Where is the time going it's been one month since the last update, yeh, one month. Thought you got rid of me, sooooory.
You might remember I mentioned the Army Museum here in Townsville last update. Well I went and checked it out and what a great place to spend a couple of hours, great history to read and really nice old pics to look at as well. There is heaps of displays from all wars. I really enjoyed it. It sort of reminded me of one of my favourite places, the War Memorial in Canberra that I spend hours in every time I am in Canberra, only The Army Museum is minus the Airforce and Navy. Well I did say sort of reminded me.
The Museum is at the northern end of the strand and is only open Wednesday and Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm and again Sunday 10.00am - 2.00pm. Entry is by donation and there is heaps of FREE parking. They prefer you not take pics but let you, NO FLASH so sometimes a bit difficult and limited space but I got a few with my small camera only.
I have also met up with fellow GN's early in the month (Oldboar) Darrell and Sandra again and at the same time FINALLY had the pleasure of meeting another GN, (Jonathan) Jon. I nearly got to meet him way back in late 2012 at Greens Lake, Central Victoria but he had left the day before I arrived, bugga. Never mind we have finally met.
Jon is a great person and Darrel, Sandra, Jon and yours truly met in Townsville CBD then off to the Strand for morning coffee/Tea then due to the time we ventured to the pub next door and enjoyed a lovely lunch together.
After lunch and a continued chat Darrel and Sandra went their own way and I spent the next hour showing Jon the local area as it is now. Jon spent time in Townsville many many moons ago so couldn't recognise anything, between you, me and the gate post I think he was in shock with how Townsville has changed.
After receiving a call to say his tug was ready after it's service I took him back to his tug and then went my way. We agreed to meet up again before he leaves the area. I have said it before but gee it's great to spend time with fellow GN's with similar ideas and plans.
I have also spent some time looking around at and test driving different tugs, just looking at this stage (keep reading) and doing homework incase I decide to change over tugs due to the problems I have been having and any future changes or plans that might pop up. I have mainly been looking at the twin cab utes as they have had my attention for a while now and really think they will do the job at hand nicely. The Holden Colorado is sitting on the top of the like list at this stage. It was very comfortable and I felt as if I had been driving around in one for years. The new Diesel cars are definitely different and much quieter than I was expecting. The homework will continue. At least this homework I am enjoying, unlike the homework when I was much younger.
I mentioned above that I would catch up with GN friend Jon again, well we did. I took a run out near Charters Towers where he was staying and found his hiding spot to be very inviting, so much so I might even go there for a few days at least when I finally leave here in down town Townsville.
Jon took me for a drive around the area and showed me a few places that he likes and after a couple of hours returned to his hide away in paradise then me back to my temporary home away from home.
I might have a look around at Caravans while here as well as if I change the tug over I might get something a little bigger than the Avan as well. Don't get me wrong, I still love my Avan. I have learnt so much about caravans and travelling around this great country we all live in I could easily set up something bigger than the Avan now and have a bit more room to move around on those wet and miserable days that can pop up now and then.
Now I do these updates as I go along, adding bits from time to time and a big development has taken place. Remember above I said I was researching new cars well, The research has ended as some would already know. Yep just last Thursday I purchased a shiny new 2014 Holden 4x4 Colorado twin cab auto diesel ute. It is a sizzler of a colour too (Sizzel, sort of blood red) it is currently being fitted out with the extras I got in the deal. Some free, some I added. I should take delivery late this week or early next week. The end of year sale saved heaps of $$$$$ and a good deal. I will include pics next update.
I have also taken time out over the last week to meet two reasonably new GN's "Grevo" Gary and Cassy and as usual they are really nice people and live here in Townsville, in fact, just down the road a little from my daughter as it happens. I will catch up with them again for sure.
Meeting great people didn't stop there, I had a call from "Just Crusin" and Jim and Leonie were coming through Townsville so we met up for lunch, "GST" Greg and Ruth joined us and "Grevo" Gary called in for a quick chat before he had to leave. It was good to see Jim and Leonie again as the last time I saw them was roughly the same time last year in Manilla near Tamworth NSW, we have spoken but not seen.
Busy Busy Busy is this Grey Nomad life and I tell you that for fee. I also have a few plans up my sleeve after I get the new tug but more on that next update.
Phew!! What a busy month.
OK then that's enough for now, I have included a few pics below. No tug though as you will have to wait for all the goodies to be fitted first, sorry but I will include a before and after shot.
June said
11:38 AM Jun 2, 2014
Hi Doug. I drive up to Townsville several times per year to visit family and did not know there was an Army Museum there. Will check it out when I next visit which will be in about two weeks' time. Love the Strand, pity about the stingers in the water though, won't even put my big toe into the ocean there. Your new tug sounds awesome I'm green with envy. I have recently bought an old Toyota Spacia van and am getting it ready to hit the road once more. Can't wait to get them thar wheels turning! Look forward to seeing the before and after photos of your new 4x4. Cheerio June C. (from the Gold Coast)
yeoeleven said
02:23 PM Jun 2, 2014
Good report as usual Doug, look forward to catching up again when arriving up in Townsville.
My favourite place Townsville with a group of the best free camps just north of the city.
CYA John
dazren said
05:28 PM Jun 2, 2014
Thanks Doug, Very good report as usual, Townsville is a must for me, to visit, ?? all because of your reports ?? good choice of Tug by the way, look forward to the before and after Pics, Keep Well, and Keep Safe Mate
Dougwe said
08:15 PM Jun 2, 2014
Good to see ya Dazren, don't see you around much these days mate. I need you to help keep wombat and mongrel in line.
The big day is getting closer, yippeeeeeeeeee.
Yes I am very happy about the new tug, I will be happier when I get the keys handed to me though.
capricorn and pisces said
06:43 AM Jun 3, 2014
Congratulations on the new vehicle Doug, and what an excellent choice of colour!!!!!
I bet that was great fun, looking, test driving, making the decision and the best part next week ...collecting your new toy!!!!!
Just have to get out there and use it!!! just be careful of the scratchadoorem trees if you go bush, and you will have to tell us about all the extras that are being added....anything to take care of wombats, I wonder? cheers Capricorn
_wombat_ said
08:44 AM Jun 3, 2014
dazren wrote:
Thanks Doug, Very good report as usual, Townsville is a must for me, to visit, ?? all because of your reports ?? good choice of Tug by the way, look forward to the before and after Pics, Keep Well, and Keep Safe Mate
make sure you go when Dougwe is not there and you will enjoy yourself.
great report again mate, that second pic looking down the strand, we had lunch in the place just to the right of the roundabout on the corner a few years ago.
Dougwe said
08:54 AM Jun 3, 2014
That explains the sign out the front then.
NO WOMBATS
_wombat_ said
08:58 AM Jun 3, 2014
I got in
Dougwe said
10:09 AM Jun 3, 2014
That was then but they woke up to you and said never again. I gave them a up to date pic of you.
They reckon if you turn up they will let you in........on their menu.
Yum, wombat stew.
Dougwe said
10:10 AM Jun 3, 2014
See you went "off topic" yet again mate.
_wombat_ said
10:14 AM Jun 3, 2014
Dougwe wrote:
See you went "off topic" yet again mate.
who me, never
aussietraveller said
04:50 PM Jun 3, 2014
Well done Doug they are a nice vehicle and I have been told they usually start first attempt, will be interested to see the pictures when you post them and as far as meeting other GNs I will send you a pm when we get close to Townsville probably early to mid August for a chat if you are still in Townsville then
-- Edited by aussietraveller on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 05:28:16 PM
Dougwe said
06:45 PM Jun 3, 2014
Phew!! Thank goodness they are known to start first time. I have enough of not starting first time, worse still, not starting at all.
I should still be around the area then AT, so would be good to meet you.
_wombat_ said
06:51 PM Jun 3, 2014
IF it does not start 1st time EVERY time, take it back, but you would know that mate
Good report as usual Doug, look forward to catching up again when arriving up in Townsville.
My favourite place Townsville with a group of the best free camps just north of the city.
CYA John
The big day is getting closer, yippeeeeeeeeee.
Yes I am very happy about the new tug, I will be happier when I get the keys handed to me though.
Congratulations on the new vehicle Doug, and what an excellent choice of colour!!!!!
I bet that was great fun, looking, test driving, making the decision and the best part next week ...collecting your new toy!!!!!
Just have to get out there and use it!!! just be careful of the scratchadoorem trees if you go bush, and you will have to tell us about all the extras that are being added....anything to take care of wombats, I wonder? cheers Capricorn
make sure you go when Dougwe is not there and you will enjoy yourself.
great report again mate, that second pic looking down the strand, we had lunch in the place just to the right of the roundabout on the corner a few years ago.
That explains the sign out the front then.
NO WOMBATS 
I got in
That was then but they woke up to you and said never again. I gave them a up to date pic of you.
They reckon if you turn up they will let you in........on their menu.
Yum, wombat stew.
who me, never
Well done Doug they are a nice vehicle and I have been told they usually start first attempt, will be interested to see the pictures when you post them and as far as meeting other GNs I will send you a pm when we get close to Townsville probably early to mid August for a chat if you are still in Townsville then
-- Edited by aussietraveller on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 05:28:16 PM
I should still be around the area then AT, so would be good to meet you.
IF it does not start 1st time EVERY time, take it back, but you would know that mate