Take a stroll around an Island Wanderers Rally, you will most likely find members relaxing by their Motorhome /Campervan, probably having a chat to other Rally attendees, reading or just enjoying their surroundings. We invite you to spend a few moments and get to know some of our members, their vehicle and wandering aspirations

John & Jenny T42504 along with their travelling companion "Holly" are the proud owners of a 32 foot Keystone Montana, with twin slide outs, fifth wheeler Motorhome towed by a Ford 250 powered by a 7.3 litre turbo charged V8 Diesel. This was not always the case; previously the tow Vehicle was a normally aspirated Ford 350. John has indicated that the current tow vehicle has much more grunt than the old vehicle thus allowing them to cover more distance in less time and in comfort. Compared to their two previous Motorhome's they are more than satisfied with the amount of space a fifth wheeler affords thus allowing them to entertain friends and visitors in comfort.
They actually purchased this Motorhome over the Internet from America and they are thankful that it has turned out to be exactly what they were looking for.
Their first Motorhome was a Nissan in which they travelled for 21 days along the Murray to Adelaide, Jenny was a little perturbed at the time for they appeared to be travelling far to fast and not allowing enough time to do the touristy things along the way.

Their second Motorhome was a Ford Transit, wherein they travelled again along the Murray though on this occasion on the N.S.W. side of the border; this trip was mainly a golfing holiday, a sport they both enjoy. Jenny assures us that on this occasion the trip was at a more sedate pace, which allowed them to take in the many excellent tourist sites.
It was some time before they joined the C.M.C.A. for their friends would pass on their "Wanderer" magazine for them both to read, so it was only natural that they would finally elect to become members of the C.M.C.A. thus receive their own copy of the publication.
They then joined the Island Wanderers Chapter and are now regular attendees at the various Rally's that occur each month, of course they were only to happy to show their Motorhome to interested people at the recent Combined Chapters Rally open day in Hobart.
John & Jenny intend in the not to distant future to travel up to Cape York on the northern tip of Australia, taking their Motorhome as far as they can and then tenting to get to the top end of the country. Then it is into the outback to enjoy all that it has to offer with Jenny hoping to get to Darwin and enjoy the world famous Mindle Markets and soak up the tropical and cosmopolitan way of life.
Should you come across John & Jenny, quite a personable couple, in your travels stop and have a chat and a cuppa or other refreshment we are sure you will enjoy their company, ask John & Jenny about their time as Pizza shop proprietor's and Johns time as a Professional Fisherman.
At the moment they are both in America on a working holiday and no doubt on their return they will have many tales to tell and we reckon they will arrive back with many R. V. gadgets.
Jim and Liz T9306 decided to retire early in life, buy a Motorhome and travel, simple? Ask Liz who will quickly tell you that after seeking out a suitable Motorhome for two years to no avail she was of the opinion that Jim was no more than a tyre kicker, so to speak.Even their children had given up on them ever purchasing a Motorhome.
Even when informing Jim that there was a Motorhome coming up for auction there was little response, unbeknown to Liz, the advertisement did not go un-noticed. The following week Jim went and inspected the Motorhome and thought this was the one, Jim then embarked on a tour of various Motorhome establishments to get an idea of Motorhome values.
On auction day Liz was invited to go for a drive, being none the wiser about the auction that day, when arriving and seeing the Motorhome and after inspection; agreeing this was the one for them. Liz became disillusioned when bidding started as there were no bids

forthcoming from Jim. This of course changed and they became the owners of a Ford Trader bed over cab Motorhome having only travelled 38,000 kilometres, though since then they have added a further 100,000 kilometres in their travels.
The first weekend after taking ownership they toured the West Coast of Tasmania where they ran into many C.M.C.A. members after the 1997 Pontville National Rally who spoke highly of their club suggesting they join, however the paperwork for membership had been forwarded two weeks earlier. It was on this trip they started making plans for an early retirement from their work commitments and considered their travel plans for the future.
In 1998 they travelled to the C.M.C.A National Rally at Roma and then went on to travel up as far as Cook Town in Queensland which they stated was excellent having (cold water) warm showers each morning on the local wharf due to the winter temperatures, they also visited the Daintree rain forest and took the river cruise where they had their first close up look at crocodiles in the wild plus all types of snakes and bird life. Since that initial trip they leave their home state of Tasmania during the winter months (in the first instance every year now every second year) and travel to areas throughout the Country they have come to like immensely.
Asked their favourite area they both agree the outback with the star filled heavens at night and cool evenings around the campfire, they have visited Darwin in the Northern Territory on three occasions and list this as their favourite city with its cosmopolitan way of life and winter temperatures. Jim always had visions of catching Baramundi from the outback rivers though to no avail until he arrived at one river and was told by an elderly bloke that all his gear was rubbish and he couldn't expect to catch fish with that lot. After picking himself up Jim tells us that after taking lessons and using different gear he caught 21 Barramundi with the biggest being 18 pounds, he was to return two years later to fish with the same bloke and caught only four; the biggest 7 pounds, though he assures us that the old bloke did no better. Though having a tendency to travel to the outback they both have been in all states of Australia and have completed the loop around the Country, which took them five months, they have not had a bad incident whilst on the road and have met and cemented many friendships with fellow travellers, many they come across again in their travels Interstate.
They indicate that they have enjoyed the wild flowers of Western Australia, the wildlife of the Northern Territory with the exception of Crocodiles, even their Jack Russell dog was named "Crocodile Jack" who travelled all over with Jim & Liz, unfortunately now deceased and they both miss him sadly.
They maintain a map board in their Motorhome which shows their extensive travels if you come across them have a look you will surely be surprised at the area they have covered without travelling the same roads twice, though they admit this has been by design though they don't expect that to last much longer as they intend re-visiting some of their favourite spots in coming years.
Jim has been a past Secretary of the Island Wanderers Chapter and Liz is a current Committee Person both having a keen interest in the Chapter and its extended Family. In 2005 they intend to travel to Western Australia and visit those areas missed previously and then up to the Kimberley's via the mining towns, they expect to be on the road for about five months.
So if you come across them have a cuppa or knockagrogalong and get to know them and their future inspirations for travel.

It would be true to say that many of us started our travelling life with a car and caravan, our Chapter members Eddie & Audrey T18333 were two such people. In all they owned two caravans they used to travel extensively throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. During this time they met many Campervan & Motorhome owners and liked the simplicity with which these people lived, travelled and the friendliness they displayed. So, the search was on to locate a suitable Motorhome that would meet their future travelling needs, though no matter how hard they sought their desired Motorhome they could not find anything they thought suitable to their future needs. In 1999 Eddie & Audrey took the decision to build their own Motorhome, an Isuzu two tonne cab and chassis was purchased and over the next six months Eddie applied his engineering skills which then produced a bed over cab motorhome that was suitable for them both.
In late 1999 they both joined the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia and then the Island Wanderers Chapter in April 2000. Over the next two years they toured their home state of Tasmania extensively which included visits to all the Chapters, though their Motorhome performed excellently, minor changes and editions saw the Motorhome which by now carried the name of "SKI" (spending kids inheritance) ready for extended travel.
So in 2002 they both packed the Motorhome "SKI" and headed for the Flinders Ranges in South Australia where they spent considerable time exploring the region, after which they followed the Murray River down to Rutherglen in Victoria. Eddie & Audrey speak glowingly of the Murray River and the various camping spots along its banks. When asked their favourite spot in Australia without hesitation they agree that anywhere on the Murray River is their favourite spot.
They have now parted with their Motorhome and purchased a Toyota long wheel base Motorhome with just a few refinements, which no doubt will meet their needs in years to come. It has been named "EL GEE", when you work out the puzzle Eddie has set for us, it turns out to be "L G" life's good. No doubt with Eddie's engineering skills there will be other changes, just as he invented the "Eddie Pots" that many people have had him build for them, What's an Eddie Pot you ask; well you will come across them and it will solve another puzzle for you.
Next year Eddie & Audrey intend to revisit South Australia then move across to the Kidman Way then on up to North Queensland for the Tasmanian winter. Both recently served as volunteers at the Quercus Park Rally with Eddie on the difficult parking duties and Audrey on ensuring that the morning tea for the 2000 plus people was provided, this was no mean feat! As you come across them both say Hi! for they are very well respected members of the Island Wanderers Chapter and are very willing to help anyone in need, have a cuppa with them and enjoy their company.

Bob & Evelyn T5950 have been members of the C.M.C.A. since 1989 and joined the Island Wanderers Chapter some years later.
Their touring life started well before this when they first purchased a Volkswagen Pop Top in the early 1980's and toured Tasmania extensively. There wasn't a spot in their home state of Tasmania that they haven't seen other than the mountainous overland tracks that required a four wheel drive vehicle.
Bob & Evelyn then ventured interstate and travelled up through the centre of Australia to the Northern Territory Border, what is so special about that you may ask? well they both travelled when there was only a gravel road from Coober Pedy in South Australia to the Northern Territory Border and Bob tells us that the Volkswagen was the vehicle to have at the time due to their ruggedness and ability to handle rough roads. It wasn't just the road they had to contend with it was also the wild donkeys, camels and big Roo that roamed
the outback that made it dangerous to travel, they also were on hand when the altercation took place between the semi driver and the motel people who refused to serve him beer, the response, Bob tells us, is that the Semi driver just started up his truck and drove it through the motel though not quite making it through to the other side. It was at this time that Bob & Evelyn decided to return home where they sold the trusty and reliable Volkswagen and replaced it with a 1976 Toyota Coaster and they were to do another five trips to the outback over the years which they both agree was something special. In 1991 they purchased a Mazda 3500 which even today looks as if it just rolled off the production line and in recent times have travelled extensively throughout Queensland, NSW and Victoria. In recent years they have taken their family and grandchildren with them by towing a pop top caravan behind the Mazda and when it is time for the family to come home they park the pop top caravan up in Melbourne and head back out on the road again. They have travelled around Australia over a seventeen week period and have experienced and enjoyed the wild flower displays in Western Australia so much so that they intend, in the not to distant future, to travel up to the Northern Territory and then onto the Kimberley's and down into Western Australia, travel through the mining regions and then onto witness the wild flowers in bloom in the spring. Bonney Hills they believe is their favourite spot they have discovered in their travells throughout Australia. Both Bob and Evelyn were volunteers at the recent Quercus Park National Rally of the CMCA held in Tasmania and are well respected members of the Island Wanderers Chapter. If you wish to learn more of their exploits join them for a cuppa you will more be than happy with the outcome which will no doubt include a few laughs.
Peter & Wendy T33058 along with mate "Toffee" are recent members of the C.M.C.A. and the Island Wanderers Chapter, their current Motorhome is a Mitsubishi Canter Bed over cab aptly named "Grumblebum-rollscanardley" and as such, is their first Motorhome though when you speak to them it becomes apparent that they are both sports minded and have travelled extensively. They are both avid scuba divers and as such owned their own cruiser which they used to get to their favourite diving spots, as well as it could be called their "motorhome on water". Their weekends and holidays were spent cruising and diving and with their small boat water skiing. Being younger members of the Chapter they still both work, Wendy a Metro Bus Driver and Peter in the baking business. So at the moment their travels are limited to Rally's until later this year. Peter has a fair grasp on Motorhoming for as a child he accompanied his parents on the many Motorhome holidays that they undertook including three times around

Australia so this has held him in good stead in understanding the what for's and what not's of the motor homing fraternity. Peter was definitely bitten by the travelling bug for before they bought their current Motor Home, they used to hire a vehicle to explore their home state of Tasmania. Their favourite spot in Tasmania is Fortescue Bay where along with other areas they enjoy bush walks and bush camping.
Peter and Wendy are taking some leave from work in September 2004 and are off to explore northern Queensland and to give their Motor Home a shake down prior to longer trips they envisage later. At this time their Motor Home is undergoing alterations to the interior to suit their needs and as Peter stated that when they are ready to retire they want everything ship shape (sic) so they can forefill their dream to travel extensively throughout Australia.
We wish them well in their future endeavours and have no doubt with their extensive travel background that they will, along with their pet dog "Toffee" enjoy life on the road and meet many like minded people.
So if you see them on the road stop and have a chat and a drink and acquaint yourself with this wonderful young couple.
Wayne & Pauline T3293 purchased their first motorhome in 1991 a Mazda 3000 which they named "Where To". They still have that motorhome today, though it has undergone many changes to suit their style of travel, among many things it has 300 litre diesel storage tanks that allows them to travel over 2000 klms before having to refuel and they have travelled over 300,000klms in their trusty motorhome.
It was 1992 when the travel bug hit and they went on their first voyage of discovery outside of Tasmania, as they both enjoy free range camping more than anything else they headed for the outback of Australia.
It was 1993 when they first decided to join the happy family of the C.M.C.A. and then the Island Wanderers and only miss Chapter Rally's due to their extensive travels.
They have visited many of the National Parks throughout Australia and have stopped weeks at a time in their favourite spots on the Roper River, Diamintina River at Birdsville and Mataranka.

It is not unusual to hear reports that Wayne and Pauline have been seen by many on the outback tracks that are best travelled by four wheel drive, their trusty Mazda has been seen traversing the Gibb River Road, Stretzleckie Track and many development roads in outback Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
When asked their favourite spots they both agree it is the whole of Northern Territory and the top end of Western Australia, why? because they can do what they like best, free range camp with the huge fires that Wayne is renowned for and being able to camp under the brilliant stars of the outback and watch the satellites pass overhead.
They have many happy memories of the Kimberley's and Douglas Hot Springs where they have spent considerable time, they both have vivid memories encountering the wild donkeys, camels, brumbies, dingoes, foxes, kangaroos, canaries, finches and parrots of all variety's and watching the wedge tailed eagles spread their magnificent wings in flight, the bird life they have come across has been prolific.
They have seen the oil wells and the refinery that operates along the Stretzleckie Track and many other areas of Australia that many of us will never get to see. Their description of wild flowers at spring time is riveting and the many photo's that Pauline can produce of their travels is mind boggling.
So remember when you see the campfire of Wayne and Pauline and their Motorhome called "Where To" pull in and have a chat, a cuppa or just say hello to these well travelled people; many have and no doubt many will continue to do so; considering they are such likable people that will always make you feel welcome.

Peter & Marlene T3799 purchased their first Campavan, a Volkswagen Kombi Pop Top in 1987 and went off to the Expo in Brisbane Queensland, limited in their experience of travelling in this manner, it took them little time to master the technique.
In 1991 they upgraded to a four cylinder Toyota Coaster short wheel base Motorhome and continued to travel during their annual holiday period.
1993 saw them join the CMCA and in early 1994 they attended their first Island Wanderers Rally which was held at Tomahawk, they were then bitten by the Rally bug and were quick to make and cement friendships.
Peter & Marlene rarely miss a Rally and if they do it is due to sickness or they are away travelling the country, once again they upgraded their Motorhome to a Toyota long wheel base six cylinder in 1995 wherein they continued to transfer their Motorhome name "Alloverdownunder"which has applied to all their vehicles.
Peter & Marlene have been and are still committed CMCA and Chapter members to date they have attended 15 national/anniversary Rally's and in 1997 Peter was co-ordinator for the very successful Pontville Anniversary Rally held in Tasmania which attracted in excess of 700 vehicles. Peter has held many positions in the club, he was on the board in 1998/99 and has been vice president, venue co-ordinator, committee person, National Advisory Committee and today is still a committee member of the Island Wanderers. They are both dedicated members and are quick to lend assistance to their fellow club members. You will find them both always helping others and are easy identified by their cheerful smile and especially Marlene with her jacket containing all CMCA rally patches of every rally they have been to, fifteen in all (see photo) Marlene also has a shawl to keep the chill out on cold rally nights that has stitched patches and badges from all areas they have travelled to in Australia.
Peter & Marlene have been around Australia several times, to Birdsville in outback Northern Territory and the Kimberley's where they indicate they travel until dark to get the varying colour's of the sunsets and shadows as they move along. When asked their favourite spot the Murray/Darling river system quickly comes to mind. They plan their travels around national rally's and they leave the state shortly to go to the world hot air Balloon championships at Mildura in victoria and then tour about and eventually arrive at the Anniversary Rally at Toowoomba in Queensland and then home for summer. If you have the opportunity to meet this friendly couple have a cuppa with them and discover their immense knowledge of this country and where to best travel and where to stay away from.
Geoff & Dianne T9435 first joined the CMCA at the 1997 Anniversary Rally held at Pontville in Tasmania.
It was the friendships developed at the Anniversary Rally that lead them to join the Island Wanderers Chapter where they came to understand the one big family concept. In their Pop Top Van they attended their first Chapter Rally which was held at Kelso. Being family orientated they fitted in very well into the Chapter and made many friends which they remain in contact with even today, they soon understood that if they were to take their grandchildren then they needed to upgrade their Motorhome, thus came the purchase of their Mazda Motorhome affectionately named "Calypso Lady".
In which Geoff & Dianne have travelled extensively throughout Tasmania to the many Rally's and it is with great pride when they introduce their grandchildren to Chapter Members.

Dianne, with the support of Geoff has served on committees under two Presidents of the Chapter and has been responsible for many Rally's and member benefits that all in the Chapter have enjoyed during this period.
They both have enjoyed their trips to the mainland over the years especially the Great Ocean Road with its majestic scenery and then their travels up through the centre of Australia and into the Kimberley's which they found to be magnificent, then down into Western Australia where they spent considerable time before driving back across the Nullabor Plains.
Though Geoff & Dianne have stuck basically with the coastal strip in their travels around Australia they hope to include in their future travels extensive visits to the outback. If you happen to see the "Calypso Lady" on the road blow your horn or wave and if you find them pulled up by the side of the road stop and have a cuppa with them you will find them an interesting and friendly couple.
Mick & Kaye T16537 purchased their first motorhome in 1999, a 24ft Winnebago Alpine affectionately called "Southlander" in which they toured the state of Tasmania extensively. This allowed them to get a feel of Motorhoming and shake down their new Motorhome.
They joined the C.M.C.A. in 1999 and then the Island Wanderers Chapter where they met many people with similar ideas to themselves, they then set about gathering information about touring Australia.
Mick & Kaye sold their house in 2000 and left to tour Australia with the "Southlander" now their permanent place of abode, the tour around Australia was to take them three years.
The many people they were to meet plus visits to other Chapter's allowed them to get the feel of the one big happy family that pervades those who travel the highways and outback development roads.

Mick being a long time D.M.R. employee knew the ropes when it came to bush camping and it wasn't long before they became well known for their bush camps with larger than normal campfires and the warm welcome extended to fellow travellers. They became known amongst fellow travellers and aptly described as "you know that bloke that builds those huge camp fires" and though they may have forgotten the names of Mick & Kaye this description was enough to identify them and assist others to find out what part of the country they were in. (if you want to see what is meant by huge camp fires have a look at the Rally Happenings page for May and have a look at one of Mick & Kaye's camp fires!)
As can be imagined the three year period travelling Australia allowed them to meet numerous amounts of fellow travellers and see almost all there is to see, though they spent a greater portion of their time in the Gulf Country, along the Great Ocean Road and around Willcania, though they both agree that their favourite spot is Barcaldine in outback Queensland.
After three years they yearned to return to their home state of Tasmania and on arriving home bought a property at Bridport and began extensions, that is, after the building of a new Dutch Barn, for Mick to play in and carry out his hobby building wooden toys, especially Kenworth log trucks,and of course to store their trusty Motorhome "Southlander".
All their travelling included their pet dog "Heidi" which unfortunately developed kidney problems recently and has had to be put down, they both agree that when they leave to tour again next month they will sadly miss their best mate.

Peter T16011 emigrated from the U. K. about 15 years ago and settled in Tasmania, at the age of 74 Peter is one of the elder members of our chapter, though an extremely respected member. Peter first joined the C.M.C.A. in July 1999 after purchasing his trusty Mazda Pop Top Campervan, which he affectionately calls "The Mazda Carter"
Peter enjoys the Chapter Rally's and is renowned for his renditions of Poetry and limericks, though a member of the Island Wanderers Chapter he travels to all other Chapters Rally's.
The other Chapter's have adopted Peter and welcome him to their rally's with open arms such is his popularity and at times; attempt to get him to join their Chapter, though our mate remains loyal to us and our Chapter.
Peter lost his best mate and wife a few years ago and regards the chapter as his extended family. He is renowned for his prowess cooking on his wood fired stove, cooking wonderful biscuits and extraordinary pastries that members line up to get a taste of.
Peter has not travelled as much as he would like and is happy to just pop along to Chapter Rally's and join in the fun and if you wish to track him down during the day then just pop along to the disc bowls. Peter is a talented player so if you wish to beat him then you need to train and train more for he is a formidable opponent.
When he is not spinning a yarn for all to hear he is composing poetry and sending it off to the A.B.C radio station, to date he has a 100% strike rate with his poetry and is often called on to give a recital. This is something that Peter enjoys and you will find him at Poets breakfasts wherever they occur in the State.
Who knows, one day Peter may be bitten even more by the travel bug and set out to explore this great country, in the mean time you will find him eating his home baked raisin bread, toasted of course by the camp fire or enjoying the company of others and sharing his home baked biscuits and Pastries and chewing the fat.
Clarry and Jeane after purchasing their beloved Campervan aptly named "Popananavan" subsequently became members of the C.M.C.A. and inaugural members of the Island Wanderers Chapter in January 1993.
There is not much of Australia that they have not traversed in their trusty campervan, in which they have clocked 242,000 kilometers.
Travelling around Australia and up through the centre they have enjoyed the company of many people, some that have become life long friends.
Clarry and Jeane believe that Gregory Downs on the Gregory River is their favourite spot, mainly due to the crystal clear flowing waters and its proximity to Lawn Hill National Park.They have been fortunate to have experienced the wild flowers in bloom in Western Australia and the autumn leaves of Bright in Victoria.
Clarry and Jeane have travelled extensively around the top end of Australia through the Kimberley's, Northern Territory and Gulf Country and have experienced the many changing weather variations that exist across this vast country, they are quick to tell with great enthusiasm; the many friendships they have both made whilst on the road and the satisfaction when they again make contact after many years. Clarry and Jeane are well respected members of the Island Wanderers Chapter and are renowned for their singing prowess and indeed Clarry is still a member of the Launceston Male Choir and the Launceston Seniors Choir.
Clarry being a Lay Preacher has also been the C.M.C.A. Chaplain for the past six years. Ironically Clarry is also an architect and has designed no less than six church buildings over the years as well as many other structures.
Such a cheerful and fun loving couple they have been responsible for many singalongs at chapter meetings and are also renowned for their arrangement and delivery of skits at national rallies, as well as their singing as a duo.
Clarry won the inaugural damper bake off at Chain of Lagoons which lead him to donate a perpetual trophy that is still keenly sought by members at damper cooking competitions held at Chain of Lagoons each year.
Geoff and Robin T1972 have owned their Winnebago Wilderness, carrying the name of "ME-AND-ERS INN" since new and have travelled no less than 100,000 kilometers in their travels around the country in the past six and half years.
They first joined the C.M.C.A. in late 1991 and were founding members of the Island Wanderers Chapter in January 1993, they have been to many Chapter outings in other states of Australia where they enjoy the camaraderie, though both state it is good to get back to the home Chapter.
Geoff and Robin are well respected in the Island Wanderers Chapter and are renowned for their unselfishness to raise funds and are regular donors to our raffles, they are homeless, so to speak, and spend most of their life on the road. When not on the road you will find them either House sitting or doing Security work in large Transport
Companies goods receiving yards, though not receiving payment for either it gives them a chance to put their roots down for awhile to clean and polish the Motorhome before they move on again. When its hot in the top end of the Australia you will find them back in their home state of Tasmania with their friends enjoying the cooler weather. Geoff and Robin have been lucky to see and experience cyclones and their damage, the different types of weather the tropics dish out during the wet season. Indeed they have been to areas that some Motorhomers won't go due to either the roughness of the roads or the remoteness of the location.
They have travelled the Birdsville Track, Strzeleckie Track, Gibb River Road and the Oodnadatta Track a remarkable feat given that most of these roads are best traversed in four wheel drive vehicles.
Having travelled in all States and Territories in Australia they have witnessed the wild flower displays, wild Camels and Donkeys of the outback and the wild Bird life and Desert flora and fauna. Though given the extensive travells they state their favourite area to date is Esperance in Western Australia, though they both regard Tasmania as their home.
Graham joined the club in 1997 after purchasing a Volkswagen pop top, he then became a member of the Highway Wanderers and then Solo's. Graham came to tour Tasmania in 2000 and found his way to George Town and whilst having a cup of coffee was approached by a local lass who offered information on the district and its surrounds.
This overtime, lead to a partnership that saw the Volkswagen go by the way and the purchase of a motorhome they called "Krackatinny" they then joined the Island Wanderers Chapter . Graham and Ellen T11862 packed up and left to tour the country and due to it being the "Year of the Outback" they both went onto the Anniversary rally that was held at Barcaldine. After enjoying the rally they toured the top end of Australia extensively and then wound their way down into Western Australia. They toured the bottom end around Margaret River, then onto the Northam National Rally. when asked their favourite area they both agreed Pemberton (Big Brook Dam) and care taking for

three months at the Kari Jinni National Park in Western Australia. All told they were away from home for a tad over 12 months. Returning back to George Town, Graham and Ellen have attended the chapter rally's and toured the state again. They were both volunteers at the 18th Anniversary Rally held at Quercus Park Carrick in Tasmania and indicated though tired they really enjoyed it. At the end of April they will provision "Krackatinny", plus with their new four legged mate "Sam", head off on the "Spirit of Tasmania" then down the Great Ocean Road into South Australia and then up to Queensland for the Toowoomba National Rally then back on the road. When will they come home, who knows while the wind is in their sails so to speak.
We are happy to introduce two of our eldest and long serving members of the National Club and Tasmanian Chapter, John & Audrey T1056 are aged 82 & 80 respectively, though we can assure you both are young at heart and in spirit.
Their first vehicle was a Ford 250 Motorhome which they purchased in 1984 and started their wandering around the state and country, this was followed in 1991 by the purchase of a Hino A class Motorhome, John being a Mechanical Engineer made many changes and updates to ensure that the Motorhome was as homely and functional as possible. Part of the update was to construct a hydraulic lifting apparatus that lifted the front drive wheels of their Suzuki Hatch off the ground, which they towed around the country. This gave them the flexibility to park up the Motorhome and travel around viewing and exploring the sights as they wished.John & Audrey first joined the
Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia (C.M.C.A.) in May 1988 where they met many people and made many friends They were inaugural members on the formation of the Island Wanderers Chapter of the C.M.C.A in 1993. They then purchased ten year membership to assist in purchasing property for Head Office. When asked what was their most memorable wandering, they both replied "Every trip has been memorable meeting many people, forming life long friendships and discovering the beautiful country whilst travelling on the coastal strips though we intend to travel the outback in the next few years"
A Mazda Motorhome has been recently purchased, though smaller than their last motorhome, John already is applying his engineering skills to make it more functional and comfortable for them both.
In May this year they will board the "Spirit of Tasmania" Ferry to mainland Australia for a five month period, when asked where they would be travelling the reply was" We will being going up north to the warmer weather for winter and hopefully meet up with our many friends and make new friends whilst on the road". It is this positive outlook on life that keeps them both young and fit plus well thought of and respected in the Island Wanderers Chapter of the C.M.C.A..
We wish them both well in their travels, don't forget to say "hello" and have a cuppa when you meet them both on the road.