Australian Panel Van Nationals 2015

Mick and I aren’t exactly petrol heads when it comes to cars.  Mick even less so than me.  We don’t go to the V8s and only take a cursory interest in them, although we love the fact that Bathurst hosts them.

However, when there is a big car display on in town we will definitely go along for a look see.

This Easter Bathurst hosted the Panel Van Nationals. Sunday was the one day that the show was open to the public and it was really well supported.  Fortunately the rain held off all day.

I am showing my age when this takes me back to my teens.  I loved all the stunning panel vans you would see around.

Of course, the most famous van is the Holden Sandman.  There were many on display in a variety of colours.

The flashest vans were on display inside the pavilions.

The air brush artwork on some was stunning.

As were the internal fit outs.

I can’t say that I particularly liked the pointy front ends, but this van was so very 70s.

The interior was much more authentic than some of the others, despite them being beautifully executed.

Yep, very 70s.

There were a couple of FJs.

I had to laugh at this sign.  It says it all.  You’ll have to zoom in to read it properly.

This one gave me a chuckle as well.

There were a few Transit Vans as well.

Ford didn’t seem to do as many decals as Holden, but then I saw the Sunbird.  I had forgotten about them.

It was good to see some with surf boards.

The show reminded me of the different vans that some of my mates had.

One mate had a sky blue Escort, but it didn’t have any windows in the back.

This one was sweet, with the picnic basket it the back, rather than being decked out for the drive-in.

Another mate had a little yellow Gemini, but the earlier model than the sole entrant in the show.

I’ll never forget one mate turning up in the roughest old HD Holden van, painted navy blue and I’m sure it was done with a paint brush.  The version on display was in a different league.

This was actually my favourite van in the show.  It was immaculate in and out.

One mate’s brother actually bought a show winning Panel Van.  He only had it for a short while.  It was an XY Falcon shape in a golden yellow and was stunning.  I only saw one version of that model at the show, not long before we left.  I was starting to wonder if my memory was tricking me with the model, but no, it was still OK.  This one was rather stunning too.

Even Mick owned an orange XB Falcon panel van for a while in the mid 80s when he was in Western Australia.  It was a real work horse travelling between Kalgoorlie and the mine he was working on.  Nothing flash, but similar to this one.

And my favourite way back then.  Well, there was only one of them on display.  I thought there would have been more.  My favourite was the Chrysler “Drifter”.

Yes, there was only the one, rather sorry looking example, but it was original and obviously much used.

My favourite colour was the white with blue trim and there was a ute on display, so you can get the drift (pardon the pun) of what they looked like.

There were some other Chrysler vans on display, but not in the Drifter livery.

I had to laugh when we were chatting to a mate at the end of the show.  He was telling Mick about all the technical modifications that had been made on some and how clever they are.  It just went over both our heads.  I just know they look pretty.

So, what of the future of the panel van?  There were a couple of modern Sandmans (or is it Sandmen?) I’m not sure if they were a factory release or specials.

Apparently Holden are about to release a new version of the Sandman, but only as a ute or sports wagon, not a panel van.  We will have to wait and see what they look like.

Meanwhile, it appears that although the panel van seemed to disappear from the roads many years ago, they are hiding in lots of sheds and being well looked after.  I think they will be around for many years to come.

Well done to the organisers for putting on a fabulous show and for sharing it with the people of Bathurst.

What an Easter

Our Easter this year was to be fairly laid back…….go for a pleasant motorcycle ride on Friday with the Vintage Rally, as we do each year, and then not much else……..have a really lazy time.

Well, as can be expected…… “the best laid plans of mice and men”, as they say…..

Firstly, we have visitors.  An aunt and uncle we hadn’t seen for twelve months, well we’ve seen them twice in two weeks.  It’s been a delight having them here.

Easter is always busy in Bathurst and it has rained.  We need the rain so much, but it is disappointing for all those people who have visited for the events around town and to go camping in all the wonderful places around the area.  As well as the Vintage Motorcycle Rally there was car racing at Mt Panorama and the 40th National Panel Van Show being held at the Showground.  Yep, a petrol head’s dream.

We rocked on up to the start of our bike ride and it was wet.  Instead of around 120 bikes there would have been 20, if you were lucky.  Fortunately, the week leading up to Easter was perfect weather for the majority of their outings. 

Boy, did we pay out on our mate who arrived in his ute wearing shorts and carrying his umbrella.  However, we weren’t able to shame him into going home and getting his bike.  Maybe he is rather smart after all.

We rode out to Oberon, where we had nice hot coffee to revive us and then onto the  Tarana Pub for lovely fish and chips.  “Olga” the old girl went really well, surprisingly well considering the weather conditions.  We thoroughly enjoy getting out and about on her.

I must say, it was rather nice to get home and into some warm, dry clothes.

On Saturday I cooked my first batch of soup for the year.  It was a bleak drizzly day, so just what was needed.  No pics, as we were too busy tucking in. 

Sunday was to be a nice lazy day.  The day dawned dry, which was nice to see.  Our plans went out the window when we had to make an unexpected trip out to Hill End.  Once our passenger was delivered Mick and I made the most of our time.  The trees were just starting to change their colours and the avenues were looking rather lovely.

There were even some markets on, which we visited.  Bonus!

Hill End has always been a remote village to visit, having to travel over rather narrow, windy dirt roads.  The road to Mudgee and one of the routes to Bathurst have been sealed for a few years now, but two weeks ago the final section between Hill End and Sofala was sealed. We travelled home along this route and were surprised to see what an excellent, wide road they have made.  It makes it so much easier for people to visit the popular destination.

Just out of Sofala we called in at “Wallaby Rocks”.  I never knew they were called this until recently.  Dad and Mum would take us out there when we were little and we would yell at the cliff and it would echo back.  Great fun. 

We didn’t realise what a nice camping spot it is.  The river had a nice deep hole, despite the lack of decent recent rain.  Perfect for taking out the kayak.  There were some kids having a great time jumping off the cliffs into the river.

The bridge also has great character.

We might just have to go camping down there some time.

Once we returned to Bathurst we visited the Showground to see the Panel Van Show. 

They were so lucky to have a fine day for the one day it was open to the public.

Monday, well that made up for the rest of the weekend.  We had a lovely lazy time. Once again it was a mainly wet day, but that didn’t matter. Breakfast in town, visiting friends and just lazing at home, reading. You can’t get much better than that.

I did have plans of stitching, but I’m sure they will wait.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter as well.

It is rather chilly here tonight and we even have the heater on.  Apparently tomorrow is to give us our first taste of wintery weather.  I don’t know if we are ready for that just yet.

PS. I’ll be back to catch up on the last few weeks very shortly.

Nature’s Journey Stitch A Long

You may remember that at the beginning of the year I signed up to join in Chooky’s Nature’s Journey stitch along. I’ve posted my progress on the Stitch Along Blog, but neglected to update things here.

FEBRUARY

February was first month of stitching, but we were in New Zealand for most of that time.  I started my blanket stitch frames before we went away, but knew it would be rather tight to get the month’s section completed. Nothing further was done until the last day of the month.

Seeing as the appliqué pieces are so small I decided not only to use my stash but to dive into my scrap boxes.

I pulled out the pieces in the colours that suited and there were quite a few.  Some of them were quite small, just crumbs, but it was fun using the tiniest pieces that I could.

It was at about this stage that I had a visit from a certain whip cracker to check up on me. Fortunately I was working away.  It didn't matter that I was still in my jarmies and bed hair.  Just as well she is a tolerant friend.

I'd like to have used needleturn appliqué, but it was easier, if not that much quicker, to just use machine blanket stitch.

All finished by late in the afternoon.

The basket block has a very special fabric in it.

I only had this tiny bit left, which is even tinier now.

This fabric has a bit of a history.  My grandmother made a wagga/beadspread for my mum in the early 50s, which has a scrappy patchwork back.  There is some of this fabric in that quilt.  It probably dates from the 30s.  One of the very first pieces of patchwork I ever made was an English paper pieced coathanger cover, back in the early 80s.  I used this fabric in that, just a fabric I found in Mum's scrap bag, which then ended up in mine.  It is nice to see it being used over such a long period of time.

MARCH

We had 10 days away at the end of the month and I managed to finish the blanket stitching for March while we were away.  I even completed a couple of circles towards April - Bonus!

We returned home on the last Sunday afternoon of the month, and after quickly unpacking it was appliqué time.  I was able to get them all finished that evening, thank goodness.

Once again, the fabrics were from my tiny scraps.  The darker of the large stars was from a charm square that had come on a jar of home made jam, so lots of different stories to go with it.

Thanks so much Chooky and Susan for keeping us on the straight and narrow.  Your whip cracking is really appreciated, as this is the only way that I will commit to completing a project of this scale.

Chooky, I do hope you find the time to get caught up.  I'd be scared of Susan's whip.

March Finishes

Just a very quick post this evening, as the deadline for OPAM looms nigh…..

My finishes were both for the swaps at Girls Day in the Country. 

Firstly, for the “Make it, Bake it or Fake it” swap I prettied up a couple of more tea towels and then added some measuring cups and spoons to go with them.

The second one was any item with the selected Lynette Anderson Stitchery included.  I made a little project pouch.  I have one similar which is really handy.

I have been doing some other stitching, but no finishes to report. 

I’ll be back soon to share my Nundle photos and our trip north for the last week or so.

An Outing on Olga

We went for a ride on Olga the Old Girl today. 

That may not sound very thrilling, but we haven’t been for a ride since early November, except when Mick brought her into town from our old house.

We had to find helmets, gloves, intercom cords etc.  They had all just been stashed when we moved, but all were fortunately located.

The ride was just a short one, joining the Historic Car Club for a picnic by Chifley Dam.  It really was a lovely day for it.  I even achieved a little stitching on Nature’s Journey while sitting in the sun chatting.

This was our first chance to get out of town since our move and we were shocked to see how very dry everything is.  No, we aren’t stupid, we knew it was very dry, but this was the first time we had seen it first hand.  We were so lucky with the timing of moving into town.

Anyway, back to our ride, after lunch we took a detour on the way home and called into the O’Connell Cafe for coffee and cake.  A rather lovely way to finish off.

Hopefully, we will be able to join in the runs a bit more now that we don’t have as many garden and yard and paddock commitments, which is the whole idea.

Haast to Hokitika – Part 1

The next day of our trip was one Mick was looking forward to.  The main thing on his wish list, even higher up than seeing a Kiwi, was to fly in a helicopter over the glaciers and Mt Cook.  He has never been in a helicopter, so where would be more stunning than here to try it out.

We woke to a partly overcast day, but hoped that things would clear before we reached Fox Glacier.  Of course there were a few points of interest to call in and see before we got that far.

First stop was Knights Point Lookout, with these stunning rocks off the coast.

And we had to call in at Bruce Bay.  So many rocks on the beach. You could hear them grinding on each other. The waves were mesmerising.  Do you notice that the sun has disappeared.

There were lots of narrow, one way bridges on the South Island.

I’m glad I’m not a bus or truck driver.

Finally, we arrived at Fox Glacier and realised that Mick’s dream was not going to become a reality on that day.  It was just too cloudy.  When we arrived there were a few choppers in the air, but they seemed to dwindle.  Just as well we hadn’t booked anything ahead.

We still intended to walk up to the glacier and have a look.  There were lots of warning signs.

It is quite alarming to see how much the glacier has retreated in six  short years.

We walked part of the way until we could see the start of the glacier in the distance.  It was at this stage that I decided that I wouldn’t go any further.  I’m rather very unfit and I knew I would struggle up that hill. The track is that skinny line running up beside the cliff on the left.  There are tiny specks on that path, which are the people.  I sat it out on a rock and “Visited” with a nice gentleman from Texas, who had the same idea as me.

Mick took the next couple of photos.  I couldn’t believe how dirty the glacier is.  I wonder if it looks better in spring?

Doesn’t the ice make strange sculptures.

Remember how I said I love the 16 x zoom on my camera.  Remember that photo above of the skinny line of a path.  Well, I was able to zoom in and pick out Mick walking back down from the glacier.  (That’s him in the white t-shirt and hat.) Pretty impressive.

By the way, he said I wouldn’t have made it.  Lots of people were struggling.  You can see on the photo above how steep it is.  I’m glad I took the easy sensible option. Maybe another time.

Back on the road, I finally got a photo of a farm shed.  We saw quite a few of this design and Mick was really taken with the way they were constructed.  Not quite like a tank on its side, but with a slight peak. We’ve never seen any like it in Australia and didn’t see any on the North Island either.

Next stop was to have been Lake Matheson, where you can take photos of Mount Cook reflected in the lake.  Not today you couldn’t.  Yep, Mount Cook is somewhere in among those clouds.

On well, we have an excuse to visit another time and hopefully have a better day.  We really can’t complain, as we have had wonderful weather for the rest of the time, except for one day, and that didn’t stop us doing anything.

Anyway, we headed towards Franz Josef, where we had a nice lunch, spying yet another cute church along the way.

We did catch a quick glimpse of a snow clad mountain, so do believe they exist.

Out Damn Spot

I love my camera.  It is just a little point and shoot that lives permanently in my handbag. 

The best thing is that it has a 16x optical zoom, which works really well, taking lovely, clear photos and videos.

The worst thing is that it has a 16 x optical zoom, which means the lens has to move in and out.

At the start of our holiday my photos started to get a little mark in the top left hand corner.  When I looked a the lens, it wasn’t a mark ON the lens, it was IN the lens.  It wasn’t too bad, and I figured I could compose photos to allow me to crop it out.  You can see it below – just a little smudge - annoying, but I could live with it.

However, as we went along, another very conspicuous mark developed top centre, and then another to the right.  Now I was getting annoyed. They were all WITHIN the lens.

And there was one more as well.  Looking at the lens it is a tiny white speck bang in the centre.  It didn’t show on photos unless I was shooting into the sun, then there was a faded out mark bang smack in the middle of the photos, like on the door of the cottage in Arrowtown.

I didn’t want to buy a new camera while we were away, so my plan was to use Mick’s second camera.  Yes, he takes two.  He has his big one, which I can’t be bothered with. The wrong lens always seems to be on for the situation you want, and I haven’t had enough practice with it.  His second camera is a little point and shoot he bought to take on the dirt bike. It is water, dust and shock proof.  It only has 5 x optical zoom, but I could live with that, if at least the photos were clear.  The only problem was that we couldn’t find it.  We were sure it had been packed. I had the cord with all the others, but assumed we must have accidently left it at home.  Darn!

That was, until we were doing the big pack up to go on the ferry from the South Island to the North Island. It finally was located in one of the many pockets in Mick’s back pack.  Therefore, although the last photos I took on the South Island are all marred by the nasty marks, I do have some better ones of the North Island.

Now that we are home I have discovered that there is one month left on my camera’s warranty.  Unfortunately, the store I bought it from won’t deal with the warranty at all, other than giving me a phone number.   Now I have to find out what I have to do to get it looked at.  Hopefully, it will be covered, but I’m not holding my breath. If it isn’t covered I will purchase my next camera at the store where I know they will take care of any warranty claims for you.

I’ll keep you posted.