Quilters World

Sights from the OBT 2008

Outback Tour - 22 Grannies to the Rescue!!

Every day is memorable when you're travelling the Outback. Then there are those extraordinary days!!

We left Kalbarri early, filled with anticipation on this warm and sunny day. Along the roadside wildflowers were starting to bloom. Our coach captain Phil was taking us to a nature walk that he said was spectacular. We arrived at the turnoff and discovered it was closed because of all the rain. Phil not wanting to get bogged (even though he remembered to bring a shovel this time just in case he had to dig the coach out), thought better of trying it anyway so we travelled on, stopping along the way to take pictures of the flowers along the road.

Well that threw the whole day's schedule off (as happens at times). Next we headed toward the Billabong Roadhouse for lunch.

About 25 k's out of our destination, we heard a distress call over the two way. A ute had broken down and they needed some oil. Phil was carrying extra oil onboard, so stopped to see if he could help.

You can imagine everyone's surprise when nearing the location of the breakdown we first see a 50 ton tip truck bucket.

There was a ute though, which belonged to a young couple, Ron and Sonja, who were on their way home. Also with them was their four week old baby.

Pauline was out of the coach in a flash and before you knew it, our numbers increased by two. Sonja and baby Ella Grace joined us in air conditioned comfort in the coach for the ride to the roadhouse.

And, oh, 22 grandmothers (if you could get the baby away from Pauline) were there to take over the nursing while Sonja collected herself (they had been travelling since 2am).

Sonja joined us for lunch while we waited for the ute to be towed in and it gave more of the grannies an opportunity to play with Ella Grace.

This is what the outback is truly about - strangers helping strangers. No hesitation to stop and help - even a 50 ton tip truck bucket with a lead truck and a chase truck.

And if our morning hadn't gone off schedule......Obviously, it was meant to be.

Sonja and her husband live in Carnarvon and we will call in on them to make sure all is well and to let all the grannies play with Ella Grace just one more time.

Pauline & Patty

Outback 2008 - A Note From Denham

Where the heck is Denham??? It's the most westerly town in the whole of Australia! The population is 200 - we increased that by 10% when we arrived.

We've had a great couple of days.

Yesterday we fed the dolphins and than went out on a catamaran to see dugongs - distant cousin of the manatee but with "mermaid" tails instead of "rudder" tails.

We saw 13, several of them with calves!Then the captain let Patty steer the boat in, up to the docking part when he said girls can't park worth beans.

A dangerous statement when he was greatly outnumbered!

Last night we put on a mini olympics - only three countries showed: Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The Aussies wooped the American bums. Patty was not so good when all she could do was Yankee Doodle. But the Kiwi's outshone us all singing their national anthem.

Off to Carnarvon today with adventures still ahead of us.

Patty and Pauline.

Touring the Outback 2008

Day 1: Packing the coach in Sydney

Day 2: Wagga Wagga and the Blue Wren Quilters

Day 3: Renmark Quilters

Day 6: Halfway Across Australia

 

Day 7:  The Nullarbor Plain

 

Day 10: The Esperance Quilters

Especially Designed to Satisfy Even the Most Avid Quiltaholic!

The Quilters Outback Tour

Imagine 22 days of fun, laughter, quilting & sharing good times with good company.

All those days away  no cooking or cleaning or everyday worries!!  Just relaxation and sewing whenever you want. All while discovering the Outback spirit.

You'll go home with a superb quilt, plus other projects you make along the journey. And some great memories! This is guaranteed to be the best quilting holiday around.

Quilting Highlights include:
•  Fantastic workshops with Pauline Rogers and American quilter and author, Patty McCormick. Just imagine the tips and secrets you'll learn spending 22 days with two expert tutors.
•  Quilt shop stops along the way
•  Lectures
•  A variety of hand sewing projects for on board the  coach
•  Gatherings with quilting groups where you will meet some of the most incredible and resourceful women anywhere
•  Sewing machines and all materials are provided
•  Plus lots more surprises along the way (those we're keeping secret)

Experience the Raw Beauty & Grandeur that is Australia!

On the Quilters Outback Tour

From tiny to huge to all encompassing – the splendour of the Outback

Highlights of the 2008 Quilters Outback Tour Travel Itinerary

• traversing the Tanami Desert
• cruise Katherine Gorge
• spectacular Lake Argyle
• visit to Windjana and Gieke Gorges and Tunnel Creek
• drive along the Gibb River Road
• stop at Mataranka Hot Springs
• outing to the Qantas Museum at Longreach
• countless amazing photo opportunities
• plus much, much more.

Where Would You Find the Most Memorable Quilting Experience of a Lifetime?

On the Quilters Outback Tour

The Quilters Outback Tour combines the allure of the Australian Outback with 22 days of guilt-free quilting, making the trip the perfect getaway for quilters.

Let the Beauty of the Outback Inspire Your Quilting!

You'll embark upon a spectacular journey of one of the most awe inspiring landscapes in the world. The trip is carefully planned (just like a quilt) to ensure everyone enjoys their experience to the fullest

Leave the Daily Grind Behind!

The camaraderie begins at the Welcome Dinner in the unofficial capital of the Outback, Alice Springs, where you’ll meet your hosts and companions for the next three weeks. You’ll leave everyday worries and responsibilities behind, while you’re treated to 22 days of no cooking and no cleaning!  Just relax and let us look after you.