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October 14th - Kalgoorlie

Slept in this morning - In the meantime, dad and Garth Irvin (the amazing man about town - ex mining engineer) at about 7.00 am disappeared to do some mechanical work.

Wheel studs on the back left wheel had to be replaced this am, due to them being broken. If the bleeding nut on the left back wheel had not been hitting the chassis and in need of attention, then the shattered studs would not have been found. Better to happen now before the Nullarbor, than along the track. Now that would have been interesting.

Dad returned to the Inn with  the glass half full. The strangled "chook" sound was a dry bush in the shaft that drives the fan and the wheel nuts were fixed. A grease gun will fix that every 100 miles or so.

Today, with our tour guide Garth Irvin we saw the famous Stage Curtain at the Boulder Town Hall - Hand painted by Phillip Goatcher and one of the last surviving examples of his work.

We then went to the " super pit". This is Boulder/Kalgoorlie's hole in the ground that sustains much of the population in this area. They mine gold and nickel here. I was surprised that about 70% of the truck drivers were women!

We then went to the famous Metropolitan Pub which has a mine shaft to infinity under the floor in the main bar.

The three things that stand out about Kalgoorlie is the engineering feat of C.Y. O'Connor and his  pipeline supplying essential water to the region from Perth, the goldrush architecture and the salt of the earth character of the people here.

Dad and I had a lovely no frills, informal dinner with a few local car enthusiasts. A pair owned 8 Classic Vauxhalls!

Ready for the big 7 hour trip to Frasers Range cattle station.

A good rest for the trip ahead.

October 13th - Kalgoorlie

Sleep in today and media interviews in the morning. ABC radio with Natalie and WIN news clip with Aleisha and newspaper interview with Kelly.

Problems with the wheel axle nuts - this is where Garth Irvin and his essential contacts have been invaluable. However, this means a delay in the trip for a few days. 

Time to look about Kalgoorlie so worth the delay as it is an interesting place. Tomorrow, we visit the Miners Museum and the Big Pit to see and the Boulder Theatre Curtain.

October 12

Once again a beautiful morning.
The Bee, hasn't failed to keep us on our toes this morning - we find a puddle of oil under the L back wheel. Mmmm

Breakfast...and a cuppa.

Wheel off and no Allan keys to take the drum off as there were no forseeable problems  due to them being new.

Trip to the BP and a lift with Peter who kindly took dad to see Kerry (the local mechanic in Merredin) problem solved!- a full set borrowed for the task....and a donation given for the campaign to send dad on his way.

A leaking bleeding screw tightened - job done...how easy was that.

Cup of tea, other drum brakes checked, oil level checked in gear box, hydraulic brake fluid topped up.

A cup of coffee and then packing and off we go.

Also met a woman who collected bumble bee soft toys. I was aching to get her life size one in the drivers seat but she couldn't leave work to get them from home...the people you meet!

So, we left Merredin, a few dollars for the teapot and 200+ miles to go and a strangled chook sound coming from somewhere at the back of the motor...originally described as a dry bearing scraping sound.... but motor performing beautifully.

On our way...along the great eastern highway...more wheat, through Burracoppin and a nice lunch at Southern Cross, Place Hotel and a man who kindly gave us a bottle of wine to Auction off down the track.

We followed the great eastern along the water pipeline all the way to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, passed by waving caravaners, truckies, motorbikes and very fast holdens. Scrub, scrub and more scrub....no squeaks from the engine and easing into the rattling and "tossing about". 

In Kalgoorlie, we were met by a very hospitable local character, Garth Irvin who made two weary heads feel very welcome. In K for a few days.

Radio interview and local TV interviews tomorrow and a look at the local town hall and environs.

October 11

Official launch to be held at Whiteman Park Motor Museum at 10.30am.

We arrived at Whiteman Park at 0920 tailing Nigel Makin in his zippy Sports Triumph Super 7.....running again on3 cylinders..and worry that the beastie is not going to make it up the"infamous Greenmount Hill".

Dad and I drive into the motor museum area greeted by family, friends, a row of Triumphs and classic car buffs,various representatives including John Manley, Dr Martin Phillips and Dr HelenBell (Thoracic Physicians associated with the Australian Lung Foundation), Shannons Car Insurance rep Barrie Robinson, Mike Watteau (local COPDsufferer), John Mclean (Curator WA Motor Museum) and William Darbishire, (CEO of the Australian Lung Foundation), Karen Wright (Event Coordinator)and many others.

A frustrated father again dons themechanic hat and sorts out another spark plug and change the mix. 

Media interviews, photographs,curiosity - John Manley cuts the launch ribbon and off we go in a timely flurry, embraced by car enthusiasts andtheir array of classic cars in a stylish colourful escort to the base ofGreenmount Hill....we are on our way.

A stop at the base to sort out thecylinders and remove the air filter....and pop it in the "mother-in-law" seatcompartment....don't need that.  A stop 2/3rds up the hill with asteaming engine.  A few cup fulls of cool water....off she goes.  We are still on our way.....

We climb up the hill and over- phew...onthe straight and she sails....trailer blazing behind...at 45 MPH......off to Merredin.  100kms out of Merredin we run out offuel (no fuel guage in the cabin).... and a strange "dry bearing" scraping soundthat comes and goes.....mmm.  Fuel is topped up and a few event flyer drop offs along the way anda good long look at the Wheat crops of WA.

We arrive in Merredin in one piece, abit rattled and worn after about 5 hrs or so- 160miles! At about 25miles pergallon....and a good sleep....next stop, Kalgoorlie... about 260miles.

Jack and Aliso ready to head off

Jack with John Manley (in hat), Nigel Makin (right rear) and Manley family members at launch

October 10

Day prior to departure and the "BigRocket launch"

First time as passenger - 12.30pm

Dad needed some unleaded petrol fromthe petrol station around the corner to fill up the spare tank, so we decidedto jump in the Bumble Bee and whiz around the corner-mmm maybe not theoperative word to use. Choke out, a few revs and off.. We lurched and lungedforward with a grinding and occasional crunching of gears, dust behind us and alittle car that wouldn't work on 4 cylinders, only three! We made it to the BP with a fewimpatient drivers behind and a frustrated father.

We made it back to Nigel Makin's place (where we were staying) and here"Bee" was again about to have another overhaul...fingers crossed. After discussion with Nigel, both carenthusiasts decided that it was a wet spark plug- too wet to fire the 2ndcylinder- no "Bang" possible (ie Fuel burns and expands, causingpressure and in doing so pushes the piston down and so the car moves forward.In this order- 1,4,3,2....which is why she wouldn't go out of 3^rd!)

Problem solved, no 3 spark plug changedwith a more zippy plug and she was again humming her tune beautifully....wellrattly...which is normal.....many triumph S7 restorers have had the sameproblem.....magneto now ok...phew. Oil filter changed and dad and I washedthe car, cleaned the wire wheels, buffed her up, polished the chrome and did abag fit test....yep, the bag just fits in the front...but she may end up pushingBee up the Greenmount hill after the ribbon is cut by the delightful JohnManley.  Maybe by Armidale... I will have lost 20lbs.

Medical kit checked - immodium andasprin added.  Trailer attached....is it reallythat small?

Now, hopefully we will make it to themuseum tomorrow- Is she just a nice little town car?

An informal dinner was held at the Woodbridge Hotel in Guildford so that Jack and Alison could meet Karen Wright (Event Coordinator - Australian Lung Foundation). John Manley (son of George Manley - original trek participant) and his grandson Steve (who had travelled up from Albany) were also present along with Nigel Makin (Perth Triumph Car Club) and Nigel's parents.  John brought along his dad's old driving cab and Jack popped it on for old time sake!

Jack wearing George Manley's original trek goggles

October 7

Alison Evans arrives into Perth today and will finally meet up with her father Jack. Alison has been in Karratha spending time with her sister and family prior to the trek launch.  Alison is well rested after her trip from Bermuda back to Australia.

October 6

Jack has arrived safely into Perth feeling relaxed and well rested.  He enjoyed his time on the Indian Pacific and met some interesting characters.  The Triumph is undergoing an oil change today and then will be parked up ready for the launch on Sunday October 11.  Jack will be spending a few days catching up with family and friends prior to his departure east on Sunday.

 October 4

The Triumph and Jack boarded the Indian Pacific for their 2 day journey over to Perth.  Jack enjoyed a Gold Single Berth and all meals compliments of Great Southern Rail.

October 3

After nearly a week on the road and approximately 1300 kms, Jack and his little car arrived into Adelaide prior to his departure on Sunday October 4 on the Indian Pacific - across the Nullarbor to Perth.

September 27

Jack headed off from his home town of Armidale on his way to Adelaide. He stayed in several locations along the route including Olary where he was offered free meals and accommodation at the local pub.  Many thanks to the new publicans Sam and Charmaine for their warm welcome, their hospitality and support of this event.

 

Rest stop at the 1000km mark  

Content Upated 14 October. 2009