Day -4

Monday began with a 2.00am departure from Hervey Bay, followed by a day spent powering up the Bruce Highway. Breakfast in Rockhampton, lunch in Proserpine, and Cardwell for dinner. By 6.30pm the tent was up and we were all set for a relaxing evening ... or maybe just some well-earned sleep.

3 days of meeting with other officials and catching up with other Motortrailers old and new then followed. And, of course, close scrutineering of vehicles to check all entrantst had been good boys and girls and followed the detailed list of preparations sent out in order to be ready for the what lies ahead.

Election Day will be spent driving from Cairns to Laura, so there was also time taken to find a pre-poll booth and perform my patriotic duty before we leave.

Day 1

Friday evening, and P7 is now in Cairns after Day 1 of the 2010 J4K Motortrail.

After an early, and already warm, start at the Cardwell Coast Guard boat ramp, we made our way into Tully via some lush farming country for lunch. Some fun and games were had on the oval of the Tully Showgrounds before we all departed for the amazing Parronella Park - look it up; sensational.

Finally, we all made our way into Cairns. A few of us with some jobs to perform, some with some running repairs (better now than later), and some just to put up their tents and relax.

An interesting day. Mostly on the hardtop, but that is set to change.

Day 2

P7 and the J4K Motortrail is now in Laura. We spent the afternoon visiting some local schools, where some kids had travelled over an hour to be here - on a Saturday.

Today's drive was a mix of some spectacular country near Kuranda, down to the barren plains leading to Laura.

We have had our first taste of what will be lots and lots of dirt road, and the first of a couple of million corrugations. Our local friends have let us know about some poor road conditions ahead, so everyone will be securing and repacking accordingly. Tyre pressures have been discussed, with Motortrailers making some informed decisions before setting off for Weipa in the morning.

Did somebody say something about an election today? Who is Prime Minister?

Day 3

P7 is in Weipa after a busy day. The Motortrail had its share of minor dramas, but the team pulled together to get everyone into town while the sun was still shining.

After a long transit stage today, and the wind whipping up the dust during our lunch stop at Archer River, the pool was a very welcome sight indeed upon rolling into Weipa.

But seriously, who is Prime Minister?

Day 4

While the other 'Trailers have a lay day in Weipa, Team Tugboat and P7 headed out to Bramwell Station and then onto the Overland Telegraph Line for a recon before the rest of the Motortrail heads North tomorrow. Doesn't look too bad. Spending the night at Twin Falls. No internet coverage until Thursday.

Day 5

The rest of the Motortrail followed our lead, with some taking the Overland Telegraph Line and some choosing a less challenging route.

Day 6

Well, it's Wednesday and Team P7 is in Seisa. A good day on the second part of the OTL today. There are lots of photos, but they will have to wait until there is some truly reliable internet access.

So, now can you tell me whether Julia or Tony is our Prime Minister?

Day 7

Staying put today. The rooftop tent had a chance to stay set up for a while, and we headed over to Thursday Island for the day. A great day.

Day 8

Lay day at the tip today. Resting up for a big couple of days ahead, without mobile coverage or internet access.

You'll tell me who the Prime Minister is when I get back into range, right?