Adventurers Diary
Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies
Winning the war against midges or sand flies is a constant battle as Summer at the beach is the Australian way of life.
Tourists arrive in Australia by the thousands every year, all looking to share in the dream of the great Australian outdoors. Our amazing Country is renowned for sunny days, blue skies, warm weather and extraordinary beaches.
85% of Australians live near the beach along the coastline and we love to fish, swim and sun bake over the warmer months. In winter, southerners flock to the northern states to take advantage of the warm weather.
Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies
The typical Aussie dress at the beach of bikinis or shorts and thongs leaves us very exposed to biting insects and the unseen scourge of the beach has to be the almost invisible Midge, or Sand fly as it’s more commonly known here in Australia and also in New Zealand.
Its scientific name is Ceratopogonidae (let’s see you say that 3 times after a few chardonnays).
This little blood sucking, demon bug is a small insect from the Midge family. The smaller Sand Fly can actually make their way through insect screens, and we learnt that fast during an overnight stay in Gladstone.
They do carry diseases. Because they rely on blood to produce eggs they will feed on other living animals other than humans and can therefore spread diseases when they bite us.
Here are some of my quick tips!!
Sand Fly Myths
There’s a common myth that the Sand Fly pees on you, let me debunk that theory here.
Sand Flies are bloodsuckers and they bite you. They don’t pee or urinate on you, thankfully. They do inject a salivary secretion in that produces a skin reaction of varying intensity, depending on an individual’s reaction.
It is an allergic reaction from protein in the Sand Fly saliva. My wife Adele is one of those that suffers badly from Sand Fly bites and comes up in big bite marks and welts as you can see in the photos.
I’ve always been curious who came up with this myth about Sand Flies peeing on you. I can just envisage a few pranksters around a campfire telling the girls they were peed on and the rumour has spread ever since. What a great prank.
Sand Fly’s requires protein from blood to reproduce.
Different Types of Midges
There are hundreds of different types of Midges. Sand Flies are in fact a Midge. There are many different types of Midges and Sand Flies are from the Midge family.
Different places call it by either name but they are ultimately talking about the same beast.
In North America they call them “no-see-ums”.
The Midge or Sand Fly that bites you in mangroves is a different species to the one which bites you in the sand at the beach, but they both come from the same family of biting Midge. You may have noticed the Sand Fly’s at the beach tend to have white wings unlike the one in mangroves, which is mostly black. Personally, I identify the ones with white wings as Sand Flys and the black ones as Midges. That’s just my own ID plan but they are actually the same ultimately.
Sand Fly
When you begin to first notice the affects of a Sand Fly bite you can almost guarantee you were bitten 24 hours previously. Think back to the same time the previous day and you are likely to work out where it happened.
Prevention
Cover up. One thing I do like about winter at the beach is you are usually wearing more clothing and therefore have less skin exposed for Sand Flies to access. This is fine if you want to go fishing but swimming in winter however you don’t see too many people swimming at Surfers Paradise during our cold months unless you’re a tourist from Ireland, Russia or those mexicans from down south in Victoria. This is not the case in the Top End of Oz where it’s basically summer all year round and there’s just 2 seasons, Hot and Melting.
I like to wear a fishing shirt, it provides good protection and isn’t too hot to wear even in summer.
Wash often. They get into everything and once they do they stay there. Clothes, sheets, towels, blankets, potentially everything. If you are still getting bitten the next day after having been at the beach then wash everything.
Remove any sand from your vehicle, caravan or inside your campsite.
Apply repellents as necessary every morning when you are camping or going fishing.
Repellents
There are lots of natural and home made options which can be chemical free, try one of these.
50% Dettol, 50% Baby Oil and then add 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus Oil for each 400ml of liquid
Another one is:
500ml Sorbolene
125ml bottle Aeroguard Tropical
50ml Tea Tree Oil
50ml Dettol
Mix into a 1L spray bottle
We also use a simple mix of Avon Skin So Soft Baby Oil and water. Just use a 50/50 mix. We were given this remedy by the manager of the Caravan Park at Bucasia Beach in Mackay and the sand flies there can be savage.
For me, standard sprays usually work such as Rid, Off, Aeroguard or similar repellent. Adele however has a reaction to the chemical based repellents and finds ‘The Locals’ cream or spray to be very effective.
The cream has a stop itch component as well which helps to not only prevent bites but also sooth the itch once bitten.
The Locals is definitely Adele’s repellent of choice.
Treatment
Ill get to the best chemical free treatment in a minute but we have found DermAid cream to be effective for us. It seems to stop the itch quickly and provide fast relief. Also we have Stingose and Sooov on hand and Adele has often used Calamine lotion to varying degrees of success.
We recently tried Bushman but must say I didn’t like it and I’m not a fan but it may work for you.
And here’s the thing, because we are all made up of different chemical balances and blood types, the same treatment doesn’t work for everyone.
Have you ever seen someone ask the question online of what works for treatment of bites from these terrorists of the beach? Everyone has a different opinion of what works and normally there’s a lot of responses all saying different remedies.
The one thing I have learnt is that everyone is different regarding what works as both prevention and remedy for them. Try as many options as you reasonably can and see what works best for you.
Treatment Tip
For the BEST method to stop the itch is a Hot shower or using a spoon apply hot water until the spoon is as hot as you can stand it and place it on the bite. Be careful and don’t burn yourself and your skin.
Remember earlier I mentioned protein is in the secretion from the Midge and it causes the itch? Heat will break down the protein and therefore stop the itch!!
There’s no cost, no chemicals and it works.
The most important aspect of winning the war against Midges or Sand Flies, and most difficult, is don’t scratch the bite. Once you scratch it the itch becomes intolerable and it becomes prone to infection.
Scratching will only make it worse!!
Apply a cream or hot water and do something that will take your mind and attention away from it.
The Annoying Horse or March Fly
The fly that really annoys me isn’t the Sand Fly, it’s the Horse Fly or March Fly as it’s commonly called. They are big and you can see them but their bite really hurts and they have real potential to carry many diseases.
These things sneak up and have a long sharp mouthpart that is designed to penetrate deep to take blood.
It is the female that bites in search of blood, the male jaws are too weak to penetrate.
They are slow unlike the smaller common fly and much easier to eradicate.
Horse Flies are found world-wide. If bitten you can apply a cold compress to sooth the pain if needed, don’t scratch it and it should heal within a few hours. If the pain intensifies seek medical assistance.
Enjoy your day at the beach and as Max Walker used to say “Don’t forget the Aeroguard” 😉
What works for you? We’d love you to share your thoughts on fighting Midges and Sand Flies. Do you find yourself winning the war against Midges or Sand Flies?
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
Readers who liked this also enjoyed reading:
Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia
The Best Beaches in Australia 1 – 10
What it REALLY costs to Travel Australia
10 Reasons to Travel Australia instead of Overseas
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lens – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
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Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
Discover the Best of Portland
Just beyond the Great Ocean Road in Victoria traveling west is the small beach side town of Portland. It was here we spent 6 fabulous nights to enable us to fully explore the region and discover the best of Portland. What an amazing location we found it to be, there are so many things to see and do!
This is one of those few towns we have been to where we could picture ourselves living and certainly somewhere we will revisit in the future.
The Portland weather was great to us and we enjoyed beautiful sunny skies and good weather. March and April may just be the best months to visit before the really cold weather sets in.
Portland Marina
Discover the Best of Portland at the Port
Portland has a large, deep, sea port and is currently a major timber and wood chip exporting location. The Port of Portland is a great way to discover the best of Portland. Watching the trucks at the Port being unloaded of the wood chip cargo is eerie when you watch for the first time. The trucks are raised high into the air to an almost upright 72 degree angle until all the cargo is released. It is fascinating to watch and it would be interesting to know how those trucks are locked in.
Each truck only takes a few minutes to unload. A new truck enters the Port every 30 seconds, 7 days a week. They unload products including logs, wood chips, aluminium ingots, livestock, grain and fertiliser.
A large fishing fleet occupies the Marina with Rock Lobsters, Abalone, Fish and Squid all bountiful and caught in the beautiful local waters. It’s a busy wharf with lots of activity.
The Jetty’s and Pontoons are perfect fishing grounds for land based fisherman and the rock walls are home to a variety of fish. Snorkeling and spear fishing are very popular here.
Portland Camping
For our accommodation at Portland we stayed at the Henty Park Campground which is behind the Portland Cable Tram Station. The Tram takes you on a 7km journey around the town and is mostly run by volunteers. The Campground is a free 48 hour stay for vehicles which are self contained and became a great location for us to make new friends and a great base to discover the best of Portland and nearby beaches.
We also had one night at the Sawpit Picnic Area just out of town to break up our stay at Henty Park.
Here are Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia
Beautiful Cape Bridgewater Beach
Cape Bridgewater
A short 15 minute drive out of town is Cape Bridgewater, one of the best beaches in the region. It is as good as anywhere with beautiful white sand, clear blue waters with waves rolling in on a calm day. It was here I attempted to go surfing with my Cousin Tim and his wife Amy, only my second ever attempt. Alas, at least I tried.
There are so many awesome beaches around Australia, here are our 3 lists of Best Beaches –
1. The Best Beaches in Australia 1-10
2. The Best Beaches in Australia 11-20
3. The Best Beaches in Australia 21-30
In the water on the Seal by Sea tour
Seal by Sea Tour
We also completed the Seal by Sea Tour at Cape Bridgewater and this would have to be our best value for money tour on our trip so far. You will discover the best of Portland by sea for just $40 per adult. They will take you along the rugged coastline to view the cliff faces to the first of several large Seal colonies.
Then they took us further up to the tip where we witnessed big NZ Fur Seals and a few Australian Seals before heading back to the first group of Seals where they have a shark cage located. For an extra $20 they provide Wet suits and snorkeling gear to allow you to swim with the Seals. We were all very keen and jumped into the waters to engage with the Seals.
The Seals were otherwise occupied though and didn’t come to us in the cage so we asked could we go out of the cage. The guide said we could but it would be at our own risk. “Risk of what” we asked? “Great Whites” he said!! Without hesitating we all jumped into the water anyway and for almost an hour we swam with the Seals. The Seal Pups were so inquisitive and would come right up to us, sometimes stopping in front of us to take a look.
Watch our videos of us swimming with the seals:
Seal by Sea Tours are still just $40 but they now have new snorkeling tours. Book the trip we did or view their new tours at their website – http://www.sealsbyseatours.com.au/
Cape Bridgewater Koala
Our First Koala Encounter in the Wild
Heading back from Cape Bridgewater we were surprised to find a Koala beside the road. We stopped to ensure he didn’t venture onto the road and were amazed when he came over to Adele allowing her to pat him. The Koala was surprisingly friendly and then it took off heading for our Motorhome. At first we thought he was looking to hitch a ride but eventually we got him into the bushes away from the road.
Amy Surfing
Tim Surfing
Blacknose Point
Blacknose Point is a very popular surfing spot at Portland and our cousin and his wife got out the surfboards and headed in for a paddle. We sat on the rocks and enjoyed watching them in action and managed to capture some great photos.
This time I left it to the experts, my training wheels are still on at this stage!!
Portland Wind Farm
Portland Wind Farm
The Portland Wind Farm is one of the largest in Australia. These huge wind turbines generate electricity from the wind. This one in Portland produces 500 GWh annually, enough electricity to power approximately 125,000 homes each year or over 7% of Victoria’s annual power.
Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest
Just past the Wind Farm is the Petrified Forest. The formation of the Petrified forest is a collection of hollow tubes of Limestone called “solution pipes”. These have been eroded over millions of years of rainfall. Water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards dissolving the Limestone. The mineral saturated water then cements the sand, forming hard, trunk shaped pipes. Some of these pipes can be up to 20m high.
Portland is approximately 200kms from the South Australian border in the south west of Victoria. It’s a great place to stop with lots of shops, excellent accommodation for a weary traveler and the people of Portland are very friendly. The winter months do get very cold so the peak tourist season is usually from October to May each year.
The Great Ocean Road begins about 120kms East of Portland just past the town of Warrnambool.
Some other great places to stay along the Great Ocean Road are:
Anglesea Beachfront Caravan Park
Have you been or are you yet to discover the best of Portland? Tell us about your time in Portland?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
How to save money on Alcohol
Our very first night on the road, I got pissed!! I wasn’t looking to save money on alcohol that night.
The whole saga of packing up our house and the nightmare of reducing our lives to what we could fit in a Motorhome was horrific and our first night on the road was huge. Our new neighbours were awesome and I went hard. From what I remember and what I was told, it was a lot of fun.
Whilst that hasn’t happened since, what has been a constant is Happy Hour. Every day back at camp there’s Happy Hour happening and we’re often front and centre. If there’s not a community one then we will have our own.
A few drinks each afternoon have been a part of the social life living on the road as we travel Australia.
Without the budget we had at home when working we don’t have the funds like we used to. Our favourite drops of Small Batch Bundy and $30 bottles of Sparkling have been reigned in significantly and we have mastered a few skills at reducing our costs on joyous festivities.
Our Tips on How to Save Money on Alcohol
Let’s look at our Best tips to saving money on the turps!!
Give up the Grog!!
Ohhh who are we kidding!!
Not going to happen is it! We do have one friend who actually did give up all alcohol whilst doing the lap.
But we can save money by ensuring we are drinking responsibly and maybe cut back on our consumption. This is probably wise given we spend a lot of time driving.
Happy Hour at Quobba
Downgrade
As I mentioned, before we left we could afford closer to the top shelf for our drinks but now it’s all bottom shelf. Basic level spirits and wine and sparkling under $10 are our budget. Even better is when the are on special.
I’m not a beer drinker but our son even found himself buying Tun when we were traveling. A Carton of 30 cans was cheaper than a slab of any Aussie beers.
Downgrading has probably been our best way to save money on alcohol while traveling!
Uncle Dan
We find Dan Murphy’s the cheapest of the major chains and Liquorland can have some great specials too. The Cleanskin range of wines is excellent value and has a good Sparkling White for $6-7 and even a Sparkling Red. Adele likes Moscato and we buy them for $5-6 a bottle. I don’t get any headaches from this range.
They have a huge range of beers and usually at the best prices.
I enjoy ciders and buy these by the carton which also provides more savings.
Become a member for free and receive even better discounted prices.
Visiting Wineries
We have visited so many winery regions around Australia and learnt this is where we tend to over-spend our budget. Now when we visit wineries we go with a plan.
One of us has to drive so the sober one makes the buying decisions. It’s so easy to walk out with a carton of wine way over your budget after you’ve visited a winery or 3.
We only sample what we genuinely think we might buy. By reading the wine list first and working out which drinks we know we would enjoy it helps us make better buying decisions.
Drink at Camp
We don’t go out very often when traveling. We make all of our own meals and drink back at camp. This has saved money on alcohol heaps for us during our travels.
Pub Stays are Never Cheap
Early on in our trip we worked out those Free or $5 Pub spots for camping ultimately always ended up costing us the equivalent to 2-3 nights in a Caravan Park. 2 meals and a couple of drinks each and you can easily blow $100.
We rather find a Free Camp or if we ever do stay at a Pub, we go in for 1 drink and then head back to camp.
Bundaberg Rum
Drink Slower
The first thing we taught our sons as teenagers was to not drink too fast. Of course, when they’re young they go hard early and the next day I’d tell them all about what they missed out on.
By drinking slower not only will you wake the next day with a clear head and no embarrassing photos taken of you, it’s a lot cheaper too therefore you save money on your alcohol bill.
Set a Time
Consider setting a time of day before you allow yourself to start your first drink. I never drink before lunch time, only very occasionally in a social setting I might have a Cider with lunch, but mostly it’s at least 4pm before I’ll have my first drink of the day. There are some days where at 2 or 3pm I’m thinking I’m a bit thirsty but I check the clock and figure I’ll wait a bit longer.
I’ll have 2 drinks before dinner and then I’m done.
Stop to Eat
Start drinking as close to meal time as possible, that way you can stop while eating and if you’re anything like me, I struggle to keep drinking after I have eaten.
Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island
Don’t eat Salty Food
Put away the chips. Same goes for biscuits and dip. All those salty, fatty foods just make you thirsty and you drink faster and more.
For snacks, instead choose carrot, celery, olives and bread with a homemade pate.
Bread can also help absorb the alcohol.
Drink Water
In between drinks have water. It might be after every second or third drink. It will help you pace yourself and keep your night under control.
Wine Spritzer
Our friends love their wines and decided to mix the White Wines with some Soda Water. They’re main reason was to just dilute some of the alcohol but it also makes the wine bottle last longer. This will help to reduce the cost when drinking wine.
Others mix their wine with water or lemonade for the same effect. (I wouldn’t but apparently others do)
Of course you can add Ginger Ale or a range of juices and garnish it to make a Wine Spritzer.
Don’t Drink and Drive!!
This could be an ultimate cost from drinking. If you’ve had more than one, hand the keys to someone who hasn’t had any or arrange other transport.
Our ‘How to Save Money on Alcohol’ is just one of a series of articles we have compiled on ways to save money while traveling. You may also enjoy reading:
How to Save Money on Food and Groceries
Save Money staying at Caravan Parks
How to Save Money on Accommodation
Pin It!
Let us know if you have any other tips on how to save money on alcohol!
Drink responsibly and safe travels!
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography & Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
___________________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
___________________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Adventurers Diary
My 15 Favourite Driving Songs as I Travel
Doing the Big Lap of Australia means a lot of hours driving our Highways. It’s a huge country and there can be long distances from one destination to another so I have my favourite driving songs as I travel.
Listening to great music helps keep me concentrating and my energy levels high.
My phone has hundreds of songs for the many times a good radio station isn’t available and I thought I’d share with you my favourite songs as I drive.
My original plan was a list of 10 but I couldn’t reduce it to just that few so it’s a Top 15. The list is not in any particular order.
These aren’t necessarily my all time favourite songs, just the ones I love most when I’m driving and in the mood to whittle away some time by belting out some tunes.
If you see me driving and singing out loud, it’s probably one of these playing 🙂
What is your favourite song when driving?
1. Way out West – James Blundell & James Reyne
At one stage over our trip, I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I mentioned the words Way out West and it reminded me of this song. I quickly jumped on and downloaded it and it’s been a favourite since.
2. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
We were helping our friends renovate their house in Narrandera NSW before it went up for sale. I was mowing their ridiculously large backyard singing this song out loud, all the time thinking the sound of the mower was louder then me singing. Apparently not!!
Our friend Kerry said to me, “I don’t want to scare the buyers away” haha
3. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
Just has to be on the Best driving song list!!
4. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
Another one where recently I commented Life is a Highway and it took me back to this song. It’s a ripper and now I can’t help but sing it out loud.
5. Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross
My mate Jason just reminded me of this one and it goes straight to the Top of the list.
6. Zombie – The Cranberries
Wow, the voice, the pain, the message, the song. The song is in memory of 2 boys killed by IRA bombs in England in 1993. She sings this with such emotion it’s so hard not to feel it and sing with her. There’s no version better than hers and losing Dolores O’Riordan recently was a sad day.
7. Radar Love – Golden Earring
Play this and not get pumped up, I dare you. You’ll be belting out the tune in no time.
8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
Great song that has stood the test of time. Has to be loud so you can sing loud too haha
9. Bustin Loose – Moving Pictures
Better known for their song What about Me, but for me this is my favourite song of theirs, I just love it.
10. My Immortal – Evanescence
The voice, the song. The songs writer said “My Immortal’ is a song of pain and despair caused by the loss of a family member or very close friend. We’ve all felt that pain and this song really resonates for me
11. Father & Son – Cat Stevens
This song makes me think of my sons as I travel. Cat Stevens sings the song in 2 voices, one as the Father and one as the son with a powerful message. The son wants to travel, Dad wants him to settle and think of his future. I give you the Legendary Cat Stevens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-7c4VNGOgU
12. April Sun in Cuba – Dragon
No best of list for me can be without Dragon. One of my all time fave bands, watched them play so many times. Marc Hunter, was a crazy human, but what a voice. Such a sad day when we lost this legend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHFFuukk9Y8
13. Hotel California – Eagles
How do you pick just one Eagles song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wDfiCDoHy4
14. Fire Lake – Bob Seger
Another one who I could have picked any Bob Seger song and been happy with it. I am hoping that one day I may see him play live. Bit of a Bucket List item J
Bob Seger described the song as “The lyric is about taking risks. About risking love, chucking it all and just heading off with a bunch of wild people, whatever.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld1l4Ud7jp8&t=21s
15. Yesterdays Hero – John Paul Young
Gets me singing every time no matter my mood. We saw JPY at Wagga’s Rock at the Races and he is still as brilliant as ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVSEiveFY7g
Favourite Driving Songs Close Contenders
These are the ones to lose out from my list.
Jukebox Hero – Foreigner
Sounds of Then – Ganggajang
Solid Rock – Goanna
Jack & Diane – John Mellencamp
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
Straight Lines – Silverchair
Learning to Fly – Tom Petty
You ruined me – The Veronicas
Walk of Life – Dire Straights
Here I go again – Whitesnake
Imagine – John Lennon
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Piano Man – Billy Joel
Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty
Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
And anything from Dr Hook, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, Dragon, Pink, Toto, AC/DC or The Angels could also easily have been there 🙂
What are some of your favourite driving songs?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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Where to Find Us
Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
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Kaye
October 24, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I have tried EVERYTHING, nothing works for me 😳 however I picked up a tip on Facebook about squeezing the juice from a lemon and rubbing it all over your skin and found that worked to repel mozzies 👍 not sure if it would work with midges etc. Also, you can’t get the Avon lotion anywhere, any tips how to get hold of it?? 😀
Indefinite Leave
October 24, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Hi Kaye, Adele suggests just get on to your local Avon dealer. We have used it but for us, don’t find it as effective as others. Adele only uses The Locals – Sandfly and Mozzie stuff insect repellant. For me, Rid, Mortein or one of those works well. 🙂
Roger Beaver
October 25, 2017 at 7:14 am
You will need to find an Avon rep in your area not available in shops
Cathie
October 25, 2017 at 7:18 am
Great article, thank you. About a year ago there was an interview on ABC radio with some scientists. After much research they found that it is the layer of oil on the skin from the products that protects you from the sandfly’s bite. The other items added didn’t deter the sandfly but may help with mozzies.
Indefinite Leave
October 25, 2017 at 2:49 pm
Thanks Cathie 🙂
Sue Astorquia
October 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm
All correct well written just a common Hick up most people call them March flies up here but they are actually Marsh flies I hate them too both the little brown one and the big black one always making war on them and I am allergic to sandflies/midges too oh well such is life…
Indefinite Leave
October 30, 2017 at 8:03 pm
Hi Sue, thanks for that. They are actually called Horse Fly. Wiki suggests it is March Fly which is what I know it to be too. They call it March Fly I believe because it’s so common during the month of March. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse-fly
“In North America they are known as “breeze-flies” and in Australia, some are known as “March flies”……
Chris Welsh
October 25, 2017 at 9:39 pm
For relief I find hot water on a towel or washer, as hot as you can stand it, works for me 100% of the time.
Usually the itch starts at night when I’m in bed and I’m warming up.
Indefinite Leave
October 30, 2017 at 8:10 pm
Thanks Chris. A few people have suggested they use hot water 🙂
Gloria Rich
October 26, 2017 at 2:09 pm
We are in a sandfly area and the locals swear by daily vitamin B1 tablets. 200mg for 2 weeks then 100mg through the sandy season. Theory is that the pheromones produced are less attractive to the insects. Thoughts? Evidence?
Indefinite Leave
October 30, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Hi Gloria. Others have mentioned Vitamin B1 but it seems it only works for a few people. 🙂
Debra MOIR
October 30, 2017 at 4:58 pm
There is a magic thing called Bite Away. I live in FNQ so get bitten sometimes. It takes batteries and heats a ceramic disc that you apply to bite for a few secconds. The itching is gone in 15 secconds. I haven’t found anything yet that works better.
Indefinite Leave
October 30, 2017 at 8:15 pm
Hi Debra. I hadn’t heard of that one but it sounds good 🙂
Liz
October 30, 2017 at 8:01 pm
When my children were quite young, they all had terrible allergic reactions to mozzie bites, a pharmacist told me to give them Vitamin B1. I crushed the tablets up & put them in their weetbix. After a couple of weeks no more bites. The pharmacist said that the B1 gave the skin an odour that mozzies hate & just won’t bite you. It worked for mozzies not sure about sandflys.
Indefinite Leave
October 30, 2017 at 8:24 pm
Thanks Liz, not sure I’ll put it on my Weetbix, I prefer honey lol 🙂
If it works though, I’m sure someone who gets badly effected, they would be prepared to try it.
collin simpson
October 30, 2017 at 10:25 pm
I use tiger balm, works to repel them and helps after if caught out, also takes the itch away.
I use this for flies and mozzies too
Indefinite Leave
October 31, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Thank you Collin 🙂
Gayle Fitos
October 31, 2017 at 6:23 am
My husband also has a nasty reaction to sandfly bites, we have found that by starting a course of Betamine Vit B1 about 3-4 weeks prior to heading into sandfly country it greatly lessens the impact these little nasties have, a lot less bites, not so severe.
Indefinite Leave
October 31, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Thanks Gayle 🙂
Dee
October 31, 2017 at 7:25 am
The only thing I found that works and I’ve used most you listed was tiger balm if you get it on when spots first appear they go quickly but wait days and makes last for months
Indefinite Leave
October 31, 2017 at 8:16 pm
A couple of people have suggested Tiger Balm 🙂
Thanks Dee.
Tony
January 21, 2018 at 8:38 am
I found that when I saw midges on my skin, I could feel that I had been bitten. If I could resist itching and wash my skin with soap and water, I’d have no reaction to the bites.
Indefinite Leave
January 24, 2018 at 12:11 pm
Hi Tony, yes everyone is different, for me some bites I can feel but many I don’t. Soap and water can cause an infection, I wouldn’t use soap just rinse off, wash hands and apply something like The Locals to soothe the itch 🙂
rob
October 18, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Good story! I use Lucas paw paw ointment straight away on the bite area and will have complete relief after 20 mins. Works fast and don’t have ongoing problems later.
Indefinite Leave
November 11, 2019 at 8:33 pm
Thanks Rob. We’ve heard of that one too, glad it works well for you 🙂
Sarah
November 18, 2019 at 9:32 pm
I am still working on a deterrent however have found the heat from a hair dryer, as hot as you can stand it for about 20 seconds stops any itching I might have.
Indefinite Leave
November 27, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Ok awesome, thanks Sarah 🙂