Help an FJ get to the PP GTG 2010

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Hi Ben,

The time is coming up fast now!

have to get my OZ dollars. the US dollar sunk like a lead blown this afternoon and need to get it while it's still at a good rate.

I suggest you get your Oz dollars from an ATM here, and only as you need it. When globetrotting, I have found the ATM provides the best exchange rate. And if you only take out what you need, you don't have the hassle of managing traveller's cheques or large wads of cash. Naturally, you're also at the mercy of the daily exchange rate fluctuations; usually a few dollars one way or the other.

Check with your bank if you're unsure about international ATM access. Some banks apply a small surcharge.

Sure, it may be handy to have a few dollars in your pocket for small purchases. Otherwise use your card like you would when you're at home.

Looking forward to seeing you downunder mate.
LFaR.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

matt,

I'm goi g to take cash out of my bank ASAP and transfer it to my Bank of Ireland account. The US dollar is going into the sh... er.. I mean toilet. I will either carry a BofI debit card or start an account at a local bank before I go.

I have done this before and it works well (that's why I still have the BofI account).

Good thing for you the US dollar is worth the same as toilet paper.

-Ben

[jeff s Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close jeff s]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Well done Ben.

Be good to see you.
And dont forget to bring some bruiser stickers with you...
The exchange rate of stickers to beer is pretty good at the moment..

Jeff.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Well done Ben.

Be good to see you.
And dont forget to bring some bruiser stickers with you...
The exchange rate of stickers to beer is pretty good at the moment..

Jeff.

I can always exchange Bruiser stickers for food at the campgrounds. Keep me from the Kangaroo steaks and Emu bits at the Overlanders Steakhouse.

JK. I will see what I can do. Only members can get them, but I don't think you will be running into other members.

-Ben

I can add to the list above that I got the new US Electric Passport....another thing off the list I just need to get a visa.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Well,

With all the preparations that I have made to this trip and all the setbacks I have experienced I think the final blow has happened.

My wife just called me to inform me her job was just eliminated.

I will have to rethink the GTG trip.

Sorry mates,

-Ben

[jeff s Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close jeff s]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Aww Sheet Ben.

That is not good.
Hope it works out for you guys.
Jeff.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

I'm going to try and salvage this trip as much as possible, but I need to ask several things of some participants.

I may have to forgo renting the prado and hitch at the GTG. If this is an impossibility I will still rent, but it will save much needed money for the situation back at home. If this is the case I will confer with Mav about picking up the Thrifty Prado as late as possible.

I do have several things I can bring down and trade. I have some Toyota FJ Swag (swag is a term for promotional give outs at off-road events), an unactivated Spot, and other swag form US off-roading merchants. If I can possibly swap some campfire cuisine for swag it would ease the amount of camping equipment I was planning to buy once 'down there' and save me about $400 (AD)

I'm also in need of a PradoPointer in Sydney who can put me up for a nigh before I head back to the US. I leave early in the morning of July 12. I would rather work with this in a PM or among friends to avoid a begging thread somewhere else on the forum.

I am almost embarrassed to ask, but perhaps we can work this out to make this dream off-road trip possible.

I have also made some other changes in the trip. I have called Qantas and I can switch to the cheaper flight on the 747, but a $200 (US) service fee applies, so I think it's better to leave the flights as is.

I will cut the Sydney Harbor bridge tour because it is rather expensive and gives me a good reason to come back and bring the family.....unless someone has a contact....please let me know.

Thank you for understanding Mates.

-Ben

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Hi Ben, Julie,

When one door closes, many others are flung wide-open.

Hey Julie, this means you can come too! You no longer have to worry about getting vacation... .

It sure is shaky times. As many of my close friends and colleagues have also been laid off, I recently borrowed half-a-dozen books on the topic... a sign of the times.

Ben, I met with Grey Nomad and Callo recently and we were discussing your touring plans. Callo was quick to suggest that we move people between Prados so we can better get to know each other. So there are at least two rides for you across the Simpson and around Alice.

it would ease the amount of camping equipment I was planning to buy once 'down there' and save me about $400 (AD)

As far as campgear is concerned, I have plenty of kit. Send me a PM with your needs so we can determine if there are any gaps.

I have called Qantas and I can switch to the cheaper flight on the 747, but a $200 (US) service fee applies, so I think it's better to leave the flights as is.

One might have thought that with the massive decrease in passenger numbers, the airlines would be a great deal more flexible... especially considering your circumstances.

I'm grateful for the 2009 PP GTG - it's one of the brightly shining lights for 2009.

LFaR.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Matt,

Julie thanks you for the kind words. We hope that she finds a job soon, but any job in this market will come with a hefty pay cut. Several of her friends in the industry has been out of work for 8 months when the first round of layoffs happened.

She is in the middle of planning a family reunion for many that she has not seen in years, and some who have not meet Kennedy. I can talk her into it, but her Mother will probably hit me over the head with a frying pan.

I will e-mail you my plans, but in short they are arrive in Sydney, fly Virgin Blue to your place.

I will fly directly from Alice Springs on Sunday night.

Thank you for accommodating me. I appreciate it a lot.

-Ben

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

OK,

Swag ordered and in route to LF&R's place,

Airfare from NY, to LA, to Sydney, and to Gold Coast booked.

Airfare from Alice, to Sydney, to NY booked.

I just found out they switched the flight from the A-380 to the 747-400. I called and they were unable to give a refund for the extra fare I paid. (Sucks!)


It looks like this is going to happen.


-Ben

[jeff s Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close jeff s]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Good to here mate.
We are in the west so cant help out with the logistics of things, but once we hook up I'm sure there is no problem too big that as a group cant be solved.

Top stuff Ben.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Good to here mate.
We are in the west so cant help out with the logistics of things, but once we hook up I'm sure there is no problem too big that as a group cant be solved.

Top stuff Ben.

Thanks Mate.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

I was looking at buying a handheld CB because they have different frequencies up here.

Is there anyone who can loan me a handheld CB for the duration of the GTG?

Please let me know or post up here.

Thank you,

-Ben

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Is there anyone who can loan me a handheld CB for the duration of the GTG?

I keep a spare 1W UHF that I always carry. That is one option. If someone makes a better offer, I won't mind .

LFaR.

[jcas24 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close jcas24]

Re: Help an FJ get to the PP GTG

Sorry to hear about your Wifes misfortune Ben.

I know one of the bridge climb tour guides, I'll try and find out if they do mates rates.

Joel