| The Walk |
| Day 16 |
| TAREE TO NABIAC: Nana Torpedo: I did the first leg then took over the bus. Jock did a good job in organizing help for an elderly gentleman who had taken a fall in the rest area where we were waiting for the walkers. Dr Richard was called. While walking the last leg, leading the way, I was called to the rear where waiting there was my brother Frank and sister-in-law Liz. They joined us for lunch then went their way back to Newcastle. Craig found the local Primary School and organized for me to address the assembly. It was a bit daunting but I managed ok. Craig took over and then we had question time from the children. One young kindergarten boy asked “how are you going to walk to Canberra?’ We were all very impressed with the school and the pupils and thanked the Principal, John Miller for asking us to visit. More adventure tomorrow! Jock Copeland Interesting night in our 6 bunk “donga”. Possum created a very nice pumpkin soup followed by ice-cream and mixed fruit. Left early this morning and at the second lay-by came across an elderly gentleman who had fallen over and could not get up. With the help of a couple of passers-by, I managed to sit him up in my folding seat, and then contacted our SES medical man Richard. Up he came up with Possum’s first aid kit and fixed the old bloke up. Trouble was the patient insisted on carrying on to Newcastle despite our pleas to let someone else do the driving. On arrival at Nabiac, Barry and Feathers made arrangements for us to address the pupils at the local Primary School. Very touching. The Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac is OUTSTANDING!! Barry (Engines) & Cathy Davis: An early start off with the birds. Discovered comms problems, while Slug did his “nightingale” impression, we can’t be heard in dips on the road. Lesson learnt!! Feathers amused us this morning by shaving without the head-cutters in the shower. “Wonder why it didn’t work??” Interesting visit to Nabiac Public School at lunch time where Adrian Sellars was asked a question by a young boy, “were you in World War I?????” It was all I could do to bite my lip!! Cathy and I are walking our share but both have sore feet (then again so does everybody!!)… Craig ‘Feathers Fothergill’: A very cosy night was had by all and after being awoken by the not so dulcet tones of the “slug” on the bunk below rose early, dressed warmly and boiled the kettle. Had a problem shaving, walked 20km’s and led an advance party to Nabiac Public School to request permission to march the “Crusties” on the board. Request granted and at question time, led by myself, a little boy asked if he could come down to the pub after school and make a donation. Pete and Barb Sellars: Thanks to the power of Voltarin and panadol and a little strapping, I am mobile and back on the road again today. I had a little spill yesterday rushing for a latte. Barbara is doing the first leg today and is really enjoying the exercise. We are getting off earlier with the lower numbers and it is a little fresh but, fingers crossed, no bitter wind yet. After refitting the Ensign staff it is much easier to have the colours flapping proudly in the breeze. A note to the Morleys- this leg took a little longer as we were checking under the bushes for the ales you left for us. Richard (Slug) Lewin: Not much can be added to the ditties already expounded except that the “wee Scotsman” and I visited the National Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac (our 2nd museum for the walk) and were completely amazed by the number of motorcycles of all types – over 700. Could have spent all day there. Love to my wife and family. Bluey (Dale) and Possum: Bluey’s thought for the day: After a short, well earned sleep, up at 5am to fill up with diesel before the crew set off on the next leg of our journey – W for K W C. I am glad it was supplied by Merc Benz as the price was $1.77 per litre adding up to $106. After thirty minutes looking for an amenities key, (still not found) I find a pretty blue feather to give to Possum to add to the collection in his hat. The trip to Nabiac was almost uneventful except for an elderly gentleman that had a turn for the worst and fell over at a rest stop toilet about two km”s away. We had to pick up Slug Lewin and leave the other walkers to patch him up and get him on his feet. (Approx 75 years old). We returned Slug to the walkers and resumed our post at the rear and entered Nabiac for lunch and a well earned rest. Possum is shaking with nerves, a-jangle after the incident, and frustration at the patient’s unwillingness to let us call an ambulance. |
