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We are now just over the QLD border from the NT on our slow way home, and camping on the Camooweal Billabong. We chose the bottom billabong, as it’s less crowded. At a guess it’s 3 kms from the main highway to the bottom pool What a great spot. Lots of bird life, including egrets, whistling kites, a black swan, etc. This is a popular spot and by late afternoon all spots near us are taken. But no one is too close. The road in is a bit chopped up (they had recent rains, now dried out) but nothing we couldn’t handle with ease. I imagine it could get a bit dusty here but after the recent rains it is nice and fresh, In town is a good water point and dump point, so if approaching from the East, fill up before going out to the waterholes. And a bonus, last night we met up with other Kedronites who are on the forum, Liz and Gary Woods. It was great to chat!

Please join us for a relaxing weekend at Robertson Showground (140Ks Sth of Sydney,47 Ks SW of Wollongong) in the Southern Highlands All Kedron Caravan Owners welcome. Arrive Friday leave Monday, 3 Nights. Showers Toilets Camp Kitchen and hall available for our use. Dogs OK $20 Per van per night Power and Water. Lots to see and do in the area. Friday evening happy hour we will have a trivia quiz with some great prizes (thanks to Glen Gall) Saturday night for those interested we will have dinner at the Bowling Club. 2315 Kangaloon Road Robertson NSW (Enter from High Street) Please let me know if you are coming.

After years of traveling with our Kedron all over Australia, I didn't realise how much you get used to the luxury of a van. Recently we had to make a hurried trip to Queensland. I flew and Paul drove as we knew we would need the car for anything up to six weeks. Having only the day before returned from Europe we had no time to get the van prepared before we urgently had to be in Queensland. On our return trip, I knew I was going to have to go 'camping'. Didn't really realise what this would entail until we got on the road. School holidays and the PGA tour in Kalgoorlie meant that we couldn't get accommodation at some places. We drove past most free camps with our tent in the car, and only used Baxters Rest stop because it had a toilet. I kept looking out the window going we could stop there or there or there. Staying in Broken Hill during 30 hours of rain was not fun, and at 11pm we had to move to a Motel because we were ringing wet. The Kedron doesn't leak I thought. My sister and children are sure that Paul took me camping so I would appreciate the van more. We managed to get three days at Elliston S.A. Only drizzled there, but by now we had learnt a few things on how to cope without 'Q' (our Kedron). Our last night on the road was in Kalgoorlie. Our site was concrete - all concrete so pitching the tent was interesting. Besser bricks may have come into play to hold the tent in place. This time we were smarter, and got an en suite in case it rained, we would have somewhere to run to if this happened. When we got home to Perth I went out and gave the Kedron a cuddle. Hopefully in the future we will be able to get out for some short trips. My dad is coming over for a few months soon, and Paul thinks that at 87 he can go with us and stay in the tent. Stop laughing I haven't found a way to break it to him that dad would probably get our bed and we will be back out in the tent. We will see, we will see.

1x 250grpack of Salada Biscuits 200grms Butter 185grm (1 cup) soft brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence Generous pinch of salt 200gr dark chocolate chopped Turn oven to 180 degrees. Line a baking tray (approx 300x250cm) with foil then baking paper. Lay out Saladas in a single layer to fit the tray. The Caramel - melt the butter and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about five minutes until it is thick and "gloopy". Stir in vanilla and salt. Take the caramel off the heat and quickly our it over the Saladas. Smooth with spatula. Put tray in oven for 15 minutes until the caramel has darkened. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the toffee. As the chocolate melts spread it evenly over the base. (Some cut up pistachios sprinkled on top can be a festive addition). Allow your "Crack" to cool then snap into pieces - any odd shape will do and store in an airtight container in the frig. ENJOY!! Sorry, there is no photo, I made this recipe for the Christmas gathering at Ruberns Lagoon last week and it disappeared before I had a chance to take a photo.

A young Scottish lad and lass were sitting on a low stone wall, holding hands, gazing out over the loch. For several minutes they sat silently. Then finally the girl looked at the boy and said “A penny for your thoughts, Angus?” “Well, uh, I was thinkin’… perhaps it’s aboot time for a wee kiss?” The girl blushed, then leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Then he blushed. The two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. Minutes passed and the girl spoke again. “Another penny for your thoughts, Angus?” “Well, uh, I was thinkin’ perhaps it’s noo time aboot time for a wee cuddle?” The girl blushed, then leaned over and cuddled him for a few seconds. Then he blushed. And the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch. After a while, she again said “Another penny for your thoughts, Angus?” “Well, uh, I was thinkin’ perhaps it’s aboot time you let me put my hand on your leg”. The girl blushed, then took his hand and put it on her knee. Then he blushed. Then the two turned once again to gaze out over the loch before the girl spoke again. “Another penny for your thoughts, Angus?” The young man glanced down with a furrowed brow. “Well, noo” he said “my thoughts are a wee bit more serious this time”. “Really?” said the lass in a whisper, filled with anticipation. “Aye” said the lad, nodding. The girl looked away in shyness, began to blush, and bit her lip in anticipation of the ultimate request. Then he said “Dae ye nae think it’s aboot time ye paid me the first three pennies?”

A successful rancher died and left everything to his devoted wife. She was a very good-looking woman and determined to keep the ranch, but knew very little about ranching, so she decided to place an ad in the newspaper for a ranch hand. Two cowboys applied for the job. One was gay and the other a drunk. She thought long and hard about it, and when no one else applied she decided to hire the gay guy, figuring it would be safer to have him around the house than the drunk. He proved to be a hard worker who put in long hours every day and knew a lot about ranching. For weeks, the two of them worked, and the ranch was doing very well. Then one day, the rancher's widow said to the hired hand, "You have done a really good job, and the ranch looks great. You should go into town and kick up your heels." The hired hand readily agreed and went into town one Saturday night. One o’clock came, however, and he didn't return. Two o’clock and no hired hand. Finally he returned around two-thirty, and upon entering the room, he found the rancher's widow sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, waiting for him. She quietly called him over to her. "Unbutton my blouse and take it off," she said. Trembling, he did as she directed. "Now take off my boots." He did as she asked, ever so slowly. "Now take off my socks" He removed each gently and placed them neatly by her boots. "Now take off my skirt." He slowly unbuttoned it, constantly watching her eyes in the firelight. "Now take off my bra." Again, with trembling hands, he did as he was told and dropped it to the floor. Then she looked at him and said, "If you ever wear my clothes into town again, you’re fired." (P.S. - Yeah, I didn't see it coming, either)

My Mother taught me to read when I was 3 years old (her first mistake). One day I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was slightly open. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping napkins in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen? Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts she told me that those were for special occasions. Now fast forward a few months. It's Thanksgiving Day and my folks are leaving to pick up the pastor and his wife for Thanksgiving Dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table. You guessed it! When they returned, the pastor came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began giggling. Next came my father, who roared with laughter. Then came mom, who almost died of emarassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a "special occasion" napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tails in so they didn't hang off the edge. My mother asked me why I used these and of course my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter. "But Mom, you SAID they were for special occasions!!"

Good Morning folks, it’s Friday Funny time again. Bob Hill and his new wife Betty were vacationing in Europe, as it happens, near Transylvania. They were driving in a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It was late at night and raining very hard with thunder and lightning. Bob could barely see the road in front of the car. Suddenly, the car skids out of control! Bob attempts to control the car but to no avail! The car swerves and smashes into a tree. Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his wife unconscious, with her head bleeding. Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to get her medical assistance. Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light. He heads towards it, which is coming from a large, old house. He hastily knocks on the door. A minute passes and a small, hunched-back old man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, "Hello, my name is Bob Hill, and this is my wife Betty. We've been in a terrible car accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone?" "I'm sorry," replied the hunchback, "We don't have a phone. But my master is a doctor, come in, and I will get him!" Bob brings his wife in. An older man comes down the stairs. "I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor; I am a scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory." With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her downstairs, with Bob following closely. Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries, so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table. After a brief examination, Igor's master looks worried. "Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion." Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail, and Bob and Betty Hill both died. The Hills' deaths upset Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory which houses his grand piano. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, haunting melody fills the house. Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. His eyes catch a movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty's hand twitch, keeping time to the haunting piano music. Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise, also marking the beat! He is further amazed as Betty and Bob both sit up straight! Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the Conservatory. He bursts in and shouts to his Master, "Master, Master... The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music…!"

Through the ages, men have been trying to unlock this mystery: Why do their wives, who accept them just as they are before they get married, begin the quest to change their behaviour and life-style once their vows are exchanged? Finally, the riddle is solved. A social-scientist has arrived at this simple and logical explanation. When the bride, accompanied by her father, starts to walk slowly down the long aisle, she sees the altar at the end and hears the choir singing a hymn. Walking down the aisle, the conditioning process starts where the brain absorbs these three stimuli: Aisle, altar, and hymn. She becomes mesmerized as she continually reinforces these perceptions: Aisle, altar, hymn……Aisle, altar, hymn……Aisle, altar, hymn. And finally, as she stops beside the groom, the conditioning process is complete. She looks up at him smiling sweetly and keeps saying to herself: 'I'll alter him!’ HERE ENDETH THE LESSON

Romantic Australians! You can't get more romantic than this! Aussie stockman and his wife had just got married and found a quiet hotel for their wedding night. The man approached the front desk and asked for a room. He said, 'We're on our honeymoon and we need a nice room, with a good strong bed." The clerk winked, ‘Do you want the 'Bridal'?' The drover reflected on this for a moment and then replied, "Nah, I reckon not. I'll just hold onto her ears until she gets used to it."

Seamus starts his new job at the Dublin zoo and is given three tasks. First is to clear the exotic fish pool of weeds. As he does this a huge fish jumps out and bites him. To show who is boss, he beats it to death with a spade. Realizing his employer won't be best pleased he disposes of the fish by feeding it to the lions, as lions will eat anything. Moving on to the second job of clearing out the Chimp house, he is attacked by the chimps that pelt him with coconuts. He swipes at two chimps with a spade killing them both. What can he do? Feed them to the lions, he says to himself, because lions eat anything... He hurls the corpses into the lion enclosure. He moves on to the last job which is to collect honey from the South American Bees. As soon as he starts he is attacked by the bees. He grabs the spade and smashes the bees to a pulp. By now he knows what to do and shovels them into the lions cage because lions eat anything. Later that day a new lion arrives at the zoo.. He wanders up to another lion and says "What's the food like here?" The lions say: "Absolutely brilliant, today we had .... Fish and Chimps with Mushy Bees!!..

An elderly man in Queensland had owned a large property for several years. He had a dam in one of the lower paddocks where he had planted mango and avocado trees. The dam had been fixed up for swimming when it was built and he also had some picnic tables placed there in the shade of the fruit trees. One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the dam to look it over, as he hadn't been there for a while. He grabbed a ten-litre bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the dam, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his dam. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, 'We're not coming out until you leave!' The old man frowned, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the dam naked. Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm here to feed the crocodile' Moral: Old men may walk slow, but they can still think fast

The Brothel Parrot . . . A woman went to a pet shop where she immediately spotted a large, beautiful parrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00. 'Why so little,' she asked the pet store owner. The owner looked at her and said, 'Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of prostitution, so it says some pretty vulgar stuff.' The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the bird any way. She took it home and hung the bird's cage up in her living room and waited for it to say something. The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said, 'New house, new madam.' The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then realized 'that's really not so bad.' When her 2 teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw and said, 'New house, new madam, new girls.' The girls and the woman were a bit offended, but then began to laugh about the situation, considering how and where the parrot had been raised. Moments later, the woman's husband Keith came home from work. The bird looked at him and said, 'Hi Keith'

Yesterday we were travelling on the Western Fwy into Brisbane. Minding our own business, enjoying the drive towards the ‘factory’ we heard a noise from under the bonnet and an unusual smell through the dash vents. Moments later I lost the power assist from the steering and brakes.........luckily there was a verge on the roadside that we could make a hasty ‘safe’ stop. Upon stopping, after opening the bonnet, I found that the A/C compressor had seized & thrown/destroyed the serpentine drive belt resulting in loss of steering & braking assist. Being a member of NRMA I rang them for assistance, they then connected me with RACQ who would (hopefully) offer me reciprocal service as we obviously weren’t in NSW. RACQ were aware of my situation re vehicle (type/size) & caravan (total length & weight) after sending two different flat top tow trucks the later be larger than the first.....RACQ (bless them) said they couldn’t assist, yes they could tow the truck, but NOT the van and I wasn’t going to leave my van on the roadside. I then contacted NRMA again, rembering I had ‘Premium Plus’ roadside assist......possibly should have mentioned that to the NRMA operator in the first instance......but then my rego number/membership number should have brought that up for the operator to see. Loooooong story short with with NRMA Premium Plus cover.....in no time there was a ‘Super Tilt’ low loader (see photo) there to take/tow me to Lawnton Showground. After a quiet beverage or two and another phone call to NRMA, I found that out that having Premium Plus cover entitled me to a second tow for the truck (to the repairer in Gympie) and the hire of a 200 series (which is all but NEW) to tow my van home. This is a long winded post but, if you have a tow vehicle and van that EXCEEDS your states motoring organisation limits consider NRMA Premium Plus cover. Usual disclaimer.......NO affiliation with NRMA other than being a happy customer.

Since we are house sitting in Cairns and be away May and June . Thinking about a gathering in August . https://www.goomeribushcamp.com.au Doesn’t matter if it’s a gathering of one or fifty one . Details in a few days . Thanks Nev and Penny

Annie & I would like to wish all members & visitors to this site, the safest & most joyous Christmas. 🎄 May Christmas and the New Year bring you everything you wish for and more. Fingers crossed that life as we knew it, before March 2020 returns before too long! Travel safe & remember there are idiots out there! In closing, the Kedron Owners Group AGM is being held next month (see seperate notice), I am definitely stepping down as President.....Seriously hoping someone will put their hand up for the Sec/Tres position. SERIOUSLY it is not an onerous job, (ongoing assistance & training freely given, if required) maybe a husband & wife or a partnership between two separate people (one doing each job). For the group to survive AND grow we need you to assist and nominate!! Cheers Tony H

Hi all, We had a new 23'6 JB Dirt Road Extreme but sold it last year and decided to buy a 2009 21' Kedron ATV-2 instead. Although the weights are similar, it is smaller and will be easier to manoeuvre, as well as being more robust. We will be taking it on its first trip (with us) to Yeppoon in a couple of weeks. Look forward to seeing how it goes.

All going well, we plan to leave here at home in SA on Friday, for our annual migration to warmer places. It has been a much later start this year as we had family related stuff to do here. Our plan is to head North to Alice Springs and then West across the Great Central Road to WA. Our itinerary takes us North up the Oodnadatta Track after a few days around Clare then the Flinders Ranges. We should head off from Yulara on the GCR on 27 June. I think we will stay the night at Curtin Springs before hand. The van's wheel bearings have been greased, the floors washed, bed made, and some food already in the van. I can't wait to enjoy warmer weather! Will we see any of you out and about on these roads?

New owner of cp5 used compact.

We loved touring Tassie with our van. I posted trip reports here, (in 2018) so you might do a search in case you find it interesting or helpful. chris Stage 4 June 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 3 May 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 2 April to 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 1 March to April 2018 Tasmania.pdf

Another instalment. In this trip report we get closer to SA, and catch up with fellow Kedronners. Stage 2 July 2022 Pine Creek to Norley.pdf

Good Afternoon folks, it’s Friday Funny time again. A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says: 'I'm on this cruise to celebrate my 88th birthday and it's today.' The bartender says 'Well, since it's your birthday, I'll buy you a drink. In fact, this one is on me.' As the woman finishes her drink the woman to her right says 'I would like to buy you a drink, too.' The old woman says 'Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of water.' 'Coming up' says the bartender As she finishes that drink, The man to her left says 'I would like to buy you one, too.' The old woman says 'Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops of water.' 'Coming right up' the bartender says. As he gives her the drink, he says 'Ma'am, I'm dying of curiosity. Why the Scotch with only two drops of water?' The old woman replies ’Sonny, when you're my age, you've learned how to hold your liquor... holding your water, however, is a whole other issue.'

Must be true........ A new report shows that being overweight is not as harmful as is commonly believed, and actually confers some surprising health benefits. Being 3 to 6 Kg overweight could protect people from ailments ranging from Tuberculosis to Alzheimer's disease, research indicates. Those carrying 7 to 12 Kg extra are better able to recover from adverse conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia, and various injuries and infections, states the report. 12 to 18 Kg of flab could help fend off breast, kidney, pancreatic, prostrate, and colon cancer. In general, the report concludes, overweight people are happier, more successful in business, smarter and friendlier. The study was funded by a research grant from: McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burgerman, Dominos, M&M, Cadbury and Nestle Chocolates.

Greetings all, trusting this finds you well & happy (& dry if your in SE QLD) Last June Annie & I were travelling on the Plenty Hwy towards Alice Springs, very looooong story cut short we had a transmission failure with the 'tug' (GMC Sierra) we were towed into Alice and spent the next ten weeks there trying to get the problem sorted, (side story even loooonger) now back home (Maryborough) still having problems, but then that's another story. On removal of the transmission in Alice it was established that the failure of the transmission was caused by impact damage to a wiring harness under the vehicle being impacted by a stick or stone resulting in the wiring shorting out destroying the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and in turn locking the transmission in at least two gears. Being 'accidental damage' as opposed to a breakdown I was able to submit an insurance claim for the cost of repairs. I'm not going to name the (major player) insurance company or the repairer (as it it is irrelevant to this post). My initial dealings & enquiries with the insurer, were cordial, professional & reasonably stress free, but as the repair bills & wait times were ever increasing my stress levels started to rise. Although being very comfortable in Alice (such a beautiful town with so much to see & do) being 'so far' from home....Annie informs me I wasn't the easiest person to live with! A lot of free time was spent 'touring' Alice. On one of my tours, I happened to see a vehicle with sign writing on it, blazed down the side of it 'Solve My Claim'. Returning to the caravan I googled this company, & their website was informative and answered most of my questions, to my surprise they were based in Alice! I sent an email, outlining my situation to Solve My Claim (SMC). In due course I was contacted by David Keane the principal of SMC. David outlined his companies purpose & structure & how he believed he (SMC) could assist me with the claim process with my insurer. (Please note, at this time I have a good relationship with the insurer & repairer.....but as the $'s being paid out by me are ever increasing my stress levels were rising....wondering how much the insurer would cover & refund me) We decided to engage SMC, from that moment on, all my communications to the insurer were done by SMC. SMC's experience & knowledge immediately dropped my stress levels. To date SMC have been able to recover ALL of my outgoings relating to the repair of the transmission, plus an additional amount ($1000) SMC found in the small print of the insurers 'small print' Yes....we did have to pay Solve My Claim for their services, .....but we believe, the amount we paid for their professional services was far less than the extras SMC were able to secure for us in the claims process....with NO STRESS! Solve my Claim can assist with ANY insurance claim, house, vehicle, caravan etc. Have a look at their website https://solvemyclaim.com.au/ ...there only a phone call or email away! Annie & I would have NO hesitation in engaging their services again! Usual disclaimer...... Annie & I have NO affiliation with SMC other than being very satisfied clients! Travel safe Annie & Tony

Hi Matt and Tony 300s are being delivered albeit slowly, and we hope to get ours - a GLX - sometime this decade! But possibly February. I have had a short drive of a VX and a GXL but only a few ks. The higher the spec in the 300s you go the less load capacity, which is why, apart from $$$$s, we chose the GXL, although the GX beats it by about 85kg. Matt, Glen from Kedron made a U Tube or suchlike of a test he was involved in courtesy of Toyota. I rang and spoke to Glen and he was very impressed with the way it performed with one of their vans hooked up to it. Google Toyota Landcruiser 300 goes outback caravanning. Kedron now has a 300. Dealers are forbidden to discount however, but there could be a few exceptions. A word of warning: if you are to have any accessories fitted, do that post sale because if included in the purchase price you pay luxury tax on them. Cheers, Barry

If you're thinking about getting one of those pre-paid cremation plans, Don't go to an English company, they'll lose the ashes. Happy New Year to all……travel safe!

An old Irish farmer's dog goes missing and he's inconsolable. His wife says: “Why don't you put an ad in the paper?” The farmer does. Two weeks later the dog is still missing. "What did you put in the paper?" his wife asks. "Here boy" he replies. ______________________________ __

Hi members, At the 2020 AGM a committee was formed to look into our uniforms. At the 2021 AGM it was decided to go with iron on badges. Sample and info attached. I will be sending an email out soon to all members to request if they want one each free and additional at $5. To save wearing out the internet please email the kedronownersgroup@gmail.com and advise if you require one/two to be mailed out and deposit $5 each into our bank account with name and memb no. for the additional ones. Any queries please contact me Bill Fawkes

Every morning, the CEO of a large bank in Manhattan walks to the corner for a shoeshine. He sits in an armchair, examines the Wall Street Journal and the shoe shiner buffs his shoes to a mirror shine. One morning the shoe shiner asks the CEO: "What do you think about the situation in the stock market? ” The man answered arrogantly, "Why are you so interested in that topic? ” The shoe guy replies, "I have millions in your bank," he says, "and I'm considering investing some of the money in the capital market. ” "What's your name? " asked the executive. John H. Smith was the reply. The CEO arrives at the bank and asked the Manager of the Customer Department; Do we have a client named John H. Smith? "Certainly, answers the Customer Service Manager, "he is a high net worth customer with 12.6 million dollars in his account. ” The executive comes out, approaches the shoe shiner, and says, "Mr. Smith, I would like to invite you next Monday to be the guest of honour at our board meeting and tell us the story of your life. I am sure we could learn something from your life's experience. ” At the board meeting, the CEO introduces him to the board members. " We all know Mr. Smith, from the corner shoeshine stand, but Mr. Smith is also an esteemed customer. I invited him here to tell us the story of his life. I am sure we can learn from him.” Mr. Smith began his story. "I came to this country fifty years ago as a young immigrant from Europe with an unpronounceable name. I got off the ship without a penny. The first thing I did was change my name to Smith. I was hungry and exhausted. I started wandering around looking for a job but to no avail. Fortunately, I found a coin on the sidewalk. I bought an apple. I had two options, eat the apple and quench my hunger or start a business. I sold the apple for 25 cents and bought two apples with the money. I also sold them and continued in business. When I started accumulating a few dollars, I was able to buy a set of used brushes and shoe polish and started polishing shoes. I didn't spend a penny on entertainment or clothing, I just bought bread and some cheese to survive. I saved penny by penny and after a while, I bought a new set of shoe brushes and polishes in different shades and expanded my clientele.I lived like a monk and saved penny by penny. After a while, I was able to buy an armchair so my clients could sit comfortably while I shined their shoes, and that brought me more clients. I did not spend a penny on the joys of life. I kept saving every cent. A few years ago, when the previous shoe shiner on the corner decided to retire, I had already saved enough money to buy his shoeshine location at this great place. Finally, 6 months ago, my sister, who was a hooker in Chicago, passed away and left me 12.6 million dollars."

COVID Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself entering a bank, wearing a mask, and asking for money. 😄 • Never thought my hands would one day consume more alcohol than my liver... ever!😝 • Lock down seems like a Netflix series: just when you think it's over, they release the next season.🤩 • I’m starting to like this mask thing. I went to the supermarket yesterday and two people that I don’t like didn’t recognise me. 🤪 • Those complaining that we didn’t have enough holidays, what now? 😍 • I need to social distance myself from my fridge; I tested positive for excess weight! 😋 • I’m not planning on adding 2020 to my age. I didn’t even use it! I don't know about 2021. Does it exist?😁 • We want to publicly apologise to the year 2019 for all the bad things we said about it. 😃 • To all the ladies who were praying for their husbands to spend more time with them — how are you doing? 🤣 • My washing machine only accepts pyjamas these days. I put in a pair of jeans and a message popped up : “Stay Home" 😂 2019: Avoid negative people 2020: Avoid positive people 2021: Avoid people because you don’t know if they are positive or negative I stole this, by all means do the same, make someone else laugh. 😷 Have a great day 😊

Murphy in the shadows Murphy was walking home late at night and sees a woman in the shadows. 'Thirty euros,' she whispers. Murphy had never been with a hooker before, but decides what the hell, it's only thirty euros. So they hid in the bushes. They're going 'at it' for a minute when all of a sudden a light flashes on them. It is the Garda. 'What's going on here, people?' asks the cop. 'I'm making love to me wife,' Paddy answers sounding annoyed. 'Oh, I'm sorry,' says the cop, 'I didn't know.' 'Well, neidder did I, til ya shined that light in her face!'

For those of us travelling and keen to get their vaccinations while on the road, I have successfully used the below link. It is an interactive website which allows you to enter some basic information on eligibility first then to find a site near you, or at a specific location where you can get your jab. https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility Before there are any arguments on the merits of the vaccination, I am not advocating whether you should or should not be vaccinated. The information is purely for those who want to use it. I do have a view about vaccinations but this is not the place for that debate.

We are now at Hay, NSW. We are going to the RSL for dinner (they have great Chinese food!) and camping down on the Murrumbidgee just on the outskirts of town. Our camp site has its own QR code to check in! Most spots seem to have one, sited on a little white pole. Before leaving home I downloaded every state’s QR code and have them ready as we cross borders. A lass at the Balranald supermarket said this morning that she didn’t think NSW was using QR codes …. Moral of that story is not to take advice on QR code readers from checkout staff. The cafe certainly required it to checked in.

AN OLDER LADY An older lady headed to the bank to make a withdrawal. She handed her bank card to a bank cashier and said, “I would like to withdraw $10. The cashier told her, “For withdrawals less than $100 please use the ATM.” The old lady wanted to know why… The cashier returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please leave if there is no other matter. There is a line of customers behind you.” The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the cashier and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The cashier was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and told her, "You have $500,000 in your account and the bank doesn’t have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come back tomorrow?" The old lady then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The cashier told her any amount up to $3,000. “Well, please let me have $3,000 now.” The cashier then angrily went back to the vault retrieved stacks of $20’s and $10’s and spent the next ten minutes counting out $3,000. “Is there anything else I can do for you today?”, the teller asked sternly. The old lady put $10 in her purse and said, “yes, I’d like to deposit $2,990 into my account.” The moral of this tale… Don’t be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skills.

Situated on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, probably an hour or so from Adelaide, this lovely free campground is a very special spot. It’s at S35 50 05 E139 2 46. Near Milang, it is accessed via a 10km gravel road, of which 2km is a bit ordinary. No facilities here whatsoever, just lots of peaceful beauty. Mind you it’s the school holidays starting tomorrow...😄

As a butcher is shooing a dog from his shop, he sees $15 and a note in his mouth, reading: "10 lamb chops, please." Amazed, he takes the money, puts a bag of chops in the dog's mouth, and quickly closes the shop. He follows the dog and watches him wait for a green light, look both ways, then trot across the road to a bus-stop. The dog checks the timetable and sits on the bench. When a bus arrives, he walks around to the front and looks at the number, then boards the bus. The butcher follows, dumbstruck. As the bus travels out into the suburbs, the dog takes in the scenery. After a while he stands on his back paws to push the "stop" bell, and then the butcher follows him off. The dog runs up to a house and drops his bag on the step. and barks repeatedly. No answer. He goes back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself (Whap!) against the door. He does this again and again. No answer. So he jumps on a wall, walks around the garden, barks repeatedly at a window, jumps off, and waits at the front door. Eventually a small guy opens it and starts cursing and shouting at the dog. The butcher runs up screams at the guy: "What are you doing? This dog's a genius!” The owner responds, "Genius, you say? .. That's the second time this week he's forgotten his key!”

Merry Christmas to you too Tony & Annie, It will be a very sad day when you step down as I believe you have done an exceptional job, but also understand the need to move on. I would like to thank you for your mammoth effort in a job well done. You will be missed. We will always in touch. We are currently in Yungngora in the Kimberley WA but are about to head back to Maningrida in Arnhem Land in 2 weeks for a 5 week stint before heading back to Kalumburu in the Kimberley again for 5-6 weeks. Then we will be back home for a month before we head off again. Have a great new year guys. Steve & Kerry

There has been a large update done to the website. If you encounter problems please advise me. The banner size has changed as well. I will need to rework this.

We are at Onkaparinga’s Pink Gums campground for a couple of nights. It is right on the edge of the McLaren Vale wine region, and not that far from the city. But it feels nice and peaceful. There are 11 sites in all but not all fit a caravan of our size. Most do, though.. We are nicely settled in, as you can see.