Ekki's O'Tooles Adventure

Ekki Adventurers

4x4 Earth Contributer
Hey All,
What a blast. We had so much fun. We took over 1500 photo's and more than 4 hrs of video footage.
I'm just going to have to slowly increase this thread as i get everything together or you won't read my report till next O'Tooles. :D

Day 1
With JackedSurf we travelled through Ngarkat CP, Mt Shaugh CP, Border Track, Wyperfield NP, Red Bluff CP, etc

JackedSurf summed up beautifully our first day out, so I won’t repeat but add some pics (still working on uploading the video footage). I haven’t worked out how to insert pics yet so the links are to the albums only.
I’ve attached captions to each.
We followed the tracks through Ngarkat due East and as the sun rose so did the roos. The best time to view the wildlife out here is early morning but this also makes for very cautious driving. Do not underestimate, there are hundreds of roos out here and you won’t always see them until they are in front of you.
Most will have heard about JackedSurf, pulling us out of a hole. It was a big hole even by Wooky standards. (sorry for the quality was taken from video footage).
Driving through Ngarkat CP and JackedSurf negotiating one of the holes on the Border Track.
That’s about it for day 1

Picasa Web Albums - cromack - O'Tooles Day 1

Day 2
We had made camp on the banks of the Wimmera River just outside Jabuk. The local establishment had said if we only stayed one night he didn't care. We were up early and already the temperature was starting to climb. The flies were also awake so after a cooked breakfast, eaten inside the fly tent, we broke camp and headed for The Grampians.
Set the GPS to shortest distance and she made a beeline straight for Halls Gap. Lovely back roads devoid of traffic made for an easy drive and we stopped for a photo along the Tourist Route. As we turned off this route and headed for the tracks the goanna (pic 1) ran across the road in front of us and up a tree. That day we had emus, kangaroos and wallabies cross infront of us but when the deer crossed the track even Ewok was speechless for a moment.
We took Chinamans Track and the Goat Track as we weaved our way through to Halls Gap. Quick meal, thankyou JackedSurf, then off to get camping permits and pick our campsite for the night. After discussions with a very helpful assistant at the information centre we took off for Jimmy Creek Campsite. We had a quick drive around the area then headed off to discover more tracks and campsites. It was about 6 before we ended up back at Jimmy Creek. Make camp, cooked tea went to bed.
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - O'Tooles Day 2
Day 3
We were greeted with kangaroos munching their breakfast right next to the tents. The kookaburras call to each other. Out with the camera and a chance to use the longer lens for the first time. Except for a bit of camera play not a very exciting day although the route was interesting. Again set on shortest distance we drove straight for Ballarat (or Bathurst, as I kept saying. Dam Wooky and his motor racing). Found a lovely Motel, comfy bed, hot large showers what more could we wish for. JackedSurf went to get the car fixed, Wooky redosed himself up on TV gamarays, and I tried, in vain, to get onto the hotel internet system. Seems I've turned something off somewhere in this machine and until I find it I can't get it to work. But was too tired to be too bothered.
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - O'Tooles Day 3
Day 4
Went shopping for supplies before we left Ballarat so we wouldn't have to worry about doing it in Melbourne. Set the GPS to avoid Toll Ways and she took us on a wonderful drive around the outer suburbs until she lost power at a 5 road intersection. :eek: Finally realised the recharge plug wasn't in properly and once rectified we continued along to BEK's. A wonderful evening of catching up with old friends as BEk & Lynn, LowLux & Trish and ourselves had all been on the Flinders Trip together. Lots of laughs, beer, wine, pizza and great company - thanks guys.
We set ourselves up in the downstairs at the house. Should of thought of Wooky's height as we setup under the stairs. And yes Wooky whacked himself a beauty under a step. It was also the beginning of the air mattress saga which wasn't solved till we reached Geelong. But all this was forgotten when BEK's calming wakeup call was heard. O'tooles was about to officially begin. :eek:
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - O'Tooles Day 4
Day 5 & 6
I've waded through just under 1000 photo's so far trying to pick out the best. 3 days packed of fun, laughs and some wonderful scenery. Great tracks, a wonderful time spent in Walhalla (thanks to all the BEKs for a great time here with the questionaire) Too much to recount here so here's the link to the albums so you can see for yourselves. Yobbo - must have about 50 or more photo's of your backside good thing Wooky was in the car else he might think we had something going on. ;) :D
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - O'Tooles Days...
Still more to come but better go do some housework :rolleyes: Will add more later

Day 8
Treasure hunting with the GPS and a bit of a rest day as Wooky wasn't feeling too well.:rolleyes:
Day 9
Leave O'Tooles and the SA crew and head for the Mornington Peninsula for a looksee.
Day 10
Sorrento to Ottways along The Great Ocean Rd, Torquay Surf Museum, Anaconda in Geelong etc.
Day 11
Wandered around the Ottways tracks
Day 12
Ottways to Mt Gambier
Day 13
Mt Gambier home via the Coorong.

All in all we did 3,500km avg 20lt/100km :mad: but funnily enough Ekki gets better fuel economy on the tracks and back roads than she does on the Blacktop. :rolleyes:

We had an absolute blast - Thanks everyone once again.

Link below to the first of several albums in Picasa - hope this works
4x4 Earth Vehicles
Just some initially - and their quality is down as I shrank them to 15% for quicker viewing
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - 4x4 Earth Veh...

More Vehicle Pictures posted 25/11/09

Wildflower album added 28/11/09
Picasa Web Albums - cromack - Wildflowers
Ekki
 
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Traveller

Well-Known Member
Number 3 in the pics is my wagon.
Good to see the reports and pics, I was a bit like a few other Vics, didn't get the camera out at all!
Was great to meet so many, and very much looking forward to heading to SA.

Jok
 

Grumpy

Moderator
Thanx for that EKKI just love the number plate great shots of vehicles thanks keep em coming.
 

Ekki Adventurers

4x4 Earth Contributer
Number 3 in the pics is my wagon.
Good to see the reports and pics, I was a bit like a few other Vics, didn't get the camera out at all!
Was great to meet so many, and very much looking forward to heading to SA.

Jok

Hey Jok,
So have I put Billolga's name to your beast. Much apology - but I am only a mere female. I'll change the name ASAP.
We're hoping to put together a trip into SA next year as I feel we have enough SA's to cover most of the State with local knowledge now.
Any idea's where you'd like to visit over here.
Kaz
 

Grumpy

Moderator
hey Kaz I recon a magic markers thing would probably go ok over there if only you can get past Number 2.
 

Traveller

Well-Known Member
Hey Jok,
' but I am only a mere female.'

We're hoping to put together a trip into SA next year as I feel we have enough SA's to cover most of the State with local knowledge now.
Any idea's where you'd like to visit over here.
Kaz

Having met you, I'd hesitate to say 'mere', however, that is not our topic of discussion;)

As to where in SA I would like to visit, the Yorke Peninsula is one area I haven't been.
I am not really into sand/dunes etc, and really love bush sites with rivers/creeks but am
willing to go anywhere to see what your state has to offer.
I could draw all over a map to show where I've been, but local knowledge would
unearth hidden gems everywhere anyway:)
Also a firm believer that it's not so much the place, more the people that the experience
is shared with that makes a spot one to remember!:D

Jok
 

Ekki Adventurers

4x4 Earth Contributer
Why thank you Sir for your kind words.

Love Yorkes and lived over there for a couple of years - at Ardrossan however did find a fun little beach, easy Sandhills - nothing too strenuous but a beautiful area. Have been surfing down Stenhouse Bay many times. I know Oznog was talking about this same area before we went away so maybe a small contingent to Yorkes. Nice and close to home for us - only a couple of hours and a beautiful spot in the middle for a campsite would be Stansbury. They have a gorgeous caravan park right on the beachfront.
Fishing is also big over here.
 
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Ekki Adventurers

4x4 Earth Contributer
OK So far
Yorkes 2 votes,
Flinders 1

Oh and while I think of it - don't know if you eastern staters have heard but our Giant Pandas arrive here next month. We have them on loan from China so if your planning a trip over, The Adelaide Zoo might be one to add to the list.
 
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Ekki Adventurers

4x4 Earth Contributer
Thanks mate,
I had so much fun, didn't know what toy to play with first. Thanks for all your help with all the technical equipment. Everything worked how I hoped it would. Just didn't have the recharging of the laptop organized properly but after talking with Grumpy and him showing and allowing us to borrow his device I'm wrapped.
I'm not overly worried about the internet connection as I am yet to properly research how I want to do this, so no biggy.
The D60 is plenty for me at the moment to learn how to use it properly. It was great advice you guys gave me.
Anyway enough dribble.
Keep watching as I add to the saga.
Kaz
 

Grumpy

Moderator
How far past does the Yorke Peninsula trip take u and where did u think u would go on both trips.
 

Grey Ghost

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
I like the idea of a Cape Yorke trip next year but then I also like the idea of a Flinders ranges trip too so make that one vote each way for us Kaz. Maybe you should set up a new thread to cover this one....
 
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