The days are finally slipping off the calendar toward our awesome trip. It feels like it’s taken an eternity to get here yet we’re under no illusion that our touring days will dissipate quicker than moisture on a smoldering tarmac.
Thinking back over the past eighteen months we have to pinch ourselves to realise how far we’ve come. The dream is now a reality but there were so many moments when we doubted whether it would eventuate. Even thoughts of quitting this bizarre fantasy overwhelmed us from time to time. Would we have enough money? Will the caravan EVER be finished? Do we really want to spend six months together in a space the size of Em’s bedroom?
However, we truly understand how blessed we are.
We’re not taking this trip as though we deserve it. Far from it. Instead we’re humbly journeying knowing full well that we’ve received a gift. From the Serafino’s caravan, to the many hours supplied by Daryl, the gifts given by friends and family and hours of advice bestowed on us by knowledgeable people. All of it is a gift.
In moments of reflection we realise that in the wise words of Mark Sayers “…we are recipients of a cosmic lottery.” We don’t deserve to be in this wonderful country, on this awesome adventure and with the multitude of freedoms that we enjoy any more than any other person.
Yet, we’re thankful because we realise we have been blessed. And because we’ve been blessed – we want to be a blessing!
Hopefully we’ll have more stories to share on how we go about sharing that. Stay tuned.
Didnt quite know where to put this. But these are the things I have come up with with regards to Tassie
Mountain bike Ride down mountain in Hobart (Mt Wellington)
Hot Springs south of Port Arthur (Hasting Caves and Thermal Springs)
Salamanca Markets Hobart
Tasmazia Village of Little Crackpot (North West)
Crusie down the Gordon River (Nice but expensive)
Cradle Mt Walk
Port Arthur
Gav went on a cruise out from Hobart and loved it.Its to some Island (maybe Bruny Is)
Cascade Brewery in Hobart
Maria Is (National Park/Reserve)
Bivouac Bay Walk
Mt Filed National Park
Freycinet National Park
Launceston Swinging Bridge
Cabury Chocolate Factory (has changed and not as good as past.$20 and everyone gets block of choc and sees how choc made.No longer hands on)Very commercialised
The Wall Derwent Bridge
West Coast Wilderness Railwsy Strahan
Thats it from Gavs experience and Graemes advice.
There will be lots more and I am sure you will be able to tell us more about what to see and do.
Have fun
Louise
Cheers Louise. This is a fairly comprehensive list. We’ll cross some of them off as we go around and let you know how they go.
Hi Levi I just got back from Shark Bay. I hope you have a brilliant time travelling around Australia.
Hi Stu, Deb, Jordan, Emily, Levi & Miriam
You are all well deserved of this holiday. I have thoroughly enjoyed the small amount of time helping you on the van and nutting out some of those little problems. It made be envious and at times wished I could have kept our old van and renovated it like I was going to.
I know you will enjoy yourselves not only as individuls but also as a family. You will learn more about each other and also yourselves as individuls. Being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life will definately through a different perspective on things.
Certainly from the six weeks that we were away travelling, it was a time where we could focus as a family unit and at the same time see some great wonders that God had provided for us. He kept us free of incidents and accidents….other than when Tracey reversed the Pajero into a tree and wheelie bin even with a reversing camera and sensors…..but lets not go there.
We pray that God will also protect you all during your time travelling this big country while travelling the road and in everything that you do.
We look forward to regular updates, photos, reports and even an occasional chat during the 6 months just in case you forget us back home
God bless and safe and exciting travels
Daryl & Tracey
Cheers Daz, Tracey and Fam.
You are great friends and we’re going to miss you heaps – already thinking where we could take our next trip together.
Nice move holding back on the sharing of that anecdote Daz. Much more beneficial to the relationship mate!
Will definitely be sharing heaps of photos and updates. Keep well and thanks for your kind words.