April 6. The country roads are lined with salmon gums so called for the pink colour of the trunks. We were met on the outskirts of Esperence by Eldrian & Roald on their motorbikes & taken to the oval. The camp host supplied us with accommodation in the preparation room just off the camp kitchen. It had a concrete floor and Steve made a lock for the door so we left belongings out while we went to the presentation.
Our hosts were Bob and Faye, and about 12 members of their Rotary Club attended. We were served a delicious BBQ, the meat was quite marvelous, with salads, cake & tiramisu. The Assistant District Governor assured us he would approach the other Rotary club in the town & ask them for a donation.
The club fundraises by leasing a large farm. Most of the members are retired from the land and have plenty of farming expertise. All members volunteer to plant & harvest and they make a lot of money. Their projects include: wheelchairs for hire, refurbishment of the junior soccer clubhouse & upgrading the kitchens at the local hospital. With 37 members, this is a great effort.
April 7. Doug had a flat tyre. I thought I was at the Bathurst 500 as it only took a minute to change. They could get a job working in the Pits anytime. The next day they got some retreads as spares & we started across the Nullarbor. We called into the roadhouse & were kindly given 2 budget rooms free. After such a long cold trip it was very much appreciated. We ate dinner there & had a drink.
April 8. Another 600k trip to the Nullarbor Roadhouse. Steve got a room for us, Doug & Jock. That was nice with the 3 boys snoring (only joking)! It was too cold to camp & there is only gravel or red dirt to pitch on. They gave us a“truckies” discount, which was very generous.
April 9. Grahme caught up with us & as suspected the problem was an adjustment in the computer system on the bike. We called into the Madura Hotel-Motel where we used to work. It was a nostalgic visit. Grahme went on to Adelaide to organise a new chain for Dougs’ bike & we stayed at a wheat silo town Wirrulla. Steve got 2 pub rooms. We were in the twin room and it was heaven. The boys shared a single room. They took it in turns to sleep in the bed with the other in the swag. Willy our host gave us a discount & complimentary continental breakfast.
April 10. We arrived in Port Augusta. The local TV interviewed us and our story was on the news that night. The local newspaper sent a reporter & that will be in the edition on Wed 15th. The local Rotary Club supplied us with a cabin for 2 nights. President elect Ron visited us & pledged the clubs support. They have 23 members & as their fundraising, they do catering, supply timing teams for the Pichi Richie Marathon, collect cans for the exchange students pocket money, etc. Ron offered to get a copy of the interview & send it to us.
Steve thought he looked so old he had a haircut, moustache clip, eyebrow trim, ears denuded of growth. The hairdresser felt so sorry for him she gave us a $5 donation.
April 11. Doug & Jock left to catch up with Grahme in Adelaide. They were planning to inspect the factory that makes metal detectors, which is of particular interest to Doug. We spent the day resting & catching up on paperwork.
April 12. Steve is 77 today so a big party for us. I went to the local church for a service & then to Adelaide.
President David said to let him know if we need assistance. Doug is riding his bike back to Brisbane on Sat 25th arriving on Sun 26th. He leaves for Lao Monday night, wondering if anyone is available to drive his escort vehicle back to Brisbane. It is a manual, with no air conditioning and the driver will have to make their own way back to Newcastle.
We have a few good venues coming up, so hope to swell the coffers.
We have spoken to representatives of over 50 clubs & have received positive responses from most. We are very pleased. I hope you all are as well. It has been very arduous for my poor husband, a lot of miles & I have managed to leave something behind at most of the 32 times we have moved in & moved out again.
All our love Steve & Dorene
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