So it’s time to finish up what we started. So grab a cuppa and enjoy the last blog of our big lap.
The trip home was quick. It took three years to get to Perth and just a week to get home to avoid the border closures.
We were in Kalgoorlie when we decided to leg it home. At that stage there was talk of border closures but we didn’t know what that meant. All we knew was jobs would be hard to find and that it wouldn’t take long for people, who didn’t understand situations to become fearful of travellers, and no longer welcoming.
We tried to enjoy the trip home as much as possible but put simply, it was an emotional trip. Feeling forced to head home, yet thankful we had a place to call home (unlike many nomads we met on the way), anxious we didn’t have work and worried we would be locked out of states – as we tried to figure out what was going on whenever we were in service. But we are home in Rocky. We are safe. We are working and we are covid free. For now, life doesn’t get any better.
Often after people do the lap, you get an update on the stats etc of how much fuel was consumed, how many KMs were done etc. Let’s just say there were loads. Instead I’m going to recount our highlights and lowlights of the trip.
First up, the top three places – would have to be Cape York, the Kimberley and I’m going to save the last for not a place but rather a time – tomorrow as you never know what top spot you will explore next. So we aren’t done with travelling and exploring just yet!
Worst roads, sorry Qld, but I’ll nominate you for this. Black soil is not a great foundation for a road.
Epic experience – paid I would go with our day trip to the Mitchell Falls, that was epic. Non paid, I loved doing the Karunjie track with Timbo, Ty and Bazza, exploring the Kimberley and the Cape. We had some great times up Cape York.
Clearest swimming holes, the Cape. Epic.
Unexpected accomplishments: well Tim tried his hand at sign writing so if you ever go to Darwin, look up on the main street and you will see some of his work. He also rocked at van repairs. So much so, we still get regular calls about it. Still.
For me, working at tourist info was fab! Not to mention having the spread in the caravan and camping mag was pretty cool, as was taking over the Instagram account for a week for Caravan & Camping Australia.
The hardest part of the trip would be that life goes on. Aside from constant van and car maintenance, some of the life stuff we endured was tough. Life doesn’t stop just cause we are on holiday, but being on a working holiday made it hard when we knew family and friends needed us, or us them.
Interesting person met – without a doubt this would have to go to Martin. The Chezk Republic national who sailed solo around the world. We met him in Mackay and then again up the Cape. He has since finished his trip but it would be great to catch up one day over a cold beer.
Speaking of, the best beer. Tim? Not impressed to be put in the spot but McAllister’s in Cairns had some good beers and Kalgoorlie get a high mention as well. Beer gongs also go to one at Mandurah, Thorny Devil Passionfruit IPA and Matsos Mango IPA – only available on tap at Matsoes in Broome – sorry folks – our loss too.
No wait, there’s more … Wild Hop at Margaret River had some good beers and the truffle and jalepano popcorn was good too!
Best beer service goes to the Iron Bark in the Swan Valley and favourite local would have to be Sporties in Kununurra and WA’s oldest pub – The Rose and Crown in Perth.
Favourite Sunday Sesh goes to the Casino at Darwin overlooking Mindil Beach.
Wow, I asked for a single beer and got the above. It has been a good trip. ๐
Surprise spot would be Flora River National Park. It was special but the bull dust getting in and out, not so much.
Places to revisit will include Cape York and the Kimberley. It may surprise you, while we didn’t love living in Darwin, we do like to holiday there. Actually, we will never stop travelling and exploring over our holidaysย – there is always something to explore and while we may not do it on our big lap, we will go back and re visit many places as well as explore those places we missed out on.
It’s been one hell of an adventure, but for now, we work on having a home base to make it easier for us to explore. To all our mates we met on the road, we are truely blessed to have met you and look forward to catching up with you, again one day. Who knows where but we can be sure it will happen! Chances are it will involve a beer or two. ๐ป
Travel safe! Get out and explore!