The group left Brisbane around 9:00 A.M. John drove Baba, Eruch and Francis to Woombye in his new Peugeot 403. Bill followed in another car with the other mandali. This was a long drive through small towns, countryside and forest. The Australians pointed out to Baba the Glasshouse Mountains (strangely-shaped volcanic plugs). The group had only one stop — at Beerburrum, where they refueled and telephoned the others that they would soon be arriving. John Bruford had been most particular when purchasing this new car and was thrilled Baba was riding in it.1
They arrived at Avatar's Abode at 11:20 A.M. — somewhat earlier than expected because along the way, for part of the journey, Baba had asked John to drive very fast. John was a one-footed driver due to polio and probably would have considered being a race car driver if he had been physically able! He enjoyed driving fast and so took full advantage of the opportunity. But he was perspiring terribly because the car's windows were rolled up as Baba wished, and the heater was turned on.
Although no Baba lovers lived in Queensland at this time, Francis had earlier managed — in less than four months, in the rain and with no electricity or running water — to prepare the roads and erect a house and gathering hall at Avatar's Abode for Baba's use, complete with a soundproof bedroom, and furniture and bedding specifically tailored to Baba's needs. Francis even had part of the road dynamited to decrease the slope, so that Baba would suffer less discomfort in arriving. Australian Baba lovers either stayed on site to help, or repeatedly drove up the long distance from Sydney and Melbourne to work on the property whenever they could . Francis and his group had additionally arranged accommodations for the 50 or more people expected to attend the sahavas from the states of Victoria and New South Wales. The original farmhouse had been moved to a site lower down the hill to be used as the women's quarters and kitchen, and a new house was built adjacent to the old farmhouse site for Baba and the mandali. The men at the sahavas were accommodated in tents near the main entrance.
Most of the 58 guests had arrived the day before, and the work of preparing meals, sweeping, washing dishes, et cetera, had been allocated on a roster system. It had recently rained, so the paths and roads were sticky with mud. But the sun was shining when Baba's car arrived, and he was driven to his house.
Footnotes
- 1.John Bruford wanted to find the best available model car for Baba, so he brought one from Sydney, after hearing that the cars built there were superior to those available locally, and installed an additional arm rest between the front bucket seats for Baba's comfort.