Alone Around the World in 54 Days.At 73 and on a shoestring budget.

I had been wanting to go to the Isle of Man ever since I was working for a firm in Hastings, New Zealand back in the mid 50’s. They sold Ferodo brake linings and Renolds chains and we used to get posters from the Isle of Man with the TT results in, from time to time. I remember the first 100 mile per hour lap, then the first average race of over 100 mph. Then it went to 104 and so on. Now it is 130mph.

The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea between England, Ireland and Scotland.The Isle of Man is 33 miles (52 kilometres) long and 13 miles (22 kilometres) wide. It is the oldest self governing parliament in the world.

The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Crown is represented by a Lieutenant Governor. The island is not part of the United Kingdom, but foreign relations, defence and ultimate good-governance of the Isle of Man are the responsibility of the government of the United Kingdom.

The island was a Celtic community which came under the rule of the Norse in 1079. This has left a legacy from the Tynwald government to many place names. After a period of alternating rule by the Kings of England and Scotland, the Manx came under the feudal over-lordship of the English Crown. The lordship reverted to the British Crown in 1764 but the island never became part of the United Kingdom. This accounts for its current position as a Crown dependency.

I bought my first motor bike in 1955, a Matchless 500cc single in Wellington from Don Boyle of Lawton and Boyle. I always loved bikes and always thought of one day going to see the TT (Tourist Trophy) races which are held on the Isle of Man every year in June for two weeks. One week of practice and the next week for racing.

The TT has often been called “The Best Road Racing Course in the World.” I agree. It has been held almost every year for the past 101 years. The Centenary was held last year.

The racers do not all start together. They set off, usually one at a time, sometimes two, at 10 second intervals so it is a race against the clock. The course is just under 37 miles around extremely fast and very exciting. 265 corners I was told. They have to get them all started in under 15 minutes as the first ones off are not too far from the start again by then. Around 20 minutes or less per lap.

After two marriages , five children and seven grand children later, I finally booked my fare for this trip. I decided that as well as visiting the Isle of Man, I would go to Ireland to see the tomb of my famous ancestor in Dublin, John Philpot Curran.

John Philpot Curran, my great great (five greats) grandfather was one of the truest patriots and greatest men ever native of Irish soil. He was a lawyer and was late master of the rolls in Ireland. Born on the 24th day of July, 1750 and died October 14th 1817. My grandmother on my Mother’s side, Florence Annie Curran, told me many years ago that either her father or grandfather was left an estate of John Curran’s and all he had to do was go back to Ireland to claim it. She told me that he said, he had worked hard all his life and didn’t really want his children to get it easy! For years I have been trying to track down the family tree and what happened to John’s estate

so thought this might be a good idea to find out something about what happened. Not that I thought I would get any part of it: I just wanted to know what happened to it.

Then after the exciting Isle of Man visit I would go to London for a couple of days, possibly across to Paris and then on to Santa Cruz, California to see my son Matthew, his wife Lisa and their son, Logan. Right around the world.

Travelling alone is not easy at the best of times especially on a long journey overseas, this time right around the world.I was very nervous but very excited about making the trip alone at my age, 73, and with my disabilities. I had broken my left femur five years previously and because of a hospital error, I have a shorter left leg now and have to wear a built up left shoe. Previously many years ago, I had broken my right leg in a motor bike side car racing accident and this one used to be my shorter one; now my left leg is the one. I have also got glaucoma especially bad in my right eye and only see really with my left eye so I wanted to do this trip before losing any more of my sight.

However I have always said that I am glad I did things rather than just wished I had. I thought a few times when planning this trip whether or not to cancel it; I was either crazy or a wee bit brave! Now, I am very glad I didn’t cancel it.

For some weeks prior to leaving, I organized all the different power plugs and connectors I knew I would need as other countries have different power connectors and power. I ended up with a bag full of leads and plugs, most of which I never needed. However it’s best to have “stuff” and not need it, than not have it and need it!

About a year ago, I was preparing to go and visit my son Matthew and his wife Lisa and son, Logan in California, USA, Two days before I was due to leave, my sister, Annie, rang and asked me if I had a camera. I immediately got on Ebay and ordered and paid for a small digicam with the request that I would get it delivered before I was due to leave. It did arrive the very next day! So, this year I made sure I had spare batteries and lots of blank digicam disks to take with me this time I went overseas. Last year I was a newbie with the digicam and took the manual with me. This year I was more prepared.

Sunday evening, May 11th, 2008, the night before I was flying out, I put my dog tags around my neck and packed up everything I thought I might need, I was ready to go!

Monday morning early, on May 12th nervous but also very excited, I got a ride down to catch the the bus from town here to the Maryborough West Railway station. I checked my bags right through to Brisbane station. I was booked on the early morning Tilt train from Maryborough, leaving at 6:05 am to Brisbane.

Then the airport train to Brisbane airport. I flew from Brisbane on Qantas Airways QF 51 on an Airbus Industrie A330-300 at 1:55pm to Singapore, landing there at 7:50pm local time, a flight of 7 hours 55 minutes. I had about a 3 hour wait at Singapore.

Memories of Singapore. There was a male local pianist playing on a big white grand piano and a lady singer dressed in what looked like a military uniform and a beret, in the airport. Also the water fountain. I didn’t leave the airport.

I flew out of Singapore on Qantas Airways QF9 at 11pm on a Boeing 747-400. 13 hours 55 minutes later I arrived at Heathrow, London at 5:25am local time Tuesday 13th May.

I left London on Aer Lingus El155 at 9:05am for Dublin, arriving there at 10:20am.

I remember when waiting for the plane to start, it sounded like an old car needing more choke! I said, yeah right, Murphy’s Law!

When I landed at Dublin I couldn’t find the right bus or indeed any bus going to my motel. It took ages to get from the Dublin airport to the motel (8 minutes he said!) where I was booked in for three days at 28 Euros a day. I finally found a driver who thought he knew where the street was so he took me and dropped me off somewhere close, he said. However it was still a long way still to go and after a very long and hot walk, I finally arrived there at 3:30pm!

Wednesday 14th May. I caught a bus into the city of Dublin, where I got lost and really didn’t know where or what I was doing. But I eventually found the sight seeing bus. I had a great sight seeing trip for around 1 and a half hours filming all the time from the top deck front seat. I loved the bus driver singing all these traditional Irish songs, talking in Gaelic and generally commentating on the various sights. We saw the Guinness factory, Rapunzel’s Tower among other things, and many other memorable sights.

I had to be at Glasnevin cemetery by 2:30pm for a Cemetery tour, where I saw John Philpot Curran’s tomb. It’s a huge monument with just one word on it. CURRAN.

John Philpot Curran is still well remembered in Ireland history and schools, and his daughter Sarah Curran also is well remembered.

When I got back to Dublin, I was walking around, trying to find the right bus and not having any luck, and I missed the curb and my right leg gave way when I hit the road off the foot path and landed flat on my face in the bus path! Several people helped me up. I think the fact that I was carrying a large bag and it fell in front of me breaking my fall helped. I fell on my knuckles. I eventually got the right bus back to the motel. During the night I was sure I had broken my left wrist but after flexing it a long time, it was fine in the morning! Just shows what exercise can do.

On Thursday 15th May I caught a bus to Rathfarnham where I had a frustrating long series of walks trying to find The Priory, John Curran’s old home, or the remains of it. I was told it is still there, somewhere. I heard there was a Priory Estate somewhere but no one helped me find it and I was getting very tired of all this walking. A policeman and a policewoman from the local police station, were both very helpful but all they knew was to direct me to this museum, Pearce Museum which was closed.

I talked to two old chaps at the gate and they confirmed that the museum was closed but there were workmen there. Walk up the drive, they said. It was a very long uphill walk. When I reached the museum it was obviously shut but I climbed up the front steps and tried the doors, in case.

Then a man walked around the corner of the museum. I was going down the steps to speak to him when another elderly man arrived driving a car, and he called to the man I was going to speak to. I saw him point to me and heard him say

something about that fellow there and they spoke together quietly. I went down to ask them if they would help me find John’s old home, The Priory or the remains of it.

The driver said he knew exactly where it was but when I asked him to drive me there, he said it would take him too long and I could walk to it faster. He then drove away fast. The other chap said he also knew where it was and for me to walk up the path and he saw I was walking slowly so he said he would go ahead and meet me at the top of the path and show me. He left, walking very fast, far too fast for me to catch him up. When I finally reached there, he had vanished and was no where to be seen. He did walk very fast away from me. There were three or four other workers up there but they would not speak to me and when I tried to speak to them, they ignored me. Some workmen on the side of the road where I eventually emerged from this park, said they didn’t understand me. I only asked them where was the nearest bus stop. They said they didn’t understand what I said so I repeated the two words in a loud voice, “BUS STOP.” I mean, how hard is it to understand the two words, “Bus Stop?” But they did not reply to me at all. Very weird, I wonder what is going on over there. If I had had a car I should have gone to the local Real Estate agency and asked them if they knew anything. But by this time I was just too tired and wanted to get back to town.

I walked across the road to a garage where a man there told me the bus back to Dublin, left from the other side of the road. Another long wait. Wrong side! I crossed the road again and eventually found the right bus stop, and went back to Dublin. I went to a local Internet café but couldn’t get connected so I got my money refunded. Bought some hair shampoo and conditioner and then found the correct bus back to the motel.

The owner of the motel, Alan, said he didn’t have any Internet connection! I mean, he was advertising on the Net! Oh well, he told me there was an Internet café just “5 minutes” down the road at some church. 5 minutes! I walked for half an hour, then returned for another 30 minutes walk. No internet anywhere. I walked right past the motel, lost again. Geeze, these directions! He had already told me his motel was “only 8 minutes from the airport and 8 minutes from the town centre!” Yeah right, it took me hours to find his place originally and the bus from town the next few days, took at least 15 minutes! This saying, “as the crow flies!” What if the crow has a broken leg and has to walk?

Memories of Dublin. Great memorable bus tour. Too much walking, cold on one side of the streets and hot on the other. Forget that motel I stayed at. Not very good “Traditional Irish Breakfast” he said. Too small. Frustrating visit to Rathfarnham. I wonder what really is going on there. It was great though at least seeing John’s tomb at the Glasnevin Cemetery.

On Friday morning the 16th May, I caught the bus to the railway station in town and then the train to Balleymoney, changing trains at Belfast.

I walked up the hill from the Balleymoney station to the town Info centre, a long walk dragging all my luggage. What a lot of bikes! The North West 100 was on the next day and they told me Robert Dunlop, the late Joey’s brother had been killed in practice the day before.

Jacky O’Kelly, and the kind people at the Information centre gave me a cuppa and some sandwiches and food. I took a taxi to McLaughlin’s Corner, a country pub at 364 Bann Road,

Rasharkin where I was booked in for 6 days at 32 pounds a day, bed and breakfast. The taxi fare was 25 pounds. Sean and Pat were the owners. That evening Pat came and knocked on my door and said they could take to into town to another place for the stay overlooking the race but I had unpacked and settled down and I was too tired to move again and just wanted to stay where I was.

Saturday morning at 2:45am Debbie rang me. She had no idea of the time differences and I grabbed my phone to answer it and the case catch broke off and fell under the bed. I didn’t find that till a couple of days later. Sean served me up a huge breakfast at 7:10am. Cereal, Bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, fried tomatoes and even fried bread. A big jug of fresh orange juice, then toast and coffee. I ate too much and felt “very full!” The next few days at the hotel I selected what I wanted and only had enough to last me all day.

The whole time I was in Ireland and then most of the time I was in the Isle of Man, I was only having bed and breakfast, one meal a day. Oh well, I couldn’t afford to dine out. The huge breakfasts I had at this hotel, McLaughlin’s Corner, at Rasharkin, anyway lasted me all day and I used to order heaps of toast, spread it with butter and marmalade, and wrap it up in my napkin and take it back to my room. I could never eat everything that was offered although the first day I tried!

I would recommend this place to anyone. A great friendly place.

I relaxed most of the next day and tried to sort out the emails from my phone. But I couldn’t access net banking.I sat in my room and read a lot. Veronica, the receptionist, said she would get me a bus time table to go to town.

Sunday 18th May. Breakfast at 8am. Went tor a walk and filmed the hotel and grounds. Asked Debbie to phone Annie. 10:20pm watched the North West 100 races on BBC TV.

Monday 19th May. Walked along the narrow road and across the bridge. Very narrow path only on one side of the bridge, Had a look around at the old bridge over the river and then turned round to walk back. I saw a large stick in the hedge so I tugged it out of the hedge and dragged it back along the footpath to the hotel, branches and all. Freezing cold and very windy. The footpath was very narrow and there wasn’t a path on the other side of this narrow road. Every time a truck or bus drove past, I felt I would be blown off the footpath into the hedge. I took the branch to the side of the hotel and left it there. I told Sean what I was planning to do and asked him if he had an axe or a saw. He said there was a workman coming the next day and he would have some tools. But later he knocked on my door and lent me a hacksaw. So I went outside and cut the ends off to make a decent size staff and took it back to my room.

Tuesday 20th May. Pat drove me into town to the local hardware shop where I bought a small sharp pocket knife and a wood file to work on the stick. After a lot more walking back and forth from the Railway Station, I finally found an Internet connection at the local library and as I didn’t have the right amount of local currency, they didn’t charge me. I did my Net Banking. I had been told I should have a “Guinness with Joey” at his pub which was a small bar inside the station building. But it was only early and I didn’t like the look of the few obviously regular drinkers there so I left. I caught another taxi back to Rasharkin. 11 pounds fare.

Memories of Balleymoney. Once again, too much walking and very steep streets. However, if it doesn’t kill you, it must be good for you!

Wednesday 21st May I started taking the bark off the stick and then went and sat outside. 2;pm Finished the stick! Yayyyy!

Watched a League (soccer) final between Manchester City and Chelsea at Moscow on the TV. Manchester won in a shootout. Chelsea should have won; they played the better game.

Thursday 21st May. I have had enough “relaxation and rest.”Time to move on to get to the Isle of Man for the two TT weeks. The first week, the practice week starts this coming weekend! I have to get there! I know the two weeks will be exciting and tiring.

Sean took me into town for the train. I saw Joey’s memorial garden, and took a load of pictures and then bought some sand paper and a rubber ferrule for the walking staff.

I caught the train to Dublin, changing trains again at Belfast. I arrived at Dublin, cold and tired, and got off the train. It was raining. After asking many people who didn’t seem to know anything at all or even wanted to help me at all, I finally got some idea where the Dublin airport bus left from. I had to walk to the bus stop, dragging all my luggage. The bus finally arrived and I clambered aboard and parked all my bags and found me a seat and had been on the bus for about 5 minutes, (6 pounds fare to the airport) I remembered my stick which I had put down alongside my seat on the train. I had been sitting facing the way I was told the train would go, then when it started, it went the other way so I changed seats. 2 girls

came and sat opposite me. I had completely forgotten it with all the trouble I had getting my heavy luggage bags off the train and getting organized for the walk to the bus. Everyone seemed in a big rush to get off the train and I didn’t want to hold anyone up.

I eventually arrived at the Dublin airport, and found a seat upstairs in some sort of restaurant lounge. I had to keep moving most of the time as the seats were really only for restaurant patrons. When each restaurant or diner closed, they asked us to move somewhere else while they vacuumed the place and cleaned it. They said we were welcome back after they had finished. But there were lots of people who were in the same situation as me. When I did get a seat, it wasn’t a lounge, just a seat at a table. Every time I moved, and left my seat, someone else grabbed it and I had to search for another. I sat up all night texting to Deborah, my friend in Australia. She spent most of the night at the hospital with Rebecca her daughter, who was in labour with her first child. It was Thursday night in Dublin, Friday evening at home, Early Saturday morning after a long labour, Beccy had the baby girl, Jasmine.

It was Friday 23rd May. 210 years to the day it was the Irish Rebellion. 50,000 Irishmen and 25,000 British killed.

I went downstairs about 3am from where I had been trying to sleep, and I asked a clerk who was at the counter, where I had to go to get on my flight. He was very busy and told me to come back later early in the morning and sit and wait at the other end of aisle 7 where he was working, and wait for my flight. Aer Lingus EI 156. Do not worry, he said, someone will come and get you. I went down again about an hour later.

After a couple of hours later, and about 30 minutes before my flight was due to leave, I asked an attendant when were they going to collect me. I was told I was in the wrong lane!

Go down about three lanes, she said. This isn’t even your flight!

When I got to the right lane, I was told they would send someone to take me to my flight. A big chap came along with a wheel chair, asked me where I was going, immediately folded up the chair and left, saying he would send someone else. No one came and 20 minutes later I knew my flight had gone so I called to a passing policeman and asked him to get the girl at the counter to come and talk to me. I told her my story so she rebooked me on the next flight. It didn’t matter as I had about a 6 hour wait in London anyway.

Someone eventually arrived and took me to where my flight was going to leave. As soon as I reached the departure gate, they announced there had been a change of lanes and to go to another departure gate. It was another long walk but I got there.

I finally flew out and reached Heathrow Airport in London and had to catch the Tube to get to Terminal 5 for my next flight.

When I reached Terminal 5, and found the right place to wait for my next flight, I was approached by two young people, a man and a young lady. They asked me if they could do a survey on me as to how I found the service with British Airways with people who needed help. I didn’t mind and they asked if I minded if they recorded my replies. Then when they

finished they gave me 20 British pounds for my effort. That was cool! I would do that all day for that kind of help!

I flew out of London at 4:25pm on British Airways BA8817 (why are they always late?) for Glasgow, arriving there at 5:50pm. All this flying; my arms were getting sore…

I left Glasgow, this time on a Saab-Fairchild 340 from Terminal M for the Isle of Man at 7pm and arrived at Ronaldsway Airport Isle of Man at 7:55pm. I like these smaller planes better than the huge bus like planes, that the big airlines use. It’s real flying, not just like sitting in a bus for hours, getting so cramped and tired. I was getting very excited though about finally getting to my life long dream, the Isle of Man.

My long time Internet friend Gill from the Isle Of Man met me at the Isle of Man airport, and when we went to get my luggage, it was missing. It was probably still at Glasgow, the clerk said. After filling in the claim forms at the airport terminal, Gill drove me to Laurie and Carol Clayton’s home, at 16 Close Corlett, Peel, where I was going to stay for a few days before I went to Gills for the remainder of my stay. Laurie lent me some night attire and some clean clothes to use until, if ever, my luggage arrived.

Saturday morning, 24th May. I am here! It was a fine day but very windy. First of all, I planned on doing a walk along the cliff top which Gill and her dog Mac had done a couple of years previously and video taped for me.

I started down the road from Laurie’s, across the road and down across the park track, turned right at the end of the park track and started to walk along the track above the cliffs. To the left I could see along the Peel promenade and the Peel

Castle. Very scenic. How on earth could anyone build an edifice like this one. I walked along the track, taking pictures and filming, all the way. It was very steep and a narrow track and very windy and I wasn’t too sure of my footing. But I was determined to do it, even by myself. It was a long way down to the sea and I took many pictures. I was walking very slowly and I didn’t have a walking stick or staff, just taking one foot after the other as I wasn’t very sure footed. The track went on and on for some way. But, I kept telling myself, I had to do it! Every time I was approaching what looked like the end of the track, it turned a corner and went on, again. After quite a long walk, I decided I had had enough and turned round to walk back. My mobile phone then rang! It was Gill and she asked me where was I. I told her and she said to just keep walking along the track and she would meet me at the other end! She said she had her car there and would meet me. So I turned round and started walking again. After a fair way it seemed, Gill suddenly appeared in the distance, and when we met we finished the track walk together and got to her car, which was on the road near the track’s end. Quite a walk but I was pleased I had done it. Again, if it doesn’t kill you, it must be good for you!

They had found my luggage, Gill said, so we drove out to the airport terminal and collected that. It was great to have my “stuff” back and I would be able to change into my own clothes again later.

Gill then asked me if I would like (would I ever!!) a ride around the TT course the next day, Sunday, 25th May, on the back of a friends motor bike. Wow, yes !!! Of course.

Gill dropped me off back at Laurie and Carol’s place. I messaged everyone back home and they were all as excited as I was about my ride the next day.

Sunday morning, Gill phoned and asked me to walk around to her place which was only a short distance away, to meet Phil, the chap who was taking me on the ride.When I got there I saw he had a 2003 Triumph 4 cylinder 600cc Daytona bike.

Phil had brought me a leather jacket and a full face helmet and we got ready. I had to clamber aboard the bike which only had a very small seat at the back and no handles to hang onto. Gill told me to hang on around his waist which I did, and held on with my legs as well. It was great actually riding on a motorbike around the Isle of Man TT course! I would have loved to have gone faster around the course but there was a lot of other traffic and we had to watch the rules. It was still a great ride and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Certainly one of my trip highlights.

We rode right round the course except part of the Mountain Road which was closed so we did a small detour round some steep back streets and ended up at Laxey where we had a coffee. I was a bit stiff getting off and then on the bike again, but I didn’t mind a bit. Then we rode back up as far as we could to the Mountain Road and then down to the Grandstand. We walked round the pits and saw many bikes and side car outfits and we spoke to some of the riders. There were loads of bikes there and many notable riders and pit crews. As well as many spectators.

Then after a memorable ride we rode back to Gills. After taking some more pictures of Phil and the bike, we took off our riding gear and said goodbye to Phil in the meantime.

Gill then drove me in her car, round to the breakwater pier where Peel Castle is. Then we drove down to Niarbyl, a nice beach with a thatched roof cottage. We walked along the beach, took more photos and collected a few stones and shells. Some more “stuff” for my home, Gill said! Gill said she just knew that my home was full of “stuff!” Oh well….

Then we went back to Gill’s home for tea where she cooked me a nice dinner of roast lamb, potatoes, minted green peas, carrots and gravy. That was the best dinner I had on the whole trip, not counting the meals served up in the planes on the long distance flights.

I got back to Carol and Lauries at 6:40pm.

Gill told me she was working Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights and she would contact me on Thursday afternoon. She is a staff nurse at the local hospital where she works in the children’s ward and usually works three nights a week.

Monday 26th May, I walked into Peel where I bought Tee shirts, caps and patches. Then I walked back to Laurie’s. Laurie and his son Steve, had been out in the bush and found me a nice Ash stick which I was going to whittle into a walking staff. Staff number 2, after I left number one on the train going back to Dublin. I sat outside, cut it to the right length and peeled all the bark off. Then I sand papered it nice and smooth. I finished the stick at 2:45pm.

That evening, we had a barbecue tea with Laurie, Carol and Steve and of course their two black Labrador dogs, Jet

and Ruby. The only way I could tell them apart was Jet had a black collar and Ruby had a red one. Jet at first was the friendly one to me and Ruby was the nervous one. However, after a few days, Ruby got to know me and I think Jet was a bit jealous as Ruby used to climb all over me on the couch but Jet some times growled when I went near him, especially when he was in his bed. He liked his “own space.”

Tuesday, 27th May, was cold and rainy. I walked into Peel and got a rubber ferrule for the staff, then walked round to see the smoked kipper factory but the tour didn’t start till later that day. I got home again to Laurie’s by 3pm.

Wednesday 28th May, Laurie drove me into Douglas where I took a 10:20am steam train to Port Erin and back on the 12:20pm return. I took a lot of pictures. Got home again, walking up the hill to Laurie’s by 3pm. It was cold and foggy most of the day.

Thursday 29th May Laurie drove me into Douglas again. A lady saw me taking pictures of George Formby’s bronze statue, and asked me if I would like her to take a picture of me with him. Yes please! George Formby is a legend on the Isle of Man and was featured in the film No Limits, where George was a TT rider. Laurie told me that in the film where George crashed through a pub door, the stunt man who did that crash scene actually broke both his arms! I then went to a locksmith where I got the staff engraved with a nice brass plate for 10 pounds. I bought an Isle of Man flag and a beach towel, It was a beautifully fine and sunny day by now.

I paid a visit to Duke marketing; Geoff Duke will be in the pits on Saturday, hopefully.

I kept getting loads of compliments on my staff, although I didn’t take it everywhere with me. Only when I was going walking alone, sometimes I felt I needed the extra “leg!”

I caught the bus from Douglas which is on the east coast of the Isle of Man, to Peel which is on the west coast, and took heaps of pictures from the top of the bus. I got home again, walking up the hill from the Town Hall at 3:30pm

Friday 30th May Gill picked me up at 10am. We went to Peel and bought 1 jacket, more tee shirts and more hats. I kept thinking of who back home would like some mementos of the TT and my exciting visit. Gill drove me to The Sound where we had a cuppa. The Sound is right at the very southern end of the Isle of Man and overlooks a channel across to the Calf of Man, a small rocky island. Beautiful views, the day was perfect and the sea was calm. Hardly a ripple anywhere. I had never seen so many bikes. Then we went to Port St Mary, and then Port Erin.

Gill then dropped me off in town as she had to do some shopping and said she would pick me up later. She suggested I visit the Manx Museum. However I only looked around inside and didn’t pay what they asked for me to see the whole place. I walked back along the wharves and went into a small museum where there was a “Black Hole” room which was down a few steps. I couldn’t see a thing inside and then I went up again and then upstairs where I saw a really old vintage Norton. I took some more pictures.

Then I walked along to where the Peel Castle is. I took pictures of it and the Peel promenade. Gill then arrived with a lady

nurse friend of hers and Phil, the man who had taken me round the course on his bike.

We drove to Castletown where we met a couple of other friends and I had my first drink of the tour in a local pub where we had lunch. There were loads of bikers there as there were some races on somewhere.

We went to a park where we had a look around a souvenir shop and then had ice creams. Phil and the other lady went for a ride in the paddle boat.

Gill drove me to Ballaralla, and to where she grew up and we saw her old home, and Rushen Abbey which her parents used to manage. Saw the Monks Bridge where we forded the river, and then we went to Ballacrane to watch the last practice of the week. More filming.

Saturday 31st May, Race Day 1. 9:30am Gill arrived and took me to the grandstand, 25 pounds entry. After a lot of walking around the pits and shaking hands and getting autographs, I wasn’t going to pay 25 pounds to sit in the grand stand. But after thinking a bit, I thought, I was only there the once and should do it. So I paid the 25 pounds, and stayed there all day and got sun burnt. Just as well I was wearing my jacket that Matty bought me, as the hood kept the sun off my face in the grandstand.

Results: Dainese Superbike Race 1st 5

1 Cameron Donald 01 47 2008 Suzuki Australia. 2 Bruce Anstey 2008 Suzuki New Zealand. 3 Adrian Archibald 2008 Suzuki

4 Gary Johnson 2005 Honda 5 Ian Lougher 2008 Yamaha

I met Ian Lougher, John McGuinness, and many other notable riders in the pits before the race. He and many others I met there will remember my knuckles handshake.

By lunch time I was hot and sunburnt. I thought I had had enough and went for a walk but went back up into the stand again in the afternoon and watched the side cars race.

Sure Mobile Sidecar Race 1 1st 3

1 Nick Crowe/Mark Cox 2 John Holden/AndrewWinkle3 Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance

After the races had finished, I had a long walk to find Gill and she rang and arrived after the roads were open again. I waited till she arrived. It was a very exciting but a tiring day. The grand stand was great but the bikes went past so fast, you couldn’t see very much. Seeing them come into the pits for the refueling and tyre changes was exciting though. The workers in the pits were very fast and efficient and well drilled.

Sunday 1st June Mad Sunday. Gill was intending to take me round the course in her car for the Mad Sunday run but arrived at 11am upset because Billy, her husband was not pleased that she was going to take me. Gill said she couldn’t take me, but Laurie said he would take me around later in the day anyway. Gill then said she didn’t think it was a very good

idea for me to stay at her place because of Billy, so I decided to stay at Laurie and Carol’s place which was great and suited me fine. I hadn’t been wanting really to move to Gills as I didn’t feel comfortable with Billy either.

11:30am I walked down to the Peel Promenade and watched the stunt riders and Purple Helmets. The Purple Helmets are a very well practiced team of riders all wearing long overcoats, purple helmets, and all riding bikes. They are very funny. That was a great day. I filmed the Purple Helmet riders leaving together then walked back up the hill to Peel and bought fish ‘n chips and ate them sitting outside the shop.

Then I walked home to Laurie’s. Laurie took me round the course in his truck but part of the mountain road was closed so we did a heap of detours. He said he would take me around again later in the week, so I could film the whole circuit. I looked forward to that.

Monday June 2nd Race day 2Gill collected me and we went shopping again where I bought 1 more jacket, 1 cap, 1 more tee shirt and 5 pairs of socks as I had only packed 4 pairs.

We picked up Jack, Gill’s grandson, and we went on the horse drawn tram along the Douglas promenade, then up the mountain on the tram to Laxey and then on to Snaefell. Jack was impressed by my “wizard’s stick” and I showed him the disappearing coin trick. He carried my stick most of the day. We watched some of the Superstock Race.

Scottish Life International Superstock Race1 Cameron Donald 01 11 2008 Suzuki Australia

2 John McGuinness 2008 Honda 3 Guy Martin 2008 Honda 1000cc4 Ryan Farquhar 2008 Kawasaki 5 Conor Cummins 2007 Yamaha 6 Adrian Archibald 2008 Suzuki 7 Ian Lougher 2008 Yamaha

Relentless Supersport 1

1 Steve Plater 01 14 2008 Yamaha 2 John McGuinness 2008 Honda 3 Keith Amor 2006 Honda 4 Ryan Farquhar 2007 Kawasaki 5 Ian Lougher 2008 Yamaha 6 Gary Johnson 2007 Honda 7 Mark Parrett 2006 Yamaha 8 Mats Nilsson Honda 9 Cameron Donald 2008 Suzuki Australia10 Michael Dunlop 2007 Yamaha 11 Chris Palmer 2007 Yamaha 12 Adrian Archibald 2007 Yamaha

We only watched part of the first race as Gill had to get Jack back to his dad’s place so we came back again on the tram to Douglas to where Gill’s car was.

Tuesday June 3. I walked down the road to the bus stop and caught a bus to Ramsay from Peel to see the sprint. I had to walk miles across the harbour bridge to the sprint, but I

thought it was boring so I walked back to Ramsey. I bought some fish ‘n chips again, (I had fish ‘n chips everywhere!) and waited for the bus back to Peel. I went to a local supermarket and bought a bread knife for Gill as when I was at her place before I saw her trying to cut bread with a small vegetable knife. Then we were told that the Peel road was closed due to an accident so we had to wait for a bus to Douglas and then another long walk to the Peel bus terminal.

Back at Peel I walked up the hill again, stopped at the local supermarket and bought some avocados, tomatoes and cottage cheese to make some sandwiches. I wanted to get some cream cheese but no one seemed to have heard of it. I also couldn’t find any soft Rye bread anywhere. I had promised them all, I would make them the “Best sandwiches in the World.” Avocados, cream cheese and tomatoes on fresh soft dark rye bread.

Wednesday morning. June 4 Race day 3. Carol drove me to Braddon Bridge where I went up the hill and then down through the church cemetery and sat on top of a large concrete gate post to watch. A great watching place. I sat there all morning, then after a mid day break, I went back and my “post” was still there! So, I climbed up onto it again.

Relentless Supersport 2

1 Bruce Anstey 01 13 2008 Suzuki New Zealand2 Ian Hutchinson 2008 Yamaha 3 Ryan Farquhar 2007 Kawasaki 4 Ian Lougher 2008 Yamaha 5 Gary Johnson 2007 Honda

6 Guy Martin 2008 Honda 7 Conor Cummins 2008 Yamaha8 Michael Dunlop 2007 Yamaha 9 Adrian Archibald 2007 Yamaha

Sure Mobile Sidecar Race 2 1st 11

1 Nick Crowe/Mark Cox 2 Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle 3 John Holden/Andrew Winkle4 Steve Norbury/Rick Long 5 Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer6 Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance*7 Phil Dongworth/Stuart Castles8 Simon Neary/Jamie Winn9 Nigel Connole/Dipash Chauhan10 Douglas Wright/Stuart Bond 11 Greg Lambert/Sally Wilson

I was pleased to see that females are passengers on some of the side car outfits. Years ago, back in the late 1950’s when I was first doing a bit of dabbling with side cars, I had an ambition to have a “lady side car passenger.”

After the races finished, they had another practice run.

Then, I had to walk a long way down the road to catch the bus to Peel. It came eventually on the other side of the road and I hailed the driver and got picked up. Then I walked home again up the hill to Laurie’s. I really know that walk now!

Gill picked me up in the evening at 6:40pm and we went to Douglas promenade. We saw three bi planes with wing walkers doing aerobatics over the harbour. Then the stunt riders but it was too wet for most of them. Gill showed me the old hospital where she used to work and then drove me home again to Laurie and Carol’s at 10pm.

Thursday June 5. Laurie drove me into Douglas at 9am to see the museum but it didn’t open till 10. So after walking down the hill and up again, I finally went into the museum. Fell asleep watching the movie, The Story of Man. I saw the last part. I walked out again and down to the horse drawn trams and then up the hill in the tram to Laxey where there was supposed to be a Motor cycle show down on the beach. I walked through the gardens and saw the Laxey wheel which incidentally was the smaller one. I didn’t see the big one at all. Another long walk down to the beach and I bought a bag of chips, which took ages to cook, then walked down to the beach. There were heaps of vintage and old motor bikes. No side cars demo…. Walking back up the hill, I stopped at a local gate and asked the owner there if I could have a look at his old BSA Gold flash bike. I used to own them years ago. Then it was back up the hill again and I had to run and just managed to catch the Laxey tram going back to Douglas.

I then caught the horse tram again into Douglas. I sat in the front seat and filmed the horse trotting along in front of us. Then there was another long walk to the bus terminal. Back on the bus again to Peel at 4:30 and Laurie picked me up walking back up the hill. Thanks Laurie.

Friday Race Day 4. June 6. I caught the 7:50am bus to Ballaugh Bridge. I stayed there all day and I was standing on top of a concrete wall in front of a house. Ballaugh Bridge is where the bikes get airborne going over this bridge. It was the

final race of the TT. The Senior TT of 6 laps was won by John McGuinness.

Dainese Senior TT RaceProvisional Result Sheet 1st 10

1 John McGuinness 01 46 2008 Honda 2 Cameron Donald 2008 Suzuki 3 Ian Hutchinson 2008 Yamaha R1 4 Ryan Farquhar 2008 Kawasaki 5 Steve Plater 2008 Yamaha 6 Gary Johnson 2005 Honda 7 Ian Lougher 2008 Yamaha R1 8 Carl Rennie 2006 Suzuki 9 Daniel Stewart 2007 Honda 10 Michael Dunlop 2008 Yamaha

2:59pm I caught a bus back to Peel and walked home again from Ballaquane Road.

Saturday June 7. I heard the news from Jonathan and Selena back in New Zealand that they are expecting again in early March! Grand child number 8 for me. Woo Hoo!

Sunday June 8. Laurie drove me right around the whole TT course again, filming all the way. Laurie is the most knowledgeable person about the TT and the history of the races. He gave me a brilliant commentary right around the course. I completely filled 2 tapes and was into the 3rd. It took us just over an hour to drive round the whole course! Laurie said that the riders in the races would have done three laps by the time we did the one! This was definitely the highlight of my Isle of Man visit. Thank you Laurie.

I bought a small bush tree for Gill and 2 small bushes for Carol from a local nursery.

We got back to Laurie and Carol’s and Carol had the two plants I gave her, planted and in the ground before you could say or do anything! The energy of that lady! Laurie said that Carol kept so fit and slim because she was always running round after him! Oh, aye, were his two favorite words!

Later I walked down to Gills and gave her the tree and then walked home again. I never did make any nice sandwiches for anyone as I was fast running out of time.

Monday June 9Gill collected me to go to the airport. I said good bye to Laurie, Carol and Steve. I left Isle of Man at 11:40am. On British Airways BA8812.

Memories of the Isle of Man. The long cliff walk. The cold looking sea and the waves crashing on the coast below. Lots of walking. Up the hill from the Peel town hall where the bus dropped me when coming back from Douglas. The walk up the road , around the roundabout and then left up the road and across the next roundabout to turn right into Laurie’s street. The road up from Gills, the concrete fence and old gates where there is a large old vacant site. I wonder who ever lived there. The big house at the right of the park along from Gills. The yellow painted half of Gill’s semi detached house and the other half not painted. The view to the left, of Peel Castle and the promenade, from the end of the track down the path on the park. Lots of bikes everywhere. The narrow roads where cars park on one side of the road only, facing either way and cars traveling up or down the roads waiting to

give way to vehicles coming along the one way. Bikes, bikes and yet more bikes! I have never seen so many.

Peel Castle. It’s huge and very old. How could anyone build that! Just imagine trying to get something like that built today.

The many houses all joined together in rows. Terraced, they are called. All the grey, black or orange colored slate roofs and lots of chimney pots.

We are so lucky having so much open space here in Australia and New Zealand.

I arrived at Glasgow at 12:35pm. Saw 2 policemen carrying what looked like short machine guns. Very serious looking.

I changed my flight to San Francisco at the British airways desk from Thursday the 19th June to Friday 13th June.

I left Glasgow at 2:25pm, on British Airways BA1487 an Airbus Industrie A319 and arrived at Heathrow London at 3:45pm

I caught the train to Paddington station. Walked to the Edward Hotel in Spring Street London,

Oriental type very rude little man at the counter, demanded to see my ID, (passport) and photo copied it! Confirmed my booking for 2 days. No one helped me up to my room which was little more than a cupboard! Very thin walls and no sound proofing. I would definitely not recommend this hotel to anyone! The lift even didn’t stop level with the floors and I almost stubbed my foot a couple of times.

June 10th Tuesday morning early breakfast “All you can eat for 5 pounds” down in the basement. What a rip off. Very stern looking waitresses. Hard bread rolls, the fruit was only sliced oranges in a jug of water. Once again, stay clear of this place.

I bought a day bus pass and walked to the bus stop. A beautifully fine day. Had a long great tour around London. I got off the bus at the Thames ferry and spent a couple of hours cruising the Thames. There was a 21 gun salute from the Tower for the Queen so we stopped for a while right under the London bridge and watched the gun salute. I don’t know where the boat captain got the idea of a 21 salute. I was filming and got up to over 30 then gave up!

I got off the ferry again, right next to the Big Ben tower, St Stephens I was told is the right name; the name Big Ben is the name of the big bell that tolls the hours. I then caught, eventually a bus, supposed to be going back to where I started from. After a while I noticed the same old things I had seen earlier so I asked the driver where was my stop. Near the Paddington Station I said. He dropped me off miles from my destination and I walked a long way again trying to find Spring Street. It was very hot and tiring and I was definitely getting sun burnt. So, I stopped and bought fish ‘n chips and sat outside the café eating. Too much, I couldn’t finish it all so I wrapped it up and put it in my jacket pocket. Walked right past my street and eventually had to turn around and found it.

After sorting out my ideas in the hotel cupboard (room) I thought I might take a guided day tour around Paris the next day. I asked the hotel clerk if I could book for another 2 days and he looked really worried and said it would cost me a lot more. I told him to forget it. Later I went down again to ask him and said I was disappointed, I had come a long way and

wanted to see Paris. He wouldn’t help at all. I asked to talk to the manager and I was told the manager would not be there until 9am the next day. Forget that idea.

I rang the booking agency for the Paris Tours, and told them my dilemma and she said they were fully booked anyway for the next day, Wednesday. I could get in the tour on Saturday but I could not stay anywhere anyway as I was fast running out of funds.

I didn’t like the idea of being stranded in London!

If it hadn’t been for my sister Annie lending me some cash I would probably have been still there….. somewhere… Oh well, if it’s meant to be it will happen.

Early next morning, Wednesday 11th June, I checked out of the hotel. I suggested to the hotel clerk that he ought to get that lift fixed as someone might hurt themselves. I walked, carrying and dragging my heavy luggage to the Paddington Station, and took the slow train to Heathrow Airport, where I was fully expecting to stay for the 2 days until my flight to SF on the Friday.

However when I got to Heathrow, I asked if I could possibly change my flight again to go to San Francisco the same day, Wednesday and it was fine. No problem at all. All done! Whew!

Gill then rang me and said she had found another hotel on line, that I could book into for a much cheaper rate but I told her I was already at the Heathrow airport and had already re booked to leave London for San Francisco the same day. She then told me she thought I had been trying to fit in too much anyway in such a short time.

So, I flew out of Heathrow at 1:50pm on a British Airways Boeing 747-400 and after a 10 hours 50 minutes flight, landed in San Francisco on the same day at 4:40pm local time, due to the time differences. Matty collected me and drove me to his place in Santa Cruz.

That was Wednesday the 11th June. Lisa and Logan were not home so Matthew cooked tea for us. They arrived home later that evening.

Next morning Thursday the 12th June Matty had to work early so Lisa and Logan went to the park and I stayed home and played a bit on Logan’s baby grand piano.

Saturday the 14th June we drove way out in the bush to Bonny Doon for a wedding. We camped overnight. I had my own little tent and I had to get into bed before dark as I had no lights or torches. I remember lying awake a lot and in the early morning, I had no idea of the time and needed to go to the toilet. As soon as it was reasonably light I went out to find the toilet. Walking alone in the semi dark along uneven bush tracks is not easy. I eventually found the toilet and took about nearly an hour to get there and back to my tent.

We all eventually got dressed and had breakfast and drove home to Matty’s on the Sunday.

Wednesday, 18th June, we took Matty’s bike into the bike shop for repairs as I couldn’t stand seeing him walk to and from work each day.

I bought 2 toothbrushes and 2 tubes of toothpaste and a pair of scissors at Longs chemist and some food at Robinsons Fresh Food.

We went Ten Pin bowling late that afternoon and had three fun games. Matty’s neighbour looked after Logan.

Thursday 19th June I bought a cricket set on Ebay from the UK for Logan’s birthday. Lisa said she couldn’t find any cricket sets in the USA anywhere. They didn’t know what cricket was even. Hope it gets here by 27th for his birthday.

Friday the 20th June. Lisa was planning on going hiking with an old friend, Jim, while Matty and I went to San Francisco and on the ferry ride from Pier 39 to Alcatraz. Patty a friend was coming to look after Logan.

We drove to Jim’s place and dropped off Lisa.

Then the drive to Pier 39 to catch the ferry to Alcatraz. It was a long drive but we used the Tom Tom GPS unit to get us there. We found a car park a few piers further on and walked back to Pier 39, just on time to pick up our tickets. Matty bought us a beer while we were waiting for the ferry. It was a very hot sunny day, an ideal day for a harbor cruise.

Rode on the ferry to Alcatraz Island and we caught a ride on a people carrier, up the hill to the top, where the main building is. We walked right through the main building and saw the cells, dining rooms, the library and even some of the solitary confinement cells. We took loads of pictures of San Francisco and the harbor and the bridges from the top balcony.

I mentioned to one of the attendants that we had recently seen the movie “The Rock” starring Sean Connery and he said that some of the film had been done there. A lot of it was of course done in the studios.

Matty and I bought a couple of Alcatraz tin mug replicas, a tee shirt for Debbie and two packs of playing cards with the Alcatraz rules on the backs.

Then we caught the ride back to the pier, then the ferry. We took lots more pictures on the ferry going back to the city.

Driving home, we stopped off at Pacifica, at an English type restaurant and pub, Camelot Fish & Chips, and had fish ‘n chips for tea. Of course!

Saturday 21st June, we collected Matty’s bike, it cost me quite a bit to fix along with two new tyres. But I didn’t mind. Poor Matty. I was glad he doesn’t have to walk to work any more.

Matty then got a phone call from Jim. Poor Matty, he was tired out but he had to drive back to Jims to pick up Lisa.

Sunday 22nd June, Matty drove me to the local airport where he had booked a flight for me in a 2 seater plane. I filmed the trip, my 10th flight of my trip. Two to go!

Monday 23rd, Matty went to work early and Lisa was still sleeping at 1pm so I went for a long walk down to the beach where I paddled in the sea. I bought a big feed at Coles Bar B Q, spare ribs and chips, as I was very hungry by this time. Then I tried to walk back and got lost, I should have taken the Tom Tom GPS unit. I eventually after another long walk and asking directions from several shops, found Matty’s work at 4pm. Matty didn’t knock off work until a couple of hours later so he drew me a map to get back to his place. I still got lost as I missed the right turn and had to double back. Finally got there at 5pm.

Tuesday the 24th June, we drove to Big Sur where we stayed the night in a small cottage in the bush. There was smoke and bush fires everywhere. I finally had my Guinness with Matty! Outside in front of a barbecue fire.

Wednesday the 25th June. We left Big Sur in the morning but after driving for about half an hour, Matty remembered he had left some clothes hanging in the closet, so we had to double back to get them. On the way back we were stopped by a motor bike cop who let a cavalcade of black cars get out on the road from an adjacent helicopter landing field, where we had seen some helicopters on the way out. We learned later that the Governor of California, Arnie, was probably in one of the cars as he had visited the area to declare a state of emergency. We heard later that the whole area of Big Sur had been evacuated. We drove to Cambria Pines Lodge where we were booked in for two nights.

Thursday the 26th June, it was Matty’s birthday. We drove to Hearst Castle for the day. We went up to the castle in a shuttle bus, then walked up the steps into the Castle. It is a very beautiful old castle with all these great works of art and the indoor swimming pools and all the statues. When we drove back down in the bus we went into the cinema and saw the Hearst movie. I fell asleep in the first half of course. But I saw the ending. I bought the DVD when we came out. We saw from the top of the hills all the smoke. The sky was full of smoke and it was stopping the heat getting through from the sun. It was very cold. Then we drove back to Cambria Pines Lodge for our second night.

Next day, Friday 27th June we drove home again along Highway 101. What a long boring drive.

Lisa’s Mum arrived that evening. It was Logan’s 3rd birthday.

I had a long talk with Lisa’s Mum and we got on really well.

Saturday 28th June. We went to a park and had a birthday party for Logan, and a barbecue with a crowd of Lisa and Matty’s friends.

Sunday 29th June, Lisa’s Mum showed me how to play Russian Bank and Crazy Eights. We all went out for tea and played ten pin bowling. Logan played with Lisa and me, it was his first ever ten pin bowling game. They had the bumper bars come up automatically each time it was Logan’s turn and then went down again for the next players. It was my last night at Santa Cruz.

Next day, Monday 30th June. I was all packed up and all ready to go.

Logan’s cricket set arrived in the post. Yayyyyy.

I had rung the airlines earlier to ask about excess baggage. I had a large cardboard carton with a Mountain Bike side car that I had bought and I had had sent to Matty’s previously as they wouldn’t send it to me in Australia. Told it would cost me $107 to bring home as excess baggage. It wasn’t that heavy but it was fairly large. It had good handles each side of it.

We had taken the box to the Post to see if they would send it for me. Too big, they said, the weight was alright but the carton was too big. So we drove around to the UPS depot and lugged the carton inside again. Yes, no problem, they said, put it on the scales to see how much it weighed. They said they could send it for me at a cost of…. $787.00. No thanks, I said and took it back to the car. I decided to chance my luck with the airlines.

We had been wondering how we would take the carton in the car to the airport. Matty said he had to adjust the roof rack when he found his allen keys.

Then on the day I was leaving, Lisa said that she, Logan and her Mum weren’t coming to the airport, just Matty and me so I knew the carton would fit in the back seat.

Matty arrived home around 5pm from work, had a shower and we took off for the airport with my luggage in the boot, and the carton on the back seat. Matty said he could still see out the back with his wing mirrors!

It was a great drive and we could see all the San Francisco fog coming in from the sea and spilling down over the hills. Matty said he had never seen it that good.

We arrived at the San Francisco airport and put all the luggage on a trolley. We found the right check in counter only to be handed a note apologizing, saying my flight had been postponed till the next day. However we all had been booked into the Hyatt Regency hotel for the night and would be transferred there, and back to the Airport in the morning by a shuttle bus. We were allowed to check in all our luggage and even the carton was accepted without a question or any excess fees. They told me everything was checked in all the way to Brisbane.

I said good bye and thanks to Matty and went by shuttle bus to the hotel, where we were booked in and given two vouchers totaling $35 for dinner and breakfast. One was for $20 and the second for $15

I went to my room, got sorted out and then found the dining room where I had a nice steak meal, costing about $22 it said on the menu. The waitress took both my vouchers and said she didn’t give any change. I said what about my breakfast and she said she would get the manager to come and explain. After a long wait, no one came so I went to my room.

In the morning I went to the front counter and after a discussion, the clerk gave me another small voucher for $7 for breakfast. Naturally I went to the dining room but could only get a small muffin and cup of coffee for that. Oh well, that’s American hotels for you.

Tuesday morning July 1st, after filming my room and surrounds of the hotel, I caught the shuttle bus back to the airport.

I booked in, without any problems and waited for the flight, which was late too. They served us sandwiches, cakes and bottles of water, while we were waiting for our flight to arrive.

We eventually took off on the long 14 hours 40 minutes flight to Sydney where we again were late arriving at Sydney. We then were told that we had to collect all our luggage even though they had told me in San Francisco that it was checked all the way to Brisbane. Evidently you have to go through Customs at the first International airport you land in.Because we were late again, we were again booked in to a hotel, this time the Novotel Hotel at Brighton Beach and were given two taxi vouchers which we had to fill in ourselves.

I went to wait for my luggage at the baggage carousel.My luggage arrived but not the carton! After a long wait and checking the oversize carousel I was sent off to the lost baggage counter where I filed a claim form. The lady at the

counter, on the phone, said the carton was still in San Francisco. She said it would be personally delivered to me in Maryborough the next week after I arrived home. I told her I wasn’t sure when I would be home but I would be definitely there the next week. Just as well. I could never have taken it all in the taxi to the hotel, or to Annie’s the next day when I had planned to arrive at Brisbane!

Talking about Sydney robber taxi drivers! He knew I had a voucher and wouldn’t tell me the right fare. I repeatedly asked him how much but all he said was you fill in what you think. He told me to fill in any amount I thought would be right. I didn’t want to argue so I filled it in for $40.

I booked into the hotel, had a shower and went to bed.

Next morning early I was up and ready to go so did some more filming of the hotel and surrounds. Had a great a la carte breakfast, then got my luggage, with some help from the porter and caught another taxi to the Sydney airport.The cabby said the right fare was only $19 so I gave him $25.

When I went to check in at the airport counter, I gave this woman my voucher which said which flight I was supposed to be on and she said she couldn’t find me in the system. I was already struggling with my heavy luggage and asked for help but she said she couldn’t leave her desk and to go down to the end of the room to the sales desk. A man then saw my problem and came up and did a recheck on the computer and finally checked me in. Plus my luggage.

I caught my plane to Brisbane, a short 1 hour 25 minutes flight in which I filmed the whole flight for Harry! Very relaxing; I felt really good after the good night’s sleep and the great breakfast.

Annie met me at the airport; my last and twelfth flight! Was I pleased to get there, finally. I don’t know who was more pleased, Annie seeing me arrive safely or me just getting there! We got my luggage and had a coffee and toasted sandwiches at the café. Then we went out to her car with my luggage and drove back to her home at Wonglepong. I hadn’t eaten all my toasted sandwiches at the airport, as I had had such a great breakfast at the Novotel Hotel in Sydney, so had wrapped up what was left and when I got to Annie’s put it in her fridge, intending to eat it later. When I left her place the next day, I forgot my sandwich! Oh well, it might still be there the next time I go. Yeah right…

I did not feel like going home that night as I had had enough of travelling for the moment so decided to rebook for the Friday night’s train. I was previously booked on the Wednesday night’s Tilt Train but obviously had missed that one.

Next day I rang the Queensland Rail and had an argument with this “little man” who said I had to catch a suburban train back to Robina station from Nerang, and then buy another suburban ticket to get back to Brisbane…. I finally told the chap at Nerang station, when we went to get the train to Brisbane, where I was going and he said don’t worry, what you have shown me already is enough. I had a reference number to buy the ticket when I reached Roma Street, Brisbane anyway.

Still more dramas. We caught the 3pm train from Nerang to Brisbane, which should have taken just over an hour but due to some hold ups on the line, we were delayed and arrived at 5:15pm. Over two hours! I only had to wait till 6:20pm to get my train so I went to the counter, paid for my ticket, checked

in my luggage and then walked to the MacDonald’s and bought a carton of chips for my tea.

I caught the 6:20pm Tilt Train and arrived in Maryborough around 10:40pm where Debbie was waiting for me.

So, there it is! Home again with over 15 hours at least of filming on over 30 DVD’s. I can’t wait to edit and look at them. It was an exciting trip. A bit scary at times, especially when I got lost on more than one occasion. But I did it!All alone. I survived, and if it doesn’t kill you, it must be good for you! I had a really great time. I am proud of myself!

So, that’s my trip!!!

This version updated Thursday 15th January 2009Copyright 2009

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