Update from Tony follows:
G'day, I guess I have to put that!
Since leaving the Warwick area, where Betsy had a bit of electrical work done, and a set of rear air bags fitted, she drives like a dream. The rear boxes are pretty heavy and the springs aren't heavy duty, so she did sit a bit on her arse. Air bags were the quickest and easiest solution where I was, though AMMS will fit a heavy duty set on her return to Brisbane,along with a more major rewire. The rear shocks are off Milo, a set of TJM XGS Gold edition, and up front I have a pair of EFS Elite shocks, and steering damper. Really like the set up, not too harsh over the rough stuff, but excellent on road.
Driving an iconic truck like this is getting somewhat loads of attention, especially as she is in such good order, we haven't stopped yet and not had anyone come up to talk to us about her. I have even had photos taken, and this is only the start of the trip.also been asked to sell, but no, not happening, the more I drive her, the better she gets. She is doing around the 25 mpg Mark as well, and no oil used in first 1000km,not too bad,as we have just gone over the 370000km mark.
So, after warwick we headed west towards Bourke, well known as the real outback, as it is a few miles from anywhere. After a wander around town,restock the waeco, we headed to a National Park for a good walk,and to hit the red dirt, before finding the Darling River which we then followed south, towards Louth. It was getting on in the day, so a sign to Trilby Station has led us to a perfect camp spot, right on the steep banks of the Darling.
The heavy rains in Queensland at the start of the year flooded 20000acres of their 320000acres,and left the main homestead on an island for three months, but now all is green, grass everywhere along with thousands of goats, Roos and Emus, oh and also sheep, they have a lot of them too. Checking the stock water everyday is by plane, takes only an hour or two, otherwise it's a 400km trip by Toyota,and 11 hours. Yes, this man only drives yotas, a big V8 cruiser for the Mrs, two hilux, three 79 series utes, one with the new V8, the others the great 4.2 diesels. Have found two old 40s in the sheds, one of which needs tlc,the other is set for roo shooting,with a great big light force on top and three seats bolted to the tray. Also an old landie mk 1,never used greatly for obvious reasons. Two planes and one chopper.
We have done a station drive this morning, and came across the old homestead, which is amazingly Still furnished, got an aga but not been lived in since 1965!!!!!
So all is going well, I write this sat on the edge of the river under several giant red gums, giving superb shade. A slight breeze is blowing through, and the birds are all around, being incredibly vocal, especially the kookaburras, which is fine in the day, but damn annoying at sunrise,about 5am.
Tomorrow we head further south towards Wilcannia,then hit the black top towards Broken Hill, where we catch up with friends on a station just north of the town, for those of you who know the Outback challenge, the Stephens Creek sector is on their property at the 9 Mile station. There I hope to find wifi and get this posted to you, McDonalds at least as it's free. Might have a sneaky cappachino and toasted banana bread too!!! Then a proper bed for the night, first time since arriving, dont get me wrong, love camping, but a mattress and clean sheets will be welcome.
Enjoy the photos,
Cheers, Tony and Becky.
Morning by the river
Outback NSW
Roos
Things you come across
Yes, she still goes, the roo shooter
Long dirt roads
Not so new
Camping on the Darling River
Baja lights
EFS shocks love them