APUG Grampians adventure!

Molli

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Dr Croubie said:
... the good news is that I've got a job to get to monday morning, with any luck it'll turn into a permanent job in a field that I actually want to be in, I've been looking for well over two years.
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Almost overlooked this.... Congratulations, Dr. Croubie! That's wonderful news [emoji3]
 

Molli

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Another slight tangent: For any Melbournites who can't make it up to the Grampians, the tall ship, Enterprize will be sailing into Western Port Bay from the Docklands this afternoon (Wednesday the 24th) and kicking around Stony Point until Sunday afternoon.




Had I been paying attention, you all could have come down last Saturday to play on Thomas the Tank Engine!

 

Colin D

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Late scratching for me unfortunately, it has come to my attention that my mother in-law is having her birthday this weekend.

Look forward to hearing about the next trip though with the intention of making it.
 

Poisson Du Jour

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I am hereabouts en route Ararat. Got UP campsite at HGCP in town for $60 for two mights; happy with that. Tonight and tomorrow night is at Grampians Paradise. I am expecting a bit of rain, clearing, then a weekend of HEAT!!
 

Dr Croubie

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Molli said:
Depends. Would someone like to buy me a new old car?
Click to expand...

You're more than welcome to steal my old falcon. 5 cylinders of 6 working, possibly blown head gasket, doesn't lock, boot doesn't stay open because the piston-thingy broke off, steering wheel disintegrating, gets 16L/100km on a good day.
But the cassette player works and I can still out-drag any car off the lights (up to the speed limit, of course).
Just make sure you write it off or we won't get the insurance money.

(nb, NOT the fairmont I'm driving to the Grampians in, don't steal that one)
 

Molli

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Given my familiarity with about ninety percent of your car's "issues", that's almost tempting!

Tell you what; if you can cut a panel out of the floor board for me to pop my feet through, I'd say pedal power can get the beastie going [emoji1]

It IS all down hill between the Mornington Peninsula and the Grampians, yes?

p. s. A working cassette player is the true selling point. I've yet to own a car with musical abilities!
 

Dr Croubie

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Yeah, it reverses fine. A lot better than the missus' hyundai because it's a wagon and you can actually see out the back. But it still goes in a straight line fairly well too.
But we can't sell it for half of what it's insured for, and it'll cost about that much again to get it back to normal. So if anyone ever sees an unlocked silver '97 falcon wagon in the Arndale carpark at lunch, please destroy it

Meanwhile, I'm off now, no more internets for me unless there's a free wifi anywhere. I'll be in Vic by sunset depending on how picturesque it is along the way (and with these boring clouds, not likely, maybe the cooring is better)
Staying at the Halls Gap CP in a 'budget 4 berth cabin' whatever that means. If you see a white 2007ish Fairmont Wagon with SA plates, that's me, come and say hi. Otherwise, see you at the bakery on Sat.

Oxley, I've got that bag of stuff from Polyglot, I didn't forget. Packed that first, and all my films and cameras and lenses, loaded the pinhole case and mixed some chems, sorted CDs for the drive and all that.
Then walked around the house for 10 minutes going "hmmm, have I forgotten something? Oh yeah, clothes would be good too".
 

Poisson Du Jour

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It's a bit miserable and cold at Moyston; cold front at 2pm yesterday brought rain and a sharp drop of temp from 23° to 12°! Today I am in full polartec and down jacket! Low cloud obscuring view of Grampians with cold breeze. Not impressed!
 

Dr Croubie

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yep, made it. walked to the pinnacles this morning. grey cloudy miserable at 6am, just lifted at 9 at the top, got some great shots of the sun peeking through then ran out of ektar. beautiful and blue now. free wifi at Basecamp next to Caltex.
 

Poisson Du Jour

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Basecamp serves up a good lunch and a darned good coffee (I had three!). I am camped at the first site on right opposite check-in office of Halls Gap CP -- red gokart wagon. Mackenzie Falls is open (yay!) though CHAOTIC with people! (Curses) -- form an orderly queue if you're a photographer! :-/
 
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Molli

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Thank you for the updates, gentlemen. The salt in the wound is stinging a little, but a vicarious experience is better than none (she tells herself. Repeatedly... and loudly... and with only a small amount of whimpering.)
 

Molli

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Currently sitting in my living room, downing copious amounts of coffee, trawling the net for a car. What do you think? Suits me, yes?


Keep the running commentary coming, guys! (Because camping adventures are ALL about being online and immediately accessible to the rest of the world, I hear!)
 

Yamaotoko

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Well, I definitely won't be making a surprise stop-by, Alexander is staying an extra night due to his mothers flight home from Bali being cancelled at the last minute. I'm certainly not complaining though, looking at tomorrow's weather I'm thinking a day at Pt Roadnight building sandcastles will be the go!
 

OldBikerPete

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The maintenance problems wouldn't suit you, though. It's reputed that you never actually have to do an oil change, just keep filling it up with oil - it likes to mark its territory
If you're into this sort of car, look at a Suzuki Vitara or one of its siblings.
 

Molli

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Two thoughts: Puppies. Men.

Looking after high maintenance, nervous piddlers wouldn't be a new thing in my world

I thank you for the warning, though. I'll probably wind up with something terribly girly and somewhat more pocket sized. Being able to tow one's car home tied to a piece of string and a tricycle is a rather fine attribute, I think!

Failing that, there's always a Sherman tank. "I crushed two cars on the way over here" tends to settle all arguments quite rapidly.

And, Peter, I owe you an apology. Clearly I am NOT up at Halls Gap enjoying a camping adventure on your behalf as promised. I am, however, exceptionally gifted at playing 'Let's Pretend' and I imagine we're all having a grand time right this very minute. Marc's butler has brought along his friends so we're all being waited upon in true, decadent style. Please accept these peeled grapes from that scantily clad hand maiden to your left there.
 

OldBikerPete

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Mmmmmm, tasty. Terriffic view, too.
 

Molli

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I forgot to thank you for the advice on cars to look at. I'm very appreciative given that I really only know just enough to know NOT to buy a 1997 Falcon Wagon from Dr. Croubie So, any help at all is gratefully received.

Now, back to our regular viewing; is everyone back home safely and soundly, and how was it?
Photos as soon as possible would be lovely
 

Dr Croubie

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Just got home safe and sound (well, 2 hours ago, really).
Man, that wind was strong. Seriously. Walking down the street in Horsham for morning tea, I got hit on the back of the head by something flying and it really hurt. It was only a gumleaf, but it was going 100km/h.
Made it through the dust and wind, managed to not get hit by any falling branches on the highway, although there were a fair few about.

Hope all you guys with caravans made it without getting blown off the road
Thanks for a great time guys, I'll have a damage/status report tomorrow after a good sleep...
 
OP
OP

munz6869

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We got home around 7pm, after a detour via Casterton (the home of the Kelpie)... I have Christine's Delta 3200 in the soup right now, and will see if I get to any 5x4" before I pass out shortly...

Great to see everyone, and boy, weren't we lucky with yesterday's weather!?! I think your 8x10" may have launched into space with today's winds, Richard!!

Marc!
 
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