Down time ..to the end of our Journey - 22nd October



See Photo - Hanging with the Bendal family.

See Photo - Out on the farm with Uncle Mat.

Wow hasn't time flown, we've been enjoying time with family and friends as we make our way back to reality. Our first visit was Bell's cousins Bethany, Mat and Aimee. As usual we were treated to the delights of relaxing in Dunsborough with a bit of an adventure. Mat took us out to the farm he works on and it was amazing.
We even got to have a blast on the quad bikes and the kids also had a go on the tractor around the farm.
We met up with Bell's Mum & Dad, sister Jen & Troy and U. Jim & A. Sandy. Chris unfortunately had a problem with his knee and after a visit to the hospital found out he had fluid and an infection under the kneecap whilst we were visiting. With all the food and wine we put away I think we may have all put on a couple kilos!

See Photo - Cameron, Alli, Riley, Aiden & Tayla
walking home from school, Somers boys
practising!



See Photo - Hanging out with the Portas family.

 Our next stop was with old friends Neil, Alli, Taylor & Cameron. They have just got back from their 3 month trip through the Kimberley and also a 2 week Gibb River Road trek, it was a blast exchanging stories. They recently acquired 6 tiny chicks which Riley and Aiden just loved. Neil & Chris where able to squeeze in a man day up in Perth with a visit to Brad. Alli, Bell and the kids went out shopping, we all had a great time but it was a shame we had to keep going and get squeaky back home to Perth and

get organised to move back into our home.



See Photo - Dinner on fire at Neil's..
click on image to see the larger version.

Dinner was interesting on the last night and the boys decided to cook 'beer can chicken' on the .... fire....fire....fire....!!!!!!!! After the chicken hit the grass, we resurrected it and enjoyed a delicious chicken roast.

Now were at Dad's house and have unpacked squeaky ready for sale. Yes we are selling her, she has been absolutely wonderful for us. We were so lucky with her during the trip, all we had break was a clip on the awning (easy to replace) and of course she needed a good wash!

Looking back now we have so many amazing memories and are ready to plan another trip!! Following our trip we are still convinced that this trip was our best decision we ever have ever made. If you are ever thinking of doing a trip around Australia just do it, don't tell yourself you cant do it........there's always a way!!! We have been so grateful for all the lovely people that supported us leading up to our trip, people we have met along the way and the opportunity to catch up with all our friends and family during our trip. So you may ask us what was our favourite part?...........well the fact we live in the most diverse and beautiful country on the planet, was what made it for us.


Everyday found a new adventure of discovery and we learnt a little more about ourselves, each other and of course Australia.


So for those of you that are interested in some statistics to help get an idea for your trip, here we go........



See Photo - Poppy, Chris, Mum, Dad, Riley, Aiden and Bell
Out the front of Squeaky with most of the stuff from within!
Just missing the bedding & some tools!

- Left 21st April 2011

- Returned home 26th October 2011
- Total weeks travelling 26 weeks

- Stopped at 78 Destinations
- Travelled 26,600 kms

- Used   4422 L/t Diesel

- Average 16.62 L/100 Km
- Average 25.74 Cents per KM
- Spent $6849 on Diesel

- Spent $3695 on Tours
- Spent $4534 on Accommodation
- 39 blog posts
- Boys heights........ both grew exactly 4cm! Aiden 108cm and Riley 117.5cm

Most important tip ''less is more" whether it be accommodation or possessions, life is much better when kept SIMPLE.

Now that we have discovered this little secret............ will we continue?

 Watch this space... Thanks for the ride squeaky.