08 June 2026

How many times would you accept being told "No" before giving up?

For those who know me well, you'll already be familiar with the motor vehicle insurance claim dispute that consumed almost 14 months of my life following an incident in the Simpson Desert.

What many people don't know is that my claim wasn't rejected once. It wasn't rejected twice. It was rejected four or five separate times, with a different justification appearing whenever I successfully challenged the previous one.

Like most Australians, I paid my premiums and believed that if something went wrong, my insurer would assess my claim fairly and honestly. What followed instead was a battle that tested my patience, determination, and faith in a system that is supposed to protect policyholders.

When I first started speaking publicly about what happened, I expected a stronger reaction than I received. Then I realised something. Most people don't pay much attention to insurance disputes because they assume it won't happen to them.

The reality is that every one of us who holds insurance—whether it's for our vehicle, home, contents, caravan, boat, or business—is only one claim away from finding ourselves in exactly the same position.

Over the course of my dispute, I developed what I call the "9 out of 10 Theory."

The theory is simple.

Nine out of ten people will eventually give up.

They become exhausted. They lose confidence. Life gets in the way. The stress becomes too much. They simply accept the insurer's decision and move on.

The system relies on that.

I made a decision very early in the process that I would be the tenth person.

The person who refused to walk away.

The person who kept asking questions.

The person who demanded evidence.

The person who challenged every inconsistency.

And ultimately, the person who proved the insurer was wrong.

My story isn't about revenge. It isn't about bitterness. It's about accountability. It's about understanding your rights. It's about refusing to accept a decision simply because it came from a large corporation.

Most importantly, it's about showing ordinary people that they can challenge a decision when the facts don't add up.

If you've ever wondered whether one person can stand up to a large insurer and win, I invite you to read my story.

You may never need the information.

But if the day ever comes when an insurer says "No" to your claim, you might be glad you did.

I was told "No" five times.

I proved them wrong.

And I won.

22 May 2026

The year is moving far too fast for my liking, although there is little any of us can do to slow the passing of time. Tempus fugit — time flies — and it certainly does.

It has now been three years since that unforgettable journey through the Simpson Desert, where my vehicle suffered catastrophic damage after striking a severe washout between Camps 7 and 8 on the Madigan Line.

As many already know, what followed was not simply the aftermath of an outback accident, but a further fourteen months locked in a relentless battle with the insurer — an insurer I had trusted to support me and assess my claim with the honesty, fairness, and decency that every policyholder has a right to expect.

Instead, the handling of my claim became something I could never have imagined. Until that point in my life, I had never found myself in a position where I was forced to fight so hard simply for the truth to be acknowledged.

While I accept that I had placed myself in that environment, the incident itself was obviously unintentionally, I believe the insurer adopted an approach to my claim that was unnecessarily adversarial, dismissive, and at times fundamentally inconsistent with the obligations imposed under Australian insurance law.

Section 13 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 imposes a statutory duty of utmost good faith (uberrima fides) on both insurer and insured alike. It requires honesty, fairness, transparency, and reasonableness throughout the life of the policy and, most importantly, during the claims assessment process.

A failure to meet that obligation is not merely poor customer service; it can constitute a breach of both the insurance contract and the Act itself. Unfair claims handling may expose insurers to regulatory scrutiny, civil penalties, and compensatory outcomes.

Although my claim was ultimately accepted, I remain firmly of the view that this outcome only occurred following my decision to escalate the matter to AFCA — the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. While AFCA did not formally determine the dispute, their involvement appeared to bring a sudden and noticeable change to the insurer’s approach to the claim.

I often wonder how many other claimants experienced similar treatment but lacked the time, resources, or determination to continue pushing back.

My purpose in telling this story is not revenge or bitterness. It is accountability. Transparency within the insurance industry should never be reduced to a slogan or public relations exercise. It must remain a genuine obligation owed to every policyholder who places their trust in the system.

Sometimes persistence is not about confrontation. Sometimes it is simply about standing firm long enough for the truth to catch up.

I have now penned a book capturing the trip itself, the debacle of the claim and how it was mishandled, the ultimate and eventual successful outcome and what that looked like, and how I have moved on from that incident. 

The book is titled 'The Long Road' for it certainly was indeed. It will be published shortly on my online bookstore at  https://books.by/rickcanhan

Welcome to my Books Store

I'd like to let everyone know I have at this stage employed a 'Print on Demand' website to post my writings onto for display/purchase. I currently have a number of books with another book with two short stories within. All are available for purchase at prices that are more than reasonable.

I invite you to have a browse around and follow the prompts if you decide to make the purchase. Fortunately, with this print on demand process I will have more control on my works, and I will endeavor at times to introduce a few snap bonuses where I will put some titles up at either ridiculous prices or even free, (less postage) so keep checking back to ensure you don't miss out on any deals.

I would also welcome any feedback on my work, positive or otherwise, as you see fit. 

Go check it out. https://books.by/rickcanhan

The year is Twenty twenty six (2026)

Rick Canhan is an Australian writer, Army veteran, Justice of the Peace, father and grandfather, speaker, and advocate whose work is grounded in lived experience. Born in the UK in 1959, he spent part of his early childhood in institutional care—an experience that shaped a lifelong commitment to truth, accountability, and resilience.

Following a diverse working life, Rick now focuses on writing and public advocacy. He supports people harmed in care, raises funds for veteran-focused initiatives, and advocates broadly for men’s health and wellbeing. His work centers on recognition, reform, and constructive change, with an emphasis on dignity, fairness, and long-term recovery.

Measured, direct, and principled, Rick’s voice is guided by the belief that speaking truthfully—without exaggeration or malice—is essential to justice, healing, and ensuring that unheard voices are finally acknowledged.

Then this happened....

I recently stumbled across this old BlogSpot I created years ago, and for reasons I still can’t explain, I haven’t written an entry since late 2019. I’m not entirely sure what happened. My stepfather did pass away around that time, but I don’t believe that event had a major impact on my life, so it must have been something else.

It feels almost as though I’ve suddenly been transported to the year 2025—right to the end of it, in December. So much has happened since 2019 that I hardly know where to begin. Tracey and I are still living in Glasshouse Mountains, and our eldest granddaughter, Annabelle, who is now eleven, has been living with us since October 2024. That situation is a long and sad story in itself; one I won’t go too far into here. I will say only that we’re hoping the state will allow Annabelle to live with her father, our youngest son, James—the person she desperately wants to be with.

I’m still writing, although I went through a period where my mind seemed to wander off without me. I found myself dealing with some mental health challenges—something I can’t deny. I wouldn’t claim I’m completely past it, but I’m certainly in a much better place than I was a few years ago. My self-confidence and sense of self-worth took a hit, along with everything else that comes with that kind of struggle. I’ve documented a lot of it over the years—enough to fill several books, though I doubt many people would want to read that. I’ve often joked about calling it The Scribblings of a Strange and Unusual Man. I probably have enough written to make it a multi-volume set. Maybe I’ll keep that idea tucked away for the future.

Naturally, all of this has forced me to take a long, serious look at my life. I can’t change the past, but I can try to correct or improve the things I still have some influence over. My mum passed away in 2023, and although that was a significant event, I feel she is finally at peace. Her last few years were far from pleasant—both for her and for many of us around her.

We had tried to convince her that a nursing home would be the safest place for her. She was prone to frequent falls and spent most days alone. After a couple of incidents where she fell and couldn’t reach her medical lifeline—which she always left in the kitchen before falling in the bathroom—she eventually realized she wasn’t safe at home. She agreed to enter the nursing home, where she continued to fall, but at least there she received immediate care, and they soon put protective measures in place.

Even with Mum in care, I essentially became her carer. I held her Enduring Power of Attorney and Advanced Health Directive—documents I believe everyone should have in place while they are still mentally able to make those decisions. Mum had several health issues. Parkinson’s took a heavy toll, she’d had multiple knee surgeries, and her weight didn’t help. She was also her own worst enemy at times, refusing to do the therapy needed to keep her legs strong. The wheelchair, meant to be a temporary aid during therapy, became something she believed she couldn’t live without, even though initially there was no medical reason she couldn’t walk.

After her last surgery—though I can’t even recall what it was for—she suffered post-operative delirium. That was the beginning of her real decline. She was never the same again. She became aggressive with the staff, and I was constantly called in to calm her. Eventually I had to take away her phone and credit cards because she began ordering furniture and other items, she had no use for and couldn’t possibly have at the nursing home. I lost count of how many conversations I had with retailers, cancelling orders she’d placed.

As her behavior worsened, the staff asked for my permission to move her to the secure ward—for her safety, and for the safety of residents and staff. I agreed, because I knew it was necessary, but it broke my heart to leave her behind that locked door. She truly believed I had imprisoned her.

One of the hardest moments came when they presented me with a document titled Approval for Chemical Restraint. They needed my written consent to medicate her during violent outbursts. Signing that form—authorizing them to chemically restrain my own mother—was one of the most painful decisions I have ever made.

I think I’ll leave it there for now. I have so much to catch up on, but for now, writing all of this has been emotionally taxing, and I need a moment to breathe.

Xmas Eve 2019 21:15

It has started to rain, and don't we need it badly. I just hope it lasts. Wow, Thunder and lightning. Heavy rain is falling on the Glass House Mountains. Best Crissie present ever. I hope everyone is getting some rain too.

Xmas Day 2019 09:30 It's all very quiet on the eastern front of Glass House Mountains. It's still wet outside, but not raining anymore, hopefully, we'll get some more throughout the day. The silence will soon be shattered by the onslaught of grandchildren arriving in waves, wonderful experience. My mum has rung three times already, asking who is picking her up, bless her. It's all arranged mum I tell her, just like it was five minutes ago.
It's a little muggy so we've got the air conditioners on to cool the house to an acceptable temperature. The ham is about to sliced up and the prawns are defrosting. So much food and so little time to eat it all, although I don't know why we put ourselves through the stress of preparing festivities for just one day. We should live every day with gusto, making the most out of everything you do.

I saw the Hand Therapist yesterday and she is happy with the progress of my right elbow, still a way to go. Still another ten days or so before they will allow me to drive a vehicle. It has been so frustrating being hamstrung from using the right arm, especially as my left arm is still functioning at less than 30%, The woes of turning 60 years of age I suppose. I'm being strong and maintaining a positive outlook because I have much to do in preparation for my big treck next year.

The initial stages of readiness for the "Back to the Track 2020" has been going well, I had the majority of the mechanical aspects for the Jeep completed prior to my Surgery in November with the aid my chief Machanic, Ted Martin. I so wish he could come with us next year. We need to do a few long-distance trials, testing both driver and vehicle endurance, as there will be some long days with upward of 300 kilometers on a number of days during the event.

Whoops! 10:30 Silence is broken, they've arrived.


Pandamonium!


Xmas Night 19:00 Peace finally achieved. Tracey and I are home alone once again. Rain has fallen steadily throughout the day although the sun did shine a few times during the day. As always at Xmas time too much food, drink, and merriment for one day, why do we do it? Pretty sure I've spoken to all that I ought to on this festive day. Although those that really count would not have been offended if by chance we'd missed a call or two. That's life.

I do trust you all faired well on this day, hopefully not eaten or drunk too much. Overall I do hope you have enjoyed the friendship, companionship That this generally brings. So looking forward to the New Year and the countdown to "Back to the Track 2020" will click over to six months, and so it begins.

Tasmania trip

My wife, Tracey and I recently spent two weeks traveling around Tasmania and what an awesome state to visit. There is so much to see in Tassie it's unbelievable, two weeks was just not long enough. We flew into Tasmanian to a (apparently unseasonal) rainstorm. No sooner were we in the hire car and we were being buffered by almost cyclonic winds and rain. Welcome to Tassie I thought. Regardless we braved the wet for a few days in Hobart before we headed North West on our tour of the Apple Isle. The tourist spots like the Harbour, Shot Tower and then to MONA (Museum Of New Art) which was certainly an eye opener.

The countryside rolled along and the weather improved slightly, historic Richmond, Strahan, Queenstown and Cradle Mountain (awesome) Devonport, Stanley, Launceston, Swansea and finishing at Port Arthur before heading back to the airport to fly home. Definitely would like to see more of this great little state.

Happy New Year

It's 2018 

It's not like we didn't know it was coming either. Well, it's here so let's embrace the new year with the same gusto of previous years. 

I would like to wish you all the very best for the coming year.

December 2017

Wow! Who would have thought it was December 2017 already. This year, like many, has simply flown by. They seem to do that, don't they? It always seems that the year is drawing to a close, then Xmas comes, followed closely by New Years Eve then New Years Day. These are busy times in our lives, but then it seems so is every other month.

Tempest Fugit (Time Flies) and it literary does. So take the time to enjoy yourselves at some point in your life. Don't live your live on auto-cruise, because time will simply pass you by and before long you're going to wonder where your life went. A close friend of mine once said 'Life is what happens while you're busy planning it. I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but it's worthy of repeating, that when you look at the history of the world and realize we are here on this planet for such a brief period in time, some shorter than others. Whilst it doesn't hurt to dream a little, we need to embrace the time we have and really make the most of 'what we have rather than what we want'. Enjoy life while you can.

Enough said on that subject. I do want to wish everyone a joyous time over the up and coming festive season, as someone once said 'Eat, drink and be merry', but please be safe while you're doing it. I hope 2018 brings you happiness, love and well being.

Cheers all Rick Canhan

September 2017

September

has been just one of those months, you know which, one that just about everything happens and usually at the same time too. It started early with arrival of interstate visitors in the form of Aunty Rosie and Uncle Ross from the mid north NSW Coast, their arrival heralded the dawn of my nephews (Matt) impending wedding to Deanna, down the Gold Coast on 8 September.

Next was 2-4 Sep 2017 with our clubs 2nd 'Unofficial' Jeep/Train run for the year over two beautiful days on (disused) train lines throughout the countryside around the Biggenden area. And where would you be if you didn't have the occasional derailment to interrupt the peaceful train ride?

What we were actually doing was keeping our history alive by reliving some of our marvellous military history through re-enacting the use of the mighty 'Jeep' on train tracks as they did during WW2. In the Pacific Islands and in PNG the majority of so called 'passable' roads were often chocked with destroyed vehicles, refugees, troop movement and an assortment of military and civilian vehicles. It was imperative to keep the rail lines open to move supplies forward and return wounded to the rear. Enemy bombing and strafing of the slow moving train locomotives caused a shortage within the resupply system and set into play an ingenious plan to keep supplies moving by the use of the humble Jeep. Wheels were locally manufactured and fitted to the Jeep and the wheels of progress turned, and as they say 'the rest is history' although many today are still unaware this was just one of the many tasks asked of the mighty little Jeep. An interesting point to note here is the life expectancy of a Jeep in an Operational Zone (War Zone) was just 90 days, and it is through groups like ours who lovingly restore and preserve our rich history which enables us to help celebrate the '75 Year' Anniversary of the humble Jeep.

Although much of the action we had on the weekend took place in the remote and often out of sight areas on tracks away from most roads, there was plenty of opportunity for some of the locals and many tourists alike to enjoy the sights of 'Jeeps on train tracks' and many were seen waving like mad or running off to retrieve their cameras and snap away at something they've never seen before and will probably never see again. Looking forward to the next Jeep/Train run.

 Next off the ranks was our Grandson (Tate Hunter Mortimer) with his early arrival on the 5th.

Luke and Lindsay were overjoyed and what a whirlwind was little Zoe who proudly became a big sister to Tate. The Mortimer household suddenly became so much more busier and louder, and the best part about being a Grandparent is as they say 'you get to hand them back'. Love all my Grandkids to bits.

I then had a multitude of medical appointments to catch up on, which seem to be the norm (apparently) when your nearly 60, these were sometimes more than one appointment per day and covered three of the next four days, it gets tiring attending all these appointments.

The 8th Sep saw us at the anticipated Wedding on the Gold Coast, well up in the hinterland actually. It was a nice wedding that went off without a hitch (as they say) although it did finish early which gave us the opportunity to get down off the mountain through some of the most windiest of roads I've ever encountered. We managed to watch the end of the footy that night too.

Even more medical appointments covered 11-13 Sep and also, like most Wed and Thurs 8:30 - 12:00 I managed to put in an appearance at our local Glasshouse Mountains Country Men's Shed (in Beerwah, don't ask) here I get the opportunity to glean yet more knowledge from like minded folk who also attend, I find this very rewarding as I've also found a number of Vietnam Veterans amongst the group who are more than willing to have a yarn or two with a younger Veteran. I've taken up welding and have learnt that what I thought was welding (proper) was just back yard stuff I learnt as youngster, you know, a grinder will fix that up that bad weld. I can now say I've learnt from the experience of some of the best and can now produce some decent weld jobs. Now I want a Gas Mig Welder and a Plasma Cutter too! Lest I say I'm enjoying the experience and I also get to give back to the community through the many tasks the Men's Shed does.

Sat 16 Sep I had a visit from another member of the Military Jeep Club of Qld (MJCQ) to discuss a number of topics including the up-and-coming Annual Swap Meet in Beaudesert mid Oct this year.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to collect a number of Jeep spare parts on some of my forays in the wilderness of the middle of Western and Southern QLD, enough so that I've got a fairly good collection. Some of which I've cleaned up, sandblasted, prepped and painted ready for sale and some I've left in its 'as found state' as some prefer to either do it themselves or keep in its rustic state. The majority of these many parts I've been entrusted by various farmers throughout the state to sell on their behalf and go 50/50 on the proceeds, so I'm humbled at their trust in me to do this. Some items have sold already from my initial post on our club Facebook page. Maybe we'll see you at Beaudesert Showgrounds over 13-15 Oct 2017.

Tues 19 Aug saw me and Tracey fly to Sydney to attend the funeral of my best friend's Mother, Dorothy Dewar aged 80, I'd known Dot since about fifth grade when I first met my now long term friend, Chris Dewar, when we moved to Campbelltown NSW in 1970. Dot was almost like a second Mum to me as I'd spent so much of my school age years at their place, they had Eight kids and I just blended in with the rest. So yes it was sad to say goodbye to someone I knew and respected so well for near on Fifty years. RIP Dot.

29 Sep is my mothers 78th Birthday so we'll be going out for dinner no doubt. 29 Sep is also Remembrance Day for the Police Force, which is another event for which I hold dear to my heart, many of my ex-service friends are in the Police Force in many Australian States and it is a time to reflect on those that had paid the supreme sacrifice.

Over the next few day I shall be finalising what I'm taking to Beaudesert this year, unfortunately my Jeep will not be finished in time to participate as I don't want to rush the reassembly stage. So I'm concentrating on getting it right on the final research of the restoration of my Jeep 159219 so that it'll not only look it's best when finished, but it will operate to the best it can in the safest way too. It's gunna be so cool!

The last weekend in Sep I'll also be visiting another of my many MJCQ friends to check out and trial the trailer he built to carry his Jeep, I've seen it in the earlier stages and I'm sure it will perform well. That just about wraps up September for this year, until October, Cheers all.

It' August already!

The year of 2017 is already half way through, as I always say, Tempus fugit (Time fly's). For those that know me well know I've been preoccupied of late with my 1942 Willys Jeep restoration project. I'm also still under my Physiotherapist strict instructions not to overdo things following my two left shoulder reconstructions, (yes, the same shoulder). One could think I'd have no excuse for not sitting down and writing (typing), but I've found it's not that easy as my shoulder cramps up too much to stay sitting at a computer for too long. So it's been a frustrating nine months so far and I've still a way to go yet. Saying that I am making progress in the writing and the Jeep restoration, albeit very slow progress, but we are moving forward. Cheers to all for now.

The humble WW2 Jeep

         by

Richard Canhan
                                                        1940 - 1945 WW2 Jeep

                                              

Hi all. Just a quick note to let you all know I am actually writing, albeit a little slow and somewhat infrequent at present. Early in 2015 an opportunity presented itself for myself to embark on a journey to obtain and restore a World War Two Jeep. Like many I had always been fascinated by this iconic vehicle that became known world wide for its versatility and usefulness during and after WW2.

During the 1939 - 1945 world war it was deemed necessary to find a replacement for the humble horse in modern warfare in the form of a utility vehicle, in June 1940 the US Army sent out requests for bids for a suitable robust 4 wheel drive capable vehicle with a list of specifications (among others) such as a wheelbase no more than 80 inches (2032 mm) a length of approximately 129 inches (3276.6 mm) and weighing no more than 1300 pounds (589.6 kg). Prototypes were produced by a number of companies including The Bantam Car Company, Willys Overland and Ford. Bantam’s design won the US Army’s choice, however; Bantam only had a small workshop numbering around 15 staff and with the impending likelihood of the US being drawn into the war, the contract was awarded to both Willys and Ford using Bantams design. Bantam had built about 69 Jeeps, but was ultimately given a contract to design and supply trailers to be towed by the vehicles being built by Willys and Ford. The US Government deemed the life expectancy of a jeep in a combat zone was just 90 days.

It is uncertain and highly debatable where the name “Jeep” came from as many claim credit for the term. The comic strip “Popeye” by Elizie Crisler Segar had a character named “Eugene the JEEP” which first appeared in US Papers in April 1938 and the Haliburton Oil Well Company of Duncan, Oklahoma built a truck called Jeep also in 1938. US Servicemen and women also nicknamed the new vehicle “Jeep” after it was initially referred to a “Peep”. Regardless of how it became known as a Jeep, the Jeep began its life in 1940 as a wartime command and reconnaissance vehicle and was produced at an outstanding rate. By the middle if 1941 there were more than 4,500 Jeeps in service built by Bantam, Willys and Ford with some 612,145 standardized jeeps being built before WW2 ended. Many of these jeeps were destined to go to many allied forces around the world including Russia, England and Australia under a lend-lease agreement, ultimately none of these vehicles were to be returned to the US. Following the end of WW2 many vehicles held by the US, including the iconic Jeep, were either sold, scrapped or dumped at sea so as to not cause a glut on the post-war economy of the US. Many other countries that had the jeeps simply employed them in their locations, following WW2 Australia retained its jeeps through-out the occupation of Japan, in Korea and initially in Vietnam.

In 1946 the US factories which made the wartime jeep modified the production lines to produce the post-war jeep called CJ’s (civilian Jeep’s) these jeeps had a 7 slot front grill (as opposed to the 9 slot war-time jeep) tail-gates, side mounted spare tyre, external fuel filler, chrome around the headlights, indicators and some had a PTO (power take off) fitted for farm use. Many service personnel became obsessed with their war-time jeep during the war and a good number were offered an opportunity to purchase a vehicle post-war.

Like many war time vehicles, the world renown jeep had become a collectors item. Even today, collectors and restorers still search earnestly for that ever elusive “Barn find” which are few and far between. Even the CJ version of the jeep has become a collectors item. Collectors of any vintage vehicles or the general public, young or older, find it hard not to stop in “awe” when a Jeep is seen in public, regardless if it has been lovingly restored or has much patina. The humble jeep evokes many and varied feelings and memories from within.

For me, I guess it was sort of a “Bucket list item” as I actually had an unspoken desire to own a jeep, I say unspoken because I never actually thought I’d ever find one to restore let alone own it myself. The journey this vehicle has taken me on already is incredible, imagine what it will be like once I install an engine. The research I have undertaken is endless, but constantly rewarding. I found my jeep’s Engine Number, chassis number and ARN (Army Registered Number) recorded in the archives at the AWM (Australian War Memorial). My main source of information is found on the Internet and from the “All-American Wonder, The Military Jeep 1941 - 1945 Vol 1, 2 and 3”.

Interestingly enough I have found many Jeep Club members from Australia and around the world more than keen to help anyone with information and or parts to help “save another jeep”. As an ex serviceman myself I am humbled to have found the opportunity to restore a portion of our military history though this jeep, I am proud to be the current custodian of Jeep ARN 159219.

Perhaps you may say this has been the reason for my slow or infrequent writing habits of late, and you’d probably be quite right. I guess I’m starting to combine to two.

Rick Canhan

My Jeeps ARN is 159219

April - May 2017

Well "Tempus Fugit" (Time Flies), ain't it the truth. Much has happened since my last blog and although I keep saying I'm going to blog more often it just doesn't happen, apologizes for that. Mid April saw us at a family reunion (of sorts) at a caravan park in Red Rock, NSW. It was an awesome opportunity to catch up with extended family and we covered about eight sites at the van park.

On return from Red Rock I had surgery on my left shoulder (again) which is doing well at present. Anzac Day was almost a non event for me as I was in the process of getting out of hospital and wasn't in a position to get out really.

The May long weekend had us at our Jeep Club "Bundy Swim-in" held at Bundaberg Qld, which is a bi-annual camping event at a property of one of our members. Obviously I was very restricted on what I could do (observe and photograph only) which was boring, but necessary considering my recent surgery.

There was a variety of military vehicles including many amphibious type which utilized the local Burnett River, hence the name "Bundy Swim-in". Land based activities included a few road runs, rail rides on a section of train track on the property, night time activities had many sitting around campfires enjoying a beverage or two and the banter of the days events. The kids were not forgotten either and had fun on the rides in the big vehicles/bikes and in the many miniature Jeeps on hand. A few treasure hunt style games and spotlighting at night kept them very active over the four days. Unfortunately I only managed to stay for two of the four days and had to stay in a motel in town, so I missed many of the activities which I believe were highly successful also. Next time I'll be okay.

A trip to Casino, NSW for the weekend 6-7 May was next on the agenda to once again another family get-together, this time for our Granddaughter, Zoe Paige's Baptism into the Catholic faith, which went really well indeed. Later in May we're off again to Townsville to help a great friend celebrate her 50th Birthday, so looking forward to that too. We'll also catch up with a few long term friends in Townsville while we are there.

 Cheers all Rick Canhan

 

On the road again!

I feel I have been on a pilgrimage of some sort, on the road traveling from town to town. But I must say March 2017 is a significant period in my timeline for a number of reasons. Firstly my second Granddaughter, Zoe Paige Mortimer will turn one on the 31 March, and she has already taken a few steps too, bless her. March is also the beginning of Autumn, not that you'd believe it with the heat we've still been having. Also March is important to me as its is the anniversary of my entering the Australian Armed Forces, despite my being out now for about fifteen years, my service of twenty two years plus still weighs heavily on my mind. I recently attended a reunion of sorts with many old mates from previous units I served in. It was our motorcycle group AGM (not club or gang) made up of ex and still serving men and women who just happen to like riding motorcycles, it was held in Dubbo NSW and members came from far and wide to attend. We had the meeting which was important, but it was the comradeship that is still displayed by all military members still serving or not, it's incredible to see and feel. I was proud to be be a part of it all. Unfortunately I left my bike at home as I was heading further south to Corowa following the meeting, plus I had our dog, Molly, with me. Molly sort of became the unofficial mascot for the weekend in Dubbo, she was loved by one and all.
Met up with some long term civilian friends in Dubbo too, yes we do have civilian friends too. These good friends I have known long before my army days, when I was a long haired sixteen year old visiting a town called 'Peak Hill' in country NSW. I won't be naming people or telling tales out of school, but I can tell you we had a great time, chasing girls and being chased, seeking grog, hunting and fishing, that's all I'm gunna say.
I passed through Peak Hill on my way south and remembered with fondness the great times we had there, and wondered where everyone else is now. The township has changed little in the past forty years. Most I spoke to had only lived there in the last 6 to 10 years, although I did find the brother of a friend who now owns the Butchers shop in town and we had a great time talking about old times. I also spoke to a fine old gent who told me his shop has been in the family and open for eighty three years, I didn't know him personally,  he told me I would have been too interested in having a good time of it instead of shopping when I was there, he was probably right too.

Happy New Year - 2017

2017 is here and I've hit the ground running. Attended a Jeep Club activity on Jan 1, which involved members placing train wheels on their Jeeps and drive onto some of the many hundreds of kilometres of disused railings around Qld. I also had an assignment to write an article for our club magazine too, so I'm still writing and having fun at the same time. There are some great photos and videos on my Facebook page so be sure to check them out.

Cheers for now and keep on reading!

Just a quick note

With Christmas 2016 over and all of our many visitors departed for their homes, we now await the arrival of the 'New Year'. We had an awesome time catching up with family and friends. Christmas is a time to ponder and reflect and although normally seen as a joyous occasion it is often also an emotional period for some, and like most this year was no different.

Despite the busyness of the Christmas period, I've had the opportunity to do some writing and review some of my various projects of current stories of which I've selected a particular storyline which I'm sure will please most. Look out for a post early in January where I'll leave a short synopsis to hopefully get the reading juices flowing. Who knows? I may just get to publish another novel in 2017.

That's it from me for the year, I think. I hope your festive season was fruitful and also joyous. I'm currently sitting here typing with my youngest granddaughter, Zoe 9 months old today, on my lap who is watching me type with keen interest, despite the hic-cups. Future writer?

I'd like to finish this blog today with a huge 'Thank You' to all who have supported me and my endeavours to contribute to the world of literature. As always I appreciated every comment or notation left or sent, it fires up my creativity and encourages and inspires me to keep on writing, cheers all.

Yours Sincerely

Rick 

Tempus Fugit

I wrote this post a while ago and recently discovered it was still sitting as a 'draft' so I thought I'd post it anyway as it's still as relevant today as it was the day I wrote it.

Tempus Fugit. Well "time" certainly does fly doesn't it? Or so it seems anyway. But why? Time management or the measurement of the time process through systems developed by intelligent beings (humans no doubt) has been recorded since the beginning of time itself, someone has been keeping track. The Ancient Egyptians and the Ancient Mayans documented and recorded the passing of time thousands of years ago. Modern society sees time as an important commodity and measures it through the use of time pieces such as clocks, watches etc.
Time is important (apparently) in the business world as time waits for no one.

Writing

The written word

The topic for this day is writing, now seeing as writing is 'what I do' within RickWrites I had better do some, I was recently reminded I am at times, a little inconsistent with actually getting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. I must admit this statement is true and I apologize up front for this lack of dedication to my writing. I need to apply myself and rectify the situation immediately, although, most know I have been somewhat preoccupied of late with the restoration work on my 1943 Willys Army Jeep.

I recently (four weeks ago) underwent a near on full shoulder reconstruction to my left shoulder, and have been restricted to the use of my right arm/hand only, consequently my endeavours to work on the Jeep have dropped off considerably. I've still been able to perform some much needed research on-line, although I'm now battling the keyboard one handed, not that I was much of a speedster on the keyboard anyway, more of a two finger operator who needs to constantly look at the keyboard.

My passion for the 'Written Word' is well known and it seems at present I have ample time to write and with one hand I find once again I am forced to revert to pen and paper, thank goodness I'm right handed. I must admit on past projects while working on a story line I'd find this method often gets my thoughts onto paper so much quicker, seems I write (by hand) just as quick as I can think. Often it is hard to decipher what is written on the page at the end as the mind goes into a sort of trance and the pen often does not leave the paper, so you end up with script that continues like some ancient scroll. I don't even stop for spelling, grammar or what ever, it just flows, editing comes later, much later. 

I'm considering writing about the Jeep restoration process. I know much has been written on the subject of Jeep Restoration, but I could write this on my personal journey during the process including why I chose a Jeep for my project, where I found it, how I started restoring it and what I have discovered along the way. I have learnt a lot so far and still have much to learn. I have been documenting what I have done to date in photographs which could complement the story. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Cheers all,

Rick Canhan


Footnote: For your convenience I have changed the settings so anyone can make comments now!

2016 Draws to a close

What's new today...

As 2016 draws to a close I reflect on the past year and what has come to pass over that time. The Latin phrase Tempus edax rerum basically means, time the devourer of all things, and when you think about it life just rolls on, no matter what. This year I have known the sadness that comes with the loss of close friends and the enjoyment that comes with the arrival of yet another Grandchild into our lives. Time certainly waits for no-one.

Although I have a passion for writing I find once again I have written very little this year and I feel I need to concentrate more on the writing side of my life. Despite not putting pen to paper my mind has always churned and is now full of ideas just waiting to pour onto paper or screen.

Currently my primary focus at present has been on the restoration process of my 1943 WW2 Willys Jeep. I found this jeep through a fellow patient whilst in hospital in Feb 2014 he'd taken a photograph with his phone of an advertisement of a jeep for sale in Marybourough Qld. The ad was the type that showed a photograph of the item for sale and a row of tear off phone numbers. Consequently I got the Jeep in May 2014 and have since been on a huge learning curve of learning the in's and out's of probably one of the most well known icons this century, the WW2 Jeep.

My next writings may well be a combination of my passions, writing and jeeps. Who knows, perhaps I could write a journal on my Jeeps restoration process. Watch this space!

June 2016

It's mid June 2016 and that means the end of the finanancial year, yep that means TAX time and with that comes the normal EOFY bargain sales. As I'm retired basically I pay little tax and that is via my com super  (DFRDB) after 22 years in Defence and as I only pay minimal tax I'm below the tax threshold and I generally get it all back anyway. We do have an investment property, if you could call it that, it's running at a loss and virtually get no tax benifits from that either, but hey we are alive and well and appreciate each day we wake up.
June has also been a month of sorrow with the passing of a great friend and also joyous with the wedding of a family friends daughter, Chantelle to Aaron, in Townsville. Next month will see us all visit the Polling Booths once again in a bid to choose a leader for this great country of ours, unsure which way I'll vote this time, not much between any of them.