did that too cost about $440 for a swap over oem box . You cant but the part new but tney are oem spec.
Was cheaper and easier just to change the whole box ..it's easily accessible :D
Jet :D
Post by: edz on June 12, 2016, 12:06:42 AM
Post by: McGirr on June 12, 2016, 06:04:35 PM
.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/ea84986618634974665f8449c00c5994.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/0eb969bb4f7f420b9102c3f0e5efb095.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/e71fc9c315e0474db9543a1689a236cc.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/ac95d383a9e7f1449fee7c972d5ffea2.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/e2c94d8b1c95042b91ade059fb6a0c5c.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/0820be68a3aaead195e60a689ad34a8e.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/4260a8f647f5066f83bfe47649f08628.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/d0bb0dc28bcbe0053a5b207440c25bed.jpg)
Will be catching up with an old myswag member tomorrow. A really old member.
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on June 13, 2016, 05:06:35 PM
We arrive there this Friday after a night at Daly River. Plenty of barra around the rivers of Peppimenarti also.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160613/5e6959f796aca08f1a6bd8a2cdef8164.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: wakychapmans on June 13, 2016, 06:26:09 PM
following you every step (trying to not sound like a stalker) and taking notes.
Post by: Barrabart on June 13, 2016, 06:53:20 PM
Plenty of barra around the rivers of Peppimenarti also.
Mark
Well that's the essentials taken care of then....... :cheers:
Post by: speewa158 on June 13, 2016, 07:26:02 PM
Post by: KingBilly on June 13, 2016, 07:47:41 PM
Have fun and good luck.
KB
Post by: Burnsy on June 13, 2016, 07:58:53 PM
Post by: xcvator on June 13, 2016, 10:45:44 PM
Our interview went well and we have been employed as managers of a remote store at Peppimenarti in the NT. Its 100 klms west of Daly River.
We arrive there this Friday after a night at Daly River. Plenty of barra around the rivers of Peppimenarti also.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160613/5e6959f796aca08f1a6bd8a2cdef8164.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
So when are getting fishing lessons, or will I come and show you how >:D >:D >:D
Post by: McGirr on June 24, 2016, 07:35:49 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160624/091d7d4765d017534116409f6ff0ea34.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160624/dbc5071f78f1f6b5c78ef97828e6e0fc.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: jwb on June 24, 2016, 07:42:30 PM
:)
Post by: crappsy on June 24, 2016, 08:51:54 PM
Post by: McGirr on June 24, 2016, 09:10:51 PM
You really are having a hard time of it and all aren't you mate.
Its a hard life. Enjoying our adventures and this place seems to be the best, so far. We are looking at staying here for a few years.
Will post up more pics down the track.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on July 02, 2016, 06:50:00 PM
Nice and comfortable and only a 4 min drive to the community store in the company dual cab hilux.
Really enjoy this place. Very friendly community.
Pics of the store to come.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/70a5cc2c740b12112316bd8e894c8f06.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/d401a651d9c2d40fab3342c883193251.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/6c145783dc75b827938da7acee0f45a0.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on July 02, 2016, 06:52:02 PM
nearly puts a seed into my head to do the same....
Post by: McGirr on July 02, 2016, 07:03:50 PM
great Mark- just saw the post on FB.....
nearly puts a seed into my head to do the same....
There is plenty of work out there. Due to our remote experiance we had 2 jobs to pick from and chose this one.
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on July 02, 2016, 07:14:20 PM
Post by: McGirr on July 02, 2016, 07:40:14 PM
Looks pretty good Mark... :cup: :cup:
Its a challenge for us running a store but only being small its a great start. Penny does all the computer side of things which she excells at and I do all the ordering as well as drive the forklift, stack the shelves, check out of date stock etc. Its long hours but we enjoy it. We are always busy.
We have a chef working in the commercial kitchen, full time, and we open till 8.00pm Thursday nights as every week we either have a pizza night, roast and lamb shanks with vegies and a chicken parma night. You guessed it we dont cook that night.
We are getting to know all the names of the community people and they are very freindly. They even have a small club that serves mid strength beer. We are allowed to have alcohol here as we have a permit.
Its only 320 klms to Darwin and the chef is heading there in 3 weeks for a weekend. Hope she has plenty of room for our alcohol order. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on July 02, 2016, 07:45:50 PM
Very pleased for you both.
:cheers: :cheers:
Post by: listo on July 02, 2016, 08:44:47 PM
Post by: SambOz on July 02, 2016, 09:26:23 PM
Sounds like a good job, hope all goes well, very nice sunset pics, what colours ! !
We camped on the Daly in 1981, never got to Peppimenarti though, liked the area and caught Barra and saw plenty of Buffs. ;D. The local fuzz at D/River was from the Latrobe Valley, VIC at that time & had a tracker/offsider living in a tin hut behind the house.
Re mower, must be a zero turn, you wouldn't have trouble with anything else - hint, don't let it get rolling to fast, take a little time and work on speed later. Best way known to man to mow grass, other than watching cows do it.lol.
Post by: McGirr on July 24, 2016, 07:15:57 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160724/67a7c117a8fb3a61ebdb5b4f8d9eae32.jpg)
Plenty of horses grazing plus birdlife.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160724/245e14ce2640bcfaae5cd23d1f54c1e2.jpg)
Looking forward to the wet season when its covered in water. Also the big crocs hang around there when the water is up.
Some idea on how small and spread out the community is. The blue dot is where we live. The image is old as there is more tarred road.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160724/9da2f78e273cc54c37163b0fe36b8e40.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160724/72f248018ee9bf1257e28773769fcace.jpg)
The shop is a 2 min drive from home.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160724/9d5c0dee23885fd1d1563570fae8b4a9.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on July 30, 2016, 07:54:01 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/ced4ddf125c7b4a828f15546019b08f5.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/f2eb97368fd6296728951daa19c28927.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/20adb672660a60e632b49921b2e1d233.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/ef91a5f2145ec0695ada54a4eb45e891.jpg)
The commercial kitchen
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/7265849677183acfdc5a2332c9467ddf.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/8f3fc17a2ecc65d00275aa2ad731e644.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: alnjan on July 30, 2016, 08:34:57 PM
Post by: GeoffA on July 30, 2016, 08:36:33 PM
:cheers:
Post by: D4D on July 30, 2016, 08:38:38 PM
Post by: McGirr on July 30, 2016, 09:41:31 PM
Impressive, you've faced up the shelves well :)
I do my best. ;D
The only staff we have is Penny and I running the store and Selena who runs the kitchen doing the meals. We have a number of locals that work casual to help us out.
We are slowly building up stock for the wet season as the roads get closed and had 14 pallets come in on Thursday. Thankfully I had some help to break them down.
We get a roadtrain every Thursday from Darwin and its handy having a forklift. At the back of the warehouse we have 2 x 20 ft shipping containers we use as freezers to store bread and meat for 4 months plus another large shed that's insulated to store all the extra dry goods.
Over the coming months we will start building up the orders. We also sell fuel so I have to make sure that the fuel is topped to the brim prior to when the roads close which could be from Sept / Oct. The tanks carry 40,000 ltrs of Diesel and 20,000 ltrs of unleaded.
We will also fly in the fresh produce and dairy products once the roads close.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on July 31, 2016, 07:39:20 AM
Post by: McGirr on July 31, 2016, 08:11:29 AM
Whats the price of fuel out that way ??? :cheers:
$1.99 per ltr for diesel and $1.75 for petrol.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on July 31, 2016, 09:10:06 AM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on July 31, 2016, 01:15:57 PM
GG
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Post by: Fizzie on July 31, 2016, 02:51:04 PM
Who are your customers - townpeople / surrounding areas / nomads & other terrorists?
Peppi is only a pretty small town & you look to be pretty well stocked for only a few '00 people.
I seem to remember that you said it's also a "wet" town - does that cause many problems?
Graeme
Post by: McGirr on July 31, 2016, 04:10:45 PM
Will be interesting how it goes during the wet season Mark. It will be a lot quieter i guess
GG
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There is enough fuel to last the whole wet season until the next del. Not many people driving around that time of year
Mark
Post by: McGirr on July 31, 2016, 06:35:39 PM
Mark
Who are your customers - townpeople / surrounding areas / nomads & other terrorists?
Peppi is only a pretty small town & you look to be pretty well stocked for only a few '00 people.
I seem to remember that you said it's also a "wet" town - does that cause many problems?
Graeme
The community numbers around 200 plus only. There are a few tradies here doing up all the houses plus in the wet other small communities will buy off us.
The small club is across the road. We have never encounteted any issues as its only open 4 nights a week from 5.00 to 8.00pm. Talking to the coppers they rarely have an issue.
The community is well educated and respect is shown from the kids towards their parents and elders. Thats why we call it peppi paradise ;D
Mark
Post by: Barrabart on July 31, 2016, 06:51:42 PM
The community numbers around 200 plus only. There are a few tradies here doing up all the houses plus in the wet other small communities will buy off us.
The small club is across the road. We have never encounteted any issues as its only open 4 nights a week from 5.00 to 8.00pm. Talking to the coppers they rarely have an issue.
The community is well educated and respect is shown from the kids towards their parents and elders. Thats why we call it peppi paradise ;D
Mark
Sure sounds like they've got their stuff sorted...... Great to hear. :cheers:
Post by: McGirr on July 31, 2016, 06:56:32 PM
Not bad for a very small community.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160731/d30a0ab13a07fa3123dede06d3a877d1.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160731/dd4be8ba0c285e7aea6721bdf870e65a.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160731/5ee12a498c711a5b81ef0b56e4bac381.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160731/f0b058247d625641fd34d12dc7a3a93f.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160731/2f84c70ae85fe81f5efd23192b3e6a4e.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: GeoffA on July 31, 2016, 06:58:12 PM
Woof... ;D
Post by: lindamc on July 31, 2016, 07:17:50 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 01, 2016, 05:14:35 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160801/888af1721f159f3141d29f74ade0b939.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160801/2d1135e729fd7996ea3cdbcd613f897b.jpg)
I even caught a fish.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160801/5dcbccc79631c60c80d7886a39843b81.jpg)
Its also a popular swimming hole but a tad cold at the moment.
Mark
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Post by: GeoffA on August 01, 2016, 05:35:27 PM
Kay and I are on our way..... ;D
:cheers:
Post by: Barrabart on August 01, 2016, 07:23:08 PM
Went to a nice fishing spot about 30 min away from here.
I even caught a fish.
Its also a popular swimming hole but a tad cold at the moment.
Mark
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Geez that's looks like a lovely spot........ the fish looks like a freshwater black brim (that's what we called them anyway) they go pretty hard pound for pound, pretty agro little buggers too, as u can see it had no issues smashin' a lure that size...... we used to catch plenty of them in the Burdekin around Charters Towers....... They were the next best thing to the Barra lurking around the holes.....
Post by: McGirr on August 01, 2016, 07:26:18 PM
Mark
Post by: McGirr on August 16, 2016, 04:13:43 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3288534/Outback-Wrangler-Matt-Wright-catches-one-tonne-crocodile.html#v-4038979331116085617 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3288534/Outback-Wrangler-Matt-Wright-catches-one-tonne-crocodile.html#v-4038979331116085617)
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Post by: wakychapmans on August 16, 2016, 04:19:49 PM
This is s bloody big croc they pulled out of the river behind the shop last October.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3288534/Outback-Wrangler-Matt-Wright-catches-one-tonne-crocodile.html#v-4038979331116085617 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3288534/Outback-Wrangler-Matt-Wright-catches-one-tonne-crocodile.html#v-4038979331116085617)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
might want to reconsider the wet season fishing plans...
Post by: D4D on August 16, 2016, 04:20:36 PM
This is s bloody big croc they pulled out of the river behind the shop last October.
There's a few hand bags in that guy
Post by: Roo on August 16, 2016, 08:24:41 PM
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Post by: McGirr on August 18, 2016, 04:36:22 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/08366781201b2a63a3e88d2391136e9b.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: wakychapmans on August 18, 2016, 04:48:37 PM
A nice gift for my upcoming birthday from my lovely wife Penny.
Mark
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I hate to be so obvious but...
:worthles:
Post by: Terry W4 on August 18, 2016, 06:07:34 PM
A nice gift for my upcoming birthday from my lovely wife Penny.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/08366781201b2a63a3e88d2391136e9b.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Mark it says ADVANCED - are you sure you are up to handling it?
Post by: McGirr on August 18, 2016, 06:21:06 PM
Mark it says ADVANCED - are you sure you are up to handling it?
I hope so. I better read the instructions this time. ;D
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on August 18, 2016, 07:15:16 PM
A nice gift for my upcoming birthday from my lovely wife Penny.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/08366781201b2a63a3e88d2391136e9b.jpg)
Mark
You bout Penny a Rolle's Royce Nice One Dude :cup: :cheers:
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Post by: GGV8Cruza on August 18, 2016, 08:25:24 PM
A nice gift for my upcoming birthday from my lovely wife Penny.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160818/08366781201b2a63a3e88d2391136e9b.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Should be some good footage up soon, heaps of places to practice
GG
Post by: Jaysea on August 18, 2016, 08:41:55 PM
Post by: xcvator on August 18, 2016, 09:50:33 PM
Post by: jwb on August 22, 2016, 07:05:28 AM
:)
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Post by: McGirr on August 23, 2016, 07:34:05 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160823/7ca64ecbb15e8f6a6d15c6a6ba1842b7.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160823/2f42c086d17ec27dcfd38dc97949717c.jpg)
We have just been given permission to travel to the coast this weekend. Looking forward to some fishing and camping.
Mark
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Post by: GeoffA on August 23, 2016, 07:36:20 PM
:cheers:
Post by: Moggy on August 23, 2016, 09:57:10 PM
Some sunset shots with the new toy.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160823/7ca64ecbb15e8f6a6d15c6a6ba1842b7.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160823/2f42c086d17ec27dcfd38dc97949717c.jpg)
We have just been given permission to travel to the coast this weekend. Looking forward to some fishing and camping.
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Permission from CASA i assume ???? nice view from up there
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Post by: McGirr on August 23, 2016, 10:01:39 PM
Permission from CASA i assume ???? nice view from up there
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
We get one plane a week. The mail plane and airport is 4 klm away. So I should be within the guidelines.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on August 26, 2016, 07:05:40 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160826/43aaa79a2fb8e1801d2c4d2ab1b53071.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160826/d69a82f5ad5bb09e8c81806b34f6b930.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160826/607471a1c1bf1f1fa6a73e3235406343.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160826/fd9159b7cef1efc77149c37a0b123085.jpg)
Trip report on our return.
Mark
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Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 26, 2016, 11:54:23 PM
Good trucks those 105's
Post by: Fizzie on August 27, 2016, 09:55:59 AM
& does that just apply to you as an "outsider", or do the locals also need an OK?
BTW, like the dot-painted accessory for the drone - camouflage cover for the control box? :D
Post by: McGirr on August 28, 2016, 07:53:58 PM
Sat 1.45pm we finished work and left Peppimenarti with another couple , Rob and Selena, and headed to the coast.
The track out there is quite scenic with recent fires bringing new life back to the bush. After an hour and a half we arrived at our destination. The spot was on a small cliff overlooking the coast. There is an old humpy which made for a great camp area for our tent while Selena and Rob had their roof top tent.
The view from our campsite
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/c9c51f8174928e23450d94bd948b5803.jpg)
You can see the humpy where we are setup.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/1e7745c5ba10312e5c4d0ceb570a6b2c.jpg)
Some pics from the drone.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/ad1672e68fcee6461a4d171fe814ed58.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/da7ae04361471aa2f651fd9f8b684663.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/b562fadc0a7b748fd65a08e02365d4e0.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/f6fddefdecdbf21f834085bb0fc44639.jpg)
With camp all setup, the fire was made and we all sat back and enjoyed the view and afternoon sea breeze. Sunday morning and I was up early. Walking out of your tent to a view up the coast was hard to take. Penny and I decided to do some exploring and headed up the coast on another track to a river that enters the sea. We could only travel so far and with the tide out it would take awhile to walk to the river so we headed back and decided to hit the beach.
The beach area near the river mouth.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/8cad66fb341a23a512b6cd08858bfb31.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/ad64a20c82bc52a57b09952cc1c83417.jpg)
We drove onto the beach and parked just under the cliffs where we were camping. A casual stroll along the rocky outcrop and throwing a few lures produced nothing. We headed back to the car and decided to continue our drive down the beach.
The cliff area below our camp.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/021fc41bfa4cd5055a7cf448270deebc.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/92a97a4b53b1d3f0e750a46c86ec6910.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/48176f11b511f6ecc95acc3c11672b0a.jpg)
With the sand hard it was an easy drive ducking in and out of the headlands exploring and then it happened. A wrong line and poor judgement we stopped dead in the sand.
5 mins before the fun started.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/73e03e165cdd4ea86660153050a0ab9a.jpg)
I jumped out of the car and sank to my knees in sloppy mud / sand. Well, the swear words just started pooring out of my mouth. With no shovel, I started trying to get the mud away from the tyres but we were stuck to the axels.
I looked up and you guessed it the tide turned and was on its way in. The water was 20 mtres away and I had no choice but to walk quickly back along the beach to grab Rob to pull me out.
So with a water bottle in one hand I started the 3.7klm walk quickly along the beach back to camp. Rob saw me on the beach and was ready to head off to get me out. We arrived just as Penny was taking as much gear out of the car as the tide had now reached the back tyres. Talk about cutting it fine.
We quickly hooked up the snatch strap and after 3 goes I was free. Talk about aging a person 100 years. We got back to camp and had some breakfast and started packing up. We really enjoyed the area and its a fantastic place.
The only pics after we got back to camp.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/0defe5ab88da2e78f404d2f402647343.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/4c004680136524e67382d3f99e065394.jpg)
We decided to take another track to a spot further south of the main track, known as the old Barge landing. The tide was high and we parked on the road this time while I went down to the water and tried my luck. After a few lure changes that produced nothing I tried an old metal lure I have had for 20 years and bingo I got slammed by 2 good size salmon, one after another. The next cast I got it snagged and lost it.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/62e8598d1ae61c37cb04c78f0afdd4dd.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/951e35c30bdc9f1b330d5fb47319ed9d.jpg)
So with 2 fresh fish in the fridge we headed back home. A weekend adventure we will both never forget but we have found a couple of great places to camp out when we want a break.
Mark
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Post by: McGirr on August 28, 2016, 07:57:21 PM
Who do you need to get permission from Mark - local Land Council / Elders? Is where you're going "sacred", or do you need permission for any sort of travel through their area?
& does that just apply to you as an "outsider", or do the locals also need an OK?
BTW, like the dot-painted accessory for the drone - camouflage cover for the control box? :D
Yes, you need permission from the traditional owners of that area. There are a number of areas that have different traditional owners. They are very cautious who they allow. We will not mention the area we camped at out of respect.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on August 28, 2016, 08:01:48 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/9015eebe9901275fc41beee235d933bb.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: listo on August 28, 2016, 08:08:08 PM
Can't wait for your next outing
Cheers
Post by: Moggy on August 28, 2016, 08:43:19 PM
Mate you have mastered the drone very well.
Love the beach pics
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Post by: Burnsy on August 28, 2016, 08:45:06 PM
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on August 28, 2016, 10:51:22 PM
Post by: edz on August 28, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Post by: MarkVS on August 29, 2016, 05:47:38 AM
MarkVS
Post by: McGirr on August 29, 2016, 08:00:06 AM
And the lesson you have learnt from this beach outing is .... ??? ??? ???
MarkVS
Stay off the beach ;D
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on August 29, 2016, 08:50:11 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/951e35c30bdc9f1b330d5fb47319ed9d.jpg)
So with 2 fresh fish in the fridge we headed back home.
Umm, one of them ain't a fish mate ;D
KB
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 29, 2016, 11:26:05 AM
Post by: KingBilly on August 29, 2016, 11:44:32 AM
KB
Post by: McGirr on August 29, 2016, 01:39:07 PM
Oh, and happy birthday Mark. Hope you are having a great day :cheers:
KB
Cheers mate. Yes its called a thong fish.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on August 31, 2016, 07:29:37 PM
Apparently some non indigenous person decided to start living on the land there.
He had a great set up.
His undercover area
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/5f2a66ed088dfa90bf950a99b8eed9c4.jpg)
In the back ground you see the green color bond drop toilet
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/890bb86070d2b48b5cc9b081775b734a.jpg)
Then the shower in the color bond shed
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/ef23decb0085aac966a43d7a5aca9b52.jpg)
He even had a great solar setup plus running water from a bore.
Apparently he built the humpy which we camped under
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/428f92fa7cf5aafba52f66cd25adc7ae.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/f90d7bb57b0b0f10e7f2797808ce7fe1.jpg)
The view from our camp
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/742d7fabb17683358d52ec6e109babec.jpg)
Naturally the locals were not impressed as it was not his land and burnt his caravan down. He never came back.
The place is populated with palms.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/74f9d04a1357aa99adb4a440338e429a.jpg)
We will be back for sure....but not driving on the beach :-)
Mark
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Post by: McGirr on September 12, 2016, 07:37:54 PM
Not an easy job but hopefully we get it right. We expect up to 80 pallets of stock to hit beginning of November to cover us for that time both dry and frozen goods. We will have a weekly flight for our dairy and fresh produce.
This is all new to us but our GM will be assisting us in calculating what we need.
Mark
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Post by: GeoffA on September 12, 2016, 07:42:22 PM
I suppose help from the GM, and orders from previous years, will give you a good guide.
I'm sure you'll get it right :cup: :cup:
I'd have no clue.... ::)
:cheers:
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 12, 2016, 08:34:14 PM
Maybe with a little bit of help from the locals.
Post by: McGirr on September 12, 2016, 09:21:07 PM
So we will work on the last 3 months since we have been here factoring in it will be summer and other out stations will be buying from us.
Lucky we are allowed to drink here :cheers:
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on September 12, 2016, 09:55:59 PM
Good luck mate, you will work it out just fine.
KB
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 12, 2016, 09:59:23 PM
Get a rough estimate from them of their needs maybe.
You can't pull stuff out of thin air, or somewhere else for that matter.
Post by: McGirr on September 12, 2016, 10:25:19 PM
As the Purchasing Manager on Dunk Island for 9 months (yeah tough job but somebody had to do it ;D) my biggest issue was expiry dates, particularly on the diet soft drink cans. Gees they make a mess when they go off!!!
Good luck mate, you will work it out just fine.
KB
Yes we have to factor in the expiry dates and room to stock everything. We have 2 x 20 ft freezers (shipping containers) and one of them will be stocking 400 ctns of frozen bread. The other one will be for the meat etc.
Regarding coke etc we will carry at least 9 pallets just of 1.25 ltr coke let alone the other coke products. We have just on 500 lines we need to cover for the wet season.
Mark
Post by: xcvator on September 12, 2016, 11:13:02 PM
Post by: Fizzie on September 13, 2016, 01:54:46 PM
Trouble is we have no idea what they ran short on last year as the previous managers never kept any notes.
So we will work on the last 3 months since we have been here factoring in it will be summer and other out stations will be buying from us.
Lucky we are allowed to drink here :cheers:
Mark
Hey Mark, shouldn't the locals be able to help you with what they wanted but the store had run out of? Maybe stick a big sign up in the store asking everyone for input?
At least you'll have grog to fall back on - I'll assume you'll have enough of that! ;D
Post by: Throbbinhood on September 13, 2016, 05:21:34 PM
Post by: McGirr on September 13, 2016, 09:58:45 PM
Hey Mark, shouldn't the locals be able to help you with what they wanted but the store had run out of? Maybe stick a big sign up in the store asking everyone for input?
At least you'll have grog to fall back on - I'll assume you'll have enough of that! ;D
Thanks for the reminder. Will have to do a trip to Darwin to stock up for 5 months. I may need a pallet load :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on September 13, 2016, 10:04:57 PM
Post by: Gravity on September 13, 2016, 10:19:12 PM
Post by: Jason B on September 13, 2016, 10:38:01 PM
Jas
Post by: McGirr on September 16, 2016, 10:22:12 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/beab5f4d1114e816d9ac0901cad2d86c.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: alnjan on September 16, 2016, 10:40:49 PM
Post by: GeoffA on September 16, 2016, 11:55:59 PM
Post by: KingBilly on September 17, 2016, 12:05:41 AM
KB
Post by: McGirr on September 17, 2016, 04:30:47 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160917/11c8a8a8a912614d31d5f94294ee9eb0.jpg)
Its needs some loving which I am happy to do.
Mark
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Post by: MarkVS on September 17, 2016, 04:57:30 PM
Post by: McGirr on September 17, 2016, 05:46:10 PM
Well done guys.... Making the press !!! You'll need an agent soon... Geoff and i would be happy to act on your behalf ..... For a small %.... ;D
No problems Mark, I have some loose change that will assist in your fees plus 1% commission. Yes, I know its very generous, but I am a generous guy ;D
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on September 17, 2016, 07:32:28 PM
Post by: McGirr on September 20, 2016, 07:44:07 PM
We have to now work out stock we will need for that week as well have our 5 month order prediction done by friday week.
My crystal ball is working overtime so is the consumption of my alcohol medication.
This ceremony only happens evety 3 years apparently. To add more pressure our cook is on holidays the week of the ceremony.
No pressure. All part of the learning curve. Someone pass me another drink.
Mark
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Post by: edz on September 20, 2016, 10:50:39 PM
Better you than me Gungadin . ;D
Post by: glenm64 on September 21, 2016, 12:15:45 AM
Cheers Glen
Post by: speewa158 on September 21, 2016, 04:37:21 AM
Post by: Roo on September 21, 2016, 06:26:49 PM
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Post by: McGirr on September 21, 2016, 07:36:27 PM
Mark
Post by: xcvator on September 21, 2016, 09:13:38 PM
We have been lucky with help coming from freinds who worked with us in Warburton. They arrive Sat week.You paying fares Mark,? >:D I'll be there to help tomorrow :cup: :cup:
Mark
Post by: McGirr on September 28, 2016, 07:54:12 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160928/9043c07e25fb8d203dc7a91a4793fc1a.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: Foo on September 29, 2016, 04:24:46 AM
^^^Foo
Your worst nightmare is behind you. 😈
Post by: McGirr on October 03, 2016, 09:05:34 PM
The ceremony is the circumcision of 10 young men. There were 3 dance groups that included the young men. People from other communities arrived today and everyone is camping in the park next to the store.
They are cooking bush tucker on open fires tonight such as turtle, geese etc.
It was an incredible sight.
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The ceremony will continue for a number of days.
Mark
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Post by: Moggy on October 04, 2016, 06:44:49 PM
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Post by: speewa158 on October 04, 2016, 06:54:34 PM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on October 04, 2016, 06:57:26 PM
Dont eat the calamari 😉😉😉
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
I just made a mess on the screen from spitting out my drink with laughter :cup:
GG
Post by: speewa158 on October 04, 2016, 07:10:04 PM
Post by: UIZ733 on October 04, 2016, 07:58:34 PM
Dont eat the calamari 😉😉😉
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
:cup: Beat me to it.
Post by: McGirr on October 04, 2016, 07:59:13 PM
Mark
Post by: xcvator on October 04, 2016, 08:59:40 PM
They had dances going all last night and then the circumcision was done this morning by the elders. No anesthetic. Everyone stays until the young boys are all good and then they finish up.:worthles:
Mark
Post by: McGirr on October 04, 2016, 09:38:01 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161004/2c9d442a6cdff1592c644ab548649651.jpg)
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Mark
(Foreskin Teller :-)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: jk on October 05, 2016, 06:25:29 AM
Post by: Fizzie on October 05, 2016, 06:45:16 AM
Also, no objections to photo's being taken of the ceremonies / dances? I always thought photo's weren't welcomed (or is that another urban myth)?
Post by: SambOz on October 05, 2016, 10:07:19 AM
Post by: McGirr on October 05, 2016, 10:08:15 PM
You appear to be at a decent altitude there Mark - about what is it at?
Also, no objections to photo's being taken of the ceremonies / dances? I always thought photo's weren't welcomed (or is that another urban myth)?
Not sure the height but at a guess about 300 ft. Regarding the ceremony they wanted me to take pics. I cannot take pics where the young men are which was expected.
I also took a heap of video of the dances. Again thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mark
Post by: Nomad on October 12, 2016, 06:35:45 PM
Dont eat the calamari 😉😉😉
Can we nominate this for quote of the year?
:cup: :cup: :cheers:
Post by: McGirr on October 12, 2016, 08:15:10 PM
To give you an idea how hard it is for the locals they are camped next to the shop and endure 40 degree heat camping in tents. They cook on open fires each night and only the men can go home to shower while the woman use a hose to shower and wash.
They expect this ceremony to finish on Sunday and the next ceremony starts in a a weeks time where the men then get taken into the bush and learnt the old ways. The women will camp again next to the shop cooking for the men. This ceremony is expected to last only a week.
We have had to learn on the run to arrange extra food etc to cover the next ceremony plus be ready for our wet season order to arrive on the Monday when this next ceremony starts. Approx 60 pallets.
It's been a real learning curve for us but even though we are exhausted we enjoy what we do to assist the locals.
The community we have found to be extremely organized with a community liaison person, Henry, plus they have a community night patrol where 2 ladies start at 5.00pm and finish at 11.30pm driving around the community making sure the kids are not wondering the streets and drop into houses to see how things are going and the kids are fed.
They make sure no one is ever out of line and jump on people if they do. As expected every one is very tired but they come into the shop always in a happy mood as I always joke with them.
We have a number of local staff to assist us in the store and if they do not turn up we make one call and they are told to get to work. This only happens occasionally.
Talking to the community members we deal with on a daily basis we have decided that once we all get back to normality we are going to get on the :cheers:.
We head to Darwin this weekend for a 4 day break while friends, who have been working with us, looking after the store.
Looking forward to the break.
Mark
Post by: alnjan on October 12, 2016, 08:44:19 PM
Post by: Fizzie on October 13, 2016, 07:03:01 AM
they have a community night patrol where 2 ladies start at 5.00pm and finish at 11.30pm driving around the community making sure the kids are not wondering the streets and drop into houses to see how things are going and the kids are fed.
They make sure no one is ever out of line and jump on people if they do.
:cup:
What a pity that doesn't happen in EVERY community / neighbourhood, black or white. Would make a big change to social (mis-) behaviour.
Enjoy your weekend off Mark - sounds like you've earned it!
:cheers:
Post by: McGirr on October 18, 2016, 07:25:35 PM
I have enjoyed working in the bush too long as the traffic and getting lost in a shopping centre is not my scene any more. Give me a slow easy lifestyle any day, not being stuck in traffic or the large crowds ;D.
Today they had the store committee meeting to approve us as managers plus other items on their agenda. Speaking to our bosses, who attended, the committee like us and the job we are doing and we will be signing a 12 month contract with a pay rise and a bonus structure put in place.
The update on the ceremony is it will continue for another 2 to 3 weeks with more people attending next week. The fun part is that the store is writing incredible figures due to the amount of people taking up residence in the park next to the shop. This has put naturally pressure on stock levels and we have to estimate the increased number of people coming in next week plus our wet season order hits us next Monday. To ease the pressure on our wet season stock we have had to order further stock to allow for the influx of people coming in. If we don't our 5 months stock projection will only last us 3 months.
So this is how the next week will unfold:
Thursday - 10 pallets to be unloaded and put away in 2 days
Monday- wet season stock arrives , approx 60 pallets, 2 days to put away
Thursday - 15 pallets to compensate for the excess sales.
This does not include our wet season Coke, Schweppes and meat order which alone will be around 25 pallets. This is expected to arrive in 2 weeks.
The fun part is our extra workers leave next Wed. So our bosses are arranging for 2 backpackers to come in next week to assist. Apart from the normal stock we are expecting our Xmas stock such as toys, Xmas decorations etc to arrive.
We normally do approx $200k a month, so far this month we have achieved $180k with 2 weeks to go. We are looking forward to the end of the month when we are all back to normal.
Glad we have stocked up with :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Ben.Archer on October 18, 2016, 07:46:12 PM
From the way you are writing, it sounds like you are finding this a really rewarding posting?
Post by: McGirr on October 18, 2016, 08:22:06 PM
Sounds like you have a busy few weeks ahead of you!
From the way you are writing, it sounds like you are finding this a really rewarding posting?
We thoroughly enjoy the job, the relaxed lifestyle, the freindly community and being accepted into their life where they come into the store and say hello, Mark /Penny.
Mark
Post by: MarkVS on October 19, 2016, 05:17:34 AM
This posting has certainly worked out. And...its good to see its keeping you busy.
You do have to concentrate more on your fishing skills as we clearly expect you to be bringing in dinner on the Upcoming trip... ;D
Say hello to Penny from us.
MarkVS
Post by: KingBilly on October 19, 2016, 05:31:09 AM
KB
Post by: Fizzie on October 19, 2016, 07:29:40 AM
we clearly expect you to be bringing in dinner on the Upcoming trip... ;D
Sorry, but you do realise that Mark's going to have to cancel the Kimberley trip as he'll be so busy, he won't be able to take the time off ... >:D :D
Post by: McGirr on October 29, 2016, 06:44:49 PM
The women will continue to camp in the park next to the shop until its finished. We have been very privileged to see this cultural tradition as its slowly being fazed out in a lot of communities.
We have worked long hours to feed all the people camping next to the store and looking forward to getting back to normality. All I can say is that everyone camping have endured 40 degree heat and rain and yet they still come into the store in good spirits.
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Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on November 12, 2016, 10:03:23 AM
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Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: edz on November 12, 2016, 10:16:59 AM
Murphies law is a mongrel ...
Looking forwards to some more instalments from your journey .
Post by: McGirr on November 12, 2016, 10:43:11 AM
Hope you got some good Rodent controls in place for the wet there Mark, Guessing its going to be a bit worrying to see how fast some of the lesser stocked items start to disappear compared to what you though they would . Ohh to have a crystal ball to see the future ;D
Murphies law is a mongrel ...
Looking forwards to some more instalments from your journey .
We had a pest guy here just before the stock arrived to give the areas a good dose of poison. Hopefully its enough.
Yes, I can see us running out of some stock but time will tell.
Mark
Post by: MDS69 on November 12, 2016, 04:56:28 PM
Post by: wakychapmans on November 12, 2016, 05:08:56 PM
Wow that is a lot of salt.
I was wonderin' if anyone else would spot the massive tower of Saxa. I showed the wife the pics and the first thing she noticed was the salt...
Wayne.
Post by: GeoffA on November 12, 2016, 05:10:43 PM
Post by: McGirr on November 12, 2016, 05:19:09 PM
We have a full pallet of raw sugar, approx 200 packets.
Mark
Post by: Terry W4 on November 12, 2016, 05:25:49 PM
Post by: McGirr on November 20, 2016, 08:43:43 PM
Nardirri is an out station but now deserted. This place is also the start of the Moyle River. We headed to coast and followed a faint track to the start of the river.
In our group was Ben, who travelled with me, and Gail and Gary who had their own vehicle. We saw a shelter on the beach and after checking the sand we hit the beach and drove up and parked under the shelter. After my last beach fiasco, I was sure things would go to plan and I wont sink in the sand again. We made it easily.
We noticed a floating log off the beach and it was eating a fish so knowing there was a 4 mtre plus croc out in the water we watched how close we stood near the bank.
Gary was using a lure but with no success so I decided to throw a line in using diced chicken as bait. First 2 fish were toad fish so my chances of landing a big one was not looking good.
Never giving up I persevered and the next fish was a small boring old catfish. I decided to put 2 rods in the water and using metal tubing as rod holders I waited.
Well the action hit straight away with both rods screaming line out. I grabbed one and a nice size salmon was landed. The other rod produced a good size catfish. Keeping the salmon I threw the catfish back.
Thats how the afternoon progressed. Once I threw the line out within a minute the rod was bending and line screaming out. More catfish. We ended up throwing back at least 20 plus good size catfish but enjoyed catching them.
Time was ticking on so we decided to head back to Peppimenarti, after having a look around Nardirri. Definitely a great place to explore and look forward to coming back here in the future. Next time I will bring some crab pots.
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Mark
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Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on November 20, 2016, 09:37:44 PM
It's amazing what gets left behind when people call it quits.
Post by: xcvator on November 20, 2016, 09:39:30 PM
Post by: glenm64 on November 20, 2016, 09:59:47 PM
Cheers Glen
Post by: McGirr on December 04, 2016, 09:17:10 PM
The track, once on the floodplain, is slow going due to the pot holes etc caused by the wild pigs. The area has been burnt out so the black dust kicked up by the cars was everywhere. We picked a spot and started fishing. It only took a minute before the smaller Barra were hitting our lures.
Not catching any bigger Barra we headed further up river to try our luck. We were lucky to catch a few good size ones but the majority were well under size.
A few more locals arrived and they had some success with some 70cm plus size Barra caught but the majority were small. It was still fun catching and releasing them.
As the river was shallow and a lot of weed around we were using plastic lures which did the job.
It was interesting watching the fires burning in the distance and also the small tornadoes that would form on the flood plains. Once the wet season hits the river rises and covers the whole floodplain.
A great day with another fishing spot to add to my list.
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Mark
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: edz on December 04, 2016, 10:19:15 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 04, 2016, 10:22:17 PM
You would almost be due for some decent storms in the build up by now wouldnt you Mark or is it still a bit early . Great pics too .
We are receiving the odd bit of rain but the storms keeping missing us. It's only a matter of time before we get the wet.
Mark
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on December 05, 2016, 08:48:11 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 20, 2016, 12:08:33 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161220/164f863a81f7aec8c96971ca89ba91ca.jpg)
Mark
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Post by: tracker on December 20, 2016, 01:11:59 PM
The benefits of having a commercial kitchen at the store. Todays treat is fresh hot scones with jam and cream.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161220/164f863a81f7aec8c96971ca89ba91ca.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Not real sure how they go with a beer Mark...... ???
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on December 20, 2016, 06:24:01 PM
C'mon you IT Geeks, there has to be a way. :cup:
Post by: GeoffA on December 20, 2016, 08:39:36 PM
Post by: speewa158 on December 20, 2016, 08:44:55 PM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on December 20, 2016, 08:51:28 PM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on December 21, 2016, 07:25:55 AM
Geoff l tried that but it tastes like paper to me ??? >:DYou just need to put on extra cream and jam and the paper taste will begin to soften
GG
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Post by: Fizzie on December 21, 2016, 07:27:56 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 21, 2016, 11:02:57 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161221/41124f41a9d347ae7596a5b20751a301.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: Fizzie on December 21, 2016, 03:50:09 PM
That'll make it much easier for Speewa to put jam & cream on :D
Post by: GGV8Cruza on December 21, 2016, 07:55:11 PM
Thanks for that Mark :cup:
That'll make it much easier for Speewa to put jam & cream on :D
You don't know Speewa all that well. He is more paint by numbers kind of guy and he will have no idea where the condiments (for Speewa the tasty bits) go at all now.
He will just have to survive on :cheers:
GG
Post by: speewa158 on December 21, 2016, 08:04:46 PM
Post by: GeoffA on December 21, 2016, 08:42:11 PM
Post by: Fizzie on December 22, 2016, 07:36:10 AM
You don't know Speewa all that well. He is more paint by numbers kind of guy and he will have no idea where the condiments (for Speewa the tasty bits) go at all now.
Ahh, but he's got the earlier photo to refer to for instructions - & there's not even any words! :D
Post by: McGirr01 on December 26, 2016, 07:54:54 PM
With the amount of rain we are having, the water was flowing nicely, so with the trusted rod and barra lures in hand I tried my luck at catching dinner.
After numerous casts I missed 2 hits from black bream and then 10 min later a good size barra hit the lure but due to the water current it spat the lure just before I could land it.
They barra hang around under the causeway waiting for the bait fish. Normally the creek is about a foot deep but due the rain it rises a fair amount.
Barra 1 Mark 0
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Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on December 26, 2016, 08:24:14 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 26, 2016, 08:31:44 PM
Any crocs in that area Mark ?
Yes, plenty but further down stream. They will follow the food source and as the creeks and rivers rise the crocs will come into the areas chasing the food.
Mark
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on December 27, 2016, 09:05:31 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 28, 2016, 03:12:10 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161228/404abae8ea314894c7656437f74ddc08.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: Moggy on December 28, 2016, 06:32:32 PM
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Post by: GeoffA on December 28, 2016, 06:54:31 PM
Little bugger is probably after the calamari 😎😎😎
...or the scones...
Post by: McGirr01 on December 28, 2016, 08:05:44 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161228/7313ec9e2d32e7bf8cdaea384c12f680.jpg)
I tried the scones but not interested.
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: speewa158 on December 28, 2016, 08:08:17 PM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on December 28, 2016, 11:09:46 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 28, 2016, 11:11:34 PM
Freshies aren't supposed to count are they Mark?
Rather a freshie than a saltie ;D
Mark
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on December 28, 2016, 11:25:33 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 29, 2016, 07:18:15 AM
Where's MUM?
Not sure but a local found another baby croc on the road the other day. It seems the amount of rain we have been getting is flushing the main creek and pushing the baby crocs out of their nests.
Mark
Post by: Fizzie on December 29, 2016, 09:45:05 AM
The baby croc rescued from the pool. A baby freshwater one.
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Mark
You need to send it down to Joff, Mark.
I suggested that's what he needs for his new pond, to keep his other one company! :D
Nearly finished the new pond. We always wanted to live by a river
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Post by: edz on December 29, 2016, 10:01:21 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 31, 2016, 02:53:24 PM
The road to get into Peppimenarti has some water coming across it as the land, being so flat, has large pools that just fill up.
There is one large water crossing on this road and its deep. One spot the water was up to the headlights.
So as this crossing gets more water flowing in we are now cut off.
The Tom Turner Creek today
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The creek crossing a few days ago
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This is the crossing on the Peppimenarti rd
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Deep and with low range second we crossed ok but the car did struggle for a sec with traction.
Mark
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Post by: b1 on December 31, 2016, 06:30:28 PM
Post by: McGirr on December 31, 2016, 06:32:14 PM
who's the furball driving ?
He is my spotter. ;D
Mark
Post by: Bird on December 31, 2016, 06:40:26 PM
who's the furball driving ?King Billy Cokebottle ;)
Post by: McGirr01 on January 01, 2017, 01:46:17 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/28c914b6fe0938c5eb758806f79eeaba.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/1458fcb6dc62af83b416de83b7afaafd.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: GeoffA on January 01, 2017, 03:58:44 PM
He is my spotter. ;D
Is that a type of Pointer, Mark? ;D
Post by: McGirr on January 01, 2017, 04:00:58 PM
Is that a type of Pointer, Mark? ;D
He sits on my lap while I am driving and looks out the window
Mark
Post by: McGirr on January 01, 2017, 06:05:39 PM
So what prompted our decision to pack up, leave Cairns and travel. Reading a number of blogs over time, sick of working long hours in realestate and not getting any younger we decided to just do it. So we packed what we needed into the car and camper and with our little dog, Bisket, we headed off.
We had a job lined up roughly 2500 Kim's away in Ernabella in SA. A Remote indigenous community where we were to work as trainee managers. Our accomodation was in a 20ft shipping container. Well after 6 weeks and being mislead we quit and ended up getting a job in Warburton WA. We stayed there for 11 months before heading to the Kimberley working at Mt Barnett Roadhouse.
After 2 months we were offered jobs to manage a remote community store in Peppimenarti NT. We have been here for just over 6 months and enjoy it immensely.
We have been to places such as Kalgoorlie, Uluru 3 times and even got married there, Alice Springs 3 times, crossed the Kimberly twice, Broome , Derby, Darwin and every where in between.
We have had some stressful times but mostly we have enjoyed our adventures, meeting some great people, seeing some spectacular sights and experiencing lifestyles we never thought we would see.
Our 2000 model cruiser has not let us down. Apart from a broken radiator bracket held on by cable ties and a new starter motor it has handled all the rough roads we have traveled. The cruiser is set up with a draw system in the rear to carry parts , tools, electrical parts such as fuses, wire etc, we have a built in compressor in the rear also, led driving lights for night driving, uhf radio, dual batteries for the 2 fridges we carry, rear airbags, roof rack and good tyres. You don't need to go over the top with gear as most places we travel to are remote with no mechanic. Get used to having dust and dirt in your car and bush pin stripes on your duco.
The camper carries a generator, camping chairs, weber BBQ, storage boxes, jerry cans and other bits and pieces.
So what have we learnt in the 2 years.
Carry only the basics in clothing and other gear. We buy what we need in electrical appliances and leave them behind when we move on. All our personal papers are scanned and uploaded on Dropbox and retrieved if needed. Make friends with the local nurses as you never know when you need them. Make sure all insurance policies for the car and camper cover remote travel. Have a dedicated address for mail. (We use Penny's parents address). Get used to being isolated, we subscribe to NETFLIX, STAN and Google Movies for entertainment. Have a hobby, I enjoy doing up gardens where ever we stay. eBay is your friend. Explore your surroundings, if your in an indigenous community get permission if required. Boredom can set in so learn to cope with it. Your phone takes some great photos, we have a good digital still camera we have rarely used. Adapt to your accomodation, we have lived in a shipping container, 2 bedroom duplex, the camper and currently in a 3 bedroom house.
The benefits of doing what we do, have been;
experiencing places you would rarely see, meeting some great people, exploring remote areas, witnessing traditional ceremonies and enjoying a lifestyle you would never have dreamed of having.
The downside is missing family but internet, social media, Skype and phone calls help alleviate that plus long holidays.
So how do we get our jobs. The best place we found is Gumtree and there are plenty of jobs out there. Something you should take into consideration is that you may work for some, let me say it nicely, interesting people.
So do we regret doing it......NEVER 😀, is it for everyone, no.
The hardest thing is taking the first step. Save some money and go.
We should have done this years ago.
Watch the you tube clip in high def.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vTakcmm3H-Y (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vTakcmm3H-Y)
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on January 01, 2017, 06:26:08 PM
:cheers:
Geoff
Post by: Moggy on January 01, 2017, 06:28:21 PM
I have enjoyed following your exploits & thank you for the effort in pictures & commentry.
I could only dream of such an adventure & wish you continued success & prosperity in 2017.
Keep up the good work
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Post by: Alan Loy on January 01, 2017, 07:03:41 PM
I have been following your adventures with only a bit of jealousy :laugh:
I look forward to spending some time with you in the Kimberly next year :cheers:
Post by: Isuzumu on January 01, 2017, 07:07:28 PM
Post by: shanegtr on January 01, 2017, 07:08:42 PM
Post by: Bongo on January 01, 2017, 07:55:46 PM
I have been following your adventures over time. I have a wonderful light bar that I use when bad planning or circumstances arises. After a mishap with a roo we try to avoid driving at night. I actually purchased 2; one for he Hilux and now have one on the Troopy.
We know some folks out your way. Terry is one but I hear a lot of the young folks have moved on.
Cheers,
Tom.
Post by: McGirr on January 01, 2017, 08:01:02 PM
Hi Mark,
I have been following your adventures over time. I have a wonderful light bar that I use when bad planning or circumstances arises. After a mishap with a roo we try to avoid driving at night. I actually purchased 2; one for he Hilux and now have one on the Troopy.
We know some folks out your way. Terry is one but I hear a lot of the young folks have moved on.
Cheers,
Tom.
Yes we have seen a change in the local non indigenous workers here. A lot of new faces.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on January 03, 2017, 04:23:03 PM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/92074265b09cc48a5dc2b70e3d1cce56.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/70712893628b1b54e2c0614e97732ec6.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/8fd7f8523f82d843873c49bee7ef1464.jpg)
And oops
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/62aae6977b29d3e4e5881bd5f53f2c75.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/6faafc4552758b301ff9e15c3570f8e2.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/6aa596cbbe090a10736a1d31968768af.jpg)
One phone call and I was pulled out.
Always like to have fun....
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr01 on January 18, 2017, 01:02:51 PM
We decided to spend Sunday driving out to a popular fishing spot called Sandy Creek. Its about an hours drive from Peppimenarti on the main rd heading to Daly River.
The amount of rain we have had has turned the road into a rutted water filled track. Washouts everywhere and as the land is so flat water just sits in large pools and creates small waterfalls on the side of the road.
We arrived at sandi creek and started fishing for barra. After an hour or so we were not having much luck but a local ended up catching a barra. There was another small crossing we backtracked to and tried our luck there. First 2 casts missed 2 hookups.
The frustration watching barra chase your lure then miss it. A man can only take so much rejection.
So with no barra and plenty of hits we headed home to some crumbed fish already defrosting.
Barra 0 Lost Lures 4
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/0ebca43a936ccfc76465b7842723dabb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/11f7633eab3688f8db7a7e73ddc756fd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/1ba61976adb5cdaa05d38badc218a1cd.jpg)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/2289d9764546e03edee3c39a189cde93.jpg)
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: jw2170 on January 18, 2017, 01:34:36 PM
Post by: Barrabart on January 19, 2017, 05:25:44 PM
Happy Travels.
Post by: nab on January 28, 2017, 02:12:03 AM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on January 28, 2017, 01:16:07 PM
Anybody you know involved in the vehicle wash away near pepperminati?
Never good news, but 15 in a troopie.
Reported on ABC News today 28/1/17.
Post by: McGirr on January 28, 2017, 08:23:58 PM
Mark,
Anybody you know involved in the vehicle wash away near pepperminati?
Never good news, but 15 in a troopie.
Reported on ABC News today 28/1/17.
Yes a very sad day. People from Wadaye travel to have a drink at the club here at Peppimenarti. Unfortunatly 3 people drowned as they attempted to cross the Moyle River. The water was flowing across the causeway. We have heard numerous reports and will wait till I here what really happened. The vehicle was washed 60mtrs down the river.
There was not 20 people in the car, which was reported in the news. I spoke to our Govt liaison officer this morning and he was a little shaken up as the people who passed away were very nice and I had also met them in the shop numerous times. The liaison officer said there were bodies hanging out of the car.
We supplied drinks and food to the police who attended. Unfortunatly people take risks and crossing swollen river and creeks and this time the consequences were 3 deaths.
The water police flew in on choppers today to retrieve the bodies. Some community members rushed to the scene last night when it was reported but it was too dark to see anything.
Xmas eve 2015 another person drowned trying to cross a swollen river after Traveling from Wadaye to here to have a few drinks at the club.
I expect some changes to occur regarding traveling from Wadaye to the club here in the future, especially during the wet season.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-28/bodies-of-three-drowned-recovered-from-nt-floodwaters/8219924 (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-28/bodies-of-three-drowned-recovered-from-nt-floodwaters/8219924)
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on January 28, 2017, 08:39:03 PM
KB
Post by: glenm64 on January 28, 2017, 08:40:44 PM
From the myswag community to the Wadaye community, our heartfelt condolences. A very sad time for everybody involved.
KB
Cheers Glen
Post by: GeoffA on January 28, 2017, 08:41:23 PM
From the myswag community to the Wadaye community, our heartfelt condolences. A very sad time for everybody involved.
KB
Nicely put KB.
Post by: McGirr on January 28, 2017, 08:42:57 PM
From the myswag community to the Wadaye community, our heartfelt condolences. A very sad time for everybody involved.
KB
Thanks Mate.
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on January 29, 2017, 07:11:16 PM
From the myswag community to the Wadaye community, our heartfelt condolences. A very sad time for everybody involved.
KB
[/quote0
Very Nicely put KB , from all of us to all of them .
Post by: jw2170 on January 30, 2017, 11:25:21 AM
Must have a big impact on the local area....
Post by: McGirr01 on February 05, 2017, 03:03:08 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170205/c9d253531285c5fccaf727075f8f2eec.jpg)
The fish are sitting in the big chiller at work and I will give them away to the locals tomorrow.
Mark
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: Fizzie on February 06, 2017, 01:20:47 PM
Obviously still raining up there, so how's your stock lasting out - get you
Post by: McGirr on February 06, 2017, 01:37:11 PM
Nice one Mark :cup:
Obviously still raining up there, so how's your stock lasting out - get youguessescareful calculations right ??? :D
Yes the rain is here to stay for a while with a heap being dumped overnight.
Stock levels are dwindling on some lines which we can top up from our produce plane but the freezer produce has copped it with anotger 23 ctns of meat being flown in. This years wet season order will be a lot easier as Penny has done spreadsheets on stock so I can just look at the product and know when we ran out with dates and original quantities.
Ordering for this years wet season will be a breeze compared to last year.
Even know how much grog I will need and thats scary. ;D
Mark
Post by: Fizzie on February 07, 2017, 09:11:43 AM
Even know how much grog I will need and thats scary. ;D
Until you get some Swaggers pass through, & deplenish your stocks dramatically >:D
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on February 07, 2017, 01:26:39 PM
Free Beer!
Post by: McGirr on February 07, 2017, 01:33:09 PM
Did someone say Party at Mark's?
Free Beer!
If you can get out here I will shout you beers. :cheers:
All roads are flooded and even planes cant land due to the weather.
Mark
Post by: wakychapmans on February 07, 2017, 01:46:09 PM
If you can get out here I will shout you beers. :cheers:
All roads are flooded and even planes cant land due to the westher.
Mark
so you're sayin' we'd need a tinny?
Post by: McGirr on February 07, 2017, 01:50:53 PM
so you're sayin' we'd need a tinny?
Yes a big one the crocs are not small out here
Mark
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on February 07, 2017, 01:58:14 PM
Post by: Fizzie on February 08, 2017, 08:16:01 AM
Did someone say Party at Mark's?
Free Beer!
He did! :D :cup: :cheers:
"If you can get out here I will shout you beers."
& what's more, he didn't put a time limit on the offer!!!
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Post by: McGirr01 on April 26, 2017, 07:47:14 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170426/47259dbe7ba77e2ec432b21c5fcd942e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170426/01ead6448dc7deb09a539366c0084056.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: Redcherokee on April 26, 2017, 09:37:18 PM
Post by: nab on April 27, 2017, 05:16:10 PM
How is your stock count going after the stressful last stock dropoff a few months ago?
Post by: McGirr on April 28, 2017, 10:23:54 AM
Awesome kaleidoscope sunset!
How is your stock count going after the stressful last stock dropoff a few months ago?
Apparently we have had the third longest wet season on record. This has put the pressure onstock levels and we have had to charter more planes and also use the barge from Port Keats to get stock in. The road will hopefully be open in the next couple of weeks for trucks as the graders will start on the road. Its touch and go whether we will have enough diesel left by then.
Never a dull moment out here.
Mark
Post by: Throbbinhood on April 28, 2017, 11:10:44 AM
You said a while back in one of your posts, that you have found most of these remote jobs on Gumtree.
I've spent the last few hours on there and haven't had much luck. Any hints as to what you search for/what I'm doing wrong?
Happy for you to reply via PM if you prefer.
I only ask as it's something I'd love to do with my partner and our growing family when the time comes, but it doesn't hurt to start looking/dreaming now. Never know what might pop up.
Cheers,
Chris.
Post by: McGirr on April 28, 2017, 07:37:44 PM
Hi Mark,
You said a while back in one of your posts, that you have found most of these remote jobs on Gumtree.
I've spent the last few hours on there and haven't had much luck. Any hints as to what you search for/what I'm doing wrong?
Happy for you to reply via PM if you prefer.
I only ask as it's something I'd love to do with my partner and our growing family when the time comes, but it doesn't hurt to start looking/dreaming now. Never know what might pop up.
Cheers,
Chris.
Chris, yes all our jobs we get are on gumtree. Use the words remote in your searches. Below is a link I searched tonight. There are a few jobs going.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-jobs/remote+couple/k0c9302?sort=rank&ad=offering&fromSearchBox=true (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-jobs/remote+couple/k0c9302?sort=rank&ad=offering&fromSearchBox=true)
Look for Remote couple, remote Roadhouse, remote retail etc in your searches. It really depends what you want to do. I always keep the contact details of jobs offered as a database.
Plenty of work around especially prior to the tourist season around the top half of Australia.
Happy to chat anytime 0407287620.
Mark
Post by: Throbbinhood on May 01, 2017, 10:38:03 AM
Chris, yes all our jobs we get are on gumtree. Use the words remote in your searches. Below is a link I searched tonight. There are a few jobs going.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-jobs/remote+couple/k0c9302?sort=rank&ad=offering&fromSearchBox=true (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-jobs/remote+couple/k0c9302?sort=rank&ad=offering&fromSearchBox=true)
Look for Remote couple, remote Roadhouse, remote retail etc in your searches. It really depends what you want to do. I always keep the contact details of jobs offered as a database.
Plenty of work around especially prior to the tourist season around the top half of Australia.
Happy to chat anytime 0407287620.
Mark
Thanks Mark, appreciate the response! Much more hits than what I was getting previously, you've been more than helpful!
And cheers mate, I'll save your number and give you a yell when I get the chance.
Chris.
Post by: Redback on May 01, 2017, 03:28:52 PM
Post by: McGirr on May 01, 2017, 09:09:59 PM
Hey Mark long time mate, I see you're still travelling around, we'll be up your way around mid to late August(hot I know)we could only get this time frame mid July to late September, I'll give you a hoy if we are close, I'll be on HF also if you have one, we are going up the centre from Googs then west from Uluru to the Pilbara coast then the Kimberley and across to Darwin, can't wait :cup:
Give us a yell when your close mate.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on May 03, 2017, 07:54:34 AM
First pic is Darwin
Second and third pic is Daly River.
Fourth pic is Peppimenarti Community
The last pics are the massive floodplain surrounding Peppimenarti.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/18d6387f77b37179690200f372fe1964.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/a3f17f9c102d62ab2ffc3a4f582662e4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/9c1270abf2663691f5b71063716a3efa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/3394257e4ecb839e57c5f1a331610168.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/4d4891f3c2c28031fe38ecbd30474eaf.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/64887011ace3ce46f33d0035793eaad3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/de6b3d86db64cb7751d7ca1641598523.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Post by: McGirr on July 14, 2017, 07:44:00 PM
With Penny having a major operation which everything went well and she has rebounded back good as new, thank you for the pm's from some members and flowers.
Time has flown and we have been managing the store here at Peppimenarti for over a year now. We have fallen in love with the place and the friendly community. We have gotten to know everyone here and get on extremely well with the people here. Over the past year we have seen some incredible places and experienced some local traditions that most people will never get to see. Which we cherish. We have had some stressful times but mostly enjoyed the time we have been here. It's not easy managing a community store but we have learnt a lot along the way.
Regretfully, the Mayor and one of the descendants of the community, Mayor Harold Wilson, passed away recently. Over the last year I had gotten to know this incredible person. He had been ill for quit awhile and was in and out of the community due to his illness. While Penny was in hospital we had the opportunity to visit him while he was in ICU. He had lost a lot of weight and was not looking well. We enjoyed our short visit chatting to him and Penny gave him a big hug. As time went on his condition worsened and his family decided to fly him home so that he could enjoy his last days in the community. He only lasted one night and we got the call the next morning that he had passed away. We had to arrange a plane to fly his body out and I was asked to meet the plane and be there while the whole community attend as he was flown out. Very sad.
He was an inspiration and I always enjoyed our chats when he came into the store. He would always ask me my thoughts on ideas he had for the community. He was very well respected everywhere he went. It is always hard not to get involved with his ideas he wanted for the community as I was always asked to attend meetings he attended in the community and Harold would come and see me afterwards and chat about the meetings and my thoughts even though he was always in constant pain.
We are now in the process of organising and assisting the immediate family in making sure the funeral goes perfect with 7 communities and Govt dignitaries attending approx 1000 people. It will be a day that both Penny and I are not looking forward to but we will always have memories of a man that lead a community with passion and foresight that will be sorely missed. We have witnessed some sad times in the community but this has affected both Penny and I. RIP Harold, you were an incredible man. He was only 46.
Post by: KingBilly on July 14, 2017, 08:50:37 PM
KB
Post by: Rumpig on July 14, 2017, 09:26:06 PM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on July 15, 2017, 12:55:26 AM
He was obviously trying to do the best he could for those around him in the community.
Hope the celebration of his life goes well.
Post by: Whistler on July 18, 2017, 09:21:59 AM
Whistler
Post by: McGirr on July 18, 2017, 01:34:53 PM
Hi Mark. April this year was the tenth year that my wife and I have been on the road. And yes we are back in Maningrida again. It's something about these remote communities that draws you in keeps you coming back. Good to see you up in the territory and getting amongst the fish. I can not see us heading back south for a while yet.
Whistler
Your just across the road from us. Yes when you find a great community its so easy to stay for quite awhile. We may be here for another 2 years. We already have a year here under our belt.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on July 31, 2017, 08:34:06 PM
This is an outstation, that even thought has been abandoned, is located at the mouth of the Moyle River.
We camped on the beach and set up to fish for that afternoon and and next day. I am always nervous driving on the beach after what happened last time but no issues this time. The tide movement is about 5.5 metres so a lot of water moves between the tides.
Unfortunately the tides were not the best as dead low is the ideal fishing time as the Barra sit in the run out tide waiting for the bait fish, but we tried. I took out a local store worker who had never been there and he appreciated the opportunity.
We fished all Sat afternoon but we were only catching catfish and sharks. The next morning the tide was high and we continued the hard task of fishing. We had plenty of live bait and as the tide dropped the catfish kept biting.
Then the Barra hit but not on my line. I was 50 metres from my fellow fisherman and he was catching the Barra and I was catching the catfish. Then as I had my rod in a metal rod holder it fell over and the rod was being taken along the sand. As I was about 50 feet from it I had to run quickly to grab it as it was being dragged down the beach towards the water. Bloody nearly had a heart attack running that quick to grab it with my hopes that it was a massive Barra, finally.
I grabbed the rod as it was about to enter the water and started winding it in. It was big and pulling hard, you beauty, I am onto a monster. Kept playing it and I thought this does not feel like a big Barra. After 20 minutes I bought it up close. Well bugger me it was a 6 foot shark that I could not recognise. I asked my fellow worker to come over and he nearly crapped himself. Shark he said, no Shite I said. I tried to get numerous pics but a little hard and this is the best I got. It's tail had been bitten previously by either another shark or one of the many big crocs in the area.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/714b34debd7779aa9001b5e019213304.jpg)
After cutting the line to let the shark go we decided to pack up and head home. My worker caught 3 Barra. The best time is to fish at low tide but then you have to walk and fish in the mud. Now this is fun as there are some sharp broken shells in this mud and I am typing this with cuts to my feet from the joy of walking in the mud. Who said fisherman don't go the next level to catch fish. This is the mud, which if you slip being close to the edge, you are in the water with the crocs who are also trying to catch the Barra you are.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/995cb69a231fdd6695a5d6783bcda42b.jpg)
Even though we left with only 3 Barra it is still a great place to relax and fish. The bonus is that it's only about an hour and a half drive from Peppimenarti.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/c34da102604cdcf9d5aee8edc7bdf1e3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/6536d40629cd99234641bc51d7714167.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/c291fa63c3ea6294639953c2a80da103.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/a539d95dfe0d85110812421322c010f2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/205022fe23c05fce735a116aba7176c7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/792595b4abfd8a941c480c71847d7766.jpg)
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on July 31, 2017, 09:19:15 PM
KB
Post by: MarkVS on July 31, 2017, 09:32:32 PM
Post by: McGirr on July 31, 2017, 09:34:24 PM
Ok ok.....I am hoping you are going to show us Barra catching next year......not sharks....
You can never have enough practice Mark. It's great watching the locals catch Barra on basic hand lines and their style.
Mark
Post by: kelslawler on August 09, 2017, 11:42:16 AM
Very interesting post as we plan to pick up work on our way around next year , How did you come across the job ? ???
Post by: McGirr on August 10, 2017, 09:05:47 PM
Hi McGirr,
Very interesting post as we plan to pick up work on our way around next year , How did you come across the job ? ???
We have built up our resume working in very remote areas. We had no experience working in community stores but percervered working with some, lets say, very interesting people.
We applied for our current job, which was on gumtree, and have never looked back. All our jobs we have gotten have been on gumtree. Use the word remote when searching gumtree for a job, such as remote couple, remote managers, remote Roadhouse etc.
We have been in our current job since June last year and love it. The company we are employed by is great and they appreciate what we do and we will stay with them for a while. Even though our idea was to continually travel we have called Peppimenarti home and in the future who knows where will be. That's the exciting part of what we do.
We have met some fantastic people and the community we work in, is safe and they are very respectful. Even the store committee never want us to leave, which makes us feel appreciated for the work we do. After our 3 month Kimberley trip next year we will head back here for another year and see what happens after that.
It depends if you are just going traveling for a year or have an open ticket in a sense. It also depends where you work as you get to see places that are off the beaten track. You can either do the normal tourist route, like most travelers do or look for more exciting places in remote areas.
Good luck and enjoy the adventure ahead.
Mark
Post by: Foo on August 12, 2017, 08:46:02 AM
I had the chance to take off after work on Saturday to meet up with other friends from the community to camp over night at a place called Nardirri.
This is an outstation, that even thought has been abandoned, is located at the mouth of the Moyle River.
We camped on the beach and set up to fish for that afternoon and and next day. I am always nervous driving on the beach after what happened last time but no issues this time. The tide movement is about 5.5 metres so a lot of water moves between the tides.
Unfortunately the tides were not the best as dead low is the ideal fishing time as the Barra sit in the run out tide waiting for the bait fish, but we tried. I took out a local store worker who had never been there and he appreciated the opportunity.
We fished all Sat afternoon but we were only catching catfish and sharks. The next morning the tide was high and we continued the hard task of fishing. We had plenty of live bait and as the tide dropped the catfish kept biting.
Then the Barra hit but not on my line. I was 50 metres from my fellow fisherman and he was catching the Barra and I was catching the catfish. Then as I had my rod in a metal rod holder it fell over and the rod was being taken along the sand. As I was about 50 feet from it I had to run quickly to grab it as it was being dragged down the beach towards the water. Bloody nearly had a heart attack running that quick to grab it with my hopes that it was a massive Barra, finally.
I grabbed the rod as it was about to enter the water and started winding it in. It was big and pulling hard, you beauty, I am onto a monster. Kept playing it and I thought this does not feel like a big Barra. After 20 minutes I bought it up close. Well bugger me it was a 6 foot shark that I could not recognise. I asked my fellow worker to come over and he nearly crapped himself. Shark he said, no Shite I said. I tried to get numerous pics but a little hard and this is the best I got. It's tail had been bitten previously by either another shark or one of the many big crocs in the area.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/714b34debd7779aa9001b5e019213304.jpg)
After cutting the line to let the shark go we decided to pack up and head home. My worker caught 3 Barra. The best time is to fish at low tide but then you have to walk and fish in the mud. Now this is fun as there are some sharp broken shells in this mud and I am typing this with cuts to my feet from the joy of walking in the mud. Who said fisherman don't go the next level to catch fish. This is the mud, which if you slip being close to the edge, you are in the water with the crocs who are also trying to catch the Barra you are.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/995cb69a231fdd6695a5d6783bcda42b.jpg)
Even though we left with only 3 Barra it is still a great place to relax and fish. The bonus is that it's only about an hour and a half drive from Peppimenarti.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/c34da102604cdcf9d5aee8edc7bdf1e3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/6536d40629cd99234641bc51d7714167.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/c291fa63c3ea6294639953c2a80da103.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/a539d95dfe0d85110812421322c010f2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/205022fe23c05fce735a116aba7176c7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170731/792595b4abfd8a941c480c71847d7766.jpg)
Mark
How friggin good, is this scene setting! :cup:
Fo
Post by: McGirr01 on October 23, 2017, 11:26:55 AM
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Post by: McGirr01 on November 17, 2017, 03:33:22 PM
If anyone has nothing to do next week feel free to drop in and help break down 32 pallets.
Peppimenarti is not that far away.
Mark(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171117/58c04aa6dcd616828d85260d200f8511.jpg)
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Post by: Alan Loy on November 17, 2017, 04:35:15 PM
Post by: tryagain on November 17, 2017, 06:38:44 PM
Hang on, I'll just jump in the car. >:D
You could make it for work on Monday morning if you hurry https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Melbourne,+Victoria/Peppimenarti+NT/@-24.9111241,127.5558841,5.25z/data= (https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Melbourne,+Victoria/Peppimenarti+NT/@-24.9111241,127.5558841,5.25z/data=)
Post by: MarkVS on November 17, 2017, 07:27:42 PM
Well its that time of year out here where the wet season orders hit.
If anyone has nothing to do next week feel free to drop in and help break down 32 pallets.
Peppimenarti is not that far away.
Mark(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171117/58c04aa6dcd616828d85260d200f8511.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Na..you need someway to justify your drinks at the end of they day
Post by: McGirr on November 17, 2017, 07:45:36 PM
Mark
Post by: McGirr on November 19, 2017, 08:32:29 PM
The reason is that we would rather leave the community on a high rather than stay another year where we would get to a stage that we would feel that this is a normal life and be mundane.
We have a wet season to go through where we will be isolated for up to 4 months. We also feel we have achieved what we can in assisting the community. The company we work for have been advised and they are keen to have us continue working for them when we finish our Kimberley Trip.
All we need to do is update our resume, which will look quite good, and go from there.
Looking forward to our next adventure. :cheers:
Mark
Post by: edz on November 19, 2017, 10:55:45 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 03, 2017, 05:28:08 PM
After traveling about 20klms we decided that it was not worth going any furthet due to uncertainty of not getting back before dark and more rain heading our way.
Still good to see the area during the start of the wet season.
Mark
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/760dba59c098837b3f6a6f3901c9ad30.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/963a24c16a1fe48a672ef7aad2339d27.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/bea11331c525cfb1d5aa814051e5445e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/6a3931961244a9ccf0af668ed40f2266.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/8e9ce3b5834e0165978b166a7f366120.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/26770f87941718596a2367c8cdd14d2f.jpg)
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Post by: filcar on December 03, 2017, 05:38:10 PM
We thought we would head out to the coast this morning for some fishing. Unfortunatly we had a bit of rain overnight but still thought we would give it a go.That's a "bit of rain" huh?
After traveling about 20klms we decided that it was not worth going any furthet due to uncertainty of not getting back before dark and more rain heading our way.
Still good to see the area during the start of the wet season.
Mark
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/760dba59c098837b3f6a6f3901c9ad30.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/963a24c16a1fe48a672ef7aad2339d27.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/bea11331c525cfb1d5aa814051e5445e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/6a3931961244a9ccf0af668ed40f2266.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/8e9ce3b5834e0165978b166a7f366120.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/26770f87941718596a2367c8cdd14d2f.jpg)
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Post by: speewa158 on December 03, 2017, 07:08:56 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on December 03, 2017, 08:23:54 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/f3da9094fe02db01adc1f35d174a6f77.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/08b5ec40218f006c2772f0f9b43154ac.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/f9247d97df2d66eb5a670fa61cae8c85.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/95722d465d2cba4c0c6a04cbd211e829.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/022119515b76881c62dae1786bfcfbe9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/
20171203/925809e2da39cc5b8317075ed58f7b9e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/8f003aa0c833ba58b3144200b9e72542.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/f0efdfee5b8d56e2e57a165604158ba9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/146f278d965094d7a7a1834b1928a995.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: rags on December 03, 2017, 08:27:04 PM
Post by: glenm64 on December 03, 2017, 08:28:09 PM
Post by: Fizzie on December 04, 2017, 08:10:40 AM
The rangers out here in Peppimenarti are spraying for weeds and offered some of us a quick flight in the helicopter that they were using.
So I suppose you want to swap the drone for a Robinson now, Mark ???
"No, dear, really, it's only so I can get better photo's" :angel: :D
Post by: McGirr on December 04, 2017, 08:21:16 AM
So I suppose you want to swap the drone for a Robinson now, Mark ???
"No, dear, really, it's only so I can get better photo's" :angel: :D
Ha ha, no happy to stay with the drone. The high humidity, thick air density, up here makes it hard for the helicopters to take off so they can only have the pilot and 2 passengers. It took the pilot about 50 feet to get the height to clear the trees.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on December 26, 2017, 06:55:54 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171226/dd9364dba8b02ba0f42013e142913c9f.jpg)
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Post by: GeoffA on December 26, 2017, 07:02:08 PM
Who's a happy boy Mark??... ;D ;D ;D
:cheers: :cheers:
Post by: speewa158 on December 26, 2017, 07:07:44 PM
Post by: GeoffA on December 26, 2017, 07:08:49 PM
He cant talk as he is stuffing his face with fresh fish :cup: :cheers:
I thought it's 'cos his grin is too wide.... ;D
Post by: speewa158 on December 26, 2017, 07:10:38 PM
;D
Post by: McGirr on December 26, 2017, 07:37:53 PM
I thought it's 'cos his grin is too wide.... ;D
Relaxing with a few beers. I gave the barra to a very good freind in the community, Regina Wilson, she gave Penny and I some weaving she done for a xmas gift. She is a talented lady, whose paintings, are recognised in the USA. She is the matriarch of the community as her husband started Peppimenarti.
Mark
Post by: Jules456 on December 26, 2017, 09:49:31 PM
FB - Moseying around Australia
Post by: MarkVS on December 27, 2017, 07:57:18 AM
Post by: McGirr on January 22, 2018, 02:33:51 AM
Well it's now 3 years since we left Cairns and hit the road. Here are some pics from our Adventures to date.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3z0uPDb00 (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3z0uPDb00)
Mark
Post by: alnjan on January 22, 2018, 09:26:18 PM
Post by: glenm64 on January 22, 2018, 10:13:20 PM
Cheers Glen
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on January 23, 2018, 05:40:03 AM
Post by: McGirr on January 23, 2018, 08:41:46 AM
Hi McGirr, Lovely fish and jester, are they saltwater fish or out of a lagoon look pretty dark, Craig
Some are saltwater and some are freshwater.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on February 07, 2018, 10:31:01 AM
Finally got it out yesterday but severly damaged the road.
Mark(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/d8df1375ab0af2b287617c7daecbeb5a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/1fb31db06540371bf77c7ec255cbec67.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/0d1b373fb5db381cc809d826115be601.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/7eaff72c8133368c990b6635a9fdebf1.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/9d505e98578202594509cf741f7972db.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/570731e50c3480571c5d15923b2b3b75.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/cf81effa9fa2849534cba3e1035990de.jpg)
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Post by: tryagain on February 07, 2018, 10:35:42 AM
The rsm of the council in Peppimenarti decided to take a 12 ton truck on the main rd on Sunday. Did not take long to get bogged the idiot. The load limit is 4.7 ton currently.
Finally got it out yesterday but severly damaged the road.
Good thing the container wasn't to top heavy, I am guessing the truck might have had a little lay down if it was.
Post by: McGirr on April 15, 2018, 09:47:22 AM
We head to Darwin shortly for a week then head off on a 3 month Kimberley Adventure for a break before coming back to Darwin to see where our next remote job takes us.
Exciting times ahead.
Who knows where we will end up :cheers:
Mark
Post by: speewa158 on April 15, 2018, 09:55:59 AM
Post by: edz on April 15, 2018, 10:17:06 AM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on April 15, 2018, 02:15:06 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on April 26, 2018, 09:19:52 PM
A hint, plenty of fishing and crabbing and it's the second largest island after Tasmania.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/83d569e1391dfc2971799f6395e0541d.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Post by: GeoffA on April 26, 2018, 09:22:46 PM
Post by: rags on April 26, 2018, 09:46:03 PM
Well it did not take long. New remote job looking good. Start after our Kimberely Trip.
A hint, plenty of fishing and crabbing and it's the second largest island after Tasmania.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/83d569e1391dfc2971799f6395e0541d.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Congratulations on the upcoming gig on ? Melville Island?
Post by: McGirr on April 26, 2018, 09:47:35 PM
Congratulations on the upcoming gig on ? Melville Island?
Yes, Milikapiti or Snake Bay as they call it.
Mark
Post by: KingBilly on April 27, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
KB
Post by: Bird on April 28, 2018, 12:13:53 AM
Nice one Mark. Good luckyour alive... :)
KB
Post by: Barrabart on April 28, 2018, 12:33:53 PM
All the best in your next adventure. :cheers:
Post by: McGirr on July 06, 2018, 05:52:30 PM
A bit pissed off we headed back to the van park and started applying for jobs. Even the job at Melville Island went pear shape as they have decided that they do not need any new managers till the end of the year.
So we are sitting in Katherine till next Wed and looks like we will be heading back to Cairns until something comes up.
The Joy's of working remote. :'(
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on July 06, 2018, 06:01:23 PM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on July 06, 2018, 07:15:55 PM
Something like this, not sure if it fits the criteria, but it's worth checking.
Worst case is, going back to Centrelink I spose.
Hope it works out.
And what 'Geoff' said,
That's a bit rude....
Post by: McGirr on July 06, 2018, 07:25:10 PM
Mark, Did you make any contingency arrangements to protect your income?
Something like this, not sure if it fits the criteria, but it's worth checking.
Worst case is, going back to Centrelink I spose.
Hope it works out.
And what 'Geoff' said,
We have some savings put aside and have put in for a few remote jobs but will head back to Cairns on Sunday and stay with family until we find our next job. Our mistake was we should have sent our resume out to alot of places before we started on our Kimberely trip instead of having all our eggs in one basket. You live and learn. A kick in the guts but we will bounce back, might start a fund me post ;D ;D
Mark
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on July 06, 2018, 07:55:56 PM
Post by: glenm64 on July 06, 2018, 09:22:01 PM
Cheers Glen
Post by: marvellous_matt on July 06, 2018, 09:25:15 PM
Post by: edz on July 07, 2018, 12:46:52 AM
Might be able to link it up with some special access with your friends at Peppiminarti
Post by: McGirr on August 01, 2018, 07:25:27 PM
After returning to Cairns and catching up with family here and flying down to Wollongong to catch up with family there, we have been pursuing jobs, sending out our resumes which gave us a number of jobs to decide on.
We finally chose a job with a bigger firm that specialises in remote stores. After phone interviews with 2 companies they were both desperate to have us.
The company we will be working for are flying us, and the dog, to Darwin from Cairns then a charter flight to a community for us to learn the way they run stores. After 2 weeks we get flown back to Darwin to go through induction for a week, accomodation supplied, and then head out to a store to run, somewhere in the NT. As my car will be in storage in Cairns , they are keen to have it shipped to Darwin at their cost during our induction.
The other company who wanted us required us to pay for our flights etc and it would take 4 weeks to reimburse us plus other out of pocket expenses and work extremely long hours.
It was funny during the web interview with the company we chose, they asked us a number of questions about scenarios that can happen in remote communities and how we would cope. We answered them and then I interviewed them and gave them some scenarios we have been through and I think their jaws dropped. They then said we will let you know in a few days if we have a job ready for you. They emailed us back in 30 min with a job offer with great conditions.
Mark
Post by: Raym on August 01, 2018, 07:41:44 PM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 01, 2018, 07:44:44 PM
Post by: Rumpig on August 01, 2018, 08:14:05 PM
Just an update.the company flying you to Darwin sounds similar to the mob my nephew and his girlfriend are working for currently....they are running a store on Milingimbi Island
After returning to Cairns and catching up with family here and flying down to Wollongong to catch up with family there, we have been pursuing jobs, sending out our resumes which gave us a number of jobs to decide on.
We finally chose a job with a bigger firm that specialises in remote stores. After phone interviews with 2 companies they were both desperate to have us.
The company we will be working for are flying us, and the dog, to Darwin from Cairns then a charter flight to a community for us to learn the way they run stores. After 2 weeks we get flown back to Darwin to go through induction for a week, accomodation supplied, and then head out to a store to run, somewhere in the NT. As my car will be in storage in Cairns , they are keen to have it shipped to Darwin at their cost during our induction.
The other company who wanted us required us to pay for our flights etc and it would take 4 weeks to reimburse us plus other out of pocket expenses and work extremely long hours.
It was funny during the web interview with the company we chose, they asked us a number of questions about scenarios that can happen in remote communities and how we would cope. We answered them and then I interviewed them and gave them some scenarios we have been through and I think their jaws dropped. They then said we will let you know in a few days if we have a job ready for you. They emailed us back in 30 min with a job offer with great conditions.
Mark
Post by: Fizzie on August 02, 2018, 08:25:37 AM
??? though - where do they get the $ to fly you around the place like that ???
Profit out of what they charge the Gov't / community to run the Store ???
Post by: GGV8Cruza on August 02, 2018, 08:36:47 AM
GG
Post by: McGirr on August 02, 2018, 08:57:31 AM
the company flying you to Darwin sounds similar to the mob my nephew and his girlfriend are working for currently....they are running a store on Milingimbi Island
Yes a company called Alpa run that store and is the company that we are going to work for.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on August 02, 2018, 09:00:12 AM
Good on you Mark.
??? though - where do they get the $ to fly you around the place like that ???
Profit out of what they charge the Gov't / community to run the Store ???
It would part of their recruitment budget. Companies like this get funding from the Govt and also the fees for managing stores in communities.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on August 06, 2018, 04:13:01 PM
The small plane we fly on from Darwin can be claustrophobic but we are used to them. You get to check out the scenery over Arnhem Land.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/b8af3dab242e062fa83d3f1701086443.png)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/58b55b1554a43d205b97e866df2e8e1a.png)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/053a612942dfc301ed88c0b9a55b3c5c.png)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/5ac3154a95b4c173cb42f91c925389c1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180806/c597463fff3d93b5ec92b2407cfae767.jpg)
The accomodation is quite nice being a 3 bedroom house, fully air conditioned and free. Also a company vehicle to get to and from work.
Mark
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Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 06, 2018, 05:42:09 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 06, 2018, 06:26:13 PM
So Mark, when do you get a pilots License, so you can get back and forth?
Ha ha, I wish ;D
Mark
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on August 06, 2018, 06:39:26 PM
Post by: Rumpig on August 06, 2018, 09:30:14 PM
Post by: McGirr on August 06, 2018, 10:14:24 PM
So do you sign up for a 2 year contract?... I think from memory that is what my nephew has done with that company.
Not as yet. You can sign a 2 year contract but they are always easy to get out of if needed. We fly back to Darwin Sunday Week and then had to their head office to discuss things.
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on August 06, 2018, 10:26:57 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on August 10, 2018, 08:16:24 PM
This location is going to be a real adventure, somewhere we have never been to and always wanted to explore.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180810/381cfd8e68accf5ffab355f4fb518352.png)
Cannot say where as yet but will shortly.
Mark
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Post by: tryagain on August 10, 2018, 08:33:36 PM
Post by: marvellous_matt on August 10, 2018, 08:39:17 PM
Im going to take my Brother fishing in the run off next year just down the road from there. Im not sure if you will be the man to tell me about the best fishing spots tho...
hope it works out great.
cheers Matt
Post by: McGirr on August 10, 2018, 08:43:39 PM
I recognised it straight away, I though you were going way out bush!
Im going to take my Brother fishing in the run off next year just down the road from there. Im not sure if you will be the man to tell me about the best fishing spots tho...
hope it works out great.
cheers Matt
I will be open to bribes ;D
Mark
Post by: tryagain on August 11, 2018, 09:33:47 AM
I recognised it straight away,
I had no idea, but there is something in the picture that gives it away.
Post by: McGirr01 on August 11, 2018, 01:03:36 PM
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Post by: AllanK on August 11, 2018, 07:55:41 PM
Karen and I are still on our way home.
We were a Cahill's crossing/Merl camping last night fighting off the mozzies.
We were at the Ubirr store this morning.
Am I close🤔
Cheers
Red Dog
Post by: McGirr on August 11, 2018, 08:28:47 PM
G'day Mark (and Penny),
Karen and I are still on our way home.
We were a Cahill's crossing/Merl camping last night fighting off the mozzies.
We were at the Ubirr store this morning.
Am I close🤔
Cheers
Red Dog
Yes ;D
Mark
Post by: Spada on August 14, 2018, 07:01:32 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on August 31, 2018, 07:51:15 PM
Our role is to assist the Store Managers while the duty mmagers are away for 3 weeks and then the store managers head off on 3weeks holidy and we take over. 6 weeks in total.
Then we should.be heading to darwin for a week, then fly back to Cairns to drive the cruiser to Darwin and then hopefully head to Gunbalanya.
Thats the plan to date.
More small plane flights. At least we get to see Arnhem Land from the air(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180831/a31a56deb3dac97b436df473c179c6df.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180831/5d71fd250ce9347267975d94a5bac921.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180831/82472ef6d0381b9c69d4467397cc3480.jpg)
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Post by: Craig Tomkinson on September 01, 2018, 06:54:30 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on September 04, 2018, 10:41:30 AM
We have a 2 bedroom transportable place that has a seperate one bedroom room for visiters. Good size patio with bbq.
There are 2 identical places where the managers live in the other one.
Over the years we have lived in a 40 foot modified shipping container, a 2 bedroom duplex, a camper trailer, a 3 bedroom house, a 3 bedroom donga and now this. All the properties come fully furnished.
As the store trades 7 days a week our hours are Wed to Fri 12.00pm to 8.00pm, Sat 9.00am to 6.00pm and Sun 10.00am to 5.00pm. We get Mon and Tues off. The barge comes each Tues and the store has their own truck with trailers.
The shop here is not bad and will get pics later.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/628b5a86af3a2f7eb05e11560bcf9435.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/4e91bfce0a1952c124573c319d9c502f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/f7c72adb28bd0bd32d82e236db16803a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/cb297e659293bd0287d9f8866a373c67.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/1e86be104700f3d29d721c94eea74aac.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/d9717ea4ad928995bbfb895eaa20a84a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/31cd9437d77df7c6246cca5a64935ef2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/a2061585afe8878903351eed20d1eba2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/36eb74cdfac8d39427ee5dcdd7cb44cc.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180904/249d69a46b3b68c4f9ac81f104b975d5.jpg)
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Post by: marvellous_matt on September 04, 2018, 09:36:25 PM
Post by: Fizzie on September 15, 2018, 08:02:53 AM
Question for you from something that's just been raised on another forum, thanks.
What language/s are spoken in all the various communities ???
Primarily English / "Pidgin" (not sure if that's the right word for it :-[) but their own "nations" language as well, the other way round or what ???
& will this change, community to community ???
Thanks!
Post by: McGirr on September 15, 2018, 08:09:43 AM
G'day Mark
Question for you from something that's just been raised on another forum, thanks.
What language/s are spoken in all the various communities ???
Primarily English / "Pidgin" (not sure if that's the right word for it :-[) but their own "nations" language as well, the other way round or what ???
& will this change, community to community ???
Thanks!
The language does change from locations such as the desert locations and here in Arnhem land. Interesting when we were in Peppimenarti, they spoke their language but with a mixture of English words and we could understsnd it.
Around Arnhem land the lauguage is pretty much the same being Yolngu people. I think most indigenous would be able to understand
most locations though with a few meanings that may be different.
Here at Lake Evella they will chat in their own language and I normally walk past, joke and say what did you call me and they would just laugh.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on September 15, 2018, 04:14:24 PM
https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/ (https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/)
Mark
Post by: tryagain on September 15, 2018, 05:14:50 PM
Update: after releiving at the store in Lake Evella we will be flying out on the 16th Oct to head to Darwin for few days then fly back to Cairns. We then drive to Gunbalanya where we will be trained up on the store as the old managers head off to another store on the 29th Oct. We have allowed 5 days to get to Gunbalanya. That gives us under a week for the training.
https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/ (https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/)
Mark
Looks like pretty ordinary country, I don't envy that view ;)
Post by: GeoffA on September 15, 2018, 05:21:46 PM
Post by: Rumpig on September 15, 2018, 05:31:42 PM
Update: after releiving at the store in Lake Evella we will be flying out on the 16th Oct to head to Darwin for few days then fly back to Cairns. We then drive to Gunbalanya where we will be trained up on the store as the old managers head off to another store on the 29th Oct. We have allowed 5 days to get to Gunbalanya. That gives us under a week for the training.enjoy the new surrounds Mark...my nephew has left Milingimbi and now running a store on Elcho Island apparently.
https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/ (https://www.facebook.com/dilllz/videos/10156151490122165/)
Mark
Post by: McGirr on September 15, 2018, 06:04:11 PM
enjoy the new surrounds Mark...my nephew has left Milingimbi and now running a store on Elcho Island apparently.
Yes things can change quickly in this line of work. The reason we had to fly urgently to Lake Evella was because one of the original duty managers had a drug problem and was caught with a posted parcel that had crystel meth in it. We flew in and they flew out on the same plane.
Mark
Post by: alnjan on September 16, 2018, 03:05:57 PM
Post by: McGirr01 on October 20, 2018, 04:18:46 PM
I must say the scenery is impressive, especially from our patio. A nice place and you can even drink the special stuff.
Crossing Cahills Crossing was nice and easy being neap tides. Looking forward to fishing there when the tides are up and watch the crocs. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/3438a2036f990e0906d4c8f80c6ffa22.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/7c3d6eb1b853c4d443dffbe00050b37a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/345992fe28282953d4cf442ec1bdb5e6.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/db27efe552abf93234a2010c311eb836.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/90c855fa612e01ad216eb3a136f9e9f5.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/54e24bc4ca3c394b308e4ad5b401bdc9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181020/1512a82ba2257e0b1b233f77ae95cc69.jpg)
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Post by: tryagain on October 20, 2018, 05:11:40 PM
Post by: alnjan on October 20, 2018, 05:41:00 PM
Post by: listo on October 21, 2018, 08:50:42 PM
Let us know when you wear that exercise bike out in the photos and have to request a new one ;D ;D
Post by: McGirr01 on October 28, 2018, 10:56:27 AM
Headed back to travel across the crossing and Shit did that tide come in quick. Crossed safely and just watched the incoming tide and the crocs come out of no where, some up stream some down stream.
I have been to plenty of places around Australia where crocs inhabit areas but Cahills Crossing and the East Alligator River are incredible. Crocs everywhere, I would hate to fall in the water.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/93aa4ba249e1f9407c319e4165a241f4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/1d373b87492a18d331f0ad7109a91241.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/cbff124c560017eb0a4f77a3207a4dfc.jpg)
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Post by: alixta on October 28, 2018, 01:46:07 PM
Post by: McGirr on November 13, 2018, 01:02:26 PM
Too many chiefs running the business and we get bombarded with emails with whats happening, lift sales etc. Its the way they do business but its just not for us.
We handed in our notice of one week and head to Cairns on friday night. The goods news if we have another job ready to go. The small business has been after us for a while.
WA here we come, to a community 180 klms south of Broome. Less hours, same money and more laidback after talking to one of the directors of the store. Plenty of fishing.
http://www.bidyadanga.org.au (http://www.bidyadanga.org.au)
We pick up the car in Cairns and head to Darwin to grab all our gear in storage. Buy a tandem trailer, load it up and head to Broome. Should take us about 9 to 10 days.
Our next adventure awaits.
Mark
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on November 13, 2018, 01:33:48 PM
Post by: edz on November 13, 2018, 02:29:23 PM
Post by: doc evil on November 13, 2018, 02:46:43 PM
Well after 9 weeks working for Alpa we have decided its not for us.
Too many chiefs running the business and we get bombarded with emails with whats happening, lift sales etc. Its the way they do business but its just not for us.
We handed in our notice of one week and head to Cairns on friday night. The goods news if we have another job ready to go. The small business has been after us for a while.
WA here we come, to a community 180 klms south of Broome. Less hours, same money and more laidback after talking to one of the directors of the store. Plenty of fishing.
http://www.bidyadanga.org.au (http://www.bidyadanga.org.au)
We pick up the car in Cairns and head to Darwin to grab all our gear in storage. Buy a tandem trailer, load it up and head to Broome. Should take us about 9 to 10 days.
Our next adventure awaits.
Mark
Awesome. Did the remap of the Kidson Track for the Nyungamarta and basically started out from Bidyadanga.
Must get back up that way soon.
Post by: DOT 187 on November 13, 2018, 03:06:05 PM
I have a fairly secure yard & maybe some shed space in Pinelands if you need to drop trailer some where while you are sorting Shit out when you get back to Darwin. cheers Brett 0438651456
Post by: McGirr on November 13, 2018, 05:12:47 PM
You got spoiled by Peppimenarti didnt you 8)
We sure did. Allowed to actually manage a store.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on November 13, 2018, 05:14:15 PM
G,day Mark
I have a fairly secure yard & maybe some shed space in Pinelands if you need to drop trailer some where while you are sorting Shit out when you get back to Darwin. cheers Brett 0438651456
Many thanks Brett. Will advise whats happening when we leave Cairns this Sunday.
Mark
Post by: Rumpig on November 13, 2018, 07:08:05 PM
Well after 9 weeks working for Alpa we have decided its not for us.funny you should post this now, I have my nephew and his girlfriend that work for Alpa sitting beside me currently (they are on 6 weeks holidays and about to go to Fiji). Just read them what you wrote, they said it’s not like that for them at all, so interesting to read how it has been for you guys. My nephew said he apparently met you at Alpa head office when you started.....they are heading to Borroloola when they finish thier holidays I think he mentioned the other night at our place.
Too many chiefs running the business and we get bombarded with emails with whats happening, lift sales etc. Its the way they do business but its just not for us.
We handed in our notice of one week and head to Cairns on friday night. The goods news if we have another job ready to go. The small business has been after us for a while.
WA here we come, to a community 180 klms south of Broome. Less hours, same money and more laidback after talking to one of the directors of the store. Plenty of fishing.
http://www.bidyadanga.org.au (http://www.bidyadanga.org.au)
We pick up the car in Cairns and head to Darwin to grab all our gear in storage. Buy a tandem trailer, load it up and head to Broome. Should take us about 9 to 10 days.
Our next adventure awaits.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on November 13, 2018, 07:36:05 PM
funny you should post this now, I have my nephew and his girlfriend that work for Alpa sitting beside me currently (they are on 6 weeks holidays and about to go to Fiji). Just read them what you wrote, they said it’s not like that for them at all, so interesting to read how it has been for you guys. My nephew said he apparently met you at Alpa head office when you started.....they are heading to Borroloola when they finish thier holidays I think he mentioned the other night at our place.
I cannot remember them. Old age ha ha. Some people like the Alpa way while others find it too controlling like we did. They do look after their staff as they fly us back to Cairns. If they were duty managers its easy. ;D
Pm me their names see If I can remember.
Mark
Post by: Rumpig on November 13, 2018, 07:43:48 PM
I cannot remember them. Old age ha ha. Some people like the Alpa way while others find it too controlling like we did. They do look after their staff as they fly us back to Cairns. If they were duty managers its easy. ;Dthey’ve gone now so I can’t ask them exactly what they do...they did say something about it being different with the way you were versus what they ran, or something about the type of stores they had been running.
Mark
Post by: McGirr01 on November 18, 2018, 05:35:09 PM
Tonight's accommodation is at the Big 4 Aussie Outback Caravan Park. We have stayed here before and they allow dogs to stay in the cabin. Relaxing now with a few cold ones. Ready for tomorrow's leg.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/04eb79896b3d46359728baf7035c87c2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/b2022822d9808f0abb17db15eff13d20.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/a2a6d62aeefc0f01a5a6356cd3ec1e99.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/01deec8578af7d2d8a301806d511f29e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/b06c09b37241b577ab5f4d6802f197ec.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/57bbbaa413ef459e9f9ef67559145d99.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/eca0226f0bea437b4f270021514d87c1.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/0288b60886314ab73d2340a153cf333f.jpg)
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Post by: McGirr01 on November 23, 2018, 04:28:18 PM
We left the Threeways early Wed morning to thunder and lightning and torrential rain. This continued for 50 klm then it cleared up. We made Darwin that evening around 5.00pm.
We stayed at a place that Penny found on Airbnb. A nice shed but completely renovated on a property at Humpty Doo. Friday was spent getting a few things, picking up our new trailer and packing all our gear in it.
We have done just over 3000 klm since leaving Cairns. You can't say we lead a boring life
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Post by: GGV8Cruza on November 23, 2018, 04:39:03 PM
GG
Post by: McGirr on November 23, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Have I missed something Mark, where is the Camper
GG
Camper is in Cairns. Gave it away to my nephew. No more camper for us. A van or hybrid in the future. Need luxury for this old person ;D
Mark
Post by: GeoffA on November 23, 2018, 07:00:14 PM
Camper is in Cairns. Gave it away to my nephew. No more camper for us. A van or hybrid in the future. Need luxury for this old person ;D
Mark
That's very generous Mark. Your nephew has scored a well proven unit.... :cup: :cup:
Post by: McGirr01 on December 03, 2018, 07:33:56 PM
House not bad being a 2 bedroom and plenty of room for the 75in TV plus a big patio.
Lawnmower is getting fixed hence the long grass. We are only 180klms south of Broome so easy to head into town for things.
Will try my luck at fishing this weekend with the high tide and not get bogged in the sand this time.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/7adaf87e5752df87decccef8dbef0427.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/b05b1b28662123f887bdde9ce362772e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/3f99623386de4e59e87d6d9a6f8e04be.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/4a103949820d0a9769a10f6277e4d831.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/196dd020c1bc685f8cb37a686efc2a14.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/87acde1ab4dcf64c6f472c659b8d6ac1.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/12b69119d7804e5330e34b193e19b184.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/5ac6cb4a4616f1bf99c8aaabb0049a1a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/2c3389c70a40d613b4247d91e6c73906.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/525a0786b372d1b8a1db2f87d7c95b21.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/56eb1e2ff4c25df954a4dbea6566f043.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/31b40a3c18a4e92febd4f8439dccb74c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181203/ec326bd0039ada914db0c1c7237b03db.jpg)Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Post by: edz on December 03, 2018, 09:55:27 PM
Post by: doc evil on December 05, 2018, 08:52:09 AM
Post by: McGirr on December 05, 2018, 09:05:54 AM
Is it an open community or now closed? When I was there in 2013 I'm sure it was an open community. We picked up some elders from there for a remap of the Kidson Track.
It's an open community as far as I am aware.
Mark
Post by: McGirr on October 22, 2019, 06:08:13 PM
Back in the NT, working in remote communities. Mostly as full time relief managers traveling between communities.
After 9 months in Wollongong, caring for Dad before he passed away and spending time with Mum, it will be great to get back into working again.
Let the new adventures begin.
Mark
Post by: rockrat on October 22, 2019, 06:17:19 PM
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Post by: Fizzie on October 23, 2019, 08:00:27 AM
So you'll be living in quarters up there & don't need to take the van ???
Post by: McGirr on October 23, 2019, 03:41:53 PM
Have fun, Mark :cup:
So you'll be living in quarters up there & don't need to take the van ???
We will take the van up once we have our first holidays. But we do get free accomodation when working in the communities.
Mark
Post by: Bookleaf on October 24, 2019, 11:06:39 AM
Post by: tryagain on October 24, 2019, 11:45:40 AM
What van did you finish up getting to replace the camper?
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=56714.msg997590#msg997590
Post by: McGirr01 on August 28, 2020, 05:24:00 PM
We spent the last 7 months working for a company as relief store managers. We have been to Ali Curung NT, Tjuntjunjara being in the middle of the WA desert and then stuck for 3 months, due to covid, in a community called Willowra.
We then decided to take 3 months off and head back to Wollongong to pick up the car and van and travel to Cairns to catch up with Penny's family.
From there we headed back to Alice to start back at work on the 31st August. We will put our van in storage here until our next holiday.
The plan is to work till December 2021 and take 6 months off to travel before coming back.
So our first gig back is in SA at a place called Yalata. We fly out to Adelaide for n over night stop then a flight to Ceduna and pick up a hire car and drive 2 and a half hours to Yalata. Will be taking the drone for some shots of the cliff's along the Nullabor.
Any way some pics from the last 10 months.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/af837161888e3400f5fd8d5fd70d35ea.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/948d9689a071a8103f77cffddbcb4898.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/84415dd39d48b4f959dbe988aa29ccba.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/68f3235af1d16e5ba34bd0c97ed77873.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/4ec78c843b5cc2ae983c794471fa21a3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/e4b9f11e9bca3e398f997ac0f376e40f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/ef8fcbbf7c251f612cc316b70736ad75.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/9cd8c89602a0c6f398844626d761a1b7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/0ee76702c57e371458a832232a8f4213.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/971aec3d7521c6661562d8bc1e97f1fd.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/ace6af8d36ef29820bd85be76d36b596.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/952711a2c6c933e1b7447e388b57ab7c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/99be882e80dc3b4219082edc49c6d7c2.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/7322a776a223cafd95482a6ea251ae9b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/a5ecfb1b0d023f6db1c65f86445656b8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/f1c186f06c2305a99fd99f71d7462564.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/0068e0f6e54694edaf58b5b1990bfa6b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200828/86903ec42e78a65921b46835ae3e4bdf.jpg)
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Post by: McGirr01 on November 19, 2020, 08:26:13 PM
A nice community on the Nullarbor. Spent time exploring the area. Dropped into the Head of Bight and lucky enough to see a few whales with their calves.
Also had a look around fowler's Bay. We flew back into Alice and headed to Papunya for a few days before heading to Yuendumu for a 6 week gig. Being on the Tanami and only 10 klms of dirt road, driving to Alice for a weekend break, was a good easy 2.3hr drive on the tar.
We arrived at our next relief, back on the Tanami, being Yuelamu. Here for 6 weeks and then hopefully spend the last job on the Tanami when we do a relief stint running Tilmouth Well roadhouse starting in early Jan for 6 weeks.
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Post by: McGirr01 on February 01, 2021, 12:02:05 PM
We had the pleasure of experiencing the storms and rain that turned the Napperby Creek, next to the roadhouse, into a raging torrent the that standard trucks and cars overnight.
Friday morning, after some heavy rain falling in the catchment area of the creek, the water was running 6in over the road, within 2 hours it was half a metre over and slowly rising.
It was incredible to watch.
The Creek rarely flows so we got to witness mother nature at her best.
The landscape, as expected, is lush and green.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/ed9cb510794b47f498361710f83e6334.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/d5cc497e1e848b5723785fb564fd6076.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/8c0940faf4e6d46ae9cc6e2a9d3be727.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/ccb9b867a29125a35e6584d02cd81245.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/684e9c77c41f7073bca4396fa6980a89.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/14f42412c95dc09acd4338ef41723b5d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/0f657e855a4ff1ecde8d5ef85e8dbaca.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210201/7a71f8c891abe154775bd6d8f7493307.jpg)
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Post by: Moggy on February 01, 2021, 12:08:19 PM
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Post by: nab on February 01, 2021, 01:34:28 PM
Post by: plusnq on February 01, 2021, 01:58:15 PM
Post by: rossm on February 01, 2021, 02:12:50 PM
There’s a significant rain event on in the Pilbara after heavy rain topped up Kimberley rivers last week.
Wish I could get up there to see it.
Post by: Fizzie on February 02, 2021, 06:56:49 AM
Funny place to park that white sedan though! >:D
Post by: McGirr01 on March 04, 2021, 07:35:57 PM
We head to Darwin this Sat, taking the van and car for our next stint.
Doing relief management at the Nguiu Club on Bathurst Island for 7 weeks.
Looking forward to getting back into Barra Country.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210304/93ea2fbb92dcf0a2eeb5ef1ef5567dad.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210304/7574453d772e3f25760a9d0d11dac978.jpg)
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Post by: Fizzie on March 05, 2021, 07:41:16 AM
Post by: McGirr01 on July 04, 2021, 06:06:22 PM
After our 7 week relief stint at Nguiu Club, we picked up the van and car in Darwin and headed to Beswick as new managers for their social club.
The club is currently run from a small section of the building but extensive renovations will see an incredible change with a large bistro being installed.
Penny can't wait to start showing people her cooking ability.
The community is only an hours drive from Katherine on a tarred rd.
Also only a 30 min drive from the Community is an incredible water fall with barra and freshwater crocs.
We will be set up here for a few years as the accommodation is great, 3 bed, modern house with ensuite and a big garage to store the car and side parking for the van, which has a cover over it.
Good size yard overlooking the bush and plenty of room for visitors.
Currently building 9 new gardens for the club. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/36f11767727eda43e99aef19bd2c0263.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/4116881ee6c64b5e2b7eff335755fc6d.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/b68e9f452ba5acb31d32faf6b067685c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/08548bff5d6ef5b61a55ae1d5fdca889.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/05c881d11bb469b66a65f793ebbe1232.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/588b599b20ce4c11afcd58ac854d79bd.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/ae966102ced5912ce893274a371a0009.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/079683a3dd193221a41a96792d617b34.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/d8dcfbcdcb6184cea51bf24551756bc7.jpg)
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Post by: Fizzie on July 05, 2021, 06:57:23 AM
Thanks, Mark.
Post by: GGV8Cruza on July 05, 2021, 07:06:04 AM
GG
Post by: wakychapmans on July 06, 2021, 10:21:48 AM
... and plenty of room for visitors.
you'll regret saying that... ;D
Post by: McGirr01 on July 08, 2021, 04:31:23 PM
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Post by: NZMarkb on July 08, 2021, 06:06:57 PM
Thanks for sharing
Post by: Foo on July 09, 2021, 06:26:41 AM
Foo
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Post by: McGirr01 on November 13, 2021, 08:58:22 AM
After 3 months in Beswick we decided to leave due to being micro managed by the store managers, even though they had noting to do with the club we were trying to get up and running. With no support from head office we left and had jobs at Mary River Wilderness Retreat, working with friends.
My role was maintenance, yard work etc and Penny was cook, reception and some room cleaning. We had a great time there as it was only an hours drive to Darwin.
We stayed for about 2 months but as Penny's father was not well so we headed back to Cairns, where we are now. He is doing well and have decided to drive to Wollongong to catch up with my family for xmas around mid December.
We had the opportunity to finally visit places we missed when traveling so explored Kakadu and Litchfield.
Turning 60, Penny organized a fishing charter for me so we could fish Shady Camp and she caught her first Barra.
We have another Job ready for us, we were headhunter by a CEO of a community, and after discussions on pay etc we head there mid Jan next year.
Even though we wanted a break from communities, we really enjoyed this one and the location and decided to take it as the money was excellent. Can't say where it is as yet.
The car and van have not missed a beat with both recently being serviced while here in Cairns.
Pics of Mary River, Kakadu and Litchfield. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/cb95c52af72009e8b260a35806a9d27f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/9a2070c1ccf7f67aa74f6825be15317c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/87f17e724b4708ee659a2ae54f6ea690.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/4bf4d60ea1ab052ff73435d1f5bfe217.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/f0685e418e12f0fdf4da5addf90d7cb4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/607f69592039bb550c1ee2f3310c8b22.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/73de8b47266e8d9a8808fd487adfe48a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/b61aadc2041ee13c96af1f78a410faf6.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/7714c27980b5f887d1840e3d3d102046.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/af5131d6796677e3e8aea43102d20b00.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/0d688ae0b7a88e1ca6938bc3fb14e4bb.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211112/990aa99adacfa4e7a8395380b92b49ae.jpg)
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Post by: wakychapmans on November 13, 2021, 09:04:11 AM
Post by: GGV8Cruza on November 13, 2021, 09:42:46 AM
GG
Post by: Fizzie on November 14, 2021, 07:21:43 AM
Keep having fun!
Post by: NZMarkb on November 14, 2021, 08:10:23 AM