Seriously counting down now....

Well the time has nearly come, the last of the packing up is almost done. Phones have been running hot between the players with the last minute details to be finalised.

The 64 million dollar question is...will we all fit? With some recent changes to plan, there is more needing to go into less vehicles...but we are confident it will work out.

The first of the crew were due to depart around lunchtime today, so here's hoping Cathy and Mike have managed to get away safely. 4.30PM update - pouring rain in Ballarat. Let's hope it's pouring rain on the bushfires in the Simpson, so we can gain entry to the desert next week.
The next three vehicles leave tomorrow, with first cab off the rank being Stef, Meg & Milani, departing Traralgon at approx 9.00am, with a stopover at Moe to pick up Kerry, Rohan and Nicola, and repack some gear, then off to Bamawn Extension to do another transfer of goods and passengers, have lunch and then set off for Swan Hill with John joining the convoy.

Ska (Nicola's car) is pretty much packed and ready to roll, not quite sure where will poke some of the gear of others...tomorrow morning...all will be revealed.

For every ONE thing that goes in, it feels like FOUR things come out first. Still roomy at this stage.

Trying to stuff the last little bits under the floor.

Food in.

Clothes in.

There are rumours running wild that the Dundeks won't be ready on time, but they are pretty determined. According to the most recent intelligence on progress, the Disco is still in 'bits' all over the garage floor, the new water tank is due to be finished, but isn't yet...but there is still a confident determination that Steve WILL NOT beat us to Parachilna Pub!!!!!

...meanwhile several hundred kilometres away John is working on packing in the gear as well. Here are some progress shots...

In the cabin.

Looks like plenty of room in the tray and we wont go hungry.

Heaps of room to go. Pleny of room for Ro's gear, IF we can get it all to Echuca.

Been around to visit friends around the corner. Pete is off to Melbourne tonight as he is working at the MCG tomorrow for the Grand Final. His job is to drive the Manitou that delivers the centrepiece to the centre of the ground tomorrow. He is very excited and a tad nervous ... see the photos below. All the best Pete, we will be listening to the coverage... I hope you don't rate a mention.

Pete proudly wearing the MCG vest.

and the back view.

 Well the time has come to post this blog. Check the lists for the 456th time and prepare for the last sleep in a real bed for a couple of weeks.

Goodnight. See you on the next blog.

Another late entry, whilst things are almost done for some of us, it seems Stef and Meg are still hard at it. At 9.58...

The food awaits its entry to the vehicle...don't think we will go hungry, do you?

And Stef continues to work and fiddle, with the vehicle. Hope you guys got some sleep overnight.

A last minute update on Saturday morning: Cathy and Mike made it as far as Horsham last night, poured rain all night, so they sensibly found alternate accommodation option. AND they have figured out how to take photos on the phone so here's a couple of shot of the vehicle and accommodation in Horsham.

Cathy and Mike still have airspace!

Taking it easy in dry accommodation.