Bourke to Broken Hill

The Bourke caravan park pool.

Kids waiting patiently for dinner. With their fancy plates.

I put curls in my hair, and they stayed!

Are we there yet?

Road to Broken Hill.

Darcy v. Clothes Line

So hot. Can't move.

Who would have thought that Bourke would be greener and cooler than Broken Hill? Not me.

But it is.

We left Bourke, and possibly the nicest caravan park we have ever stayed in. So green! Fantastic facilities. It was a shame we weren't staying longer. Anyway. We left and headed south to Broken Hill. When we arrived it was approximately 2000 degrees with a hot, north wind. The pool at the caravan park was out of order due to 'chlorine issues'. Whatever that means. There was no grass, only cement. I was not happy.

I was homicidal, actually.

Luckily the local pools saved us. Apparently the town rallied for years to get a decent upgrade to their town pool facility, and it worked! Now that have indoor/outdoor pools and a waterslide.

Fun times were had.

It meant that by the time we arrived back from the van, a cooler breeze was around and we weren't so inclined to turn on each other for, you know...looking at each other. Mind you, Darcy had a running with a clothes line, but that was actually a source of entertainment. For me.

The next morning we dismantled the camper in record time due to a pretty awesome storm approaching. We made it into the car just before the heavens opened and the rains came! It is strange that the rain appears to be following us across the country.

I'm not complaining.

A lot of people wouldn't like the drive from Bourke to Broken Hill, through towns like Cobar and Wilcannia. But I love this part of the world that is forgotten about, but is as stereotypical of Australia as is the beach. Given, I wouldn't stay in Wilcannia - but I think everyone should see a town like this to learn how hard some people have it. I wouldn't even know where to begin in a town like that.

Next stop - Bruce. The Farm. How we have missed this place.

Road Trip Tally:

Turn arounds - 1
Backseat arguments - 10
How long until we are there? - 2
Fuel Stops - 2
Middle of nowhere, scary toilet stops - 2

Sorry for the late post! Coverage issues...

The Back O' Bourke.

The most important box. Chargers.

Us being cool with the Cunnamulla Fella

Crossing the border

Oops, left the car in QLD when we went to NSW

Long and (not) winding road

Tild pretending to be scared of the storm.

Darcy not so impressed by the storm rolling in.

Driving to get salad. Bit scary!

Amazing storm heading in behind the trees.

Blogging in the camper while it rains.

Today we made if from Charleville to Bourke.

Let's talk about Charleville. How is it that small towns have a reputation for being unwelcoming where the locals spend their time staring at tourists? Because this town? The nicest town ever. It is in the middle of nowhere. It's hot. Isolated. And yet every person we walked past said hi, offered us information about sights to see and were just generally amazing. It was really the last thing I expected. The town kind of woke up today too.

I saw more than the previous 1.1 people.

There are a few cool little tourist destinations to visit. One even opened up early for us because they saw we were hanging around!

See? Nice.

Today's trek also saw us cross the border from Queensland into New South Wales. Cue the red dirt and better roads. We did the obligatory border stop, with the kids marvelling at how original they were to be jumping from one state to another, and back again.

It has never been done before.

Today also marked the first camper erection. Sorry, couldn't think of another word for it..so erection it is. We were in a bit of a hurry because driving into Bourke, meant heading towards some serious weather. And here I was thinking Bourke was dry. Not so much. We popped the camper in record time (popped! There's another word!) - 20 minutes - and not a minute too soon because the heavens opened up and bucketed down upon us. It was kind of exciting! We were even treated to a pretty spectacular light and thunder show.

Bit scary at times.

Once that passed, we set off to the pool to cool down, as the rain had not so much cooled down but rather it had a hot steamy shower and forgotten to turn the fan on.

Steamy. 

Now the rain has passed. The wind has gone and we are settling in for our first night camping. What a tremendous country we live in. We feel so lucky to be able to tour around like we are, with the kids in tow and experiencing it all for the first time. If you have ever thought about doing something like this, I would highly recommend it. You don't have to do great day drives if you don't want to. There are plenty of stops along the way - some prettier than others but all pretty interesting. And the people you meet along the way all end up being party of a damn good story.

So get out there!

Tomorrow, Broken Hill.

Chow!

Road Trip Tally:

Turn arounds: 1
Road Kill: 848, 265
Car Arguments: 1
Branches hitting the windscreen: 1
Fuel Stops: 2
Bug attacks: 3
Conversations with strangers about BT-50: 2

Gladstone To Adelaide.

The Rig.

Lunch stop.

Two happy and excited kids.

Pondering thoughts and casting some shade.

A famous Roma dude.

Some time ago, and I can't remember exactly when, we decided to do a road trip from our new home town, Gladstone in Central Queensland, to our old home town, Adelaide in South Australia. Adam and I drove around half of Australia before the kids came along. That was almost 13 years ago now and yet we still find ourselves reminiscing about it over a beer or three. So we always knew we would do it again some day and this time with kids!

Only a little bit different. Little bit.

The other difference is that we have less time to do it in. Last time we took about two months. This time it will be about three weeks.

The rig is a bit different too. Last time we did it in a 1988 XF Ford Ute..red...with a dome tent and two red mattresses we pushed together in the tent.

This time, we are 'glamping' more than camping.

We have the Mazda BT-50 and the Jayco Hawk. But don't worry, there's no air conditioning.
Yet.

Today was day 1! Gladstone to Charleville. We made it! There is a thunderstorm rumbling outside of our motel (night one in the motel after a ten hour drive) and it is about 36 degrees.

Fun times.

The trip took a little longer due to the fact that we made many stops along the way. This is because I am a responsible back recoverer. As in I had back surgery eight weeks ago and need to make regular stops so I don't set myself back (no pun intended).

The kids were brilliant, as usual. I can't believe how well these two travel, and always have. Of course it's not like an old school road trip. We take full advantage of technology to keep them happy.

Thank you Apple. For the iPad.

Charleville is probably a little more interesting, when it is not New Years Day. Nothing is open and we have seen approxiamtely 1.1 people. But the RSL is open so at least we can eat tonight.

Next stop tomorrow. Bourke.

Road Trip Tally:

Are we there yet?: 0
Fuel Stops: 3
Turn arounds: 2
Toilet stops: 3
Back Pit Stops: 6

See you then!

The Lifestyle.

Definitely one of the best things about moving to Queensland, had been the change of lifestyle for us. Adam has always worked away from home..but now he's home all the time. Which most of the time is great.

I kind of miss owning the television and eating fish from a box.

But this life up here means we get to do lots of exploring in our little camper. We get to find beaches like this one, where a storm is rolling in and the waves threaten to eat you. And there is no one to be seen around you.

Could be because the sea has eaten them all. A hint maybe?

My life as a midwife (rhymed it) has begun. It is everything, and I mean everything, that I could have ever hoped and dreamed of. I still can't believe this is my job. They pay me to do this. I would love to tell many a story about my job..but I think it's a topic that is out of bounds!

Patient confidentiality and all that.

But maybe I can brag a little bit about how amazing women are.

Anyway. I hope to document more of this amazing lifestyle - with all of it's ups and downs (there are downs, many of them!) because I know one day I will regret not being able to look back at all the amazing things we did.

Be well.

Rach.

Not Quite A Fail...but sort of..

You can't totally blame me for not keeping up with the photo a day challenge. I actually did, I have just been in an internet free area of the world so I wasn't able to post them..So I am going to back-post them.

Here we go.

January 3rd: Repitition. 

The first of these two was taken about 3 or so years ago, when Matilda was about 3. We took another in the same spot to note the difference in size of our little girl. It upsets me a little bit, actually.

January 4th: Fur.

This is our dear friend's dog, who breed wise should love the outback and rounding up the sheep. But the love this family have for their dog has turned him into nothing but a sooky, lap dog. He's lovely actually. And there's nothing wrong with a heeler x kelpie x godknowswhat lapdog, is there?

January 5th: Colourful Food.

This photo is a cheat job. It's a last minute Iphone job just to get the job done! Adam likes to make faces with food when serving the kids their dinner. He does a damn fine job too, I like to think!

January 6th: Photograph with words.

This word means the most to me at the moment, because we are redefining what it means to us. What makes a home? We are leaving ours after 8 years. To find a home somewhere else. Somewhere we'll have no friends or family. Just each other. And that's enough, we make our own home, no matter where we are.

There may be delays like this as our house is being packed up this week, and we'll be living in a hotel and I'll still be working. It could be messy for awhile.

Rach x

If you would like to play the 365 challenge, this is who I am following..

http://captureyour365.com/

New Beginnings

Two years ago todays, I wittnessed the nothing short of amazing birth of this beautiful, baby girl. My sister did the birthday. The baby is two today.

There's nothing that wasn't beautiful about this day, even the ugly crying my mum did in the background as she watched her daughter deliver her own...I'll never forget it.

Happy Birthday, Sophia. Oh how I love you so x

Resolve:

Today I am going to attempt a 365 project. Im following this site and have opted to receive the daily inspiration emails. Im sure it's the only wait I'll actually have a chance at sticking to it!

Today the inspiration came from the word "Resolve". I immediately thought of my most favourite bike. The one with the new basket on the front.

I want to, if only once, ride my bike with a basket full of food, somewhere. Anywhere. And have a picnic. Not so much a resolution, but a maybe a symbol of simple pleasures I hope to find in our new life in sunny QLD. I don't know. We'll see. We'll hope.

And this photo? Because I love it. 

Happy New Year! May 2013 being you peace. If nothing else x

Thank you for the days..

Spotting Koala's in trees...

Days and places like these, make me happy. Only a few days of the year left. How are you spending yours?

Under Construction

Hi friends,

Things could get ugly here for awhile while I try and change a few things up. There should be some more action around the traps soon as I keep all the family updated on the trek across Oz to our new home...

So stay tuned!

Rach x

Ps feel free to laugh as I work it all out...not current chopped off header :/

The Great Needle Aventure.

So it's been a long time between drinks, and I only blame the lack of life I lead for it. But there has been something brewing for a while and I wanted to wait until it was official before I announced it and then blogged about it. Good news is for any one who reads this blog, is that there will be more to read about in the upcoming future!
A little background before the announcement.




Adam:
He has worked a fly in fly out job for the past 8 years. This means that while he gets to spend a lot of time at home with the family, he also has to spend a lot of time away from the family too - which isn't always ideal, but has worked for us.
Me: I started my nursing degree years ago with the idea in mind that having a flexible job meant that I could be free and ready to experience life in another part of the country or world without the difficulty of employment. People are sick everywhere - therefore nurses are everywhere.
A few years ago it was announced through Adam's work that they were going to create some work in Gladstone, QLD. After lots of chatting, Adam registered his interest and then we kind of forgot about it for awhile. Fast forward a few years to June, and Adam got a call for an interview, attended the interview and got offered the job - all in the space of a month. The job requires us all to move to Gladstone for a minimum of three years.
Three years. I know.
So we thought about it - and despite the head spinning and heart aching that has been happening at the thought of leaving our whole life and moving interstate, we've decided to go for it. We've decided to have an adventure.
Adventures are fun, right?
But why do I need to remind myself that this is what I've wanted to do, like, forever? Why am I FREAKING OUT?
We'll get to live like a normal family, with a dad that comes home every day. My kids don't know that life.
We get to earn lots of money are have a crack at making our financial future a little bit easier.
We get to do the rural thing - something we have both dreamed of.
But we also leave our families. Our home. Our friends. The gorgeous school we send our kids too. Their friends.
My sister. (Can't talk about that one, makes me feel sick).
But we are choosing adventure. It's only 3 years - it's only a plane flight away - it's only a skype date or a phone call.
We can be brave. We can do this.
So as of January, Gladstone - look out for the Needles!
PS. This will now be the official update centre for family and friends who are interested enough to follow the adventure. So stay tuned for more bloggy blog posts to come!
xx






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Makes me happy!

Check this out!!!

Hot anyone??




This weather, it truly makes me happy!


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Beach.

We pondered for about, 15 seconds, on what was the best way to spend this Valentine's Day. It was quickly decided that dinner at the beach with the kids was the best way to go.

So a packed salad and a hot chook later - we were there.

And look what was waiting to greet us.





And as the sun went down, it began to rain. It was glorious!





Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you too spent it with the one's you love the most.

Rach xx

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Neglect.

So, last post was about Christmas.

We'll just pretend that didn't happen, shall we?

I am a working woman. For money. For reals.

 That is me handing in my last ever paper work needed to be a Registered Nurse!

How's that working out for me? Really good actually - because at the moment I kinda have a wife, a wife who builds stuff like pergola's. And has a penis.

Actually he's just a really good husband, but if I wrote an entire post about how much I love that bloke, he'd probably grow a mangina and cry about it - so I don't need to go there. He cooks, cleans, does readers, plays with the kids and packs lunches. You get the idea.

So anyway, work is really great. Actually I cannot BELIEVE I get paid to do this job. It's actually quite an experience to be in my workplace and have people ask me questions about my opinion - only to have my eyebrows disappear into my hair with the question of 'Why the hell are you asking me?' forming on my lips, only to remember that, oh yeah! I actually get to have an opinion now. And I count. Unlike being a student.

Lowers eyebrows.

Just quietly, I am going to be the most freaking AWESOME nurse when it comes time to pass on my knowledge to nursing students. Being a nursing student sucks asshole when you have unsupportive people around you. Seriously. And I am going to be a nurse who will shoot the shit out of the saying "Nurses eat their young" - which was in all seriousness told to me on my last clinical placement.

Nice.

On to other things.

This summer has been very, very cool. And at the moment - that could not be more literal. It's cold. But if I begin writing about that I'll get all irrational and angry, at well - the weather. Which isn't cool.

But this summer was packed full of So. Much. Fun:

Christmas.

check

New Year. Once again I was given the opportunity to go to Adam's work. I seriously love that his employer will fly up a bunch of women to spend time with their men. It's such an awesome experience, and this year it was not unlike the scene in that movie "The Boat that Rocked" (only the best movie ever) where the women are travelling towards the boat full of men, except there was no boat. Or water. All the cheering and giggling. It was very cool.

check

Australia Day. Only the best Australia Day we have had yet. One that had Adam building mini pergolas out of leftover materials in preparation for the big day. This year was the 9th Annual, next year, the 10th. We'll have to plan something big for that day!

  

         

Big Day Out 2012 - it went back old school. And it kinda worked. For us anyway. Here I am standing next to the poster of the first Big Day Out I ever attended. So - ten years of Big Day Out! 

check

Random beach visits.

check

I am desperate for the good weather to come back and pull us out of this wintery reprieve. I want to suck the last bit of life out of this awesome summer! Want to help? Cool. Get on it.

Rach x