As you know, I have a passion for things on two wheels, Oscar my bike in Vietnam and all my bicycles here in Australia.  My new job has me driving 40 km each way for work and I have tried the train but getting to the train in the morning adds at least 15-20 mins onto my commute.  So, to solve this issue and to help with my passion, I bought a Lorry, a mini truck/van, now known solely as “The Little Lorry”.

Now you may laugh at this “Little Lorry” but it is fantastic, it has cruise control, Bluetooth, power steering, electric windows and enough pick up to get me out (or into) trouble.  It has sliding doors on both sides and the back opens right up.  Now the best thing is, we can fit our two mountain bikes in the back with both tyres on.  Niels has been a genius and soundproofed it and fitted it out so we can transport two bicycles in it.

Now you maybe asking about the need for the sound proofing.  Well I made a call using blue tooth while driving and the person on the other end asked where I was.  It sounds like I have the ocean behind me, hence the need for the proofing as it is all metal.

The other great feature of the “Little Lorry” is that we will be able to go camping in it by sleeping in the back.  Home away from home.  So if you see a “Little Lorry” while out cruising around, it could be me.  I will keep you posted on the adventures we have.

It was on 25 April 1915 that the armies of Australia and New Zealand entered into their premier battle of the First World War, at Gallipoli, Turkey. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At the end of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Turkish defenders.  Thousands lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign: 87,000 Turks, 44,000 men from France and the British Empire, including 8500 Australians. Among the dead were 2779 New Zealanders, about a sixth of those who served on Gallipoli.

In Brisbane the Enoggera Barracks had an open day in Chermside to display their equipment and expertise.  We decided to go along and check it out.  It was amazing; we saw fire trucks, people movers, drones, helicopters, snipers, machine guns, mortars and bazookas.

I had a great day trying out the equipment and I have a great respect for the soldiers, this equipment is heavy, loud and you have to have strength and skill to operate it.

An interesting observation that I made was the origin of the men and women who were serving, white caucasian males in their 20s.  There were a few females but it didn’t seem like a representation of the community.  Even at a young age, it is predominately the boys that are climbing on the equipment, and excited to be there.

I was very impressed with the professionalism on the soldiers who answered my questions and the quality of the equipment.  I am glad to see that my tax payers money is being well spent.

To those that have served both Australia and New Zealand, I am truly grateful for the freedom I have.  We shall never forget.