my wife is now into the fifth or sixth week of this scourge.Painful swelling of joints,aches and pains in ankles,knees wrists,general malaise.Vocal chords do not seem to be affected............just joking ladies.We have spent the last week on the sunshine Coast grandaughter sitting (again).I spoke to various people about the dengue virus and the general thought that it was spread by mossies that had taken blood from native animals,i.e Kangaroos,wallabies,possums.Domestic animals had a mention but nothing really positive about them being carriers.For once humans didnt get a mention.Well these are my obsevations of Dengue,I certainly hope that none of you will have the misfortune to become a victim.Change of subject.A few short months ago I remember posting question about going up North in Jan/feb.Dave gave me advice that was spot on and certainly saved us from being overzelous on our first trip.Although I still have not heard of the Gulflander creature devouring wayward travellers.Now looking back at all the posts to the Forum about members travels,destinations,tips,advice,it has certainly given us a good grounding for our soon to be started adventures.We plan to go down South now and travel around Victoria and South Australia,we will stop off at Goulburn to watch my nephews passing out parade from the Police Academy.Then away we go.Cheers.Ibbo.

Well Ibbo and wife, you have my deepest sympathy for enduring that dengue fever. I've been very lucky so far. I still maintain the Vitamin B has made me less pallatable to the mozzie. I've heard the symptoms are similar to Ross River Virus, and both can recur with a vengeance. I hope she recovers soon. I went out on the Savannahlander last September. It was a magic 4 day trip out bush. It's well organised, but very flexible, the catering at the various stops was adequate. I can't speak highly enough of those home made pies at the Cow Town Hotel, or Almaden. Just watch where you step between rail motor and pub. The pies are so good the cows stand in the street, waiting in line to get into those pies. The drivers are very helpful and informative along the way, and there are opportunities to take tours of the features along the way. The Gulflander is operated by the same mob, and although I haven't been out there, I believe it is a very interesting trip as well. They have a very informative website. Take care. Chris

Sorry to hear of your troubles health wise, and this dengue fever was a worry for me if I descided to travel far north, having already had Barmah Forest 4 years ago. I know how the joints ache etc. But strangely since I have moved back inland the recurrent aches and pains have gone away. Maybe I will stick to more southerly latitudes when I pick up my skirt and travel. Thinking of you and hope your wife makes a good recovery.

Akuli and Granny.Syl says to say thank you for your best wishes,she knows that it will be a long slow process till she is ok again.We are in the midst of re packing the Penguin to be ready for the off.surprising the items that you thought you would need whilst away from"Home",we have un -loaded heaps of things that are just not wanted in the van.The dog had a battle with a bloody cane toad whilst we were in Qld last week and now has a skin infection,luckily Ilium Neocort is doing it's job and the skin is healing.Enough of my bellyaching.Once again thanks for your kind thoughts.One day perhaps if we really try hard enough we can all have a great get together.Be nice to put a face to postee.Cheers.Ibbo..Not to mention a few noggins.

bloody hell mate I suggest you get out of those maggott infested states and come across and see us for a few months in the land of milk and honey!!!! hope all heals well!!

All being well we should be in SA before to long.Apparently we are not allowed to visit anyone in Snowtown or is visit the bank there.Lol.No offence meant.Cheers.Ibbo

ah!! the banks been closed for years, only opened again recently to remove the bodies, the way the towns reputation is going I think the whole place will be closed shortly!!