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!!