Total Days Travelled 31 (1368)
Total km for the month 1,123 (73,377)
Most km in a day 159 (447)
Average Daily Km 36 (53)
Monthly Budget $2,500 ($97,500)
Monthly Spend $1,932 ($99,189)
Accommodation Nights 31 (1368)
Family/Friends 7 (506)
Low/No cost 19 (404)
National Parks 0 (11)
Caravan Parks 0 (234)
Showgrounds 0 (49)
Station Stays 0 (1)
Pub Stays 4 (37)
Motel 1 (17)
House Sit 0 (58) Nature Park 0 (49) AirBnb 0 (2)
Books Read 9 (176)
Where The Rivers Meet – Coraki 1840-1815 by Neil Williams
A very comprehensive account of the establishment of the Northern Rivers town of Coraki. Such detail in recording a towns early life is unusual. Full credit to the author.
Delimma by Jon Cleary
I really enjoyed this one. Great storyline and set in Sydney with all the familiar place names. The author has written in excess of 50 books. The usual red herrings thrown in along the track to keep you guessing what I like most about it was that in the very last chapter the author didn’t leave you hanging, he gave a brief description of what each of the characters was now doing. A sort of a wrap up of loose ends. I liked that.
Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan
This was such a great book to read. Gritty, gutsy, sad and brutally honest yet moments of extreme funniness. When I was in Sydney recently I took a ferry ride just north of the area that much of the book is set it, Pittwater. From corporate life to cancer. In a heartbeat any of us can get given the bad news. How we cope and respond to such life changing news is what makes us human. This story puts life into perspective. It’s not what happens to us on life journey that matters, it’s how we respond. 10 out of 10.
Recollections by South Coast Historical Society Inc
Not exactly a published book but a newsletter put out periodically by The South Coast Historical Society. Lots of interesting articles on the local area as well as articles of a general historical nature.
Masters of Battle by Terry Brighton
A terrifically detailed analysis of Bernard Montgomery, George Patton and Erwin Rommel, the three land based commanders of the Second World War. The dynamics of their relationships with their respective political leaders, their respect or otherwise for their adversaries makes fascinating reading. Their individual brilliance and human flaws, their tactics and their strengths and weaknesses are laid bare in this historical account.
The Call of The High Country by Tony Parsons
A great Australian Novel set near Merriwa in NSW. Heartwarming story of the struggles of a farming family that battle the odds to make a success of their property High Peaks.
Beneath Whose Hands by RM Williams with Olaf Ruhen
The autobiography of Reginald Murray (RM) Williams. Published in 1984 when Williams was 76, he went on to live to 95 years of age, passing away in 2003. From very humble beginnings he climbed out of poverty to be one of those rags to riches stories. He certainly lived a full and long life. A very interesting character, his heart was always in the bush, preferably on a saddle. At times he rambled a bit in telling his story but I gather that was just one of the parts that made up this unique Australian Legend.
Riding This Road by Joy McKean
What a wonderful story and an amazing life. Joy McKean, songwriter and musician, wife of Slim Dusty. A music legend in her own right, a proud Australian she tells her story in an easy going style with lots of detail especially of their early touring years. Slim and Joy took their shows to country towns all over Australia and it was interesting to read about these familiar places and the trials and tribulations that they encountered along the way. Excellent reading.
Bush Aussies by Allan M Nixon
28 seperate stories through interviews with real characters from around Australia. Every country town has its own characters and the author seeks these people out and gets their story out. Some great yarns and interesting characters.