 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 4 October 15
Pinjarra to Waroona
Well today is our fourth day on the road and we are tired.
We started the day with our self catered breakfast and packed up before heading off to Pinjarra via the Harvey Norman store in Mandurah.
Joining us on the journey were Steve Malaxos, Peter Ferman, Brian Brajkovich, several Apexians and Guy Mansell.
Lunch was provided for by Cath – our Birthday girl and included sandwiches, fruit, juice and a cuppa for those that needed a “reviver”. Hilly supplied a birthday “cake” for Cath.
Glen Turnbull joined us at lunch and as a Massage Therapist provided a rub-down for a lucky few.
Finish point was Centenary Park in Waroona before retiring for an evening at the Drakesbrook Hotel to enjoy exceptional hospitality of our host, Steve Crookes.
Recovery was poolside and for the first time out came the massage table! Glen and Guy were amazing and certainly had everyone stimulated after their session. The support crew of “Tom” (Warren) and Harry were disappointed that their offers to provide additional massages to the ladies were declined.
Fabulous Harvey beef for dinner before a sports panel session for the locals with Ken Judge, Steve Malaxos, Peter German and Josh Carr supplied entertainment for one and all. Some rather “hairy” questions were fired at the Freo boys but they handled these with their customary diplomacy.
The Apexians – who have been a godsend, happily assisted with selling raffle tickers and a small auction was held raising $3,030!
On top of all this PEACH (Personnel Employed by Alcoa Charity Help) made a wonderful donation of $10,000!!!
The Kerro’s Medallion was presented to Cath Anderson for her tireless efforts to sustain us and the Downlow Medal to Karen Smart for leaving her mobile phone in the toilets of the Peel Ale House on the previous night and needing to pay someone to take her back to retrieve it!
Further to this a “fines system” was implemented. $2.00 fines were imposed on walkers, crew and support staff who are nominees for the Downlow Medal.
On a final note there are some people we would like to thank and also to enlighten you on the actual walk.
Titan Ford have generously allowed us the use of:-
The escort vehicles – there is one in front of us to warn oncoming traffic and one behind us to protect the walkers and advise those vehicles that will be passing us.
We have a courtesy bus to transport the walkers and some sporting memorabilia and a sedan for the Sportspro team co-ordinating the event to run between venues.
As the two escort vehicles cannot leave the walkers we have another sedan generously offered to us by Geographe Ford in Bunbury that does the incidental trips.
……………… and still there is more!
We have Ross Whiteman’s F250 which transports the luggage and Cath Anderson’s Landcruiser that transports the lunches!
It certainly represents a flotilla – what a sight and they have all been badged kindly by Star Signs with the logos of all sponsors !
Our drivers include – Dick Ryan lead escort vehicle
Harry Marques – luggage
Warren (now knows as “Tom”) – incidental vehicle
Therefore we have a “Tom, Dick and Harry”
Daniel Metcalf – rear escort vehicle.
Harry seems to enjoy driving Ross’ big red truck around town on “mystery” errands that need attending to – but we think he just likes to do the laps in the truck!
Daniel “Piglet” has probably the most difficult and mind draining exercise driving with Dick at 6km/hr and must ensure the safety of the walkers. Dick whilst driving at the front also needs to block roads so the walkers can have safe access when crossing intersections etc., Their tasks are not underestimated by the walkers – without doubt they have our lives in their hands and we can now say that we need not look before crossing because we are so confident in them doing their job.
All of these people have provided their time willingly and manage to do it all with enthusiasm and much fun.
Finally before signing off today we cannot thank Steve and his team at the Drakesbrook Hotel. Here’s a sample of the generosity of the people we meet along the way –
Not only did Steve provide the great, clean accommodation for us at the Drakesbrook, he insisted that he also supply “free-of-charge” our evening and breakfast meals. When we actually went to settle the bar and sandwich bill – he now refuses to let us pay! STEVE AND THE DRAKESBROOK HOTEL – YOU’RE LEGENDS - THANK YOU!
