Sunday July 30th

Up and off to join the other visitors and many locals at the Bore baths , over the last couple of days have seen many sights people arriving and leaving in PJs, dressing gowns and wearing shower caps, so think what the heck will Pink it up! 

One local commented I rocked it 110%, I did see a few people smile and try not to look!! 

Back for Sunday breakie Bacon, eggs and sausages, my fellow weekender travellers pack up ready to head back to Dubbo. 

Steve family friend drops by to saw hi and is happy to Pink it up! 

Now hitting around 30% put on the swimmer reminds me I must get one of those bikini T shirts like Mel had on in show would be so much kinder to others eyes! Head over to the park pool for a refreshing dip in the mid 20s . Time seems to just get away time for a shower and catch Mel and Susie's last show for this visit! They have been a great support mentioning Groovy and the mission of raising awareness. They gift me their CD's and DVD for my travels.

Saturday July 29th

Up to join the many locals again at the Artesian Bore baths, it is warm but they tell you it is great for arthritis and you only need to stay in for 10 mins at a time! 

Back of another cooked bush breakie, sausages, bacon and eggs. 

Time to go and do some exploring, first stop out to the Walk in Mine,  and they had a Pink hat , I forgot I have one in Groovy , quick bite of lunch, then a tour of the Chamber of the Black hand down 88 steps or in my case a little trip in a lift with local Dave! I am so excited to get to wear my  PINK Mc Grath Foundation safety hat, everyone else had blue. I had a few offers to buy it, but it is not for sale even to a gold MasterCard! 

This place was amazing around 700 hand cravings, painting and sculptures! 

So remember what goes down must come up, up the 88 stairs and after that breathtaking tour. It's onto to the next stop. 

Ok so  what girl or princess doesn't love a castle so we head out to Amigos Castle as seen on TV , WOW I have never seen so much stuff, and quirky signs.

Amigo comes out we say hello how are you? His response...good I am still kicking as he shakes his leg, a real character I would say after seeing his photo board. After exploring and hearing the history. 

Check the time only 1/2 hr until Happy hour we head back decide to drive in to see a few camps now I won't say we got lost but we may have lost our bearings but the road we took got us out might have been the road less travelled and the long way round, not the way we went in but happy to say we made it back in time to catch another Mel an Susie show! 

Decide we will head to the Bore baths again, the way I am going I will be running home!  

We have our Pizza's at the camp kitchen then sit around the fire chatting to fellow travellers. It really is a small world 2 ladies sat down and chatted working out they had gone to school together 50 years ago, they were 7 years apart remembered each other and both knew so many of the same people!

Friday July 28th

Up head down to the Artesian Bore baths, spot Johnny from Fulong wines Mudgee, back for a good bush breakfast, bacon , eggs and tomotoes. 

Head into town for a spot of shopping, a must a visit to the John Murray Art Gallery then up the street to check out the many stalls set up for the Opal festival. 

Mel and Susie drop by to checkout Groovy in their Pink, they invite me to get up at happy hour and tell others what I am doing! After the show so many beautiful people come up for a chat!

Thursday July 27th

Today heading out to the home of the Black Opal Lightning Ridge! 

Lunch stop at 2828 Cafe Gulargambone. Then onto Coonamble  through Walgett, arrive in Lightning Ridge and check in, now quickly off  for our first happy hour, we set up our chairs, table and cheese platter under a shady tree, cheers seems strange for the park being full with about 350 people no one else set up! We look over and the shed is full of laughing people so off we head and bush poet duo Mel and Susie are entertaining the crowd! Great show wandering back we see a crowd of people under a sign in a tree and decide to throw on a scarf and catch the bus into club for dinner.

Weekend Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July

Load up and take short drive along the golden highway 

Lovely 2 nights spend with family at the Nyngan Caravan Park. 

Great spot for to wander and chillax 

Canoe on the Bogan, through in a few lines. Camp fire with sparklers and marshmallows. 

Saturday to lovely ladies from Victoria call by for a chat and a few photos. 

Sunday drive down the main photo with the big Bogan, head to the park a young boy 10 or 12 scooters over to ask about Groovy he said I have never seen a number plate with so many same letters and numbers. Was cute.

Monday July 3rd

Wake to still a little dusting of white outside! Then a knock on the door ag 8.30, a few of the residents went to there weekly cards game last night, up the road a few kms at local Ken Tuckey home. Talk ing about Groovy he was keen to find out more so Geoff has brought him over to meet me, we chat for nearly hour, Ken is a champion fundraiser for many causes, he had supported the Mc Grath foundation when he drove this tractor 25,000kms throughout Australia. Ken is more than happy to pose and swing a few bras. 

Time to pack up and secure cabin for takeoff, say a farewell to Nobby, Chris, Graham and Geoff who are having a morning chat in the sun. 

Coffee  from the local Bakery, then on the road to home. 

There are a few light showers on the trip.

Sunday July 2

Nice white blanket outside again, all the water pipes frozen. So up to make the standard Sunday morning Bacon and Eggs & coffee. Outside in the sun by 10am wrapped in a pink blanket although my weather apps says it is 9 degrees when the breeze picks up feels like 0!!! Time to do some writing for the next project, look up and Nobby is doing a morning walk around the park we chat he a well spoken elderly chap. He always has a story he had worked as a pilot in the RAAF, before  travelling for 12 years in this van, now settled in Coolah. 

He heads over to chat to another full time resident Chris. Many of the residents are out walking their 4 legged friends this morning. 

Chris McMillian calls over as they still have water, there cabin is not affected by the burst pipe, kindly fills my pink jug and offers I can use there shower if needed! 

Return and get a few more words down then Barry comes around on his scooter, we chat when I say I am leaving to be back in Dubbo for a Rotary changeover dinner, he tells me he apart of the Rotary Nomads and scoots off to get me some cards to pass on. 

Now about 14 of the full time residents are heading up the the local bowling club for a Chinese lunch, one of the ladies had been unwell recently and everyone had helped look after things while she was a way and not upto doing things. So she shouting her Angels a lunch to say thanks to her friends in there little park community. 

Sue calls up to checkout Groovy, as we chat, the clock hits 4.15 we see Nobby as he heads over to happy hour, I am told he is always  first to arrive and takes up his position at the end of the table. Lyndy and Deb call up to checkout Groovy and the Pink. 

We head down to the fire for the daily happy hour catch up! It doesn't take long to cool off head back to the van, heat and PJ's on have Lasagne and Kale Salad for Dinner, then snuggle under my Pink doona and watch some TV.

Saturday July 1

Wake up look out the window to a winter white blanket outside, so happy to be inside under my pink blankets having coffee. 

Pinked up, walking through stop and have a lovely catch up with Chris McMillian ex Dubbian, then its time to head out for a walk around this little town, calling into shops chatting to locals, handing out Breastscreen nail files and asking if they have had a screen! 

Liz from the lovely little gift shop  Country Elegance Giftware, and I had a lovely chat she so supportive of spreading the word. I also brought a few more Pink items because I could! 

Jill Cook comes over she is a fellow Rolling Solo she said I have inspired her to get motor home out and ready for the Stuck in the Middle.

Time for a bit of paperwork and shower to be ready for 4.30 happy hour. 

A very uplifting day! 

Friday June 30

Fill the girls tank, head out along the Golden Highway, then turn along Black Stump Way to Coolah, Home of the Black Stump. 

Set up on a beautiful sunny site, make some lunch few catch up calls, then happy hour starts at 4.30. 

First chat to Nobby he has been here 5 years, after 12 years as a grey nomad travelling around Australia several times and said there is still so much he hasn't seen. 

Chat with Sue, she had her Screen just 2 weeks back in Dubbo, she is hosting a craft morning on Wednesday so ask if I can leave her, cards, information and nail files to pass on. Sue has a stubby holder, she pulls out the can and says this is for you and in there is $10, very touched she said its not much and I wish it was 100's,  but hope it helps you to continue to spread the word.

Head out by the fire and surprised to see Geoff McMillian ex Dubbian who had Bussiness Colour copy shop in Dubbo. 

Thursday June 29

Up at 5.15am to be at Taronga Western Plains Zoo by 6am ,for the Today Show live , " We love Australia" Tour celebrating 35 years. 

Can't miss an opportunity to Pink up and fly the bras. Great fun in Groovys hometown. Also supporting the Ryan Medley fund. Well done to all involved, Chanel 9 staff and crew, zoo staff and volunteers, the Dubbo community.

Wednesday June 21

Wake to the sound of birds, no highway noise, clear blue sky another mild 20 degree, feeling sad to have to leave, it's been a great 3 nights, such a relaxing tranquil place. 

Time to have a photo with my lovely neighbours for the last 3 nights John and Jean they have been travelling Australia for 10 years. 

Thanks to Geoff and Sarah Hill for the fabulous country hospitality at your Tooraweenah Caravan Park Cabins & Camping. I'll be back!!

Now the short 42kms drive to Gilgandra the home of the Coo- ee and windmills. 

Time for a coffee and wander around shops a pick up a few items Pink of course. 

On the road back to Dubbo my right hand gets plenty of exercise waving to  over 100 fellow travellers heading north to the warmer weather. 

Arrive home to a pile of parcels, Dad says I am worn out if it wasn't someone knocking on door with parcel, I was going out to mail box, or down to post office to collect! No more! Thinking my OCP is getting out of control. 

Tuesday June 20th

After another restful night, set up outside with a morning coffee in the sun another clear winters day , not a cloud and 20 degree make some phone calls , send some emails and then pen some words for my book. Sarah comes over and says one of the ladies from last night rang her 2 daughters this morning to go and book mammograms. 

Head in to watch the mid day movie but the second half with eyes closed. 

Time for a bit more work, time to shower and get ready for happy hour, tonight Sarah brings a cheese platter. 

Geoff says he had a scan today, we all say hope he is ok, he laughs yes it is a Senior Citizen Afternoon Nap, he said if you say you had a scan people don't like to say to much!

Monday June 19

This morning wake after a very restful nights sleep, slight breeze with sun shining a nice 20 degree for a winters day, Sitting having a morning coffee when Sarah comes over and says I am going to cook a pot of pumpkin soup for happy hour, and invite anyone to come along and meet you and hear your story! She said ask anyone you see on your walk this morning, so walk the streets of this quaint little town reading plagues of its history and chatted to some locals. Country people are so friendly. Head to happy hour and there are 6 couples, Sarah, Geoff and myself tell them my story , My Time with  breast cancer, why and how I foundered Pink Angels, the shades of Pink the work of the BCNA, Mc Grath Foundation and National Breast Cancer Foundation, challenging them to start the conversation, and encourage people to be looking after there health and be having regular screens.  I then recite The Mammogram by Shirley Friend. They generously made donations totalling $70 to help groovy fly the bras! Feeling very humble. 

Sunday June 18

This morning got up and decided to spin the bottle, only have 3 nights so want to stay close but still get those new bras flying, and the winner was Tooraweenah. 

Decide to get off the main highway so head to Mendooran after a quick lunch stop there and drive around the streets waving to locals, I follow the sign to Tooraweenah not far out I hit gravel ( I realise then that is why the road on my map is broken) first gravel road for Groovy, it brings back memories of travelling the outback with the Rotary Club of Dubbo South Destination Outback in 2012 & 2014. 

All of a sudden a ute behind overtakes and vision of the road goes to nothing but red dust! But just keep rattling along! Listening to Sarah Head. 

Arrive at the Tooraweenah home of the quietest caravan park along the Newell. Met by hosts Sarah and Geoff, Geoff helps by directing my backing onto site, 5 mins later Sarah arrives with a hot scone with jam and cream. And says she you at daily happy hour at the fire 5pm, arrive met other nomads, Jean and John have been here 3 weeks and on the road for 10 years! Sarah then whips up a emu egg dip. Great country hospitality.

Saturday June 17

Take Groovy up to her day spa for a good shampoo , thanks to Renae who scrubbed her, then when she has her sparkle back, we fitted her out with some new pink bras, after 7,000kms some of the other one were looking a little faded.

Thursday June 15th

Nice peaceful night in the quite Country Club park. Great hosts Nick and Kev and their family. 

Meet up with Peter, Leo and Chris for a coffee at the Mc Feeters Motor Museum. 

Peter organises for me to go through, very impressive so worth a visit. 

Then a nice cruise flying the bras along Lake Forbes very pretty, a more few quick laps of the main. 

Decide to head back to Parkes. 

Pulled up at club for a Chicken parmie for lunch.

Now time for a wander around town  and see want Parkes sells in Pink!!! 

Pick up a few useless Pink items!! 

And a few new pink bras for Groovy. 

Check into Spicers Caravan Park.

Wednesday June 14th

Time to hit the highway, safety check done on Groovy, today will head on the Newell Highway to Forbes. 

Just outside Dubs pull up for the first lot of road works of the day, and being first the lovely lady comes over for a chat, now I have often wondered what they say into their walkie talkie when I pull up, the call came through from the other end saying last car will be a taxi, she said I beat that, you should see what is coming your way it's awaresome Groovy Booby Bus and it is covered in bras!!! 

Puts on smile on my old dial! 

It was a beautiful clear day and edging up to about 21degree didn't feel like winter at all. Driving along singing my song 'Gyspy Soul' by my home girl Sarah Head, It is hard not to notice how dry it is, just doesn't seem right after watching all the down pour and floods in Sydney and down the coast on TV over the weekend! 

Arrive at Forbes first stop Visitors Information Centre to pick up the local map and a sticker. Groovy is getting a sticker from all the places she has a sleepover! 

Time for a quick bite at the local bakery, a wander through the local shops, pick up a few new pink bras for Groovy at the op shop and buy a few raffle tickets , then its to the towns Victoria Park for an interview with the Forbes Advocate newspaper. 

3pm Check in to the Country Club caravan park, very quite and relaxed.

5.30pm head to the Vandenberg Hotel to guest speak at the Forbes Rotary Club meeting! Lovely to meet 14 of the members and tell them my story. 

Saturday May 27th

Today we were invited to be in the Grand Parade at the 2017 Dubbo Show, which is the 144th annual show.

Co pilots- Ann , Carrie - Ann and Emily. 

Groovy was very impressed with the Isuzu Team dmax percussion driving display, driving on 2 wheels and few jumps, and the team we impressed with Groovy and happy to put on a bra to show their support and have a photo.  

The lovely young guys from the NSW rural fire service more than happy to bra up for a photo. 

Out on the track so much fun flying the bras, lots of waves and smiles.