esCarpade

esCarpade has raised over $1.4 million so far!

2011-10-26T09:39:00.001+11:00

Wow, what an amazing event the 2011 Camp Quality esCarpade has been.

On the last night in Bright it was revealed that the fundraising tally was at a whopping $1.4million dollars. Congratulations to all the esCarpadians on their phenomenal effort! That amount of money is equivalent to funding approximately 560 families through their cancer journey, sending 1600 children to camp or throwing 250 fun days. AMAZING! (Photo Left: Dinner at Bright)

The good news is that money is still coming in and donations are open until the 18th November. Donate Now.

Trev’s pick of the pics

2011-10-22T09:52:00.000+11:00

Ace photographer Trevor Connell, of EventPix, did his first esCarpade in 2002 and has since volunteered his snapper services for no less than five esCarpades.

To round out our esCarpade blogging from the road, we asked Trev to give us his selection of personal favorites from the 20th annual Camp Quality esCarpade. To see his full selection, visit his photoblog at trevorpix.tumblr.com but in the meantime, here’s Trevor Connells’ top dozen:

Left: Ten 4 Silver Shadow

Left: A bit of Bavarian quality

Left: Beautiful trusty FR12 Team Pontiac

Left: Ben's daily driver briefing

Left: Fred is king of the kids

Left: Heath in a hurry on the red dirt

Left: Jimmy and Car 1089

Left: Kermit and his car with the kids

Left: Limo 64 at the start of esCarpade

Left: OKA to the rescue - Reg and Dianne

Left Our top fundraiser for 2011 - heroes one and all!

Left: Sand and more sand!

Thanks Mildura

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000+11:00

It’s not all cars, trucks and four-wheel-drives on esCarpade – sometimes it’s aeroplanes too … and it’s lots and lots of motels, meal stops and meeting the locals.

As esCarpade headed out of Mildura after the lay day, all agreed it was a great place to stay. Top marks to Lisa and the gang at the Commodore Inn, which was base camp for the officials and several esCarpadians. Also to the catering team at the Setts (at the former Mildura Settlers Club) who coped magnificently with feeding us all despite some very late arrivals for dinner. The good treatment continued at Mildura Airport for a few people who were flying home early – the Virgin Blue team made it quick and easy to get bags and passengers all aboard for an on-time departure.

Above: Virgin Australia Crew at Mildura Airport

Why we do it!

2011-10-19T12:05:00.001+11:00

Above: Abby (left) with Jimmy Mansfield and Sophie Claridge

Along the esCarpade route we meet with families who tell us about their Camp Quality journey, and it never fails to remind us of why we do what we do to raise money through esCarpade. One of the parents who addressed our dinner was Rose Claridge, who has sent her speech notes to use – because we couldn’t put it better than this extract from Rose’s speech:

“You know when you hear about a tragedy that has happened to another person, and you think – thank God I’m not that family. We turned into that family to be pitied on the 13th July, 2000. At the beginning of that day, we had 3 little girls under the age of 7, one of whom had a supposed virus and was in hospital. We ended that day with the knowledge that our little four-year-old daughter had leukaemia and was due to start 2½ years of chemotherapy.

“Nothing can prepare you for this journey. Our hearts were broken. I can remember staying up that first night watching Abby, so scared that she would die during the night. Cancer not only robs you of your health, it robs you of laughter and hope. It takes away your smile.

“I can still remember that first time that I met one of the Camp Quality people. They smiled and treated us like a normal mum and daughter. I clearly remember the smile. True smiles are a rarity in a children’s cancer ward. Abby was so excited when she would hear from a Camp Quality person, get a letter in the mail or a phone call. She knew from the badges and the T-shirts that the Camp Quality people wore, that there would be smiles.

“Abby started to really look forward to Camp Quality. From the other children she would hear about camps, weekends and lots of wonderful experiences that other kids were having. As a motivation to go, Abby decided to try to get as healthy as she could. She was 5 years old, bald and weighed 11 kg. It must have seemed a very tragic group that got on the bus to that camp that day – but what people didn’t see was the massive smiles on the children’s faces, the hope.

“Camp Quality invited us to many adventures – weekends away, junior and senior camps, ski camps and family camps. There was always lots of laughter, lots of fun things to do and lots of talking. But the biggest thing that CQ gave to my family was hope. They allowed us time to enjoy our family by doing normal things, like learning to fish, surf or ski. When Abby started school, she was still bald, and other children shunned her, through fear. Camp Quality supplied their amazing puppets – Dean and Kylie – to talk to the children and answer their questions.

“People often say we should fundraise for a cure. I believe that we do need to fundraise for a cure, but I also think that we need to fundraise so that children who are undergoing this massive life-threatening challenge learn to smile, learn to hope and learn to live.

“Thank you Camp Quality for teaching my children how to laugh again.”

True esCarpade spirit in Pinnaroo

2011-10-18T21:00:00.000+11:00

In the tiny South Australian town of Pinnaroo this week, esCarpadians showed the true spirit of our wonderful event when the Puppeteers needed some extra support.

When the McDonalds Camp Quality Puppets were ready to visit the local school, only two of the cars assigned to the school visit had arrived in town from the morning’s drive. The Puppeteers called out to the other esCarpadians, who were still having their lunch, to ask if they could boost the number to visit the school.

Moments later, there were no less than 13 cars lined up behind them! The school kids and their teachers were thrilled – the esCarpadians almost outnumbered the kids at the tiny school – and it was a beautiful example of the generous spirit of the Camp Quality esCarpade.

Above: Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre

Meanwhile, some esCarpadians popped across the road to the Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre. Highlights include the letterpress printing museum, a collection of restored stationary engines, tractors, farm and household memorabilia, a fascinating display of over 1,000 cereal varieties, and a section devoted to the contribution made by women in the settlement of the Mallee.

Lyn Burgess, Media Star

2011-10-17T22:20:00.000+11:00

Monday’s undisputed media star was esCarpader Lyn Burgess, who cheerfully took on several interviews to spread the word about what we are up to and why we’re doing it.

Lyn is now vying with Doc Mackay as most-quoted entrant this year. Whereas Doc is the one and only driver who was there at the start 20 years ago, Lyn has been winning over the media with her compelling story that goes back 18 years to when her son Mitch was diagnosed with cancer … and follows through all the way up to today when Mitch (winner of this year’s first Turkey) has his own car to run with Lyn’s in esCarpade each year.

No sooner did Lyn arrive in Naracoorte than she was doing a phone interview with the Swan Hill paper, and then she was straight into a live interview with the town’s own local paper. With such a compelling story, it’s no wonder.

Bonza Beaurepaires

2011-10-17T22:10:00.000+11:00

Speaking of a South Aussie welcome, OV2, our advance car, completed its daily recce run with the spare wheel on the car and a rather flat one in the back – but not for long, thanks to the gang at Beaurepaires in Naracoorte.

Not only did the Beaurepaires boys take on the puncture repair job cheerfully just 20 minutes before closing for the day, but they even did it for free as their contribution to esCarpade.

Wonderful Warranmbool

2011-10-17T22:00:00.002+11:00

Warrnambool won the hearts of esCarpadians with a great dinner on Sunday night and a beautiful clear morning for our scrumptious pancakes and fruit brekky on Monday morning, served up by the local Rotarians.

Dinner at the Warrnambool Greyhound Club was voted the equal of anything so far with its simple and delicious buffet culminating in no less than seven dessert choices! The first school visits of the day got off to a great start, and the local footy and netball club at Casterton proved it could cater with the best of them at lunchtime. Time zone confusion reigned briefly after crossing the border on our way to Naracoorte, but the South Australians made us well and truly welcome.

The trials and tribulations of Limo 64

2011-10-16T12:09:00.001+11:00

Nobody could say the guys from new Melbourne team Limo 64 don’t go the extra mile – just look at the length of their car … and then look at the effort they have made to get here.

First, that length – the 1964 Chev with its eight-door airport limousine conversion, is surely measured in miles rather than metres – it just goes on forever, and is the longest car yet seen in esCarpade. As for the effort, Travis Branson was working right up to Thursday night to get the Limo finished and registered to make the start line.

Above: The infamous Limo 64

It made a grand sight as it headed off from Bendigo Town Hall on Saturday morning, and was going wonderfully well until the afternoon run from Ballarat to Geelong. Other entrants were impressed with how the super-stretch managed steep crests and dips without getting hung up, but it all came to grief when the back axle gave way.

Although parts for a 1964 Chev don’t exactly grow on trees, the Limo boys know a bloke who has a whole heap of old Chevy bits and pieces, so they are hoping to get the car sorted in time to rejoin esCarpade in Warrnambool. Stay tuned!

Turkey of the Day

2011-10-16T09:27:00.001+11:00

The Day 1 dinner at Geelong’s Skilled Stadium – home of the Geelong Cats premiership winners and a source of some discomfort to the Collingwood supporters in the crew – was the time and place for the first of this year’s Turkey of the Day awards.

Above: Mitch proudly holding the Turkey Award

Mitch Burgess won the first Turkey award of 2011 with his wet and wild adventures at a creek crossing along the way. He proved his Holden couldn’t ford a stream despite a valiant effort, and it was a great credit to his partner Catta Meacham that she resisted the temptation to say “I told you so”.

As Catta tells it (and Mitch agrees), her last words as they approached the creek and Mitch decided to take the water crossing instead of the bridge were “It looks a bit deep Mitch” … and second later, Mitch proved her right. Fortunately, he also had the presence of mind to cut the engine and protect it from being hydraulicked into oblivion.

By Sunday morning, only the slightly wet seats and carpets in the Commodore bore witness to the adventure … and of course the eyewitness accounts of what a handsome couple Mitch and Catta made as they sat on the roof of their car awaiting rescue.

Off and running from Bendigo

2011-10-15T19:00:00.006+11:00

Sirens wailed, horns blared, flags waved and engines roared on Saturday morning at Bendigo Town Hall as the 74 cars in the 20th annual Camp Quality esCarpade headed off on their big outback adventure.

Above: The esCarpadians about to set off on their 3,000km journey

There was plenty of action the night before too, when everyone gathered for the official Welcome esCarpade dinner. A highlight of the night was when local Bendigo dad Simon Fitzpatrick told of the wonderful contribution Camp Quality made to the family’s wellbeing when Simon and Tina’s middle son Andre was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Simon reminded everyone yet again of how valuable their work was for families living with cancer.

Andre and his mum Tina also helped give esCarpade a big media splash with their photo on the front page of Saturday’s paper and a three page feature inside. Also in the feature was local esCarpader Luke Arnott, who really went the extra mile on Thursday by making his premises at Luke Arnott Electrical available for scrutineering. Luke and his fellow locals were a fount of information for arriving esCarpadians in need of everything from car parts to stationery items.

All up, Bendigo proved it was an ideal starting point for esCarpade, not only to celebrate the 20th anniversary but also for the great facilities and tremendous community spirit of the whole town.

Stay tuned more pictures to come shortly!

Doc clocks up his 20th

2011-10-15T18:00:00.001+11:00

For veteran esCarpadian “Doc” Warwick Mackay, the 20th esCarpade has special significance – because he was there for the very first one in 1992.

Above: Doc hangs out with the McDonald's Camp Quality Puppets at the start of the race

Doc had previously been on another charity run, and decided Camp Quality was the cause he’d like to support. Several cars and more than 60,000 km later, Doc just keeps on coming back for more, and his massive, tiger-striped Chev wagon is a standout in the field. Doc will tell you that he has “raised only a modest amount” – which is to say, more than half a million dollars all up! – and says it’s mostly about having something enjoyable and worthwhile to do.

Not surprisingly, Doc has been the face of our 20th esCarpade for several of the media covering the event, so don’t be surprised if you see his happy smiling face pop up in the paper at some stage.

Experience esCarpade Queenslad Style!

2011-07-01T13:13:00.000+10:00

Dennis Trigg and Ben Mildren travelled up to Queensland recently (18 - 19 June) to catch up with our northern counterparts. The idea was to conduct a QLD Experience esCarpade and double it with a bit of a pre-scrutineering session, something QLD has missed out on until this year.

For the "Experience" part of the day Ben decided to use the section of road 90% of entrants didn't get to drive last year, the section from Kilcoy through Maleny and Montville into Palmwoods.

While there are a total of six cars in QLD only three were able to make it. The good news was that new entrants, Michael Brown in Car 18K (Holden VL) and Darren Redsell in Car 51 (Mitsubishi Pajero), brought their cars along for Dennis to have a look at. Tony Holland's VK also tuned out for a viewing.

Those that weren't operable were the Agnew's Torana and Merc and Damien Sheather's Booger Falcon, but they still came along for the ride.

The pre-scrutineering was a huge success while the drive was a spectacular mix of dirt and bitumen with incredible views of the Glass House Mountains.

A big thanks to Dennis Trigg for sacrificing another weekend for esCarpade and to Penny Sorbello, CQ Fundraising Coordinator in South QLD for helping organise the whole thing and for being a massive help on the day.

esCarpade makes tracks in Motorsport Magazine!

2011-06-16T10:36:00.000+10:00

Check it out! Motorsport Magazine is supporting our awesome motoring adventure by donating a full page advertisement.

esCarpade is featured in both Motorsport enews and Motorsport magazine.

Subscribers can log in online or look for it at your local newsstand.

www.mnews.com.au

esCarpade turns 20!

2011-04-06T11:35:00.002+10:00

This year Camp Quality and esCarpade celebrate 20 years on the road! With a field of 80 cars we will no doubt be bigger and better than ever!

Jump online now and support one of our amazing entrants http://www.campquality.org.au/public/escarpade/our-entrants.aspx

Keep these dates free...

22nd May - Experience esCarpade Victoria
29th May - Experience esCarpade NSW

Final drive > Warialda

2010-11-07T12:08:00.000+11:00

A more modest drive today as we wind our way into Warialda.

Breakfast in the centre of Goondiwindi was a cracker again, and the winning colour team celebrated their successful week.

Then the esCarpadians headed south, passing through the town of Boggabilla and jumping onto the dirt roads again. We even had a few celebrity drivers take to the wheel...

No mud today, just a lot of dust.

We did find some water for old time's sake...

A skirt through the Bullala State Forest and then a triumphant car parade down the main street of Warialda...

Then to the Warialda bowling club for fond farewells... 2010 esCarpade is complete.

Awards night > Final night...

2010-11-07T11:58:00.000+11:00

Paint the town red! With a flurry of red jumpsuits, red dresses and plenty of red accessories, the 2010 esCarpadians dazzled the Goondiwindi RSL with a celebration of all things Camp Quality and esCarpade. There was excitement and trepidation at the impending announcements as esCarpadian's kicked off their final night.

Big news. Big big news. Off the back of another amazing year by Camp Quality esCarpadians a final figure of $1.3million was raised.

Staggering.

Jaw dropping.

Our expectations had been more modest this year and Camp Quality is totally blown away by the dedication and support from independent fundraisers, the esCarpadians, who have made this amazing amazing contribution to Camp Quality.

Thank you is never enough.

Thanks to our esCarpade sponsors

2010-11-05T14:09:00.017+11:00

There are so many great sponsors of esCarpade who donate the use of their products and services to esCarpade and I would like to take this opportunity to thank just a few who support the event.

Austar - $5000 donation to an esCarpade car for the past 3 years - this year's 'Wheels in Motion' grant was awarded to Car 112 'Health in a Hurry'

AHL - Corporate partners of Camp Quality, they also like to get their hands dirty by supporting esCarpade. This year Rydges Hotels supplied catering at our scrutineering day in Sydney and also some awsome prawns on the bbq when we pulled into Underwater World Mooloolaba!

Canterbury International - these guys came on board this year and donated the event polo shirts which were top quality and looked awesome. Thanks guys! (ps nicely modelled by Team Kidsfix and Car 015)

Suttons City Holden - for the past 4 years they have provided use of vehicles that are essential to our fleet of officials. Thanks for the two cars again this year and a big thanks to Jon Jag and Alex Burai!

Colosco Printing - providing us with the event manual or as we like to call it 'the bible' for the past 6 years and helping us get from A-B. Thanks again!

Telstra - Official long range communications supplier since 2008. They provided all our officials with Next G and Mobile Satellite Handsets for the duration of the event. The combination of Next G and satellite in regional Australia was exceptional!

Motorola Australia has been the official UHF short range communications supplier since 2004. Their supply of powerful in-car and hand held radio units to our official vehicles enables strong and clear communications within the event.

Thanks guys and we hope to have you back on board for our 20th year in 2011!!

Day 7 afternoon Inglewood > Goondiwindi (that's pronounced Gun-de-windy, not Goon-de-windy, thanks)

2010-10-29T09:50:00.000+11:00

Arguably the muddiest, most boggy, most chocolatey and delicious course of esCarpade 2010, today's road, or lack thereof, proved to be some pretty exciting driving.

And here is where the mud got really, really sticky.

Some fared better than others...

And some were just a little bit clever and went around it all..

The late afternoon went back to dust and then we found mud again.

Then the home stretch.

Shame about the front windshield fellas...

And onto Goondiwindi RSL for the awards, announcements and final tally!

Good Carma through to Inglewood (Queensland, not South Central L.A.)

2010-10-29T09:20:00.000+11:00

Sunshine today. Glorious sunshine. And a cracker of a start to the morning courtesy of a superb location and the good folks at Carma Coffee.

Then to Inglewood School for lunch. A real highlight for this year's esCarpade, the school has a serious vegetable growing program going on. The kids grow all manner of food stuff and have been schooled in how to harvest, clean and prepare the produce.

And of course this means they also to help make lunch. Today many of the mums from the school were out and about, some with questionable fashion sense... but feeding our hungry esCarpade hordes.

As an aside, the kids have been known to prepare lunch for each other and teachers and on certain days they all sit down together and shared tables to eat. Everything from our lunch today was grown, cooked or produced from within the community. Bloody awesome.

Thursday-itis. Hervey Bay > Goomeri > Dalby

2010-10-22T21:26:00.003+11:00

After some good times in Hervey Bay, the morning kicked off with some genuine wet 'n' wild action at Hervey Bay Water Park. Our CEO Simon Rowntree joined us for the festivities, and lent some wise words to the esCarpade 2010 field.

The course then headed back inland, through some very remote dirt roads. We love dirt. Filth is good. Dust is good. Mud is good.

And of course some enthusiasm from the irrepressible Johnny. The most enthusiastic man in the Universe, he practically climbs out car windows to let you know how much fun he is having...

And some more demure times with our country princesses...

Back to the bitumen for a spell...

Then there was a great lunch in Goomeri (that's Goo-mary, not Gom-mere-eye, according to some eager locals). What a town. Plus, the puppets were on fire again, as was Fred.

Of course there was some obligatory gift giving and hanging out with the kids... Check out Team 222/224 with a few happy young 'uns.

Then the afternoon took us over the Great Dividing Range and a traverse of the Bunya Mountains, and again, of course, through some full sick, totally awesome, ballistic water crossings...

The Kidsfix crew chew up and spit out water crossings like this.

I think I can, I think I can...

A new take on Archimedes bath...

...and a new take on having a bath. Feel that minty freshness. Make sure you scrub your under carriage...

... and back to the dust...skirting the forest again and into the pretty township of Dalby (that's pronounced Doll-by, not Dalby, as some eager locals pointed out).

Car 269 - Cruising 4 Kids

2010-10-22T00:09:00.000+11:00

Known for arguing and verbally abusing each other constantly, Cruising For Kids (car 269) are one of the more popular teams for their AMAZING good looks and fashion sense. (They are standing over my shoulder forcing me to type this). So says Ray 'we are lovable, and for every interview we charge, for a good cause of course - we came here in 2006 and welcomed us as a family, we returned three years and they welcomed us back like we never left - it's rare to find something like this'. Great bunch of fellas in 269. Ray #2 says 'esCarpade is one of the best organised car adventures you would ever enter, it's one happy family, and it's all about the kids, we wish there was more people in the world like the people who come to esCarpade'. Good work fellas. Ray #1, Ray #2, Joe.

Celebrity entrants - Boogermobile

2010-10-22T00:00:00.000+11:00

Newbie entrants, Boogermobile, have gained notoriety for being media darlings. From front covers of regional news papers to shaking the foundations of community radio, Boogermobile's omnipresence is notable. So says chief of Booger 'we are famous in our own right, there is nothing else to say but check out our blog' - see it at boogermobile.blogspot.com

Car 222 and 224 - The Yellow Flames from DeiCorp

2010-10-21T23:54:00.002+11:00

Four big years for esCarpade and Camp Quality, the boys from Team DeiCorp have shot into the top list of fundraisers with big support from their loyal contributors. Bringing a second car to the 2010 esCarpade has been a master stroke. Jason, second from left, says 'for the undying love we have for our wives and children, we strive for more and more, God bless them all'.

Here are the boys with some kids from one of the school visits.

And one of their cars in action...

Two Dogs - The Legend of C21

2010-10-21T23:18:00.000+11:00

Tony and Brian are Two Dogs. The two oldest esCarpade entrants, with a combined age of 320, yet they still manage to out drive many of the cars in the convoy. Tony's philosophy is to stick to a solid 2000 RPM at all times, only occasionally deviating if the mood or gradient of the road takes him. His '61 Holden purrs like a kitten and laps up the water hazards. True legends of esCarpade... if only they didn't drive off the road into ditches quite so often...

Health in no hurry...

2010-10-21T23:07:00.002+11:00

Car 112 is also known as Health In A Hurry or in popular circles, Health In No Hurry. Widely known as the 'steady-as-she-goes-mobile' or likened to Driving Miss Daisy, Health In No Hurry has so far overtaken no one on esCarpade and hangs out with the Ambos at the back of the pack. Bless 'em.

Adelle says of this pic "It's the first time ive ever done anything like that, it was awesome, just great, good to have guidance telling me where to drive too. If I had tried to do it without the guidance I would probably still be in there…'. Meanwhile, Jill says 'it was an enormous buzz, it was just unreal. We've never done anything like that before. We did what we were told to do.' Rumour has it that normally she doesn’t do what she’s told to do…

Tamworth is home to more than country and western music...

2010-10-21T23:01:00.000+11:00

Car 410 is a first time entrant to esCarpade in 2010 and powered by family Hannaford. In this pic Greg Hannaford says ‘make it deeper’… ‘I don’t think, I just do it!’ – 'it was hardly a challenge'… very quotable Greg!

Charlie from 1089 loves covering Mike in mud and water

2010-10-21T22:57:00.001+11:00

Charlie from Car 1089 drives his car like he hates it, according to Charlie 'the gear box is half broken, and the car has a bad rattle in it, but that doesn't appear to be affecting anything'... and Charlie takes a great thrill in covering Mike in mud and water whenever he is nearby taking photos. Onya Charlie. Thanks for scaring the life out of most of your passengers when they strap into your fancy new bucket seats... allegedly Saffi had 'the time of her life' in his car the other day...

Norm the Ambulator speaks out against Tony 'Law Abiding' Mechanic as Tony bogs his vehicle

2010-10-21T22:37:00.002+11:00

Norm growls in his booming, deep voice 'We're here to support everybody, and even although the mechanics think they are the gods on this trip, they still rely on the Ambos on mechanicals... pulling them out of the sh*t...'

Maroochydore > Rainbow Beach > Hervey Bay - School visit MADNESS

2010-10-21T21:07:00.000+11:00

Bit of a special start today with 'B-Man' Jason Bargwana attending our breakfast at Fresh On Cafe in Maroochydore. The B-Dawg Bargwana was on had for signing his autograph and generally raising spirits, and perhaps the odd RPM on the esCarpade cars...

'Bargs' also turned up to our first primary school visit, lending a hand with the excited kids at Maroochydore State School before we headed off to Tewantin State School for fun n games and puppet show action.

Watch out for the water pistol commando unit. Dude in hat is the scout, other two are the grunts doing the hard yards for the Alpha Beta unit.

Then it was time to head back onto the road. Our fearless photographer Saffi struggled a bit with the concept of a T-intersection, but luckily we had some experts on hand to reveal the intricacies of turning left or right on the road...

And back to the roads. A little water got in the way again...

A few of the esCarpadians struggled a little. Ironic that they are both from the VW family of vehicles. Watch those rocks Combi dudes, watch that deep bit Beetle.

Oh, and here are some gratuitous pics of two thirds of the intrepid photography crew. Far out they look professional. Mike is carrying the camera with the MASSIVE lens which means he is either overcompesating or is TOTALLY AMAZING with a camera. Waiting for cars to look amazingly wet and all covered with plumes of water can drive us mortals a little stir crazy. Check how Mike is standing all weird and awkward and reckons he walks on water...

Saffi is just stone, cold chillin', waiting for that ultimate pic. What a professional.

Finally we left the water logged bits of the course and hit the dust...

No, someone didn't have a little accident after getting all excited about driving the dusty roads, that's just manure. Prime, fine, A-Grade Queensland manure.

And onto Hervey Bay!

Mooloolaba. Underwater World. Dinner in the deep.

2010-10-21T20:32:00.000+11:00

The Boogermobile greeted us at Underwater World where we had a convivial feed and drink surrounded by all manner of creatures from the deep... and that's just the esCarpadians.

THE Water Crossing - Somewhere between Crows Nest and Blackbutt in the middle of absolutely nowhere...

2010-10-20T14:14:00.001+11:00

The route notes said a river crossing after a very steep (10% gradient) down hill. The first few vehicles skittered across the almost waist deep water and up a muddy slope to freedom... then the rest of the pack followed. The whole esCarpade convoy was brought to a halt...

There were a lot of blokes with a heap of ideas of how the crossing should be run. While some just took the matter into their own hands...

Slowly, the cars were instructed to cross - 'stay tight left, just past that boulder, slowly slowly across the causeway, wait at the rock plateau, then hammer it up the slippery mud hill.. you get stuck? One of the 4WDs will pull you out'... Norm the Ambulator again showing leadership skills.

Look at Norm telling people what to do. Bloody oath he's good at that stuff.

Ah, didn't quite make it ey FR12? Bummer.

The definition of ambition...

Of course Doc in his beast of a car had no trouble. Sunday drive for him.

Others, well, they just weren't so lucky...

Day Three - Getting to Mooloolaba takes some team work - Warwick > Crows Nest > Mooloolaba

2010-10-19T20:05:00.000+11:00

Business as usual to kick start Day Three. Again some alterations to the course so that Neptune himself couldn't rise up and snatch away our cars. Fueled by the sensational spread put on by the good folk at the Warwick Golf Course, we steadied ourselves for more wet n wild action on the road.

Then of course some of the good old fashioned dirt we love...

Sorry Sir, I couldn't read that sign from my car...

And then there was THE WATER CROSSING. Somewhere between Crows Nest and Blackbutt it all got a little exciting...

Day 2, PM. Wet n Wild. Tenterfield > Warwick (QLD)

2010-10-18T08:28:00.000+11:00

Oh dear. More impenetrable river crossings? Another alteration to the course with raging torrents eager to eat our cars again.

We still managed some of the river crossings.

And some spectacular scenery on the way. Mooo. Out of the way you delicious veal schnitzels.

And some spectacular mechanical problems too.

Some great driving through the back country again.

Before ending up in Warwick, Queensland. Not Warwick in the midlands of England where I lived for a short while as a kid.

Day 2, AM. Bloody flooded rivers. Good for the farmers, but. Inverell > Tenterfield

2010-10-18T07:48:00.000+11:00

Sunshine tempered by a chill in the wind greeting eager esCarpadians this morning, a welcome change from the past day and great assistance for scraping the ice off our windshields! Rugging up a little, all 66 cars made the Lions Club of Inverell breakfast, a smorgasbord of quiches, croissants, fruits and cereals. Great to start the day with a little food coma lethargy.

Then onto the road. Sadly the mighty Clarence River had a bit too much to drink of the past few days and the morning route was altered to avoid 1 metre deep rapids sweeping cars away.

Onwards to Deepwater and across to Tenterfield. A local farmer chainsawing a gigantic tree off his fence offered advice in his lazy drawl - "Road ey? If you're looking for a road, well, there isn't one". Always good for the confidence. Mind you, we should have listened...

Some more river crossing action was on the cards.

As was some classic 'chewin-up-the-road' style driving.

Before hitting Tenterfield Rail Museum for a BBQ lunch and some loungin' around in the sunshine.

To the races! Inverell RSL Invitational Stakes.

2010-10-17T22:56:00.000+11:00

Sweepstakes night was a bit of a hit at Inverell RSL. Some pre-recorded horse race wagering occurred with all proceeds donated back to Camp Quality. Don't they look the height of fashion in their silks?

It was Saturday night after all, so who better than Phyllis to show us how to DO IT RIGHT. Wish all the ladies were this funky.

Abort abort! Day 1 afternoon. Armidale > Inverell

2010-10-16T22:02:00.001+11:00

Big thanks to the hospitality of the mob at the Wicklow Hotel; we got fed and watered like the Queen's corgis.

Meanwhile, Tune!FM was doing a live broadcast from the Wicklow, and having a chat to some of our intrepid esCarpadians. Tune!FM is Australia's oldest community radio station and run out of the University of New England; big thanks to Emily and Josh for coming down to have a chat, play some tunes and speak the good word about Camp Quality and esCarpade.

Check out Fizz on the mic. Maybe a career as a Hip Hop MC is on the cards?

OV1 Official Julian had a chat about life as a superstar Camp Quality volunteer. Not only is he in the Really-Special-Car with Ben 'Speaks The Truth About The Road' Mildren, but he also gives a lot of time to Camp Quality camps as a companion. He is pretty close to being the number one star on Tune!FM now too.

Tune!FM also managed to have a chat with Tamworthian Craig from car 410, and the good listeners of New England's favourite radio station also heard the dulcet tones of Mike, Camp Quality Area Manager for NSW's North. Jeez, Mike really pulls off that yellow well.

Sad news though, the afternoon's leg was cancelled due to severe road flooding. Although we reckon Doc, OKA and the Troopy would have gotten through the raging torrent, unfortunately we couldn't risk the rest of the crew being washed down stream.

Luckily we bumped into a small town called Tingha, former home of St George NRL superstar Nathan Blacklock. A few of the non-driving esCarpadian's raised a glass to Nathan 'Tingha' Blacklock, so did a couple of penguins...

Then a couple of the more sensible esCarpadians decided to chart their route to Inverell. Even though it was only 15km away along a straight road. Bless em.

Now, it's Inverell RSL for dinner and our 'Sweepstakes' theme night.

Wakey wakey Tamworth - Day 1, Morning 1. Tamworth > Armidale

2010-10-16T21:34:00.002+11:00

Honk! Woop woop! BOOM! That's how esCarpade 2010 rolls. Straight through Tamworth to Fitzroy Street, conveniently blocked off for our first muster.

The North Tamworth Rotary brigade were on hand to feed and water the masses, with big thanks to Sleepy Monkey for the caffeination.

There was some lurking around, of course. Look at these fellas. Pretty as a picture.

Mwah! Pretty in pink. *wolfwhistle*.

We give you ladies A +.

Inspirational, motivational, supernatural... It's Ben 'Feel The Road' Mildren opening proceedings.

Yay! Look at us all!

Time to hit the road, but first a little breath test from Norm The Ambulator... Do not take on The Ambulator in a battle of the breathalyser. Do not take on Norm The Ambulator in an arm wrestle. Remember, no bloody bandaids and no bloody Panadols from the (R)ambo.

And onto the road!

Mind you, the conditions weren't crash hot. Trevor The Thermometer clocked it at 2 degrees as the sleet fell somewhere in the Great Dividing Range, between Tamworth and Walcha.

And then there was the river crossing. Showtime!

The rain fell had fallen hard which resulted in a few, errrmm, minor casualties...

Strange as the weather got, we hit Armidale with little issue. Aside the odd whinger. "So cold". "I didn't pack a jumper". "Where is my mummy?".

Lucky the Wicklow had some revitalisors on hand...

esCarpade 2010 Eve...

2010-10-15T23:36:00.001+11:00

... and no one was stirring, not even a ball bearing...

Well, maybe a few ball bearings, hence why we have scrutineering! Led by the Triggs from MW (Mobile Workshop) 1, the scrutineering venue was kindly donated and organised by Team Tamworth. Thanks fellas.

As Steppenwolf says, 'Get those motors running, head out on the highway, looking for adventure, or whatever cabanossi stops come our way'.

After plenty of hugs, handshakes and the odd knowing look, esCarpadians near and far gathered at West Tamworth Leagues Club.

Big thanks also to the Hannaford family, local Tamworthians, who had the courage and eloquence to tell their family's story to us all. Captivating. They've managed to pull through their own difficulties and with the help of G&W Mudge Concreting, Country Mile Signs and their trusty mechanic Mark Paynter, got their '74 HQ station wagon on the road for their first esCarpade. Onya to the locals.

An earlier night than expected tonight, the excitement of tomorrow's official start looms. Time to snuggle up and dream of the open road! I think I just saw Trevor the photographer take his teddy bear out of his car...

Lead up... and one day to go...

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000+11:00

Yes! That's right. We're off tomorrow and all just a little bit excited. Have you packed enough undies? Made sure that you've got your toothbrush? Fine tuned the esky for those hot hot days in the outback sun? Got your cabanossi stash handy? Hope so. No room for forgetting the essentials now!

Meanwhile, we've had quite the build up to the esCarpade 2010 and we've seen some great events and fundraisers in the lead up. Take a look at team True Blue's (Car 8) fundraiser held out at Dean's place in Ebeneezer.

Looks like the valet parking attendant lost his way to the car park.

The dance floor was going off.

Looks like Candice is having a bit of fun too. You can hear her saying 'Yaaaaaay' in this pic.

And check out this great fundraiser for our Kenthurst esCarpadians held at the Orange Blossom Parade in Kenthurst. A street parade was followed by a fair in the park, and a great day was had by all.

That would be Lance from Car 47 there - pretty relaxed pre-EsCarpade.

Oh, and G'day to Ross from Car TEN4. Just chewin' up the streets.

Check out Candice clowning around. Go easy next time on the make-up Candice. Your hairdresser has done a great job though...

Newsflash

2010-10-08T15:39:00.000+11:00

Have a squiz at this news story that hit Prime News in Tamworth! Good times!

http://tamworth.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/revving-up-for-charity-video

Just click on the link and away you go!

So much excitement in the build up to next week.

Quick Q & A with Chris Kerr

2010-10-06T10:51:00.001+11:00

Chris Kerr is a friend to everyone. One of the younger crew on esCarpade, he brings a big sense of enthusiasm and a love of his car to the Camp Quality event.

1. How many times have you been on escarpade? 4 times

2. What do you like about escarpade? Catching up with friends and having a great time

3. What do you like about your car? Nice to drive and making noise with the musical horns

4. Whats the best town youve been to? launceston

5. What are you looking forward to on tour this year? Catching up with everyone and partying hard and going on the dirt roads

Chris will be on this year's esCarpade.

NSW Scrutineering 2010

2010-09-14T20:48:00.000+10:00

Sunday 12th of September at Suttons Holden in Rosebery turned out to be a cracker of a day for scrutineering. Just look at the anticipation of the esCarpadians...

Everyone loves lending a hand. 106.3 back on deck too. G'day fellas.

Plenty of hoists to go around. Everyone form an orderly queue.

Two dogs in full effect. 21 fit as a fiddle.

Hot paint job. New fresh look.

One of the most important parts of scrutineering is standing around the open bonnet pretending you know what you're doing. Look at Josh being an expert...

The amazing levitating car posse.

And a new entrant. Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of England has decided to jump on board with esCarpade...

Very. Sweet. Ride.

Old and new faces, and thats just the cars, rolled up to have their guts checked out by the crack team of mechanics. A little help from the Rydges crew with a BBQ smorgasbord and big thanks to Suttons Holden for the lend of the hoists. Massive effort from all and a good chance to get pumped for our October road trippin'... See you all soon!

esCarpade cars at Megiuars MotorEx

2010-07-26T17:29:00.006+10:00

Team Kidsfix (Emile and Joe) and their esCarpade cars were on display at Meguiars MotorEx over the weekend along with two amazing choppers at the Camp Quality stand. We raised approximately $3000 from the raffle and Meguiars donated a massive $50,000 from their charity ball and auction!!

Big thanks to Bruce Morrison & Owen Webb from Motoractive and all the crew who put together an amazing event.

The Bulldogs players and cheerleaders also came down to help out and sign a few autographs. Dene Halatau took a liking to the Chopper we had on display

NSW Experience

2010-06-04T13:57:00.007+10:00

Another great day was had by all as we set off from Ourimbah last Sunday on an awesome drive through the state forest and onto Wollombi Tavern for lunch.

Some new faces, new cars and of course the old faithfuls experienced 'a day in the life of' esCarpade' on what turned out to be a surpringly dry course despite the weather.

Check out the photos

Experience Victoria a huge success

2010-05-19T10:46:00.003+10:00

A total of 11 cars turned up to Costerfield in regional Victoria and took off on a 150km journey on dirt roads on route to Gsibourne. Entrants both old and new particpated in a fun day out and experienced what esCarpade is all about.

A big welcome to our new entrants this year - 112 Health in (no) a Hurry - in a nicely themed up Red Commodore, BM735 in their Beamer with the cool paint job, Andrew Mclaren and family from FCR17, and Adrian Ferris and family who we hope will join us in a Bedford van this October!

Also on the agenda last Saturday night was an awesome fundraising dinner by the guys from FR12 at Monochinos Winery in Numurkah. Around 250 people filled the place and raised a bunch of money for CQ. Well done guys!

Dont forget - NSW Experience is on this Sunday - Ourimbah interchange off the F3 at 10am. Be there or be square

josh

Experience esCarpade

2010-04-19T15:37:00.009+10:00

Experience esCarpade is coming soon.....

Each year Camp Quality stages an "Experience esCarpade" In NSW & VIC which provides potential entrants with an opportunity to "try before you buy" and sample esCarpade before committing.

what is it?
A 100km drive on dirt and bitumen following route notes (identical to esCarpade)Information kits for potential entrants and media, mechanical & scrutineering information, promotional DVD, esCarpade vehicles to look at and/or co-drive. If your esCarpade vehicle is in one piece please bring it along. If it's in bits the drive will be suitable for the family vehicle.

VIC - 16th May
NSW - 23rd May

Contact Josh for more details 02 9876 0506

Camp Quality Cricket Day - Wednesday 3rd March 2010

2010-03-05T13:54:00.000+11:00

Wednesday the 3rd of March saw the inaugural Camp Quality Cricket Day kick off with a dampish pitch and fears of further rain but exploded into a sunshine filled, good times affair of the highest order. The Camp Quality All Stars took on Randwick in a two game 20Twenty tournament at Coogee Oval on a finely mown, slightly sticky turf wicket.

Though the battle was hard fought, the first 20Twenty was won by a rampaging Randwick team with big hitting from some seriously big fellas to bring home the modest total of 143 runs.

Captain Josh Donohoe from the CQ All Stars saved some of his best batsmen for last as they pushed the ball around the quick outfield.

After a revitalising lunch break it was into the second of the 20Twenty matches. This time the CQ All Stars demolished a hapless Randwick, routing them for less than 100 in a chase for 160 odd posted by the good guys.

It was great to see some of the Escarpadians turn out for the affair. Cliff (in black pants) umpired the whole day. He is actually a qualified umpire and not paid by Josh for favourable adjudication. Carl (on far left) took several wickets and was a steady ship in the opening pair of the second game.

All registration fees were donated to Camp Quality and Randwick additionally donated a signed Australian 20Twenty team cricket bat, a signed NSW Blues cricket bat and team T-shirt. Sensational stuff.

Where are we part 2

2010-02-19T16:05:00.006+11:00

This one might just throw you off the scent....

Ned Kelly's home town....or maybe not?

Im sure you will find this one on esCarpade....funny bunch of people out in....?

I got a great tip in ...... ?

Nothing like a bit of tree art....or has this one got you stumped?

Well folks we have returned safely from survey, have made some local contacts and put together a pretty good plan for making this another amazing event.

If you thingk you know where these photos were taken then let me know.....otherwise all will be revealed very shortly in the next newsletter.

hope to see you all at our upcoming pub nights!

Where are we now?

2010-02-10T23:30:00.006+11:00

So after our last installment we have ventured further north into Queensland and visited some interesting towns and met some interesting people.

The following photos were taken on route and we challenge you to guess where we are. In fact, on esCarpade this year we will be challenging you to recreate these exact photos.

Been to Wagga Wagga, visited Wee Waa, now live in Woy Woy, and Woop Woop is where on this years event ....... ?

Click go the shears boys. Click, click, click....

Dont come the raw prawn with me, in .........?

Fork Knife and Pillow Update

2010-02-07T19:44:00.003+11:00

Stopped into Tamworth on Friday and checked out a dinner venue for our opening night and got a few ideas from our local contigent for a starting location. Thanks to Ian Alford, Greg & Jo Townsend(and family) and the Rust clan.

From there we moved onto our first day lunch stop, which is for us to know and for you to find out. In fact, for the rest of survey we'll be calling this "Where's Josh?" Check the photo's and see if you can match it to the town we are in....

Ben and Gordon have completed first survey and their initial reports are of great roads and adventures ahead.

They love a good ornament in ........?

Just hanging around in .......?

Tomorrow we start visiting schools as we head further north on our way to Hervey Bay. More updates and photos to come!

CQ Survey

2010-02-04T10:08:00.003+11:00

Josh and Candice are departing Camp Quality Head Quarters in Epping today and heading north to Tamworth for survey of esCarpade. We'll be meeting with schools, checking out venues for meals, researching accommodation options, and looking for fun stuff for esCarpadians to do in October.

The hardest part of a ten day road trip....arguments over who controls the music!

We'll be posting something most days on the trip, including photos from towns we visit. So remember to check back in

2010 .... where to next?

2009-12-16T14:36:00.000+11:00

With 2009 still fresh in our minds the team has been hard at work planning the route for 2010. Whilst still in the early stages I can reveal that the starting point will be ...... drumroll.....Tamworth! The route will head up into Queensland with rumours of a rest day in the beachside town of Hervey Bay before looping back towards the NSW border.

More details to follow ....

Update from Camp Quality HQ

2009-11-15T14:53:00.000+11:00

Check out this info from Josh and Ben post our 09 esCarpade here

And if you want some additional pics all you have to do is click on this

Stay tuned, esCarpade 2010 is being planned as you read this!

Last day - Nyngan to Gilgandra

2009-10-27T19:57:00.009+11:00

It was an easy drive today, well relatively, just some gulches, gullies, dips, corners, tree lines roadways, creek beds and potholes today. Plus some trees. Trees after days of dusty infinity and scrubby underbrush made for a picturesque vista. Trees with rough bark and wispy branches, ancient looking, a little spooky but a comfort after endless horizons.

Onwards to Gilgandra. The esCarPARADE through town - all 50 plus vehicles - was an amazing sight. Onwards to the Speedway at Gilgandra.

An itch many esCarpadians wanted to scratch? Getting on a Speedway with our cars? You kidding. Every kids dream with a hotted up car. A great way to finish for the team, with WAR FM doing a live broadcast and Prime coming to film it all.
And on the Speedway for a lap before being entertained by drivers practicing with their stock cars and fender-benders.

All the esCarpadians!!

A final lunch. Some goodbyes. esCarpade drawing to a close...

Night in Nyngan

2009-10-27T17:25:00.005+11:00

Fresh from our car washes, the esCarpade crew rolled through Nyngan town with a blazing parade of around 25 vehicles who were patient enough to bunch together on the outskirts of town. Cranking the noise and smoke once again, the esCarPARADE made its way down to the helicopter outside the Nyngan Museum for a check in with our trusty frontrunners and professional check in guys, Andy and Laurie - the best looking dudes in all of Northern Victoria. See them at work, below.

Our evening was effectively the last night all esCarpadians would be together... a fine blend of joy and melancholy captured the vibe of our dinner at the Nyngan RSL. However, this final Friday night of our trip was also the night that fundraising efforts were revealed. Considering the circumstances of the financial crisis that has plagued most of this past year, expectations were low. There is little to describe the incredible, uplifting, tear-in-the-eye moment when it was revealed that the esCarpadians had not only raised a combined figure of over $1million but that they had broken what was assumed to be the unassailable record fundraising of the previous year.

It just doesn't get much better than a moment like that.

With the nuns jumping out of their seats, a little emotion from Josh our fearless leader, general whooping and hollering, back slapping from the car 224 boys and raised glasses from all and sundry, the esCarpadians' tireless efforts from the year were validated by this moment. It's humbling to remember that esCarpadians do their own work, then follow it up with epic fundraising for Camp Quality.

Just one more drive tomorrow and it's over for another year. Sigh. Gilgandra Speedway calls us...

Macquarie Marsh Car Wash Part 3

2009-10-27T17:11:00.003+11:00

Probably best not to get that bit of your car wet...

Queueing up due to wet car bits and car stalled in middle of water crossing.

Good to see the lead official car OV1 showing us all how to really get the crossing done... Nice work Ben.

Macquarie Marsh Car Wash Part 2

2009-10-27T17:09:00.001+11:00

Yeah. Could be the water in the air filter...

Macquarie Marsh Car Wash Part 1

2009-10-27T16:37:00.003+11:00

From Carinda the road took us along some more dusty roads and broad open space before heading straight through the Macquarie Marshes.

Finally things started getting green, reeds and wetlands dotting the landscape before we turned through the dead centre and came across a water crossing. Gotta love a water crossing...

This was a very exciting moment for the esCarpadians, with only one casualty from some exuberant driving.

The following two blog posts have some more action pics...

On the Carinda Trail

2009-10-24T15:33:00.001+11:00

Great morning in Bourke with a river side breakfast feast at the Historic Wharf before heading onto the Bourke Primary School for a puppet show and general mayhem. The cars were blaring noise and attracting attention as the procession moved to the school yard.

Once again the people of Bourke turned it on for the esCarpadians before our departure with more donations and general good will coming our way.

Time for the road with more of the straight, dusty stuff flying around. I caught myself yesterday opening my mouth imagining I was swallowing the thick dust that was flying towards our windshield as we tailed some of the leading cars and was able to realise this dream by taking photographs road side again.

Lots to look at with a huge terrain change as we skirted the Macquarie Marshlands. More trees now skirt the roadway.We had an action packed 'fun stop' along the way - a nice broad patch of dirt to show off some of our cars' abilities...

We arrived at the village of Carinda, population just enough to fit the town hall. The whole town greeted us and the school of one class of 24 kids was joined by neighbouring (40 minutes away) Marra Creek school which totals 4 kids only! Carinda is a charming town with a real country friendliness, one wide dusty main street with the obligatory post office and pub.

The P&C, assisted by many locals, put together a great buffet lunch and importantly a range of 'sweets' baked and cooked and created by locals. The heartfelt generousity of Carinda went a long way and our last puppet show was a blast.

This was a most enjoyable stop and a worthy town to visit in the area.

Goin berko in Bourke

2009-10-23T19:10:00.000+11:00

It was a great run through some seriously rough terrain that brought the convoy to Bourke this afternoon. After the hot, red, dusty roads we had experienced from Glengarry, we turned off the rough roadway onto an even rougher dirt track.
The drive had cars dipping into river beds and bouncing from pothole to ditch so the esCarpade crew was ready for some well earned relaxation.
The afternoon's heat had a lot of people eager to get to our Mad Hatter's themed dinner. The Back O Bourke Exhibition Centre were hosts this evening, and the new facility has some seriously eye catching design going on, plus a great indoor/outdoor function space that easily accomodated the esCarpadian hordes.

Greased Lightning

2009-10-22T19:09:00.001+11:00

Another great brekky, this time in Lightning Ridge. The Rotary club of Lightning Ridge were the providers, and eager esCarpadians scoffed the offerings before heading to the Lightning Ridge school. The puppets were on fire again, delivering more action, pathos and comedy before we once again hit the road.

Today was our longest drive clocking in approximately 480 km. Our journey took us to Glengarry's opal fields and the World Famous Glengarry Hilton. The esCarpadians packed the alfresco bar space and locals turned up in droves. To our joy and surprise the locals had organised a raffle and auction of goods to help raise funds for Camp Quality. Locals known as Smurf, Ozzie Dave and the-guy-who-usually-has-a-galah-on-his-hat were all winners of prizes.

The Glengarry Hilton is one of Australia's remotest pubs and our circuit had us skirting the Queensland border today. We were driving in true outback locations, stations dotting the landscape and minute towns spaced at huge distances between it all. Part of our route had us driving through the private land holding, Golden Plains, owned by wonderful hosts David and Nicole Currey who greeted all the cars that passed through. That's David and Nicole's shed below.
Lunch was at 'The Hilton', and we arrived at the remarkable pub via a series of remote, broad, dusty roadways. The town itself supports between 200 and 500 people depending on the season with most building homes on opal claims. A unique sight with various styles of housing with discarded dirt mounds punctuating the landscape. Peter, proprietor of the Glengarry Hilton was a generous host, as were the ladies who served us our delicious lunch. Many thanks again to the good people of Glengarry for their hospitality.

Today was hot hot hot. Temperatures have been pushing 40 degrees so it's time to get on with it, hit the road, get to Bourke.

Day Off!

2009-10-22T02:03:00.000+11:00

Today was our official day of rest. The mechanics were ballistically busy, fixing cars, cleaning engine components, repairing wear and tear. One team even managed to do an entire engine removal and installation as the road challenges our elderly steeds. Big round of applause to the tireless efforts of the three mechanic teams, they work constantly, behind the scenes and are incredible for on road service. Just about every car that has had issues is in fine working order. They are super guys.

Today was stinking hot, it was steady on 34 for most of the day so indoor venues were a sought after retreat. Many people explored the town and took tours of the surrounding mines and opal fields.

The evening culminated in a 'mini Olympics' hosted by Josh and Candice, our esCarpade directors. It was a night of high spirits, lively banter, cross dressing Karaoke and wig wearing dance floor action

Lorne Station

2009-10-22T02:00:00.001+11:00

We had a great experience at Lorne Station, a gathering place on the outskirts of Lightning Ridge, where we were able to enjoy an open air dinner amongst the mines and scrub of the areaBelow is a touch of the Gold Coast in Lightning Ridge. They also have a nice, big, green car. I'm not sure what the correlation is between Gold Coast and green cars, but I'm ok with it all anyway.
Highlight of the evening was perhaps when one of our entertainer's donned an American Indian headdress and sang Apache.
Some more esCarpadians...
The crew amongst the trees...

Our hosts were amazing putting on a lavish spread and then following this up with our own personal music concert complemented by open pit fires.

It sure was convivial!

Burren Junction - Collarenebri - Lightning Ridge

2009-10-21T12:23:00.000+11:00

That's Barney Rubble in the background just catching up on some news via his hi-tech stone phone. Foreground is one of our favourite entrants from the TWODOGZ team.

Big Sky country out this way. Yup. A yawning landscape of dry, flat farmland and parched, rocky expanses became the backdrop for this afternoon's driving adventure. Long, straights of ochre sand and compacted clay were under wheel as we zoomed through back country on our way to Lightning Ridge.

The journey brought us to the tiny township of Collarenebri (population just shy of 500 people) where a fuel stop created mild panic and general mayhem for the service station employees. Kids swarmed the cars as the towns first ever traffic jam continued.
Meanwhile the long road and the team of esCarpadians were stirring up dust clouds that blanketed us as we snapped pictures en-route. Trevor, the ace photographer, caught the action from a variety of angles while I assisted on the road-side pics for maximum sweat, sun stroke and dustiness. Pictures were taken from the lips of an empty dam, the only elevation in the broad horizons.

We struck Lightning Ridge's broad streets and opal mined landscape in the early afternoon before retiring to our various hotels.

Chaos Corners

2009-10-21T11:40:00.000+11:00

Instruction 71 on our course guide proved a little taxing for some. It was a switch back corner, and though pretty much blind, was clearly marked on our directions. About 50% of the cars completely missed the corner, with most overshooting then turning back. However 4 cars disappeared totally, mysteriously reappearing at another check point. It was a dusty spot to watch the classic stuff ups, but worth every hilarious moment.

Coonamble continues

2009-10-21T10:45:00.000+11:00

The heat was prickly this morning. Dry, baking, sweat beading under hats and shirts, sunshine for miles and clear weather for our day of driving ahead. Smith Park played host to our morning check-in and Coonamble Rotary Club fed and watered us. Generous spirits and generous serves of bacon and eggs from Rotary Coonamble fortified us for our dusty drive to Burren Junction and they even tipped in a cash donation on top of all their other generous contributions. True to the spirit of a country town several of the local businesses of Coonamble also donated money and the local auto-electrician provided services and parts to many of the cars.

The road today was dusty. Really dusty. A brown fog featured for most of the morning as we weaved our way through Pilliga State Forest. The route this morning was particularly challenging with switch back corners* and obstacles on the road. Scenic, picturesque forest vistas framed the sandy route until we burst out and through Gwebegar and Pilliga townships.

We motored into Burren Junction for a school visit and lunch. Mid-harvest, one of the busiest times of year for the tiny town, the people of Burren Junction were warm and welcoming despite the season, and lunch was a marvellous buffet of cold meats and salads.

The puppets were on fire again, delighting the kiddies of Burren Junction School. Again we were blown away, the kids of Burren Junction raising money for Camp Quality and presenting the puppets with their generous donation.

It was a leisurely stop for the esCarpadians but Lightning Ridge was calling so the convoy cranked their engines and hit the road for another dusty stretch of north west NSW's finest outback roadways.

* Please see the next post for action and excitement from some of the switch back corners of this morning's route. Deviously planned by Ben our thoughtful route director.

Coonamble - Ride the Spirit (it's the town motto)

2009-10-20T00:15:00.001+11:00

Not sure which spirit we are suggested to ride, perhaps the picture of the bull in the town logo or maybe it was a canny ploy by town officials to welcome esCarpade into town because we all know were riding the spirit of Camp Quality.

We we're greeted by kids in the streets, waving from footpaths and checkin out our cars.

A few of the lads thought it would be nice to make out behind the bonnet of the 015 BMW. Oh, hang on, they're checking something wrong with the engine.

This intrepid blogger had a quick chat on air on Coonamble Community Radio with broadcaster and journalist Emma. Nice gal doing good things in Coonamble.

Meanwhile, esCarpadians were gearing up for a night out on the turf.

It was straight to Coonamble Bowling Club for a few ends and a feed. What a great spot! A number of Coonamblens turned up to have a chat and a gawk. One of The Nuns was an excellent chaperone for some young locals.

Warrumbungles

2009-10-19T23:07:00.000+11:00

The Warrumbungles framed most of this afternoon's drive as we weaved our way along the dusty public access roads from Binnaway to Coonamble.The route has been nicknamed 'Gridtopia' for its multitude of cattle grids, which was great for some of the esCarpadians complaining of bumnumbness, buttock paralysis, cheek flu and rearenditis. Many of the esCarpadians reckon they had a Dukes of Hazzard moment or two as they went over the cattle grid rises, but ace photographer Trevvy McTrevTrev Trevor can provide no evidence of such.
Below is an esCarpade stop, revive and survive AKA Cabanossi Stop.

Good form on the road today from the TWODOGZ team. Interesting little story here - TWODOGZ pilot, Tony, is an ex-rally driver who shared the road, way back when, with a young Craig Moffat. The TWODOGZ car also holds the title of this year's oldest car on esCarpade; it's a 1963 EJ Holden. The last sting in this bees tail is that Tony is the oldest entrant on esCarpade having clocked 72 years of age at his last checkpoint.

Here is today's esCarpade haiku:

Warrumbungles drive

Dust shrouded wacky vehicle

Coonamble final stop

Update. Our fearless leader, All Seeing All Knowing All Doing Josh, has intervened with an additional haiku:

Haikus are easy

But sometimes they dont make sense

EsCarpadian

Binnaway Central School

2009-10-19T21:47:00.001+11:00

School number two, Binnaway Central School was another cracking moment for esCarpade 09 with nearly all vehicles attending the school visit and lunch stop.

A few cars have been coughing and spluttering at the back of the pack, but the trusty mechanics crews have been all over the technical hiccups.

Binnaway put on a great lunch. Who doesn't like a rissole? Strewth, I had four.

The puppets again were in form. The kids were again at fever pitch. The esCarpadians rankly out of tune with their rendition of 'She'll be coming 'round the mountain' but they've never claimed to be a choir.

Onwards and upwards to Coonamble from the picturesque town of Binnaway.

School visit #1 Mudgee Primary School

2009-10-19T21:35:00.000+11:00

Whoa. There isn't a scale for level of excitement that could top this morning's first primary school visit for esCarpade 09. As the entrants' cars rolled into Mudgee Primary School's oval with sirens, bubbles, smoke, flashing lights, honking horns and general mayhem, the primary kids came streaming out of their classrooms to check out what the commotion was.

The children ran amongst the parked cars with energy times 1 billion, bouncing from car to car with happy squawking and frenzied laughter. Even intrepid blogger on his rookie school visit couldn't help but get a little shiver down the spine with the cacophony continuing for what seemed ages before the kids retreated to the school hall for the puppet show.There were some unusual looking kids there too...

The McDonalds Camp Quality puppets, Kylie and Dean, put on a great show for the kids and reinforcing the messages of tolerance, support and laughter.
The students presented Kylie and Dean with over $300 worth of donations, an amazing moment for the esCarpadians present.

With further ruckus the esCarpade flotilla hit the road, heading towards primary school #2 in Binnaway.

Quick brekky in Mudgee

2009-10-19T21:29:00.000+11:00

A variety of BBQ breakfast meats, eggs and rolls lined the esCarpadians' stomachs this morning.

Big thanks to Mudgee Rotary who were up early with platinum tongs and gold plated BBQ ready to flip and prod our food to eating perfection.

A cracker of a morning with sunshine and perfect driving conditions all day. And what could be more perfect than these visions of perfection? These three look somewhere between a ghost, Doc Brown from Back To The Future and the Gobbledok, a near perfect combination.
Our fearless leader All Knowing All Seeing All Doing Josh is pictured here having a chat with a local Mudgee newspaper journalist. He was primed for the interview by a bacon and egg roll.
Update. The High Wizard and High Wizardess celebrated their wedding anniversary today. Simply Magic.
Barney Rubble is pictured negotiating with fellow esCarpadians to undo the traffic jam caused when wind blew up his outfit.

Mudgee nights

2009-10-19T18:44:00.000+11:00

The esCarpadians were treated to a super Sunday night dinner at Blue Wren winery with a huge buffet of gourmet food stuffs which were complemented by their great range of wines.

The theme for the evening was 'colours' based on our colour teams. A dazzling array of outfits and colourful gear was paraded by the fashion conscious entrants.

The dance floor saw some unusual gyrations and musical interpretations...
Winery staff were popular with the Green team, or Yellow. Or cute limeish coloured.
Yeah, good times!

Mudgee happens

2009-10-18T19:03:00.001+11:00

Final destination for the evening is Mudgee and what better way to enter the town than with a procession of wacky esCarpadian vehicles blaring sirens, flashing lights, belching smoke machines and honking horns?

Thankfully parking isn't much of a problem in regional NSW.

Bridle Track

2009-10-18T18:56:00.000+11:00

The drive continued to the historical mining town of Hill End via the grueling yet spectacular Bridle Track, a 60 kilometre dirt road that skirts shaly cliff edges with panoramic views down the Macquarie River.

That's our designated Ambulance driven by Norm and Wayne. The Ambulance was donated to us for the week and the two boys are top notch Ambos working in and around the Illawarra area. Norm reminds me of Jaws from James Bond movies only better looking and without the weird teeth. They have both donated their time to the esCarpade and organised the vehicle from their local command. Most of the time they sweep at the back of the pack meaning they are last into pit stops and check-ins, traveling slowly, yet they never complain. I had a romantic moment with Wayne when sunscreen got in my right eye and he flushed it out with saline. Thanks Wayne!
The journey took several hours along the bumpy, dusty road with plenty of action, excitement and some hair-raising moments.
A quick pit stop at Hill End for lunch was followed by more scenic driving with dust as the star of the show. It was nice to see that the police station had curtailed sheep related crime by penning in three dodgy looking ewes in their side paddock.

Trackside media

2009-10-18T18:49:00.000+11:00

Candid super-snapper and pro-photographer, Saffi, and intrepid blogger/junior photographer Mike, can be seen below in complete professional mode, trackside at Mount Panorama.

Vroooom VVVRROOOOMMM

2009-10-18T18:42:00.001+11:00

A surprise for many was that our route today took us to the location of last week's Bathurst 1000 car race. Mount Panorama was a spectacular back drop for the cars as entrants negotiated the twists and turns of the course.

Check out car 1047... Torana's have traditionally done well at The 'Thurst...
Get out of the way you silly photographer...
Rounding the bend in convoy, its tight up to this stage.
The EsCarpade 1000...

There were only a few hazards on the road this morning..

2009-10-18T18:39:00.001+11:00

Action packed morning

2009-10-18T17:36:00.001+11:00

'Twas an early start again for the esCarpadians, with this morning's feast provided by the Rotary Club of Cowra.

Porridge was a popular breakfast item and a whole heap of people channeled Oliver Twist saying "please sir, I want some more". Not necessarily the funniest thing, 15th time around

Nevertheless, the good folk of Rotary Cowra had us fed and watered before we tackled the morning's drive.

Day One road trippin...

2009-10-17T19:30:00.000+11:00

A spectacular drive from Nowra to Taralga with a stop at the Taralga Hotel, established in 1876, was a perfect start to the day. The esCarpadians lunched at the hotel and were visited by Marg from the Goulburn Post who doubles as a reporter and secretary of the Taralga Rodeo.

Onwards we went from Taralga after lunch with a windy drive through back country to Cowra. Cowra's favourite daughters, The Nuns, were welcomed by Windowrie winery at The Mill, their heritage listed cellar door. A steady crowd came to taste the fine wines of Windowrie before retreating back to our various accomodation before dinner.

...and they're OFF!

2009-10-17T09:48:00.000+11:00

Nowra Bowling and Recreation Club hosted this morning's proceedings.

The club provided a great venue to kick things off and Power FM were there to capture the action with an outside broadcast. Is that a bumblebee? Oh, no, its Elle, Miss World Australia entrant, having a chat to Ricardo and Peeky on Power FM.
The cars and entrants were a spectacular vision while sirens, cannons and flashing lights providing additional atmosphere.

The cars filed out one by one in a flurry of noise and activity as they proceed along the road to Cowra, this evening's final destination.

Drum roll...

2009-10-17T09:20:00.000+11:00

A great night was had by all at HMAS Albatross, and the big treat was watching the amazing RAN marching band perform. A rousing performance of Waltzing Matilda was complemented by a 24 person gun salute and a moving lowering and folding of the Australian flag. With a glide in our stride and a dip in our step we cheered on the rat-a-tat-tatters of the marching band as they strode in unison into the night.

Back in our seats we were treated to Camp Quality's latest education initiative, a 40 minute play entitled 'The Teenage Alchemist' which aims to inform, empower and spread a message of resilience, hope and of course, laughter. The play silenced the boisterous room of esCarpadians and we all were greatly impressed by the performances and message.

An earlyish night followed...

Check out the check in

2009-10-16T17:52:00.000+11:00

The afternoon was a great success with all cars getting the green light for participation.

Some of the entrants have really grabbed the bull by the horns... oh dear, did I really say that?

The boys from Rydges Wollongong were kept busy throughout the afternoon.

Minor mechanical updates aside, the agenda was more about catching up and comparing stories from the road. We're now all back at our various hotels getting ready for dinner at HMAS Albatross.

Pre-race excitement!

2009-10-16T12:40:00.001+11:00

Having made the journey to sunny Nowra, it's time for entrants to roll up to the Stuart's Coach depot for some scrutineering - like a doctor's check up for your car. Colourful cars are scattered throughout the parking lot waiting to roll into the workshop area and over the mechanics' pit. Sausages are sizzling courtesy of Rydges Wollongong and the powerful smell of BBQ is overcoming any car exhaust fumes... for now!

Welcome to the esCarpade blog!

2009-10-13T12:37:00.001+11:00

The world's funnest motoring adventure!

Now in its 18th year, esCarpade has raised millions of dollars for Camp Quality, travelled over 52,000kms and visited over 275 towns across Australia.

This year we've created a blog that will be updated during the event so you can keep up to date with what's going, and follow all the excitement and fun.