Ken Tuckey's journey so far...                                             Back to previous page 

WEEK 1

Day 1 Monday March 2 

We departed, dawn cool and clear. Coolah is green, after a couple of hours on the road the country is drying out.  On entrance to Dubbo we were escorted by a police car through to Michell Machinery.  It had taken 4.5 hours to get to Dubbo and here we had newspaper coverage at Michell Machinery and Prime TV.  On to Geurie Primary School to give quad bike saftey talks and demonstration.  Plenty of interest shown in Massey Utility, photos taken.  We then travelled to Wellington and made our camp in the show ground.

Day 2 Tuesday March 3

We met with the mayor of Wellington for photos and interview with the Wellington Times Newspaper.  It was a hot sunny day and we called at Molong to collect and then on to Cargo, the countryside is farming and grazing land.  At Molong we collected and then to Manildra where two schools with a total of 200 children were given safety talks on the quad bike and the safety of handling the Massey.  Then on to Cudal where we collect for charity.

Day 3 Wednesday March 4 

Safety talks and demonstration of the quad bike given at Cargo Public School, the Massy was also on show there.  There was a heavy downpoor of rain late in the morning when we travelled on to Canowindra, making our camp in the showground.

Day 4 Thursday March 5

Today began with a heavy frost, turning then into a hot day.  The morning was spent collecting in the Canowindra, very friendly country people.  We saw hot air balloons in flight.  We are finding both in towns and along the highways that much attention is drawn to our bright red 4 wheel drive and bright red 5th wheeler in tow with all of the displays attached to read.  The Massey vehicle also causes much attention, chat and even excitement.

Day 5  Friday March 6 

We travelled to Cowra, hot sunny day, the district was very dry.  We attended  Cowra High School with 500 students hearing the quad bike demonstration and safety talk as well as Massy information and demonstration.  Camp at camp grounds next to showground in Cowra.

Day 6 & 7 Saturday March 7&8 

Bright sunny day, hot and dry.  We spent Saturday morning collecting and chatting with the friendly locals at Grenfell.  We made camp at the showgrounds for the weekend.

WEEK 2

Day 8 Monday March 9

Still hot and dry conditions - rain needed, arrived Young showgrounds.  Young is the Cherry capital.  We had an interview with the Young Witness -local newspaper and our photos were also taken and included the manager of the manager of the Young RSL club as the RSL donated an evening meal for us.  The police were also given information about our journey.  

Day 9 Tuesday March 10 

On our route to Cootamundra, we lost a wheel off our 5th wheeler (caravan) about 8 km out from Young - a bearing had snapped.  We then travelled another 2km before being able to stop in a pull off area.  My wife Joyce and myself travelled back in the Massy looking for the wheel.  We found it and the stub axel about 1km from the pull off site.  We took these back, and then took the axel off the 5th wheeler, took both into Young in the Massey.  We returned all to our van, repaired it and found a nearby camp site and slept.  There was stormy conditions all around but we were not affected.

Day 10 Wednesday March 11

We finally arrived in Cootamundra, collected for charity and travelled to Junee and its unique old and new twin main streets, separated by the railway line.  Highlights of this town were the licorice factory and their new hospital.   We collected for charity again on this fine sunny day and travelled to the tiny town of Coolamon collecting again.  Coolamon in built on a rise - the main street is up a hill, quite a pretty village.  We made camp along the route to Narrandera.

Day 11 Thursday  March 12 

Extremely dry in Narrandera and  we collected for charity.  There were a few shops closed down in the main town.  Businesses in the country towns we found to be also experiencing the effects from the stressed economy.  We camped at the showground where we knew the caretaker, a great old gentelmen who treated us like long lost friends.  There was plenty of catheads present - plenty of footware required!   7 kangaroos for many years have been permanent residents of the showground.

Day 12 Friday   March 13 

We arrived early at Leeton for collecting.  This region is known for rice growing and citrus orchids.  The entrance into this town was lined with palm trees, the town having been planned by the famous Burleigh Griffin, designer of Canberra and its streets.  We continued on into Whitton where we collected from its 3 shops and hotel.  There was much interest in the Massey here.  Then to the outskirts of Goolgoowi where we camped.

Day 13 Saturday & Sunday March 14&15 

Travelled the long trip across the Hay plains camping at various sites.  these were the same sites the I had camped at on my way from Alice Springs back through part of the Simpson Dessert back to Coolah in 1981.  During the weekend we checked the vehicles over.

WEEK 3

Day 15  Monday March 16 

We arrived early into Hay, collected for charity making our camp in the showgrond, which was beside the site of the Japanese Prisoner of war camp of 1945.   The spotlight at Hay still rises and fall at night in memory of the war days search lights which were used to find enemy aircraft.

Day 16  Tuesday March 17 

We left for Balranald arriving there mid morning, collected and made our camp at the caravan park which is situated on the banks of the Murray River.  We met up with an old Camel man Merv Buckley, a mate of mine.  Together in 1988 we raced camels from Ayers rock to the Gold Coast to raise money for the Flying Doctor Service.  We had photos taken at the caravan park for the Balranald local newspaper. 

Day 17 Wednesday March 18

We gave safety talks and demonstrations to about 180 primary school students on the quad bike safety.  The Massey was also shown.

Day 18 Thursday March 19

We left for Tooleybuc and Ouyen where we stopped and collected for charity in the small towns.  Tooleybuc is very small and is the NSW border village There is a long bridge over the Murray River dividing NSW and Victoria.  Ouyen is situated over the bridge in Victoria.  Ouyen is Malley country, the lakes are very dry having had no rain for many years.  We then travelled to Redcliffs, and made our camp beside the wide banks of the Murray River,  14km out of Redcliffs in NSW.

Day 19 Friday March 20 

We collected in Redcliffs.  From Redcliffs to Morgan in SA is all grapevine and citrus growing regions.  I met up with Gary Kerr, Machinery Sales manager for Agg Tech Machinery.    Gary organised an escort for us early Monday morning into Mildura where the 60 hour on the clock service was completed at 41-43 Seventh Street East, Mildura.  I can't speak too highly of them, they did a terrific job and also washed the vehicles.  Gary organised WIN television and Mildura Sunraysia daily interviews. 

Day 20&21 Saturday & Sunday March 21&22 

We spent the weekend camping on the river banks, NSW.

WEEK 4

Day 22 - 26 Monday - Friday March 23 - 27

We have been broken down, as our caravan broke two wheel bearings so we have lost seven days and are behind time. From Mildura we travelled to Loxton VIC, lots of Grapevines and Citrus. Stone fruit orchards adorned the countryside through to Berri and Barmera. It’s a pretty drive into Barmera with the street gardens looking a picture; a lot of the shops have closed down. We collected then moved on to Waikerie, an unusually laid out town, quite nice, lush green camping and picnicking area. En-route to Morgan the land is tired and brown, needing a good fall of rain. Morgan is a quaint village, built on a hill overlooking the Murray River; the punt ferries the vehicles across the river. Collected for charity then moved to Overland Corner where we made camp for the night behind the pub; a very old hotel made from sandstone slabs taken from the quarry at the side of the pub.

After a restful night we continued on to Burra; the countryside is baron; saltbush (good camel feed), and stunted trees. Burra is an old English style town, all the stone buildings have been well looked after and the town is alive with tourists; everyone is so friendly. Met a couple riding a BSA motor bike pulling a 1960 English style sidecar; had a lengthy chat; they were going to Boolaroo to a swap meet. We camped at the Burra showground. That weekend was a 4WD meeting, some 80 vans and campers there. A lot of interest was shown about our trip around Australia and the Massey Ute.

Day 27 Saturday March 28 

Spent all Sat morning talking and answering questions. The nights have been cold but the days hot. For 100 km around the Burra region the hills are bare, no trees. In the 1800s they were all cut down for mine props and used in the copper mines.

WEEK 5

Day 29 Monday March 30

A clear sunny day as we journey on to Clare it is farming land in this area; rain is needed. In the distance the Flinders Ranges are visible; violet in colour today. There are numerous stone ruins of houses from bygone days; also we saw kangaroos this morning. As we get further along the scenery changes from rolling hills to vineyards again 10km out. The approach to Clare is a magnificent sight as you wind your way down to the town. After spending the morning collecting for charity we bid Clare farewell and moved on to Spalding and Jamestown. The land is farming and grazing but very dry; although the stock are in good condition. Windmills pump the water for the stock into tanks then to troughs. In the distance wind generators, 40 in all, can be seen on the hill. Camp time, 26km from Peterborough well off roadside.

Day 30 Tuesday March 31

A brisk, clear morning for the short trek into Peterborough. Stopped at town entrance and took photos of Massey next to sign. On our way in we saw more kangaroos; and passed through the small township of Yongala. The local people very friendly; enjoyed seeing our units passing through; all waves and smiles. After spending the morning collecting and mailing and talking to people interested in the Massey, we carried on towards Orroroo, a small country town known for its friendliness. We collected and chatted to locals about our trip and showed off the Massey then departed to find a camp en-route to Wilmington, at Morchard camp grounds.

Day 31 Wednesday April 1

On the track early only to get 7km along the road before we broke wheel bearings and hub on one wheel on the van. Spent 3hrs waiting for RAA to come. Eventually got repaired enough to get back to the campsite where we sat for 3 days until parts arrived from Adelaide.

Day 34 Saturday April 4

Good to be moving again, but the highlight of our camp was that we saw a rookery of crows, a first for us. Passed through Willowrie village, beautiful old homes; arrived in Wilmington as the shops opened. Collected then on to Quorn, an old English style town, collected then went and visited an old cameleer friend Noel Fullerton before making our way to Woolshed Campground for night.

Day 35 Sunday April 5

Greased and checked vehicles before leaving camp, few clouds about. Got into Port Augusta around 11am, hasn’t changed much, countryside all saltbush and mulga. Met a young chap from Canberra who was peddling an unusual bike from Canberra to Perth. It’s low to the ground and he part lays back and peddles. He averages 15km an hr.

WEEK 6

Day 36 Monday April 6

Arrived in Kimba, collected, did some banking then drove the Massey down to the tourist information centre. The main attraction is the big Galah. Took photos and created a heap of interest with the owner and tourists with the little Massey. Photos were taken by the management and are going to be pinned on the wall of the information centre. Next stop Kyancutta, collected then on to Wudinna, collection time again. Out of town to camp.

Day 37 Tuesday April 7

An overcast chilly morning, checked vehicles before leaving. Saw the guy on the bike again. Called at Minnipa which is only a service station, general store and hotel. Carried on to Poochera which is only a shop, servo and hotel. At Wirrulla there’s a shop, garage and hotel but the highlight for tourists is the boat ramp and boat (no water for 100ks) there is an interesting story attached.

Day 38 Wednesday April 8

En-route to Ceduna. Had a dusty camp last night in a truck stop, arrived in Ceduna mid morning, booked into the Airport Caravan Park $35 a night. Ceduna is a pretty place, ocean frontage, not a ripple on the water - so calm. Collected and showed off the Massey. At the park we met a couple driving an Austin A7 car they were going from Adelaide to Perth and back. In 1974 they drove from Adelaide to Ayers Rock. The car will do 80 miles an hr and does 40 miles to the gallon.

Day 39 Thursday April 9

Today we are in Penong, the land is being farmed with so little rainfall you wonder how they get a decent crop. A lot of Shingle back lizards killed on the road. About 8klm out a police car passed us, then stopped another km down the road. We stopped to see what was wrong and the embarrassed constable had fuelled his diesel paddy wagon with unleaded petrol, Ken drained the fuel tank and we waited for another cop to come and tow him back to Penong.

Day 40 Friday April 10

Good Friday - Making our way to Nundroo Roadhouse, we were stopped by a lovely couple on their way to Perth; they gave us a donation and a cuppa and wanted to know about our trip and all details of the Massey. On to Nundroo, fuelled up had lunch then off to Yalata. Stopped at Yalata truckstop for a break 2pm.

Day 41 Saturday April 11

Easter Saturday - Onward to Nullarbor Roadhouse, got within 3km made camp at a truck stop.

Day 42 Sunday April 12

Easter Sunday - Fuelled both vehicles took photos of Massey with dingoes and the big whale sign, met the pushbike man again. Set out across the Nullarbor for Border Village. Had quite a few stops along the Great Australian Bight taking photos. Arrived at the border late in the afternoon and took a photo of the Massey next to Rooey 2 the giant kangaroo, then at the border crossover drove a few km and made camp.

WEEK 7

Day 43 Monday April 13

Easter Monday - We didn’t stop at Eucla being a holiday. The view is spectacular as you top the rise heading out of Eucla. Next port of call Mundrabilla roadhouse, got fuel and kept driving to Madura, had a short break before going on to find a camp.

Day 44 Tuesday April 14

Making good progress through Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, then to Caiguna Roadhouse, scenery much the same all desert, never saw any wildlife at all on the journey across.

Day 45 Wednesday April 15

Had a puncture in back tyre on the F100 this morning, got it repaired at Balladonia Roadhouse. Back into scrubby country again, supposed to be 15,000 wild camels roaming the desert land off the highway, but never caught sight of one. It is a long drive, made camp early.

Day 46 Thursday April 16

Arrived at Norseman lunch time, fuelled vehicles, collected in the town. Tried to get spare rim for truck but no luck. A lot of shops closed down, but the council are doing a huge beautification of Norseman, must be hoping to boost tourism into the town.

Day 47 Friday April 17

Had a great camp last night by a salt lake, it was a spectacular sight the salt is about 2 inches thick and hard to about 50metres out .Our first stop for the day was Salmon Gums, a small village only one shop, a garage, a hotel and a Post Office. First phone service since Border Village. Next stop Grass Patch, a lovely village, where we are spending the weekend. Had a meal donated at the hotel on Friday night too.

Day 48 & 49 Saturday & Sunday April 18 & 19

We spent weekend of 18th and 19th April at Grass Patch having a well earned rest.

WEEK 8

Day 50 Monday April 20

On the Monday morning the F100 had to go to the garage for repairs taking 6hrs. Then we were on our way to Esperance. It is farming and grazing country and the cattle are in top condition. Late in the afternoon we made camp and the neighbouring property owners came down to get all the goss on what we were doing and to inspect the little Massey, it sure attracts attention.

Day 51 Tuesday April 21

Passed through Gibson this morning, another small village only has a shop and fuel. Arrived in Esperance early, went to the wreckers looking for a spare rim for the F100, no luck. Did collecting in the industrial area then headed for Ravensthorpe. The proprietors of Munglinup Roadhouse very taken with the ute.

Day 52 Wednesday April 22

Arrived at Ravensthorpe as the shops opened. It’s one long main street which is the South Coast Highway, really not a bad town, quite a lot of shops for sale, a sign of the times I guess. The police station is getting a facelift, very friendly cops inspected the Massey and sat in it, wanted to know all about it. The townsfolk were very generous; collecting very good. Weather has turned cold and showery. Left mid afternoon and found a campsite in scrub off the highway on our way to Jerramungup.

Day 53 Thursday April 23

The morning is overcast and chilly. I was informed yesterday that Jerramungup was only a roadhouse, but was surprised to find it was a thriving village. Very neat and tidy, collecting was good. Met a young lady who used to do wool-classing for THE ROCK a large property only 3km from our farm in Coolah. It’s a small world when you think about it. We fuelled the vehicles then travelled on to Ongerup which is a roadhouse only. From there to Gnowangerup, another township of around 1000 people. Next stop was Broomhill a roadhouse and a couple of shops that’s all. Travelled on towards Katanning making camp near the railway line l0 km out from the town.

Day 54 Friday April 24

Had the Massey at the garage by 8am for the 150 hr service; took photos with the mechanic his wife and the apprentice. Two reporters turned up for interviews so should get good coverage. Spent the morning collecting for charity in the town a very pleasing response. Left town around 4pm made it to Badgebup and camped beside the local hall. Met a local couple who managed a Piggery, they were very taken with the Massey and its performance. Had a cuppa and a lengthy chat; Very friendly people.

Day 55 Saturday April 25

Being ANZAC DAY we travelled all day. As we passed through Nyabing people were gathering for the Anzac Service. Next small village we drove through was Pingrup; from there on was bare land, rocks and salt Iakes. Approaching Lake Grace there’s a sign; you are in the wave zone, people wave here. It’s a beautiful lake. Lake Grace is a small community; the roadhouse is on the junction of roads. We had lunch there and got fuel before heading to Kulin. On the way we came across a novel way of advertising the Kulin horse races - For the 10 km approach to town, there was recycled art. Each farmer made a horse from recycled material (drums, iron, etc). It was an interesting drive and plenty of photos were taken. The town of Kulin is immaculate, very small but very community minded.

Day 56 Sunday April 27

First stop Corrigan, it is very dry, industry is sheep and farming. Fuelled up our vehicles and met two chaps full of frivolity. They wanted to know everything there was to know about the Massey, reckoned they could ride their bikes just as fast as it would go. Next was Bruce Rock, spick and span village, shops on one side of street, a museum, park and playgrounds & parking for travellers on the other side. Trees and shrubs line the streets, plenty of bird life. When we pulled up at the park we were swamped by interested travellers wanting to know what we were doing and the Massey created great interest. Some thought we were nuts travelling in something that would only do 38km/hr. They made donations.

WEEK 9

Day 57 Monday April 28

The land this morning is baron, brown and hard for as far as the eye can see with the odd salt lake. We stopped at Dowerin and had lunch, a larger town than the previous few. Next was Cadoux, the signs say Earthquake town of 1979. Further along there is West Beef Feedlot 15km from Kalannie. We got fuel at Kalannie and spent the night at the caravan park.

Day 58 Tuesday April 29

Well rested & ready to go we headed for Dalwallinu. Spent a couple of hours there collecting for charity and got two new tyres and rims for F100. On to Wubin, where we again collected then travelled through to Maya, Latham to Perenjori, got fuel and collected.

Day 59 Wednesday April 28

Got to Morowa mid morning. A nice town with flowers blooming in the park, did the collecting and shopping, then headed out to Mullewa. Went through Gutha, Canna, Tardun, (all railway sidings). Reached Mullewa, with the first stop a garage to try and get generator repaired (no luck). Did collecting and got email printed out for us at the information centre. When preparing to leave our escort driver said he was leaving. Now there is just my wife and myself. Only went 3km out of town and made camp near a railway track. That evening there was a beautiful sunset which helped brighten our spirits.

Day 60 Thursday April 29

An early start to the day with a new driver. My wife has to take over driving the Massey and I become the escort driver. Makes it difficult when the crew pull out. Our morning break was at Yuna. Hotel, shop and post office all in one. Next stop was Nabawa, got fuel then to Northampton where we had lunch & collected. Got to Binnu roadhouse for our nights camp great chap at the roadhouse.

Day 61 Friday May 1

Long stretch of road ahead to Billabong roadhouse, scenery not much to comment on. Got fuel and kept motoring to Overland roadhouse. It is terribly hot, we bought fuel and ice and continued on and found camp 20km from Wooramel roadhouse.

Day 62 Saturday May 2

A welcome stop at Woorimel - Got fuel and was shouted a cuppa and Danish pastie by the proprietors who sat and chatted with us. We spent an hour there. His wife took photos of our vehicles. Met a truckie there who had passed us on the way, very friendly chap, was going to let other truckies know we were on the road. Terribly hot again today, made an early camp at a blue metal dump 30km from Carnarvon.

Day 63 Sunday May 3

Rest day and vehicle check. There is a problem with drivers side front wheel. Put two new wheels on Will have to limp into Carnarvon on Monday and get it checked.

WEEK 10

Day 64 Monday May 4

Drove into Carnarvon, another hot day looming. Pulled into Sandy McGuinns Motor Cycle repairs 8am, Sandy took wheel off front drivers side of Massey and said that the bearings were loose, so he rang around for parts, but it was going to take a fortnight to get them, so he packed bearings with grease and tightened them so we could continue our journey. The parts were ordered and sent to Katherine NT R&M Motorcycles to be repaired when we arrive. Sandy also did repairs to generator. We spent morning collecting. Carnarvon is a popular tourist town, with the ocean on one side it’s a very pretty place. Met two chaps from Taree NSW whilst shopping. They are touring around Australia on motor bikes. At 4pm we picked up vehicle from Sandy, took photos before leaving, then drove 20km out and made camp for the night.

Day 65 Tuesday May 5

Made early start, nice & cool this time of day, but doesn’t take long to heat up. A lot of road kill here, especially cattle, the property owners lose a lot of stock along this highway. Saw quite a few emus, goats & roos killed also. It is quite desert looking country, unfenced paddocks so stock roams at random. Got to Minilya roadhouse around l0am, fuelled the vehicles and again met up with the two chaps from Taree on the bikes, they had a cuppa with us and chatted for about an hour. The Massey created a huge amount of interest from the travellers, and some made donations. Not getting far at the moment, it is a hot tiring drive with not many shady spots when you get out here in the never never, but good things come to those who wait.
 
Day 66 Wednesday May 6

6:20am and were on the road in the cool of the day.  Still all open country, made good time to Nanaturra roadhouse for morning tea. It’s like an active beehive, traffic everywhere. After leaving there the scenery has changed, is easy to the eye. The range is most intriguing with its unusual formations; looks like children have been making sandcastles. The colours change with the variation of light position. The day is extremely hot. 50km south of Fortesque roadhouse mining works are starting. From there to Karratha and beyond for l00km is all owned by the mines. The heavy traffic is unreal. In a few years time the landscape will be ruined, the beauty all gone.

Day 67 Thursday May 7

A windy morning, made it to Karratha mid morning. The traffic left a lot to be desired, it is unbelievable and fast. Found a good park in the grounds of the Catholic Church. Karratha is all hustle and bustle, different from four years ago when we came through on the Quad bike. Had lunch then headed out of the rat race on our way to South Hedland.

Day 68 Friday May 8

Again the hills pop up out of nowhere all rock and Spinifex (better known as kerosene grass). The aborigines used it to light their fires many years ago. Passed through Whim Creek 8am, it’s a hotel out in the middle of no where. Got to South Hedland at 11am; it’s another rat race, traffic so fast and drivers impatient, huge mining operation here. I think iron ore as well as huge salt mining. Made tracks towards Pardoo. Found great camp at the De Grey River.

Day 69 Saturday May 9

What a magnificent area, white ghost gums line the river banks, water birds can be heard, cattle roam the area, nice shady spots to relax and unwind and watch the water flow. A lot of caravaners spend the night on the river banks.

Day 70 Sunday May 10

Mothers Day - Checking vehicles before taking to the highway later this morning. On the track again coming into grassland, plenty of cattle look like Brahmans and Droughtmaster breeds but not sure on that. Arrived at Pardoo roadhouse and have decided to stay at the caravan park for the night. Nice grassy shady areas and we need to replenish our water supply. We will leave tomorrow for Sandfire roadhouse en-route to Derby.

WEEK 11

Day 71 Monday May 11

There is an abundance of Acacia Bush, ready to burst into bloom, will be a pretty sight. No wildlife to be seen, only the odd brown hawk. Plenty of ant hills dot the landscape.
Sandfire roadhouse was our first stop. No gas available so filled with unleaded. Sandfire operates from a barracks type building, as the service station burned down in 2007 and they are still waiting for new one to be built.

Day 72 Tuesday May 12

The landscape has been changing dramatically today, from scrub to lush green pastures dotted with hundreds of head of cattle and a lot of fires along the way. It seems people light them for no reason, the scrub in places is just charred. Roebuck Roadhouse, is a welcome sight, it is very hot. No gas pump, hasn’t been working for the past three weeks.

Day 73 Wednesday May 13

A slow trip into Derby; had coffee with some travellers at a rest stop, they were from Queensland. Then we met people at Willare roadhouse, from Binnaway NSW, a small village 40km from our home town of Coolah. Talked to two chaps on motor bikes who were returning home from a trip along the Gibb River road. The rivers look beautiful with all the white gum trees and flowing water. Very narrow bridges over Fitzroy river and Deep Creek. There is an abundance of Boab trees now and bigger ant hills. Arrived at Derby mid afternoon, booked into the caravan park (Kimberley Entrance), a beautiful spot overlooking the mud flats.

Day 74 Thursday May 14

Did some sight seeing, went out to the Derby Wharf and the sea is brown, it’s unreal. Massey is creating an immense amount of interest in this small community; with all walks of life here .The main street is lined with Boab trees. The aboriginals carve designs on the fruit of the Boab, and are popular sellers.

The Derby Jetty experiences some of the highest tides in the world. Tides in excess of 11metres converge up King Sound and across the tidal mud flats. No swimming of course, due to Crocodiles. The Boab Prison tree has a girth of 14.7 metres and is believed to be 1500 years old. Myalls bore is 322 metres deep and feeds the 120 metre long trough, the longest in the southern hemisphere.

Day 75 Friday May 15

Easy day; finished collecting and sight seeing. We are resting then leaving Sat morning for Fitzroy Crossing.

Day 77 Sunday May 17

Arrived at Fitzroy Crossing 9am and it hasn’t changed in four years, still unattractive but people are friendly. Was fuelling with gas at servo when a chap was walking back to his car and a brown hawk tried to take the pie he was eating out of his hand.

Having problems with the Massey so I went to see Baileys Auto Parts, they never hesitated, went around and got the Massey and brought it to their work shop. He dismantled it and found that diesel had leaked onto the belt on the motor that drives the gears; and this caused the belt to rot; teeth came off the belt, and also split it; resulting in the gears not working.
They ordered new parts which are supposed to arrive in Halls Creek on Monday 25th May.
So means a week waiting here.

WEEK 12

Day 79 Tuesday May 26
 
Massey still at garage so another day at the Caravan Park. Around mid afternoon I got the phone call to say it was ready to go. Spent night at park.

Day 80 Wednesday May 27

Got away around 7.30am. Belt making a racket when you take off. At 30k out of Halls Creek heading for Kununurra the unit started to lose power going up a rise, pulled over, checked it, then moved off only to go about 20 metres and that terrible grinding noise again. We pushed it off the road, and flagged a passing motorist to let the RAC know, as there was no mobile phone coverage. We then decided to drive back in our escort vehicle to where we could get phone service; in the meantime the RAC went out and winched the Massey onto truck and took it back to Caravan Park. Made arrangements to have it transported by the dealers at Kununurra to their workshop.

Day 81 Thursday May 28

Early this morning Neville from Kununurra arrived and winched ute onto truck and headed to Kununurra. We followed later in escort vehicle 350km. Stopped at Warnum for lunch, very inviting roadhouse, bright, clean & friendly service. Camped on roadside for night.

Day 82 Friday May 29

Got to Kununurra 8.15am, went straight to dealer to find out problem with ute. Oil everywhere caused by seal; smashed gear cogs, need whole new gearbox. Neville got parts sent air freight, should be here Tuesday. We then booked into Showground Caravan Park until Massey is repaired. After lunch we went collecting for charity. Kununurra is quite a large township. Gazetted in 1961, it is one of the youngest towns in W A and was developed through the construction of the ORD Irrigation Scheme. Population is about 6000. Features of Kununurra are the extensive waterways, and rugged landscapes. A lot of aboriginal art on display here too.

Day 83 Saturday May 30

Went for drive today out to the ORD river at Ivanhoe Crossing, people there fishing for Barramundi; then on to Salad Bowl Cafe for lunch .The whole country side is market gardens and Sandalwood plantations which is used by India for its oil.

WEEK 13

Day 85 Monday June 1

Public holiday in WA. Went for a drive out to Koochery Distillery where they make Rum.

Day 87 Wednesday June 3

Phone call from Neville parts have come and MASSEY will be ready tomorrow.

Day 88 Thursday June 4

At 3pm we were summoned to All Gear dealership to pick up the Massey. Reporters from newspaper meet us there for interview and photos. Decided o stay until morning

Day 89 Friday June 5

Finally on our way again with an early start. Twenty km out, red light on over heating put in more coolant, then off again, only to go a few km same thing over again. Finally rang All Gear at Kununurra. Neville and mechanic came out to find the fan that keeps the motor cool had been wired up backwards at the garage. After a harrowing day we made camp 40km from Timber Creek.