Well, I've been deliberately laying low around here, but wanted to drop by and say Thanks.
For those who haven't known me on the forum I was over in Saudi for the last 3 and bit years and I've been back about 2 months now.
I'm really happy to say I'm back in Australia now (back in Ballarat), but coming home meant the end of the Patrol. Sadly the steering wheel was on the wrong side, so no point even considering to bring it back. I did have a great time while away including having my first go at a Patrol. Of course playing in a massive sand pit was such a luxury that is hard to beat (maybe the 12c/litre for fuel was also high on the list of top things!). Family reasons brought us home and I was fortunate to get work again back in Ballarat. Things on the family and work front are going well, so in all I'm really happy.
Why did I keep away for a while? Well, to be honest so I wouldn't be too tempted to come back and blow a heap of dough that I don't really have. Man, I really enjoyed the GU. The 4.8 Petrol also really had some stick and it was just fantastic fun. It was a little beat up already, so I didn't have to be precious with it. Coming back here I really wanted another one. But to get another one either already kitted or get one and kit it out, well I would have just gone and borrowed heaps too much money that I shouldn't. I started looking at GQ's under 10k, but seriously fellas, sorry, I had a GU - how could I go back ...(flame war fanned)
In the end I've bought myself a pretty straight old 1997 Jackaroo. Having had two of these before (as Troopers in Saudi) I also have a soft spot for them. It's not a Patrol, I'm not kidding myself there, but it'll do 90% of what I want offroad and 100% of what I want on road, which is where it will spend most of it's time. It already came pretty kitted out, so no extra spend. One day I dream of being back in a GU, but I'll have to wait until I can afford it, so that's not gonna be anytime soon.
Back to where I started.Thanks Guys! This forum has a really great community feel about it and it has been great to be hanging around the edge of it. Solved so many issues and found lots of inspiration without even having to put up many posts. Had many a giggle and down right laughter and it always helped to remind me of good Aussie culture while I was away (does hanging shit on each other qualify for "good"? Surprising how strange it is that you can miss that when it's not there) So, my Patrol days are over for now, but I'll probably still lurk a bit to see what's going on. No real active following for the Jacks these days, so won't find a good group like here I think. Might even put pressure on to turn up to an outing without a Patrol some day (would still love to meet a few of you, since many are in the neighbourhood)
A special thanks to AB for keeping it together, but also to all of you.
Thanks,
Cameron.
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