THE BEGINNING OF THE END
My Final Blog.... to all my followers, Thank you!
What a great adventure we have had... mum, dad and me! None of us had been to South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.... Of course, coming from Tasmania I had been there, that's where mum and dad found me, and all the family have been to Queensland and Canberra, with mum and dad visiting Victoria previously. So now... mum and dad can honestly say they have been to ALL the states and territories in Australia, however.. for seeing all of Australia, that will require many, many, MANY more adventures and trips and travelling. It has saddened me to know that mum intends to sell the Penguin in a few months for something else in the house that needs to be done. I can't really argue with mum as she was the one that bought the van in the first place and it is hers to do as she pleases... She doesn't really want to but sees no other alternative! We have had lots of laughter, arguments, tears, and more laughter along the way. We never travelled the Great Ocean road, nor did we travel the Oodnadatta track or see the Bungle Bungles (mountain range).. but we did what we set out to do for the main part and a few thousand photos and videos later we arrived home after stopping off at one of mum's friends/work mates from when she worked at Juvenile Justice. Of course, we were again very lucky as the van roof went skewiff again so we had a nice warm place to sleep while the van was repaired. Three days later, along with about the same amount of 'giggle juice' that was consumed we, for the last time, packed up, hitched up and drove off, this time we headed for home so there was no discussion where we were going. Mum was sad that she couldn't meet one of her FB friends, but we did travel through there on the way home so mum told her friend now she knew where the place was, she could visit on the way to Aunty Moyna's place! So, it's all good!
So let's just recap how we started and where we finished...*take totally ginormous deep breath and....* 4 months through Summer on the Murray River after arriving in Tumut for the first night and mum's birthday... , then way up in the high country at Tom Groggins. Clarkes Lagoon was next, a stop over at Albury-Wodonga right on the borders of NSW and Victoria. Onto Rutherglen Victoria for Christmas and New Year, with one of the best swimming we experienced... few! Then... We travelled to Cottadidda State Forest, Cobram, Doctor's Bend, Ulupna Island in the Barmah Forest, The Gulf, Torrumbarry Weir, Echuca, Pericoota National Forest and Gunbower Creek, Cohuna (where mum broke her wrist) Fort Courage Wentworth, Lock 9 Lake Culluleraine State Reserve, Lock 4 Katarapko National Park Berri South Australia, the free overnight camping that cost $100 (ask dad.. LOL) at the historica and totally amazing overland corner hotel, Hogwash Bend, caught up with friends and family in the Adelaide area, Vanessa and Kylee, Mark and of course Winston! Back on the road where we stopped at Mount Remarkable, Mambray Creek, Port Augusta Lipsom Cove, Taylors Landing, Fisherman's point, Mikkari Station where we got up close and personal with Koalas. Haslam Camping area where we got up close and personal with the dolphins! Gilgerabbie Hut and Koonaldra Homestead, and standing in awe at the edge of Australia at the Great Australian Bight... as we crossed the Nullarbor, Into Western Australia and Cave Hill, Coolgardie, (where they made the best fishermans' baskets EVER!), Indee Station, Broome where we saw Staircase to the Moon, Birdwood Downs and crossed the Gibb River Road, throuogh Windjana Gorge, Silent grove, Bell Gorge, Ellenbrae station, Katherine Gorge, Mataranka Springs and homestead, Historic Daly Waters Pub and caravan park, Banka Banka Station, Tennant Creek, Devils' Marbles, Alice Springs, and Teraphina Gorge, Corroboree Rock, Henbury Meteor Craters, Uluru, Mt. Conner and The Olgas, Coober Pedy, Silverton Broken Hill, and at Gilgandra home of the Cooee March! (If you have not heard of this march... google it!.. piece of Australia History).
*phew*.. oh and of course there were all the rest stops inbetween! Toolebuc, Mildura, Crystal Brook, Balladonia, Lake Douglas, Menzies, Meekathara truck stops, Mount Magnet, Three Rivers at the Gasgoyne, Leinster, Wycliffe (potty stop with the aliens!) and Maslin Rest Area, there were many more rest areas where we stayed during the time we have been away... but now we are home, and I am tired... so, I have chosen one photo from each and every place we have stopped at and have posted them here for you... Now? *yawn* this little wombat is going to bed... goodnight and good bye...
As they say in the classics... "That's all folks"...
With much love and affectionate wombatty cuddles
Tahune xxx
The hearty brekkie to start off with!
Very important.
"Keep your eyes on the road, your hands up on the wheel!"
*singing while I shared the driving*
I was in charge of keeping the back in order
Fishing up in the Snowy Mountains
*HAPPY NEW YEAR!!... hic*
TAHUNE BOMB!
MY NIFTY YELLOW FISHING REEL
GOOD LOOKING WOMBAT LOOKING BACK AT ME
CATCHING UP ON MY BLOG
NO PRIVACY WHEN YOU'RE FAMOUS!
IN THE CORNER OF WHERE NSW meets SOUTH AUSTRALIA
YUMMY HOT BREAKFAST...
I LIKE TRAVELLING
DAD NOT LOOKING!!! PINCH A SNAG...
THE SAND IS HOT! BUT READY FOR THE DASH OVER
THE SAND TO THE WATER
LOVED ALL THE CUDDLES I GOT FROM BETHANY!
*BORED... BORED... BORED...*
THE DOLPHINS! SO BEAUTIFUL!!
BARB, ME AND GLENDA! GREAT GALS!
IN MY FROG SPOTTING GEAR.. COOL HUH?
TOO MANY FLIES OUTSIDE.. SO STAYING INSIDE
THE NEW WA TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
SYCHRONISED SWIMMING MASCOT!.. ME!!!
CARROT FOR BREAKFAST!
WOMBAT BEHIND THE BAR WITH A CUTE BARMAID!
MWAH!
ED, LIGHTNING AND ME ASSIGNING CARAVANS
TO THEIR ASSIGNED SITES
ON THE DEVIL'S MARBLES
DON'T BE SCARED! IT'S JUST ME, A WOMBAT!!
LOVED CLIMBING SO MANY TREES
IT'S COLD AT ULURU,
BUT BEAUTIFUL!!!
I LOVE YOU ALL... AND THANKS TO MUM, DAD WHO HELPED ME WITH THIS BLOG
AND TO ALL MY FANS AND FOLLOWERS AND TO THE SPECIAL PEOPLE I HAVE MET ALONG THE WAY....
WITHOUT YOU... THERE WOULD BE NO BLOG!
SO THANKS HEAPS!
~ Aw Tahune! Thank you for sharing the amazing adventures and awesome photos of your journey around Australia with us. It made us feel like we were there with you. We are so glad that you had such a wonderful time but we're even more glad that you're home safely again - coz WE'VE MISSED YOU! *Huge Hugs* Luvin' Ya 'Round Oz 'n Back! ~ xxx's
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