As I write this, we’re on our way to Jindabyne, Thredbo and the Victorian high country. But let me let you first about Sydney.
Land Rovers seem to be a bit like magnets. They attract other Land Rovers. Chris heard about our trip, got in touch and turned up at Jeanie’s paddock with his Perentie Hard Top Command. Only eleven of these built, apparently, so we were in company with a rarity. It looks a bit more comfortable than our tents on wheels.
We move on through central Sydney. Its not all Opera House, Harbour bridge and harbour. But there are mementos to be found along the way.
Finally Paramatta and Viasat’s distribution centre. Greg carefully explains the technical aspects of first the satphone and then the data antenna. James and Guy turn their attention the technical aspects of the coffee machine. James masters frothy milk – possibly a substantial advance in his catering skills. The need to reboot the antenna software passes them by, but the biscuit and sweeties store don’t.
One thing that we all do learn about is another thing to kill you. The antenna comes with a radiation warning. Sit on it for long periods and there’s every chance you’ll die slowly.
Finally equipped with comms from space, we set off for Canberra. We pass the Aluminium Carpenter. Wot? Is this an AI enhanced robot or a stray from ‘the Wizard of Oz? We’ll never know.
The need to adjust the antenna cable and to replace James’ army-issue open-toed sandals means a stop in Campbelltown. I am not allowed in the Anaconda camping shop without adult supervision so content myself with splurging on electronic bits in Jaycar.
Canberra is further than we thought. We arrive at Cotter campground as twilight falls and set up camp in torchlight. But ‘this isn’t our first rodeo’ now. Its slickly done and tomorrow is an admin day.
For some young people tomorrow is just a struggle. They don’t have a safe space to go; to explore opportunities. They don’t have a proper school uniform or lunch. Onside and The Smith Family work to make tomorrow better. That’s why we’re on this trip. So please help share the message by sharing the link or our gofundme page and help the contributions to keep coming in. Every little helps.
I’m very impressed with the groups command of space-age tech!
Did you know that NASA has just successfully completed a trial using the GPS constellation not “looking down” to determine lat/long/alt on the earth’s surface, but “looking out” to determine one’s position in space (all the way to the moon’s surface!) See “NASA successfully acquires GPS signals on moon” for the LuGRE payload details. What clever NASArians!
Now if you could just make Joy and Peter air-tight, you have your next great adventure!🤣
Joy and Peter airtight? I doubt it. You wouldn’t want to keep the smells in!
Apologies for not understanding any of the technical stuff.
What’s the beer like?
Mornington Peninsula Ale is excellent! Thank you! Still, surprisingly, 18 cans left. We are trying a local brew every evening. Not always the same; the local beer the other night was entirely forgettable.
I hope he didn’t buy more sandals! What’s wrong with boots?🤣
And I hope Mike you will get your 5 a day but somehow I think not.
Hi Ulrike, On James’ behalf, he can’t wear boots in the shower or while striding across a river! A sharp pair of crocks is the best that Anaconda could offer!
At his request, signed Mike.