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Sunday, May 10, 2015

A birthday I'll never forget - not in a million years

There are times when you wish a day so special would come - I had that opportunity for that special day last Thursday.... here is what happened!

I booked a Shallow Dolphin Experience at Dolphin Marine Magic in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia back in late February/early March (cost me A$195) - I arrived at Dolphin Marine Magic last Thursday to check in for said Shallow Experience. When I arrived, Paul, the bookings agent who took the prior Shallow Experience booking, said that the bookings staff had some very brilliant news. I walked over to the bookings counter and handed the lady there my waiver form - then she gave me my wristbands. I looked at the wristband on my left wrist - it was only then I was told that my Shallow Experience had been upgraded to the A$370 Ultimate Dolphin Swim.... I had to stand still for a couple of seconds to comprehend what I had been told.... what a interaction it was. Had our pre-encounter briefing session - Paola, the trainer who took us through that, said we were working with Calamity (Bella's mum). I looked at the dolphin who was swimming around behind us and thought to myself, "That isn't Calamity - that's Bella!" and my thoughts were later to become reality when Paola realised it was Bella! I had an absolute ball - my favourite part of the interaction was the foot push where we laid across a body board and Bella pushed us across the pool

Me and Bella - in an up-close hug

Me and Rocky - the trainers got Rocky to smile with me.... I think he outdid me!

Me and Rocky - combined hug/kiss

Me hugging Bucky and Zippy

Kisses from Bucky

Feeding Zippy during the first Marine Magic Presentation

Hand spin with Bella (and the following two photos)



Water fight with Bella - sadly, Bella won!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Special Experience - thanks to Tex & Bundy Charity Fundraisers

I was very lucky to be able to have a few photos taken of myself and one half of this legendary fundraising duo when I was in Sydney recently. Okay - so this half is a four-legged furbaby (a Stumpy-tailed Blue Heeler) named Bundy.... here are some photos from said experience!

Website:        Tex & Bundy Charity Fundraisers Website
Facebook:     Tex & Bundy Charity Fundraisers on Facebook

The lovely Miss Bundy herself

Myself and Bundy on Tex's Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX



My favourite pic of all!

And another!
Thanks to Tex for allowing me to do this!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Uniden iGo CAM 320 - Overview of Drive Video Recorders




The Uniden iGo CAM 320 is a basic entry level DVR that is ideal if you're new to owning a DVR. It does miss out on a lot of the features of the higher end iGO's, such as GPS and speed display in the end video, but what it lacks at this end, it makes up for in quality. I purchased mine from Autobarn Dubbo at the recent Orana Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show for $50 - RRP is $90.

How a DVR works:
It works on a similar format to a digital handycam (camcorder) but instead of holding it yourself, you use a special mount that is included in the kit when you purchase your DVR. You attach your DVR to this mount, then it attaches to your windscreen using a suction cup. The iGo CAM 320 is powered by a battery that gives you 25 minutes record time before it depletes or can be powered by a power cable that hooks to the unit via your cigarette lighter. I have a specially set-up 12V/120W power outlet in my car that I use to power it - makes it easier with a smoker in the car!

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71

A follow up post on a previous post (Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 2500HD - now available in Dubbo!)

The Silverado in the top post has been sold but Western Plains Automotive now have two Z71's in stock as demos.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71 - Black

Interior of the Z71 - ergonomics are spot on

Z71 tub decal

Silver 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Z71

Custom instrument panel with metric speedometer and odometer
Durmax 6.6 litre V8 Turbo Diesel

Since this truck was built in the USA and is post 2010, the requirement for emissions control for EPA2010 is SCR. This is the filler port for the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF, aka AdBlue in Australia)
All the contact details for importer and dealer are in the earlier post - feel free to read back over that post for their contact details and location

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Scania R164G V8 580 AUS666


A little video I did of Vince Bloink's Scania R164G tilt-tray

Friday, August 1, 2014

Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 2500HD - now available in Dubbo!

That's right - you have read the title of this post correctly!

Performax International, Australia's leading converter of American cars and trucks, has sold Western Plains Automotive of Dubbo, NSW a very nice Mocha Steel Metallic 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ. For $139990 plus dealer charges, you can drive this home right now!

For further info or to inspect this awesome truck, phone Western Plains Automotive in Dubbo on 68844577, Performax International in Gympie, Queensland on 07 54827833 or Freecall 1800 737367 or visit them at any of the below addresses:
Western Plains Automotive:
Yard: 59-75 Victoria Street Dubbo, NSW 2830
Facebook: WPA Facebook

Performax International:
Yard: Corner of Bruce Highway and Hall Road, Gympie, QLD 4570


Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ - 3/4 LHS view

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ - rear view

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Support Local Business - Keep Money Local, Support Other Local Businesses and Employ Local People

Today, I am here to talk about supporting local businesses....I'm not referring to the big end of town, the likes of Caltex, Woolworths, Coles, BP, Shell and United - I'm referring to the little end of town. The Mum and Dad businesses who keep their money local, support other local businesses and employ local people.

One such Mum and Dad business I support is Dubbo-based coach operator, Langley's Coaches. Phil and Fiona Langley provide exceptional customer service, focus on the needs of the customer and create tours to suit the customer demand. Their base service is extended coach touring with a selection of day trips and overnight concert trips thrown in throughout the year. Langley's Coaches is a wonderful supporter of local businesses in Dubbo - they also employ an amazing array of drivers and coach captains all sourced from the local area. From a customer point of view, dealing with Langley's is a breeze - one phone call or email sets the ball rolling - extended coach touring or day trips can be paid for over the months leading up to the trip or can be paid in full at time of booking.

One of Langley's tidy double deck coaches - one of three Denning Landseer Deckers

One of their tidy single deck high-deck coaches - 2007 Scania K470EB 6x2*4
To book on any of the amazing trips that Langley's holds throughout the year, there are three easy ways to get in touch with them:

Phone: 68828977 (02 68828977 outside NSW)
Drop into their office: 5 Depot Road, West Dubbo 2830
For info on the company or any trips, check out Langley's Coaches Website
Check them out on Facebook as well: Langley's Coaches on Facebook