With only four, (whose counting) sleeps left to go, we will be on the ferry and over to the Northern Island for our trip away over winter. (and it's been [still is] very cold here)
Last week, we started to pack the car ready to go after having it thoroughly checked and serviced. By the time we put in the annex, folding chairs, generator, 2 x folding push bikes, it was strating to look like there would be no room for us?
In a state of panick, I broached the subjest that maybe we should think of another tow vehicle?
Now I can honestly say that I love our XR6Turbo Falcon to bits, it is without peer when it comes to performance, comfort and towing ability, while on the black stuff. When, as now, it is overloaded and looking at an extended holiday, there is a chance it may just not be the right vehicle.
So with just over a week to go, off I go to look at another vehicle.
After a suitable test drive we have purchased a MB ML270.
Suddenly things have gotten a little tight.
Get new (secondhand) tow vehicle mechanically checked, serviced and a 12 pin plug wired in in place of the 7 pin that is on it.
Just to be on the safe side we drove it from Hobart to Launceston and return to be sure how it went and handled.
Finish packing the caravan over the next couple of days and, look out - here we come!
So, if you should see a small Geist caravan being towed by a blue MB, come over and say high.
Dusty
gubby said
09:39 PM Jun 14, 2011
Everything will be getting very exciting for you now, if the ash is still affecting air travel it might be a bit crowded on the Spirit.
With Four Sleeps to go I hope you have decent sleeps so as you can enjoy your trip...
When you hit the North Island which way are you heading?
Happy Travels...
Gubby
Travel Bug said
10:10 PM Jun 14, 2011
Happy and safe travels Dusty...
If I see you around I'll certainly stop and say g'day.
Cheers. Pam.
Firefly said
10:19 PM Jun 14, 2011
Well done guys, enjoy.
Dreamcaster51 said
10:28 PM Jun 14, 2011
That's great Dusty, where are you heading once you cross the ditch. I would go way north, found out it is going to be -1 here tonight in Peterborough.
Landfall said
07:51 AM Jun 15, 2011
Thanks for that folks.
First we have to attend my wifes mothers 92nd birthday, then we will head towards Geelong way to visit some friends for a couple of days. After that, who knows?
Been thinking we might cut across to Adelaide and then up to Broken Hill, Dubbo, etc to Maroochydore.
The only "real" commitment we have is a booking for three weeks in Maroochydore. The rest is wing and prayer stuff.
Hopefully, we will have no problems with the unknown vehicle, otherwise it will be try and limp home with this vehicle without caravan and come back in the Falcon.
The bottom line for us is "who cares?" as long as we have a good time?
I have tried to retire three times now, but I love my profession so much I miss it and just want to come home and go back to work. Lucky I own the business and can do that.
This just maybe the right time?
Dusty
Firefly said
08:29 AM Jun 15, 2011
Dusty have you a pic of the new tug mate, love to see it.
Landfall said
09:34 AM Jun 15, 2011
Firefly,
I'll see what I can do, I have just taken it to the auto electricians for the fridge and battery charging circuits to be wired in.
Cheers
Dusty
blaze said
11:58 AM Jun 15, 2011
Well Dusty I can asure you that it feels as wet and cold here in Albany as it is in my Home town of Smithton, but when looking at the temps it is warmer, not a lot in the rainfall though. Sitting inside with a thermal on today after having yesterday and today off work with gastro (Im not bad but you need to be 48hrs with no symtems in age care homes, they had 16 residence ill on monday). Wont be long and we are heading further north to thaw out, hoping to time it just before the wet to coincide with good fishing Hope you enjoy your trip cheers blaze
Love them to bits, you will enjoy your new car a lot I think.
Happywanderer said
02:29 PM Jun 16, 2011
Very nice.
Smokeydk said
12:28 PM Jun 17, 2011
Hey Dusty..ever thought of getting a bra for your geist.........most I've seen here have them for stone protection
Landfall said
04:42 PM Jun 17, 2011
Yes, thanks Smokey, we have, but so far (touch wood) we haven't had any problems. We have had the van since new (6 years) travelled from Hobart to Qld. twice and go up and down the East Coast of Tasmania on a regular basis.
The exterior still looks like new.
Cheers
Dusty
Landfall said
10:42 AM Jun 18, 2011
Heading off to the ferry now, looks like being a bumpy ride.
Watch this space for a report on the Bass Strait crossing.
Dusty
HeadnHome said
05:04 PM Jun 18, 2011
Enjoy the ride!!!
Firefly said
05:10 PM Jun 18, 2011
Can't wait to hear your adventures guys.
Landfall said
10:45 AM Jun 21, 2011
OK,we are finallly hereon the Northern Isle.
The Bass Strait crossing as expected was a little bumpy.
Lining up at Devonport,it was intersting to see all the various types of RV's.
There was a much lesser number of Jayco's than I had previously noted, with the large number of choices out there at the moment it would appear that people are wanting more individuallity in there van of choice.
There was only one fifth wheeler, two European vans, ours (Geist) and a Adria.
The number of large motor homes was the big surprise, lot and lots.
We travelled to the B.I.L. (now joined as Peterpan)place and camped in their front yard for he night which meant that we could attend the M.I.L's 93rd birthday and cath up on a few stories.
Left there yesterday (Monday) and travelled down to Drysdale to catch up on more old friends, the wind coming down from Melbourne was horrendous and really tried out the new tug.
We are trying very hard to get our heads into holiday/travelling mode. The GPS had us running around in cirlces,and we are discovering the things we have forgotten to pack.
We have had a phone call from "Gubby" and are really looking forward on meeting a "Grey nomad" from the other side.
Cheers to everyone.
Dusty.
Firefly said
11:22 AM Jun 21, 2011
Great stuff Dusty, the wind is pretty wicked all over at the moment I think mate. Hope its gone by next week when we take off thats for sure.
Have fun at Gubbs and enjoy the road. You can always pick up the forgotten stuff on the road, as much of a nuisance it is to have forgotten it.
Happywanderer said
01:04 PM Jun 21, 2011
Sounds like you are having a great time regardless of this terrible wind at the moment. As well as Gubby in the area you will find there are a couple of grey nomads in Ocean Grove. If they are around at the moment they may come on here and make themselves known. They are not far from you.
Last week, we started to pack the car ready to go after having it thoroughly checked and serviced. By the time we put in the annex, folding chairs, generator, 2 x folding push bikes, it was strating to look like there would be no room for us?
In a state of panick, I broached the subjest that maybe we should think of another tow vehicle?
Now I can honestly say that I love our XR6Turbo Falcon to bits, it is without peer when it comes to performance, comfort and towing ability, while on the black stuff. When, as now, it is overloaded and looking at an extended holiday, there is a chance it may just not be the right vehicle.
So with just over a week to go, off I go to look at another vehicle.
After a suitable test drive we have purchased a MB ML270.
Suddenly things have gotten a little tight.
Get new (secondhand) tow vehicle mechanically checked, serviced and a 12 pin plug wired in in place of the 7 pin that is on it.
Just to be on the safe side we drove it from Hobart to Launceston and return to be sure how it went and handled.
Finish packing the caravan over the next couple of days and, look out - here we come!
So, if you should see a small Geist caravan being towed by a blue MB, come over and say high.
Dusty
Everything will be getting very exciting for you now, if the ash is still affecting air travel it might be a bit crowded on the Spirit.
With Four Sleeps to go I hope you have decent sleeps so as you can enjoy your trip...
When you hit the North Island which way are you heading?
Happy Travels...
Gubby
Happy and safe travels Dusty...
If I see you around I'll certainly stop and say g'day.
Cheers. Pam.
Well done guys, enjoy.
First we have to attend my wifes mothers 92nd birthday, then we will head towards Geelong way to visit some friends for a couple of days. After that, who knows?
Been thinking we might cut across to Adelaide and then up to Broken Hill, Dubbo, etc to Maroochydore.
The only "real" commitment we have is a booking for three weeks in Maroochydore. The rest is wing and prayer stuff.
Hopefully, we will have no problems with the unknown vehicle, otherwise it will be try and limp home with this vehicle without caravan and come back in the Falcon.
The bottom line for us is "who cares?" as long as we have a good time?
I have tried to retire three times now, but I love my profession so much I miss it and just want to come home and go back to work. Lucky I own the business and can do that.
This just maybe the right time?
Dusty
Dusty have you a pic of the new tug mate, love to see it.
Firefly,
I'll see what I can do, I have just taken it to the auto electricians for the fridge and battery charging circuits to be wired in.
Cheers
Dusty
Hope you enjoy your trip
cheers
blaze
Firefly,
Just for you.
Thanks heaps for that mate.
Are they the ultimate in comfort or what!!
Love them to bits, you will enjoy your new car a lot I think.
Yes, thanks Smokey, we have, but so far (touch wood) we haven't had any problems. We have had the van since new (6 years) travelled from Hobart to Qld. twice and go up and down the East Coast of Tasmania on a regular basis.
The exterior still looks like new.
Cheers
Dusty
Watch this space for a report on the Bass Strait crossing.
Dusty
Can't wait to hear your adventures guys.
The Bass Strait crossing as expected was a little bumpy.
Lining up at Devonport,it was intersting to see all the various types of RV's.
There was a much lesser number of Jayco's than I had previously noted, with the large number of choices out there at the moment it would appear that people are wanting more individuallity in there van of choice.
There was only one fifth wheeler, two European vans, ours (Geist) and a Adria.
The number of large motor homes was the big surprise, lot and lots.
We travelled to the B.I.L. (now joined as Peterpan)place and camped in their front yard for he night which meant that we could attend the M.I.L's 93rd birthday and cath up on a few stories.
Left there yesterday (Monday) and travelled down to Drysdale to catch up on more old friends, the wind coming down from Melbourne was horrendous and really tried out the new tug.
We are trying very hard to get our heads into holiday/travelling mode. The GPS had us running around in cirlces,and we are discovering the things we have forgotten to pack.
We have had a phone call from "Gubby" and are really looking forward on meeting a "Grey nomad" from the other side.
Cheers to everyone.
Dusty.
Great stuff Dusty, the wind is pretty wicked all over at the moment I think mate. Hope its gone by next week when we take off thats for sure.
Have fun at Gubbs and enjoy the road. You can always pick up the forgotten stuff on the road, as much of a nuisance it is to have forgotten it.