Report 9 June
By Trudy

In Timber Creek we have not seen crocodiles at the campsite. We pack and leave.

goodmorning

Fortunately it is fast coffee time, because I bought some goodies. Because Rick found the bracket of the feather package I would treat. This was the first day that I could buy some goodies.

celabrate

It is very special to see termite mounds throughout Australia. The shapes and the colors are always different.

teramite

We continue and see everything on the way. It is not a boring piece.

on the road

mountain

river

When a road-train comes along, we shake in the T-Ford and when it’s over we stick our thumbs up. Successful again.

roadtrain

They are long roads in Australia.

longway

And then POP, what a blow. “Hold on tight” Dirk shouts and happily sends the T-Ford safely. PFFFFFF.

blow out

save

Then we stand along the road. My heart pounds very hard, but we go into action.

action 1

action 2

The inner tube is folded out and the tire is off the rim. The rim is a bit damaged but fortunately not completely broken. He has to get rid of it. Dirk does another rim with tire on the wheel and the last tire he knot on the T-Ford.

new tire

transport

It went great well and completely back together. Within 40 minutes. Well done Dirk.

very good

When we drive again we see our team follow us. They had driven ahead this time and that’s why they missed this breakdown and repair.

Dirk had agreed that we would arrive in Katherine this afternoon. We were well on time but a car came to meet us, signaled, stopped, turned and John stepped out and welcomed us.

John

He takes us to his house, where Diana also welcomes us. We have a private campsite with all facilities.

campsite

We set up our tents and are invited for a drink at the house. There is a nice sign hanging on the wall.

sign

Report June 8
By Trudy

The sun rises above the river, where our bedroom looks out. Good morning! Dirk opens his office on the porch.

office

Bevin had told us last night about his toy box and he showed it to us. Motorcycles, with and without sidecars, are cars and the A-Ford that he had brought us.

toy box

After the delicious breakfast he took me for a ride in his Cadillac. Very nice, his radio played music from the fifties. I enjoyed it.

breakfast

Cadillac

We said goodbye and drove out their beautiful driveway where more than 150 palm trees stand.

depart

We are now only driving on asphalt roads and that’s why Dirk sets the kingpin pins a bit wider, so that the T-Ford steers a bit more smoothly.

king pin

We drive so fast and all of a sudden we are at the sign “welcome to the Northern Territory”.
Just a photo moment.

border

We find a campsite in Timber Creek. There is a sign that there are crocodiles, but they do not come to the campsite (they say).

Report 2 until 7 June
By Trudy

We are leaving Derby today. We have spoken to many people about the Gibb River Road. They all say that it is very rough and that they certainly would not do it with a Model T-Ford that is not a 4 wheel drive. But yes, 3 votes for the Gibb River Road. The plan had already been made in Edam. I start with an exciting feeling about this trip.

start

First the road is paved, I thought the first 200 km, but that turned out to be only 30.

gravel

It is nice to be here. The boabab trees are so beautiful. They look like living creatures.

boabab

Everything rattles on this road. Luckily Dirk made the Model T-Ford strong. The oil temperature gauge does not work anymore. Dirk crawls under the Model T-Ford. The plug is rattled loose.

oilpump

In the picture you hardly see but there are all waves in the way. Occasionally the Model T-Ford sails itself to the other side and is uncontrollable.

currication

The view of the mountains is beautiful.

mountain

Sometimes the road is red and sometimes brown.

red road

braun road

But we discover that whatever color the road has, we rattle in all directions.
The Model T-Ford is looking very tough with all that sand on it.

sand

Floodways are available throughout the route. Then you have to go through the water and sometimes that gives a beautiful picture. Here we went through a creek.

creek 

After 236 kilometers we arrived at a campsite. It is unbelievable. The whole day there is nothing other than nature around us and now we have a place to camp with water and a toilet and shower. Delicious.

campsite

Along the way everything was rattling, but the left rear wheel does not make a good rattle. There is space between the spoke and the rim. We have already driven several times through the water and have already given the spokes water, but the space has to be filled. Dirk has the idea to make rings from beer bottle caps.

beer

The next morning at the campsite we get up and Dirk continues with the maintenance of the Model T-Ford.

goodmorning

Dirk changes a tire because it will be very bad and on this road everything will wear out even more.

tire change

After a while we leave again and we begin with good courage on the two day on the Gibb River Road.

ready to go

We do not see kangaroos or dingoes or snakes, but cows. If they cross we can stop quickly because we drive about 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.

cows

On the way there is still something to be lubricated and checked. Fortunately, the Model T-Ford is doing well this day.

grease

controle

There are many stones on the road and it is also very rocky along the road.

stoney

Today we have driven 89 kilometers and we have done it all day. We bounce and bounce over the Gibb River Road. When a car passes we are in a huge dust cloud. At 4 o’clock we arrive at a road house and after 7 kilometers a forest road we arrive at a beautiful campsite and set up our tents under boabab trees.

beerrings

After dinner Dirk starts to implement the plan to fill the space at the spokes. He saws 2 wedges from his workbench and spans them between the spokes. This gives him room to press a beer cap.

wheel

When it gets light Dirk goes quickly out of the roof tent to work on the wheel again.
It is a big job, but it worked.

succeeded

In the meantime I walked to the river (Manning River) and it is beautiful.

river

waiting

Rick and David wait until they can pick up further.
After repairing the wheel, Dirk is still doing the daily maintenance and then … everything has been successful.

grease

ready

We go and there comes a serious floodway. David measures the height of the water. Dirk drives through it. It works!! Only the last few meters spurted the T-Ford but we are there.

crossing 1

crossing 2

After 131 kilometers on the Gibb River Road we are on the Gibb River. Very special!
In the evening we have a campfire.

campfire

Fortunately no crocodiles.

The next day:
We have a beautiful spot on the Gibb River. If you camp in such a nice quiet place you have almost forgotten all the trouble.

camp

Dirk discovered during the check that a bracket was broken from the spring package, right behind.
(my side!!)

broken

He makes a temporary bracket of a water hose clamp and makes it out.

repair 

When all that is done he cleans the air filter. That is necessary because there is so much dust and sand here.

cleaning

In the meantime, Rick regains the shovel, a bolt has rattled loose and disappeared.

Rick

We go again and when we have driven about 2 kilometers we discover that we have forgotten the broken brace. Is it still in the sand on our camping spot? Dirk and Rick go back soon and ……. Rick found him. On the next occasion, I will treat them to braces. That will only take a few days before it is because it is still a long way.

long way

We often disappear into the dust. Once there is a rain pebble in our Ford. One touches my glasses and a Dirk’s cheek. When a fast car passes by now, we stop and protect our face even more.
The bumping continues. Dirk bounces his hands with him, he has to hold his handlebar well and does it very well. The sun is low and behind us and so I could make a special picture.

special

Near the campsite we see a dingo. What a luck!!

dingo

We come after we have driven 85 kilometers at Ellenbrae today and are allowed to camp there for free. It is a beautiful place with water, toilet and shower. Luxury on this Gibb River Road.

The next morning we were alone at the campsite. Everyone left early. David looks at his photos and Dirk is working on the T-Ford.

David

Dirk

The lady who gave us the free stay comes to take a picture of the T-Ford.

Ellenbrae

We drink coffee with the famous scones and leave for our 5th day on the Gibb River Road. But what now …. The Model T-Ford does not start with the starter motor. Maybe Bendix veer?
Our team has already left and now the T-Ford has to be pushed because we can not swing because the fan is in front of the radiator.
Fortunately the man from Ellenbrae helps and we have pushed him quickly.

road 1

road 2

We have to go through the water again.

crossing

Even on this stretch of the Gibb River Road, road trains run. What a substance.

roadtrain

We bounce and bounce through nicely. It starts to get used to a bit, but Dirk has to hold his handle very well.

steringwheel

We come to a piece where roadwork is. There is still a lot to be improved.

roadwork

On the way Dirk checks the Model T-Ford extra

control

And what am I happy when I see the sign Camping.

campsite

It is a beautiful campsite with a bar and a restaurant. We will go there, because our stock of food and drinks has decreased considerably during this trip.

campsite 2

Gibb River Road day 6

Last night we ate in the restaurant and now we eat our old bread. Dirk gets a lot of parts from the Model T-Ford to get to the starter.

dismantel 1

The spring of the bendix is ​​broken. Fortunately, Sjaak had brought a new one with him to Australia and Dirk makes it now.

broken

work

Meanwhile, the tin is filled.

tin

When we’re done, we’ll go to the boababs for a photo.

boabab

The last piece!!!!!
Another crossing

crossing

Along the mountains

mountains

There is some dust on the ignition box.

blowing dust

Then we see signs!

sign

And……………………..

WE MADE IT. THE GIBB RIVER ROAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gibb River Road

But we will continue. We are not ready for today. We have an appointment in Kununurra and we manage to get there on time, the road is asphalted and we drive very hard. What a difference, this morning on the Gibb River road bump and now we’re going about the road. We are not yet in the city and a Model A-Ford is coming to meet us. It is Bevin who comes to pick us up.

Bevin

I jump into the Model A-Ford at Bevin and the Model T-Ford and the LandRover follow us.

escort

Bevin takes us to his lunch room and we break up with cool drinks and delicious sandwiches. Bernice is also coming and we all go to their beautiful home where we get bedrooms and a bathroom. In the evening they treat us to a delicious dinner in their restaurant.

shop

Report 25th through May 31st …. Karratha – Derby 1411 Km.

By David and Rick

A Cocky Bird

Not So Cocky

Cocky Enoughh -A Butcher Bird

Mike

Aerated

Boyz Toys

Dirk-Searching For Bailie

A Toast

Tyre Changing

Spare Power Plant

Dirk thought about it.

Boabab

Donations

Report 19th through May 24th 
By David and Rick

We were panting with our effort …….. and then he hove into view!

Cyclist

Crocodiles not withstanding …….. decide to go for a swim ……. we need’nt  have worried.

Dry River Bed

Rick lounging against a Termite mound ………..

Big and red

Looking for something to peck.

white heron

Keeping a safe distance.

Back up vehicle

Ahh! …… At last our swim…….. Oops! ……. Crocodiles!

river

No diving!

Blinding!

Truck Overtaking

Trudy indulging her love for Dirk!

Dirk+Trudy-Anthill

Trudy taking notes for her dairy.

Trudy+Cyclist

A pleasant watering hole by the ocean.

Drinking DenHam-3893

Putting on the wet weather gear.

Wet Weather Gear

Dirk in his dreams.

GhostCar

Coolin’ the Spokes

Turn Circles

What’s around the corner?

180525-To-Karratha-4518-Restricted Vision+3-Enh

Boring her way through.

The Big Splash

All in a day’s work.

Aqua Plane

Have to keep truckin’.

No Way Out

…….. sense of relief ………

Getting Out Of There

To close for comfort.

Too Close For Comfort

Steering clear.

Steering Clear

Peace at last ……..

Framed

Report 18th May
By David and Rick

Our travel schedule.

Trip Schedule

Long way to go – on, and on, and on……….

Long Way to Go

Hazards ahead…….! No falling asleep!

Keeping Clear

Watering the wheel! On long trips, high ambient temperature and arid conditions dries the wood including the wheel spokes.
Solution? …….Water the wheel.

Watering Wheel

Special display! A lovely fella, called Mike, and some of his mates of the Veteran Car Club in Geraldton, brougth out their cars to the village green by the water front to welcome us.

Mike+Dirk

The lovely Fella and his lovely car. (also a Model T from 1915)

Mike+His Car

Report May 17
By David and Rick

The new team  – Rick and  David – A fresh challenge and great adventure…………
The two of us receive the key of the responsibility for the back up Landover.
Dirk and Trudy to assess the new Team………….We are just proud.

full team

In keeping with the established routine Dirk was in te proces of transfering our names onto the Landrover. However things didn’t quiet work out…..
Some of the letters would not stick ……… possibly the labels where too old.
We breathed on them to soften the adhesive…… to little effect. Out came the hairdryer….. to better effect…. but still some letters would not adhere.
So using the next team names we cut out the missing letters and put them in place individually. Voila!

team name

Finally on the way……..

on the road

What a pleasing coffee break!
An acquaintance of Dirk’s, Maurice and Rosa, whom he met at the Perth Veterans Car Club, had invited us to visit him on our way North.
He had the most extraordinary collection of more than 17 vintage cars and carriage’s. What a joy!

Maurice and Rosa place

Here Dirk and Trudy in one of their cars letting their imaginations wander.

Dirk and Trudy

Getting into the routines. One of the first things to do is seeing up the tent……. Not so quite as simple as you, nor we, might had thought.

first campsite

Needless to say, dinner is a most important daily routine. Trudy fulfils her part in the event beautifully.

first diner

Report May 16
By Trudy

Here too, the morning program is unchanged. The Model T-Ford needs its maintenance.

goodmorning

tools

The area is running out and the T-Ford is being watched and our story about our Model T World Tour is being listened to and admired.
David also arrives during the afternoon. We go together to the clubhouse of Roleystone and have a nice evening there. David is recognized by fans and the T-Ford is even watched by a 102-year-old man who knows a lot about his Model T-Ford.

David and fans

102 years

Here too the globe that Inge made for us is admired.

globe

Report 15th May
By Trudy

The LandRover is brought by Richard and Dirk to a garage where the oil is changed. Meanwhile, we have time for a message, hairdresser, city tour and a delicious lunch at the beach with Jenny and Richard and their grandson Fenix. Then it’s time to say goodbye.

Richard and Jenny

We are going to Karyn in Roleystone, where our new team will arrive.
Rick is already there

Rick and Dirk

And Karyn, our hostess, jumps enthusiastically with Dirk in the T-Ford.

Karyn

David will come tomorrow, but we are already saying goodbye to Sjaak and Coby. They have handed in the keys of the LandRover and take the train back to Perth where they stay overnight with Richard and Jenny. They fly back home tomorrow. Thank you Sjaak and Coby. It was the third time that you traveled with us as a team.

A record!!!

thanks

Report 14 mei
By Dirk

This morning we left at the beautiful house of Dennis.

morning depart

Dirk has received a plaque from Dennis and makes it directly to him.

plaquette

First we went to see the garage of Kerry and her husband and then to the West Coast Motor Museum. Many photographs were taken there, also for a car magazine.

museum

Alex and Linda from Perth drive with us to the club in Perth, where we are warmly received at the Veteran Car Club of Perth.

warm welcome

Here again, the Model T-Ford is being looked at.

We get a delicious lunch, give a short presentation and Dirk gets a book from Clive Ball that he wrote about his trip around the world in an Austin in the 1960s.

The club asks if Dirk needs some parts for his T-Ford, because there is enough.

Model T stuff

In the afternoon we have the opportunity to see something of this big city.

skyline of Perth

Tomorrow we say goodbye to our team Sjaak and Coby and we pick up our new team Rick Nicolaas and David Bailie.
They travel with us the next weeks from Perth to Darwin.