Well, we finally managed to jam in a trip out to the desert for some much-needed RnR! It has been far too long and it was simply wonderful to be back on the road in the Australian Outback again. This time around we also had the company of Jamie Hazelden from the Australian Bushman TV series who was also looking for some RnR, so joined us for a week or so.
The whole trip was a bit random and wasn’t really planned, but it didn’t seem to matter and we all came away feeling much better about life again.
We also enjoyed some campfire cooking with Jamie’s Aussie Campfire Kitchens gear, proper coffee (thanks to a Breville coffee machine) and even cooked on an induction stovetop! Yep, ridiculous stuff, but advances in Portable Lithium Power products are now making this possible, so we thought it would be remiss of us not to at least try it!
Hang In There Victoria
A big shout out to all those still doing it tough due to COVID-19 and restrictions. We all wish it were not so, but hopefully things open up again soon. It’s our belief that Australia simply cannot keep living with restrictions and closed borders, and other risk management efforts will be the way we need to go. Keeping the borders closed is only going to harm the economy more and more until it all collapses in debt for generations.
New Expedition134 Colours & More
This is the month for the ladies! After many requests relating to colours other than “boy colours”, we are releasing a limited-edition run of box lids and box tubs in hot pink. A manly sort of hot pink, but hot pink all the same. It actually looks pretty cool and we’ll have them available very soon.
This limited-edition colour release will also be associated with breast cancer awareness, with donations from every sale going to the Glenn McGrath Foundation. This foundation is doing tremendous work providing nurses to support cancer patients and their families during the hardest of times.
We are also taking a good look at our current branding and have been playing around with some new high-quality vinyl stickers and some colour matching with the boxes. There are so many options, but we are looking for the right feel. Bold and tough, but simple. If you see the new stickers, we’d love some feedback on what you think. So far so good, we think, but this might only be the start of some big changes in this area.
The Simpson Desert Birdlife
Not trying to gloat about a holiday, but this year the Simpson visit was rather special in my mind, so I have to go back to it. You see, the birdlife out there this year had to be seen to be believed. With a good season of rainfall in the central deserts, the wild budgies, corellas, galahs, finches, and a number of other central Australian birds were having the time of their lives. There were literally nests in every tree along the length of Eyre Creek. The noise was unreal.
As we couldn’t cross into South Australia without a permit, we hovered around Eyre Creek for a few days of camping. To wander through the dunes and the extensive network of creek beds with the camera was a real joy. Budgies shrieked at us from every tree and flocked in their thousands to the bit of remaining water in the creek as the afternoon came in.
You can read more about our experiences in the Simpson Desert below:
Tips for First-Timers Crossing the Simpson Desert
Don’t forget that Father’s Day is just around the corner. We are offering a 10% discount to anyone who uses the code ‘fathersday’, so you can get him something he will really appreciate (instead of another six pack of beer). If he is a “traveling the outback” or a “week on Fraser” type of dad, then our Expedition134 boxes are just the ticket. Rugged and reliable, they are something he will use on every trip!
OPEN SKY TOURING REVIEWS
from 67 reviewsThe quality of the products are great and to be a Australian product worth it. The first aid kits are well stocked.
Very happy awesome box
Another great Aussie product, simple and easy to fit.
Impressed with the quality, not much use yet but if it performs as good as it looks I be even more impressed.
Great storage box and tie downs. Secure with locking points. Easy to open to access without removing straps. Straps have a clip to easily disengage when taking off. Dust proof. No problems in/out of byfield national park.
Excellent product, absolutely fit for purpose.
Awesome aussie made product, top notch service!!!
Quad Expedition134 Pack
Awesome !!!!
Great quality, love the tie downs and their anchor points, box fits on my spare fridge slide perfectly and I can use as a pantry box
Recently tried out these Expedition134 storage boxes. They are rippers! Aussie Made and Owned! They are great for boat, the 4wd, or around camp.
So easy to clean. You can lock them. You can open them without having to undo tie downs. And seal up great to protect you gear! Can’t say enough about them. Thanks Open Sky Touring for designing these great Aussie boxes!
Once again my delivery from Open Sky Touring arrived without a problem and I knocked the boxes together easily. I love these boxes and when finances allow will purchase another three. These are simply the best boxes on the market.
Strong, versatile and easy to store in camper trailer
After a lot of searching I finally found the best Australian made and owned offroad storage solution. These containers are exactly as described. The back up service it's awesome as well, I would give 6 stars for both product and service, well done Open Sky Touring
very well made have that quality feel do not feel flimsy
have already recommended to other people