Musings

I take quite a few photos but not too many of the countryside. The reason is that it changes so frequently and in so many ways I’d be forever stopping. Since Cairns the landscape has been savannah (hence the Savannah Way), but it has varied in the density, type and coverage of trees and grasses. It is necessary to keep an eye out as the changes can be over only a few hundred metres or extending for kilometres at a time. Driving is interesting. On sealed roads I try to keep to a maximum of 100 km/h as ARTIE, in common with all four-wheel-drive vehicles, is both inherently unstable and top-heavy. Passing trucks or towing cars I occasionally exceed this, but drop back in speed once I pull in. On unsealed roads I try to not exceed 80 km/h, but it is VERY interesting to see some four-wheel-drives overtake me – with or without trailers. I wish I had the dashcam set up so drivers could see the rear end of their vehicle bouncing around and often not keeping in contact with the road surface for many metres at a time! With trailers it’s even worse, as the trailer pulls the rear end of the towing vehicle around and where it points when it lands can be anyone’s guess – and it is rare for it to be in the direction of travel. We’ve seen a number of vehicles burned out or wrecked by the roadside, often on straight stretches of road, and I can see why. Also, the number of tyre carcasses (even with wheels still in them) is amazing, given that the roads are not that bad. In passing me, few drivers slow down and even fewer move completely to the left so that dust and stones are minimised (I now have a lot more stone chips from other vehicles throwing them up). And the comments on roads seem to illustrate that few drivers understand the nature of unsealed roads and even fewer learnt to drive on them – “atrocious” describes a few corrugations and “patches where it’s hard to retain control” describes sandy sections. Caravan parks are also interesting – fees have varied from $5 a night (Timber Creek) to the equivalent of $50 a night (El Questro) for the two of us. In general it has been around $15 each per night. Camp kitchens vary from a sink (cold water only) to stoves, microwaves, fridges, toasters, jugs and sandwich toasters. The variety of facilities is not related to cost! The one eye-opener has been showers – many are outfitted by the same company and they have a 150 mm clearance from the floor to the bottom of the wall. Consequently, a person in the next shower, with the shower running, reflects water up into a shower and wets the floor and even the shelves where clothes could otherwise be kept. If I’ve walked in with boots on, the whole floor then becomes muddy from the dust getting wet continually. To me, it’s poor design. As I need to dry my feet well and keep them clean, I have to devise strategies to overcome this (I have). Roadhouses and stores are also interesting. As a matter of principle I like to call into most and spend some money, as if they don’t make a profit, they may not remain open and be there when I or others need them. Some charge disproportionately while others, very remote and very small, charge very little different to cities. Some also have a diverse range of unique souvenirs, while others simply stock generic souvenirs. Where Woolworths and/or Coles are, the prices at all places are generally lower. Response to my pictures on ARTIE has been a lot better in rural areas than city areas. A few think I work for the RFDS and some ask if the picture was posed. Most are sympathetic to the RFDS and many already contribute. I haven’t got emails saying people have contributed to my Everyday Hero page, but I hope some will eventually. There are many families on the road – frequently away for months or years at a time. Some seek work along the way to finance their travels while some just eke out the money they put aside. Those with children usually run out of funds first, and miss out on attractions where a tour is the only way to see sights. When costs are $750 per adult and nearly $600 per child for a day, it would be hard to justify that expense when it would allow perhaps another month on the road. I am surprised at the number of grey nomads who will not pay a fee of a few dollars, seeking ways around it, yet have rigs which cost the other side of $200 000 not including the vehicle! But some backpackers (not all) have found ways to circumvent any security or anti-theft measures set up by councils, parks or attractions. Visitor Information Centres are so variable in quality – size is not a guide. With friendly staff, a wide display of information and pamphlets and souvenirs, both unique and varying in price, some centres are a pleasure to visit. Others lack information, space or friendly staff who know their area or are just resellers for local businesses. Attractions vary in value. Some cost a lot but give little (including thrills, pleasure and value for money) while others give back good value for money.