Andrew and Sally

Ten Kedrons and ten Landcruisers on our trip. This is the Toyota "nothing soft gets in" TVC we spoke about on the trip: http://m.youtube.com...v%3DisC32ev4Lw4 I understand it was made as a joke by their agency, but I saw a short version to air during an AFL final game in 2009 and it was also run once as a print ad in one of the outdoor magazines. Anyone still out there or are we all home now? Andrew

Hi Jayson I and a few of the others only took them off on the 4WD Binns Track (East Macs) due to some steep creek crossing entries and exists, and dips. Others left them on without problems. Like Webby, as far as I'm aware all of us left them on for the entire rest of the trip. Regards Andrew

Hi Reece There is also a public weighbridge at Oxford Falls (Meatworks Road) if you need it. This is on the way to Brookvale so you could stop there either on the way tto Brooky or on the way back to Lane Cove. There is also a popular Big4 CP at Narabeen Lakes, also close to Brookvale if you're looking for somewhere to camp on the northern beaches. We live at St Ives on the North Shore and there are two other Kedron owners in the Sydney suburbs who travelled with us on the Outback Way trip in June. Let me know if we can be of any help during your visit here. Have a great visit. Regards, Andrew

Hi Jayson Further to Tolley's post (which I totally support) most of our vans are still using the original Goodyear Wranglers (Light Truck) that Kedron fitted as standard. Like Colin, I will be replacing both car and van tyres with Mickey Thompsons (LT) when the time comes. I ran my pressures (cold, early morning) as follows with good performance and a comfortable ride: ROAD: Dirt (up to 80kph) CAR FRONT: 28 CAR REAR & VAN: 32 ROAD: Bitumen CAR FRONT 40 CAR REAR & VAN: 45 These pressures increased by around 5psi as the tyres warmed up. Suggest you also check with the van manufacturer for their recommendations. As Colin says, everyone has their own view on this subject so don't be surprised if you get lots of different advice! One area you might need to watch is ground clearance of the van - perhaps use the Landcruiser as a rough guide. Travel safe, take it easy and have a great trip. Ours was just fantastic. Andrew

As mentioned in the poem - at Boulia. Says it all really - no explanation required!

Hi Reece I have my TopEnder serviced by AGSR Trailers in Brookvale (Northern beaches suburb). They are a manufacturer of industrial trailers and I've found them very thorough and helpful. Contact details are: 38 Orchard Road, Brookvale NSW 2100 Phone: (02) 9939-5355 Hope this is of help to you. By all means send me a PM if you'd like to discuss this or anything else regarding your Sydney visit. Regards, Andrew

Of course it should read Gidgee, not widgie. What was I thinking!

Thank you all for your kind wishes and updates on your subsequent travels after we parted. I check the KOG site at least twice a day to read your posts and "keep the dream alive". Was it really only a couple of weeks ago? We arrived home slightly ahead of our rushed schedule and after a fabulous trip across the Nullarbor. We settled Sally's mum's house sale yesterday and now need to spend a little quiet time at our mountain cottage this weekend. For my part, I'm back at work, and in the words of A.B. Patterson: "I am sitting in my dingy little office where a stingy ray of sunshine (I wish!) struggles feebly between the [buildings] tall" Actually, Sydney has been cold, grey and wet since we arrived home and I'm doing budgets. In my boredom, and in Tolley's words, with a bit too much time on my hands, I've penned another three verses for our poem. I've reproduced the whole opus below with the new verses added at the end. I hope you like it and once again thank you all for a fabulous experience. Please do stay in touch - we miss you all. Best regards, Andrew THEVAN FROM PINE RIVER with apologies to A.B. "Banjo" Paterson There was movement amongst the Kedrons, for the word had passed around That the trip across the continent was underway, And had joined together in Winton - it was worth the thousand miles, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray. All the tried and noted vanners from places near and far Had mustered at the caravan park overnight, For the Kedrons love the outback where the wild bush horses are, And the owners snuff the challenge with delight. There was Flynnie, who made his pile when Kingston Town won the cup, The old man with his hair as white as snow; But few could follow behind him when his blood was fairly up -- He would go wherever the Kedron and 'Cruiser could go. And Tolley from the North came down to lend a hand, No better organiser ever held the reins; For never could a corrugated road throw him while the sockies would stand, He learnt to drive while serving on the plains. And one was there, a Top Ender a large and rugged beast, It was something like a camper oversized, With a touch of pure luxury - three parts thoroughbred at least - And such as are by outback caravaner's prized. It looked hard and tough and wiry - just the sort that won't say die - There was beauty in its quick impatient tread; And it bore the badge of greatness in our bright and fiery eye, And the proud and lofty carriage of our head. But there was one so slight and weedy, one would doubt its power to stay, And the old man said, "That van will never make it For a long and tiring trip – it had better stop away, Those deserts are far too tough for such as it." So the ATV driver stood sad and wistful - only Mayzee stood his friend - "I think we ought to let it come," he said; "I warrant it'll be with us when it's wanted at the end, For both his van and he are Aussie bred. "It hails from Pine River, up by Brendale side, Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough, Where a Kedron wheels strike firelight from the flint stones every mile, The van that holds its own is good enough. And the Kedron's in the outback make their name, Where the river runs those giant hills between; I have seen so many caravans since I first commenced to roam, But nowhere yet such caravans have I seen." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - So they went. They gathered at Winton where the dinosaurs once roamed, Then raced off down the Plenty to the dirt And Sunray gave his orders: "Boys don't forget the Dump,* That Thetford's going to get a lot of work. And Mayzee, you must lead them, the rest of you keep up Drive boldly lad but keep the dust speed down For we've miles to go to find a camp where we can circle up And make a fire that all can sit around. So, they went into the desert, across rivers, down Binns Track Where the best and boldest Kedrons find their place And only 'Cruisers haul them, reliable to the end No place for Nissans in this rugged space. Then they halted for a moment after Barney threw a shoe The widgie hunting barely missed a beat What a great bunch of talent - is there nothing Nev can't do? Both he and Evo reveled at each feat. Then they finally crossed the border with their sides all red with mud For the last time hit the tar and headed south They met at Leonora for a final meal at pub Then they slowly drifted off to other parts. And down by old Pine River where the action all began The KOGGERS keep in touch with messages penn-ed New friendships made,new places seen, the memories abound All thanks to Tolley, and his vision splendid. *Sally has a great photo of the Kedron "group dump" at Boulia - I'll post in the next few days!

Another fine pic that got left out of the last post:

Here are a few thumbnails from along the way. More to follow... Regards, Andrew.

Gee, that was when we were clean - a bit different now! I wonder if I'll ever get the van looking like that again? Mayzee is right - this trip is a lifetime experience. We have been so fortunate to meet a great group of people. Every day we've seen amazing scenery and we've travelled roads and tracks that one would never see on the "tourist routes". Colin and Gayleen have done a brilliant job of organising and managing the trip, with help also from Stewart.Thank you all so much for the opportunity to join you and for your friendship along the way. Sally and I are really looking forward to the next exciting phase. Andrew

Hi Rick, very sorry to hear of your misfortunes. I really do hope things improve for you from here on. I thought this might bring a smile in the meantime: Getting Older As I was lying around - pondering the problems of the world. .. I realized that at my age I don't really give a rat's anymore. .. If walking is good for your health, the postman would be immortal. .. A whale swims all day, only eatsfish, drinks water, but is still fat. .. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years, while a tortoise doesn't run and does mostly nothing, yet it lives for 150 years. So should we exercise more and eat and drink less?? I don't think so. .. Just grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to remember the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. Now that I'm older here's what I've discovered: 1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it. 2. My wild oats are mostly enjoyed with prunes and all-bran. 3. I finally got my head together,and now my body is falling apart. 4. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded. 5. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded. 6. If all is not lost, then where the heck is it ? 7. It was a whole lot easier to get older, than to get wiser. 8. Some days, you're the topdog; some days you're the hydrant. 9. I wish the buck really did stop here; I sure could use a few of them. 10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents. 11. Accidents in the back seat cause kids. 12. It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere. 13. The world only beats a path to your door when you're in the bathroom. 14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he'd have put them on my knees. 15. When I'm finally holding all the right cards, everyone wants to play chess. 16. It's not hard to meet expenses . . . they're everywhere. 17. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. 18. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I go somewhere toget something, and then wonder what I'm "hereafter". 19. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded. 20. HAVE I SENT THIS MESSAGE TO YOU BEFORE..........??????

You certainly didn't fail motivating us to have a go. Its just that I'm up to my ears getting through a pile of work so I can get away next week! Poetry is the last thing on my mind right now. The lines you guys have written are fabulous. Andrew

Just to close this off. Yes, the problem was a switch on the wall. I've now successfully replaced all flouros. Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions. Now, for my next job, if anyone knows how to find and fix a leak in the roof over the bathroom that's been there since the van was new and still remains after the Kedron boys covered everything with silicon... Andrew

OMG Brian, surely not! If there's a switch outside the bathroom that makes perfect sense. I always thought it strange that you'd turn on the ceiling lights from a switch on the fitting itself, especially in the shower. I'll check it out and really hope you're right. If so, you'll have saved me endless trouble and similar embarrassment. I've been pulling every fuse I can find to no avail, and that's no easy job considering where they've hidden the fuse panel behind the batteries. Thanks for letting me know. I'll report back when I can next get back to the job after Easter. Regards Andrew

OMG Brian, surely not! If there's a switch outside the bathroom that makes perfect sense. I always thought it strange that you'd turn on the ceiling lights from a switch on the fitting itself, especially in the shower. I'll check it out and really hope you're right. If so, you'll have saved me endless trouble and similar embarrassment. I've been pulling every fuse I can find to no avail, and that's no easy job considering where they've hidden the fuse panel behind the batteries. Thanks for letting me know. I'll report back when I can next get back to the job after Easter. Regards Andrew

Hi Russ Yes, I also found they are a tiny bit shorter and fiddled it back and forth to try to seat it to get a circuit. Not sure whether it would stay in place when the van is rattling and banging on rough roads? Thanks anyway. I'll let you know how I get on. Regards Andrew

Hi Russ I replaced my round inside lights and square outside lights today too. All good. Not so good with the flouros you're talking about in the bathroom! I only got to work on the one in the ceiling, but was unable to get it to work after the conversion. It was also a one way trip and no way I can return it to flouro. Not only that, the other one (still flouro) over the shower now also won't work,even though I didn't touch it. The one over the hand basin does still work though. I've checked all the fuses I can find in the front boot and all OK. Do you have any idea why I can't get power in either light now? Do you know where the fuse for these units is located? I'm planning to replace the entire fitting for both lights now and not try to convert them. Like you, I'll leave te other three units in the boot and under the cupboards as we rarely use them. Now, if I can just get some power back to these dead lights! I'll call Tom on Monday. Regards Andrew

I would have to support Brian's recommendation of a 19 foot ATV paired with a Landcruiser. If I'd been buying a new Kedron that's what I'd have ordered. Rather than wait 14+ months for a newie I bought an almost new 21 foot TE which became available. It is a big van and our Tare is 2,960kg. I put it fully loaded on the weighbridge just last week and it came in at 3,540kg. 300kg of this is water so I have plenty of room to move, its just a nuisance that you can mitigate with a lighter van (ATV) and still have all the Kedron features and comforts. Regards, Andrew

Hi Ronnie It may depend on what model Kedron you buy (TopEnder, ATV or XC). We have a 21' TopEnder with full ensuite with ATM of 3.500kg, which is the same maximum towing limit of our 2005 Landcruiser 100 turbodiesel. The ATV and XC models are not as heavy as the TE. So, we're right on the max weight limit for both the van and the car. My suggestion (others may disagree) is that IDEALLY you'd go with a lighter model Kedron (ATV or XC) if you want to tow with a Landcruiser, or else go to a slightly larger tow vehicle if you go with the 21' TopEnder - perhaps a GMC or Ford F-Series ute? However, many owners have the same rig as we do and we're very pleased with our combination, which tows extremely well and returns around 18-25 litres/100km depending on road conditions. We just have to watch our caravan payload weight very carefully to stay within the 3,500kg limit when fully loaded. Hope this is helpful. We love our van and wish you well with your selections. Best regards, Andrew.

OK, on it goes. Actually only 80 days for us - we have to get up there before the real trip begins. I'm told my 2IC did a great job while I was away so it should be a good time to hit them up for the next one! Andrew

Hi Colin Ours arrived on Thursday but I thought I should hold off installing it until we've been there, but maybe not... Just got home from our travels and back at work today. Now to start negotiating time off in June. Regards Andrew

Hi Rick/Lea, Thanks for the tip. I'm not doubting your advice, but if it's true, Chris must be a totally uncharacteristic caravanner from all those I've met to date (including Sarah and myself)! In fact, many have regarded the juice of the grape almost as a religion in itself and celebrated their faith with commendable passion and gusto. But I'll heed your advice and make sure we also have some non-grape alternatives when we finally get to meet Chris and any other Kedronners of similar beliefs. There's always a nice malt and some fine brews in our van so I'm sure we'll get by. Great to hear from you and I hope we get to meet and share a bevvy sometime soon. Best regards Andrew