We went to Rockhampton last week to look at a new second hand caravan. Camped all the way up to Rocky in a few lovely spots and stayed with friends once we arrived.

Went to check the van out and fell in love with it, just what we wanted so we bought her home.

A couple of pictures to show her off.

Haven't taken any of the inside yet.

Luxury Fly, pure luxury..........especially after the swan.   Congrats.

Silly me didn't say what it was Bill.

Its a Windsor Rapid off road and it tows like a dream with the dual axles.

Its not far off our limit though, we wouldn't go any higher in weight.

It is luxury Ma, as you know, after the Hawk.

The Other Half says its got a good tortion bar system as well.

Birds of a feather Fly..................

Looks great.....Watch out for Mice....Please!

Looks great Firefly...

Have fun 

Thanks everyone but what a pain to bring it back to NSW from Qld!!

It had 12 months rego on it when we got it but had to be de-registered in Qld, a towing permit to bring it back and then all the NSW palavar to re-register it. Over the weigh bridge and all, amazing. I'm sure Qld and NSW are part of the same country.

I have moth balls, peppermint oil and Vanilla oil all ready Jimbo. Fingers crossed.

I know what you mean Jack, the throat tightens doesn't it.

Can't wait till July for us when we take off.

Where you heading mate?

We only got a month worse luck.

Well I'm not sure which way to go Firefly.  First thing I need to do is get organised.  Need to get a couple of things sorted out with the TUG.  Then will pick up the van & just cruise around the local area within a couple of hundred kilometres, that way if theres something wrong I can go back to the factory.  Also, they recommend a first service after 1000km's.  

After thats all done & any hiccups ironed out, my brain tells me to head south, so I will probably follow my heart and head north.  Last time around the block I went clockwise, this time I might go the other way.  I'm not putting too much thought into that because it really doesnt matter to me, just head off, maybe flip a coin.  I want to soak in each place I visit because I probably won't see them again.  

Which way are you heading?

Love the pics FF, it does make me almost feel like I am out there again.  Well done too because even though it is a late afternoon (or early morning) photo there is no 'photographer shadow' to be seen.  They really spoil a good pic.

Dreaming on, we are presently building a new home so travel has been curtailed for now.  Next year for sure.

Cheers Neil

Jack we are hoping to go to Lawn Hill in Qld for a look. After that, no plans. We only have a month and this will be our first trip not going to Darwin soooo maybe he might relent and take me there.

What sort of van do you have ordered mate?

Neil I did all sorts of angles to try and not have my shadow.

Its one of my pet hates as well.

A year won't take too long to pass mate.

I bought a full size van, its 19ft, its going to be the home, so I wanted it to have plenty of space etc.  I will be towing it with my Landcruiser, its as tough as nails, looks like a tractor & has virtually little or no comfort. One might argue the truck is a bit like me & rough around the edges.  I have no need for speed, nor anything too fancy but I did manage to put solar aplenty, because I always seem to find little nooks and crannies to hide in, power is never near.

A couple of years ago I decided to cross the Simpson desert, on the french line again (4th crossing for me) and I wondered into the dunes from the western side & it took me 12 days or 11&1/2 to do the crossing & even then I wouldnt have come into Birdsville so quickly but was running out of water.  Nobody runs with me, I'm always taking too long to get from here to there, everybody seems in a rush to go somewhere.

I like to set up camp then take it all in.  If I think I need to see the sunset at that location again, I just stay another day - I know, I'm a silly old fool but Im not hurting anyone & sometimes  a tank of diesel seems to last week

ps: I edit to say, obviously I didnt tow thru the Simpson, so supplies were limited to what the truck could carry on its back.

Sounds like a lot of sense to me Jack.

We want to do the Simpson next year. A friend of ours works in Birdsville and we visited her there last year. Her and her partner will do it with us so we will tow to Birdsville and leave the van there with her while we do the desert.

It sounds spectacular.

Ohh yeah FF, Let me tell you, the Simpson is one of the places where the stars are just SO BRIGHT. Its one of the most amazing light shows you will ever see. I just waddled across the dunes until I found a little possie I liked, cracked out the reclining chair, lit a little fire early, so it would be mere coals by night time, so as not to detract from the impending show. I got myself some warm blankets after tea, kicked back in the chair until the wee hours.....actually slept there Its just ace. One night had a few late night visitors which was a bit scary, bull camel & he seemed very cranky, eventually scared him off with a flame torch, thought he wanted to make me his lover for the night

You must have looked lonely Jack.

So its your brains I pick when it gets closer to the time then mate.

We couldn't get near Big Red last year because of the rain but hopefully next year, all will be good.

Jim, we are back now mate, only went up and back over five days. And you are right, bloody freezing. That wind is off the snow me thinks.

Thanks Milo, we like it a lot.

Esmeralda wrote:

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Congratulations on your newbaby Firefly - she has your eyes!!

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The most worrying part about that Esmeralda is that she only showed pictures of the van from behind.  

Thanks Es, she is pretty good. The tent end can get a bit chilly but we will get a bed end fly for that I think.

Esmeralda wrote:

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Ooo you are naughty jack biggles

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 Is it any wonder I travel alone

Would you also believe I was a very naughty boy at school, nearly always the first one each year to get the cane - always 6 at a time 

There was a period in life where I got all serious, made money, wore fine clothes, was a proper gentleman in all respects.......it seems though in my later years I am returning to my youth.  Throwing rocks at cans etc etc.  I might go buy myself a leather jacket & one of those stick on goateee beards, couple fake tattoos.

Golly that looks nice. If ever i have seen a picture to make me jealous that second one would be it!

Don't you ever change either Jack, its nice to see people with a lust for life.

CCB, that was taken at Miles in Qld at Gil Weir Camps 6# 589. It was a lovely spot and not a soul in sight which was a bit disturbing. But I slept like a log and only a few mice but none could get in.

Highly recommend that spot.