As Ethan mentioned in his last epistle we have been taking a leisurely sojourn down the eastern seaboard, and since the last update we have stopped at St Helen’s Beach, Byfield State Forest (beautiful campsite but was inhabited by swarms of hungry march flies – obviously very confused however as it is September NOT March!), Agnes Waters (near 1770), and a brief lay over in Gympie to re-charge and re-stock supplies before heading to Inskip Point for a final week of “holiday” camping before heading home.
I cannot believe that 7 months are nearly over. In the beginning 7 months stretching out in front of us seemed like it would take forever, and yet it has passed us by in what seems like a blink of an eye. It is probably therefore an important opportunity to be a bit reflective about the trip as a whole in this blog, and there are some important messages and learning’s to pass along!
- Ours is a spectacularly beautiful, diverse and large country, and it has been an incredible and wonderful experience to travel around it’s perimeter (with the odd foray into it’s interior).
- We are a dry, dry continent. Academically, I am sure we all knew that before setting out, but a trip like this one has certainly highlighted that you don’t need to travel far from the coast (particularly in WA) to find the land dry, brown, dusty and crunchy underfoot, & sparsely populated by skinny unhappy looking cattle. Of course, even in such harsh arid areas if we took the time to get out of the car and looked there was amazing examples of beauty and flora.
- Again, although we knew there was a reasonable amount of mining in WA and QLD academically, this trip has highlighted just how much of Australia is being mined. I won’t add any further on that issue…. Could occupy lots of space.
- Our animal and bird life in Australia is as diverse and spectacular as our country. And, if you are quiet, still and watchful you are lucky enough to see it!
- It is my observation that it is easy for people (including me) to travel without really seeing. But this trip has been a constant reminder to be in the moment…to be still ….. and really ‘see’ where we are, enjoying everything that each location and experience has to offer.
- Whilst I would recommend this type of adventure to everyone, it is probably important to invest in a ‘Steve’ or equivalent model. Steve has been the one who researched foreign concepts (to me) such as 4 WD capability, recovery gear, modifications to camping gear and car, power sources, lighting, uhf radio, eperbs etc etc. All the specialist knowledge that made this trip safely possible, and even, dare I say it …. Comfortable.
- I believe there should be some mandatory requirements for those folk wishing to travel such as: a) Completion and annual reaccreditation in the “Burying my own excrement course for beginners”!!!!! It has not ceased to amaze me that when toilets are not provided or when folk have not purchased their own chemical toilet, that they do not take responsibility for appropriately burying their business!
b) Certification in campground etiquette. Which includes such gems as noise, and intrusive behaviour.
c) Completion of training in “ You Carry It In – You Carry It Out”. A short course in rubbish removal and disposal.
d) Accreditation in 4WD courtesy. Including topics such as: when to wave; and … when approaching another vehicle on a dirt road …SLOW DOWN and move to the left to protect both of your windscreens! Etc.
Having said all of the above (somewhat tongue in cheek), can I also add, that by far and away we have met marvelous wonderful people on the road. Great characters, story tellers, and genuinely nice folk. Young people, international backpackers, couples, families, retiree’s from all walks of life. Invariably they have been interesting, friendly, cheerful, a font of knowledge, and fun to be around. We are privileged to have had the opportunity to meet them all and to share some of their tall tales but true.
Finally, a trip like this one reminds us of the things we hold dear. You,…. Our family and friends, and the life that we have created in our little corner of the world.
Thank you all for sharing our trip with us. A trip like this could be quite lonely away from you all, but knowing that you were reading along with us, and getting the occasional message really helped us to feel connected with you all.
See you soon!!!!
(we are already planning the next trip!!)
