ROUND AUSTRALIA CANNONBALL RUN

Darwin

After a hard hot drive of 350 klms from Arnhem Land, we arrived late into Darwin after dodging all manner of wildlife that appeared in the rays of Frank's dim headlights. By morning Darwins breakfast radio broadcast our arrival with a roadside interview & Careflight collection outside the ABC studios in the central business district.

We had been on radio for 3 consecutive days and so many locals wished us well or asked about our axle problems. We completed a photo shoot with NT news,with a half page article with photo appearing the following day.

A story was written ( supported by photo's) by a most attractive young journalist for the ABC Darwin web site,which was then posted to Careflights web site and 4 BC Brisbane called to book an interview.

Could this be our 15 minutes of fame???

Frank now rests with it's benefactor Brustolin Builders who kindly phoned in to the ABC to offer to produce 2 new axles. The owners & employees big Mark & Donna have been fantastic, many thanks.

Meanwhile the vintage crew at the old Qantas hangar have secured our support vehicle & trailer. What a great team of Darwin enthusiasts, thanks boys.

Now we have to return to Sydney and normality, however expect us back in Darwin on October 6th to continue
"THE FLIGHT OF THE FRANKLIN"

Our thanks to Michael Lee, Amber, Adriana at Gagudju lodge Cooinda, Jabiru, home of the yellow water cruise ( Kakadu). Katherine Miller & the crew at Supercheap Auto's Berrimah.

Sean & Paul at Free Spirit Caravan Park & resort Darwin, for their hospitality to tired Careflight drivers.

Arnhem Land

With permits from the aboriginal Northern Lands Council We crossed a tidal river with crocs languishing in the muddy water, however they have no taste for Franklins.

You enter into another world, the escarpment becomes majestic with gigantic boulders balancing, shunning stability. It is truly awe inspiring.

The wet land of the flood plain seems rich and green while we watch a 5 foot brown snake emerge from it's marsh to taunt frank's 20 inch Tyres before it slithers away. Deep Corrugations, dust and rocks send Frank on the auto jitterbug before the relief of a settlement called We were met by many school children of all ages who rallied to the AHooGa sound of Franks horn.

After presenting a Careflight bear and cap to the student mentors we were allowed to drive off road for a photo shot of Frank, surrounded by Arnhem Lands elder artists, with the backdrop of their most sacred mountain that has been covered with their rock art since time was measured. That was a great privilege.

Never before has a Franklin entered Arnhem land.

With fond farewells we recrossed the stream to drive the 310 klms of hot road into Darwin, our goal for the first segment. Today we had our last of three consecutive daily radio interviews and a photo shoot with the N.T news.

Now it's off to get some rear axles made for the journey ahead, next month.

Katherine Gorge

What a time we are having, Katherine George tour for Cliff & Richard then all to a private tuition for the Careflight boys where we had to produce an aboriginal style painting on bark using traditional brushes of pandanus roots. Rembrant need not worry!

Then fire lighting from 2 sticks of kurrajong tree and spear throwing with the aid of a womerra. Don't worry, all animals would be safe if we go bush.

Overnight in an air conditioned container and an evening yellow water cruise in Kakadu,surrounded by salt water crocodiles plus wonderful birds.

Tomorrow could be a test for Frank, as we have been given permission by the Northern Lands Council to enter Arnhem Land to visit a clinic. A traditional owner must sign us in.

To get to the village we must ford a tidal stream that has some seriously large crocs. ( 5 meters or 15 feet long) waiting for a driver to make a mistake and be washed in with them. That Is followed by 17 klms of rough dirt, then the return trip if the tide allows.

It will be interesting to see if Richard makes his Darwin to Sydney flight at 1am Wed.

As we have been interviewed by ABC Darwin we will display the Franklin outside the ABC building and hope that our radio request for an engineering company to assist us to build 2 new axles proves fruitful. Then we must service Frank & find a secure venue for the vehicles while we return to Sydney prior to recommencing our quest next month.

Katherine

Rocking around towards. Daly Waters Historic Pub, I was driving scatting across some large corrugations when I saw The opportunity to swerve off the track into a smooth looking grassy table drain running parallel with the track. Poor Richard unsure of my intentions went into panic mode thinking I had gone troppo. Rich clammered for a panic handle with sweaty palms,whilst both feet tried to puncture the wooden floor. Unknown to us the strain caused the large speedo cable to pull down from it's anchored position, then spinning along the underside of the metal dash creating a noise like an arcing electric circuit breaker. Bloody ";/-?!

Said I, eject Rich! The car may catch fire ,& the battery master switch is under your seat.

Off like a brides nighty went Rich yelling "I'll bet it's that bloody speedo drive, I can't smell smoke". Needless to say it was not my finest hour or move, however the Keystone Cops would have been proud of us.

We rolled into Daly Waters Historic Pub followed by a cloud of bush flies, to be welcomed by owners Robyn & Lindsay who are true blue dinkum Aussies & salt of the earth. They gave us free room and the best beef and barra show you could ever experience with entertainment by David Charles Chillcot the 4 th. ( Chilli to his friends). WOW ! What an Aussie showman and great singer to boot.

This pub is wild, a must see for all, and boy, the patrons donated heavily to our Careflight cause ( now over $3300 and climbing). Now up the track in Katherine, which unfortunately seems to be the street residence of many lost & intoxicated aborigines who wander the streets aimlessly, lost in a changing world.

Free day today with car servicing, a trip to Katherine George & a cultural nice surprise for Doctor Cliff.

Cape Crawford

With the axle repaired we headed to Burketown where an old mechanic insisted on re tuning the carby. We both worked at changing the dyno tuned settings and succeeded in gaining another 2 klms per litre, Thanks mate!

Then turning south west to the Camooweal pub we encountered the worst, most difficult rock & dirt road of our trek. Even a car load of aboriginals blew a tyre causing them to swerve across the road into the gravel bank.

The sign high in a tree said "Jesus died for us" but higher up a jester had erected another sign " So did Elvis ". What with Emu, kangaroo, cattle, low flying weg tailed eagles all intent on committing suicide at the sight of Franks irreplaceable headlights we were dust covered nervous wrecks when the local bar flies welcomed us with cheers from the pubs verandah.

You should see the Franklin, it took 3 hours to clean out the dust. The publican Tim, plus all the bar flies donated to our Careflight bin then a few headaches prevailed for we had traveled 460 klms of mostly dirt that day.

The following morning we set off for the Barkly Roadhouse, meeting Tom the owner, manager, who kindly. Gave us a free tent site then shouted us the best steaks consumed on this trek. Thanks Tom, your establishment is terrific and a credit to your family.

Then off to Cape Crawford, heading due north. 379 klms of mostly flat flood plain with cattle roaming some of the largest station properties in Australia, measured not in acres bit in square klms. The road disappears into the horizon and the single lane tar with jagged dirt edges has been furrowed by road trains causing an 8 hour drive in Frank to be like continuous air turbulence with Frank lurching from side to side, it was bloody terrible.

Saved at last, we reached Heartbreak Hotel the only building in Cape Crawford. Publicans Kerry & Graham gave us half price rooms and a cheque for $200 for Careflight.

Thanks for the donation and all agree, you serve the best Barramundi fish in the N.T.

Heading west to Lindsay at the Daly Waters historic pub the road grader radioed us saying, Geez! I just got passed by big Al Capone, their funny mob of great Aussies up here in the North of Australia.

Camooweal

After departing Normanton we hit gravel road with corrugations flying dust and rocks We photographed Frank in a cluster of termite mounds and noticed a Brahman cow bogged in a water hole, so off to the rescue with a towing strap after reviving her with water polluted from a kangaroo we massaged her legs & left her to nature.

71klms from Burketown near the crocodile infested uLeichhardt river our rear end collapsed from a broken axle with a terrible bang.

With the car pushed into the bushes we unloaded & removed the offending axle to find a piece jammed in the differential, major problem! I set off in a passing 4 wd. Truck with new helpers June & Kevin for Burketown however within a few klms I noticed the entrance to Floraville Downs Station 940 square klms in size. Owners Kylie & Ernie Camp made us most welcome for two nights while we spread the Franklin All over their garage floor.

Unfortunately the spare axle did not fit although after a 144klm drive in the back up car, we managed, with kylies help to coax the council foreman to open their machine shop on Sunday to Allow us to machine the axle to fit the wheel bearing. After a day & half of work, a test drive on the private airstrip we are now rattling along another dirt road being showered with dust & rocks from passing road trains on a back road to Camooweal.

Normantown (DR)

Georgetown was an amazing experience of N. Q hospitality. First we strip a wheel locking nut & special bolt that stops our progress. I walk around town looking for a welder to fabricate a new fastener and meet Warren who says he has no time however his shed and contents are for my use.

Not only is Warren the ampol dealer,bridge constructor, gold mine owner, inventor of a c.d security system that may obsolete c.d. Production, he is also the Mayor. I found what I wanted,Warren welded it, then insisted I take his Porsche Carrera for a fang, no doughnuts please, so i did, wow! What power.

Departing to Normanton on a one lane road, giving way to road trains, the bush is green & thick with Brolga & Jabiru birds fishing in the swamps.

At Normanton the Lady Patrica kindly gave us 2 nights accommodation free for our Careflight assistance in her motel & van park.

Today Karumba return after a barramundi experience in the heated humidity of the Gulf with rides around town for pretty Chris from Karumba bakery with Franks horn blairing to the enjoyment of the local Aborigines.

Tomorrow after 5000 klms we head to Burketown on a suspect road.

Normantown (RG)

Today, on our way back from Karumba to Normanton, after sampling what Karumba had to offer, like a Barramundi breeding enterprise, where fingerlings are hatched, matured and then released into a number of locations, we ticked over our 5000th. kilometre for the trek.

Here on the lower shore of, "The Gulf" it was hard to appreciate, as we looked into the horizon, that it was in fact just that, a gulf!

Getting here after spending the night at Mareeba, we meandered our way down to Ravenshoe to collect a 6-volt battery, for Frank, that had been delivered to a Mitre 10 there, also purchasing an additional 20-litre fuel container and a 20-litre container for water.

We ended up in Georgetown that night, being night 19, but not before stopping to explore the amazing Larva tube formations at Undara Volcanic National Park.

Next morning presented us with another problem with Frank - a stripped thread on a tyre rim retainer, discovered when David was doing his normal pre-setoff checks. A very supportive service station operator came to the rescue and the bolt was able to be welded with a new thread.........which seems to be still holding.

We set off for Normanton and found our way to the Normanton Gulfland Motel where proprietor, Trish offered us two nights complementary accommodation........can you imagine four grown men crammed into a small motel room. Anyway we ARE all still talking.

Tomorrow we head for Burktown..............off the sealed roads!!!!!!!!!!

Georgetown

Now in Georgetown inland north Queensland after hard driving back from Cooktown to turn west at last.

We inspected James Cooks museum full of Australian history yesterday and today visited the worlds largest lava tunnels formed millions of years ago by Extinct volcanoes.

The road to Georgetown is mostly one Lane and rough with wandering Brahman cattle & kangaroos to contend with.

Tomorrow we head for the Gulf of Carpentaria, home of the monster Crocodiles.

Cooktown

At last a rest day in Cairns, with a rail trip to Kuranda on the Atherton Tableands, a brisk walk, a visit to a snake and spider farm then a decent via a cable car, all protective of a psychologist from Portland, Oregon, who tagged not the Ship of Old Fools.

Already the Spring blooms are emerging in the moist Cairns air and the rainforest colours shimmer shimmer with vibrant ryhtm. Lloyd from the Cairns Coconut Resort allowed us to view the owners' Mistubishi Pajero rally machine undergoing construction for the Australian rally.

This beast is equipped with a Chevy 6 litre turbocharged V8, mated to a 6 speed Hollinger box, double shocks per corner and 6 spot calipers.

Geoff the owner competes in the Dakar Rally in a VW powered space frame special.He came 27th in his first Dakar.

Meanwhile our Franklin on display at the park's entrance attracted a crowd that donated to our Careflight cause. We departed Cairns with full fuel tanks courtesy of the resort to climb back onto the tableland with Frank in great form.

Now in Cooktown after drinks at the old iconic Lions Den Hotel and lunch at the Palmer River Roadhouse, where owners Andrew and Karen filled our donation box with coins.

Now, here we are settled at the table, four mates, two kilos of fresh Gulf prawns, bread, butter, wine and laughter.........what more could one wish for?

Cairns

With a perfect Airlie beach day we boarded a beautiful 42 foot Bavaria yacht, sailing off Hayman Island to snorkel amongst the great barrier reef, viewing turtles, a myriad of coloured sea creatures and luckily the breaching of a humpback whale, due to the hospitality of David's relatives.

A long drive to Townsville to more family hospitality ended with an ABC radio interview for the Saturday morning show, then a great meal at a local watering hole along the Townsville Strand overlooking the beautiful Magnetic island and an evening panorama of city lights from Castle hill.

Our thanks to Barry Toohey owner of Rowes Bay caravan park who kindly donated a cabin to assist the Careflight crew. With Frank serviced and a following southerly breeze we headed for the cyclone ravaged areas affected by Cyclone Yazi in February. Tully Heads and Mission beach show scars, however most homes have been restored amongst a shattered landscape.

Finally wending our way into Cairns, we easily found our overnight digs at Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort where we quickly settled into our, once again donated accommodation courtesy of owner Geoff Olholm and manager Lloyd. This is a holiday resort to kill for.

Airlie Beach

Today we encountered our first major problem with Frank as the 6 Volt Battery died, and he had to be coaxed into life with the trusty crank handle!

Breaking into our electrical spares from the USA, in our support trailer, we were able to switch generators, mindful of the result if the timing chain were to jump a tooth and thereby lose camshaft timing.

After three R & R's of the generator the problem led us back to the expensive 6 volt battery, so a replacement is now hopefully on a truck on the road from Melbourne, Victoria!!!

Our thanks must go to Steve and Mark of, "Reefside Auto Electrics", and secretary Ronnie, none of whom would accept payment from the Careflight Franklin crew.

We wish to thank Peggy Michelmore of the beautiful Dolphin Heads Resort, Mackay, for her hospitality and kindness during our stayover there.

We have done an interview and photoshoot with the Whitsunday Times newspaper here at Airlie.

Tomorrow we sail the turquoise Whitsunday waters of Airlie Beach before departing the next day for Townsville.

It is humbling to experience the interest and willingness of Australians to donate into our Careflight containers as we stop along our trek.

Mackay

We are here at the Beautiful Dolphin Heads Resort having left Gladstone early this morning, topping up on fuel and setting forth.

On Saturday we were up at the crack of dawn going fishing, however our efforts were thwarted somewhat by an outboard motor being starved of fuel because, seemingly, a gummed up fuel filter.

We were able to get to a favoured spot however and with baited lines and breath, cast out! Some promising strikes produced 3 Flathead and an undersized Bream. The sight of the day was David having to strip naked on two occasions to retrieve his snagged line. Very ugly!

Later a visit to the local watering hole and an enjoyable dinner.

Sunday saw us doing some local sightseeing, the picturesque Agnes Waters and the town of "1770", back to Gladstone for a local Rugby league game, then back to our host for a barbecued fish dinner which included Simon's excellent smoked mackeral, and some wine accompanied with much good humor!

Gladstone

After 3 nights of good company and fine dining at Runaway Bay with the Rundles, Morris' and their indulgent neighbours, we set off on Thursday morning to continue the Trek into Queensland.

Some way up the Bruce Highway after battling aggressive semi-trailers and at one stage later in the afternoon, an incredible rainstorm and having to mop up leaks through Frank's windscreen surrounds, we arrived at Childers, and yes you guess right, overnighted in 'that' backpackers hostel, now a motel, that was the recipient of an arsonist's first hand attention some years ago, killing some 15 people.

We retired after most of us had a steak meal to die for and had settled into a deep sleep only for Geoff and me to be awakened by someone getting into our room using what must have been a duplicated key...back to sleep only to be awakened this time by the FIRE ALARM. Turned out that a guest had showered with the bathroom door open, somehow tripping the fire alarm. EXCITEMENT PLUS!!! We started motoring on at 7-ish this morning stopping briefly for coffee at Miriam Vale and finally arriving Gladstone just after midday at Kari and Simon Pimm's for what will be a three night stay. We are truly appreciative of them as Kari's parents are also booked in here for about a week. Talk about a full house!

Currently watching Friday Night Football............and no doubt will retire shortly!

Love to all, R.

Miriam Vale

We stop for coffee at Miriam Vale and David engages in car-talk with an enthusiast!

Runaway Bay

Our send off from Runaway Bay, Qld.

Runaway Bay

After a hearty meal at Nymboidia Coaching Station we retired for the night in excellent accommodation (2 queen beds per room!). The fact that the management there were not holding our reservation was cause for some concern considering that Geoff had arranged same. This led to some active banter between Geoff and the manager in which Geoff was able to secure two Riverfront rooms at a greatly reduced rate!!!

Getting there from Forster was a breeze, with David again piloting, 'Frank' and Rich in the navigator seat once more, and Geoff and Cliff, who by the way is picking up on the Aussie humour very quickly, in the Challenger. The countryside between Coffs Harbour was spectaular and using our on-board technology (GPS and iPad) much to Geoff's amazement finally arrived at Nymboidia.

Leaving in thick fog thanks to amazingly heavy overnight rain, we headed for Ballina this time David alone in 'Frank' where he could do no eardrum damage to others! Stopping for fuel (we have used 326+ litres to date!) and continuing on the coast road to Cape Byron and stopping to inspect the lighthouse, which as we know, is the Easternmost point of the Australian mainland, finally arriving here at beautiful Runaway Bay via the coast road from Tweed Heads so that Cliff could have an appreciation of the Gold Coast.

We had an enjoyable neighbourly dinner here at the Morris', "Villa Costa Lotta"! We will be here for 2 days.

Regards Richard Gregory

Nymbioda

Leaving Forster at 8-ish this morning wending our way back to the Pacific Highway once more traveling in style, David driving "Frank", now called by all, the ship of old fools!!!!!

Rich in the navigators chair.

We have two out of the five austreckers that were unable to locate each other at Sydney Airport. It took to a Pie Shop in Raymond Terrace for the group to unite.

After Dinner and a few beers none could find their way back to the caravan park that we were booked into, unlil some welcome help from locals! At the moment we have a crazy American citizen sitting by a river in a Nymboida thunderstorm trying to sight elusive Platypussies. Frank's driver has talked continuously non-stop telling a variety of stories that will forever more stay on the trek! We have now abandoned ourselves to the Mitsubishi leaving Frank's driver talking to himself!

In amongst all of this we are having a fantastic time!

Regards Richard Gregory

Go Day

Fabulous Day with so many firends to see us off at Mona Vale Beach. Thanks to all who were there!

After all that fuss, an uneventful drive to Forster for first overnight stop. The Franklin is going strong as ever.

More to follow so keep checking here!

Regards David Rundle.

For old news click here