Hi again   June 23, 2016

Not sure where I left off but one thing is for sure; if I don’t make better time I may have to stay here for 6 months instead of 4 to make It around the continent.

Saturday and Sunday spent the days test driving my vehicle. Everything works and I’m satisfied and ready to hit the road. Picked up some sushi and brought it back to the B & B I have been staying at. To share with my new Chinese friends; Helen Liu and her Son. Especially nice people. Will stay in contact with them and stay with them upon my return to Sydney in September. Her son is studying medicine and Helen runs the families Guest house, B & B, in North Ryde, a suburb near Sydney.

Monday: Officially bought the car, insured, warrantied and blessed by a high priestest associated with   Western Theological Fraternity (WTF) orthodox organization of the used car salesman of Australia.

Enough of my sick humor. Facts are my dealer took very good care of me. Did everything I asked and things that I didn’t realize need fixing. His name is Nima Samandi has a lovely wife that helps him with his business A Trustworthy gentleman running an unorthodox car business that benefits the customer as well as the dealer. I would recommend him to anyone traveling to Australia for an extended time.

Left the B&B and headed for Nelson Bay where I had discussed the purchase of a car top carrier with Andrew. Arrived after dark and the neighbors noticed a strange vehicle acting strangely and called the family I was looking for. As the gate opened and I knew the correct connections were made. Andrew met me, introduced himself, and proceeded to install the carrier. What a break, I’d have fumbled with it for hours. Andrew is a teacher, sharp guy and travels the world teaching things that are important.

Andrews wife; Rebecca, who is from Western Australia had much knowledge of the Aboriginals. A culture I would like to know more about. Something they call Dreamtime. Rebecca told a number of stories that included her father’s work with Aboriginals. Will think of those stories as I travel towards and in the Northern and Western Territories of Australia. Will look for a replication of an unusual piece of Aboriginal art observed at Andrew and Rebecca’s home. A representation of family on a piece of kangaroo hide. Left Andrew and Rebecca’s home and stayed at a nice motel on Nelson Bay. Left Nelson Bay and headed for Brisbane, about 760 km. Didn’t make it. Andrew and Rebecca suggested a stop at Brubi Point. Dunes, a sand beach as big as you have ever seen and Humpback whales is the temptation. Sand boarding is also popular. I watched as many people slid down the sloops on boards.

In my stupidity I climbed the sand boarding hill. Thought about calling the organization I contracted with to rescue me from anywhere in the world. Caught my breath after a moment or two. OK and ready for the next old fart challenge.

Headed for Brisbane; made it another 150 km to an area called Bulahdelah. Tried a camping place until I laid down on my newly acquired self-inflating mattress. Quickly drove to a motel about 1 km away, checked in and took a shower, An amenity not available in the tent community vacated.

That’s it for now. Heading for Brisbane tomorrow. See what happens.

My camera is being difficult; pictures next time I find some wifi

Pat