Author: Gary

Taking videos and photos while flying the drone provides a unique perspective. No better example than capturing whales as they migrate north. The screenshot below (drone was returning from filming at this point) is the flight path & telemetry including remaining battery time/capacity; current speed; height (above my home position -“H”); distance from H (max. distance from H this flight was 1,926m); no. of satellites:27 (needs to be at least 12 for accurate GPS navigation & drone control); elapsed and total flight time; remote control signal strength etc. When flying, the flight telemetry is overlaid on the live HQ video being streamed back to me (that’s how I control/ see what the drone “sees” + 4k video capture to onboard drone SD card for subsequent editing).

… and then the editing!

For any couple who needs to park their van knows that it can be a stressful time. This caravan park’s solution… they offer, with their tractor, to park your van. Great service.

Another day to capture these majestic creatures of the ocean.

Fun catching up with Brian & Wendy

Coffee at Kingscliff Surf Club in beautiful sunshine, watching more whales go by, followed by lunch at one of their favourite cafes.

What an amazing experience!

Finally, finally I was able capture some very special footage. It was such a wonderful experience and one that I shall remember for many years to come.

While waiting for a whale to pass, positioned on the headland with the camera ready for the rear moment shot (for me at least), I took a few photos of the coast.

Sunset… so peaceful!

Such a peaceful site, in a beautiful valley 10 minutes west of Coffs. Harbour.

After so much wet weather we were keen to go for a decent morning walk… Coffs Creek Walk

The afternoon light was perfect for a visit to Sealy lookout

Can’t get away from the rain! This beautiful farm stopover has had so much rain the property owner met us his farm gate to direct us to the least boggy area. He still wasn’t sure whether he might be called upon in the morning to help drag us out. I assured him that we would be fine… we’ll see in the morning.

It stopped raining so I put on the gum boots and took this photo

We were hoping to visit Adam, Olivia, Levi & Lily but there were all unwell 🤧. We just had to drop in otherwise as it would have been too tough not seeing them for another 3 months. After a short chat on the veranda we spent the evening in the van on a very wet night.

A delay of over 2 weeks due to a medical issue changed some of our plans. Perhaps the most important plan change was not to be with Mum to celebrate her 93rd birthday. Anyway we repacked the car & van and made our way “north”.

Heading north is a particular preference of mine. The warmer weather has many advantages. This trip we look forward to even more fun and adventures. Australia has so much to offer and enjoy!

While we did use power at one site (Milton Showground… there wasn’t an unpowered option) the remainder of our 7 weeks was “off grid”. LPG gas was used for the BBQ and once for water heating (all other times, the water was heated using the inverter/batteries). Inside cooking was either done on the induction “cooker” or microwave. Having the ability to charge when on the move was a particular advantage when there were successive cloudy days. The batteries lowest SOC was 48% and this only happened when returning home through Victoria. Day temps were mid 30’s and so on arriving at our overnight site the aircon was run for over 4 hrs.

Water availability and quality throughout Tasmania was very good. We were never caught short; used the washing machine when required.

Starlink came through with flying colours. “Dishy” is secured on top of a mast which has 2 wall suction pads. Even in all day/ all night strong gusting winds the mast remained securely fastened. Communication speeds and quality were very good even when at times we should have been affected by trees (to our south). The ability to make calls anywhere, anytime (wifi calling etc) was reassuring and helpful eg call to Tasmania’s fire service to discuss bush fire(s) risk at Bradys Lake. Being able to do travel research, check travel routes and road conditions, stream video/tv, upload videos and more make Starlink a very useful albeit a little expensive travel resource . Power consumption per hour was about 6-7 amps (inverter overhead + Starlink operation)

Distance traveled – Caravan: 4,700km; Car: 6,400km

Spirit of Tasmania Cost: $2,500 approx. (2 people, overnight cabin, car + caravan, return)

Site costs: Ranged from $0-$35 per night . Typical/average cost around $15.

Car/Caravan issues: Blown fuse in car (for powering van bcdc-fuse was not wired correctly and was sub standard quality); Creaking floor (warranty)

A month was way too short a time. There is so much to see and do. If we had our time again we would not hesitate spending at least 2 months. The boarding was delayed. And if possible, an even more challenging drive into the ship… extension rear view mirrors had to be brought in, little room for error!!

Our departure time was 9.30pm so we had plenty of time to travel from Stanley. Along the way we stopped for morning tea and lunch.