i30 Owners Club

GENERAL STUFF => CLUB MEETINGS & MEMBERS TRIPS => Topic started by: rustynutz on September 04, 2012, 03:21:38

Title: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 04, 2012, 03:21:38

As a few may already know, I left to go on a bit of a road trip last Saturday.

Amazingly, (for people that know me) I was on the road by 6am.

I stopped for a quick 15 minute breakfast at Bairnsdale before I was back on the road once more. The weather had been fairly fine but as I got towards my turn off at Cann River it started to drizzle rain.....so much for a nice clean car...doh!

I didn't bother stopping at Cann River, choosing to push on as I was making pretty good progress.
As we climbed into the high country I watched the fuel consumption of my little diesel nudge up to 5l/100km, still very good considering.....
Once things leveled off it slowly eased back and by the time I arrived at the War Memorial in Canberra at 1.30pm, it was back to 4.7. I was fairly impressed.......

I spent the next 3 hours wandering around the Museum before heading off to meet a friend who had kindly offered me a bed for the night.

Next morning started leisurely with no real destination in mind but by 9.30am I was back on the road heading towards Sydney. Fuel consumption now dropped to an impressive 4.6l/100km and so far has stayed at that....

I had vague ideas of heading across to once again check out the Sea Cliff Bridge between the towns of Coalcliff and Clifton but in the end decided to head north.
Stopped for fuel just shy of Newcastle and motored on. I had no fixed destination in mind up to that point but as I was making pretty good time I started to wonder if I could make it to Lennox Head, where I was intending to stay a few days to catch up with a cousin of mine.

By the time I stopped for a quick meal at Coffs Harbour I was keen to continue.
 
I started to have a few doubts not long after as there was mile after mile after mile of road works with a 80kph speed limit, and from what I'd been told, speed cameras enforcing compliance.

Eventually we escaped the road works and then started to make reasonable time again.

Bizarrely my GPS then sent me off the main highway and down some narrow back roads and I was beginning to think I was off on some wild goose chase and contemplated turning back, especially when I saw kangaroos grazing on the sides of the road in a number of places.

But, eventually it all worked out ok as I came to an intersection and found that this was a short cut that bypassed the city of Grafton.

The remainder of the drive was fairly uneventful other than being the meat in the sandwich with 2 B double trucks in front and 2 behind.....

I decided they were too big to argue with so slowed at the next passing lane and let them motor on ahead.
Not long later I saw the turn off for my destination and I arrived there around 9.50 pm, still feeling capable of driving quite a few more k's if needed.

I guess that says something about the comfort of the i30 and the cruise control which I had been making full use of...


To be continued..... :)


Here are just a couple of pics I've taken.....


(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Victoria-NewSouthWalesBorder.jpg)

The obligatory border photo...

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/ViewtoParliamentHouse.jpg)

Looking towards the old and new Parliament House from the steps of the War Memorial.

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/CapeByronLighthouse.jpg)

Cape Byron Lighthouse, situated on the most easterly point of the mainland.

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/AFriend.jpg)

I had a visitor while eating breakfast....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/GPS.jpg)

Seems there was some "glitch" with the GPS display.... :wtf:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 04, 2012, 07:02:29

Thanks Rusty, nice report and great pics.
Good little trucks, these trusty i30s, aren't they?
I don't think much of your breakfast guest though.  :)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 04, 2012, 08:29:32

Quote from: db08 on September 04, 2012, 07:02:29

Thanks Rusty, nice report and great pics.
Good little trucks, these trusty i30s, aren't they?
I don't think much of your breakfast guest though.  :)

Thanks Dave.... :goodjob:

My guest is a nonpoisonous tree snake, and apparently he's a regular visitor, he comes to sunbake on the deck.....

He actually looks kinda cute..... :p

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 04, 2012, 11:25:33

Very unusual for the Garmin Max speed to go haywire like that  :mrgreen:

Keep em coming Rusty :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 06, 2012, 00:09:16

Quote from: 847563 on September 04, 2012, 11:25:33

Very unusual for the Garmin Max speed to go haywire like that  :mrgreen:

Yeah, it's a bit bizarre.... :undecided:

You're probably thinking I'm talking porkies but I swear on my fathers grave I haven't done those sorts of speeds.....well, not in my i30 anyhow... :lol:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 06, 2012, 02:51:54

I'd be resetting that if I was you..  I am often surprised to see my garmin maximum showing 137 or thereabouts..

Must be that B-double I had to pass :whistler:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 06, 2012, 04:13:54

...and yours is in M.P.H.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 06, 2012, 09:16:38

Quote from: Dazzler on September 06, 2012, 02:51:54

I'd be resetting that if I was you.. 

Done..... :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 08, 2012, 15:31:10

Part 2 Of My Road Trip.....

The trip from Lennox Head to Bundaberg proved to be uneventful other than for my Garmin GPS deciding to have a hissy fit with it insisting I get off the main highway to Brisbane somewhere not far over the Queensland border.
I ended up ignoring it after being led up the garden path once so of course I then missed the correct turnoff and ended up in what seemed to be the centre of Brissy...lol...oh well, at least it wasn't peak hour!

Eventually I was back on the main highway and making good time, arriving at a bit after 4pm....a nice easy drive of 532 kilometres.

I'd refueled at Torbanlea after drivng 1170km on this tank with the low fuel warning light yet to come on.
Average fuel consumption was now sitting at 4.7l/100km....

Next day I decided a visit to the Bert Hinkler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_Hinkler) Hall of Aviation was in order......

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/BertHinklerDiorama.jpg)

A Diorama of Bert's glider flight on a beach near his hometown of Bundaberg.

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/PilotRussAvroAvian.jpg)

I decided to take Bert's Avro Avian for a spin....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/PussMoth.jpg)

A replica of Bert's Puss Moth....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/ChallengerWreckage.jpg)

This piece of wood from Bert's glider somehow survived the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion and was presented to the Hinkler Memorial Museum.

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/SuesSportage.jpg)

I "downgraded" to a diesel Kia Sportage as my mode of transport while in "Bundy"......


Part 3......

My friend, Sue decided to hitch a ride with me on the next leg of my journey so organised for us to freeload stay with a friend overnight at Yeppoon...this after scoring dinner at another friend's home in Rockhampton. This was just a short hop of around 330 odd kilometres which was just as well as it was quite late in the afternoon when we got under way!

After a quiet night we were up fairly early for the longish 850km journey to Sue's destination at "Ayr" and mine at Townsville.

Arrived at West End, in Townsville at 6.30 pm......the GPS showing my little i30 has now racked up 3408 kilometres since I left home....

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 08, 2012, 23:03:52

You've done well my friend. Thanks for the update and pix..  :goodjob:

How did the sportage go? Did you actually get a drive?.. or just joshing. :snigger:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 09, 2012, 01:38:43

Thanks mate!  :)

Yep, drove it a few times but unfortunately it was just around town so I have no idea what it's like out on the highway.

I tell you what though, it certainly has some pickup when you stomp on the go pedal.....If only Hyundai would slot this engine into the i30..... :D

What I didn't like was the huge speedo, it was nearly the size of a dinner plate...lol.
The all red dash lights reminded me of a Mazda, which is something I actually dislike about them.....Oh, and I also didn't find the seats as comfy as my i30's....plus visibility was also pretty ordinary out the back.... :undecided:

All in all, I don't think it was my sort of vehicle so think I'll stick with my baby a bit longer.... :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: 2i30s on September 09, 2012, 02:15:43

great pics Russ,and you can keep your breakfast guest.  :scared: :faint:  nice and warm up there?  :mrgreen:
 I'm amazed that you were allowed to get in that old plane,or were you photo shopped in?  :winker: :snigger:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 09, 2012, 03:11:47

Quote from: 2i30s on September 09, 2012, 02:15:43

great pics Russ,and you can keep your breakfast guest.  :scared: :faint:  nice and warm up there?  :mrgreen:
 I'm amazed that you were allowed to get in that old plane,or were you photo shopped in?  :winker: :snigger:

Who said he was allowed? :lol:  We know he can be a naughty boy.. :whistler:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 09, 2012, 03:34:12

Surprisingly visitors are encouraged to try it out! They even have a special camera set up so you can have a snap of yourself emailed to you.....

It is a replica so I guess it's not the end of the world if it does get knocked about a bit.
I tell you what though, planes back then weren't made for fat bastards... :whistler:
I was hanging out of the thing on the other side and my gut was pushed into the instrument panel!   :rofl:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 09, 2012, 03:39:09

Quote from: rustynutz on September 09, 2012, 03:34:12

I tell you what though, planes back then weren't made for fat bastards... :whistler:
I was hanging out of the thing on the other side and my gut was pushed into the instrument panel!   :rofl:

Too much information  :whistler:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 09, 2012, 04:07:18

Quote from: rustynutz on September 08, 2012, 15:31:10

My friend, Sue decided to hitch a ride with me

After a quiet night we were up fairly early

 ;) ;)
Glad you had a good trip Rusty  :D

Thanks for the photos and you can't complain about the fuel economy - gotta be happy with that.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 09, 2012, 05:35:39

'Tis all innocent, Dave, Sue is just a mate.....  :)

Yeah, pretty wrapped with the fuel consumption, 3 tanks of fuel to do 3400 clicks is not too shabby.... :goodjob:

Interestingly the third tank didn't go quite as far as the second....Not sure if that was the extra weight of another passenger and 10 ton of luggage or it was because I had used premium diesel in the second fill and just ordinary diesel in the third...  :undecided:

Will be interesting to see how it all goes on the next leg....which will be up to Port Douglas, but that won't probably be until next week....

For now I have to earn my keep and do some computer work.... :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 00:33:03

Yesterday afternoon my friend Maree, her daughter Nicky and myself headed up to the tiny township of Pamula (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paluma,_Queensland) situated in the Pamula Range National Park, some 90 kilometres from Townsville..

Once off the Bruce Highway and heading into the Ranges, the road turns very narrow and winding.
After a couple of brown trouser moments with other vehicles we passed over the Lttle Crystal Creek Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Crystal_Creek_Bridge)  and proceeded up to Pamula.

We'd heard of a place called "Hidden Valley", somewhere past Pamula so decided to continue onwards.  After passing through a few shallow water crossings and with the road now gravel, we chickened out, heading back to Pamula now seemed the better option.
We stopped at the Paluma Rainforest Inn but found it closed...bugger, we were hanging out for a drink.... :(

We headed back down to Little Crystal Creek Bridge where we made use of the toilets and then had a wander around, taking a few happy snaps in the process...

Back on the Bruce Highway and heading south we made an "emergency" stop at the Rollingstone Pub.  :whistler::

Our thirst quenched, it was back into the i30 and home.....

All in all an enjoyable afternoon.... :goodjob:

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LittleCrystalCreek1.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LittleCrystalCreek2.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LittleCrystalCreek5.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LittleCrystalCreek4.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LittleCrystalCreek3.jpg)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 16, 2012, 00:58:27

You forgot to mention you went for a quick dip :whistler: (Pic 2), nice shorts  :mrgreen:

Very pretty waterfalls too  :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 03:36:22

Quote from: 847563 on September 16, 2012, 00:58:27

You forgot to mention you went for a quick dip :whistler: (Pic 2), nice shorts  :mrgreen:

Very pretty waterfalls too  :goodjob2:

Wasn't me, Phil.....I ain't that skinny.  :lol:

I was wearing jeans as it was quite cool, so cool I had the aircon off in the car.... :disapp:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 16, 2012, 03:37:19

I know, a bit of sarcasm on my part  :snigger:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 04:24:22

Surely not?  :lol:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 16, 2012, 04:28:45

Thanks for the update Rusty.. Nice Pix .. shame about not being able to get to that place and another being closed (you've had a bad run lately)  :Pout:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 05:22:52

Quote from: Dazzler on September 16, 2012, 04:28:45

Thanks for the update Rusty.. Nice Pix .. shame about not being able to get to that place and another being closed (you've had a bad run lately)  :Pout:

Thanks Daz!  :D

It didn't really bother me as I would've had to wash my car.... :lol:

Not knowing how many k's it was and the fact that my tyres are getting a bit "tired" and probably more likely to cop a puncture, were really the deciding factors....

As for the "Inn", they closed at 3pm, we arrived at 3.20....doh!

Oh, I'll post up a video of the road in when I get a chance which includes my "brown trouser" moments.....
Internet access is a bit slow where I'm staying so it might have to wait a while.... :(

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Lester on September 16, 2012, 07:18:16

Thanks for the road trip report mate. Good to hear it was comfortable.  I have just had a 1700km return trip, Batemans Bay to Rutherglen, Vic. Down the Hume, back Snowy Mtns Hwy, yes, car went great, i30 seats were very comfortable, as you said. As for cruise control, worked a treat, sat on the Hume Freeway in the 110km area cruise control set on 105 kmh, nice speed, easy cruising.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 16, 2012, 09:41:49

Thanks for the pics Rusty. It looks like a very picturesque area and sounds like an enjoyable day.  :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 14:23:16

Thanks Dave & Lester.... :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Lester on September 17, 2012, 01:43:04

Quote from: rustynutz on September 16, 2012, 14:23:16

Thanks Dave & Lester.... :goodjob:

You are welcome mate, by the way, I note you have a tow ball/bar on your i30, for a box trailer or light camper trailer?  How does the i30 perform re towing?

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 17, 2012, 01:59:15

I have a 6' x 4' box trailer....

It makes very little difference to the performance and if it wasn't for the occasional rattle of the coupling you'd forget it was there.  :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Marzipan on September 17, 2012, 06:02:11

Hi there, love reading about your trip totally agree with db08 about your breakfast visitor how close were  you?  I recently did a trip to Horsham in my i30 great to travel in but the road noise was incredible one could hardly hear the music. Did you find the same trouble interested to hear?  :brilliant:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 17, 2012, 09:27:29

Thanks for your kind comments, Marzipan!  :goodjob:

As far as road noise goes, it really has been pretty much a non issue on this trip....

I do tend to listen to music while I'm driving, especially as, for the majority of this trip I've only had myself for company so maybe that has masked things a bit...or, perhaps the roads are constructed with less coarse stones up this way? Then again I could be just going deaf... :lol:

It's funny though, back home I've found the i30 a little bit noisy on local roads....  :undecided:

As for my breakfast guest, he was roughly 6 foot away but I did get down closer so I could take a pic... :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 24, 2012, 14:56:06

Seems ages since my last installment..... :-[

While in Townsville I did the obligatory "drive" up Castle Hill.

This has become something of a chore these days as the "get fit brigade" have just about taken it over and what was once a really fun drive has now turned more into a game of "dodgem's" as folk, young and old, make the walk to the top and back down again. And if that's not enough, there are numerous speed humps to negotiate.....grrrrr.

Magnificent views of Townsville and Magnetic Island make it all worth while.... :goodjob:

Unfortunately it was quite hazy....  :(

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/CastleHill_zps5a83b329.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/CastleHill2_zps69c68b7b.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

A few days later I thought I'd try my luck with the drive up Mount Stuart....
This is a great drive with very few vehicles using the road but spoilt to a certain extent by a 40kph speed limit.  :whistler:

Disappointingly it was hazy yet again..... :rolleyes:

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/ViewFromMountStuart1_zps2ad8a23b.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/ViewFromMountStuart3_zps5f51c295.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/ViewFromMountStuart2_zps49fbd9ee.jpg)

By now Cairns was beckoning.....

While on the way, I stopped off at one of my favourite towns, Cardwell (http://www.cardwelltourism.com/cardwell.html).....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Cardwell_zps9c308aad.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Cardwell2_zps8a911288.jpg)

It's been over 18 months since Cyclone Yasi devastated the place and restoration work still continues.... :Shocked:

Here's what it looked like after Yasi....
Cyclone Yasi destroys Cardwell foreshore (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1d0cTAurX4#ws)

The following day I gained some passengers...(my friend, Sue who I'd last seen at Ayr and who was now visiting her daughter, Lauren & Lauren's boyfriend, Mitch.)....Lauren & Mitch kindly let me stay at their place in Cairns...

All four of us travelled to Port Douglas.....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/BetweenCairnsPortDouglas_zps808b9b18.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/FlagStaffHillLookout-PortDouglas_zps32dce2f6.jpg)

We then drove to Mossman for some lunch and then boarded the mini bus to Mossman Gorge. (http://www.mossmangorge.com.au/)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MossmanGorge1_zps41ff99b9.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MossmanGorge5_zpsa283ca44.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MossmanGorge3_zpsf573bc14.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MossmanGorge2_zpsf482f77b.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MossmanGorge4_zps0d0dab31.jpg)

After spending a pleasant few hours enjoying the rain forest and other views, we then headed further north, stopping briefly at the plaque (http://www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/pages/MemoDet.aspx?Memorial=Mossman%20Commemorative%20Air%20Raid%20Cairn) commemorating the Japanese air raid on the Douglas Shire in 1942...

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/JapaneseAirRaid_zpsd9714deb.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/JapaneseAirRaid2_zpsb9ba0ad9.jpg)

It was fairly late in the afternoon when we arrived at Daintree Village (http://www.daintreevillage.asn.au/daintree_village.html), so after a bit of a wander and a few photos, it was time to head back to Cairns, detouring briefly to see the ferry crossing the Daintree River.....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TheDaintreeRiver_zps7433d7e1.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/DaintreeCrocodileExpress_zps15fb1c74.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/DaintreeRiverFerry_zps50354c9a.jpg)


To be continued.....

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 24, 2012, 15:35:21

Thanks Rusty, great pics.
I can't believe it's 18 months since Yasi either. It certainly did some damage.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Shambles on September 24, 2012, 17:02:40

Spectacular photography there, Mr Russ "T" Nutz :)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 24, 2012, 22:00:28

Enjoyed that thanks Rusty  :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 27, 2012, 14:32:58

My last full day in Cairns was spent travelling up to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (http://www.skyrail.com.au/), having a wander around the markets and then travelling back via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. (http://www.ksr.com.au/Pages/Default.aspx)

The markets were full of indigenous artifacts such as paintings, boomerangs & didgeridoos, leather goods, stuffed crocs and the more normal market stuff like clothing, jewellery and postcards.....

Kuranda is also home to the Australian Venom Zoo. (http://www.kuranda.org/?p=138)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail3.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail4.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail5.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail2.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail1.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail6.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail7.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail9.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Skyrail8.jpg)

Look carefully at the previous photo and you'll notice that the above waterhole is actually part of the Barron Falls....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway3.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway2.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway4.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway5.jpg)

This is the Barron Falls, which at this time of year is fairly unspectacular, the same can't be said during the wet season as it is usually turned into a raging flood....

:link: (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3097656194_a0689cde6a.jpg)


(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway7.jpg)

This is just one of 15 tunnels you travel through....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway8.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway6.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/KurandaRailway9.jpg)

All in all I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and would certainly recommend it to anyone visiting Cairns.  :goodjob:

Next morning I departed Cairns, headed for Kuranda yet again. This time though I was in my i30, looking forward to having a "blast" up the well surfaced but steep and windy road..... :whistler:

After drivng around the streets of Kuranda I then headed for the "Rainforest Canopy Walk & Barron Falls Lookout"where I had a very pleasant walk through the rainforest.

Time was getting away so I made tracks, heading for the Atherton Tablelands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherton_Tableland).....an area I had missed on previous visits to Cairns.

After an enjoyable drive I arrived at Innisfail where I rejoined the Bruce Highway and continued my journey back to Townsville, where I would be staying a few more days before I commence the drive back to Victoria and Home...

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: AlanHo on September 27, 2012, 14:48:04

Rusty

How are you managing to get decent internet connections in what sounds like some way-out places you are visiting.

I'm impressed.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 27, 2012, 15:01:12

I've been lucky and have stayed mostly with friends or relatives that have had broadband.

Where I stayed in Cairns access was a bit ordinary as they only had a usb wifi internet stick so I just waited until I got back to Townsville so I didn't have to worry about using up all their "downloads"...  :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: asathorny on September 27, 2012, 15:19:18

Quote from: Marzipan on September 17, 2012, 06:02:11

Hi there, love reading about your trip totally agree with db08 about your breakfast visitor how close were  you?  I recently did a trip to Horsham in my i30 great to travel in but the road noise was incredible one could hardly hear the music. Did you find the same trouble interested to hear?  :brilliant:

If ya slack off a bit, say to 90 and speak up a bit that should solve it for ya  :rofl: :rofl:

That was all great Rusty, just had an enjoyable 20 mins catchin up with you adventures   THANKS

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 27, 2012, 22:02:39

Another excellent report Rusty .. Really enjoyed the photos  :goodjob:

You are having a great road trip.. We definitely needed more time for our last one  :whistler:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on September 27, 2012, 22:28:25

That looks like fun, too bad Cairns is so far away, rainforests are wonderful places to collect your thoughts, (if you can find a nice quiet tourist free spot, just listening to nature, very uplifting and therapeutic IMO). Unfortunately, nothing remotely like that where I live.  I love trains too & we do have those. Great pics, thanks. :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 28, 2012, 00:28:47

Thanks guys, unfortunately it's nearly at an end, I head for home in the morning.....  :(

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 28, 2012, 01:04:22

There's no place like home Rusty.  :)
Thanks for the great report & pics. I enjoyed that. I think I need to get out more and see more.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 28, 2012, 13:01:08

Thanks for your kind words, Dave..... :goodjob:

Before I call it a night, I thought I'd just mention that I got to do a bit of motorcycling while in Townsville...

First up I got to ride a Triumph Speedmaster.
 
I decided to revisit Paluma as I knew it was a fun road up into the mountains.

I figured I had to look the part so wore an open face helmet. Bad move as it's been years since I've worn one and my eyes streamed tears continuously from the wind in spite of wearing glasses.
I persevered and found that once I got into the mountains my speeds dropped and my eyes watered much less.

It's been a while since I've thrown a leg over a motorcycle so I was a little bit tentative around corners for a while but my confidence quickly returned and I soon had a grin from ear to ear....  :D
The exhaust note certainly helped too. There's something about a "twin" that I just love and this one, having close to open pipes sounded great, especially on the overrun, where it crackled and popped.....ah, I can feel a woody coming on!  :-[  :lol:

Moving right along.....I'm not a fan of the uncomfortable seating position forced on riders by this style of bike, so I was a bit surprised that after ridng approximately 170 kilometres I wasn't in crippling pain.
I think the warm weather of Far North Queensland must agree with me...  :goodjob:

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphSpeedmaster3.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphSpeedmaster1.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphSpeedmaster2.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

Now to today....

I got to ride another Triumph, this time a Triumph Tiger.....

My friend, Maree suggested I head out towards Charters Towers so that's what I did.....
Bad move as it's just another boring highway.....I rode as far as Mingela where, after stopping at the local pub for a drink, I turned around and headed back.

For this ride I'd opted for a full face helmet and while it eliminated the wind in my eyes, it gave me a headache as the helmet was a whisker tight.
I found the riding position of this bike much more to my liking and the fairing kept much of the wind off me too.
The engine in this bike is a "triple"  and produces a nice spread of power and torque....certainly enough to blast past slower traffic with just a flick of the wrist....nice!  :whistler:

By this time I was sick to death of the highway so on the outskirts of Townsville I turned off and headed for Mount Stuart where I managed to get my jolly's winding my way up to the "lookout" and back... :D

Surprisingly I had run up 210 kilometres by the time I pulled up in the driveway at my home away from home....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphTiger2.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphTiger3.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TriumphTiger1.jpg)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 28, 2012, 13:07:51

Looks like lots of fun.
What capacity is the first Triumph?

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on September 28, 2012, 13:11:49

I think it's 865cc, Dave.... :undecided:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on September 28, 2012, 13:13:13

Lovely. And I agree about the twins - very old school and nice sound.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on September 28, 2012, 13:15:43

That would have been great (for you)  :goodjob: (well done)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Surferdude on September 28, 2012, 21:04:32

Great trip and report Rusty.
I've seen the Barron Falls in both seasons but the first time was like in your pics. But even less water. Most unispiring after learning all about them in primary school. I have a lot of similar pics from Castle Hill and Kuranda. bring back memories.
Did you get over to Magnetic Island?
Also, Bowen is well worth a tour around.
Sorry if you've already covered those places but I've been catching up on a few of the longer threads and may have missed bits. :-[

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:33:49

Thanks Trev!   :goodjob:

Never bothered with Maggy Island this trip.

I spent a day and night over there some years back and was bored to tears so haven't been in a hurry to revisit the place. Also I begrudge paying a fortune for the ferry crossing....

Apparently the property downturn up there has really stuffed the place....They are almost giving Unit's away....

Thanks for the tip about Bowen....but I've actually visited the place on one of my many other trips up North.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:35:44

Oh, forgot to mention, I've made it back home safely......  :D

I'll post up a few more photos and some videos down the track....

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 01, 2012, 08:40:38

 :welcome: home.  :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:45:42

Thanks Dave.... :D

Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.....

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on October 01, 2012, 09:10:14

Quote from: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:35:44

Oh, forgot to mention, I've made it back home safely......  :D

I'll post up a few more photos and some videos down the track....

Sounds good.. :goodjob:

Quote from: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:45:42

Thanks Dave.... :D

Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.....

I can relate to that .. I'm always pleased to get back to Tassie  :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on October 01, 2012, 10:32:54

Great  :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Lester on October 04, 2012, 10:26:41

Quote from: rustynutz on October 01, 2012, 08:45:42

Thanks Dave.... :D

Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.....

Well done mate, great pics, great blogs. :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 06, 2012, 08:19:02

Ok, time to bring this road trip saga to it's conclusion..... :cool:


I left Townsville, heading for home at 6am.....leaving earlier and I would increase my chances of meeting more "skippies" out on the road.
This would be my departure time for the next few days as I had fairly large distances to cover.
My destination for the day was "Roma" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma,_Queensland), a bit over 1000 kilometres away....

My first stop (other than for fuel) was at McDonalds at Charters Towers.....
As much as I dislike Maccas, breakfast there is usually pretty painless and holdups before getting back on the road are minimal.

Once you've left Charters Towers there's pretty much nothing until Clermont, some 370+ kilometres away other than "Belyando Crossing" which is a roadhouse/rest area situated roughly half way.

Much of this road had been improved since I last came through here which was a relief as back then the "seal" was pretty much single lane only and confronting "road trains" (http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3142/3165418479_08d2411b2b_b.jpg) coming from the opposite direction usually involved you pulling completely off the road and waiting for them to pass as they refuse to move over at all. Not so bad when the road is dry, but a nightmare when the red soil is wet from rain....

Well, I should've known the good road wouldn't last.....
There ended up being mile after mile after mile of road works, which was frustrating enough but at one point I had to park off the road for probably 30 minutes while a truck carrying a huge excavator crawled through the road works. All up I probably lost an "hour" with these delays, not something I really wanted as I was hoping to make it to Roma before dark to avoid kangaroos.
To make up time I "sailed" through Belyando Crossing, not needing fuel and not feeling the need for a stretch.....'Twas the same with Clermont.....
By the time I arrived at Emerald I was ready for a bite to eat so stopped just long enough to get some takeaway and then it was back on the road again.

By now the weather was looking like rain and sure enough it started shortly after, turning the intermittent roadworks into slush.....Fantastic!
With my car now looking like a toilet, I arrived at Roma right on sunset, thankfully with no wildlife encounters to speak of, seeing only cattle, which are allowed to roam freely on many of the roads.

I fuelled up, found my Motel for the night then settled down to a bit of tele before heading to bed, knowing I had to do it all again the next morning.... :)

I was up at 5.20am, showered and at the local McDonalds for brekky by 6am.
Today's journey was only 900 odd kilometres so I was hopeful I'd have some time for a stop off at "Lightning Ridge....

Thankfully roadworks weren't an issue and I made good time, stopping for a few photos and a stretch at "Hebel", just before the Queensland/NSW border....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/MtZamiaVirginRock.jpg)
Mount Zamia & Virgin Rock

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/HebelHotel.jpg)
Hebel Hotel

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Rabbits.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

Next stop was "lightning Ridge" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_Ridge,_New_South_Wales)......some 60 odd k's down the road.

I took a few pics and also checked out the "Opal Cave" (http://www.opalcave.com.au/)
All the jewellery was pretty much out of my price range so I ended up just buying a couple of cheap souvenirs.
There was a "market" in the main street so I checked that out but as I'm not into "Opal" most of it was not of much interest to me....

Oh, here's a bit of trivia, Paul Hogan, best known for his role as Mick Dundee in the Crocodile Dundee movies was born in Lightning Ridge.....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LightningRidge.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/OpalCave1.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/InsidetheOpalCave.jpg)
Inside the "Opal Cave"

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/LightningRidgeSculpture.jpg)
Some roadside sculpture....

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/Plaque.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/RoadsideToilet.jpg)
Check out the lighting for the toilet.... :lol:


Ok, time to get back on the road with roughly 500k's still to go.....

The rest of the day was uneventful....but, as I was getting close to "Parkes" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkes,_New_South_Wales), the radio Telescope, made famous by "The Dish" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dish) movie popped into my head and, as I had made good time up until this point I decided to pay it a visit.
I've passed this "icon" a number of times since I was a child but have never had the opportunity to stop and check it out so, being so close to my destination, today was the day..... :D

Approaching the Dish, I had my fingers crossed, hoping it was still open....I was in luck, it was open to 5pm, giving me around 40 minutes...... :goodjob:

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TheDish.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TheDish2.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TheDish3.jpg)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/rustynutz69/TheDish4.jpg)
This Control Console was made for the movie then donated to the Parkes radio telescope at the completion of filming...


I was now only 30 odd kilometres from my Motel at Forbes......
Once checked in, I headed back out to fuel up the i30 ready for another early morning departure and then to find myself some dinner before settling back to watch the end of the thugby league grand final, which incidently was won by the Melbourne Storm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Storm)....  :whistler:

I was away even earlier the next morning, which ended up being a waste of time as I had to twiddle my thumbs while I waited for Maccas to open...grrrr!

Made great time once underway so when I spotted a "car wash" at Narrandera I quickly chucked a U turn and spent a pleasant 10 or 15 minutes washing the grime from the last few days off my "baby".

Before too long I was crossing the border into Victoria and feeling like I was nearly home.....

I made the run down the Doom...oops, I mean the Hume Highway into Melbourne and decided, considering I had made such good time that I would pop in and pay a visit to my girlfriend's parents who had been having an issue with their computer and had been waiting for me to come check it out....
That done I made tracks, planning to get out of Melbourne before peak hour traffic got too bad.
I Arrived home around 5pm, really looking forward to having a sleep-in the next morn..... :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 06, 2012, 08:36:21

Great narrative & pics, Rusty.  :goodjob2:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Shambles on October 06, 2012, 09:43:24

Spectacular stuff - highly entertaining :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on October 06, 2012, 09:51:48

Gee, for some reason, I found that pub pic quite depressing. Great write up though, all other pic great.  :goodjob2: :D

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on October 06, 2012, 10:02:26

Excellent Rusty .. really enjoyed that  :happydance: :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 07, 2012, 01:29:33

For those that may be interested.... :)

Total Distance covered according to:

Odometer: 7,473 kilometres
GPS:          7,679 Kilometres

Total fuel used:

396.38 litres at a cost of $601.01

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 07, 2012, 01:43:29

That's a significant distance between odometer and Gee Pee Ess.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on October 07, 2012, 02:39:07

That does backup what AlanHo has said about the i30's odometer........

I compared them a couple of times against some 5 kilometre speedo test signs that happened to be on one of the highways I travelled on and I'm inclined to believe the GPS reading is correct..... :goodjob:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on January 05, 2013, 11:57:16

Ok, I've finally got around to uploading one of my many videos I filmed while I was away.
Hopefully this is just one of many I'll eventually post..... :undecided:

Unfortunately the quality isn't fantastic but if you watch it in HD it's not too bad....

This video shows the narrow Mt Spec Road through to Little Crystal Creek Bridge, which is located in the Paluma Range National Park in Far North Queensland.

http://youtu.be/XlkGQxObvfU (http://youtu.be/XlkGQxObvfU)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Dazzler on January 05, 2013, 20:26:28

Thanks Rusty ... We have some similar drives but that one is narrow  :confused:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on January 06, 2013, 00:22:48

Nice drive.
Those 4WDs like their fair share of road.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on January 06, 2013, 00:33:15

Thanks guys... :goodjob:
I had visions of scraping the i30 up against the rocky bank or on posts a few times.....

That truck was a bit of a brown trouser moment....

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Just Rick on January 06, 2013, 07:11:03

they certainly have upgraded the road since I was last on it,nice new widened bitumen, white posts and hey when did they add that nice new Armco railing,none of that in the days we used to go up there,didn't see a truck in ya video did see a couple of 4x4's,maybe I blinked and mised it LOL,yes but some pretty hairy spots up that way.
Oh'and the pictures from Castle Hill,bugger me hasn't Townsville grown.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Phil №❶ on January 06, 2013, 07:12:19

You always meet trucks on a corner, Murphy's Law.  :fum: :scared:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: BrightonSA on February 09, 2013, 07:57:10

Quote from: rustynutz on January 05, 2013, 11:57:16

Ok, I've finally got around to uploading one of my many videos I filmed while I was away.
Hopefully this is just one of many I'll eventually post..... :undecided:

Unfortunately the quality isn't fantastic but if you watch it in HD it's not too bad....

This video shows the narrow Mt Spec Road through to Little Crystal Creek Bridge, which is located in the Paluma Range National Park in Far North Queensland.

http://youtu.be/XlkGQxObvfU (http://youtu.be/XlkGQxObvfU)

Your vid reminds me that I must get myself a dashcam.  :)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on February 09, 2013, 08:11:46

Good idea.... :goodjob:

But, is there that much to film out there?  :whistler:

I recorded heaps but figured who would wanna see miles and miles of pretty much straight roads...  :snigger:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Just Rick on February 09, 2013, 08:51:52

RN,I have mine on all the time,just delete everything when I am done my trip,only time I keep something is if something goes wrong or something funny, neither has happened yet LOL

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: FatBoy on February 09, 2013, 08:54:43

Quote from: Rick on February 09, 2013, 08:51:52

RN,I have mine on all the time,just delete everything when I am done my trip,only time I keep something is if something goes wrong or something funny, neither has happened yet LOL

I'd do the same, Rick, if I had a dash cam.  I must look at getting one and record my trip into work each day (and maybe some of my work stuff too).  Then I could show you how good some of the drivers are here in Tassie (they are so good they don't need indicators or need to look when they change lanes).

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on February 09, 2013, 09:00:30

Ok... :goodjob:
I got mine mainly so I could share some great and not so great roads with our members so I still have every minute of the footage I took on my road trip. From memory I think there's something like 50gb or more of it.... :-[

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: BrightonSA on February 09, 2013, 09:05:04

Quote from: Rick on February 09, 2013, 08:51:52

RN,I have mine on all the time,just delete everything when I am done my trip,only time I keep something is if something goes wrong or something funny, neither has happened yet LOL

That's how I intend to use it.  :happydance:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on February 09, 2013, 09:20:57

Mine just rolls around continuously so I don't have to delete anything.
I do want to get one for the rear though.
If something happens it can quite often start behind you with an irate driver tailgating or being abusive etc and it would be a good thing to capture it all, especially as they are so cheap to buy.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on February 09, 2013, 09:26:19

Quote from: FatBoy on February 09, 2013, 08:54:43

Then I could show you how good some of the drivers are here in Tassie (they are so good they don't need indicators or need to look when they change lanes).

 :whistler: I could've done with the cam in the little Suzuki yesterday as I nearly got cleaned up by some fool who was in the right hand turning lane with his blinker on but who then decided he needed to be in the left lane instead just as I was passing him.  :mad:

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: BrightonSA on February 09, 2013, 09:33:50

There must a thread here on dash cam.  Can someone give me the link?   :)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Just Rick on February 09, 2013, 09:39:10

Quote from: FatBoy on February 09, 2013, 08:54:43

Quote from: Rick on February 09, 2013, 08:51:52

RN,I have mine on all the time,just delete everything when I am done my trip,only time I keep something is if something goes wrong or something funny, neither has happened yet LOL

I'd do the same, Rick, if I had a dash cam.  I must look at getting one and record my trip into work each day (and maybe some of my work stuff too).  Then I could show you how good some of the drivers are here in Tassie (they are so good they don't need indicators or need to look when they change lanes).

 Bugger me you must have gotten a boat load of immigrants from WA,that is the exact driving practice over here,but they must of improved on their immigration,because they still don't know how to merge here.
 :rofl: I reckon I must of scared the living begesus out of a your woman yesterday,she merged in front of me on the Roe,was going the same way as I was,when we got to the lights at the off ramp at Berrigan drv,she was beside me,as I knew the lights would take a minimum of five minutes to change,I apply the maxi barakes jumped out and asked through her passenger window if I could shake her hand and congratulate her,she was the first person I have ever come acroos over here you knew how to merge in front of a semi.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Doggie 1 on February 09, 2013, 09:51:52

 :rofl:
That is hilarious Rick.
I know EXACTLY what you mean.
I drove the Roe & Kwinana today down to Mandurah and I kid you not, 90% of drivers do not know how to merge.
10% did.
They just "drift" on to the freeway at 10, 20, 30 km/h under the speed limit, no indicators, oblivious to what might be coming up behind them on the freeway.
It is unbelievable. We have the worst drivers here, I'm sure.
When you get one who does it right it is cause for celebration and if I posted my dashcam video for the entire trip today you would see exactly that.
On the rare occasion a driver got it right I was amazed and said so out loud.  :lol:
But the majority of W.A. drivers really are apathetic and hopeless. They do not have a clue.

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: rustynutz on February 09, 2013, 09:54:02

Quote from: BrightonSA on February 09, 2013, 09:33:50

There must a thread here on dash cam.  Can someone give me the link?   :)

Here's a few....

https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=15657.msg171473#msg171473 (https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=15657.msg171473#msg171473)

https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=15671.msg171668#msg171668 (https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=15671.msg171668#msg171668)

https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=14446.msg158718#msg158718 (https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=14446.msg158718#msg158718)

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: panda on February 09, 2013, 09:59:26

We have the same non blinker uses here. I nearly got collected by one tonight. He was obviously not paying much attention to the road. He drifted over the line on the freeway into the lane next to him, finally noticed, drifted back, then a 2 cars in front pulled over on the shoulder. I watched him drift over the line, onto the shoulder and not notice the car was stopped there until it was almost too late.

Couple of minutes later while I'm overtaking him, the idiot decides he's going to overtake the car in front of him, pops into my lane (the back of his car was about even with my front passenger door), no blinker what so ever, finally realizes, swings back and then proceeds to give me dirty looks as I pass him like I shouldn't be on the road. What the?!?!

Finally we hit the spot where there is temporarily 3 lanes and he floors it and proceeds up the freeway doing at least 140kms (because going 40kms OVER the speed limit is a really good idea when you're paying zero attention to the road and drivers around you  :whistler:).

How on earth some people get their licences...........

Title: Re: My Road Trip....
Post by: Just Rick on February 09, 2013, 10:39:04

Quote from: db08 on February 09, 2013, 09:51:52

:rofl:
That is hilarious Rick.
I know EXACTLY what you mean.
I drove the Roe & Kwinana today down to Mandurah and I kid you not, 90% of drivers do not know how to merge.
10% did.
They just "drift" on to the freeway at 10, 20, 30 km/h under the speed limit, no indicators, oblivious to what might be coming up behind them on the freeway.
It is unbelievable. We have the worst drivers here, I'm sure.
When you get one who does it right it is cause for celebration and if I posted my dashcam video for the entire trip today you would see exactly that.
On the rare occasion a driver got it right I was amazed and said so out loud.  :lol:
But the majority of W.A. drivers really are apathetic and hopeless. They do not have a clue.

Dave I like giving credit where credit is due,but I give it on rare occassions here in WA,but today I had to congratulate another young driver,red P plater,he is the very first one I have ever seen displaying his P plates correctly, in clear veiw at the very rear of the car and the very front of his vehicle,as it was very busy out front of Carousel, I just wound down my passenger window and yelled to him well done matey,there should be more young blokes like you on the road,unlike the majority of them who try to hide their P plates,they're dumbasses,because they get into far more trouble when they do eventually get picked up for doing something wrong and not displaying their plates correctly.

I always thought the worse driers in Australia was a throw up between New South Welshmen or Banana benders,but after doing our trip around Oz,No one and I mean No One holds a card to Western Australian, a majority of them should NOT be on the road, I think we where in Applecross today and for Sue to comment on someones driving abilities it has to be bad we where driving up the road and she yelled out the window(sarcastically I mean) Hey F*#K Wit why don't you park in the middle of the street next time,yes his vehicle was minimum two fett from the kerb