The movie can be seen as is in the QCar blog, at full screen size (see icon bottom right at the base of the movie) or at You Tube. It's HD so it could potentially be viewed on a TV screen if anyone is able to do that.
Friday, January 21, 2011
On the Beach
As you may remember, the Beach Picnic car run in 2010 din't go anywhere near the beach. The reason? It was cold and windy and threatening rain.
Instead we visited the Three Brother's Arms Ale House in Macclesfield where a virtual sand castle building display was provided by Robyn with the help of Julie. We discovered that if we did get to the beach they would have built a replica of the then recently devastated Haitian Royal Palace. After the memorable presentation we had our picnic back at the 'Chateau' in Glenunga.
Things went a lot better in 2011, although I do believe, Haiti is still in a sad and sorry state.
We gathered at Ruby's Cafe in Stirling then set forth in convoy. The Mini led the way while Alexander in his truck brought up the rear. About 10 other cars made up the space in between which sometimes stretched a little too far as evidenced by the convoy missing the turn to head towards Clarendon near the Blackwood Golf Course corner. The truck made good progress and after a few more regroupings of the cars and a rapid descent into Clarendon via Turner's Gully Road, we headed along Chapel Hill Road toward our first major stop - Seaview Winery. There we sampled the wines and enjoyed a break and the sunshine and took time to admire the car's new to the group - Mark and Don's MGB GT, Garth's (?) Porsche 911 and Wayne and Chris' days's old Porsche Cayenne (diesel - It only does 230 km/h as opposed to its petrol sibling which can go a further 20kp/h faster!).
The convoy then headed toward the beach and its final destination - Maslins. We parked in the north end car park at the bathing costume mandatory end. However disaster had struck the truck and it had failed to start back at Seaview. Rod went to the rescue, the truck duly started and after a scenic tour of that bit of the Fleurieu they joined us at the beach.
The main activity of the day then began - the sand castle building competition. It was obvious many had carefully pre-planned their structures and had brought along digging implements and accessories to place on their finished structures. Kay and Sal built an NGK spark plug castle to add "a car component" to the proceedings, and while holding a glass of crisp and fruity white told us that we were a car club not a food and wine club! Robyn and Julie had gone to great lengths in preparing their sand castle - a scale replica of the Sydney Opera House. Using her laptop Robyn used visuals of the building to ensure the building was correctly captured from each angle. Brenton and Clinton took a minimalist approach to the competition and re-created the "mostly underground" Coober Pedy. It came complete with and underground garage. Brenton and Jason created a castle with added bling and Rod and Alexander created the largest of the castles also along traditional lines. As there were five prizes on offer each group received a prize for their ingenuity and industriousness.
We then all reverted to being a food and wine club and enjoyed the tipples and morsels we had brought along.
Picnic enjoyed people drifted away to head back to town and suburban domestic bliss.
Beach action.
Lucinda Hillman-Minx.
Big men, little dogs. White dog, Gusoline, Black dog Zachillac.
Big men, little toys. Is that a dinky watering can?
Instead we visited the Three Brother's Arms Ale House in Macclesfield where a virtual sand castle building display was provided by Robyn with the help of Julie. We discovered that if we did get to the beach they would have built a replica of the then recently devastated Haitian Royal Palace. After the memorable presentation we had our picnic back at the 'Chateau' in Glenunga.
Things went a lot better in 2011, although I do believe, Haiti is still in a sad and sorry state.
We gathered at Ruby's Cafe in Stirling then set forth in convoy. The Mini led the way while Alexander in his truck brought up the rear. About 10 other cars made up the space in between which sometimes stretched a little too far as evidenced by the convoy missing the turn to head towards Clarendon near the Blackwood Golf Course corner. The truck made good progress and after a few more regroupings of the cars and a rapid descent into Clarendon via Turner's Gully Road, we headed along Chapel Hill Road toward our first major stop - Seaview Winery. There we sampled the wines and enjoyed a break and the sunshine and took time to admire the car's new to the group - Mark and Don's MGB GT, Garth's (?) Porsche 911 and Wayne and Chris' days's old Porsche Cayenne (diesel - It only does 230 km/h as opposed to its petrol sibling which can go a further 20kp/h faster!).
The convoy then headed toward the beach and its final destination - Maslins. We parked in the north end car park at the bathing costume mandatory end. However disaster had struck the truck and it had failed to start back at Seaview. Rod went to the rescue, the truck duly started and after a scenic tour of that bit of the Fleurieu they joined us at the beach.
The main activity of the day then began - the sand castle building competition. It was obvious many had carefully pre-planned their structures and had brought along digging implements and accessories to place on their finished structures. Kay and Sal built an NGK spark plug castle to add "a car component" to the proceedings, and while holding a glass of crisp and fruity white told us that we were a car club not a food and wine club! Robyn and Julie had gone to great lengths in preparing their sand castle - a scale replica of the Sydney Opera House. Using her laptop Robyn used visuals of the building to ensure the building was correctly captured from each angle. Brenton and Clinton took a minimalist approach to the competition and re-created the "mostly underground" Coober Pedy. It came complete with and underground garage. Brenton and Jason created a castle with added bling and Rod and Alexander created the largest of the castles also along traditional lines. As there were five prizes on offer each group received a prize for their ingenuity and industriousness.
We then all reverted to being a food and wine club and enjoyed the tipples and morsels we had brought along.
Picnic enjoyed people drifted away to head back to town and suburban domestic bliss.
Photos from the day. Taken by Harvey and David. Photos can be enlarged - just click on them.
Not content with re-creating a Beijing Olympics inspired sand castle, Alexander decides to dig to China.
Robyn snaps the sunset.
Rod and Alexander's castle at sunset.
Beaurepaire inspects Alexander's workmansip.
Diggers digging.
Beaurepaire inspecting again.
Brenton and Jason's construction.
Proud castle builders.
Silhouettes.
Not content with re-creating a Beijing Olympics inspired sand castle, Alexander decides to dig to China.
Robyn snaps the sunset.
Rod and Alexander's castle at sunset.
Beaurepaire inspects Alexander's workmansip.
Diggers digging.
Beaurepaire inspecting again.
Brenton and Jason's construction.
Proud castle builders.
Silhouettes.
Beach action.
Lucinda Hillman-Minx.
Big men, little dogs. White dog, Gusoline, Black dog Zachillac.
Big men, little toys. Is that a dinky watering can?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
QCAR at Milang
Two videos I took on jetties at Milang on the run Brenton and Jason organised. A relaxing day and great roads. A very enjoyable event.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Brought Porton Pictures
I've been told not to be flippant with this blog post.
These pictures were taken by Robyn.
They are very nice.
Please look at them.
And admire.
A bench.
People and a bench.
Trees, cars and people.
35 acres of Thunderbird. I lurve this picture.
A night time shot.
Little house. Big car.
Pow wow.
Lucinda submariner. I won't mention anything about Brenton.
Boys and sheds.
These pictures were taken by Robyn.
They are very nice.
Please look at them.
And admire.
A bench.
People and a bench.
Trees, cars and people.
35 acres of Thunderbird. I lurve this picture.
A night time shot.
Little house. Big car.
Pow wow.
Lucinda submariner. I won't mention anything about Brenton.
Boys and sheds.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Yes, We are a Car Club!
At the recent Car Club weekend away I believe all sorts of matters mechanical were discussed. I believe Peter Jones gave the group a long dissertation on the design evolution of the NGK spark plug.
Part of his speech I believe included these incisive comments:
"You should consult your engine tuner who should be able to advise you on the correct heat range to get the best from your engine. As a general rule, an engine may benefit from a colder grade of plug where modifications made have increased the temperature in the combustion chamber (increased turbo boost, nitrous oxide use, increased compression), colder plug will conduct heat away from the firing tip more quickly and thus help reduce detonation/plug damage. "
And . . .
"Generally speaking no. Plugs may not last quite as long as with a standard petrol engine and the ignition system may have a harder time generating a spark. The denser charge in the combustion chamber means a higher voltage is required to jump the gap. For this reason it may help to reduce the spark plug gap by 0.2mm. If spark plugs become prone to overheating then it may be necessary to replace with plugs one grade colder."
I was told the audience was in awe of Peter's vast knowledge.
Pictures from the motoring technical seminars. Taken by Rod.
Photo: Part of the Jensen Interceptor suspension.
Splitting The Lower Anti-roll Bar Ball Joint. You need to separate the anti-roll bar from the spring pan. This can be done at the joint at either the top or bottom of the “Link Anti-roll Bar” (84). If you have a ball-joint splitter then the bottom one is the easiest to do (bloody difficult otherwise so you’ll have to undo the top of the link). If you’re replacing the “mounting Rubber Anti-roll Bar” (81) now’s a good time whilst the main anti-roll bar is detached at one end.
Photo: A WB Holden
The last Holden to wear the Kingswood badge was one of the variants of the WB series utility released in 1980. Although the WA and WB projects at Holden were meant to have resulted in all-new full-size cars, the 1973 fuel crisis and cost-cutting meant the scope of changes became more limited each time. Eventually, the WB project was condensed into a major upgrade of the luxury Statesman models and a facelift of the HZ-series commercial models with new headlights, tail lights, grilles and the updated Holden "Blue" six-cylinder engine (4.2 litre V8 optional). The Kingswood was now available on utility only with the panel van joining the One Tonner, but the 5.0 litre V8 engine was no longer officially offered as an available performance option although some were built. There were no passenger car versions of the Kingswood, their place in the Holden range having been absorbed by the Commodore. Production of the entire WB-series finished in 1984 when Holden announced they were vacating local production of large luxury and commercial vehicles—due to economics—to concentrate on their medium car range, i.e. Camira and Commodore, and imported Isuzu commercial product.
Photo: A Facel Vega from 1954
Facel started out by building bodies for other manufacturers before going it alone in 1954 with a De Soto-engined car called the Vega. Once the car became established the company rebranded itself Facel Vega, and the car became the FVS. From the original 4.5-litre V8, the FVS moved to 5.4-litre Chrysler power – and the tubular-framed chassis car boasted 335bhp. To rein in all that power, a brake servo was fitted in 1957, and disc brakes were an option the following year. It was a simple recipe and the quality was there, as was the driving experience.
Photo: A Mini Moke
A utility vehicle intended for the British Army, for whom a few twin-engined 4-wheel-drive versions were also built. Although the 4WD Moke could climb a 1:2 gradient, it lacked enough ground clearance for military use. The single-engined front-wheel-drive Moke enjoyed some popularity in civilian production. About 50,000 were made in total, from 1964 to 1968 in the UK, 1966 to 1982 in Australia and 1983 to 1989 in Portugal. The car featured in the cult 1967 TV series The Prisoner, and is popular in holiday locations such as Barbados and Macau, where Mokes were used as police cars. Mokes were also available to rent there as recently as March 2006. "Moke" is archaic British slang for a donkey.
Photo:A Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission
The Xtronic CVT will deliver powerful acceleration and smooth driving performance in various driving situations. An Outline of XTronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) by Nissan. Xtronic CVT has been used officially in the Nissan Teana and Nissan Murano to help on improving fuel economy and facilitating powerful driving performance.
Photo: Barak Obama's Presidential limousine
Most details of the car are classified for security reasons. It is completely fitted with military grade armor at least five inches thick, and the wheels are fitted with run flat tires. Due to the thickness of the glass, much natural light is excluded, so a fluorescent halo lighting system in the headliner is essential. The car can seat seven people, including the president. The front seats two, and includes a console-mounted communications centre. A glass partition divides the front from back. Three rear facing seats are in the back, with cushions that are able to fold over the partition. The two rear seats are reserved for the president and another passenger; these seats have the ability to recline individually. A folding desk is between the two rear seats. Storage compartments in the interior panels of the car contain communications equipment. The Secret Service refers to the heavily-armored vehicle as "the beast"
Photo: Dessert.
Part of his speech I believe included these incisive comments:
"You should consult your engine tuner who should be able to advise you on the correct heat range to get the best from your engine. As a general rule, an engine may benefit from a colder grade of plug where modifications made have increased the temperature in the combustion chamber (increased turbo boost, nitrous oxide use, increased compression), colder plug will conduct heat away from the firing tip more quickly and thus help reduce detonation/plug damage. "
And . . .
"Generally speaking no. Plugs may not last quite as long as with a standard petrol engine and the ignition system may have a harder time generating a spark. The denser charge in the combustion chamber means a higher voltage is required to jump the gap. For this reason it may help to reduce the spark plug gap by 0.2mm. If spark plugs become prone to overheating then it may be necessary to replace with plugs one grade colder."
I was told the audience was in awe of Peter's vast knowledge.
Pictures from the motoring technical seminars. Taken by Rod.
Photo: Part of the Jensen Interceptor suspension.
Splitting The Lower Anti-roll Bar Ball Joint. You need to separate the anti-roll bar from the spring pan. This can be done at the joint at either the top or bottom of the “Link Anti-roll Bar” (84). If you have a ball-joint splitter then the bottom one is the easiest to do (bloody difficult otherwise so you’ll have to undo the top of the link). If you’re replacing the “mounting Rubber Anti-roll Bar” (81) now’s a good time whilst the main anti-roll bar is detached at one end.
Photo: A WB Holden
The last Holden to wear the Kingswood badge was one of the variants of the WB series utility released in 1980. Although the WA and WB projects at Holden were meant to have resulted in all-new full-size cars, the 1973 fuel crisis and cost-cutting meant the scope of changes became more limited each time. Eventually, the WB project was condensed into a major upgrade of the luxury Statesman models and a facelift of the HZ-series commercial models with new headlights, tail lights, grilles and the updated Holden "Blue" six-cylinder engine (4.2 litre V8 optional). The Kingswood was now available on utility only with the panel van joining the One Tonner, but the 5.0 litre V8 engine was no longer officially offered as an available performance option although some were built. There were no passenger car versions of the Kingswood, their place in the Holden range having been absorbed by the Commodore. Production of the entire WB-series finished in 1984 when Holden announced they were vacating local production of large luxury and commercial vehicles—due to economics—to concentrate on their medium car range, i.e. Camira and Commodore, and imported Isuzu commercial product.
Photo: A Facel Vega from 1954
Facel started out by building bodies for other manufacturers before going it alone in 1954 with a De Soto-engined car called the Vega. Once the car became established the company rebranded itself Facel Vega, and the car became the FVS. From the original 4.5-litre V8, the FVS moved to 5.4-litre Chrysler power – and the tubular-framed chassis car boasted 335bhp. To rein in all that power, a brake servo was fitted in 1957, and disc brakes were an option the following year. It was a simple recipe and the quality was there, as was the driving experience.
Photo: A Mini Moke
A utility vehicle intended for the British Army, for whom a few twin-engined 4-wheel-drive versions were also built. Although the 4WD Moke could climb a 1:2 gradient, it lacked enough ground clearance for military use. The single-engined front-wheel-drive Moke enjoyed some popularity in civilian production. About 50,000 were made in total, from 1964 to 1968 in the UK, 1966 to 1982 in Australia and 1983 to 1989 in Portugal. The car featured in the cult 1967 TV series The Prisoner, and is popular in holiday locations such as Barbados and Macau, where Mokes were used as police cars. Mokes were also available to rent there as recently as March 2006. "Moke" is archaic British slang for a donkey.
Photo:A Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission
The Xtronic CVT will deliver powerful acceleration and smooth driving performance in various driving situations. An Outline of XTronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) by Nissan. Xtronic CVT has been used officially in the Nissan Teana and Nissan Murano to help on improving fuel economy and facilitating powerful driving performance.
Photo: Barak Obama's Presidential limousine
Most details of the car are classified for security reasons. It is completely fitted with military grade armor at least five inches thick, and the wheels are fitted with run flat tires. Due to the thickness of the glass, much natural light is excluded, so a fluorescent halo lighting system in the headliner is essential. The car can seat seven people, including the president. The front seats two, and includes a console-mounted communications centre. A glass partition divides the front from back. Three rear facing seats are in the back, with cushions that are able to fold over the partition. The two rear seats are reserved for the president and another passenger; these seats have the ability to recline individually. A folding desk is between the two rear seats. Storage compartments in the interior panels of the car contain communications equipment. The Secret Service refers to the heavily-armored vehicle as "the beast"
Photo: Dessert.
Port Broughton Weekend Away
by Robyn Brody
The weekenders all arrived Friday and settled in to watch the sunset and enjoy a shared meal.
Saturday, back to the now famous 'Camp Kitchen' for a communal brekkie before motoring to Wallaroo. First stop - refreshments. A leisurely walk on a small section of the heritage trail to get us though till lunch. A visit to the museum and the drive home. Bubbles on the beach at Fisherman's Bay before dinner at Palette to Palate followed by after dinner drinks.
Brenton, Jason and Bryan arrived Sunday morning for another big brekkie at the Dock of the Bay. Off we went via Mundoora to Redhill for lunch at the local pub after another museum visit. An easy motor to Snowtown (some folks were banking on that!) where it took Julie and Liz so long to buy our pies for tea, we were beginning to think it was the Sweeney Todd bakery.
Back through some beautiful green countryside to the Bute Hotel for more refreshments before the the drive home.
At this point, someone suggested that rather than just be a food and wine club, we should think about expanding to have a car component to Qcar. General decision - we need time to think about that!
Captions to photos not by Robyn Brody.
Fish, Chips. Is there more to life than this?
(Many would say, "Yes there is.")
South Australian's just love a shnitty.
(Why?)
Isn't this lovely! Those little cane baskets were just so popular in the 70s. (I'm sure that same little petrified basket of bread hasn't been making the rounds of the table for the past 40 years. No couldn't happen. Could it?)
The (in)famous salad selection! Brian, Peter, Bryan, Brenton and Jason look on in astonishment at the vast and appetising selection. You can just tell Brenton is thrilled - indeed I predict that this meal will one day be the inspiration for his first cook book - "The Joy of Coleslaw".
The weekenders all arrived Friday and settled in to watch the sunset and enjoy a shared meal.
Saturday, back to the now famous 'Camp Kitchen' for a communal brekkie before motoring to Wallaroo. First stop - refreshments. A leisurely walk on a small section of the heritage trail to get us though till lunch. A visit to the museum and the drive home. Bubbles on the beach at Fisherman's Bay before dinner at Palette to Palate followed by after dinner drinks.
Brenton, Jason and Bryan arrived Sunday morning for another big brekkie at the Dock of the Bay. Off we went via Mundoora to Redhill for lunch at the local pub after another museum visit. An easy motor to Snowtown (some folks were banking on that!) where it took Julie and Liz so long to buy our pies for tea, we were beginning to think it was the Sweeney Todd bakery.
Back through some beautiful green countryside to the Bute Hotel for more refreshments before the the drive home.
At this point, someone suggested that rather than just be a food and wine club, we should think about expanding to have a car component to Qcar. General decision - we need time to think about that!
Captions to photos not by Robyn Brody.
Fish, Chips. Is there more to life than this?
(Many would say, "Yes there is.")
South Australian's just love a shnitty.
(Why?)
Isn't this lovely! Those little cane baskets were just so popular in the 70s. (I'm sure that same little petrified basket of bread hasn't been making the rounds of the table for the past 40 years. No couldn't happen. Could it?)
The (in)famous salad selection! Brian, Peter, Bryan, Brenton and Jason look on in astonishment at the vast and appetising selection. You can just tell Brenton is thrilled - indeed I predict that this meal will one day be the inspiration for his first cook book - "The Joy of Coleslaw".
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The "I Had A Farm In Africa" Run
Monarto Zoo was the destination for a recent run. I could look up the date it was held on but hey, bugga it!
The zoo is free range (just like the chooks). I have got that right haven't I? And a preserve for African animal species.
And here we have a fine herd of that great ape Homo Sapiens Blokeyus. Looks like they're off on a forage and reconnoitre.
They're looking sheepish as they've just been busted planning a game that involved no hands and a water bottle.
A QCar member reads out loud the 'to whom it may concern' meal time death and disability waiver before everyone heartily attacks their lunch.
The "Who can break into the car quickest" games had to be called off. Here we see the group break up after being spotted and photographed.
Some anonymous quotes heard from the day . . .
"But I didn't see Kimba the White Lion . . ."
"I love Africa, it's such a lovely country . . ."
"I believe Madagascar was based on a true story . . ."
"Cheetah's Pfft. My Morris 1100 can outpace one . . . given a minute or two . . ."
The zoo is free range (just like the chooks). I have got that right haven't I? And a preserve for African animal species.
And here we have a fine herd of that great ape Homo Sapiens Blokeyus. Looks like they're off on a forage and reconnoitre.
They're looking sheepish as they've just been busted planning a game that involved no hands and a water bottle.
A QCar member reads out loud the 'to whom it may concern' meal time death and disability waiver before everyone heartily attacks their lunch.
The "Who can break into the car quickest" games had to be called off. Here we see the group break up after being spotted and photographed.
Some anonymous quotes heard from the day . . .
"But I didn't see Kimba the White Lion . . ."
"I love Africa, it's such a lovely country . . ."
"I believe Madagascar was based on a true story . . ."
"Cheetah's Pfft. My Morris 1100 can outpace one . . . given a minute or two . . ."
Random Shot
This image from Robyn. I think from the winter Photomania run last year. She has sent it to me now to place up on the website not because of any age-related forgetting type syndrome . . . (what was I typing) . . . but because, in Robyn's words, it's "mean looking".
Good O
**Update**
Taken at St Kilda - nothing to do with Harvey's "location disorientation syndrome". Took so long to get it to Harvey so proves nothing wrong with Robyn's short term memory!
**Obviously an editorial blonde blog moment!!
The Ortum Leafs Run
Now I wasn't on the Ortum Leafs Run so I'm going to guess what occurred. I believe Brenton and Clinton organised it and that in general they headed hillswards. I hear lunch was had at the Bridgewater Inn, which is quite different to the Bridgewater Mill next door - by about $20 per spoonful.
These photos taken by Sandy T . . . btw . . . Glorious they are too.
Eric's Mini. A Cooper S no less. Taken out of the museum for the day . . .
Chris and Wayne's German super car. Ho hum. ;-) Oh to have such ho hum times . . .
Later on the bomb squad arrived and everyone was allowed back into the pub to dine.
Clinton, off camera, doing his famous Marilyn Monroe "Happy Birthday Mr President" monologue and song to the delight of Michelle and adoring hubby Brenton.
"Sharply acidic but sweet on the after taste with a pronounced aroma of garlic."
Luckily not the wine but the verdict on main course from Chris and Wayne.
Suzanne in the barge. Sorry very lovely, statuesque vehicle. It's no way as big as most suburban housing blocks and nooooooo it doesn't need it's own oil well to keep it running. Brenton's Jeep has first dibs on that oil well . . .
These photos taken by Sandy T . . . btw . . . Glorious they are too.
Eric's Mini. A Cooper S no less. Taken out of the museum for the day . . .
Chris and Wayne's German super car. Ho hum. ;-) Oh to have such ho hum times . . .
Later on the bomb squad arrived and everyone was allowed back into the pub to dine.
Clinton, off camera, doing his famous Marilyn Monroe "Happy Birthday Mr President" monologue and song to the delight of Michelle and adoring hubby Brenton.
"Sharply acidic but sweet on the after taste with a pronounced aroma of garlic."
Luckily not the wine but the verdict on main course from Chris and Wayne.
Suzanne in the barge. Sorry very lovely, statuesque vehicle. It's no way as big as most suburban housing blocks and nooooooo it doesn't need it's own oil well to keep it running. Brenton's Jeep has first dibs on that oil well . . .
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