What a fantastic trip; we finally got to the Gulf of Carpentaria, Red Centre and the Big Rock. Despite it being mid-winter, it didn’t stop us from doing anything, well maybe the odd ride or three. So, we have vowed never to go south again during winter or school holidays; we said this last time we were in the south so are obviously slow learners. Some people function really well in cold weather, but as we discovered, we are not two of those. It was a shame that Mark and Sue were not able to continue the trip with us as they would have really enjoyed the places we visited and the things we did there.
The
main thing we came away with from this trip is that we need a slightly larger
van; one with a fitted grey water tank, in-built washing machine and a properly
installed gas heater. And, in the truck we need to fit a 200l water tank or
bladder. No point in being cold, lacking water, or not being able to wash one’s
clothes when and where you want to. So, it’s caravan shopping for us over the
next few months. Hopefully someone will make a decent offer on our van so we
don’t lose too much money by trading it in.
Another thing we learned is that the nomadic Australian holiday lifestyle is well and truly up and running again, probably due to all the unrest around the world. So, we will indeed go back to planning more, but not everything. With the new van, we should be able to free camp a lot more, but when we do want/need to be in a city/town, we will ensure we plan for it.
A day after arriving home we learned of the passing of our dear friend and Wendy’s ‘Aussie Mum’, Jenny Fotheringham from pancreatic cancer. So very sad as Jen was a real gem of a person and we are going to miss her. RIP Jen.
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