Some things I have learnt

I thought I would take a different approach today to the blog. Instead of talking about the last 24 hrs (which i am sure craig will do in the morning – his day would not have the same feel if he couldnt start with a good blog) I would reflect over the whole holiday and share what I have learnt.

Once I would have stressed about traveling long distances making sure I had lots of distractions, food, a plan of attack – anything to make travalling with kids easier because i was sure they would not cope. But I soon realized they make do with the situation and are more adaptable than I give them credit for. I also realize now that a few hundred kms is nothing.
We have met lots of families with kids who are doing the trek around australia and lots have been on the road for months. It’s the norm it seems.

I have also learnt that 5 people in a car can produce some wicked smells. It’s not uncommon for everyone to strenuiosly deny being the source to find a few minutes later someone laughing loud declaring “it was me”. What’s a road trip without some toilet humor.

I now also know the best retort to something you don’t agree with is “nar arrhh” which is followed by “yeaa eerrh” by you oponant. This can go back and forwards until someones head explodes.

I know that Tara and Jess cannot share a bed because they would never get any sleep. Every night we sleep one on our bed and the other on theirs, to then transfer them when we go to bed. They take it in turns each night as to who sleeps on our bed.

There is so much to see in Australia. I knew we would see lots of good things but I was surprised at how much there is to see.

I figure if we can all live out of a small tub each (for clothes and special items) for 6 weeks we don’t need half the crap that we have at home. I have also loved the housecleaning aspect of the van. A sweep and the occasional mop and voilà we are good to go.

I know that you should never go shopping on an empty stomach or with a family who has been surviving out of 1 shop for all groceries for a prolonged period of time because when you do get to civilization (a Safeway as there was no Coles) the family go mad for food that hasn’t been available for the past few weeks. Chances are you will walk out of there a few hundred dollars lighter and with loads of junk food and few meals. The worst culprit was the biggest kid- we all know how poor his impulse control is at the best of times, haha.

I know the dirt that gets caught under toenails and fingernails from exploring never really seems to come out no matter how much you scrub, especially if you are a no shoe kinda gal like Jess.

I have learnt to read in the car which I love! I used to be able to do it as a kid but as an adult I always felt sick or got headaches. This trip though with big straight, flat stretches of road I have been able to again and it’s ace.

Optus phone coverage is rubbish. I only have coverage if we are at major towns. Thank goodness our Internet has been with telstra.

Melbourne has the best tasting water by far!!!

It’s polite and now a habit to wave (either open hand or a few finger wave from the steering wheel) at all caravan owners on the road. It can be extended to trucks and even sometimes to other motorists if you are feeling exceptionally friendly. My driver says that males are more friendly than female drivers when it comes to the wave/ nod.

Anyway, here are a few random photos to match this random post.
By the way, we threw our plan out the window today and have made it to northam. I will let Craig disclose the next leg of the trip in his blog. Till next time……..