Gismo Queen and her King

Wrap Up

Words can't really describe the experience we have had. In a lot of ways, this would not have been the way we would have chosen to travel these parts of Australia but our experiences of last year have taught us that you can't wait to do things, because none of us know what life holds in store. So we made the most of this experience and it was indeed amazing.

Some statistics:

• 12,860 kilometres travelled
• 38 different campsites
• Highest temperature experienced = 34C
• Lowest temperature experienced = -4C

Our favourite places:

• Mount Surprise
• Lorella Springs Station
• Litchfield National Park
• Daly Waters Pub for the "beef and barra"

Some thanks:

• Our housesitters Liz and Mark for looking after our animals so well
• Mum/Myra for picking up the slack and all the extras
• Lisa, Paul, Harry and Kobi for a sensational six weeks travelling together
• Natalie and Hayden for their time in Darwin but especially for travelling down to Daly Waters to help celebrate Greg's birthday
• Neill and Jude for their advice, our practice run and the loan of the sat phone
• Doug and Ruth for their hospitality in Canberra

So although we say that words can't really describe the experience, the following poem tries hard. Settle in before you read it, as it is quite long, but hopefully quite catchy.


Towing the caravan for 9 weeks of play
Our first camp was under a tree
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee

A boring free camp but we didn't care
Into Queensland and a very pretty weir
Watching the pelicans while drinking beer

And on the campfire a coffee to brew
Through the red dirt to country Longreach
In the outback not near any beach

Down into the Gorge before it got dark
The road turned bad and really quite bumpy
Our shower got broken and we got grumpy

Brought back smiles and stopped our cries
In the lava tubes we stood
Before our pizza was cooked on wood

The weather was hot so this made us cool
The Savannah Way was all rock and dirt
In Burketown we watched the artesian spurt

Had us swimming in a lovely blue cove
Touring through the cliffs and dust
We had a view that was upper crust

Meant the beers at KFC were a must
A much easier drive out to Hells Gate
For our last night in this sunny state

300k of dirt was a long way to go
In Borroloola we finally came clear
But alas were unable to buy any beer

A station and camp fit for kings
A swim and flight up in a chopper
No doors but we were belted good and proper

Tomato Island where the fishing was grand
Out of the bush on the Stuart Highway
Meeting with friends says hooray

The crocs in the gorge didn’t give a damn
Up the highway to a little city
Darwin was friendly and really quite pretty

The heat and the mozzies were revealed
Swimming in rock pools was swell
We could have stayed for a longer spell

Fishermen in with the crocs made us shiver
Finally we arrived in the famous Kakadu
Our first camp was at the lovely Jabiru

The crocs and spear throwing were certainly grand
Down to Cooinda and a hike through canyon walls
Came out at the magic Jim Jim Falls

The weather would soon turn cool and grim
Mataranka had markets and thermal pools
The water was almost the colour of jewels

Beef and Barra was the yummy grub
Breakfast with friends before Banka Station
Cake and campfire at this great location

The campfire and fireworks was really good
Down the road to a town like Alice
The Big4 was as big as a palace

Near the Todd River that doesn’t flow
A big drive to King’s Canyon
Paul, Harry and Tracey were walking companions

Sunset made the colours go all shades of red
The days were sunny but the nights really cold
Pizza, red wine and campfire were gold

For the opal that is a precious stone
Underground we ate and toured
The dingo fence had them secured

Gaining confidence with the Prado reins
Finally in Port Augusta we came
Caching up with family was the aim

Our six weeks travel has been a ball
More plains east to the Silver City
Up north to camp in a town that is bitty

We took it easy and some old tracks
Lunch at the pub followed by sunset
Across the Mundi plains a view to beget

Through towns that saw long ago glory
To Canberra to catch up with family
Play time with kids and a shopping spree

With plenty of ice and foggy gloom
Across to Rutherglen following the vines
We ate good pies and bought more wine
 
Our last night was on the banks of the Murray
So close to home but there was no hurry
Home to the pets after this long haul
In all nine weeks we’ve had a ball.

posted by Tracey @ 9:31 pm