Armchair Folding Travel

"Across Australia" Show And Tell Slide Night At David Martin's

8 February 1997

The slide night at David Martin's place was a great meeting place for old and new friends who got together for an entertaining night.

Approximately 40 people (no one did a head count but there were lots) started the night off with a swim and a BBQ plus lots of Suby talk with a sprinkling of other topics. Because of the size of the crowd we all proceeded to the open air cinema (David's driveway) where rugs were put on the ground in front for the kids (big & small) and there was still plenty of room for the folding chairs at the back.

The slides were provided by the owner operators of C2C tours (that's sea to sea) * Clint and Charleen Lovell. For those of us who have not been across the centre of Australia this was a colourful and beautiful journey without even leaving our chairs.

Our tour started at the most eastern point of Australia, Cape Byron Lighthouse and then proceeded due west towards Western Australia. These slides were from several of their trips so the road conditions varied from bull dust to mud to great lakes that came from nowhere. Some of these conditions would definitely stop a Subaru but not doubt David and Keith would give it a go. We took in the sights of Birdsville, Poeppel Corner and then on to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and the Olgas, plus more in between. Not forgetting the hot air balloon, helicopter and plane rides.

Our trip went on to Steep Point, the most western point of Australia taking in gorges, lakes and water crossings. The photos of the sunrise and sunsets were breathtaking (almost makes you want to get up early and have a look for yourself.

At the end of our journey we made our way down towards Perth and across the Swan River into the city. Charleen also showed us some of our beautiful Australian wild flowers that only appear after the rains have been and gone.

After our tour had finished there was still time for another swim for the kids while the adults had their tea or coffee.

Many thanks go to Clint and Charleen for our tour across Australia and to David for inviting us all into his home.

* Regrettably C2C is no longer in commercial operation

Danna Peters SC 346