Um, a little set back

What a week. Starting on Monday night (and not going into all the details), Ash decided that a knife through her finger would be the best entree for dinner.

And being a whizz in the kitchen meant that this wasn't done half arsed. Severed artery, nerve and tendon. 8 hours in emergency, 4 hour operation and over night in hospital puts her on a 3-18 month recovery to have the finger back to (as close too) 100%.

The timing sucks. 3 weeks out from the start of the trip - not mentioning the day to day battles of a useless hand and her exams just prior to the trip - the surgeon is suggesting that Ash not go at all! This all depends on the healing and recovery process prior to d-day, so here's hoping it all goes well.

Update to follow.

Gardens of Stone National Park

What a day!

Thanks Noreen for a fantastic trip. Met up in Lithgow and then headed towards Mudgee, taking the turn off to the Gardens of Stone National Park. From there we followed the dirt road to a lookout, before heading further round the edge of the plateau looking over Newnes. We then made our way down the cliff and ended the day in Newes Campground. Again, we were challenged along the way in a few sections and were pleasantly rewarded with what the FJ can do, and the great scenery. Well worth the drive and somewhere we will surely explore some more in the future. Still want to see the ruins from the mining days. But gives us another excuse to come back.

Ash also had fun driving a lot of the second half of the day - using the low gears in a few sections along with a few fairly big bog sections and descents. All good practice for the upcoming trip in a few weeks time. The big bog hole we came across gave us only one option - through it! I must admit, we both thought that this was something that would've been avoided all together, but we all made it through fairly easily in the end. There was lots of mud flying, both in and out of the car..... but great fun! Everytime we go out with the FJCC crew, we seem to push ourselves and the car further, which is great.

Hopefully the map below works and shows the route we travelled over the course of the day.

Map Here

20" Rigid Industries LED Light Bar

A few months ago we had Andrew Clarke (Clarke Automotive, Hornsby) install a 20" LED light bar for us. I must admit that the initial idea wasn't ours, as we'd seen it done on someone else's FJ from the FJCC forum. The light fits behind the grill perfectly. We can't recommend this light bar enough. Even down low and behind the grill, the light output is outstanding!

We put it here for a number of reasons. Firstly being so that it still looks like a standard FJ. Secondly for a bit of added protection (these things are so strong that I think this really isn't a proper reason) And thirdly, so no one could easily steal the bloody thing!

We would've had more photos with the bar off etc, but as I didn't do the install myself we didn't get the chance. Hopefully this gives someone else the idea to do a similar thing knowing that being behind the grill doesn't have too much of a negative effect on the light output.

(20" Rigid Industries lightbar purchased from Snake Racing)

One Way In. One Way Out.

This is the idea behind the trip we are undertaking. If only for an excuse to get together and enjoy our cars and our great outdoors together.


With our trip following in their footsteps, Toyota really couldn't of hoped for a better advertisment. And as I understand, they've been nothing but accommodating in our (BMMFJ's & everyone from fjcc.com.au) efforts to discover the exact route taken, even providing a Toyota mechanic at no charge for the trip. But with FJ's, who'll need him ;)


Enjoy the video knowing we'll be there in a few short weeks. Can't wait.

Getting Ready

Well, purchased a Southern Cross tent from a mate's parents. Thanks Mr Brooks. We're still deciding on the swags or the tent at this stage though. I know if it rains, the tent will make things a bit easier. See how we go.
Still need to pick up some gear for the trip which is slowly approaching. I think only 7 weeks to go, or thereabouts.
As this was also a test, I'll see how this post goes, and keep this updated prior & during the trip - reception pending - but now with Telstra those hopes are a possibility.
S&A