ANZAC Day Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. A day of remembrance in both countries. Remembering those 'who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations'. Dawn Service ANZAC Day Canberra I attended the 6am dawn Anzac Day service at the Canberra Australian War Memorial. The 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Knowing thousands would attend I awoke 4 am. Drove from Rydges Motel accommodation via Canberra city to the War Memorial underground public parking. Thought I would be one of the first arrivals around 4.30 am. Surprised by how many hundreds of people were streaming to the dawn service area on the left side facing the Memorial main buildings. I managed to get a position near the front where it was roped off to the public. Television crews in attendance. The pre-service preceding's began shortly. Informative talks given by distinguished people. Some were ex-servicemen talking about experiences of battle and not leaving anyone behind. The service itself fairly short. Generals and Admirals were in attendance. The service backed by the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. A Didgeridoo player from the RAAF and a Piper of the Australian Federal Police. An address to those gathered was made from the national President of the RSL. (Returned and Services League of Australia) Mateship of Returned Servicemen After attending the ANZAC day service in Canberra, a deeply moving and significant event that honors the sacrifices of those who served their country, I was involved in a poignant encounter. As I made my way to my vehicle, an ex-serviceman of military age approached me with a sense of genuine concern and respect. He kindly inquired if I was a returned serviceman myself, noting that long walks seemed challenging for me. In response, I humbly expressed I had never served in the armed forces but felt compelled to pay my respects to those who had bravely served. Later that day, I decided to revisit the Australian War Memorial to immerse myself further in the history and stories of wartime sacrifices. The impact of the visit was profound, especially considering the restricted visitor numbers due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the limitations, the experience of exploring the displays and paying tribute to the fallen heroes left a lasting impression on many attendees. It was a reminder of the importance of honouring the past and reflecting on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. Traveldriven DAWN SERVICE 2022 LIGHT OF DAY, WAR MEMORIAL ANZAC WREATHS AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL WEARY DUNLOP OUTSIDE WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA STATUE OF WEARY DUNLOP THE WAR PRISONER SURGEON EXPLOSIVE FINDER DOG & HANDLER WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA 2 UP THE JETTY CANBERRA ANZAC day is the one day of the year two up can legally be played Australia wide PREV CANBERRA ROADTRIP NEXT HOMEPAGE

Entry of $25 donation to the Good Friday Appeal Lincoln & Lincoln Land Lincoln is the luxury vehicle division of American automobile manufacturer Ford. The American brand is unavailable to buy in Australia with no dealerships. Lincoln Land in Australia is Jim's private collection of upwards of thirty-five Lincoln motor cars. A once only opportunity for the public on Good Friday to view the many motor vehicles. All Lincoln's on display are in pristine condition. Donation in 2025 and 2024 on entry of $25 to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Also, live music, BBQ, and an Outdoor Show & Shine. Hundreds of people in attendance on the day. Amount raised for the Hospital appeal in 2024 according to local mainstream media was $55,000. Lincoln Land is on private property in the vicinity of the small town of Pomonal. On the fringe of the Grampian National Park in Victoria, Australia. Jim's Lincoln Display in Australia Most, if not all Lincoln's, were imported from the United States and all left-hand drive. Convertible open top continental GT's and hard tops. Two door and four door Lincoln's spanning decades of various models. Some models similar to what American presidents used. Lincoln was once described lovingly by Jay Leno, an avid American car collector, as driving a swimming pool on wheels. Jim's private collection of Lincoln motor cars in regional Victoria is open to the public only on Good Friday. Traveldriven 2025 GOOD FRIDAY OPEN DAY JIM'S GARAGE, 'LINCOLN LAND' LINCOLN LAND TEXACO & LINCOLN SIT DOWN & ADMIRE MEMORABILIA ON DISPLAY FANTASTIC COLLECTION 'OLD MARGE' ANOTHER WING FULL OF LINCOLN'S PRISTINE CONDITION AMERICAN ENTERTAINER 1916 - 1987 JACKIE GLEASEN'S STRETCH LINCOLN MORE LINCOLN'S ON DISPLAY OUTSIDE CLASSIC CAR SHOW MORE VEHICLE'S OUTSIDE JAKES SPEED SHOP CAR DISPLAYS ON OUTSIDE LAWNS EXTENSIVE CAR DISPLAYS TVR GRIFFITH 500 SPECS TVR GRIFFITH 500 2024 TOTAL 11.15AM $20,280 RAISED END OF DAY GREATER THAN $55,000 2024 Lincoln Display of cars AS NEW MARK 1V "LARGE MARGE" PART OF THE OUTDOOR GENERAL CAR DISPLAY LINCOLN LAND 2024 OLD ZEPHYR POLICE CAR LIGHT & SIREN SIXTY-FIVE FORD ZEPHYR CARS ON DISPLAY DRAG RACER TURBO SIX TIGHT FIT PANELS REMOVED LINCOLN PARKED JIM'S LINCOLN LAND SIDE DOOR ENTRY TO LINCOLN LAND WALKING THROUGH THE CAR EXHIBITS ROLLS ROYCE SILVER GHOST 1920 LIVE MUSIC JIM'S GARAGE GOOD FRIDAY 2022 MORE LIVE MUSIC JIM'S GARAGE HOT ROD WOLF GEAR STICK HOT ROD SHOW & SHINE PETER BROCK .O5 HOLDEN RACE CAR PETER BROCK 05 REPLICA MODEL RACE CARS Jay Leno's Garage 1966 Lincoln Continental PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) A rare neurological disorder. Targets your body's nerves all of which interact with the muscles within the body. Symptoms vary widely among individuals. Characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in both legs, feet, arms and hands. Weakened respiratory muscles are a common symptom. CIDP prevalence is approximately 600 people in any one year in Australia of a population of 25 million. Not hereditary nor infectious. Not a psychiatric or nervous disorder. Causes inflammation of nerves and nerve damage primarily to the insulating myelin sheaths around nerve fibres. Classified as an autoimmune disease. The disease may occur at any age. No known causes of why the immune system attacks the nerves of otherwise healthy people. A positive diagnosis of CIDP is possible with evidence of damage to peripheral nerve myelin from nerve conduction tests and a lumber puncture. Quadriplegia and or respiratory failure causing death has been cited in rare instances. Gullain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is regarded as the acute form of the condition. Traveldriven BACKYARD BREAK SMOKO IN THE BACKYARD CIDP MOBILITY ASSISTS NOT REQUIRED TWO YEARS OF CIDP (23 months from hospitalisation) THREE YEARS OF CIDP (37 months from diagnosis) Four years living with CIDP & IVIG Five years living with CIDP & IVIG Otherwise in good health, no other issues INFLAMMATORY NEUROPATHY SUPPORT GROUP of VICTORIA Melbourne Christmas Luncheon 2023 LUNCHEON FUND RAISING AUCTION DJANGO REINHARDT TWO FINGER GUITARIST LEFT-HANDED GUITARIST TONY LOMMI NEXT PAGE CIDP WRITTEN STORY PREV PAGE NEXT HOMEPAGE

WHATEVER IT TAKES KEEP GOING CIDP & RECOVERY? There is a famous expression in English: ' When the going gets tough, the tough get going' –meaning when the situation becomes difficult, the strong will work harder to meet the challenge. Sometimes, when we are in a tough situation, an inspirational quote or saying can help us calm down and focus on what we need to do. Motorsport Quote Search motorsport quote on this blog from well-known Australian motorsport driver's and Henry Ford's simple truism of belief. All could be applied to life in general. 'It's not rare if it happens to you'. Traveldriven quote WHAT IS CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLNEUROPATHY SIGNS OF AND EXPLANATION OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY OUR PAINTBALL GROUP SNIPERS DEN MELBOURNE I second from left as a lefthanded paintball shooter THE OPPONENT'S CHINESE SOLDIERS? First and only paintball experience. Great day out by all on a hot Melbourne day. We received many hits and returned many back. Eight weeks before CIDP diagnosis. AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE & HOME WITH CIDP My CIDP journey is written below. Living with a rare serious condition before, during and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully the worst is over with CIDP and will not return. Allowing some CIDP recovery to take place. Below is primarily published with a view to help other's recently GBS/CIDP diagnosed. Written for myself as a self-improvement reference. How CIDP changed life in general and for those interested in rare conditions from a non-medical perspective. A personal viewpoint of first hand CIDP experience. 5,210 words 20 minute read Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy An immune system disorder. Attacks the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. In my opinion CIDP brings much uncertainty. Saintly patience is required for nerve self-repair. If any repair does occur, it often will take years. There are many unique symptoms of CIDP damaged nerves. CIDP has many pathways. Following is one individual's perspective. Life with CIDP. Hi, my name is Wayne. I live in a small regional Victorian city. It is January of 2019 no health issues and 59 years of age. I was working as a food industry employee on the factory floor involving physical work and long periods of standing. Although physically demanding work, I had no problem carrying out work duties. Thought I should get a doctor's check-up. Something didn't feel right. Affecting Daily Life I booked a GP appointment. I explained I was experiencing numb toes and tingle sensations. The gist of the consultation was to come back if things did not improve in three or four weeks. Shortly after, a weekend day drive to a coastal tourist town left me wondering how safe my driving was. I own two sedans. One manual and one automatic. Driving my automatic transmission car in the busy main street I stopped in traffic. A car behind and a car in front. I depressed my right foot on the brake unaware the side of my foot was still on the accelerator pedal. Smelling tyre smoke and engine revving I turned the ignition off. I did not have enough feeling in my feet to feel the pedals. An accident avoided and a cautious drive home. Acupuncture? It was suggested acupuncture may be beneficial. Unsure of driving ability. I travelled by train to Melbourne. Sceptically, I agreed on a two-hour consultation. The Chinese acupuncturist inserted needles in feet and upon withdrawal all were bent at right angles. The acupuncturist commented the normal needle curvature was severely bent out of shape on all needles. Evidence of extremely taunt tendons. He recommended daily use of a foot spa diluted with whisky and two more sessions. An incredulous recommendation in my opinion. I returned home unconvinced acupuncture made any difference. I declined the two further expensive sessions. In an Immobile State and Past Trauma I was struggling to lift my feet for no apparent reason. All my fingers tingled and toes felt numb. Accessing my car, I stumbled backwards and fell on my lawn. I overturned a coffee mug at a local café with family and friends. Weak hand grip coordination. Within two weeks I returned to my local GP for a second appointment. The doctor referred me to a Melbourne neurologist a few hours' drive away. The first appointment was ten days off in Ballarat. I spent the time housebound and unable to work. Leg strength and balance are getting worse. No feeling in feet. Weak gait. Six attempts to park the automatic car in the garage behind the roller door. Unable to drive. No public transport available. I live alone as my wife of twenty-three years passed away with breast cancer two years before. Connie, my wife, would have been whole heartily supportive one hundred percent, as I of her. I remembered getting the all clear result of a routine health scan over eighteen months prior from a prominent doctor. Who happened to be my wife's surgeon. I was sitting in the doctor's clinic unable to speak when asked questions. Maybe ten minutes or more. Memories of the cancer clinical setting all around me suddenly and unexpectedly affected my speech. The surgeon walked me to reception. This was a few months preceding my solo eight week road trip around much of Australia in a sedan. For me, long drives addressed trauma. Waiting for Medical Help Now, nearly two years later I needed to see a specialist. What is it? At least I knew I didn't have cancer. I have no home support. After several days I could barely walk around inside my home. I telephoned the Melbourne neurologist's reception twice and tried to bring the appointment date forward. I offered to get myself to the Melbourne clinic as my condition was deteriorating. My walking is becoming weaker. Reception replied the original appointment was the earliest date and all earlier times were fully booked. I asked if I could speak to the neurologist. 'No, he's with a patient'. Ok, so I waited at home with a stoic attitude thinking everything will be ok after a week or two of rest. My respiratory condition felt normal during this time. A further five days passed housebound and I was then driven to my neurologist appointment. I attended a medical consulting clinic used by visiting Melbourne specialists. Located in the large regional city of Ballarat. Upon seeing myself struggling to walk and assessing absent nerve reflexes the neurologist immediately admitted me to St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. He telephoned the hospital on the spot. Luckily, I carried a small overnight case. Allowed no time to return home to pack a bag. My driver kindly agreed to drive directly to the Melbourne hospital. I distinctly remember the neurologist telling me I think you have GBS or CIDP. Let's hope not CIDP. Of course, I was clueless of these remarks. I, like many, not realising the serious health implications of these unheard of conditions. In both Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy one's own healthy immune system turns rogue and attacks the peripheral nerves. Classified as autoimmune disorders. GBS is seen as an acute disorder occurring once only and is of a relatively short duration. CIDP is the chronic counterpart of GBS. Unknown Cause CIDP origins are idiopathic, (unknown). Although, one United States research paper documented a small cluster of GBS/CIDP cases among workers in a piggery attributed to Campylobacter Jejuni sometimes found in slaughtered pig, sheep or chicken. I worked in the food industry for years with daily exposure to dried blood from thousands of freshly slaughtered sheep. The provided cotton hood head/face and body protective clothing ineffective as a 100% barrier against dried blood contact. Medical publications such as National Library of Medicine, Journal of Neuroimmunology etc, cite up to 40% of those diagnosed with GBS/CIDP showed a viral infection with Campylobacter in the few weeks prior to symptoms appearing as the result of the onset of nerve demyelination. No Campylobacter was found in the many blood tests I had in the hospital. I don't recall having common symptoms of Campylobacter. The short answer is I never had a Campylobacter infection. Although I can't state this with one hundred percent certainty. Medical literature cites livestock workers with a positive viral infection to Campylobacter Jejuni have a one in a one thousand chance of acquiring GBS or CIDP. For the general population there is a one in a one hundred thousand chance of a GBS/CIDP diagnosis with no exposure to livestock. HOSPITALISATION My first hospital admission as a patient in over forty years. I began intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion of Privigen that night, Friday. Each infusion takes about three to four hours. Administered through a catheter needle inserted into a vein in the arm to overwhelm the immune system's own antibodies attacking the nerves. The third consecutive day of IVIG had a late finish of 3am. The end of the loading dose of IVIG treatment. Within days I had a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Symptoms, Not Good A nerve conduction study showed total and partial blockage on major leg nerves. Symmetrical left and right of the body. Multiple blood tests and other tests were carried out. One doctor told me a blood sample was sent to Western Australia for analysis in a laboratory. Apparently testing for this one particular pathogen could only be undertaken in Perth. Why? I don't know! The result returned negative. Good. All tests showed no evidence of recent viral or bacterial infections. Nothing. Disabled and Bleak Outlook All the staff treated me well. I could not walk and was dependent on a wheelchair. A walking frame provided some standing support for very limited room use. Complete loss of balance. Numb from backside and legs down. No leg reflexes. Paralysis of all four limbs. Acute abdominal tightness caused moderate breathing constriction. Tested twice daily for breathing capacity in anticipation I needed artificial breathing assistance via a ventilator. Daily stomach injections to prevent blood clots because of immobility. I have always been a non-smoker. I took solace in this. Additional complications I could do without. I could hold light weight items such as a spoon, fork and knife but all extremely hard to use. Unable to open served food or drink lids. Unable to write or use a cell phone, buttons, zippers, tie laces or hold a small cup of coffee in one hand. Initially, a few instances where vision was blurry but became quickly focused again. There was mild shortness of breath due to tightness around the torso. Facial movements unaffected. No Further Deterioration Doctor's asked if I could wiggle my toes up and down. I did to our surprise. My condition did not deteriorate any further after the first few days while in hospital. By week's end doctors assessed my condition as somewhat stable. With mutual agreement my public hospital bed was moved to other wards five times during my lengthy hospitalisation. Even down a floor to another ward. All wards at full capacity. I was stable and under supervision. I was later told the first course of IVIG probably stalled the progression of CIDP. I understood progression meant reliance on a ventilator and total immobility before likely incremental improvement. Specialist Consensus and First Symptom? I agreed to be wheeled in my wheelchair to the once every Friday specialist meeting. On an overhead projector my condition and possible diagnosis was discussed in front of twenty or so experts including the department head Professor of Neurology. Doctor's posed questions with pen and notebook in hand. I answered what I knew. Specialists later diagnosed CIDP and not GBS as my symptoms were at least eight weeks. A little more than two months before diagnosis I paid for a family paintball day in Melbourne. My legs gave way underneath me on short sprints. No pain. Just momentarily weak legs. I thought this odd and amusing at the time. I attributed this to overworking myself. In hindsight, the first symptom of CIDP that I can recall. Normally I don't jog. St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne had no other patients with GBS or CIDP. Both are very rare conditions. Apparently, there is a one in one hundred thousand of a diagnosis of CIDP. Long Term Hospitalisation Concerns The isolation of a big city hospital away from familiar faces is very confronting. Placed in the Neurology Ward with many seriously ill people. An adjacent patient had suffered a mild stroke and was up and about unassisted walking, talking and using all four limbs very well within a few days. A lucky man. Not so for myself, diagnosed with a crippling condition. Prognosis unknown. During most of my hospital stay my only regular visitor was a weekly visit from a volunteer inter-church counsellor. These visits were really helpful and appreciated. A family member paid me a day's visit. I was pushed around the large hospital city block in my wheelchair. Along busy Victoria Parade avoiding able-bodied pedestrians. It can't be understated how great it felt to feel the fresh air and warm sun on your face after one month inside. Myself wondering if this is permanent now? Wheelchair dependent . Medical staff were not telling anything. Not wanting to give false hope. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction can occur. In my case, hints of autonomic system involvement appeared but thankfully no progression occurred. These serious symptoms range from incapacity to breathe, double vision and sight deterioration with optic nerve damage, bowel & bladder dysfunction, total loss of ambulatory function and cardiac irregularities. All due to nerve and muscle interactions within the body. Symptoms as mentioned may or may not occur. Hence, why my five week hospitalisation and medical specialist uncertainty. INPATIENT REHABILITATION I spent five weeks in this major Melbourne hospital followed by nearly a week of inpatient rehabilitation. In a facility even further from home in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I used a walker now. I watched through the window from my hospital bed a pair of hot air balloons very low above buildings. Nightly tv news said they made an emergency landing nearby. I thought at least these people had access to the outdoors and were not confined to a hospital. Transferred again. For a period of almost two weeks to a large regional rehabilitation facility in Ballarat. Transferred between by ambulance. I sat next to the driver for the two hour trip. Fellow Patients There was another patient in the back of the ambulance for the entire drive. A sedated female stroke patient, by appearances not yet at retirement age, nearing end of life. We drove her to the same palliative care facility where my wife spent her last weeks. The palliative building was adjoined to the rehabilitation complex. It was a solemn two hour ride for me. Walker and Red tape Admitted to rehab. My own room. Walker handles wrapped with red tape. Red tape is replaced with green tape once walking is assessed as safe unsupervised. Mixed in with recovering stroke and cardiology patients. I spent regular physio sessions among patients clumsily sliding Domino pieces around table tops. Myself much more advanced than those with stroke recovery. Creatively and carefully building multi levels of Domino's. Of course no one had heard of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. Both my feet are equally affected by CIDP induced peripheral neuropathy. Can I eventually learn to walk normally unaided? CIDP uncertainty plays mind games with you. Twice a day early morning and mid evening l decided to attempt a circuit walk around the ward corridors and nursing station. Outside of structured daily physiotherapy sessions. Against the red tape supervision rules. I felt competent enough as long as I used a walker. I am not normally one to go against guidelines. I wanted to be proactive. I decided I would pay heed to the advice if questioned. Pushing my walker my hope was to progress from red to green tape. My aim was to complete ten laps. All exhausting work. Rolling past other inpatient rooms. People such as Mark, who was paraplegic from a diving accident and found it hard to face the day. Blankets pulled over his head. Thinking I'm not wheelchair dependent anymore as I was nearly two months before and now able to use a walker these last seven days. I self-recalled a road trip to Townsville Queensland. How fortunate Max the pilot and I were from the Tiger Moth joy flight forced landing on the Mackay Ring Road in 2018 with a broken crankshaft sustaining no injuries. Especially spinal injuries like Mark. Thinking of the inhouse gym physio sessions both Mark and I attended. He is in his wheelchair. Apparently, a potential fate I have now avoided twice within the space of twelve months. I rolled my walker past the longest inpatient resident. Leslie, a double amputee. Foot and one arm past the elbow. He wanted the rehab. facility to become his permanent home. I rolled past the recreation area with its chairs, television and books. Unknown Outlook on Recovery Towards the end of my stay two female physiotherapy staff were to take me to an adjoining building with a two storey stairwell. Attempting the stairwell was very exhausting. Supported all the while taking small steps and resting legs. Could have taken a cut lunch with the time it took. Still, it was something achieved. Physiotherapy staff were faultless guiding and physically supporting me on how to walk. Dealt with my strong safety concerns and poor expectations. Self-balance was still a major issue. Once every four weeks IVIG infusion of Privigen. The initial loading dosage was calculated by patient weight. Future dosage unchanged even with weight variability. Taken daily, an Azathioprine (immunosuppressant) tablet. Given to counter progression of CIDP. Green Tape Approval Doctor's unable to provide a prognosis. Using my walker in rehab. Now authorised with green tape I asked a visiting neurologist if this is true. One third of CIDP patients are wheelchair bound for life. One third recover to near their former self and one third are somewhere in between. CIDP by definition is often characterised by a relapsing–remitting course. Severity and duration unknown. The neurologist agreed with this and replied I wasn't in a wheelchair anymore. I also now thought at least I could walk with a walking frame and green tape. Will this be the new normal? Walking stick wound with red or green tape is still far beyond my capability. Unease On Ability for Future Home Self Care In an adjacent ward a recovering stroke patient was due to be discharged in the next few days and suffered a lengthy seizure becoming unconscious. Drugs were administered to regain consciousness. Not exactly instilling in me the confidence of the rehab. centre’s assessment on my readiness for my imminent discharge. Wondering how I will cope by myself at home? No at home Care Plan was planned or established by the medical profession. My thoughts were that future welfare dependency was inevitable. One of the facilities visitors was the minister of my local church. A coincidence chance meeting. With myself using a walking frame together we attended the adjoining palliative care facility to give thanks again to staff from two years ago. But the staff had moved on. The Minister's comforting presence and support was greatly appreciated. I was visited only once in Ballarat Rehab. Day Pass Out Refused A long time friend agreed to drive me home and back for a day on an upcoming weekend. Return drive of three hours. However, on presentation at the main entry reception the facility doctor-in-charge refused me a pass out. Judged too high a risk to health due to the current summer heat wave conditions. Disappointment prevailing. I apologised to my driver for the wasted long drive. I would have liked a short break from the hospital environment. Now unable due to doctor's orders. Approaching two months of unbroken hospital stays and still cannot return home. Within another week I was discharged. HOSPITAL REHABILITATION DISCHARGE I required home help with housework and to be driven about. I was physically incapable of driving. A home help service was made available usually once per week for the following several months and was provided by local government providers. Following rehabilitation discharge I needed to seek out and meet eligibility requirements for this health service for a monthly fee. Also, long term podiatry services for a nominal fee. I used a combination of a walking frame and a stick. My duration of care was uncertain. Occasionally I attempted a walking stick only. Home Self Care Struggle It was a big struggle to walk. Collect mail from my front yard letterbox and feed the cat and dog in the backyard in the initial four months. There was great difficulty twisting household taps and dressing daily. I enrolled in physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Unable to write in a legible manner. I signed an X on the paperwork. Walking was severely restricted by weakened legs, peripheral neuropathy of both hands and feet, (paraesthesia) and CIDP induced severe tightness around the torso. Symmetrical left and right of the torso. Tightness may be described as banding, tapering to the spine. My local hospital provided monthly IVIG infusions in their Oncology centre. The same wards, the same familiar nursing staff and the same infusion method my wife received for cancer treatment. The same familiar medical equipment. Two years on. Here I am. Surrounded by everything I wanted to forget. In my mind cancer kills and CIDP cripples. Me, a distressed witness of prior circumstance. I was back in the same environment and building. I reminded myself it's all for the best and left it at that. Accepting the hard physical and mental health challenges. I was struggling with poor ambulatory function longer than seven months post diagnosis. For example, the assistance of three people was required to descend a vehicle dealership's long flight of stairs. Assistance was required from the front, back, side and guidance of the guard rail with frequent stops. As I lived alone and struggled daily with CIDP I considered applying for Meals On Wheels. I gathered I did not fit the criteria for the service. On occasion a family friend, who was a prominent member of a local church, delivered a cooked meal. I greatly appreciated it. More than nine months passed and I was in-effect housebound and isolated. The latter half of 2019 my mobility had improved and I was not entirely housebound anymore. Medical approval was given to drive a private motor vehicle subject to future review. On the eve of the Covid-19 lockdowns of a five km radius from home. Bitter sweet timing as I have always been a driving enthusiast. Thankfully, driving a private vehicle was not permanently revoked such as all commercial and volunteer driving was. Hoping for some relief of long term improvement Normal touch sensation had long since returned. For many months everything was like coarse sandpaper to the touch. Even to pat the dog and cat. Initially the first twelve months of abnormal unpleasant foot sensations of crawling ants on skin and sometimes legs to doubt one's sanity. I confronted significant immobility struggles and home isolation in the twelve months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. As I was immunocompromised COVID-19 vaccines were required. Four injections were completed. I was aware that in the most dire of Covid-19 hospital patients, a hyperactivated immune system triggers a cytokine storm in the lungs, a life-threatening condition. Twelve months of weekly outpatient physiotherapy sessions were COVID-19 interrupted and eventually stopped all together. I needed to think outside the box to address isolation, boredom and limited mobility during COVID-19 and frequent lockdowns. I purchased Virtual Reality hardware and software for the home desktop pc. I watched 3d movies in a virtual reality cinema. VR offered a very real comforting feeling of freedom, experiences and escape from over twelve months of CIDP immobility. I also continued developing my own road trips website. Self-taught through trial and error. I navigated isolation and restriction challenges of COVID-19 without infection. I was made aware of a free twelve month government counselling program made available for people to boost their mental health during Covid-19. Although I was fine. I thought this may be a good program for me to view as insurance. In the event I suffered a total CIDP relapse. I used the service as an outlet and to maintain a positive attitude. Although beneficial, I viewed it as irrelevant unless I had a total CIDP relapse back to square one. I viewed the program as my insurance backup. A positive strategy if the worst occurred again. CIDP LONG TERM FIVE YEARS The National Library of Medicine (USA) has available scientific literature online of a small study detailing the long term prognosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. A five year follow up of thirty-eight cases with no comorbidities. Source is from, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. An informative paper the layperson can largely understand. Following is a five year summary after my CIDP diagnosis and subsequent IVIG infusions. The ongoing purpose of infusions is to maintain patient ambulation while encouraging a healthy autoimmune response to the peripheral nervous system. Since late of 2021 no mobility aids or home assists . I have no comorbidities with CIDP. Chronic peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes. I am not diabetic nor pre-diabetic. No muscle atrophy. Although persistent neuropathic pain was experienced for three years in the torso and feet. No nerve pain medications were offered. Tempting to ask for, but not wanting prescription addiction. Nerve pain abated somewhat after four years. No separate health issues. Three Years Living With CIDP During the initial three years. The need to rest extremely fatigued legs and arms whilst attending appointments, in supermarket queues and public places. Three years of short daily showering and brief house tasks for the same reasons. Effectively, early labour force retirement. For example, a long three years from hospitalisation for a first attempt at extended car driving. Also, the ability to be able to hand wash a car uninterrupted by multiple rest breaks for fatigued legs and arms. Mow a small lawn without resting legs. Walking slowly for more than thirty minutes. I've always enjoyed driving. Good to not feel significant under the ribcage wincing from torso tightness, (abdominal nerves inflammation?) over every minor highway jolt and bump. Three plus years to get to near normality. Will this be maintained! Or will I experience a relapse? All these personal milestones and more were not guaranteed. An estimate on time taken to gain improvements, if any, cannot be obtained from the medical profession. It's the uncertainty nature of CIDP. My three year disability Parking Permit renewal was twice refused and not renewed. Even with General Practitioner doctor input and submission. Probably because of the eligibility criteria assessment to use walking aids within a one hundred metre distance. Leg fatigue was still a major issue even though aids were no longer used. My believeth was that the Permit would be deemed unnecessary in twelve months' time anyway. Four Years Living With CIDP After four years of incremental improvement and at last, reducing nerve discomfort. Improvement also shown around the torso. In my own mind, a relapse and a wheelchair scenario was not expected again. I experienced throughout this time the ever present, unpleasant feelings of large, rounded stones/balls under both feet. Symptoms associated with CIDP neuropathy. CIDP impacts nerve myelin, nerve axons and causes inflammation of nerve roots. If nerves are too damaged, limited or no long term healing is possible for the unfortunate. Medical papers cite nerve regeneration is 1mm per day or about one inch per month with no active disease. Neurologist Appointments and Tests Undertaken not more than once every twelve months by a neurologist a nerve conduction study revealed improvements in lower limb nerve conduction and functionality. Had previously been assumed a plateau was attained. This was incorrect. Small improvements greater than fifty months from diagnosis were still achievable. Although nerve conduction is outside of acceptable parameters. Shows further improvement is possible even after fifty months. By way of an explanation. A nerve conduction study involves the combination of two electrodes placed on the skin of an arm or leg above a length of a nerve and electrical conduction is measured between the electrodes. Multiple nerves may be tested. The person quite often experiences a small amount of discomfort when the brief electrical shocks are applied. The shocks are low voltage and so are harmless to anyone. A four year MRI scan follow up was completed of the spine and cranial cavity. Dye injected. Not less than a one hour process. An investigation into chronic torso tightness since the initial CIDP diagnosis four years previously. A scan for demyelinating disease and lesions of the central nervous system. The conclusion was of no demyelination or lesions identified of the central nervous system. Normal scan result. No nerve entrapment or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathology. No additional neurological problems. CIDP is a peripheral nervous system condition. There is no spinal or brain involvement in CIDP. Now I am experiencing almost pre-CIDP ambulatory and strength function, except lower limbs. Walking a moderate distance is ok. Sixty minutes. Normal pace. No walking aids are required. This is a significant bonus. Five Years Living With CIDP On approaching five years of CIDP. Residual symptoms include: moderate symmetrical and ceaseless tingling felt underneath both feet. Mild tingling in the hands. Mild torso tightness and mild symmetrical weakness in legs. Normal touch sensitivity in hands and feet has long returned. IVIG infusion is still ongoing and is now changed to Privigen infusion of 40g completed on one day, six weekly up to a four hour duration. Instead of over two days every six weeks. The purpose is to halve hospital attendance to one day and to avoid possible or probable multiple failed attempts of catheter (I.V. needle) insertion into a vein due to poor venous access. The merits of self-administered s ubcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) infusion may be an option for future consideration if infusion attempts are increasingly problematic. Time to underscore CIDP. Obviously, no progression or relapse. Discontinuation of IVIG is unlikely? In my opinion, it is a medical specialist decision. Beyond Five Years I regard myself as a driving enthusiast. I enjoy travelling within Australia. During May 2024 I completed a nine day tour as a passenger in a SUV to Outback Queensland. A return distance of 3,400 km Adelaide to Adelaide, South Australia. I drove myself 500 km to Adelaide to begin the tour. Return to home base was driven in one day. On no part of the remote trip special allowances were made because of ongoing CIDP symptoms. Nor was personal enjoyment diminished considering much travel was on unsealed and sometimes rough roads. All tour optional excursions and activities were completed as normal. Although significant improvement takes a very long time and gains are uncertain. With the passage of time symptoms may eventually fade and not permanently worsen. I hope this is encouragement to those newly diagnosed. Returning to living near a normal life is possible with, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelination Polyneuropathy. Living with CIDP & IVIG It is well past the five year initial diagnosis of CIDP and there is still incremental improvement felt. Tingling nerves are always present still. Living long term with CIDP and to divert attention away from CIDP symptoms, there is merit in listening to music. This provides home based enjoyment. Social interaction is important for health as is to enjoy any family time. Attending live events helps ward off feelings of isolation. Join a light physical activity group. For example, Tai Chi? Join a neuropathy focus group. If only to listen to others and chat. People familiar with CIDP give perspective and may offer valuable first-hand information on rare conditions such as CIDP or GBS. My IVIG infusion dosage has never been greater than 40g. The first few years were infused four weekly then six weekly. I have not experienced any significant decreased mobility between IVIG infusions as many do. I have never experienced an adverse reaction to the infusion flow rate of IVIG. Reaction after-effects may include headaches and nausea. In my opinion it is best to seek, evaluate and trust answers from specialists and hope for the best. CIDP is not predisposed by any prior physical, mental health or lifestyle attributes. It is not hereditary or contagious. It's a rare condition. General Practitioners rarely see it, if at all. CONCLUSION All of the above gives an insight into CIDP. At least as applicable to one individual's experience. Hopefully all the aforementioned addresses a lack of awareness and knowledge concerning Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. All things considered; quality of life is good. Being able to enjoy once again the one-handed cup of coffee. The freedom of walking unassisted in the outdoor fresh air. Driving the countryside. The simple things. A CIDP diagnosis and pathway is full of uncertainty for all. Don't dwell on anything that may never happen or recur. Be honest and patient with yourself. Don't say why me! CIDP is a treatable condition. Despite all the aforementioned I still consider myself fortunate. I don't seek sympathy. In my experience empathy for rare hidden conditions is improbable outside of immediate family. CIDP awareness would be a start. We don't get a choice of autoimmune or neurological disorders. These disorders cannot be prevented by lifestyle choices. It is our choice how we choose to respond and live our lives. There is a Latin phrase. Amor Fati accept one's fate, find the elusive positives and move on. Amor Fati Wayne Comprehensive data of immunoglobulin use in Australia. Medical Services Advisory Committee. Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1564-public Further reading; Immunoglobulin for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy April 2021 MSAC application no1564 Re-submission Assessment Report http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/2B740EDAE80B75DFCA25837E00096D86/$File/1564%20Final%20report.pdf Report is Australian and written for the medical profession. Assumes knowledge of medical terminology. Downloadable report pdf file 179 pages Data breakdown by Australian States. Patient characteristics. Diagnostic Criteria. BloodStar data. CIDP therapy trials data. IVIG. Plasma Exchange. Corticosteroids. IVIG dosage rates. Cycle length. Duration of treatment. Economic evaluation and so on. 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WACK - Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids. A Show & Shine Fundraiser & optional gold coin donation upon entry. Held at May Park on a Sunday over the March Labour Day long weekend in Horsham, Victoria. Also on the same weekend is the annual fishing competition often attended by thousands of people camping on the banks of the Wimmera River. The Show & Shine is situated off Baillie Street and Dimboola Road. On the May Park grassed grounds. There is large, grassed areas with shady palm trees. On this occasion there were two hundred and sixty vehicles on display. Many from the surrounding Western Victorian towns and farming communities. Usually there is great autumn weather. Horsham is a regional city in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. Horsham is approximately three hundred kilometres west of Melbourne. Traveldriven LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND FISHING COMPETITION Show & Shine 2025 MAY PARK HORSHAM TEAR DROP GREEN WEEKENDER? OR TRAVEL AUSTRALIA BUILT FOR ONE OR A TIGHT FIT FOR TWO Show & Shine 2024 OLD FORD TRUCK BIG ENGINE HOLDEN GRILLED FJ 186ci MUSTANG CREAM Show & Shine 2023 An old completely refitted out in new condition tray truck or ute. Mag wheels. No spoke rimmed spare tyre! Rabbit Trapper decals and rabbit hanging from side mirror. Stuffed and fake of course! No drinking and driving are the messages authorities like to send and is a very sensible message to all. The above image has a skeleton holding a can of Victoria Bitter. Note the beer screw tops glued on the glovebox. All Australian beers. Early Ford stretched limo in need of a full paint respray. Bonnet, roof and boot paint in poor repair. Flying boot emblem. Electric windows. MAD MAX KAWASAKI Z900 Dale Bensch was a stuntman on the mad max (1979) moive set. He appeared as a stunt double for Jim Goose, MFB and as the donut rider in the main street. He also was one of the stunt riders on the country bridge crash scene. The urban myth created was he died as a result of the stunt going wrong. The bike unintentionally flipping over. However this was untrue. Nice swag tied down with straps and four into one pipes. A few arrivals at Show & Shine HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2020 HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2020 HORSHAM SHOW & SHINE 2018 MUSTANG SHELBY SUPER SNAKE EARLY MUSTANG BRIGHT RED LIGHT BLUE CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG WITH TOP UP NICE YELLOW SANDMAN TOWING VAN IN BACKGROUND EARLY MODEL RED MUSTANG CHERRY RED CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG REAR VIEW CHERRY RED CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG FRONT VIEW 1964 AND A HALF ON SIGN? EARLY MUSTANG BLUE COLOUR SHELBY SUPER SNAKE GT 500 5.4L 2008 PREV SHOW & SHINE NEXT HOMEPAGE

Ararat is a city in south-west Victoria about two hundred kilometres (120 mi) west of Melbourne, on the Western Highway. About one hundred km from Ballarat along the Western Freeway. The freeway converting to highway twenty-five km from the city. Has a population of less than ten thousand residents. Located on the Great Dividing Range. Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival Held on the weekend after the long weekend in March. The festival begins on the Friday night with a classic car cruise along Barkly Street in Ararat. The main retail street of the town. Followed by a ticketed Rock 'n' Roll Revival show inside the Town Hall. Events and live music are on Saturday and Sunday. One such event is the Saturday morning: Show us your wheels. This event is held in Barkly Street opposite the Town Hall. Open to all types of vehicles and is hosted by Grampians Vintage and Veteran Car Club. One Tree Hill Climb The hill climb is held twice per year. A large hill on the fringe of the town. Height of 1,900 feet above sea level. The track length being 1609 metres in length. Held over a weekend in June and November. The event is generally a round of the Victorian Hill Climb Championship. The Hill Climb is free to watch and many of its entrants come from interstate. Usually, onsite BBQ food is available to purchase. The event is frequented by local car and motoring enthusiasts and organised by the Ararat Car Club Inc. One Tree Hill has a small rotunda at the top and a carpark. The sealed road is rather steep but nice to drive. Not suitable for towed vehicles. Must be thrilling to drive as an entrant in a Hill Climb. Views of Ararat and on the other side of the hill views to the Grampian mountains. Traveldriven DRIVE ONE TREE HILL, ARARAT A hill climb cyclist detailed account of One Tree Hill http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/one-tree-hill-ararat/   ENTER CLICK/TAP ARARAT GOOGLE MAPS DRIVING ARARAT CITY JAIL HOUSE ROCK & SHOW\SHINE 2025 Show Us Your Wheels 2024 JAILHOUSE ROCK MERCHANDISE HOT ROD FLAMES SHOW US YOUR WHEELS MOONSHINE DELIVERIES ARARAT JAILHOUSE ROCK WEEKEND SUMMIT OF ONE TREE HILL, LOOKING OVER ARARAT VIEWS OF THE GRAMPIANS ARE BEHIND CAMERA ONE TREE HILL, HILL CLIMB HILL CLIMB IN CAR CRASH ARARAT HILL CLIMB JUNE 2023 ARARAT HILLCLIMB 2015 ARARAT HILL CLIMB 1993 PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Beaufort is a charming town situated in Victoria, Australia, nestled along the Western Highway between the bustling cities of Ararat and Ballarat. Despite its small size, with a population of less than two thousand, Beaufort holds a unique appeal for visitors and locals alike. Located approximately one hundred and sixty kilometres (102 miles) west of Melbourne, this town boasts a serene atmosphere and a close-knit community. One of the highlights of Beaufort is its thriving café scene, with numerous establishments offering breakfast options that cater to various tastes. Among these, the Red Kangaroo Roadhouse stands out, located just beyond the Western Highway railway overpass, providing a convenient stop for travellers passing through the area. Beaufort Show & Shine An event that draws both locals and visitors to Beaufort is the Beaufort Truck Show & Shine, known for its fundraising efforts in support of the local football and netball clubs. This event, held annually in March on the Australian Rules football oval and its surroundings, features live music performances, merchandise stalls, and BBQ vendors serving up delicious treats for attendees to enjoy. During the event, the football oval transforms into a showcase of display cars, while the surrounding grounds come alive with impressive truck displays and various stalls offering a range of goods. The community spirit shines through during the Beaufort Truck Show & Shine, making it a must-visit occasion that celebrates the town's unique character and supports its local sports clubs. Traveldriven BEAUFORT TRUCK & CAR SHOW 2025 BEAUFORT CAR & TRUCK SHOW 2023 FIVE BULLET HITS All through the boot (decals) Right hand side pipe. Nice two tone and lowered LOWERED to the grass. Not keen on the grey paintwork Rear wheel completely covered by removeable panel. Early model MUSTANG 351 engine. Side body scoop. FORD MUSTANG 351 emblem on bonnet 'MAD MAX' ORIGINAL 1979 MOVIE REPLICA WITH ROOF RACK & SIDE PANEL MURAL 1975 HOLDEN SANDMAN PANEL VAN MAD MAX HOLDEN SANDMAN PANEL VAN 1975 PREV SHOW & SHINE NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

ROAD TRIP TOWNSVILLE AUSTRALIA DAY ONE Solo road trip to Queensland via New South Wales from Victoria. Driving a Mustang GT 2017 6 speed manual. Glenrowan Take a rest break and refill your car in Glenrowan. This is a popular rest spot for those travelling on the Hume Freeway 235 km from Melbourne. In the township of Glenrowan, off the highway, tourists can rest and look at the famous Ned Kelly siege sites. Eat a tasty Glenrowan Bakery pie. Read Glenrowan blog post Drive Glenrowan Victoria to Albury NSW 90 km. Overnight stay in Albury. Albury to Gundagai NSW 180 km. Stop by The Dog on the Tuckerbox . Approximately eight kilometres from Gundagai. An Australian historical monument and tourist attraction. Located on the Hume Freeway. There are truck/car food and fuel service centres. Also, home to the Big Koala statue. Not to be confused with the Big Koala on the Western Highway in Victoria. THE DOG ON THE TUCKER BOX GOOGLE MAPS Drive 250 km to Parkes home of 'The Dish' Parkes Observatory. There is a visitors' centre and gift shop. Parkes hosts the annual Elvis Festival in January. Elvis is in the building. Look-a-likes all around town. Rockin' n' rollin. PARKES OBSERVATORY GOOGLE MAPS Drive 155 km from Parkes to Bathurst . Home of the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit. Drive over the following days to GOONDIWINDI a rural town in Queensland, Australia. On the border of Queensland and New South Wales. 360 km west of Brisbane. Goondiwindi Road Trip Australia The town has a population of over six thousand people. Home of the famous racehorse "The Goondiwindi Grey" Gunsynd. The horse won the 1971 Epsom Handicap and the 1972 Cox Plate. Placed third in the 1972 Melbourne Cup. GOONDIWINDI GOOGLE MAPS Goondiwindi to Rockhampton . 800 km. Very small towns are along the Leichhardt Highway. Mostly trucks. Very few service stations sell 98 octane petrol. Visit Mount Archer. Six hundred metres above sea level. Eight km from Rockhampton and offers excellent views. It has a short walkway and has an elevated board walk viewing platform. Views of Rockhampton and Fitzroy River. Rockhampton Road Trip Australia Rockhampton is an inland city. Often indigenous teenagers jump off the Fitzroy Bridge into the river to cool off. Although few in number, saltwater crocodiles do inhabit the Fitzroy River. The Koorana Crocodile Farm is interesting. Located in Rockhampton. I held a baby crocodile and tasted a crocodile steak. Better to eat a croc than the other way around. The city seems to get higher day temperature's than surrounding area's likely because it's inland from the coast. Mount Archer Nurim Circuit elevated boardwalk overlooks the Fitzroy River and parts of Rockhampton. Koorana Crocodile Far m Website The tropical coastal town of Yeppoon Qld is 25 minutes drive further on from Rockhampton. Traveldriven CURRENT PARKES FIVE DAY FORECAST ROCKHAMPTON GOOGLE MAPS MOUNT ARCHER NURIM CIRCUIT ELEVATED BOARDWALK CURRENT ROCKHAMPTON FIVE DAY FORECAST ROAD TRIP AUSTRALIA NED KELLY GLENROWAN BIG EARS PARKES NSW GOODIWINDI ON THE BORDER WITH NSW "The Goondiwindi Grey" Gunsynd. ROCKHAMPTON CROCODILE FARM SMALLER CROC MOUNT ARCHER & FITZROY RIVER ROCKHAMPTON YEPPOON WATER PARK QLD PREV ROADTRIP TOWNSVILLE NEXT PREV QUEENSLAND NEXT HOMEPAGE POST

'Such Is Life' - Ned Kelly DAY ONE ROADTRIP AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY GLENROWAN, NED KELLY AND ALBURY Glenrowan Is in Victoria just off of the Hume Freeway. A good rest break for those travelling from or to Melbourne. Melbourne being a further 235 km drive. In the township of Glenrowan tourists may inspect the famous Ned Kelly siege sites. Ned Kelly  (December 1854 – 11 November 1880) Ned was an Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police murderer. One of the last bushrangers, and by far the most famous, he is best known for wearing a suit of bulletproof armour during his final shootout with the police. Glenrowan is a charming place known for its local eateries and unique Ned Kelly souvenir shops. The town offers a delightful culinary experience, with Glenrowan Bakery renowned for its mouthwatering pies that are a must-try for visitors. As you stroll through the main street, you can't miss the imposing giant Ned Kelly statue that stands as a tribute to the legendary Australian bushranger. Additionally, smaller displays scattered throughout the area provide a glimpse into the historical significance of Ned Kelly's legacy and the town's rich heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in delicious local cuisine, Glenrowan offers a blend of cultural experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. Albury A major regional city in New South Wales. Separated by the Murray River from Wodonga which is in Victoria on the Victoria-New South Wales border. Three hundred and twenty-five kilometres from Melbourne. Albury Railway Station, a heritage-listed gem, stands as a testament to the rich history of Australia's railway system. Its grandeur is matched only by its meticulous maintenance, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved for generations to come. The station's impressive four hundred and fifty metre (1,480 ft) long platform not only serves as a practical hub for travellers but also stands out as one of the longest platforms in the entire country. This vast expanse provides a unique experience for passengers, allowing them to take in the architectural splendor of this iconic station. The sheer size of the platform speaks to the importance of Albury Railway Station in connecting various regions and communities, symbolizing the enduring role of railways in shaping Australia's transportation infrastructure. As travellers pass through its historic halls and along its expansive platform, they are not just embarking on a journey but immersing themselves in a piece of living history that continues to play a vital role in the fabric of the nation. Traveldriven CURRENT ALBURY FIVE DAY FORECAST GLENROWAN GOOGLE MAPS ALBURY GOOGLE MAPS LARGER THAN LIFE NED KELLY ' SUCH IS LIFE ' IS SAID TO BE NED KELLY'S FINAL WORDS. PROBABLY AUSTRALIA'S MOST KNOWN QUOTE OLD SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY GLENROWAN HOTEL THE GLENROWAN HOTEL IS OPEN DAILY FOR PATRONS LARGER THAN LIFE NED KELLY STATUE NED KELLY GLENROWAN [NOW REMOVED] ALBURY RAILWAY PLATFORM The longest covered platform in Australia ALBURY RAILWAY STATION ENTRANCE ALBURY FOOTBRIDGE AND DISUSED SIGNAL BOX PREV VICTORIA NEXT PREV NSW NEXT PREV CANBERRA ROADTRIP NEXT HOMEPAGE

THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA Traveldriven was born, raised and has always lived in Australia. For foreigners visiting or thinking of living in Australia some things are good to know. Things Australian's regard as common knowledge. Ask an Australian directly for the right answers. There are quite a few travel blogs written by non-residents of Australia and these all say similar basic things. These may or may not be hearsay. As an Australian living in Australia. ON A VISIT TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA For the record: The term Down Under is never used by Australians in general conversation and is not always liked. The phrase is used by foreigners. As far as we are concerned, we are on top of the world. It's all about one's perspective. The wildlife . Australians are quite fond of their native fauna. These include crocodiles, sharks, red back spiders, snakes, kangaroo, emu, birds etc. Even our stingrays. We know the deadly and dangerous one's and don't need to be reminded. As for visitor's all would be very unlucky to cross paths with the most dangerous. If, however, a person is in a particular fauna environment be mindful encountering something. For example, don't walk in long grass in hot weather, pay due attention to roadside and pathway warning signs etc. Don't approach any wildlife. Safe and simple. Australia is not expensive . Look at the money exchange rate. For example: The United States Dollar is always valued more than the Australian dollar. Usually between 65 to 80 cents for every Australian dollar to one US dollar. The British pound generally is twice the value of one Australian dollar. Visitors from English speaking countries should think that's good. Air fares are reasonable for distance travelled. It is not always hot . Even in the tropical north nights may be cool. Ask a Victorian or a Tasmanian about the cold. Often most months of the year may be cold. Down to zero overnight and a high of single digit Celsius in the daytime. Or 32 to 50 Fahrenheit. Australian's all use a little slang . G'day and Mate are probably the most common. Be careful with slang. For example. Many American words have a rude Australian slang term for the same word. For example: we never root for our team. That would mean we have sex for or with our teammates. This one is a bit tricky. After some light banter back and forth we may insult you to your face. If we have a smile on our face, we may intend it as a way of showing we like you. Don't assume the opposite. Australia is safe. There are no off-limit areas to any particular group of Australian's. A few places may be seedy or high end but if walking or driving through these neighbourhoods it's not a problem. Permits may be required in remote indigenous communities. Anywhere else the use of common sense and respect for locals goes a long way. Do not view Australian's and New Zealander's as almost the same people. This is insulting to both. A friendly rivalry exists between the two countries. Although both get along with each other, significant differences remain in sport and culture. Australians as a rule don't tip for service. We see this as rather odd. People earn enough to cover bare basics. If payment is in cash sometimes saying keep the change is ok for convenience's sake. All Australian's love vegemite and having a BBQ in the backyard or in parkland. Often with a cold beer in hand. (not Fosters). We do not drive on the wrong side of the road . Right hand drive is great for us and safe. Holidays Australian's do not go on Vacation. We go on Holidays. It means the same thing. Generally, working Australian's get at least four to five weeks annual holidays and many choose to break holidays into weekly or fortnightly periods throughout convenient times of the year. Weekends are important to Australians. Viewed by many to enjoy time with family and friends outside of the usual Monday to Friday working week. Things To Keep In Mind Flying to Australia and visiting Sydney, Uluru, Gold Coast and a few islands of the Barrier Reef is a convenient tourist packaged way to see Australia. However, much more of value can be obtained to include a few days in "normal Australia". This might include suburban retail strips, local sport or a visit to a country town or seaside town. Enjoy a meal at a local hotel or a morning breakfast at a coffee shop. A chance to meet and see local people. Frequent not just the well-known internationals and large resorts. Traveldriven RIVERSIDE SWIM IN AUSTRALIA HOMEPAGE

LEARNER TANK DRIVER'S ON A PUBLIC ROAD Puckapunyal Driving in the general area I was very surprised to come across a group of three tanks driving headlong down the public road heading in my direction. All displayed Learner driving plates. Due to their apparent width, I thought it wise to stop off of the side of the road to let them pass by. Their speed was on par with the posted limit. Much roadside dust was kicked up as they drove past. An unusual sight I haven't seen before. The tank's tracks must have been approved prior to driving on roads or otherwise roads would be damaged from regular use. Puckapunyal Officially, Puckapunyal Military Area or Puckapunyal Army Base, is normally just called "Pucka" by Australian's. The Army training facility and base is ten km west of Seymour, in central Victoria. Puckapunyal is in the main, inhabited by the Australian Defence Force community, includes an area of about 400 km square of bushland set aside for field training exercises. Puckapunyal is a restricted-access village. Home to the Australian Army's School of Armour School of Artillery and the School of Transport. Combined Arms Training Centre Joint Logistics Unit, and two transport squadrons The Royal Australian Armoured Corps Memorial Army Tank Museum The small army community along with their families contains a primary school, retail shops, and sporting facilities. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP PUCKAPUNYAL GOOGLE MAPS AUSTRALIAN ABRAMS TANK AUSTRALIAN TANK VERSE'S TREES HOW TO DRIVE A TANK PREV EVENTS NEXT HOMEPAGE

A soothing relaxing experience for all to enjoy. Better than the beach. -Traveldriven Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool These are a group of twelve or more artificial rock themed open air thermal heated pools of various temperatures ranging to 42 degrees drawn from 850 metres below ground. Up to 1.2 metres in depth. Many pools have water jets and waterfalls. Pool sessions are limited to two hours. An entry fee of $46 ranging to $57 per individual depending on time of day. (2024) to access all pools. Popular with Warrnamabool locals and visitors alike. The Deep Blue six level high-rise four-star hotel is onsite. Ocean and beach views. Warrnambool Hot Springs is a great experience. The hotel and hot springs could be considered as part of the one large visitor's complex. Hopkins Falls Up to thirteen metres in height, form part of the river system of the Glenelg Hopkins catchment and is about twenty km east of Warrnamabool along Wangoom Road following onto Hopkins Falls Road. The Hopkins River rises near Ararat, and flows south, joined by twelve tributaries before reaching Warrnambool and emptying into Bass Strait. The river follows a 270 kilometre course. A drive was taken to Hopkins Falls near Warrnamabool in late June '16 during a high rainfall event. The falls are one of the widest in Victoria. Ninety metres wide with unobstructed views from the viewing platform or at the foot of the falls. Often a very small overflow of water in warmer months. Warrnamabool Breakwater Pier is 315 metres long. Walking and fishing access is allowed along its length. Warrnamabool is a 258 km drive via the Princes Highway from Melbourne CBD. About a three hour drive. Two hours shorter than driving the more scenic Great Ocean Road. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WARRNAMBOOL GOOGLE MAPS DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS HOPKINS FALLS HOPKINS FALLS HIGH RAINFALL VIEW OF WARRNAMBOOL PIER & FOREGROUND OF LAKE PERTOBE FROM CANNON HILL DEEP BLUE, ENTRANCE TO SHORT CAVE & THERMAL SPRINGS WATERFALL DEEP BLUE, OPEN CAVE WATERFALL OPEN AIR SHALLOW HOT THERMAL POOLS DEEP BLUE OPEN AIR THERMAL HOT SPRINGS WARRNAMBOOL, VICTORIA PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE