Most recently was HRH Prince Leonard of Hutt River Principality, the man who in 1977 declared war on Australia ('hostilities' ceased five days later) resulting in the principality being free of Australian tax laws.

Last week Neil, who described his Hutt visit as a highlight, arrived in Port Headland and estimates he's covered approximately 10,000 klms since leaving the RMYC Toronto on May 3rd.

Reporting by text messages, he said his little Honda is holding up quite well considering the punishment it has taken so far with an impressively small list of running repairs.

¦ One rear tyre worn out...new one is also almost worn out.

¦ New battery...the old battery is doing service to run his mobile charger and tent light and is charged during travel by the new battery.

¦ Headlight replacement...old one vibrated to bits.

¦ A very rattly motor caused more concern until a kindly bush mechanic discovered it was just a bunch of loose bolts...tightened everything up and it's running sweetly again!

Neil says he has to be careful with his choice of campsites now as he's in crocodile country as his $30 tent "isn't going to keep them out".

Another highlight is that he's now enjoying 28-29 degree C weather in a T-shirt- he said the main lowlight to date was the cold, miserable wet weather he experienced travelling through Victoria.

Neil reports that he loves everything about the desert including the air, the peace, the people he's met and the sheer size.

His says average fuel prices are currently $1.47 to $1.70 per litre but he expects it to get more expensive as he gets into more remote regions.

He said he was also very surprised at the extent of new iron ore mining south of Karatha.

Always the sailor, when Neil crossed the Tropic of Capricorn he grabbed his GPS to check the position- it's misplaced by 200 metres.