Until next time

After 1003kms (Peterborough to Renmark for lunch, then straight through with only fuel stops) I asked Will if we could stop for the night as I just couldn't sit any longer.  He was wide awake and the adrenaline was pumping as he could smell home, his shed and his Transtar.  None the less he willingly agreed and we had our first evening of free camping - outside the Koo Wee Rup swimming pool. 

We were back on the road by 6.00am and filling up for the final time at the same petrol station that had been our first fuel stop - Lang Lang, 7 636kms later!  This time there were grey clouds and rain, "At least there will be no sun in our eyes" declared Will. 

The last 83kms went by quickly thanks to the familiar sights - potholes, green rolling hills and flooded plains.  These were mixed with items that had changed since we left.  A new service station, trees full of blossom and rows of brilliant daffodils welcoming us back.  So, whilst things appeared to be the same when I looked closely they were different.  Just like the two of us are.  We have had our eyes opened to the wonder of travel and many of our conversations have been around 'Next time we go to Alice..' Until then we will enjoy the company of Fergus, who was waiting in the hay shed for us, watch Kyle play his footy and see what life at home holds for us.

Thanks for journeying with us!

1143 Kms to go but a Thank You message first

This blog is a little different but one I've planned to write since early in our trip. This blog is a thank you, not to my Birdsville mates or Mr Kenworth or anyone I've met on our trip but my thanks goes to my big brother, Kevin.  Months ago he asked me to write a blog during our trip and I brushed the idea off with an 'I don't know how to do that' - a great throw away line when I feel out of my depth at a new challenge.  So he emailed me a site with instructions and then gently asked me a number of times if I would write it.

At first I was really hesitant but after my first blog, which had only writing and no photos, Kevin said my words were enough, just keep writing. Then others of you thanked me for writing and told me how much you were enjoying the trip with us and how it was helping you recall special moments so I kept at it. It's been a wonderful way for me to record my special memories, write subtle reminders for myself about the photos I want to include in my coffee table book and most importantly it's reminded me to find something important and special in each day and to be focused on the day I was living, not one that had been or one yet to come.

So each day I looked for that special moment to share, like today when we saw the sunrise as we left Coober Pedy just before 7am, which was pretty spectacular. Or when Vina and Trevor's dry wit and humour over the CB had us laughing out aloud. Did you hear how they moved Uluru and ran a train track under it?  Or when they pulled up and gave us a helping hand when we ran out of diesel just 5kms short of the servo called Spuds at Pimba (we had a jerry can so we would have been okay on our own but a little bit of support is always a good thing).  Or our mixed emotions as we farewelled Trevor and Vina in Port Augusta which was a tiny bit easier than previous goodbyes as we have all promised to speak soon and a visit will definitely happen in 2016 (although as they were one of our favourites couples it was pretty damn hard, Vina made me promise to text when we hit Fish Creek safely - how gorgeous.). Local knowledge was also shared however maybe we aren't so good at listening as this was only the second time for the whole trip we missed a turn - both happened in or around Port Augusta.

Then later as I wandered Peterboroug in my coat and beenie, feeling cold and exhausted after traveling 700kms, I reminded myself that I needed something positive to write about. All of a sudden the grey clouds were less noticeable than the beautiful old buildings, the weeds weren't as eye catching as the grape hyacinths or the old fashioned flags flowering brightly. Both made me think of my dad, although neither were his favourites. My mind wandered to my garden and I wondered what spring flowers would be popping through to welcome us home.  And once again I was thankful for what today had held whilst excited about what is to come. Thanks Big Brother!!

Returning South

We gave ourselves the night off cooking and driving and headed to the RSL club via the courtesy bus, maybe not the wisest move when you need to be up at 5.30 am to hit the road, but we survived. The laughter and jokes continued and later a few farewell gifts were shared; some lemon slice, a tin of WD40, and a bag of crunched up chips.  Earlier in the day Dave had come requesting a photo of Will acting as a gorilla, this was actually a lovely parting gift as it reflected how much time and thought Dave had given the on going camp joke.

The morning came around quickly due to the beers, late night and early alarm. I felt a little concerned  that we might slip off without a final farewell to our closer friends. I should have known better. By 6.15 am the crew were up and gathered round - a first for that time of day. Vina and Trevor had planned to head off earlier but had decided to wait for 'The Kids' so we could travel together, just in case anything went wrong for either one of us - my suspicion is they thought they'd keep an eye out for us in our old Nissan. After a final round of hugs, some tears and promises of catching up we headed off with much tooting of the horn, just to be sure Whiskers, who was missing from the gathering, didnt feel left out.  

An uneventful day saw us arrive at Coober Pedy late afternoon. Once again the temperature gauge was reading hot causing Will some angst and the wind had blown every way except as a helpful tail wind, so the two drivers deemed it a day. The passengers were ready to call it quits too. 

So, tomorrow we have one more farewell however, as Vina and I already have plans for their visit to Fish Creek in 2016 I'm hoping this farewell will be a little easier. Time will tell.