My accident on a Cattle Grid in Crookwell

Sunday 11th August - 2019

Everything was going splendidly until around 1530 on the Sunday afternoon when I decided to divert down south, and call into my friend's property in Crookwell, NSW. We could not get back across the Blue Mountains From Bathurst to Sydney because the Great Western Highway was closed at Lithgow due to snow & ice.

I wanted to show my mate Peter Deane, the property and Shearer’s Quarters where a bunch of us ex-Qantas employees venture to every year to do “boy stuff” and hopefully catch the elusive trout in the creeks that run through the Prell’s property.

Heading across the Great Dividing Range from Bathurst
on our way to Crookwell

However there were a couple of things we needed to do before this would eventuate.

First of all we needed to navigate the highway through the snow as we drove over the summit of the Great Dividing Range [Above] before descending down into Crookwell where we wanted to enjoy a Sunday afternoon lunch at the delightful Laggan Pub which is approximately 8km out of Crookwell.

Peter and I sat in front of a pleasant open fire in the Restaurant of the Laggan Pub lapping up the warm atmosphere while enjoying our Shepherds Pie and beer.

The '57 Chevy parked outside the Laggan Pub

Once we warmed up and with our bellies now full, it was now time to push onto the Prell’s property which was another 15kms out of Crookwell on the way to Goulburn.

I drove off the highway onto the gravel road that wound down towards the Shearers Quarters. I decided to park the ‘57 Chevy on the hill to take some photographs of the property with the Chevy in the foreground looking down to the Shearer’s Quarters, and those “UGLY” Windmills in the background.

Little did I know the SHIT was about to hit the fan BIG time...

If you look closely at the photo looking towards the Windmills in front 
of my Chevy, you can see the Cattle Grid that I ended up in.

As you can see in the photograph [above] I managed to take a photograph looking from the rear of the Chevy towards the Windmills, then I had this bright idea that I should take another photograph looking from the front of the Chevy looking in the opposite direction.

So with my iPad in both hands, I was walking backwards, concentrating on the screen, trying to frame the perfect shot (as you do) I ended up stepping right into the steel Cattle Grid, arse up.

If you look closely at the photo looking towards the Windmills in front of my Chevy you can see the Cattle Grid that I ended up in. Moral to the story: Don’t ever walk backwards while taking photos. 

The damage I did to myself, this photo was taken before my
skin graft operation in Canberra Hospital.

Now I can see how these people have fallen to their death while taking “selfies”. How to stuff up what had been a perfect weekend away with the Chevy Car Club.

To cut a long story short because of my injuries (as you can see by the photograph) I ended up in Canberra Hospital for an operation and skin graft. I spent a total of 9-days in hospital and was discharged on Monday, and let me assure you it is great to be back home in the “Shire”.

Recovering after my skin graft operation in Canberra Hospital
enjoying a feed that a friend called in with

I have a very good friend that works at the Canberra Airport as a “Firey” he dropped by one day with lunch for me. [Above], I was hanging out for fresh prawns, sourdough bread rolls and a Classic Coke to wash it all down. Yummie !!!

That sure put a big smile on my face as you can see.

Back home now in The Shire, my wound is healing up nicely

So now all that is left for me to do is listen to the Doctor's orders and rest up until my wound heals.

Cheers for now from the “Squire from the Shire”.

Warbo

Visit to Abercrombie House, Bathurst, NSW

Sunday 11th August - 2019

Two Car Clubs; the Chevrolet Car Club of NSW and the ‘55-‘56-‘57 Chevy Club of Australia visited this magnificent, heritage property which is listed on the National Trust, Abercrombie House, in Bathurst on Sunday 11th August 2019.

My ‘57 Chevy parked outside Abercrombie House, Bathurst

Built in the 1870s by the Stewart family, headed up by William Stewart, who migrated to Australia from England in 1825 as part of the colonisation of the British penal colony in Australia.

This stately home is resting on its 50-acre (200,000m²) plot of land and the buildings, including the outer buildings, are regarded as “an outstanding example of Victorian Tudor-style architecture”. It is currently owned by the Rex Henry Morgan family.

After a cold grey morning, the sun actually started shining as we
were about to enter the house and commence our tour.

Since 1969 the Morgan family has made major restorations to the house and slowly being restored to its former glory. The House is currently occupied by Christopher Morgan and his family.

Abercrombie House is a magnificently preserved part of Australia’s early history. It’s like a step back in history, or a piece of Olde England right here in Australia.

Christopher Morgan (left) explains the history of the residence to the group
before we were allowed to roam through the house at our leisure.

Christopher Morgan and his wife gave us all a beautiful country welcome with tea, coffee, cordial and home-made cakes upon arrival. 

You can also see the beautiful wood fire burning to the left side of the table to keep us warm.

We enjoyed a sumptuous morning tea by the open fire

You have to remember that this is a private home and not a Museum, but there's so much rich history here, people forget Bathurst is the oldest inland settlement in Australia and Abercrombie House underpins this.

Nineteen members of our Car Club all rugged up to keep warm before
our guided tour of the Abercrombie House by the current occupant
and owner, Mr Christopher Morgan

For those Club members that missed this weekend away in Bathurst with the two Chevy Car Clubs, you don’t realise how much enjoyment you missed out on.

For more details on visiting Abercrombie House Click here

Adventure before Dementia.

Cheers for now
Ken Warburton

Weekend away with '55-'56-'57 Chev Car Club

Saturday 10th August - 2019

On our weekend away drive to Bathurst, '55 '56 '57 Chev Car Club members were invited to morning tea at Bob Thompson’s house at Victoria Pass, in the Blue Mountains for a pleasurable morning tea and home-made cakes.

Me standing beside my 2-door ‘57 Chevy Bel Air
with the perfect Wintry backdrop.

As you can see by a couple of these photographs the local weather in the Blue Mountains region was definitely a challenge, at 1,052m [3,450ft] elevation it was very crisp indeed. 

And 'Wow!!!' what a great set up and man shed Bob Thompson has, every thing a man needs in life if you are a petrol head.

Looking towards Bob's swimming pool with a snow covered
slippery dip, it was actually snowing when I shot this photo

From Victoria Pass it was now time to drive to Bathurst to visit the world famous Mount Panorama Circuit and I do not say that lightly, if you ever have the chance to drive around this track please do so it is one hell of an experience.

Club members feeding their faces and enjoying a delicious morning tea.

Before doing a couple of HOT laps around the Bathurst mountain track in the ‘57 Chevy 2-door Bel Air we visited the fantastic National Motor Racing Museum which is situated at the end of Conrod Straight. This is another “Do not miss attraction”.

Bob's garage... now this is a tool box!!!

On my first practice lap for qualifying I was lucky not to get booked, as I drove around Devil’s Corner at the bottom of the mountain just before entering Conrod Straight I looked in my rear view mirror and sure enough, there, hidden behind the safety fence was none other than a NSW Highway Patrol Vehicle just waiting there to book hoons like me.

I managed to organise our two Chevy Clubs Presidents for a photo.
John Fenato in the centre and Matte Reynolds on the right
with yours truly on the left. How good is Bob’s Bar?

By now it was getting well into the afternoon and we needed to check into our Motel for the evening to relax and settle back for the evening to watch the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Union and the Australian Wallabies spank those All Blacks arses, trust me it is not before time. We have been waiting a long time for this to eventuate. (Go you good thing).

Cheers for now.
Warbo.

Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

Saturday 10th August - 2019

Hello again fellow Motor Racing enthusiasts.

For me, my Saturday afternoon gallop around the world famous Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit in Bathurst in my ‘57 Chevy bought back many wonderful memories from when my Dad used to take me to Bathurst to watch the car and bike races in the late '50s early '60s when I was a hairy-arsed kid.

My ‘57 Chevy parked in the sand trap at McPhillamy Park
 at the top of the mountain from where my Dad and
I watched the races from all those years ago.

I can remember as though it was yesterday watching those daredevils racing their machines over the top of the mountain from our spectator position in McPhillamy Park [above], long before there was a concrete barrier to stop competitors going over the side of the mountain.

Yes, I did witness a few guys crash over the side of the mountain on their motorcycles and sidecars.

This photo shows you the concrete barrier going into The Esses,
half-way down the mountain. In those early days when my Dad
used to take me to the races in the late '50s and early '60s
this barrier was non existent.

For those of you old enough to remember they also raced motorcycles and sidecars around this unbelievable circuit. The first meeting for motorcycles was held in April 1938, the first Car race, the 'Australian Grand Prix' was held 2-days later.

It must be 20-years or longer since I have driven around the race circuit, when I did it this past weekend, I have to admit that it still gives me goose-bumps.

Just past Murray's Corner is the starting grid positions and
the Pit Garages and the start/finish line.

The Mount Panorama Circuit these days is best known as the home of the Bathurst 1000 Motor Race, technically a street Circuit and is a public road with normal speed restrictions when no racing events are being held.

A total of eighteen brave young men have lost their lives competing at this track over the years. Denny Holme the 1967 World Drivers Champion died of a heart attack while competing in a race here on 4th October 1992.

This photo shows my Chevy parked on the side of the circuit
just after Hell’s Corner, also shows the start of Conrod Straight.

I was trackside on 7th April 1969 when Bevan Gibson driving a Elfin 400 Repco for the Bob Jane racing team lost his life on Conrod Straight in a horrific fiery crash at full speed cart wheeling down the straight at maximum speed. I will never forget those images.

Why is Conrod Straight called Conrod Straight? This part of the track was originally called the Main Straight, though it was later renamed Conrod after a Conrod failure that occurred in a driver's car, causing them to retire from the race.

Looking back and down towards the township of Bathurst
through the cutting on the ascent up the mountain.

In case you were wondering what the Mount Panorama Circuit track layout is and how long this spectacular race track is: It's 6.21kms or 3.86 miles. 

Hope you enjoyed the story and photographs.

Cheers
Warbo

The Neon Museum, Las Vegas.

US Friday 21st June - 2019

Just returned to my hotel before I venture out to Caesars Palace this evening to see the Jerry Seinfeld Show.

Today’s experience at the Neon Museum here in Las Vegas was like going back to the 20th Century for me. The first time I visited Las Vegas and the famous Strip was way back in 1969, way before smart phones and iPads.

One of the Las Vegas classics: The Golden Nugget

 
I can remember wandering down Las Vegas Blvd with my Standard 8mm movie camera shooting many of the Neon Signs that I saw this morning in the bone yard of this museum. I still have all that footage at home in one of my wardrobes, so needless to say today’s experience bought back many wonderful memories of a bye gone era for me.

Almost all of the casinos that were prominent then have had to be demolished to make way for progress and the changing road system plus the multi story monoliths of today.

A boneyard of Neon signs from hotels past here in Las Vegas

As you can see by the photographs, this Neon Museum has preserved and saved many of those wonderful Neon Signs that were the trade mark of the strip back in the day of the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford & Joey Bishop).

Almost all of the original Casinos and Neon signs are no longer in existence, for those of you that are old enough to remember these iconic names from the past:

* Stardust.
* Sahara.
* Frontier.
* The Star Dust.
* Moulin Rouge.
* The Mint.
* The Sands
* The Golden Nugget.

Plus many more that are too many to list here, and who could ever forget the flamboyant Liberace, his museum closed its doors here on October 17th 2010, his museum had also fallen victim to changing tastes of tourists. Liberace died of Pneumonia on February 4th 1987 as a result of AIDS at his home in Palm Springs, California at the age of 67.

Ten lovely young ladies that are visiting Las Vegas from Cleveland, Ohio

I also managed to catch up with 10 lovely young ladies [above] that are visiting Las Vegas from Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate their friend's bachelorette party. The lady in question is on the far left. 

The museum made these beauties turn their Tee-shirts inside-out before they would give them permission to enter, if you look closely... you can see why. They told them that this museum was a family friendly attraction. Spoil sports, this would never have happened in the “GOOD OLD DAYS”.

The original Stardust sign being installed in 1968

I need to go and prepare myself for this evening's BIG night out, I can’t wait because I have loved Jerry Seinfeld since watching him on his hilarious TV Show.

Cheers for now.

Warbo.

NB: I must also remind you in case you have forgotten.  “Adventure before Dementia”

The Mob Museum, Las Vegas

US Thursday 20th June - 2019

I pounded the streets for most of the day today checking out the various highlights and Casinos along the famous Las Vegas strip in the searing Nevada desert heat, I do not know whether the temperatures here in Vegas are any cooler than in Phoenix, Arizona.

On my rounds today I had to go to the box office at Caesars Palace to pick up my ticket that I had pre-ordered in Australia for the Jerry Seinfeld performance tomorrow evening.

Tomorrow night I'm off across the street to Caesars Palace
to see Jerry Seinfeld perform live at the Colosseum

Additionally, appearing next door at the Mirage Casino is none other than Jay Leno so I decided to bite the bullet and extend my stay here in Las Vegas by another day so that I can see his show on Saturday evening before heading back to Phoenix on Sunday.

I was lucky enough to see Jay Leno at the Comedy Club in LA probably 30-years ago while on a Qantas layover there. This was way back even before he took over the Tonight Show from Johnny Carson in 1992, so that will tell you how long ago it was.

At the time he was a brilliant stand up comedian, so there should be no reason why his show on Saturday evening will be any different.

The Trump International Hotel is a 64-story
luxury Hotel, condominium and timeshare. 

First thing this morning I drove down Las Vegas Blvd to my hero’s luxury pub; the Trump International Hotel. I was last there in 2016 just after Mr Trump announced that he would put his hand up for the Presidency of the United States, the rest is history.

The Mob Museum is about 5-miles north of the Trump International Hotel, so my next port of call was to visit this nonprofit organisation with a mission to advance my knowledge and understanding of organised crime’s history and impact on America society. The Mob Museum offers a bold and authentic view of organised crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities.

The Mob Museum - Las Vegas

Inside the magnificently restored 1933 former courthouse and Post office (which by the way was the tallest 3-story building in Las Vegas at that point of time) you can explore the real stories and actual events of the Mob's history through interactive exhibits and see hundreds of artifacts on display.

The Al Capone revolver took my fancy that was
displayed in this glass case

Do you recognise this man in the photo below??? (Would you buy a 2nd Hand Model A Ford from him?), he is waiting to meet his fate in ‘Old Sparky’ he is sitting in the electric chair that inmates famously nicknamed ‘Old Sparky’ long ago.The warden asked him for any last words, apparently he said “all l want to do is get back to the Shire”...

Me trying out 'old sparky'

However, before this person in 'the chair' can return back home to his beloved 'Sutherland Shire' he will be accommodated for 4-nights here on The Strip at Harrah’s Las Vegas Casino.

My accommodation here in Sin City
for four nights - Harrahs Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

They could only just fit him in, the Harrahs Hotel & Casino which offers 2,677 rooms, 1,200 slot machines with an attached Casino providing 91,833 sq ft (8,531.6 square mtrs) of space. Even the new apartment development at the Kirrawee Brick Pit is not that big!!!

Last but not least in today’s report is the photograph and story behind the 43-story Mandalay Bay luxury Resort and Casino that received world-wide publicity on October 2nd, 2017 for all the wrong reasons.

The Mandalay Bay Hotel - Las Vegas

Stephen Paddock shot and murdered 58 innocent people when he open fired on them from his room on the 32nd floor, the Casino has since eliminated and renumbered that floor where all the action took place. What does ‘Mandalay’ mean? It is the second largest City and the last capital of Mayanmar (Burma).

So that my friends is the end of another day here in Sin City.

Hope you enjoyed the report.

Cheers 

Warbo

Phoenix to Las Vegas

US Wednesday 19th June - 2019

Another exciting and adventurous day on the road to Las Vegas, where I'm off to see Jerry Seinfeld perform at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace.

I departed Phoenix this morning at 0600 for the 500-mile drive via the scenic route that Sammy and I planned out last night over a cuppa of Bushell’s tea.

I really did not want to follow the Interstate Highways all the way from Phoenix, so I decided that I would only drive west on Interstate 10 to Quartzite, (20-miles from the Californian Border) from there I headed north to Lake Havasu City to take a look at Lake Havasu that they all rave about over here. Not only that, this is where the old London Bridge is situated.

Joining onto the old Historic Route 66 through
Arizona from Topock via Oatman to Kingman.

As you can see by the photograph [below] I really think that the American who purchased the bridge from the Poms before dismantling it piece by piece way back in 1964 must have thought that he was buying the London Tower Bridge. 

This unique attraction offers the English Village filled with shops and eateries; boat rentals and tours of the Lake itself, however I was not that impressed with what I saw, I sure would like to have the $’s that it must have cost to relocate it here from where it once spanned the River Thames for about 80-years.

Once I departed Lake Havasu, I then headed north again towards the dreaded Interstate Highway 40. Thank heavens that I only had to drive 8-miles east on that road before I once again turned north at a little place called Topock for the most exciting time of the drive.

The London Bridge that once spanned the River Thames was purchased,
then dismantled and shipped to Arizona in 1967.

Little did I know what was ahead of me for the following 68 miles. When Sammy and I were discussing the route last night that I would take he told me not to miss out driving the old Historic Route 66 from Topock via Oatman to Kingman.

This is the longest section still in use of the original Historic Route 66 across America.

In Oatman, wild donkeys come out of the
mountains during the day and roam the town's streets

If only I had the Porsche with me, instead of the Toyota Echo, what a road. Very narrow, very rough with plenty of bends and sharp turns winding through the mountains, many of the corners were 15mph max, I can assure you that I would have had the time of my life let loose on that section of Route 66. One can only dream.

Approximately 30-miles into the journey I came around this corner and right there in front of me in the middle of nowhere in the desert was this ever so small town called Oatman, Arizona. This place is an historic gold mining town born in 1906 as a tent camp for miners.

The Main Street in Oatman

Located in the Black Mountains, Oatman offers visitors quaint shops, restaurants and a couple of watering holes. As you can see by the photograph [above] a town landmark are the burros (wild donkeys that come out of the mountains during the day) and roam the streets. Quite unique I thought and very friendly.

The Oatman gunfighters stage free 'Old West' show-downs and shoot outs on the town’s main street (Historic Route 66) daily. Do yourself a favour and be sure to put this one down on your 'Bucket List' you will not be disappointed, trust me.

After that exhilarating adventure it was now time to hit the road again and check out the Riverside Resort and Casino in Laughlin just over the border in the State of Nevada. On the 3rd floor of this Casino there is a Classic Car collection that I am also glad I did not miss.

Part of the vintage slot machine collection
at Laughlin's Riverside Resort & Casino

Located in Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and Casino there are two showrooms that feature more than 85 classic and rare automobiles from Don Laughlin’s private collection, also home to his antique slot machine, pinball machine and license plate collection.

On display in the showrooms there are vehicles of various makes and models, and as you can see by the photo [below], he also had a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air that was better than when it came out of the show room.

A gorgeous ‘57 Chevy Bel Air that was in better condition than
when it came out of the showroom as new.

By now time was slipping away and I still had another 100-miles to drive before I would arrive in Las Vegas, so I put the pedal to the metal and arrived here in Vegas around 8:00pm tonight, checked into my Hotel, thoroughly satisfied with my day's adventures.

Later this evening I may take a drive down Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as The Strip and take some photos of the bright lights on the strip. We’ll see how I feel, nothing else for now.

Cheers

Warbo

Home again in Arizona

Saturday 11th May - 2019

After my testing drive just 24-hours earlier, how good does this look. Blue skies, Saguaro Cactus, lower altitude, warmer temperatures, rattle snakes, deer, elk, scorpions, all makes for a beautiful day on the road traveling through the byways of Arizona enroute to Phoenix.

What a great sight for sore eyes, blue Arizona skies
and the landscape filled with healthy Saguaro cactus

Only another 50-miles and the journey is complete. I have removed my jacket for the first time in two-and-a-half days and boy does it feel great.

My RV, now basking in the warm Arizona sun, after enduring a blinding
snow storm less than 24-hours previous in New Mexico.

Update: After my marathon 1,900-mile (3,100 kms) drive from North Carolina, I have just arrived safely home, into Phoenix, Arizona at the San Tan Mobile Village at 11:00am.

The last 20-miles was possibly the hardest, I could hardly stay awake. This will be my last report from this marathon road trip. 

In just three-days time my good friend, Steve Core, arrives from Australia and then we will head off on a 1,700-mile road journey to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on the Memorial Day weekend.

Cheers 

Warbo

More than a snowflake...

While you were sleeping in your nice warm beds in Australia, I have just experienced the ride of my life.

Last year I put my life at risk in my Model A Ford on the drive through the dessert states of Arizona & Nevada in soaring heatwave conditions on my journey to the Model A Ford National Meet in Reno Nevada. At the time I said to myself; ‘never, never again.’

My RV, still covered in sheet ice after
surviving my drive through a blinding snowstorm

That was chicken feed up until this morning. Just when you think that you are home and hosed, nature decides to throw you a curve ball just when you are not expecting it. This morning I departed Santa Rosa, in New Mexico expecting a fairly simple and uneventful drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico only 150-miles away. 

The journey should have taken approximately two and a half hours all going well, instead I have only just arrived here in Albuquerque at midday after a four and a half horrendous experience in driving conditions that you can not imagine.

Hard to believe your in the high desert plains of New Mexico

Now I have been around a bit in the short 72-years that I have existed on this beautiful planet, I never ever again want to experience what I have just been through.

About 30-minutes into the journey, the weather started to really deteriorate, I thought OK I have driven in bad rain and bad weather conditions many, many times in my adventures throughout the world in heaps of countries.

Pulling over for break during the
tough driving conditions

Well let me tell you without a doubt today’s experience definitely takes the cake, bar none.

At one point of time when I was slap bang in the eye of this unbelievable snow storm at the summit of this mountain (7,085 ft) I really thought that OK Ken, your number is up. I really did not want it to end this way because I am a long way from home and Qantas do not send caskets home in Business Class or even Cattle Class, not to mention the cost.

When all these horrible thoughts were going through my melon, I could not help myself thinking "why would any body in their right state of mind want to live here, not only that this State is run by the Democrats". Plus the roads are absolute SHIT.

What about these poor old three bikers, 
do you think that they are feeling a little uncomfortable?

I must tell the ‘Donald’ not to even waste his time here in the 2020 election because it just isn’t worth the time and energy to win it for the Republicans, they can do without it.

Anyway, here I am safe and sound once again, even though I am still at 5,588ft above sea level, it has stopped snowing thank heavens, although it's still pissing down with rain.

I have decided to have a nice Blueberry Muffin and wash it down with a cup of extra hot black Bushell’s tea with 2 sugars, sounds good to me.

Even the most hardened & tough interstate truckers
were pulling over for relieve from the tough unexpected conditions

Today, I planned to drive another 400-miles which would have gotten me well into Arizona, at this point of time I have no idea of where I will be later in the day, because I have only driven 150-miles, I suppose that I should not complain. I am still here to talk about it. Besides I need the break.

Just remember my motto. ‘Adventure before Dementia’ only some times I do stretch the limit way too far.

My Toyota Echo tow car, showing the signs
of a tough journey through testing New Mexico conditions

Position Update: I could not help myself, once I left Holbrook this afternoon I was going to take Hwy 377 to a little town called Heber, then I noticed another town called ‘SNOWFLAKE’ on Hwy 77, and 77 being my lucky number I decided that this was the appropriate place to stay the night because of my adventures today.

Thank heavens I am finally off Interstate Hwy 40. I have been traveling on that dangerous Hwy for it must be 1,700 miles since I departed Knoxville in North Carolina at lunchtime on Tuesday.

I am finally back on schedule after my horrendous experience this morning in that snow storm way back in New Mexico. Today after all my dramas I did manage to drive the 400-miles that I planned to do last night.

I thought the name of this town was so appropriate
to represent the journey I had just made through the snow

Phoenix in now only 165-miles away, I am now getting down to the business end of the 1,900 miles that was required before I departed Waynesville in North Carolina. If I get an early start from here in the morning I should be back in Chandler before lunchtime, one day ahead of what I had planned once David and myself went our separate ways.

Let me assure you, I definitely will not have any trouble looking at the inside of my eyelids tonight. All that is required of me this evening is to put my pyjamas on and hit the pillow.

The gods were definitely with me today, thank heavens. You will not hear from me now until I am back safely in my trailer in Chandler, Phoenix.

Cheers for now.

Warbo