Highroad for Oz

A small backyard . . . in Artarmon on Sydney's north shore, a mountain of enthusiasm and one tool-box. That's how Albert started following the classified ad response asking . . "anyone interested in travelling to London by bus?"

Within days Albert had a secure parking block, a diesel mechanic, a carpenter, a welder, a salesman, a nurse, a sewer of curtains, a painter and a Jack of all trades. The only guy we didn't win was an accountant - he arrived a couple of years later . . .

The newly formed crew gave all their spare time preparing the bus for the adventure ahead; the interior was stripped, then re-fitted with seats and bunks for 14; extra fuel capacity, new water tanks, lower deck heating, a kitchen with gas cookers and sink, a sealed rear platform and a little tinkering around the driver's cab and engine.

By August 1968 Albert was back on the road teasing Sydney bus-stop queues at Circular Quay and Wynyard waiting for a hop over the Harbour Bridge!