Here we go. Fourteen weeks, three states and one territory, a mum (me) and a dad, two boys (9 and 10 years old), three bikes, one kayak, 5 surfboards, dive gear, fishing rods, cameras, computers, lots of food – all packed in the new(ish) off road camper trailer. And of course the footy and the basketball. Not so sure we’ll see too many basketball rings where we’re going.

The plan – Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, William Creek and anything else in South Australia on the way to the Red Centre. See and do everything there that we can. Go north. Get to Darwin. Go west. Show the boys the amazing Kimberley. Start going south. See the beautiful west coast, Karijini, Gnaraloo – the list is long. Get to Perth. Check the date. Take it from there.
We started today at a civilised 8.30am. I refused to leave at “stupid o’clock”. I maintain that if it’s after midnight, and it’s dark, then you should be asleep.
It was a perfect winter’s day. Sunny and clear, and best of all – not windy.
We stopped in Avoca for my caffeine hit, plus multiple purchases at the bakery. From there, we travelled the rolling plains, where there was the odd wind farm. I love wind farms. I think it’s the serenity of the gently rotating blades. We reminisced about this being the place that John did his very first MTB race (where he won the novice category) and raced against a very young Cadel Evans (who won the Pro category).
On to Mildura. John lived here in 1991 when he first started with NAB. But we drove straight through and on to Cullulleraine (yes, that is how you spell it) and found the mighty Murray River where we set up for our first night. Here’s Ferg and Harry with their fire.

It’s going to be a cold night!