Day 92 on the way home!

 Boring day today!..... the drive home is supposed to be exciting & the release of all the emotion from our trip. But it was pretty boring! Speak for yourself...I really enjoyed the drive today, good music, great audio book and pretty good company.

 We left Leinster & headed towards Kalgoorlie. Do you all remember in a previous blog we told you that we stayed in Boulder (Kalgoorlie).... well that was where the earthquake was a few weeks ago. It was freaky driving down the street with all the buildings surrounded by scaffolding; many of them still have rubble lying on the footpaths.

 Got a couple of lovely emails wishing us a safe trip home, Anne thanks for the email, we will catch up when we get back.

 Marg & Norm, we will be seeing the whales.... But not going to Broken Hill!.... so will have to catch up another time. My sister lives in Menindee if you wanted a place to camp? Georgia can they park the van on the river & steal some 15A power? But guess what.... We are at Norseman tonight & who is here? The people that are pushing a wheelchair across Australia!.... I’m hiding in the van in case they ask me to join them!

 So seeing as we did not do much today except sit in the car how about I ask you guys some questions & you can answer them for us.

 Rob, how is the shopping going? Have you replaced your whole wardrobe with XXXL Vietnamese shirts? Have you planned a full itinerary for Juan when he gets there? Want photos of the new haircut!!

 Lesley... I heard on the grapevine that you are studying again? Thanks for telling me! I reckon you should do social work, then you & our brother can open a practise together! We might actually get to see him & hear from him!

 Heather, how is Jamie? I hope you have been forwarding him our blog. Jamie did you know that some mine sites actually bring bands up to site to play! There might be a job there for you..... Promoter of entertainment to mines. Charge them double.... everyone else does!

 Brad A... how is MANLAND going? Hope you will have it ready & the sign hung for when I come up? I want a MANLAND name, Dans is Sharkbait so I reckon my name can be Big Jim!

 Susanne, the picture of the baby is awesome (Susanne sent through some ultrasound pics of her unborn baby)...... he looks so cool! When he is old enough I’ll get him a job on a minesite somewhere..... then you can listen to him whinge about Rudds mining tax!

 Arama, how is the job going? You do know that there are lots of Kiwi’s working here in the mines. So if you ever want a career change? You would be fantastic running the accommodation on a mine site!!

 Mel S..... How is the poker tournament going?

 Caren & Kampbell.....hehehe (Clever huh!) how you two going? Have you knocked your house down yet? Do NOT..... I repeat Do NOT use JG King Builders!..... they are crap!

 Mary & Pete..... Mark Webber won last night!.... or am I living in some sort of fantasy world! I did not watch the race so I am assuming that the other 21 drivers all crashed! That is the only way he can win a race!!!!

 David & Sandy, hold all of our mail.... we will be home soon!!! Has my latest 4WD magazine turned up yet?.....and if you sell the old Land Rover for us you will get a commission!

 Granny & Bert..... you get your heating fitted tomorrow... clean out the spare room for Ness & me.... we are not used to the cold.

 Shona, tell Sam he can come & visit Vanessa & James next week.

 Angie...... are you ok?.... we miss your stories! Your journey is more exciting than ours!

 Ilsa,  Stop making crank phone calls! (or keep your phone away from your nephew)

 Meredith.... How is the planning going for Fiji..... all you have to know is “Dua Tale gunuva Yalo vinaka” which means “Another drink please!”

 Nikki & Rob.... What happened to the Dragons!...... you need a decent salary cap breech! Hey Rob are you going to the world cup? If you were a real soccer fan you would be there!

 Box & Lou.... did you get lost in the Pyramids?

 And lastly to all of you that read the blog but do not post a comment! What is your best memory of the blog? Let us know what you liked about our trip..... we know who you are and if you do not post a comment before the end of the trip we will name you!

 I know tonights blog will not make sense to many of you. They are questions that we ask & know about.... but that is what a blog is all about..... sharing information both ways.

 Have a great night people in Blog World.

James Mack & Vanessa Lea (bet you didn’t know that!)

Day 91 Last working day for this trip

Happy Mother’s day to my mum, Sandy G & to all the mums that read the blog. I hope you had a great day & were spoiled by your kids..... Mum I hope you enjoyed your tea towels!

 Well it is the last day that I have to work for a while, I’m writing my blog between sessions. This morning we woke up, listened to Macca on ABC, then I went for a bike ride around Leinster while Ness went up the shops to get food for the trip home, I bet she comes back with heaps of cans!

 Ok, now most of you know what I do & a few of you have even sat in on my training sessions. I like to think that my story & message gives people something to think about when it comes to their safety & the choices they make.

 And sometimes I actually wonder if my message makes a difference, I mean some people hear my story & it does not affect them in any way...... However occasionally something happens that makes what I do all worthwhile!

 Today was one of those days!

 Ness & I travelled to the site, it was a great drive, all on dirt road. We saw a goanna eating a kangaroo!..... Serious, Ness will post the pictures. We also saw a dead roo on the side of the road & someone had a great sense of humour as they had attached an “Out of service” tag to one of its legs...... Very funny.

 Anyhow the session went for over an hour & the guys & girls asked some great questions & we had a bit of a chat. We have to do another session at 630pm so decided to leave site for a while and come back to town for something to eat. Some of the guys came up & thanked me, one guy gave Ness a big hug & thanked her too..... and as we were leaving there was a guy outside that was just standing watching me & Ness come out the door.

 He looked quite upset as his eyes were red, he started to walk over towards us..... I could see that he was very uncomfortable. He stopped next to me & could not look at me & he said “I just wanted to say thanks for that mate” I said “No problems mate” he then said (And you will have to excuse the language)..... “Mate that fucking really hit home with me”..... “I am a truck driver & I never wear my fucking seatbelt and I always drive too fast on site” “I have got two kids & if I couldn’t do things with them I would fucking kill myself”.....

 I said to him that I am glad he got something out of my talk and to take care of himself.

 But it kind of hit me & Ness too..... just makes what I do all worthwhile sometimes! This trip has been a great experience for us both. But this is probably one of the highlights for me!

 Anyway what have you all been up to? Rob, any late night visitors in the foyer? Did they mistake you for a “Drive Through” hotel this weekend. Campbell, you at the footy? Marc, Brad W & Dan W went to grannies for dinner last night.... hope they wished you a happy mother’s day mum? Heather.... What are you up to? Georgia, Shona & Lesley..... you all have been quiet too.

 Naomi has sent a message on the blog..... it has only taken you 90 days Naomi!!!!

 Susanne you are way too late girl!..... I have been on my soapbox for nearly 4 months now! You have way missed your chance to stir me on this trip!....

 Ok, early night, we will be on the road by 8am. The blog will continue on the way home so stay tuned.

 Love from us.

 J&V

Day 90 Jabiru Metals

Hello Bloggies..... Are you excited that we are coming home? We are, but also a little sad that our first adventure is coming to an end. But there is plenty to keep us both busy when we get home. (& continue the blog)

 Hey have any of you ever worked with a total goose!..... We are! Now I know I should not complain about the people we work with, I mean we are all different & we do things in different ways, but this guy is such a tosser! You know the sort of person that is too dumb to be a policeman, so they become a “Rescue squad” member on a mine site! He wears his storm trooper overalls & is just hoping for something to go wrong so he can become the hero that he will never be!.....  Wanker! He is not exaggerating!!

 Over the last couple of days I have mentioned Mr Sheen (K Rudd) & his tax on mining, and a few of you have commented on the mining industry in general...... Which got me thinking about other industries.

 Now I don’t know too much about your industry or the area that you work in..... But I’m guessing that you do? And part of the reason I am opposed to the tax is that I don’t really think that politicians can understand any industry just by having a half day on a site & maybe even a quick visit to the local township! Think about it, if Rudd came to where you work for even 4 hours (highly unlikely he would stay that long) how much could he see & understand about what it is that you do? And sure he sees the profits that mining companies make & knows they dig stuff up & send it away, but does he really understand how they work & fit into communities?

 So therefore can he really know how this tax will affect the companies & the ongoing effects down the line?

 Big Goanna just walked right past the caravan!..... Awesome!

 So Susanne & Heather, don’t get me started.... or I’ll do an in depth expose’ of skincare & the harmful effects on the environment and turn all my blog readers against your magic potions!

 Hey Heather, great to see you know so much about welding..... Thanks for that!

 It’s the weekend, so most of you will be doing your own thing, spare a thought for Ness & I. Firstly working with the aforementioned dickhead! Secondly being in the middle of nowhere, & thirdly tomorrow we have to drive 70km from where we are staying to the mine site each session!..... two times!..... 280km for 2 hours work.... Oh poor us!

 But the good thing is that on Monday morning we will hit the road & be heading back to Melbourne. Today I spoke to Dan & told him that I would be driving back across the Nullarbor & when we get to the Bight we hope to stop & see some whales. Dan said to me “Dad what’s more important?.... seeing whales or getting home to see me”.... I guess I’ve been told hey?  We will leg it back Dan and just wave to the whales on the way past.

 Meredith heads off to Fiji soon..... Hey Meredith I got a great idea! Why don’t you write a blog each night & send it to all your family & friends..... I reckon some of them might actually read it & send you comments back!  Don’t do it too tough in Fiji, I know it will be hard.

 Mel S is in New York heading to Vegas..... not many of you know this but Mel is a world championship poker player and will compete in the Poker championships while she is there! (well not really but at least it makes your trip to Vegas sound more exciting Mel!)

 Have a look at the photos, you will see the cracks in my chair..... Scary huh!

 John & Liz sent us an email agreeing with me about Rudds tax, there will be spots in my cabinet for you two also when I am PM!

Special mention to Christopher & Marc, they move to Sydney next week!.... On Thursday.... We get home on Friday!!!! What the!!!.... We will be up to see you in Sydney soon. I have to say that this trip would not have been the same without you.... We have watched the movies you gave us in some amazing places! thanks..... Hope the move goes smoothly & make sure you give us your new details ASAP.

 And to Marg & Norm, if you see us pass you on the way back to Vic..... Give us a wave! Chances of us stopping for too long are slim...... but you know there is a great spot to park your caravan at a place called Dixons Creek in Victoria..... you should head that way soon.

 Ilsa..... Answer your bloody phone!  Don’t you just love phone tag!.... Update!... We both spoke to Ilsa just after the Blog was posted...... Great to hear from you Ils!..... BBQ at our place when we get back.

 Mum/Granny..... can you get a couple of bags of kindling from Shona for when we get back? It will take us a while to acclimatise and we will need the fire on!

 Bye Bloggies

Day 89 Jaguar Gold Mine WA

Ok, after yesterdays wheelchair drama, I was able to sleep last night.... we had an early session this morning, then back to the van to pack up & head off to the next site.

 Ness is very clever, as she did not tell the site we are working at this afternoon that we also worked this morning..... so they thought that we came to them just for the day & as we charge per day (not per session) we get to charge both sites for the same day! Clever huh!

 In one of the sessions the other night I referred to Ness as “My Missus”..... now that is not the term that I usually use, but as we were in the room with a bunch of Neanderthals, I had to talk in terms that they would understand.... So my question tonight is do any of you have a name that you object to being called? Now I have to give you my side of this...James has never called me his Missus, but a few times now in the sessions he has.  I have got to say that he ever called me his Missus in other environment or context I don’t think(know) I would I like and it would be just wrong, but I have to say that in these sessions it seems just right and in fact can’t believe  I am saying this.  Proud to be your Missus James!!

 We had to travel on dirt road again today, which normally excites me..... But today they were doing road works & the water cart had been down the road just before us and we now have red mud all over the car & caravan..... do you know how hard it is to wash a car & a caravan from a wheelchair?.... Looks like Ness will be busy when we get to Leinster! Whatever!!

 Some of you commented that I should pack a spare wheelchair! Are you serious? I mean how often do you hear of a wheelchair breaking down?..... Actually did you know that RACV offer a breakdown service for wheelchairs?.... Maybe I should join when we get home! You already are a member....remember they came and saved you on the side of the road in South Australia in little while ago.

 Georgia my sister asked me how I feel about not having technology, Georgy you obviously don’t know me very well.... I hate being contactable! I love it when we have no phone, no internet, no nothin! He hates been contactable and has his phone off or on silent whenever possible. It is me that has the technology addiction. Although as we work in safety I have to plan for all possible problems. Our old car had a HF Radio in it, now this is not just your average CB radio, it actually has a much greater range and has radio contact all over Australia. We could call the RFDS direct if we needed to in the old car, for our next trip we will not put the HF radio in Dolly but we will look into buying a satellite phone, so we can call even when we are out of mobile reception.

 Susanne has finally joined the list of Bloggers, took you until we almost finished our trip S! Trying to stir me up with anti mining balony!..... Wont work Susanne..... you can have your views, I’ll have mine..... Hehehe...get it.... Mine!!!!!

And your question about what happens when a mine pulls out of an area, well they don’t take the things that they put into the town with them..... so they are better off for this alone!

 Brad Wood has been playing up & getting caught out..... Mate you can’t have a day off Tech saying you are sick & then plaster on Facebook that you went out with your girlfriend on the same night!..... Doh!!!

 Brad Atkins has gone into Exile!.... don’t expect to hear from him for weeks.... he has his first big job for his new business..... Bet you still make time to watch every footy game this weekend though Brad!

 Marc Walker is in Melbourne, but he is a mad Rugby League follower..... Good luck getting live footage of any ARL games Marc!..... Although Storm play at home this weekend! You should go!..... Take Granny & Bert with you!

 Campbell W..... where have you been? Don’t you want to know that we will be returning with the same amount of cans that we left with!.... She keeps replacing them! At least if there was a nuclear bomb we would survive for a couple of years!

 You know you can tell when you have spent just a little too much time with someone! As you all know Ness & I have been with each other pretty much 24/7 for the last 4 months. We are at the stage now that we have signals in the car that we can read about each other! We also finish each others sentences, when we are talking to other people it is like we are one person!..... I even know what she is thinking! Don’t know how we will cope when I have to fly to Perth next month for work! Probably both get our sanity back!

 Oh and I need to mention that I am really looking forward to seeing Panda, there have been many times where I have thought about her & places that she would have loved on our trip! See you soon girl!

 Ok 3^rd last work blog!

 James & his Missus.....X

Day 88 S.D.G.M Day 3

 Major Drama!.... My wheelchair broke! Now if you are out somewhere & your shoe breaks, you snap a shoelace, or get a hole in your sock..... you can just kick it off & keep on going! The other day I bounced down a large step & I heard a “Clicking” noise, but I forgot to check it. Today I was sitting on my bike & looked across to my wheelchair to see that it had cracked right across the frame on BOTH sides!.... What the!

 I came back into the van and said to Ness “We might have to head home” she asked why & I explained my predicament. I made a phone call to the maintenance department & they said that they had no one on site that could weld aluminium and the nearest would be in Kalgoorlie!  He actually came into the van saying ‘We have a crisis...we have to go home!!’  I of course immediately think something has happened back home with the boys, family or friends...then he tells me his wheelchair is falling apart.  Must say was a little relieved that it wasn’t life or death...but then I realised (after thinking about it) it was a pretty big dilemma.

 I rang the guy that we are working with at the next site & asked him if he had anyone that could weld it but he also said his guys couldn’t (What is the story with this Brad? You are a Boily.... I can weld aluminium why can’t these guys do it?)

 Anyway we had a call back from the maintenance manager & he said that he had found a guy that was willing to give it a go. Now I can understand that the alloy on my chair is very thin & light weight, & if they use too much power it would just blow right through it.... So I was a bit worried that they might even make it worse!

 They disappeared with the frame to my chair for 15 minutes and I was sitting in the car just thinking about what I would do if they could not fix it, there is no way that it would have lasted until I got home & I do not have a spare one with me! And getting back to what I said at the start it is not like breaking a shoe.... if I don’t have my chair I don’t go anywhere!

 Luckily the guys managed to tack a few dobs of weld on the cracks, it is a pretty dodgy job but it will hold till I get home...... I think Ness was more relieved than me as she would be carrying me everywhere if I could not get it fixed! As if....

The guys in the maintenance department did a brilliant job!!  Very relieved...

 Hey my comments on Rudds super tax stirred a few of you up! But keep in mind this is my opinion only!

 Just a couple more points to think of though, for those of you who support his tax ideas that have superannuation...... I can guarantee you that your super fund has shares in these mining companies & already you have seen the value of these shares drop! Why would you support something that will decrease your super fund?

 I’m not sure if any of you are interested in shares, but just to give you an idea BHP shares have fallen approx $7 since the announcement of this tax, there are approximately 3.35 Billion BHP shares, so that equates to a loss of nearly $23.5 Billion dollars wiped from the market!..... Australians own 65% of the shares in BHP so that equals $15.2 Billion!.... so us Aussies have had $15.2 Billion wiped from our super funds!..... Good one Kev!

(Info obtained from a newsletter sent by DG)

 And I know a lot of you are swayed by Kev’s promise of new hospitals & roads & parks & stuff that he will use the money for! But this is what running a government is all about! Finding the money to do these things without taking from the rich to pay the poor!

 I know I sound very capitalistic & I would have to admit that I am, I believe that if you really want to make money then you have the right to work hard, invest, take some risks & reap the rewards, but don’t expect someone else to do it for you!

 I also have to admit that I am a BHP shareholder & have done well out of the company! So don’t take my money Kev!...... (can’t wait to see what you guys say to this one!)

 Some of you also mentioned that “WE” deserve to benefit & not just the communities that these mining companies operate in & around..... Well WE DO BENEFIT! By investing in these companies & sharing in their profits.... either directly or via our super funds!

 And also the infrastructure they support in mining towns, sure it attracts employees & their families, but a lot of these communities have been around for many years before the mines were! So the mining companies have just made some of these places much better & more Liveable!

 I sound like I am barracking for Mining!..... I’m not, im just telling you what I have seen over many years of travelling to these places & what Ness has seen on our recent travels!

 But I am against Kev Taxing the profits on mining companies. Did he say he was going to do it on banks? They have been ripping us off for years!

 Ok, I’m getting off my soapbox now!

 Hey a big special hello to Vanessa M, she rang Ness today & has had a hectic few weeks. Stay smiling VM, VW really enjoyed your call today. 

 Dan rang me last night, the phone rang & Ness answered it & had a chat to him, she then passed him over to me & he said he just rang to have a chat!..... That is so cool, when your kids ring you just to have a chat..... But then I realised it was 8pm WA time which meant it was 10PM Vic time..... on a school night!...... Get to bed Dangaz!

 Have to go to work..... Hey Rob, the sessions on this site only go for 30 minutes!.... but I still get paid the same...... Coooooool. So now you can say I work even less!

 Love from me & from her....XXX