THE SLOW DRIVE

We reached the Flinders Ranges and found a camp at Horrocks Pass 5km west of Wellmington in the midst of the ranges. This was voted the best camp we had so far due to the surrounding picturesque landscape. Rolling hills combined with flat plains. It was Tim;s turn for dinner tonight and he made us a lovely tuna dish. Apparently you could count the amount of times he’s cooked in the last 10 years on one hand but with this effort you wouldn’t have known it.. We were all in awe of the visual aesthetics upon waking and basked in the view over a billy tea and a couple of Weetbix for breakfast.

Brett's interview with Sarah Harmen from the Southern Cross News.

Noel Passlow (Senior Engineer) explaining the layout.

The Broken Hill R.F.D.S Hanger

Victor Charlie Whiskey appropriately named around Brett.

The planes all look in imaculate condition obviously well looked after.

The Pollock brothers havin a bit of a look in the planes.

Inside the plane with all the medical equipment.

Becky Blair (Tourist Facility Manager) Brett Pollock and Noel Passlow (Senior Engineer)

Glad on her merry little way once again.

Amazing scenery between Broken Hill and Port Augusta.

Glad with a view.

A swag with a view. Day 6 camping ground.

Glad having a much deserved rest for the evening.

Chris Graham in his swag.

The camp the crew unamisously voted the best so far.

Brett's swag.

The fellas.

As you can see Baggsy is no morning person. 21 days in a swag.

Morning fellas.

Glad, Brett and the R.F.D.S Team in Wilcannia.

We woke up this morning all excited about being taken on tour around Wilcannia. This town is full of really old buildings and old machinery. A river winds down through the country.  Here are the remnants of a once-important inland port. Some of the town’s historic treasures include the old centre-lift bridge which was built in 1896 and is now classified by the National Trust and the impressive courthouse (1880), police station (1881), and the police residence (1880), which were all built of locally quarried sandstone and designed by James Barnet. For those out there who are interested  in heritage buildings and equipment, Wilcannia is a must see.

After our marvelous tour we headed west to Broken Hill.  Brett decided tonight we needed to once again rejoin civilisation  for the night. We had a bit of a look around the Broken Hill mine site which is elevated and over looks the city, the sunset was magic. Afterwards we headed for a local pub (Junction hotel) for a delicious T-Bone meal in celebration of reaching the almost half way mark. We are staying at the broken hill caravan park tonight as we need to catch up some domestic duties e.g. our laundry (we’re still sleeping  in our swags of course). Broken Hill’s local newspaper  unexpectedly came around to take some pictures and have an interview. We bought the paper the next day to find Brett’s face  along with Glad on the front cover.  Tomorrow morning we head out to the airport for a tv interview at the R.F.D.S. headquarters. Glad has been doing a great job getting us this far and hasn’t missed a beat so far. We hope to camp just east of Port Augusta tomorrow.

Wilcannia post office

Wilcannia a river of gold.

Glad premoting our sponsors.

Wilcannia's old dock for the inland port.

Darling River Run.

An old steam engine which is located in Wilcannia.

Brett Pollock and Bill Elliot take Glad for a spin.

Bill and Chris Elliot admiring glad.

The slow drive crew.

The Darling River.

Chris Graham on the Banks of the Darling River.

The Wilcannia court house.

The Wilcannia police station.

The wilcannia church.

The I.T. guy (Baggsy) having a rest.

The outback is a beautiful thing. The Broken Hill lanscape.

Broken Hill.

Photos just don't do the outback sunsets any justice.

Tim reflecting on the beautiful landscape at sunset.

The boys (Brett and Chris) at the Line of Node mine at sunset.

Broken Earth Cafe in Broken Hill.

glad meets one of the R.F.D.S teams in Wilcannia.

At 5.10am we raised our weary heads, re-lit the fire, had a billy and watched the sun slowly rise up over the glorious country. Soon after, we packed up the camp and swags and were ready to hit the road by 7am. There was a slight hiccup due to the pesky I.T. guy (Baggsy) who had worked too long the night before and flattened the support vehicle’s battery. Luckily enough “Glad” along with a set of jumper leads, came to the rescue. Who would have thought that the support vehicle would require assistance from the very vehicle it was there to support? “Glad” is a reliable old girl.

100km down the road at Bourke (we made it to other side of Bourke), Brett decided to make a surprise visit to the local radio station 2WEB for a radio interview. The hospitality of the staff was incredible, they brewed us a cuppa and even ran down the local groceries store to get us some biscuits. As Brett was being interviewed by Liz Hedge, the station’s journalist, the rest of the support crew enjoyed the hospitality of Sue Smith, the radio station Manager. Thank you very much ladies.

The country around Bourke was quite green and we were informed by Sue that in Bourke the overall average rainfall was 12 inches per year. In February this year 8 inches had fallen in one day alone. No wonder the country looked amazing.

After seeing multiple herds of feral goats, emus and a busted bush turkey along the edge of the highway we set up for lunch 5km north of Cobar. Half an hour later we were on the route to Wilcannia where the local newspaper had organised a benefit dinner for us weary travellers. We pulled over for a change of driver and a couple of fellas pulled over to have a closer look at Glad. They just happened to notice our support trailer had began to crack down a weight bearing support beam. The told us to follow them 2km down the road to there station (Norwood via Cobar, where they welded the beam up for us. A true life story that highlights what the Australian culture is all about. (Thank you very much Bill Arnold and Steve Motton; you’re true representatives of the Australian way.)

We arrived at Wilcannia Caravan Park at 5.45pm and to all our amazement there were about 30 people eagerly awaiting our arrival, we all felt really welcome.  The community even put on a bbq in our honour. One thing about the outback that I personally find inspiring is the amazing people that live out here. Each person has their own individual character and everyone seems to have at the very least, one amazing yarn to tell. People care about each other out here and it is something that I have come to realise is lost in city life. Wilcannia is no exception to this rule, the people here are amazing.  We all would like to thank Bill  and Chris Elliot from the local newspaper (Wilcannia News) for organising our welcoming party. Bill has also offered to show us around the town in the morning, something we are all excited about. We would also like to thank the whole community for making us feel so welcome into their lovely little town. To avoid further car battery trouble the days photos will be added tommorow.

The camp last night was located 25km out of St George. After bacon and eggs and a billy we rolled up our swags, packed up camp and set off. Passing through St George we headed further south. Our first stop was at Hebel General Store for a cuppa and a delicious muffin (we all agreed that this little store has the best muffins in Australia). After smoko we set off again and 4km later we crossed our first state border into NSW, goodbye Queensland. About 70km down the track we stopped at Lightning Ridge, a town famous for its opal mining. As the crew were quite interested, we all decided to take a tour down “The Walk In Mine”. Sandra, the owner of the mine fitted us with all the correct personal protective equipment i.e. a hard hat.

The tour was very interesting and whilst we were 10 meters underground, we watched a documentary that was very informative about opal mining in the area and it also informed us about some of the very interesting characters that live in the town. Apparently it’s quite normal to be strange in Lightning Ridge, but fascinating country.

The support crew Tim and Baggsy took a wrong turn and completed a scenic tour to Cumborah, requiring a 90km backtrack. Baggsy says he was on the computer and Tim blames the maps. I leave it to all of you to work out what really happened, but Brett says he knows his brother from old and a leopard never changes its spots. Brett says “Our father always promised a double headed icecream if he got lost” ; we all look forward to Tim’s payment at Bourke. Brett would like a white Magnum.

We are camped on the banks of the Barwon river east of Bourke. Car traveling well, perfect outback autumn weather. There is a new moon rising tonight, we have a great camp site and Brett’s whiskey is holding out well. We are all looking forward to getting past Bourke as we don’t want to be stuck at the back of Bourke. R.F.D.S. fundraiser needs all of your support.

Morning Smoko

The beast (I'm talking about the ford not Tim).

This store (Hebel General Store) has the best muffins in the world.

Tim concentrating on Roo avoidance.

Couldn't quite beat the Klugar, but the Klugar is not 80 years old.

Lightning Ridge.

The Lightning Ridge Visitor Centre

Old car next to old opal mining equipment.

The Ford parked in front of the "Walk in Mine".

10 meters underground in the "Walk in Mine"

The Ford at night.

A big feed, a couple of whiskeys and then into our swags.

We started day two with toast, fried eggs and a hot billy brew. Traveling south towards Taroom after a short supply stop and a phone interview with Macca from ABC radio, thanks to Telstra’s Next G phone service, we were off again. En route to St George we had the first hiccup of the journey, in broad daylight a big roo decided he wanted to get a closer view of the right hand wheel guard of the Ford. Much to the roo’s surprise the Ford was traveling at 70km an hour. The roo bounded away unfazed. Minor damage to the front right wheel guard was the result. Fortunately with quick thinking and good driving a more serious incident was avoided; good work Tim. Twenty minutes later we stopped for lunch on the side of the road. After a quick brew and a couple of sandwiches we were off once again (Brett was most dissatisfied with the fact the crew wouldn’t stop for a camp {short sleep}). We managed to drive 450km today and ended up camped 25km out of St George. We set up camp and had a great bushman’s meal (thanks to Chris’s know how on bush cooking).

Tim performing his mechanical duties.

A picture of the boys that looks like a calander picture. Although thankfully they're all fully clothed. (Will accept donations on the behalf of the R.F.D.S to ensure they all remain that way).

Brett having a much needed rest especially since he hasn’t been allowed to have an afternoon camp.

The Ford and myself (Baggsy) the apparent I.T. expert (called this because I'm the only one of the crew who doesn't still think a calculator is a super computer nor do i still marvel about the fact that there is now such a thing as a colour tv). Thankfully my job is made easy with the extensive coverage and user friendliness of Telstra's Next G wireless service.

On the road again.

Time for a brew and a couple of sandwiches.

Graham Wilson (previous owner/restorer) and Brett Pollock (new owner)

Anzac day 25th April departed Gladstone 2pm with Chris Graham, Anthony Baggs and the Pollock brothers (Tim and Brett). We started off with the task of repacking the trailer but not before enjoying a cuppa tea and cake nicely supplied by the Ford’s previous owner and restorer, Graham Wilson and his lovely wife Dell. Many backfires later the new owner/driver realised exactly how to set the retard properly but once this minor setback was rectified the Ford ran like a dream. With a few short stops along the way (the most important to pick up a whiskey and a few beers for the evening) the Ford finally stopped to camp overnight 35km south of Banana. For general interest sake there is no big Bananas in Banana. Thanks to TELSTRA NEXT G we are able to communicate between the ford and the support vehicle and update this web site in remote location.

Brett has been seen to smile for the first time for a while. We have named the car GLAD. Tonight All of us will be connecting to our family’s through skype. Thanks TELSTRA NEXT G! Tomorrow we head for St George as per schedule. Tonight Chris the Windmill Man is head chef.

Chris Graham installing a two way radio for communication between the two cars.

Repacking the trailer in Gladstone.

Proud new owner.

Off We go!!!

Ooroo boys!

Brett attempting to start drag racing the ford. The other guy was understandably too scared.

On the road. 50km from Gladstone.

isn't she a beautiful thing!

Up and over the Dividing Range.

The night's camp, time for some grub, a whiskey and a kip in our swags under the beautiful outback stars! Magic!!!

23rd April - This website will be updated twice daily once we begin the slow drive. Today we received two donations to the Royal Flying Doctors Service & we thank those people for their contributions. One donor is donating one cent for every kilometre completed by the A Model under it’s own power. Do you wish to help??

22nd April - The support crew reached Gladstone today, now the jackeroos have to clean up the car & get the swags ready for the boss’ arrival on Saturday. They are camped on a tidal creek outside town catching Mud Crabs & Bream.

Today Telstra worked out how to fit out the A Model with the Next G mobile phone car kit. The technicians found it challenging installing 21st Century technology in an 80 year old car.
Brett conducted a radio interview today with Rockhampton ABC & they are following the slow drive regularly. Brett also interviewed today with Karratha ABC radio & the Advocate Newspaper which is distributed in the northern area of Perth (including Gingin, where the car may have a temporary home at Cheriton farm).

Brett is leaving Perth Thursday for Desert Knowledge meetings in Sydney & will then fly on to meet the crew in Gladstone on ANZAC day.

20thAPRIL. The support crew have arrived on the Gold Coast and now heading north to Gladstone. TELSTA today became a sponsor of the slowdrive , we will be communicating by NEXT G across australia in a 80 year old car, you need no excuse to visit outback australia.

8TH APRIL. The support vehicle left Perth to drive to Gladstone, driven by two Jackeroos and towing a small box trailer with camping gear, swags and spares for the return trip, “theslowdrive”. They have been camping on route and sightseeing in the boss’s 4wd.

15TH APRIL. The support vehicle will be in Tamworth today , and will go on to Brisbane to be in Gladstone by 24th April, ready to greet the team who will fly in on 25th April (Anzac Day) and hopefully leave the same day in convoy with the A MODEL FORD.

Contacted today by the WILLCANNIA NEWSPAPER who will meet us en route. ABC radio Broken Hill recorded an interview and want to greet us there also; the momentum is building.

The A MODEL owners contacting us are supportive and we look forward to meeting them enroute.
“theslowdrive” received its first direct donation for the RFDS for $1000.00. Thank heavens it is not conditional on the car driving all the way.

Here’s what we’re taking… 4 blokes, spare engine, 3 mounted wheels, gearbox, front axle, water pump, distributor cap, leads, plugs, an A MODEL MANUAL, an R.A.C. ASSISTANCE MEMBERSHIP, a wireless computer and a 3G mobile phone relying on the Telstra network.And a NEXT G hands free in the A MODEL also a telstra sattelite phone.

Isn’t she a beauty? The Model A Phaeton Ford, pictured in Gladstone, Queensland where she’s been beautifully restored and maintained by Graham Wilson. But now she’s eloping to Perth, Western Australia. I’m going over to fetch her and drive her back. My brother Tim is coming across as Chief Mechanic. As if we’ll need a mechanic! [But i did send him a 136 page A Model Ford manual].

Also on the support crew will be a windmill mechanic, Chris Graham [CG] and Anthony Baggs [Baggsy] the I.T. man.

The Phaeton is a 1930 4 door Tourer A MODEL FORD.