Tuesday
Another day split between office and Kennards.
Came home and then we went out for dinner with Paul Seddon who is in town on business. Went to the London Club but service was crap and food took ages. It's very hit and miss.
Also in other news looking to sell the London Flat.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Forty Five
Monday
A very easy day at work, the morning spent sorting things out, returning kit to Sydney etc. The afternoon was spent at the Kennards warehouse doing a first major pass though everything. All the big stuff is sorted, now we just need to sort out all the tubs of kit, stock take and send it back to various places.
A very easy day at work, the morning spent sorting things out, returning kit to Sydney etc. The afternoon was spent at the Kennards warehouse doing a first major pass though everything. All the big stuff is sorted, now we just need to sort out all the tubs of kit, stock take and send it back to various places.
Day Seven Hundred and Forty Four
Sunday
We spent the day at Alma Park Zoo. An interesting place, a little small to be honest but was nice to get out and about.
In the evening we skyped the folks.
We spent the day at Alma Park Zoo. An interesting place, a little small to be honest but was nice to get out and about.
In the evening we skyped the folks.
Saturday 25 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Forty Three
Saturday
A very lazy day at home mainly. We just hung out around the place, did some housework and late in the afternoon walked to the Powerhouse for a drink. It's a great venue and only 10 minutes walk from here.
As I write this Kate is watching the Swans on the television.
A very lazy day at home mainly. We just hung out around the place, did some housework and late in the afternoon walked to the Powerhouse for a drink. It's a great venue and only 10 minutes walk from here.
As I write this Kate is watching the Swans on the television.
Day Seven Hundred and Forty Two
Friday
Another laid back day in the office, only sent a few emails. We had a team lunch at the local vegetarian restaurant to celebrate Khanh's my assistants birthday and to wish him well for his return to Melbourne.
He will be leaving Brisbane early as the funeral for Barry will be next week and he was a close friend and a team mate in previous TW events in Melbourne.
Cooked ribs and rice in the evening before catching up on lots of recorded TV.
Another laid back day in the office, only sent a few emails. We had a team lunch at the local vegetarian restaurant to celebrate Khanh's my assistants birthday and to wish him well for his return to Melbourne.
He will be leaving Brisbane early as the funeral for Barry will be next week and he was a close friend and a team mate in previous TW events in Melbourne.
Cooked ribs and rice in the evening before catching up on lots of recorded TV.
Day Seven Hundred and Forty One
Thursday 23rd June
A very relaxed day at work, went in late and came home early. Cooked risotto for dinner which went down very well.
A very relaxed day at work, went in late and came home early. Cooked risotto for dinner which went down very well.
Day Seven Hundred and Forty
Wednesday 22nd June
A day spent returning items to suppliers and doing very little around the office. Came home early and crashed out in front of TV in the evening after Skyping folks.
A day spent returning items to suppliers and doing very little around the office. Came home early and crashed out in front of TV in the evening after Skyping folks.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Nine
Tuesday 21st June
Spent the day at the Primary Industries building on Ann St doing a skill share exercise with Trailwalker teams from India, New Zealand and Hong Kong. All went very well.
We had a dinner at the Groove train on King George Square afterwards which was nice but still knackered post event.
Spent the day at the Primary Industries building on Ann St doing a skill share exercise with Trailwalker teams from India, New Zealand and Hong Kong. All went very well.
We had a dinner at the Groove train on King George Square afterwards which was nice but still knackered post event.
Monday 20 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Eight
Monday 20th June
A bit of a blur today, lots of people still in the office from Sydney and Melbourne. I put them to good use delivering back 4WDs, vans, keys etc etc.
No one seemed to work very late today, everyone is knackered from the crazy weekend.
All getting some rest before tomorrows Skill share activities.
Came home and fell asleep at about 9pm.
A bit of a blur today, lots of people still in the office from Sydney and Melbourne. I put them to good use delivering back 4WDs, vans, keys etc etc.
No one seemed to work very late today, everyone is knackered from the crazy weekend.
All getting some rest before tomorrows Skill share activities.
Came home and fell asleep at about 9pm.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Seven
Sunday 19th June
And so the event draws to a close. I left the house at about 5.30am to get to Event Control Centre to assist with packing up. As I arrived we still had teams out on the final section of the trail. They finally crossed the finish line at about 9am.
The info is here
http://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/2011/06/19/its-a-wrap-for-trailwalker-brisbane-2011/
We finally got everything packed up by 10am ish. We then spent time as a team reflecting on the events of the weekend, a time to pause and think about our great friend and supporter Barry. There were both tears and laughs.
Despite the tragedy of losing Barry the event seemed to go off very well, there were issues we can look at for 2012 but for a first year effort it seemed to go very well. There is lots of positive feedback which is encouraging.
It's time now to rest, regroup, put 2011 event to bed and move forwards to next year.
And so the event draws to a close. I left the house at about 5.30am to get to Event Control Centre to assist with packing up. As I arrived we still had teams out on the final section of the trail. They finally crossed the finish line at about 9am.
The info is here
http://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/2011/06/19/its-a-wrap-for-trailwalker-brisbane-2011/
We finally got everything packed up by 10am ish. We then spent time as a team reflecting on the events of the weekend, a time to pause and think about our great friend and supporter Barry. There were both tears and laughs.
Despite the tragedy of losing Barry the event seemed to go off very well, there were issues we can look at for 2012 but for a first year effort it seemed to go very well. There is lots of positive feedback which is encouraging.
It's time now to rest, regroup, put 2011 event to bed and move forwards to next year.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Six
Saturday 18th June
The day started where Friday finished, getting home at 1am. I was up again at 5.45 and on the road by 6.30am off to Checkpoint 3 to do the bump out. I was not scheduled to be here but withte events of yesterday and with lots of re planning at 1am in the morning I had to muck in with everyone else and get out there and assist to keep the event moving along.
Once CP3 was bumped out at around midday I headed back to the the event control centre. It was nice to get back to HQ and see what was happening with the event. Decided to head home at about 4pm for a break.
Kate and I made our way to the Finish line, one of the few sites I had not yet seen. It looked really good upon arrival and we stayed for 40 minutes or so and saw a number of teams come across the line.
Headed home to bed.
The day started where Friday finished, getting home at 1am. I was up again at 5.45 and on the road by 6.30am off to Checkpoint 3 to do the bump out. I was not scheduled to be here but withte events of yesterday and with lots of re planning at 1am in the morning I had to muck in with everyone else and get out there and assist to keep the event moving along.
Once CP3 was bumped out at around midday I headed back to the the event control centre. It was nice to get back to HQ and see what was happening with the event. Decided to head home at about 4pm for a break.
Kate and I made our way to the Finish line, one of the few sites I had not yet seen. It looked really good upon arrival and we stayed for 40 minutes or so and saw a number of teams come across the line.
Headed home to bed.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Five
Friday 17th June
And so to the first day of the event, all those months of planning coming together. I got up at 1.50am and by 2.45 I was at Bellbird Grove firing up generators and laying out the last of the Barricades at Registration.
Soon enough headlights came down the hill and people were arriving. Soon followed the first of nine buses. The process seemed to work with traffic control and people registered and then got on the buses and away up the hill.
After 3 cycles of that all the teams were on their way to the start. I then spent time cleaning up and moving on to the next job which was building checkpoints 5 and 6. The teams were coming through fast and so were were under pressure to to get everything ready.
At about 6pm I decided to head home via the event control centre. I wont go into details her, however things changed and from that point as we received the unfortunate news about our loyal supporter and friend Barry Russell who had passed away in section 3 of the trail.
I then spent another 5 hours at control dealing with things and re planning. I'm so proud of the way the team all stepped up and helped each other and carried the event through.
Finally got home long after midnight and into bead after a 23 hour day.
And so to the first day of the event, all those months of planning coming together. I got up at 1.50am and by 2.45 I was at Bellbird Grove firing up generators and laying out the last of the Barricades at Registration.
Soon enough headlights came down the hill and people were arriving. Soon followed the first of nine buses. The process seemed to work with traffic control and people registered and then got on the buses and away up the hill.
After 3 cycles of that all the teams were on their way to the start. I then spent time cleaning up and moving on to the next job which was building checkpoints 5 and 6. The teams were coming through fast and so were were under pressure to to get everything ready.
At about 6pm I decided to head home via the event control centre. I wont go into details her, however things changed and from that point as we received the unfortunate news about our loyal supporter and friend Barry Russell who had passed away in section 3 of the trail.
I then spent another 5 hours at control dealing with things and re planning. I'm so proud of the way the team all stepped up and helped each other and carried the event through.
Finally got home long after midnight and into bead after a 23 hour day.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Four
Thursday 16th June
A day spent out in the park building checkpoints and overseeing all the planning coming to Fruition. The day was long and a lot of time was spent in the 4wd driving in and out of the bush checkpoints.
Found myself up at the Start after dark helping with final bump in activities. Finally got home at about 9pm and headed off to bed for a very early start tomorrow.
A day spent out in the park building checkpoints and overseeing all the planning coming to Fruition. The day was long and a lot of time was spent in the 4wd driving in and out of the bush checkpoints.
Found myself up at the Start after dark helping with final bump in activities. Finally got home at about 9pm and headed off to bed for a very early start tomorrow.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Three
Wednesday 15th June
Sudden realisation today the event is here, to look up and see 6 staff form Sydney stood in the office looking back at you, waiting to be told what to do makes you realise the event is real.
Put everyone to work during the day on final things.
We had our final staff briefing at 7pm and it all went well. Everyone headed off and knew what they had to do over the next 4 days.
Headed home at about 9pm and did some final work until about midnight.
Sudden realisation today the event is here, to look up and see 6 staff form Sydney stood in the office looking back at you, waiting to be told what to do makes you realise the event is real.
Put everyone to work during the day on final things.
We had our final staff briefing at 7pm and it all went well. Everyone headed off and knew what they had to do over the next 4 days.
Headed home at about 9pm and did some final work until about midnight.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty Two
Tuesday 14th June
A few people from Sydney and Melbourne arrived today. Utilised them on bits and pieces. Worked until about 8p and went home for some rest.
A few people from Sydney and Melbourne arrived today. Utilised them on bits and pieces. Worked until about 8p and went home for some rest.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty One
Monday 13th June
Queens Birthday so a bank holiday here in Queensland. For us in the event team was like any other day, although no shops open to be able to buy stuff. Did some final scheduling etc and other things in preparation for event this week coming.
Queens Birthday so a bank holiday here in Queensland. For us in the event team was like any other day, although no shops open to be able to buy stuff. Did some final scheduling etc and other things in preparation for event this week coming.
Day Seven Hundred and Thirty
Two years down under
And so its now 2 years since we emigrated to Australia. In the second yearly review I'll summarise the previous year. You can read about year one here.
June 2010 saw us travel from Sydney up to Darwin for Anna and Ricks Wedding. Was a good chance to see Hazel over here in Australia too.
July 2010 was focused very much on long hours of work for Trailwalker event in Sydney. We also house sat in Willoughby for a week and I made trip to Brisbane for the first time.
August 2010 was again very much focused on the Sydney event with long hours and lots of briefings. No interstate travel though.
September 2010 was dominated by my trip alone back to the UK, was a great opportunity to catch up with people and the folks. Shame Kate couldn't make it across this time. We also did lots of wedding prep during September.
October 2010 was spent between Sydney and Brisbane. We made 3 trips up to Brisbane to find somewhere to live and finalise moving up. More wedding prep during October too.
November 2010 saw us finally move from Sydney to Brisbane. Lots of trips backwards and forwards on Virgin Blue.
December 2010 saw us make 2 trips back to Sydney including a lovely Christmas in Willoughby.
January 2011 was a manic month with floods in Brisbane, lots of resulting replanning for event as well as lots of prep for our wedding the following month.
February 2011 was a delightful month which saw us get married surrounded by family and friends here in Australia. Was great to have folks over as well as H&P and others.
March 2011 saw us head back to the UK via Dubai to continue wedding celebrations in UK. On return to Brisbane spent lots of time planning event for June.
April 2011 including a trip for me to Melbourne for their event, plus a trip back to Sydney to finalise our wedding album.
May 2011 was primarily focused on very long days and hours at work in preparation for the upcoming event in June.
Year 2 Trip Count
1 x Darwin
6 x Brisbane (from Sydney before we finally moved up)
7 x Sydney
2 x Melbourne
2 x UK
1 x Dubai
Exchange Rates (1GBP buys $)
June 14th 2009 2.02
June 14th 2010 1.71
June 14th 2011 1.53
And so its now 2 years since we emigrated to Australia. In the second yearly review I'll summarise the previous year. You can read about year one here.
June 2010 saw us travel from Sydney up to Darwin for Anna and Ricks Wedding. Was a good chance to see Hazel over here in Australia too.
July 2010 was focused very much on long hours of work for Trailwalker event in Sydney. We also house sat in Willoughby for a week and I made trip to Brisbane for the first time.
August 2010 was again very much focused on the Sydney event with long hours and lots of briefings. No interstate travel though.
September 2010 was dominated by my trip alone back to the UK, was a great opportunity to catch up with people and the folks. Shame Kate couldn't make it across this time. We also did lots of wedding prep during September.
October 2010 was spent between Sydney and Brisbane. We made 3 trips up to Brisbane to find somewhere to live and finalise moving up. More wedding prep during October too.
November 2010 saw us finally move from Sydney to Brisbane. Lots of trips backwards and forwards on Virgin Blue.
December 2010 saw us make 2 trips back to Sydney including a lovely Christmas in Willoughby.
January 2011 was a manic month with floods in Brisbane, lots of resulting replanning for event as well as lots of prep for our wedding the following month.
February 2011 was a delightful month which saw us get married surrounded by family and friends here in Australia. Was great to have folks over as well as H&P and others.
March 2011 saw us head back to the UK via Dubai to continue wedding celebrations in UK. On return to Brisbane spent lots of time planning event for June.
April 2011 including a trip for me to Melbourne for their event, plus a trip back to Sydney to finalise our wedding album.
May 2011 was primarily focused on very long days and hours at work in preparation for the upcoming event in June.
Year 2 Trip Count
1 x Darwin
6 x Brisbane (from Sydney before we finally moved up)
7 x Sydney
2 x Melbourne
2 x UK
1 x Dubai
Exchange Rates (1GBP buys $)
June 14th 2009 2.02
June 14th 2010 1.71
June 14th 2011 1.53
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Nine
Saturday 11th June
Kate an I spent the day driving to various event sites to get a GPS register on one of our GPS units for the event. I also spent some time in the office before a quiet night at home.
Kate an I spent the day driving to various event sites to get a GPS register on one of our GPS units for the event. I also spent some time in the office before a quiet night at home.
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Eight
Friday 10th June
More preparation for event, more deliveries arriving daily to both the office and Kennards. Event is one week away. Worked until about 7pm and then home for a well deserved break.
More preparation for event, more deliveries arriving daily to both the office and Kennards. Event is one week away. Worked until about 7pm and then home for a well deserved break.
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Seven
Thursday 9th June
More hard work in the office. Days are long and the event is drawing near!
More hard work in the office. Days are long and the event is drawing near!
Saturday 11 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Six
Wednesday
A morning in the office followed by an afternoon out at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Kate drove me there after picking me up form work as she came to volunteer at our Briefing night. Soon enough it was time to stand up in front numerous people (140 in first session, 350 in second session and 170 in third session) and make my presentation about trail safety etc. All went well without any nerves.
I'll add some pics here after the event, they are at work right now.
Took ourselves home and off to bed.
A morning in the office followed by an afternoon out at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Kate drove me there after picking me up form work as she came to volunteer at our Briefing night. Soon enough it was time to stand up in front numerous people (140 in first session, 350 in second session and 170 in third session) and make my presentation about trail safety etc. All went well without any nerves.
I'll add some pics here after the event, they are at work right now.
Took ourselves home and off to bed.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Five
Tuesday
Walked to work today to leave the car for Kate. She had a meeting with a recruitment agent which seemed to go well.
Worked until about 8pm and then came home.
Spent much of the day doing preparation for our briefing night tomorrow. I have to stand up and present to 400 people, oh yeah three times.
Walked to work today to leave the car for Kate. She had a meeting with a recruitment agent which seemed to go well.
Worked until about 8pm and then came home.
Spent much of the day doing preparation for our briefing night tomorrow. I have to stand up and present to 400 people, oh yeah three times.
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Four
Monday
A normal day in the office, no Bunnings, No Kennards, just a stright day at work!
A normal day in the office, no Bunnings, No Kennards, just a stright day at work!
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Three
Sunday
In work again! Was in office by 8.30, followed by a trip to Bunnings where we spent $1000 on kit.
Met Kate, Caroline, John and Mike for lunch at James St Bistro. Headed back to the office for the rest of the afternoon.
Came home and had dinner and Skyped folks.
Was a very good weekend and Kate got a lot of quality time with the Sydney gang, alas I was at work for much of it.
In work again! Was in office by 8.30, followed by a trip to Bunnings where we spent $1000 on kit.
Met Kate, Caroline, John and Mike for lunch at James St Bistro. Headed back to the office for the rest of the afternoon.
Came home and had dinner and Skyped folks.
Was a very good weekend and Kate got a lot of quality time with the Sydney gang, alas I was at work for much of it.
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty Two
Saturday
Up early and into the office at 7.30. Spent a good day catching up with stuff. Also spent time at Kennards.
Came home at about 4ish, had a quick shower and then we all went to the football at the Gabba. Was a good game but not as exciting as it could be after the Swans thrashed the Lions.
We all went for a drink or two post game and then Kate, Caroline and I came home, sat up talking til about 1.30 and then off to bed.
Up early and into the office at 7.30. Spent a good day catching up with stuff. Also spent time at Kennards.
Came home at about 4ish, had a quick shower and then we all went to the football at the Gabba. Was a good game but not as exciting as it could be after the Swans thrashed the Lions.
We all went for a drink or two post game and then Kate, Caroline and I came home, sat up talking til about 1.30 and then off to bed.
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty One
Friday
Another early start, this time I spent all day in the park with Parks and Wildlife Rangers and Queensland Ambulance Service. It take sit out of you driving around all day in a 4wd!
Got back to the office at about 3 pm and stayed there until 6ish. Drove home and picked up Kate and went shopping.
At 8ish Caroline arrived form Sydney and we all went for a drink at the Alibi Bar in New Farm.
Another early start, this time I spent all day in the park with Parks and Wildlife Rangers and Queensland Ambulance Service. It take sit out of you driving around all day in a 4wd!
Got back to the office at about 3 pm and stayed there until 6ish. Drove home and picked up Kate and went shopping.
At 8ish Caroline arrived form Sydney and we all went for a drink at the Alibi Bar in New Farm.
Thursday 2 June 2011
Day Seven Hundred and Twenty.
Another early start, back to Walkabout Creek to meet my marquee, power and toilet contractors. Spent the morning visiting event sites and signing off site plans I drew up for them. All seems good.
Another afternoon in the office. Came home early (well for me) and was back by 6 and Kate and I went late night shopping to Chermside.
Another afternoon in the office. Came home early (well for me) and was back by 6 and Kate and I went late night shopping to Chermside.
Day Seven Hundred and Nineteen
Wednesday
An early start and out to Walkabout Creek for a 9am start (was there at 8.15 for set up), had a safety briefing with all of our stakeholders, 18 people there in total. All went very well, no difficult question so I think our planning has been good so far.
An afternoon in the office.
Skyped folks in the evening.
An early start and out to Walkabout Creek for a 9am start (was there at 8.15 for set up), had a safety briefing with all of our stakeholders, 18 people there in total. All went very well, no difficult question so I think our planning has been good so far.
An afternoon in the office.
Skyped folks in the evening.
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