News from the Nullabor

April 6. The country roads are lined with salmon gums so called for the pink colour of the trunks. We were met on the outskirts of Esperence by Eldrian & Roald on their motorbikes & taken to the oval. The camp host supplied us with accommodation in the preparation room just off the camp kitchen. It had a concrete floor and Steve made a lock for the door so we left belongings out while we went to the presentation.

Our hosts were Bob and Faye, and about 12 members of their Rotary Club attended. We were served a delicious BBQ, the meat was quite marvelous, with salads, cake & tiramisu. The Assistant District Governor assured us he would approach the other Rotary club in the town & ask them for a donation.

The club fundraises by leasing a large farm. Most of the members are retired from the land and have plenty of farming expertise. All members volunteer to plant & harvest and they make a lot of money.  Their projects include: wheelchairs for hire, refurbishment of the junior soccer clubhouse & upgrading the kitchens at the local hospital. With 37 members, this is a great effort.

April 7. Doug had a flat tyre. I thought I was at the Bathurst 500 as it only took a minute to change. They could get a job working in the Pits anytime. The next day they got some retreads as spares & we started across the Nullarbor. We called into the roadhouse & were kindly given 2 budget rooms free. After such a long cold trip it was very much appreciated. We ate dinner there & had a drink.

April 8. Another 600k trip to the Nullarbor Roadhouse. Steve got a room for us, Doug & Jock. That was nice with the 3 boys snoring (only joking)! It was too cold to camp & there is only gravel or red dirt to pitch on. They gave us a“truckies” discount, which was very generous.

April 9. Grahme caught up with us & as suspected the problem was an adjustment in the computer system on the bike. We called into the Madura Hotel-Motel where we used to work. It was a nostalgic visit. Grahme went on to Adelaide to organise a new chain for Dougs’ bike & we stayed at a wheat silo town Wirrulla. Steve got 2 pub rooms. We were in the twin room and it was heaven. The boys shared a single room. They took it in turns to sleep in the bed with the other in the swag. Willy our host gave us a discount & complimentary continental breakfast.

April 10. We arrived in Port Augusta. The local TV interviewed us and our story was on the news that night. The local newspaper sent a reporter & that will be in the edition on Wed 15th.  The local Rotary Club supplied us with a cabin for 2 nights. President elect Ron visited us & pledged the clubs support. They have 23 members & as their fundraising, they do catering, supply timing teams for the Pichi Richie Marathon, collect cans for the exchange students pocket money, etc. Ron offered to get a copy of the interview & send it to us.

Steve thought he looked so old he had a haircut, moustache clip, eyebrow trim, ears denuded of growth. The hairdresser felt so sorry for him she gave us a $5 donation.

April 11. Doug & Jock left to catch up with Grahme in Adelaide. They were planning to inspect the factory that makes metal detectors, which is of particular interest to Doug. We spent the day resting & catching up on paperwork.

April 12. Steve is 77 today so a big party for us. I went to the local church for a service & then to Adelaide.
President David said to let him know if we need assistance. Doug is riding his bike back to Brisbane on Sat 25th arriving on Sun 26th. He leaves for Lao Monday night, wondering if anyone is available to drive his escort vehicle back to Brisbane. It is a manual, with no air conditioning and the driver will have to make their own way back to Newcastle.

We have a few good venues coming up, so hope to swell the coffers.

We have spoken to representatives of over 50 clubs & have received positive responses from most. We are very pleased. I hope you all are as well. It has been very arduous for my poor husband, a lot of miles & I have managed to leave something behind at most of the 32 times we have moved in & moved out again.

All our love Steve & Dorene

Easter Adventures!

March 30

We were picked up by an escort & taken to the African Reef Resort. We were offered free camping. Due to the inclement weather we opted for units – great deal of $50 per night each room. Trevor from Rotary visited us & took us to the Breakers Hotel where President Ian, his wife Carol, and another member Bob, all met us for drinks. Old friends joined us for dinner & took us for a night view of the city.

March 31

We had a guided tour of the Sydney memorial, a most moving experience with a dome holding 645 seagulls. Each seagull represents a lost soul of a sailor who perished. There is an anchor on the starboard & port light, the roses in the surrounding garden are named “Courage”.  It is on the top 10 tourist attractions of Australia. After the visit we went to the RSL & we were interviewed & photographed by a local reporter. We went to a friends place for afternoon tea and were served home made sponge cake with passion fruit icing & left with cookies. 

That night we had the RSL as the venue for a BBQ, we bought a $10 meat pack & salads were provided. Steve used to be the President & his name was on the plaque on the wall. There were 60 people in attendance representing the Geraldton Rotary, Geraldton-Greenough Rotary, The Batavia Rotary, the RSL & Legacy. We bought out the glass case where Steve's boots, hat, scarf, & dog tags were displayed. He donated them when we left some yeas ago. The Geraldton Rotary promised us $200, but they said the presentation was so good they changed it to $1,000! Well-done Steve & Grahme. It was a nostalgic night for us to meet up with many of our old friends, even Steve’s Doctor. Well done Geraldton, very professionally arranged.

April 1

We took the scenic route on the Indian Ocean Highway with lovely views of the water. A quick trip into the Pinnacles with the striking rocks just rising from the sand - quite spectacular. We arrived at our host Laurie & Jan who welcomed us with a roast lamb dinner & all the trimmings. Doug took his wife to his friend Max's place, which was close to the airport & stayed there to put her on the plane back to Lao to continue with the family businesses. 

Unfortunately we sprung a leak in our bed but Grahme came to the rescue. He went to the bike shop & got a puncture kit & repaired it for us.

April 2

We went to Kings Square at Fremantle where the local Rotary had set up a gazebo with a free sausage sizzle and drinks for us. The Lord Mayor & the Member of Parliament welcomed us. The Mayor said he would ask the council to support our cause. Some of our friends joined us & we

went for coffee & reunited with Jock who had flown over from Newcastle to drive the ute back. That night we were taken out to dinner with 3 of Steve’s nieces & one husband, formal dining & very nice.

April 3

Good Friday & Jan took Grahme & I to her church. At 11am we went to the factory where the local Rotary & other organisations make wheelchairs for kids in developing countries. It was so good to see & especially heart warming, as volunteers do all of the work. They have just reached a milestone, having sent out over 30,000 chairs since 1998. For lunch Steve prepared lobster mornay & Jan made salads & our niece came to join us with a nice bottle of wine.

April 4

Rhonda joined us on the back of Grahme's bike for the trip to Bussellton. On arrival at the bus depot we were served subway rolls from the owner (a friend of Rhondas). Accommodation was provided in the sheds of the bus depot. It is well appointed with ablutions & kitchen. Peter, the owner of the business has 6 Cadillacs & a Corvette parked in the sheds. The boys were in 7th heaven sleeping in-between these classic cars. We visited Steve’s sister & her husband & did our washing while she served us afternoon tea, & we were packed off with home made cake for our ongoing trip.

The presentation that night in the bus shed was very good even though there were only few in numbers. It was Easter & most people were away. We were served yummy curries & rice, naan bread & ice cream. We were assured of a cheque for $500! Peter from the local Rotary & Shirley were very hospitable & came over the next morning to see us off. Craig & Rhonda joined us for the next days run through Nannup. Grahme returned to Perth to have the mechanic look at his bike. Nothing major, just a computer glitch, we hope.

April 5 

We drove through the pretty autumn leaves, farmland & wheat fields & stayed over night at Jerringup in dongers. Dinner was at the local roadhouse, with Chinese & hamburgers.

We are at about $17,500!

Travelling, travelling, travelling.

23rd March

The Broome Rotary Club hosted us for a BBQ overlooking Roebuck Bay at sunset. The club has 26 members & 8 of them attended including the Doctor who was in charge of our daughter's case while she was overseas in hospital. She put Steve & Michelle on the plane to evacuate them to Australia.

What a coincidence. It was an overwhelming experience for us. It was an opportunity to express our sincere thanks for the many phone calls she made to us & for her help in sending intensive care Doctors from Australia to attend Michelle & prepare her for the arduous trip home. We are still quite taken aback with this encounter.

25th March

We had a long day - 640k thru the Pilbara. It is very green,and we were given a welcome & great hospitality from Ilsa, the Sea Scout Leader in Port Hedland. We met some people we had known when we worked there & stayed at the Ibis Hotel, had a swim & a rest.

We were given a Civic Reception on the lovely green lawn of the council chambers & were welcomed by the Mayor Kelly Howlett. Kelly won the National Environment Award for her work with turtle habitats. The Rotary Club has only been in operation for 5 months and already has 20 members. Eight of the club attended with council staff & supplied us with a buffet of party pies, fruit & cheese platters & drinks. The boys did their stuff & President Kathy presented us with a cheque for $500.

That night Mr. Idula, a civil engineer asked us to have dinner in the restaurant of our hotel & insisted on paying the bill. What generous people in the North West.

27th March

We were given accommodation at the Karratha North Fleet Bus Depot. We had lovely rooms with beds, tables, chairs, lounges & a fully equipped kitchen with ablution blocks. We were very comfortable. One of Doug's old friends took them out to dinner & they had a lovely reunion after 30 years.

28th March

Another long day of traveling to Carnarvon. We saw the devastation of Cyclone Olwyn. It has ruined the banana crops,& we were met by Gary. He took us home for a coffee & then Jan the Girl Guide Leader took us to their hall. It was great with a kitchen, separate showers & toilets for men & women & fans. That night we went to the Motel we managed and met our dear friend Bev, the current manager. We had a lovely night with her.

The next day host Gary took us on a sightseeing tour of the town. To Grahme & Doug's delight he had a motorbike shop in town. They were in heaven talking about the various models. He took us to see the Indian with sidecar he has restored with beautiful chrome & upholstered seats. I also went to St. Georges Church for a morning service, which was very nostalgic for me. That night we had a lovely BBQ at Gary & Hilary's home overlooking the water. About 25 attended including representatives from the RSL, yacht club & Siroptomists. The club has 14 members so a really good turn out, the boys did the presentation. All in all, a lovely experience.

We struck very heavy rain & the roads out of town were flooded so Grahme doesn't need a shower for a few days. The water was knee deep & we lost sight of them in the spray. The worst thing is the bush flies. As soon as you get out of the car they attack you. I have my fly swatter & continually kill them while we are driving. They get in your eyes & are very pesky. We are now in Geraldton after a 500k trip & all is well.

We are about up to $16,000 so we are pleased with our efforts.

Touched twice by an angel.

Only a couple of times in my 77 years have I had what might be called “a spiritual experience”.

One such time was in Dachau the one time concentration camp in Nazi Germany. We were contemplating in the garden of ashes when a solitary bell began to toll and the lilting voices of nuns singing “Ave Maria”floated across the otherwise silent evening.  It was a thought provoking experience but nothing compared to what happened to us in Broome WA on Tuesday 24th March 2015.

Some people would dismiss the happening as co-incidence or chance, but neither Dorene nor I can accept that. Others who were present were also visibly shaken.

The events leading up to it began in 1990 when I took our 19 year –olddaughter, Michelle on an adventure holiday to Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. For her, it was a trip of a lifetime, taking in the Oran-utanrehabilitation centre, Turtle Island, Sandakan death camp, jungle kampongs, bird nest harvesting in caves and culminating in a climb of Mount Kinabalu. Two days later we flew back to Malaya and began a drive around the peninsular.

A week later despite having taken our Chloroquin as prescribed Michelle and I came down with malaria. Diagnosis took a day or two and when it came it was very bad news we had both Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falsiparum the later being the deadly form of malaria apparently both of these had developed a resistance to Chloroquin.

My sister -in-law Chris was traveling with us and contacted Emergency Assist by phone and they quickly arranged an air ambulance evacuation to Singapore for specialist treatment in ICU.

Two days later I was out of danger and able to assess our situation, Chris flew home to help Dorene  (my wife), Michelle was in dire straits and our one million dollar medical insurance was more than two thirds gone.

That was when a kind and understanding lady rang me from Emergency Assist. Every day for the next month sometimes three times per day she would ring me and help us through the barriers of language and foreign law, medical terms and negotiations.

Without her support I am sure I would have done something regrettable. We had run out of insurance, we were clocking up ten thousand dollars per day for ICU plus surgical procedures to keep our baby alive, we were trying to get Qantas to fly us home. Mt Elizabeth hospital said they would not let Michelle out until the outstanding bill was paid about Ten thousand dollars.

I was ready to kill someone. Dorene had started to negotiate to sell the family home when the gentle voice of my lady came over the phone to tell me she had arranged for two intensivists to fly from Australia to take us home.

For the next few days she took over everything. She was my guardian angel. On the final day she and her husband came to the hospital and bundled me into a wheelchair they saw me onto the plane with our kid strapped to a stretcher and intubated taking up two rows of seats.

To my everlasting shame I do not know if I thanked them and I don’t think I even asked their names my grief was no excuse.

Michelle passed away a month after getting back home.

Twenty-five years later Dorene and I decided to do something about the killer of our girl. With the help of our Rotary club Williamtown we embarked on a Motorbike ride around Australia to raise funds to fight Malaria.

We started off from our little town of Medowie near Newcastle and headed North stopping at major towns en-route. Coffs Harbour, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin and so on to Broome WA.

My Rotary contact in that town was Martin Briggs, he was organizingour accommodation and a BBQ so when we arrived at the designated caravan park we were met by him and his wife Heather. We were having a brief get to know you chat when Heather remarked that she knew a bit about malaria as a GP and that she had had an experience with an Australian girl and her Dad in Malaysia many years ago.

I knew in that instant that she was my “guardian angel” of so long ago.

Later that evening over a glass of wine I confirmed what I already knew in my heart.

Think of the odds, twenty-five years ago Heather was a young English GP working for Insurance Companies in Singapore and Malaysia where she helped us. Years later she decided to migrate to Australia. And after more time settled in Broome and joined Rotary. We after twenty-five years decided to fight malaria through Rotary and chose to include Broome in our itinerary etc. etc.

For us this not a coincidence it is far too meaningful for that. We are satisfied that something greater than us has extended a hand to us and allowed us to say a belated thank you to our guardian angel.

Steve Carroll

Recent adventures in the top north!

March 19 -  the Rotary Club of Katherine hosted us at a BBQ & home made pizza in the oven at the Rotary Fun Park. 8 members attended & a pledge was made. They raise money at the Races selling programmes, and food at the Show. They provide a free sausage sizzle for each new intake of RAAF people. Graham spoke at the Darwin Breakfast meeting & it was well received. A cheque for $200 has been sent from the Rotaty Club of Katherine.

While in Darwin, Doug repaired the clutch cylinder on  the car.

March 20 - we all met up at Victoria River roadhouse & camped FOC the cleanest cafe in Australia. The floor is washed 5 times daily.

Next day over the border to WA. Tui had to  hand over all her fruit as we crossed the border. On to Kununurra. Grahames’ bike computer showed a brake problem, so we stayed the night in cabins in case repairs were needed, but the brakes are operating OK. Hopefully it was a  false alarm. We all had a swim in the pool & spotted the crocs as we were on the shore of Lake Argyle.

March 22 -  Through Bungle Bungle country & encountered a bit of religion. 

• At the first roadhouse we met an Aboriginal Pastor & his lovely wife on  their way back to Kempsey. Not only did they donate $20 but they gave us a blessing.
• We tuned into the Church service on the local radio with messages & songs of praise.
• At the next roadhouse met Catholic missionaries on their way to work at a drug & alcohol rehab centre run by the Mormon Church.
• At Halls Creek, while refuelling we heard a preacher from the hall next door so I went in & attended the service called the Bush Fire Church run by lovely young Aboriginal man, 2 guitar players, and a mini bus load of parishioners from Fitzroy crossing in attendance. 

So, I got 4 in one day, my cup runneth over.

The radio also sent out regular messages like: “don't drink & drive”, “learn to swim”, “cut down on sugar”. They are supplying “eat healthy school canteens” with hot nutritional meals: curry and tuna mornay. The stores are owned by each community, and the profits go back to the locals.

We were offered FOC camping at Fitzroy Crossing, but another locust plague had descended & we were knee deep in the camp area. (So much religion and still a plague of locusts!!!) Even the pool had to be closed as it was full of locusts. We went into town & camped at another park where the locusts were not quite so bad. It  was $200 per night in cabins & we were loathe to spend that much, but as the accommodation is all owned by the same Aboriginal corporation we had no choice.

The towns were in good order & the houses are mostly new. The local people were working on roadworks, building footpaths & picking up rubbish. The scenery through the Kimberleys was spectacular.

March 23 - To Broome where we had an offer of camping FOC. It was super hot, with thunder and clouds so we opted for on-site vans. Doug had to replace the thermal switch on the bike. It was running-repairs for the boys today, & tonight the local Rotary club are coming to the BBQ area in the park where the boys will be doing their stuff.

We are nearly half way in kms. & $15,000 raised so are going OK.

Mt Isa -
We had a wonderful reception at Mt Isa after driving through the road carpeted with dead locusts. Accommodation was with the president of Mt Isa Rotary where we stayed in the downstairs bedroom with an ensuite, while Grahme and Nobbi were upstairs in a twin bedroom. Doug and Tui were in a town house opposite with the same accommodation as us. We nearly went up to reception thinking that we were in a motel!
32 members of Mt Isa Rotary Club and 15 others attended a BBQ in the courtyard, followed by an array of sweets, cheese cakes, apple pies and drinks. We played heads and tails as well as hearing a new Rotary Grace. Then Grahme & Steve gave an informal talk about what we were doing.
The club runs the Rodeo (the largest in the southern hemisphere), with the towns people all very social. Fishing at Burketown, camping at Adeles Grove, kayaking at Moondarah, Birdsville races, canoe races on the Gregory and camel races in a small town.

They pledged $500 and sent us on our way with rolls, teacake and various other goodies.

Tennant Creek -
Then off to Tennant Creek with only 4 members. They fundraise by catering for the Australia Day breakfast, run the Calcutta for the Melbourne cup, run the bar at the show and hold an annual ball at $100 per head. We went to the El Dorado for a meeting where we were provided with a free meal and drinks. The accommodation was in the pavilion at the show ground, a bit like an aircraft hanger where we put our swags on the floor, had fans and an ablution block. Grahme took his bike to his bit of the floor and operated on the air filter blocked with locusts.

17.3 -
A hot ride through bush fires to Mataranka Springs where we farewelled Nobbi at the bar & bought our own bistro meal, had a swim in the Hot Springs and camped under the stars. The pea-hens picked the dead locusts from under our car and trailer while the kangaroos browsed near our swags. Bats flew over in profusion giving us half price camping fees! Steve and I are now in Katherine where we are staying in the club house of the Rotary Fun Park, putt putt golf, giant chess, giant drafts are all being restored by 10 blokes working for the dole and being supervised by Rotarian Bob Mackey. They are having a BBQ for us tomorrow night.
The rest of the team have gone to Darwin where Nobbi flies back to Japan. Grahme is doing a presentation at the Sunrise Club there and then we will meet up with them at Victoria River, where we will have the camp set up and a meal ready for them. Grahme has been a tower of strength making sure the riders have plenty of stops, water and food. There is never a complaint from him although we know he is suffering many aches, it is REALLY hot! I have sore eyes from the perspiration going into them, Tui has to drive a car without air conditioning and Doug nearly cooks in his leather jacket and boots… but we are up to $14,500 so it is going well.

12th and 13th and 14th!

12.3 - Cairns

We were hosted by Cairns Southside Rotary at a Dine with a Digger evening held at the RSL with a very nice meal provided free for the team members. Other clubs included Cairns Sunrise, Rotary Cairns, Cairns Mulgrave, Atherton and Mareeba.

Phil Dempster the national chair of Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) and the club president Sue Wade, a retired navy commander, made every one buy a badge before leaving the function, raising $460. 

Graham delivered a very humorous address with Steve filling in the details. Several other club members took pamphlets with the view that they would be approaching their board for further donations.

13.3 - Charters Towers

The Hon. Warren Entsch was supposed to lead the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle club out of town the next day but cyclone Nathan put a stop to that, leaving in torrential rain and strong winds. Our accommodation was in a house supplied by Steve's daughter, Natalie. The trip to Ingham was   precarious with water lapping just under the bridges! 

Back to the heat at Charters Towers with the team met by Rotarian Robert who took them for an interview and photographs with Morgan from the Charters Towers Miner. Article in the Townsville Bulletin (about 11.3.15), Charters Towers. Then to our accommodation in a 4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms and polished floors, hosted by Rotarian David. 

That night 13.3.15 the club provided us with a BBQ at the Far Distance Education Centre where Grahme delivered the message and we were presented with a cheque for $200. Even though this club was only small they have a big heart.

14.3 - Richmond 

A very hot trip to overnight at Richmond in a disused hall with a kitchen, fridge, freezer and fans. We cooked a BBQ in our trailer for a few of the locals with the huge locusts nearly knocking the boys off their bikes.