Saturday 7 September: The Last Post

The sun is sliding down and tonight is the last one of our holiday. As always, the Wimmera River at Dimboola has been delightful.

It’s been a wonderful 12 weeks on the road. Our initial objectives to travel to Perth to see family and Broome to meet our London friends were achieved without too much fuss, though the bust part was always in the background, with a small caravan, hybrid car, a dog that doesn’t like the heat and two older people not sure if we were still capable of such adventures.

The roadhouses across the country were new to us. Vital for fuel and water and rest but not always attractive. The respectful behaviour of all caravan occupiers, often staying close together but keeping the peace at night until morning was consistently adhered to. Across the Nullarbor and then north of Perth until Port Augusta the only road traffic would be caravans and road trains. While the majority of travellers would be seniors like us, there were also a significant number of families with school age children taking a few months to a year off to travel the country.

There were many wonderful moments and experiences. The country is hypnotic, variable, grand, challenging for humans, animals and plants. Yet the survival, growth and richness of nature and human capacities and ingenuity is also remarkable.

We have been able to observe on a very small scale the way First Nations people connect with country and demonstrate their knowledge through art, keeping it close, passing it on through families and sharing with visitors. 

To experience nature at Ningaloo Reef and Monkey Mia, to have our friends travel to Broome and then spend time travelling with them in the Kimberley, to travel through the Pilbara, Alice Springs, Uluṟu. Just to travel through remote parts of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory looking at country, contemplating and reflecting on the past and thinking about the future. 

We are grateful for the opportunity and will take it with us on other roads.

"And goodbye from me, as I look wistfully into the distance."

1. Miriam8 September 2024 at 03:06

   Wow! Well done to you all, and great to see that Chops had such a good time too! Very much looking forward to hearing more about it when we come out in November. It was a really epic journey and you’ll have many happy memories.

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   1. 
      Anonymous10 September 2024 at 21:18

      Well done you intrepid Duo -sorry Chops Trio. Look forward to seeing the photos and hearing more about your adventures in December. There is definitely a book there with all the material you have amassed. Much love to you all. Sheila xx
2. 
   Lyn8 September 2024 at 13:24

   The journey is often the great symbol of discovery and transformation in early narratives. A great adventure for you all. It is clear that Chops has expanded his world view and may now be regarded as a great thinker. 

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3. 
   Dennis9 September 2024 at 13:28

   Thanks for keeping us up to date with your travels. You’ll have to make a photo book! It looks like you’ve had an epic trip but I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to getting home again. 

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4. 
   Pat J9 September 2024 at 16:14

   What a great summary of your epic journey.
   Yes it’s a beautiful world on our island home and lucky by birth (some of us) to be anchored here.
   Well done all that driving and camping. Just think your comfy bed awaits you. Looking forward to seeing you both +1 of course xxxx

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5. 
   Jenny9 September 2024 at 20:41

   I really enjoyed the blog, thanks for all the effort you put into it. A great thing to look back on. Glad you’re back safely. Looking forward to seeing you soon xx