Articles:
The Things You See with Truthful Phil
A Lake of Disappointments
Travellers on the CSR around the top end of Lake Disappointment in mid 2016 came across four behemoths; all bogged, some at precarious angles. Was a ratbag at work avoiding tip fees? Maybe it was the equivalent of; we’ve got the biggest banana. Even that exalted magazine Western 4wdriver’s Silly Snaps of Edition 101 had photos.
A Very Savoury Creek
Everyone doing the 1,800 km Canning Stock Route trip has to cross Savory Creek, a heavily saline creek near Lake Disappointment. I have seen the depth vary from 300 mm to almost a metre, normally such water depths wouldn't bother most 4wdrivers, but the heavily saline water plays on people's minds.
Big Foot's Chair
I have struggled for years with those cheap camp chairs that after a few days of camping have your bum on the ground and the inside of your knees polishing your ears. You’re trapped and unable to escape. I’m no budgie when it comes to height, weight and shoe size, so finding a real fit-for-purpose chair has always been a problem.
Bloody Corrugations
Corrugations, ripples, ridges or wash boarding, call them what you like, they would have to be the most despised part of any outback trip. They are probably the most misunderstood as well. Any opinion on how they are caused or how one should travel over them will start an argument that’s up there with Cooper tyres v BFGs, Engels v Waecos or dare I say it Toyotas v Nissans.
Carrah Farms and Wildflower Walks, It’s Broken
Our group turned up at Carrah farms, west of Calingiri, and were met by Sarah Mason, the dynamo behind Carrah farms. Also: It’s Broken - an experience that shows why you should regularly look under your vehicle or have it thoroughly checked by an expert, especially when about to take it on a major trip.
Enter the Dragon, the Groover
Hereabouts in this magazine is an article about a recent trip to the Ernest Giles Range. On that trip we discovered a novel way to replace a chewed out shockie rubber. The Ed. was so taken with this bush fix. he rang me. Being aware of my nickname Truthful Phil, he wanted to make sure I wasn't misleading the readers (read pulling his leg). Now would I do such a thing?
I don't need a Dual Battery System
I was in my local shopping centre carpark loading supplies into my 100 Series for a trip when I was approached by a very enthusiastic chap, a real estate agent. He was attracted by the Work Completed Canning livery down both sides and asked, what that was about and about 4WD setups. I explained that it was a book on the history of the CSR and that I was the author. I then explained my vehicle set up and why I thought certain items were necessary for my use.
Les the Perentie, Phil's Suitcase
Gaynor Schoeman, the lady who walked the CSR solo in 2013, is back for another adventure on the Canning. This time she is travelling in an ex-Australian Military vehicle. It's a tough as 1990 110 Land Rover Perentie with a 3.9 Isuzu diesel motor and 4 speed LT 95 gearbox, she has called it Les after Bush Tucker man Les Hiddens. Phil’s Suitcase – I was asleep in my tent and woke to hear solid rain; "I hope my nephew zipped up the Rhino roof top bag when he got the sleeping bags out," was my immediate thought." Can't do anything about it now", was my next thought, so I went back to sleep.
Lithium for Life
I've jumped in at the deep end and bought a lithium battery system. Why? Last year when attempting to crest a CSR dune, 'The Old Girl' lurched, spluttered and belched smoke. By quickly switching fuel tanks the problem ceased, only to reappear if I changed back. A thorough inspection of the fuel system, at Durba, found nothing. The fuel filter was ok, no leaks and there was heaps of fuel.
Outback WA's Guardian Angel
Andy Sutcliffe, a diesel mechanic, living in Laverton WA, owns and operates outback Tilt Tray and Recovery Laverton. He travels far and wide rescuing vehicles, camper trailers and delivering fuel to places such as the remote llkurlka Roadhouse on the Anne Beadell Highway, some 600km east of Laverton.
Pretzels & Celery
Tent pegs, yes the topic is tent pegs. Not a serious topic you reckon, tell that to a person who can’t get pegs into the ground or who, when it’s bucketing down, has a tent dis-erection.
Steering Rack and Run
Dammit the cruiser won't turn left! With instant panic setting in and thinking I'm about to career into the vehicle coming the other way, I frantically gave the wheel another go and with relief I was able to turn. "What happened there", flashed through my mind. "Maybe it was me and not the vehicle", I thought - just one of those things. Then it happened again a few times.
Sticky Beef, Doing the Business
Who can resist a camp oven cooked meal, the aromas, tenderness and juiciness of the meat, just delicious. But there are pitfalls for the unwary. Also: Nowadays the ball joints aren't what they used to be. After a couple of arthroscopies the old knees are a bit fragile and don't support my delicate frame with the same conviction - especially when needing to head in to the scrub to ‘do the business’.
The Grave of Charles W. Stansmore
Victorian born Charles Stansmore was a member of David Carnegie’s 1896 expedition from Coolgardie to Halls Creek. Members of the party included Carnegie, Stansmore, Joe Breaden, Godfrey Massie and guide Warri.
Two T Pots, Gourmet Grub
I was visiting Albany to do handyman work at Feral Number 3's house, (as all good dads do) and spotted a very pristine looking HJ47 cruiser in a car wash. It sported the amusing number plate 'T Pot'. Also: Every now and then I come across something that really hits the mark. Living as a bachelor, I am keen to try anything that makes life easy, I’ve however always been suspicious of readymade meals because they tend to be high in salt or drowned in gravy.
