The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 635 - Francis Birtles with Wil Anderson and Ben Russell - Live
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May 28, 2024 Comedians delve into the adventurous life of Francis Birtles, from his daring journey through the Australian desert to a mysterious marriage. The podcast covers explosive fires, sponsorship for a rowing machine, harrowing incidents in Europe, humorous banter during travels, and whimsical encounters with coffee confusion. The absurd adventures of Frank with the Sundowner car, lighthearted banter about strange imagery, and discussions on the adventurous spirit of Australian explorers round out the entertaining narratives.
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Early Life and Boer War
- Francis Birtles, born in 1881, joined the merchant navy at 15.
- He later escaped to fight in the Boer War, using buckets to lower his clothes.
Perth to Sydney Cycle
- Birtles attempted to cycle from Perth to Sydney multiple times.
- He faced extreme heat, flies, and a lack of water, eventually succeeding after 113 days.
Cross-Country Drive and Tension
- Birtles' cross-country drives gained fame but caused tension with his companion, Sid Ferguson.
- They stopped speaking, highlighting the difficulty of early outback travel.