Our 2011 Bug-In road trip - Adeaide to Perth

[WEDEL.1]

Julia, Millie (the black Kelpie) and I set off on the 1st April on our road trip to the 2011 Bug-In in our Camper Trailer.

Tow vehicle is a 2008 Golf Edition, 1.9 TDI with Oettinger reflash and a 6 speed DSG. Wheels are 16" vVW Namib wheels wrapped in Pirelli P7 tyres. The white carbra is fitted and for the first time mirror bras fitted.

All set to go. I had refueled the Golf previously and added 300 mls of 2 stroke oil (Jaso FC). Our first destination was our on-site caravan at Pt Victoria. We will spend 2 nights here and leave for Elliston early Sunday morning.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110401-1.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/20110401.jpg/)

We stopped at the Yorke Peninsula turn off for a very late luch, a cornish pasty bought at Port Wakefield. The Hummocks are in the background.


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040114-1.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/2011040114.jpg/)

On arrival at Pt Victoria the MFD was not showing good numbers. Fuel consumption was higher than I anticipated, but we did have strong cross winds.


http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/8193/2011040121.jpg (http://img576.imageshack.us/i/2011040121.jpg/)

Klaus parked in front of our caravan.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040146-1.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/2011040146.jpg/)


You will note a detour via Minlaton for last minute supplies, and for a 4 litre container of Castrol 2 stroke oil. At $33 it was $7 cheaper than in Adelaide :-)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/sa06a-1.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/sa06a.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Maris

[MattyT]

Forgive my ignorance, but why are you putting 2 stroke oil into a diesel engine??

[WEDEL.1]

Forgive my ignorance, but why are you putting 2 stroke oil into a diesel engine??

Oooooooo, you've asked the 6 Million Dollar question there.

Best you have a read of the first few pages of this Freel2.com - View topic - 2-stroke oil and diesel (http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic878.html?highlight=oil)

I don't want to start another 2 stroke war ;-)

Maris

[Water Boy]

Good work Maris!

[Preen59]

Oooooooo, you've asked the 6 Million Dollar question there.

Best you have a read of the first few pages of this Freel2.com - View topic - 2-stroke oil and diesel (http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic878.html?highlight=oil)

I don't want to start another 2 stroke war ;-)

Maris

I totally recommend it. Definitely made a difference in the Caddy, although I keep forgetting to use it. :)

Good stuff, dude. Tim and I were going to do it in his Mk1 but it ain't gonna happen this year. Well done! :)

[kaanage]

I totally recommend it. Definitely made a difference in the Caddy, although I keep forgetting to use it. :)

I saw you mention that it seemed to slightly improve your mileage early in the local 2-stroke/diesel thread but you didn't comment at all in its recent resurrection. Maris and I were led to believe that no one here supported the notion.

BTW I also saw you mention Castrol R30 at one stage but I seriously would not recommend a castor based oil for this purpose as it doesn't really mix with mineral oil (of which diesel is a very light one) or petrol but rather it emulsifies if you mix it thoroughly enough which is ok for immediate use (like racing) but not great if the fuel sits for a while as it will separate.

Sorry for the thead hijack Maris.

I wouldn't think that the fuel consumption is that bad considering the size and poor aerodynamics of your trailer. Were you getting better before you contaminated your fuel?;)

Is that Millie in the foreground of one of the pics?

[WEDEL.1]

I saw you mention that it seemed to slightly improve your mileage early in the local 2-stroke/diesel thread but you didn't comment at all in its recent resurrection. Maris and I were led to believe that no one here supported the notion.

BTW I also saw you mention Castrol R30 at one stage but I seriously would not recommend a castor based oil for this purpose as it doesn't really mix with mineral oil (of which diesel is a very light one) or petrol but rather it emulsifies if you mix it thoroughly enough which is ok for immediate use (like racing) but not great if the fuel sits for a while as it will separate.

Sorry for the thead hijack Maris.

I wouldn't think that the fuel consumption is that bad considering the size and poor aerodynamics of your trailer. Were you getting better before you contaminated your fuel?;)

Is that Millie in the foreground of one of the pics?

Yes, we got 6.2 last year, but that was for a long weekend......now were packed for 4 weeks, and I mean packed.

Yes Greg, that is Millie.

Thanks James & Preeny...

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Port Victoria is an old grain port. Grain was shipped to Europe by windjammers.

The "Pamir" and the "Passat" were the last Windjammers to call at Port Victoria for grain. The "Pamir" left on the 28th of May 1949 and the "Passat" departed four days later. Those who watches the two ships leave, witnessed the end of an era.

The jetty is still standing.

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/461/2010122710.jpg (http://img859.imageshack.us/i/2010122710.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Preen59]

Way cool, Maris. I'll keep checking in on this thread! :)


I saw you mention that it seemed to slightly improve your mileage early in the local 2-stroke/diesel thread but you didn't comment at all in its recent resurrection. Maris and I were led to believe that no one here supported the notion.

BTW I also saw you mention Castrol R30 at one stage but I seriously would not recommend a castor based oil for this purpose as it doesn't really mix with mineral oil (of which diesel is a very light one) or petrol but rather it emulsifies if you mix it thoroughly enough which is ok for immediate use (like racing) but not great if the fuel sits for a while as it will separate.

Yes. I didn't see the latest discussion.. But people tend to not like change.. Or anything that seems a bit different.

Castrol R30 is a vegetable based oil..... NOT castor. I raced long enough and experimented with enough oils to know what's what.. ;)

My test was with Yamalube.. A full synthetic 2 stroke oil that was so good it actually removed the carbon from the piston, which made it no good for what we were doing in Karts.. Why? Well that's our secret. :)

[kaanage]

PM sent, (to not take Maris's thread further offline).

Lovely pic and commentary Maris - I'm holidaying by proxy through you :)
(One of the last ships being named Passat is a great conincidence)

[WEDEL.1]

PM sent, (to not take Maris's thread further offline).

Lovely pic and commentary Maris - I'm holidaying by proxy through you :)
(One of the last ships being named Passat is a great conincidence)

And a street in Pt Victoria is named Passat. Both ships were German owned. Pt Vic has a great little museum dedicated to the ships. We have been in there twice as it's only $2 ea to get in.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day2. Port Vitoria to Elliston.


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/1sa06-1.jpg (http://img846.imageshack.us/i/1sa06.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2sa09-1.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/2sa09.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


We slept in this morning, but still got away in good time. Port Augusta came without incident and we passed the Shell servo with only one customer.

Whalla was the next town where we were to refuel and it was only 80 kms further. We arrived at the Shell to find it full of custmers. I wasn't going to wait, so we continued on, drove aroung the main town but ther were no other servos.....

I checked the MFD and we had another 130 kms left to empty, and Cowel was only 95 kms away. I watched in horror as the gap closed. It was like watching a one day cricket game as the side batting second reduced the run rate. I took the Golf off cruise in an effort to save fuel.

100 to 80 kms, 70 to 60, untill we got to 20 kms to 23. I was rewally worried, REALLY worried. I suggested that we drop the trailer off at the next rest bay, and one stay with the trailer, and one get the Golf refueled. Eventually we stopped on a down hill section(!!). We examined the option of uncoupling but found we couldn't remove the stabiliser bar easily, so we went for broke.

The gap reduced further. Our speed went from 100 to 80 to 70 to 65. We were a hazard on the highway, but luckily traffic was very light in our direction. My mouth was dry, and Julia & I spoke little. I turned off the CD & Air......I was desparate. The gap went to 20 to 23 and I knew we were in trouble. I was down to 60 km/h, and I was keeping fuel consumption down to 4.8-5.9 L/100km.

To my relief, we rolled into the servo with the trip computer showing 10 kms to empty. I don't ever want to go throught that again!!!

We had some lunch after refueling and headed for Elliston. TomTom decided that Elliston was 125 kms further than it was?? I trusted the road signs and arrived in plenty of time to set up. Annex won't be set up on the one nighters, not untill Esperance.

Crossing the bridge in Port Augusta.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040365-1.jpg (http://img847.imageshack.us/i/2011040365.jpg/)

Setting up in Elliston C/P

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110403159-1.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/20110403159.jpg/)

Finished.

http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/5749/20110403163.jpg (http://img815.imageshack.us/i/20110403163.jpg/)


Maris

[gareth_oau]

when are you due to arive in Perth? - we have a breakfast planned for Sunday 17th April and youre welcome to join us

[WEDEL.1]

Thank you, we will be staying at the Caravan Pk near the airport about a week before Good Friday.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day 3. Elliston to Ceduna.


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/3sa1-1.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/3sa1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Set the alarm for 6 am and eventually got up at 7.15 am. Everything we had left outside, table, chairs, bags and rear parcel shelf were all wet from the dew. Fantastic!

We methodically dried and packed as best we could. For a change things started to fall into place. We were ready to leave at 9.20 am, a record.

We refueled at the local Mobil at $1.679 c/l. Before leaving Elliston we did the cliff top tour which showed some spectacular coast line. Made stops at Venus Beach and the Eyre waterhole before arriving in Ceduna at about 2.15 pm. A quick bit of shopping and we headed off to the Caravan Pk and booked in. We had to pay a $50 bond for Millie. Obviously her reputation as a trouble maker had preceded her .

Fuel economy finished at 7.1 L/100 kms.

Tomorrow is a 500 km day to Eucla, and finally in Western Australia.

Pics from the cliff top drive at Elliston.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040415-1.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/2011040415.jpg/)

Scuptures are place around the drive. This one is of a pair of thongs.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040418-1.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/i/2011040418.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040418-2.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/2011040418.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040421-1.jpg (http://img850.imageshack.us/i/2011040421.jpg/)

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3893/2011040437.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/2011040437.jpg/)

Had a look at Eyre's water hole. http://www.outbacktraveller.com.au/South-Australia/Streaky-Bay.html

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9113/2011040497.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/i/2011040497.jpg/)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1796/2011040498.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/2011040498.jpg/)

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/5421/20110404100.jpg (http://img811.imageshack.us/i/20110404100.jpg/)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1213/20110404101.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/20110404101.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Maris

[Scouser]

Great posts, keep them coming
Scouser

[AdamD]

Great posts, keep them coming
Scouser

+1. Keep up the great commentary and pics Maris! :)

[WEDEL.1]

More pics added to days 2 & 3.

The Golf at Ceduna.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6924/20110404134.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/20110404134.jpg/)

Volkswagens at Ceduna. T5 Transporter.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1720/20110404118.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/20110404118.jpg/)

T5 KEA Camper

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6367/20110404126.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/20110404126.jpg/)

LT Camper.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9778/20110404129.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/20110404129.jpg/)

T5 Transporter.

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/7904/20110404131.jpg (http://img714.imageshack.us/i/20110404131.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Maris

[kaanage]

Awesome pics, Maris.
I hope it's as much fun as it looks.

[WEDEL.1]

It's tiring Greg, but still way better than work. Had 4 straight days on the road, and with my back still hurting, it's trying.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Real fuel economy figures to Norseman.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2871/fuelecontonorseman.jpg (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/fuelecontonorseman.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Maris

[kaanage]

I'd be very happy with that mileage considering the load the Golf is pulling.

Some of the fuel prices are scary, though. It must be costing those Crafter based campers a fair but to get there.

I hope your back is easing up and the girls are enjoying things.

[WEDEL.1]

Hi Greg, I spoke with man with a Land Cruiser & dual axle Caravan, gets 20 L/100.

The caravans set up and pack up are very quick, but we are quicker on the road with less cost. There is no perfect way to do the travelling, everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

My back really came good yesterday afternoon, but after packing up this morning and setting up this afternoon, It may go backwards a bit. Looking forward to a week at Toodyay, hoping to be 100% after that.

Millie has enjoyed her time here, a chance to play ball, make new friends and go for walks. Julia is going OK but the packing and unpacking is wearing her down. Looking forward to 4 nights at Nunnup & 4 at Perth to have bit of a rest.

Maris

[gareth_oau]

20? LOL thats what I get in the GT-P and RS4 every day of the year!

[WEDEL.1]

Day 4 – Monday 4/4/11 – Ceduna to Eucla

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/4sap-1.jpg (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/4sap.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Alarm went at 7 am. We went through the normal (?) routine of breaking camp. We had almost finished, but the tent would not fold down flat enough to allow us to zip up the top cover. Finally on the 3rd attempt we did it. This cost us about 50 mins in time. I was not prepared to tolerate that sort of misbehaving again.

We stopped at the local Auto Pro shop and bought some racket straps. We refueled at the Coles Shell Station ($1.589 C/L) and headed off. I topped up at Nundroo as the fuel was cheaper there at $1.599, with the next scheduled refuel at Mundrabilla where we were told diesel was only $1.75.

As the highway met the coasts there were opportunities to view the coastline of the Great Australian Bight. The coast was impressive! Huge cliffs that are gradually being washed away. Of the 4 lookouts, 2 were already closed.

The border crossing station was passed with little concern. We did our homework and found the prohibited items, and made sure we didn’t carry them.




At Eucla they do not take bookings for the Caravan Pk. Simply arrive and pay the fee, a very reasonable $20. We heard that they have great meals in the Restaurant, so after Julia’s complaining that she has so much work to do when we arrive at each destination, I thought we’d give it a try.

From the outside the Restaurant/bar/café didn’t look much. But inside, it was very nice! To top it all, there were photographs of Eucla around the 1897. The meals we ordered were excellent and priced between $25-$30, not surprising give the location. Is it worth it? Yes!


Julia making us a sandwich for lunch at Nundroo.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040529-1.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/2011040529.jpg/)

Then refueling

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040532-1.jpg (http://img825.imageshack.us/i/2011040532.jpg/)

Didn't see any of these, luckily.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040548-1.jpg (http://img850.imageshack.us/i/2011040548.jpg/)

Julia & Millie standing on at the Great Australian Bight.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040553-1.jpg (http://img577.imageshack.us/i/2011040553.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040558-1.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/i/2011040558.jpg/)

[kaanage]

Keep it comin' Maris :)

[WEDEL.1]

Julia is showing great road sence by using the Pedestrian Crossing.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040569-1.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/2011040569.jpg/)

Crossing an LT Camper on the way to the next lookout.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040575-1.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/2011040575.jpg/)

Great Australian Bight again.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040583-1.jpg (http://img850.imageshack.us/i/2011040583.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040585-1.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/2011040585.jpg/)

Approaching Quarantine Station at the SA/WA Border.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110405102-1.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/20110405102.jpg/)

All finished & ready for Western Australia.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2156/20110405104.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/20110405104.jpg/)

Our camp at Eucla.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110405110-1.jpg (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/20110405110.jpg/)

Inside the Eucla Restaurant.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110405119-1.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/20110405119.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[*thad*]

Looking good. We did that run over xmas 09 but from Perth to Melb. Ceduna (SP?) was fantastic stayed at Eucla as well but i dont recall that restraunt, wish i did would have been much nicer that what we came up with.

[WEDEL.1]

Day 5 – Tuesday 5/4/11 – Eucla to Caiguna

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/wa01-1.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/wa01.jpg/)

We had left Eucla by 8.45 am as we were getting used to setting up & down. First, before we left we drove down to the site of the Eucla Telegraph Station, The intercolonial telegraph line at Eucla. (http://members.iinet.net.au/~oseagram/eucla.html) . The building was about 2/3 consumed by the sand hills.

We continued on to Nundroo to refuel. We were told that the cheaper fuel was at Nundroo, Mundrabilla and Norseman and I was going to take advantage of that.

We arrived at Mundrabilla and pulled along side the diesel pump and inserted the nozzle, and waited for the pump to to be activated, and waited, and waited. Julia came out to see what was going on. I told her to go to the office and find out what was going on. She returned to say there was no diesel until lunch time. We looked at a wait of up to 2 hours. We pressed on. It pays to keep the tank topped up!

We refueled and had our sandwich lunch at Madura. As Julia started to prepare lunch a couple in a Caravan offered her their table. It was the on thing that impressed me during the trip, the friendliness of everyone we met. After lunch we headed for Caiguna, our next over nighter. We should have enough fuel to get to Norseman, barring the strange things that happen out here.

There is nothing at Caiguna but the Roadhouse. I paid the $26 for our site (drive around and pick you own site) and began to set up (Eucla was $20 plus a Dollar each for the showers). THE FLIES!!!! They were obviously having a convention in Caiguna. Why can we put a man on the moon, cure some cancers, cull kangaroos, koalas and everything else, but we can’t get rid of flies!! We sat in the shelter of the camper & enjoyed a few beers in the fly free environment.

Julia found that there was no camp kitchen, and even if there was, we couldn’t use it until dusk, when the flies would go away. We decide to have a shower (no extra charge) and go into the café/bar for a meal. $20 got us a great meal of 2 rissoles, potatoes & veg and a couple of beers topped off the night.

Standing before the Telegraph Station, chimney is just visible.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/201104067-1.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/201104067.jpg/)

The ruins.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/201104068-1.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/201104068.jpg/)

Waiting for non existant diesel at Mundrabilla, when a Touareg diesel arrives. Had to inform them of the good news.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040645-1.jpg (http://img846.imageshack.us/i/2011040645.jpg/)

Heavy traffic on the highway.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040651-1.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/2011040651.jpg/)

[WEDEL.1]

Arrival at Caiguna.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040688-1.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/2011040688.jpg/)

The message on the laundry door was a bit disconcerting. Fortunately we didn't see any.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040689-1.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/2011040689.jpg/)

Our camp.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040691-1.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/2011040691.jpg/)

One of the road trains (small) that rested at Caiguna. This looked very new and very nice.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040693-1.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/2011040693.jpg/)

Where we had our meal. Very pleasant surroundings.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040698-1.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/2011040698.jpg/)

Any one for a round of Golf? Nullarbor Links - The World's Longest Golf Course (http://www.nullarborlinks.com/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/20110406100-1.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/20110406100.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[WEDEL.1]

Day 7 – Thursday 7/4/11Caiguna to Esperance

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5682/wa02.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/i/wa02.jpg/)

We woke at the usual 7 am to get an early start. As we broke camp the flies gradually grew larger in number and then were joined by March Flies. Horse-fly - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse-fly). I was viciously attacked and received about a dozen bites.I managed to reduce their population by 2.

As we proceeded the temp grew until it peaked at 32.5. We were travelling under clear skies until about 100 kms from Norseman. Light fluffy clouds gave way to darker clouds, until it rained, and rained hard. It wasn’t long before the temp had dropped to 18.

By the time we arrived at Norseman for refueling it had stopped, but everything was wet. We found the Shell station easily and pulled in. As soon as I opened the door to get out, it started again, and off course, the diesel pump was out in the open.

As we pressed on the weather began to slowly clear and I was optimistic we would be OK. I had no desire to set up in the rain. We found the Caravan Park easily with the aid of our TomTom, booked in and set up without incident, except find some of the things packed on top of the trailer was very wet.

Packed & ready to leave Caiguna.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/201104076-1.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/i/201104076.jpg/)

The eastern end. The sign says it all.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/ (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/2011040711.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/ (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/2011040711.jpg/)

Millie comes up the front when ever she can hear lolly papers rustle, thinking she's in for a treat.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040718-1.jpg (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/2011040718.jpg/)

Fuel economy was not good going into the strong wind.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040730-1.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/2011040730.jpg/)

The Nullabor. Undulating road and straight. Nullarbor Plain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nullarbor_Plain)

http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/6198/2011040731p.jpg (http://img864.imageshack.us/i/2011040731p.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040743-1.jpg (http://img853.imageshack.us/i/2011040743.jpg/)

Refuelling at Norseman.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040755-1.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/2011040755.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[gareth_oau]

great read so far and enjoying the pics.

Glad you made it into WA

[phaeton]

great read so far and enjoying the pics.

Glad you made it into WA

X2 going to forward this thread to someone at work who use to live in the West.

Good VW spotting to BTW Maris say Hi to Julia and Millie from me ;)

[geoff_gti]

Nice to meet you guys this morning at the breakfast, will hopefully see you up at Toodyay :)

[kaanage]

Thanks for the update Maris - 8.0 l / 100km indicated (probably around 8.8 / 100km actual if my cars are anything to go by) that is very poor.

Is Julia aware that you are posting these pics for public viewing? :) It looks like she's giving Millie the finger!

[WEDEL.1]

She knows, Julia is scratching her face (cheek) ;-)

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day 8 – Friday 8/4/11 - Esperance

Lazy day today. After the rain we travelled through, I took the carbra off and left it on the stone guard of the trailer to dry out. The weather was fine at the moment, but there were a few dark clouds around. I hoped they would stay away long enough for the carbra to dry. As it turned out, the bra was nice & dry at the end of the day.

We did some shopping in the morning and I found some EMU Draught mid-strength bier. Never tried it before but $55 for two 30 can packs, it was a great buy. In the end, tasted about the same as XXXX Gold.

We headed off into town for a look and found a scenic drive around the coast. The drive was like a mini Great Ocean Road, with some lovely views of the coast.

Millie demanded we stopped at a park on the way back for some Millie time.

Our site, the Golf, Camper Trailer with the carbra on the trailer.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/201104085-1.jpg (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/201104085.jpg/)

Views of the coast.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040857-1.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/2011040857.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040860-1.jpg (http://img716.imageshack.us/i/2011040860.jpg/)

Perfect place for a wind farm, it blows hard.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040861-1.jpg (http://img805.imageshack.us/i/2011040861.jpg/)

The steps on the way down from a lookout. Esperance had 2 great lookouts.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040877-1.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/2011040877.jpg/)

Millie time.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040898-1.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/2011040898.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[WEDEL.1]

Day 9 – Saturday 9/4/11 - Esperance

Easy day again for us today. We tracked down the Bakery & had a pie on the foreshore. Beautiful pies!!! Millie had some ball time then we watched the sailing boats on the bay.

Went back to the Caravan Pk and watched TV in the games room with a few of the locals. It was not a happy place to be as the Crows went down to Freo :-(

Refueled the Golf at the Woolies Caltex with the usual 2 stroke oil added first.

Julia started to pack up as we’re off to Albany in the morning. Oh what fun!

Boats on the Harbour.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040922-1.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/2011040922.jpg/)

Refuelling for the next leg.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/04/2011040939-1.jpg (http://img560.imageshack.us/i/2011040939.jpg/)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8762/fuelecontoesperance.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/fuelecontoesperance.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[kaanage]

Have you started on the trip back home, Maris?

Looking forward to more pics and tales :)

[WEDEL.1]

Hi Greg, got back Tuesday. I found it too hard to post while on the road with my mini laptop.

Day 10 – Sunday 10/4/11 – Esperance to Albany

Another pack up and we were off to Albany. This was a very boring drive as there was nothing nice in the scenery. We stopped for lunch at Munglinup.
Set up at Albany on an awkward site. This was for caravans as it had a cement site. It is very hard to drive tent pegs into concrete. As a result, we couldn’t set up the annex, but it wasn’t too much of a worry as we are only here for 2 nights.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/esperancetoalbany-1.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/esperancetoalbany.jpg/)

Lunch at Munglinup. A nice place for a stop with good facilities.

http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/8403/2011041010.jpg (http://img815.imageshack.us/i/2011041010.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041011-1.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/2011041011.jpg/)

As we were leaving, a Crafter arrived.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041014-1.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/i/2011041014.jpg/)

Fuel economy ended at 6.9 L/100 Kms.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041053-1.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/2011041053.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[kaanage]

6.9 l/ 100km towing that big trailer about! I'd love to see a Prius or CT-200H do that ;)

Glad to hear you made it all that way without any major incidents. Thanks for taking us along :)

[WEDEL.1]

I'll finish the story, easier on the main computer.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day 11 – Monday 11/4/11 – Albany
A good sleep in and before we headed into town to see what it looked like I removed the wet Carbra and hung it over a fence. The weather looked OK but it could turn ugly at any time during the day. Hopefully I would be back before it got wet again.

Albany was like a mini Hobart with heritage buildings and a lovely Harbour. It looked a very nice place and the words of Cory now rung in my head, “you should spend more that 2 nights in Albany”.

After a bit of shopping we stopped for our KFC fix and drove around the western side of the Harbor looking for a nice picnic spot. According to the map this was the place to be. Unfortunately it wasn’t! Eventually we found a table & a couple of seats which obviously had been put there by nearby residents. This afforded a great view looking across the Harbour to the town.

On the return we found a lookout for the wind farm, so we headed off there. This brought us close to the wind farm although not as close as we are able to get at Cape Jervis in SA.

On the way back I disregarded TOMTOM’s advice and chose the coast road. Now we found the beautiful picnic spots we were looking for. Also found heritage ship & buildings. I was disappointed we found this so late in the day as it certainly looked well worth while.

After we arrived back at the Park I checked the weather forecast, which told me to expect rain. Not happy Jan!! I refitted the Carbra which was dry as a bone, despite the showers we had while in town. We packed up as much as we could.

Since we were both struggling physically I suggested to Julia that we stay a central location for 8 nights, rather than doing 4 nights at Nannup & 4 in Perth. This would save us a pack up & an unpack and give us an opportunity to recover. After trying a few Tourist Parks along the coast between Bunbury & Perth (none would allow Millie in) I found a little place called Harvey. Millie was welcome!! It was only about a 4 hour drive and place us between Perth & Margret River.

Heading into town.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/201104111-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/201104111.jpg/)

In the underground carpark, bra-less.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/201104113-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/201104113.jpg/)

Main Street.

http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/4126/201104117.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/863/201104117.jpg/)

Our lunch spot & view.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041132-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/2011041132.jpg/)

At the wind farm.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041145-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/2011041145.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041173-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/190/2011041173.jpg/)

Where we should have had lunch....

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/20110411109-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/20110411109.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/20110411120-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/20110411120.jpg/)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9906/fueltoalbany.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/fueltoalbany.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[OvaltoJetta]

Maris,
The picture of your "crosswalk" is not actually a crosswalk (sorry to disappoint), it's the beginning of one of the landing strips for the flying doctor. You would have noticed the road is a bit wider where the planes need to land. The real crosswalk is 10klm west of the Mundrubilla Roadhouse in front of a rest area.
Nice pics though and I enjoyed being a passenger this year rather than doing the drive like a lot of the other years when we head east. It's always a great drive and different each time. We're already planning our trip to the Bug-In in SA in 2012.... Aldinga I believe? How about you keep us up to date here on the progress of the organisation - we'll get the usual but maybe bigger convoy going.

Anyone interested in going from Perth to Adelaide for the Bug-In in 2012 by train (with car) and driving back in convoy? Contact me for some cheap rates.
Rod

[kaanage]

6.9 l/ 100km towing that big trailer about! I'd love to see a Prius or CT-200H do that ;)

Actually, did you remember to add the volume of the 2 stroke to your fuel levels, Maris? At 200:1, it shouldn't have a significant effect but it is part of the fuelling.

[WEDEL.1]

Actually, did you remember to add the volume of the 2 stroke to your fuel levels, Maris? At 200:1, it shouldn't have a significant effect but it is part of the fuelling.

Yes, ratio was kept up to date Greg, :-)

Maris.

[WEDEL.1]

Maris,
The picture of your "crosswalk" is not actually a crosswalk (sorry to disappoint), it's the beginning of one of the landing strips for the flying doctor. You would have noticed the road is a bit wider where the planes need to land. The real crosswalk is 10klm west of the Mundrubilla Roadhouse in front of a rest area.
Rod

Never let the truth interfere with a good story Rod. ;-)

I'm happy to keep everyone up to date as info comes available.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day 12 – Tuesday 12/4/11 – Albany to Harvey

During the night it rained and at times quite heavily. The Carbra I had replaced late yesterday would now be wet (Carbras should not remain on a car when wet and should not dry on the car), but there was no alternative. I hoped we’d coved our other luggage sufficiently and would not be too wet in the morning.

As we began to pack it rained again. A lady from two caravans away from us lent Julia a poncho, and that was just enough o ensure there were no further showers. Everything went smoothly and we were on our way again.

We stopped for our sandwich lunch at Kojonup and then pressed on. Another stop was made at Darkan which had a cute old Railway Station long since empty. The next town we passed through was Collie which looked like a huge mining site.

Another hour and we were in Harvey. A quick stop in the local IGA to pick up more supplies and we were of to the Caravan Park. I booked in with Barbara and she showed us to our site. This Park was very basic with plenty of on-site caravans and no cabins.

The set took a while because I wanted to get the camper set up as well as I possibly could and it looked pretty good. The annex has 15 poles so it can get a bit tricky. Off course after all this exertion, Julia said we had to but tea, so it was back into town for tea.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/albanytoharvey-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/albanytoharvey.jpg/)

Morning and everything looks wet.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/20110412-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/20110412.jpg/)

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/3307/201104122.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/576/201104122.jpg/)

Packed and ready to go. Puddles are still evident.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/201104126-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/156/201104126.jpg/)

R36 Passat wagon heading towards Albany. We suspected Albany had a VW Dealer with the number of Volkswagens we saw.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041213-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/2011041213.jpg/)

Passed by a MK V.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041218-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/2011041218.jpg/)

[WEDEL.1]

Is the 3pm express on time? The Darkan Station......

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2743/2011041246.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/263/2011041246.jpg/)

Excavator near Collie. This one is not operational.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041257-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/146/2011041257.jpg/)

Harvey main St.


http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041288-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/2011041288.jpg/)

Harvey Caravan Pk.

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/3201/2011041289.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/805/2011041289.jpg/)

All set up. Our little piece of Harvey.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2487/2011041290.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/2011041290.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[geoff_gti]

Harvey is a nice little town! I remember going to the orange farm several times as a kid, big dairy there too.
Yep spot on about Collie and VW dealership in Albany ;)

[gt_eye]

Loving this story!!!
I did Canberra to Perth back in 2000.
Moved there to live.
I took a more direct route but did it in a leisurely 6 days.
I did it in the middle of Summer in a car with no aircon or even window tint....needless to say our driving time was limited to the cooler parts of the day, or in the heat with frequent stopping.
Its a great drive, but next time I want to do it your way...with a LOT more time to look around

[WEDEL.1]

Day 13 – Wednesday 13/4/11 - Harvey

Today is pay day so a 40 Km drive into Bunbury was on the menu. We were about 5 mins on the highway heading south when there was a load BANG. Right in front of Julia, a stone had hit the windscreen. There was a huge crater in the windscreen. Fantastic!!

As we entered the suburbs we stopped at a windscreen repairer, but the hole was too big for him to repair so he referred us to O’Briens which was only across the road behind Bunnings (where men walk around with trolleys & a smile on their face, as in Dan Murphy’s).

The windscreen was examined, and although a larger defect than they like to fill, it was agreed that they could do it, and it would be OK. An appointment was made and we had about 2 hours.

We continued into town, found an underground park, eventually found the bank (getting lots of exercise) and bought a couple of pies from the nearby Bakery. We drove back to the Bunnings and gave Millie some exercise (and pie) before we dropped the Golf at O’Brien’s for the repair. I thought it better just to repair the windscreen and stop the damage from getting any worse, rather than replace it and have more damage later. We were still about 3,000 kms from home. While the job was being done I closely examined the stock in Bunnings.

We picked up the Golf after 50 mins. The Manager wasn’t happy with the job, but it was a big defect to fill. I paid $125 for the jog and it came with a life time guarantee. We had lost our enthusiasm for doing anything else so headed back to Harvey. It was very close to Bier-o’clock.


Here is the chipped windscreen. Part of the rock/stone is still embedded in the glass.

Before

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041316-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/9/2011041316.jpg/)

After.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041514-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/2011041514.jpg/)

But, at least not as bad as the Commodore.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041329-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/2011041329.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041330-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/2011041330.jpg/)

In Bunbury, another town with a VW Dealer?

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041318-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/2011041318.jpg/)

Back at "home."

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041342-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/218/2011041342.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[WEDEL.1]

Loving this story!!!
I did Canberra to Perth back in 2000.
Moved there to live.
I did it in the middle of Summer in a car with no aircon or even window tint....needless to say our driving time was limited to the cooler parts of the day, or in the heat with frequent stopping.
Its a great drive, but next time I want to do it your way...with a LOT more time to look around

Driving in summer out there with no air con????? I didn't think anyone would do that anymore.

Allow plenty of time to do this. I think we tried to do too much in too little time.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Harvey is a nice little town! I remember going to the orange farm several times as a kid, big dairy there too.
Yep spot on about Collie and VW dealership in Albany ;)

Yes, Harvey is a great little spot Geoff.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Day 14 – Thursday 14/4/11 Harvey

After studying the brochures of Harvey we decided to go to the Info Centre, located north of the town on the highway.

From there we would be able to obtain the key for the Harvey Internment Camp Shrine. It was an interesting time spent. There we saw that this Camp held the survivors of the German Raider, the Kormoran, which sank the HMAS Sydney off the Western Australian coast.

Battle with the HSK Kormoran | History | HMAS Sydney (II) | Western Australian Museum (http://wamuseum.com.au/sydney/history/battle/)

Kormoran survivors 'told truth' (http://www.smh.com.au/national/kormoran-survivors-told-truth-20090325-9ahz.html)

Battle between HMAS Sydney and German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_between_HMAS_Sydney_and_German_auxiliary_cr uiser_Kormoran)

Harvey Internment Camp | South West Australia (http://www.southwestlife.com.au/articles/harvey-internment-camp.html)

We returned the key & headed into town where Julia picked up a nice lunch for us. The Harvey Dam was recommended a must see, so we took the short drive and we were there. It has its own Amphitheatre and the surrounding gardens & lawns were perfect for our picnic.

Not having had enough yet, a visit to Harvey Cheese was in order. Julia enjoyed the tasting, and I enjoyed a double scoop ice cream. Of course the temptation of the camels in the paddock proved too much for Julia while Millie took an interest also, but there was a stand off between camel and dog.

Info page on the Shrine.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/201104141-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/196/201104141.jpg/)

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/201104146-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/28/201104146.jpg/)

The original jail still stands.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1527/2011041432.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/263/2011041432.jpg/)

The picturesque Harvey Dam. The Amphitheatre is to the left, gardens in the foreground with the Dam wall in the background.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041457-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/2011041457.jpg/)

After years of drought, the water level was down.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041460-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/193/2011041460.jpg/)

The Golf stands in front of Harvey Cheese.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041468-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/2011041468.jpg/)

The Harvey stand off.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/05/2011041472-1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/231/2011041472.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)