Thread: news from The French Robert Martine & Alistair

Hello to all, we have left Perth almost a month ago. Our departure was a quite emotional moment, as we got attached to our hosts from the AULRO WA club Ralph and Anita which have been our ‘parents’ away from home during our stay in Perth. Ralph is not on the internet –yet- but you might some day hear from him…

Our stay in Perth has been a very social and productive one at the same time. We were interviewed by Radio Fremantle – in French – and by Access TV 31, spent 3 days at the 4WD show where our vehicle was displayed on the AULRO WA stand, where we talked to hundreds of people. The next evening, we were guests speakers at the monthly Club meeting and gave a presentation of our photos and travel stories.

And we finalised a sponsorship with Rovacraft which we are delighted with: they will stand by us anywhere in the country should we need spare parts and also provided a new pair of waffle sand plates which will certainly help us next time we get bogged. In Ningaloo, it had taken us 16 hours of hard work to get out of that sand beach –, an experience we learned a great deal from. Same applies to our getting bogged in the mud near Mount Augustus…

We also got to spend some fun time with several people met through the WA Club and aulro forum, in particular Brad bradtot, Stuart iggy, and Mark cartm58. Julien V8Hybrid and family business Discovery Automotive have also been not only helpful in fitting new equipment, fixing whatever needed to be etc but have been our mailbox and office away from home.for several days. They handled pretty well being invaded by the French for several days in a row! New friends whom we were sad to leave behind…

In the following 4 weeks or so, we slowly progressed through the southern part of West Australia, discovering the coastline highlights, fishing and visiting Wave Rock, Kalgoorlie and stopping in fun smaller towns along the way.

Needless to say, we visited Landy Andy and CraigE along the way! Robert already met Andrew during the Harvey trip and him and Craig have been among the very first people who welcomed us on AULRO when we signed in. So we felt as if they were old friends already even before meeting them.

We had a wonderful time in Williams although sadly too short at Andrew and Debbie’s, with whom Martine clicked almost instantly. We left with a bagful of vegetables and fruit from their garden, which we enjoyed tremendously during the following days.

Our next aulro visit was with Craig and Mel in Esperance. We actually should rename their place “Providence” as being able to stay with them for 3 nights allowed us to attend through email and phone to an important matter which was not going well, the renewal of our Carnet – Alistair’s passport. We also joined them for a Sunday outing on the white beaches of the area and enjoyed several Australian barbecues in their company and friends. We even got to meet Jamo one afternoon, which was a nice surprise.

Unfortunately, fires prevented us from exploring both Cape Grand and Arid National Parks which was followed by the crossing of the Nullarbore, which was as long as everyone knows.

In South Australia, we stopped in Whyalla to meet with Tombraider Mike and camped in his backyard. At this stage, we were in a rush to reach Adelaide where we had about 24 hours left to attend to the renewal of our Carnet and registration, so the clock was tickly stressfully…

Everything finally fell into place in Adelaide with admin and we were very lucky that we could stay with friends of Mark cartm58. Thanks to the forum, we have also recently hooked up with Studboy David in the Adelaide Hills, from where we are writing. We are very grateful to have the privilege of spending Xmas with him and Becky’s family while we are so far away from our own families. The true spirit of Xmas and of Land Rover brotherhood!!

Our next stop will be in Melbourne where we will go meet Simon from 4WD TV for a possible TV appearance, and work the other media on the national level too, in an attempt to find a sponsor for a new set of tyres as ours have been getting their toll from Australian tracks...So any contacts any of you may have with the media will be appreciated as visibility will increase our chance of attracting a sponsor. Wish us luck!

We will cross on January 20 by ferry to go to Tasmania where we will meet not only Justin in Hobart but also with Ruslan in Launceston. The plan is also to hook up with a group from the NSW LROC doing a tour there at the same moment.

So it seems that pretty soon we will be the people who will have met the greatest number of aulro members in their lifetime!!

So thanks again for all the support and enthusiasm. AULRO has been for us not only a great door opener but a well of friendship and kindness which has been a mind blowing experience.

Merry Xmas to all have a great holiday season!

PS : Robert is taking photos of our bonnet wheel carrier and ‘picnic’ tablet for those who seemed to show interest in these features and promises to put them of a post very soon.

Martine and Robert
info@kookynet.net

Robert & Martine

sorry we didnt catch up in Adelaide again but with the storm we decide to drive on thru to Melbourne after having to drive in downpours for the previous 2 days

kathy has now flown onto to Sydney for christmas with her folks and she will fly direct to Perth on 31st December, meanwhile jacque and l will do the boys thing and drive the ute back to Perth after Boxing Day

Enjoy your OZ xmas

Mark & kathy & jacque the poodle