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 96 reviewsOrdered this box after seeing so many positive reviews of the Expedition 134 box. And it doesn't disappoint! What an outstanding, Australian made product. Not only is it tough and durable it looks the bomb as well. Will be getting another one for sure! Can't recommend enough.
Recently bought a pink storage box after buying 3 last year. It’s just as tough and perfect as my previous ones. I’ll continue buying these awesome boxes to go into my new trailer project.
Great product! Love using them and would highly recommend to anyone
Easy to use, and great value
Great product and well made
Does just what it says on the box! (bad dad joke there...) Great to now have 3 of these in my collection.
Survival Snake Bite Kit™
Purchased the Expedition 134 to use for the wife's scent hound business. The dogs are used to find truffles, so not only does the box store all the harnesses and other dog gear, any booty located also goes into the box, safe and secure. Great product indeed..
Great kit. Saw on Pat Calligan’s show and immediately bought. This will definitely save a life from snake bite. The pressure bandage has markers to show how tight to wrap. So clever.
One of the best products I have used in my forty plus years of camping very well made and waterproof. It’s a pleasure to do business with a great Aussie company.
Survival Snake Bite Kit™
Very happy with the boxes. Def can hold adult standing on lid and solid latches. Easy to hose out and dust and water proof for 4WD trips!
I am impressed with the rigidity and quality of the box. it's worth every cent!
These boxes are exactly what I wanted! Delivered on time, great quality and great price! Thanks Open Sky team!
This is my 5th box and they’re fantastic. Will be the replacement for my drawer system in my Landcruiser to keep weight down. They are the ideal combination of size and manageable to handle when full.