Fran's Backpack - Locomotives of Australia: 1850s to 2010

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Locomotives of Australia: 1850s to 2010 [Hardcover].

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
The first edition of this book appeared as a 272 page work three decades ago, its main aim being to provide a potted examination of the multiplicity of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that have graced this country from 1854. Since this first humble appearance, the book has grown in content, photography and style, and examining in some detail the massive technological changes that have swept onto the Australian locomotive scene. With an up-to-date map of the nations rail system and photographs provided by some of the nations more dedicated photographers, this book continues to provide a concise profile of the country's diversified motive power in what is the largest railway book yet produced in this country.

Walkabout on Tasmania's Overland Track

Walking on Tasmania's Overland Track you discover a few quirky little things. Like this "loo with a view" near the historic Du Cane Hut.


People in the bush are very inventive. In order to preserve the wilderness near this hut, an ingenious open air toilet has been fashioned out of a remnant tree trunk.




It's all very mod con, with a hollow for the loo, two lids and a flag system to let others know that the loo is occupied.

This truly is a "loo with a view", not only for the user but also for anything wandering around in the bush nearby!

Oh, the joys of trekking!

Another "loo with a view" http://franwest2.blogspot.com/2010/08/flyabout-to-preservation-island-bass.html

Fran West Walkabout on Tasmania's Overland Track

Tasmania's Overland Track is one of the world's great walks - 5 nights, 6 days and about 80 kilometres of walking (including detours to beauty spots).



It was one of my life's challenges after surviving a head on collision in a car (not a plane). I had to go to the gym to rehabilitate and do extra training with a backpack just to prove that the accident wasn't going to stop me.

I did the walk but was always at the back, not just because of my bad knees and feet, but because there are just so many things to photograph.

Unfortunately, the accident has slowed me down, but determination can overcome a lot of negatives in our lives.

And yes, this trip has also been made into a best selling DVD.
Watch a snippet here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfMGrq6q6ps