May 18, 2018 - Uluru and Kata Tjuta

We expected Uluru (Ayers Rock) to be amazing…and it was. Nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) was impressive too. Both are very red and at times they feel other-wordly. The eleven hours between sunrise and sunset were filled with walking and 'watching' the rocks from a range of angles. After dark there was dining in the desert and a stroll through the field of lights (see photos). We also learned about the handback to the Anangu (1985), indigenous culture and desert wildlife and plants.

May 16, 2018 - In progress...

Greetings loved ones! ***Ive stopped trying to upload videos on this as the quality is absolutely dire and many dont work at all. Here is the link to my intstagram, I have them all up on that! @drbecs92 Currently on a ship heading out of Marlborough Sounds regretting the concoction of drinks i consumed last night, my sea legs are not the best!! Sucking chupachups like they're going out of fashion. Thought an aul update would take my mind off it. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. This is due partly to my laptop having its annual nervous...

May 16, 2018 - Kings Canyon

After Alice and the ‘West Macs’, our third stop in the Red Centre was Kings Canyon. It was colder, the sand was a deeper orange and there were even more flies! Our highlights were the ‘rim walk’ and the dinner ‘Under a Desert Moon’.

May 14, 2018 - Alice & the West MacDonnells

Things were different when we landed in AIice Springs in the Northern Territories. It was half an hour earlier and a chilly 13 degrees. The town was empty and a little rundown and seemed rather soulless. For the first time, we also felt a bit vulnerable; there was a noticeable police presence and tourists are advised not to walk around after 8pm. Away from the town, the countryside is stunning. The orange sandstone of the West Macs form a striking contrast against the white, green and black of the spinifex bush. The area is full of gorges...

May 11, 2018 - Time to go

Finn and Tony did get to go fishing on Tuesday after school, even though it was a bit drizzly. Finn caught a 30cm catfish which was returned to the water. So he was very pleased with himself. We departed Lennox Head on Wednesday morning and made our way to Bribie island with a couple of stops along the way to purchase a water filter and some impellers to take back with us. Tony trimmed the bonsai to within an inch of it's life! !!! Bob is very healthy and happy and has forgotten all about me, Jane looks after him so well. We spent some...

May 8, 2018 - Cairns and Port Douglas

After 65 days and 8533 kilometres, we handed back the campervan in Cairns. We spent a week chilling out in the area, learning a lot about coconuts, coral and cane-toads! As well as relaxation, it was a time of celebration: Marianne’s nephew, Will, got engaged to Daisy and Birmingham City FC managed to avoid relegation.

May 7, 2018 - Sprouts

We went to see Graham's new business venture in operation today He is growing organic sunflower sprouts. His plot is on an organic farm in the nearby hills. This is the biggest bag of potting mix I've ever seen! It's an interesting process and it takes 6 to 8 days from start to finish. The sprouts are packaged in 2 sizes and the local shops are taking them as well as a couple of wholesale fruit and veg suppliers. Finn was hoping to take Grandad fishing after school today but we had a rainy afternoon so hopefully tomorrow will...

May 6, 2018 - Anticipation

It is with a mixture of both excitement and terrifying fear with which I approach the act of writing my first Travel Blog. As a 'slightly mature' single woman my travel niche is not typical. Budget is of essence but I am exploring options other than hostelling. This has led me to explore other means of accommodation such as home exchanging and being hosted. My travels will take me to south and central Europe both with and without company. Last minute plans include refining my packing; my trusty German born friend Kristina has suggested...

May 5, 2018 - But wait ........there's more!

After departing Port Stephens we had a long day's drive to Lennox Head. We stopped at Ulmarra on the beautiful Clarence River to catch up with Paul and Kath on Moor R & R - a very short half hour stop as we still had a couple of hours driving to do. Then it was on to see our son and family. Grandad and Malia played chess. Finn played his first ever game of soccer. Then we did a trip up to the northern outskirts of Brisbane to catch up with Tim and Amanda, and their lovely daughters, Ashleigh and Carrie. This is the view from...

May 5, 2018 - Love and other drugs (betamethazone)

Greetings from 10000 metres! Currently flying over Western Australia as I type thanks to on board WiFi (what a time to be alive!!) about 6 hours in and with 6 hours left to fly. I am not the best passenger and tend to go a bit stir crazy and anxious if stuck in the one spot for too long so I said this would take my mind off it. Apologies I haven’t posted in a few days, I was out the last two evenings attempting to be a social butterfly! To varying degrees of success!! Also apologies for how photo heavy this post is. I’m basically cramming...

May 2, 2018 - Uluru and Yulara

OK here we are in Yulara, the township close to Uluru, or Ayers Rock. We arrived with yet another 'injury' - this time, we inadvertently left the front window cover open - by the time we realised, it was separated from the van, just held there by our forward motion!! Luckily, it is not damaged, and should be able to be replaced - along with our awning!! This is turning out to be just one of 'those' trips!!! Our 3 previous long treks have been incident free, so guess this is our turn for those pesky things that can go wrong!! Anyway, lovely...

May 1, 2018 - Cape Tribulation and Cooktown

Cape Tribulation is 140kms north of Cairns. It's part of Daintree National Park which is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world (180 million years). Some species pre-date the dinosaurs.It’s beautiful, empty and edgy. We felt we were constantly ‘under cover’ and ‘on guard’. ‘Under cover’ from the canopy of the rain forest or to protect ourselves from the rain. ‘On guard’ from crocodiles, cassowaries (tall emu-like birds) and a multitude of bugs. Cooktown is another 100kms further north up the coast. It’s where Captain Cook spent 48 days...