Down at the camp by 5.15am we said goodbye to 3 of the guests as they went out on a fishing trip. We meet up with them at lunchtime. Same group today as yesterday. Rowan, Joanne, Sue and I. We are heading out where Rowan and I got the drone yesterday but we vere off the track. It is bloody hot! We are all sweating very hard, the walk itself is actually fun and a little challenging in places because you need to think about your next steps but the hot does make it harder. But look at the view.

We reached the rock art, this time we landed straight on top of it and had to climb down to see it. Definitely my favourite rock art, all the wonderful kangaroos.

When we got back to camp we jumped in the pool to cool down. It was strange seeing the ocean and not being able to jump in for a swim. Once we cooled down we got on a boat to go crabbing. There is 6 crab pots. We need 6 crabs for dinner.

It took a few runs up and down to get enough large ones. Tubs pointed out that they have a larger pincer for cutting and the smaller on is for grinding their food. We waited between checking the lines by driving the boat into the mangroves for parking and shade. That was when the beer started to flow.

Once our quota was filled we had a little time to fish before lunch. I caught a fingermark and Rowan caught a blacktip reef shark. I am glad I can say I caught a fish in the Kimberley even if we put him back.

From there we went to Malcolm Island for lunch. We rejoined with the others who caught us four beautiful fish. Jules made a salad and we ate till we couldn’t eat no more. The food was wonderful. I stayed in the water for most of the time. Tubs checked out the area for crocs and it is very unlikely to find one here but it does happen.

From lunch we had time to go for a fossick. Rowan had asked Tubs about a green crystal called an epidote which is found in a certain spot. So we headed there for a good beach combe. We got some amazing pieces to bring back. A few larger pieces to leave at camp.

We got back to camp around 3pm. Another swim and a drink in the pool. I go off for a shower and do some filming. I get back to see the sunset and before I know it dinner is ready.

We don’t stay up long after dinner. We have an even earlier start with a quick fishing trip to get in before we fly out.

A day of firsts

The day starts with an adventure even before coffee! Rowan told me he had taken the drone through an arch, he thought he was recording but he wasn’t. I asked if he would do it again, he agreed. Well of course he lost signal and the drone tried to come back to base (which we set it to rise 50m and come back) but hit its noggin in the arch. So we ended up on a near hour walk to retrieve it haha. It was actually great fun. It turns out it is not an arch it is just the way the rocks are laid that it looked like one. I did get ants in my pants (literally) and the nasty buggers bite!

When we got back we had our coffee and breakfast. All fuled up but we had to wait till 8.30am for the tide to be high enough. On the boat we head further into the harbour towards Minjau. We see two crocs on the way. That is the first time I have seen crocs in the wild.

We arrive at our destination and make a beeline to the rock art. It took about an hour to get there, it was incredibly hot. I was thankful to be in the cave and in the shade by the time we got there. There was just no shelter from the heat.

On the way into the cave we got mobbed by green ants, which bite. I swear everything bites in Australia. In the cave we’re some interesting images. Tubs found the spearhead which can’t be from the people around here because they never knapped their spears they just grinded them.

Then we headed off back in the direction we came. There were two Brolga birds flying, we weren’t fast enough to capture them on film. We got to have a swim on the way back which was well received. It was glorious.

We got back to the boat and had lunch. On the way back we saw two more crocs and Rowan got some good footage with the drone. It was risky landing the drone on a moving boat but he managed.

Once back, we didn’t do anything. To be honest we were hoping a more packed itinerary. In the afternoons we have filled them in with doing stuff we can but I was hoping we would have a full itinerary. However I am glad I am not exhausted.

Jan didn’t come with us on our walk today, she went fishing with two new comers. With the scraps from the fish they caught we got to feed the tawny nurse reef sharks.

We had a lovely Moroccan style dinner with the fresh fingermark fish they caught earlier.

We just chilled by the fire. As we got up to go to bed I spotted a hermit crab and then another and then another. They had such a variety of different shells it was awesome to see. Sorry I was too busy experiencing and forgot to take a photo. Then as we walked Jan back to her hut I walked past a snake. Jan yelled out there is a snake. I came back to have a look. It was a small brown snake, I kept my distance and it was neat to finally see a snake in the wild. Talk about a day of new sightings.

5am start, I got dressed and gave Rowan his pills to get him up. Last night I had a good sleep, it wasn’t too hot and the beds are extremely comfortable. Down at the camp living/kitchen area we watched the moon set. There was a good colour to the sky from the sunrise. Unfortunately the sun rises behind the camp so you can’t fully see it come up.

Jules makes us breakfast and Jack makes us some coffee. Today we are going on a 5 1/2 hour explore to see some aboriginal rock art. I have never seen any before, I am pretty excited. Not so excited about walking in the heat though. I think I need a month to try and acclimatise to this weather.

Once Jan was ready (not an early riser), we headed off. The walk was stunning, the heat wasn’t too bad either. We come across some green ants and Tubs tells us how they are eaten and gives me one to try. It is really a lovely citrus taste. The first art we hit is around 1200 years old.

From there we got to some older art, around 25,000 years old.

From there we went to the most significant cave on the walk.

The walk continued from there, we must have gone to four or five different areas. There was also evidence of a kitchen, trenches worn from thousands of years of spear sharpening and crystal shards from spears made to kill humans.

We found a shady spot for lunch. The last hour was the hardest as it just got super hot. We got around 1.30pm.

We chilled for the rest of the afternoon. In and out of the pool. Tubs & Jules have a date night tonight so all the food is already prepared for dinner.

After dinner we sat by the fire chatting before heading off to bed. It is way hotter today than it was yesterday. Going to sleep will be a bit more difficult.

An early start, we need to be at the airport at 6am and return our car rental. We get to the airport with plenty of time spare. Rowan and I leave Joanne with the bags and go to drop the car off then walk back. I have never been on a plane this small. We have 3 to a plane but the planes can take 6 passengers. We are taking two because two groups need to be picked up. Joanne, Rowan and Sue go in one plane. Joel (guide), Jan and I are in another plane.

The plane takes off pretty smoothly. Views from the plane are wonderful. There is a part where you are just over the ocean with not much to see, I read my book for that bit. The view below kept me entertained, no inflight entertainment or service on this plane. The flight is roughly two hours long.

After a fun wonky landing at the Mitchell Falls air strip, we arrived at the departure/arrivals lounge. Everyone was ready for a wee by then.

Another first, a helicopter in to the camp. What an amazing experience. I got to sit shotgun and had a wicked view the whole way. It really was spectacular. I can see why people like to take scenic helicopter trips.

Once we landed safely we were greeted like old friends from Tubs & Jules. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. Jules made us breakfast, I was really hungry by then. After a chat around the table we jumped into the swimming pool. It felt around lunchtime, but it was only 10am. Joel, one of the guides took us out on the water for a few hours. We went right out near Dog Rock and had a go at Trolling. After a few circles we caught a Trevally. Jan, one of the ladies reeled it in and did a great job. A catch and realease as there is a lot of fish back at camp. The group before us was fishing mad. We have a wrap for lunch on the boat. We ask Joel if we can go for a swim.

Malcolm Island is a safe enough place to have a swim. Not a long swim as the salt water crocodiles are around. It is not their normal habitat but they do wander. Rowan got the drone out and took some amazing photos and videos. That last minute purchase was a great choice. I am glad I thought about it.

On our way back into camp there was a pod of dolphins. We needed to be back before the tide really gets low. There is an 8m tide difference. I really want to do a time lapse of it. I will see if I can work it out without being able to ask Google for help.

Our new home for the next 4 days is pretty cool. A really nice spot with a fantastic loo with a view.

We jumped back into the pool for another cool down. As I type now (5pm) the temperature is very civilised . Rowan is croc spotting with the drone. I better go see and watch the sunset. I shall return.

Turns out the croc was a log. I hope we do get to see one. The sunset was lovely. We start the fire and sit around it like in the movies. Before we know it dinner is ready. We have delicious crispy skin barramundi, with a pomodoro sauce and arancini balls. For dessert we have a polenta lemon cake with vanilla cream. Rowan gets fritters for his dessert. Jules has a cookbook called cooking in thongs and the dessert is in the recipe book.

Back to the fire after dinner. Then Rowan and I head to our hut for showers and bed. I plan another early start, but I am very happy about getting 8 hours sleep.

Sunrise from the deck! That boat is actually part of the Land Cruiser that went underwater for 7km.

After some early morning faf we head to breakfast at a place called Laneway. They had delicious food and coffee! There was so much greenery you felt like you were in a secret garden.

From there we headed to JBHIFI to buy a drone. We have wanted a drone since the start of the trip. But with no drone policies on all department of conservation land it was a no brained to not bother. Now we are heading on a once in a lifetime camp on the coast of the Kimberley and I really want to make the most of it. On the plane I said to Rowan, I think we need a drone. Now we have a Nikon P1000 Coolpix, a Canon X3000 action camera and a DJI mini 3 drone. There should be some pretty incredible footage.

The Darwin Museum & Gallery is next on the list. We spend quite some time looking at it all.

Well worth a visit. We worked up an appetite, off to the marina for lunch. There was an array of fish swimming next to us. They were great entertainment.

Back to the apartment to get this drone charged up. While we wait we have a swim in the pool. Then we head off to a spot that you are allowed to fly drones. There is no SD card in it yet, Rowan wants to get used to the controls. Here is one picture that is sent straight to the phone.

Once the battery is flat we head back to the apartment. A few drinks and nibbles at the apartment before heading to the Zen Hotel to watch the sunset.

After the sun disappeared we head to dinner at the Hilton. The food was really nice. Joanne and I shared our meal as we were feeling quite full. A very smart move as there was room for desert.

Tomorrow we have an early flight to Mitchell Falls then a helicopter ride to the Kimberley Coastal Camp. There is no signal so you won’t hear anything until we get back.

Happy Birthday to Skylar my niece who is a big 4 tomorrow!

Off to the airport, we are heading to Darwin!

A pretty scenic flight. I really haven’t seen Australia. It was great to have such a lovely view the whole way. We landed in Darwin around lunchtime and headed out to the boat club. We hired a car for 2 days and got upgraded to this brand new fancy af Ford Ranger. This thing has all the bells and whistles.

Bellies full, we head to Anaconda to get Rowan some new sunglasses. From there we hunted down our airbnb. It is the top apartment in an older block, there are new blocks around us much higher. Once we figured out where everything is we jumped in the pool to cool down. The heat is not bad, I feared a lot worse.

For dinner we are going to the Mindel Sunset Markets. There is a great variety of food. We shared a delicious tuna, avocado, mango nachos, while watching the sunset.

Once the sun goes over the horizon the strangest thing happens. I promise I am not making this up. The 5 thousand or so people clap. Yes clap, like at the end of a show. It made me laugh, the three of us looked around these people are all crazy. I find out later that it is a thing, they always clap haha.

After the sun has set we wonder around in the dark sampling food around the markets.

Once we are back at the apartment I jump into bed. I am absolutely pooped!

My grandpa, G/Pa, Fred, Woolfy, Allan sadly passed on Matariki aged 93. Grandpa got through his open heart surgery like a champion. But unfortunately when in respite care an infection set in and it took him swiftly. Now those who are reading will already know the amazing life my grandfather had. Grandpa was married to Colleen nearly 72 years and they went forth and multiplied. They had Sue, Deb, Jane (mum) and my late uncle John. From the three girls came 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great grand child. I mention this as he was a family man. Importantly he had another family, a huge community of support and love with his motor racing.

I am sad to see my grandpa go and I have prepared myself for this day. That may sound strange but we really don’t know how long we have with our loved ones. Even knowing my grandpa is not immortal I found his passing hard. The selfish side of me wanted him to live forever. I will miss him immensely but my Nana even more. I can’t fathom what it would be like to lose your partner in crime after 71 years. Like losing a limb? I can only speculate. I have many memories of G/Pa that I will cherish. He really was a true role model and we are all lucky to have him in our lives.

I came back to NZ on the Monday to help in any way I could. Rowan followed on the Friday. The preparations for the funeral were overwhelming at times. The whole family came together to make it happen. Some did a lot more than others like my sister Sarah & cousin Dean who had a spreadsheet to keep us all on track. We did videos to try help keep the ceremony as quick as possible, even then it was one and a half hours long. There are parts he would have approved of and parts he didn’t. But hey, funerals are for the ones left behind so you will need to forgive us Fred. My favourite part, was watching him leave at the end and all his friends and family waving. We had car engines revving, finish flags flying, horns honking and people cheering.

I am thankful for Rowan for being my rock through the entire ceremony. He stood by me throughout. When I gave my dad a big hug at the beginning my tears began. By the afternoon I felt like I had cried 10 litres of water and my tear ducts hurt. An incredible amount of people came to say goodbye and celebrate his life. Rowan thinks over a thousand. Everything was filmed and it was live for those who could not make it. If you want to watch I will put the link at the end. After the ceremony we went to my cousin Dean & Maria’s home. I am not sure how long we were there but it was good being able to chat and see everyone properly. My cousins son Kortez got a bit of a raw deal being his 9th Birthday. He was a champion, knowing today was not about him. By the end of the day, we were all exhausted.

On Sunday we went up to the shed for a drink for grandpa. It was nice to see everyone and say goodbye to those flying back home or going away. It feels strange being in the shed with no grandpa, it will take time. Rowan and I are back in Australia, we came in early yesterday (Tuesday). We will be here till the end of August as we have a few adventures booked. So watch this space!

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Wow it has been a year, I am not surprised that our journey isn’t quite complete. It just feels like a long time ago that we set out with heavy backpacks and heavy hearts. We needed healing and this adventure was our way of starting fresh. The year has taught us to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I won’t lie to you and pretend I love being cold, wet or hungry, but I can accept it. Some days mentally are just more miserable than others, but I look back on them and I don’t regret pushing through. Some of the parts I loathed at the time are now fond memories. Thank you for joining us we have a bit further to go. There are a few side trips coming up that I promise to blog about.

A little overview of what we have been doing in. Sydney so far. Bette is having her big 93rd Birthday this month. I have taken over the food for the party and I have been practicing my skills. It has been 6 months since I baked, I have been feeding up the 3 neighbours on her apartment floor. They seem to be happy to take my extras. There is a Pink Champagne theme (I made up). I am enjoying trying to master champagne cupcakes, I feel the flavour is not as prominent as I would like. Baking must not be as big here, or where I am in Sydney. The supermarkets have limited options. Rowan of course has been cooking up a storm and feeding us all well. I have a few recipes for the party for him to do.

I have been doing a bit of a Spring clean here. The silver is shining, I think I may attack the chandeliers next. Bette has cleaners once a week, but of course it is all the extra stuff that never gets done. Rowan and I have a list of jobs to complete. We have taken some chairs to get the cane replaced. There is a chiffonier in need of some minor work and another cabinet needs a new pin for its escutcheon.

We are heading to Dungog to see Heather, Katy, Huntah & Ben.

In the middle of the night my brain decided it was time to get up. I ended up falling back to sleep 4 hours later at 4am. I hope I get a full nights rest soon. I finally got up around 6am and made myself a coffee. Today Dad, Rowan and I are heading to Whangaparāoa to have lunch with Nana & G/Pa. When we arrive there is another car in the driveway. My cousin Karl is here from Perth. What a nice surprise. We end up having a lovely lunch a good catch up. We leave around 1pm towards the airport.

We thank Dad and say our goodbyes. We are nice and early for our flight, we check in and go straight through to security. The area is quite busy, Rowan and I read our books as we move slowly up the line. I get through fine but I get selected for an explosives swipe, of course I pass that one too. We end up going for a good 20min walk while we wait for our gate to be announced. Then we find some food and massage chairs. I am surprised at how good these bulky chairs feel. Finally we get to board, I had picked the back of the plane and a window seat for Rowan. Once we are on I realise we will have no neighbours, we have 3 rows in front of us empty and one row behind us empty. The whole 5 rows on the left are empty too. Wow we get heaps of space, I move over to the aisle seat. Ooo Mr Organ is on the list of movies, we wanted to watch this Farrier doco when we left for Australia last time by the time we came back it was no longer playing. We start our movies at the same time. There is an awesome hostess who gets us 3 red wines and 2 glasses to try out. Donna comes back in a few minutes asks what our favourites were and brings us back two more bottles. It doesn’t stop there, we get heaps of Kit Kats (12), business class snacks. When the meals are about to be served of course we will be the last. Lucky for us Donna gives us our meal first before heading to the front. Thanks, Donna! I have the chicken cous cous and Rowan has the roast beef. Rowan gets offered more meals, by the time we reach Sydney we are very full. I can’t finish my chicken meal but I do have room for a Kit Kat.

The landing is rather bumpy, I am glad when we touch down. It takes a few minutes for our bags to come through, customs is really fast and we are out in no time. Joanne has come to pick us up, turns out she hasn’t told Bette we are coming. When we walk in the door she gets a mighty surprise. Bette was dreading being on her own for 3 weeks and is very glad we are here. We stay up chatting to 1am (3am kiwi). I will update as we go, but I won’t be blogging daily unless, we go away somewhere interesting.

We get moving early and pack up. I am worried I won’t be able to ride in, fingers are crossed that my tube will hold enough air. We need to leave enough time in case we need to walk to the bus interchange. We get in with no fuss. We just want something easy for breakfast but nothing around us available. We end up eating at Joe’s Garage. We enjoy a nice meal there and a coffee.

Once on the bus, it goes fairly fast. This is only 2 hours unlike our last big bus trip. We arrived earlier than I expected. Dad comes out to pick us up and take us back to his place. We take over the entire deck and pack all the gear we want to bring and leave a lot behind. We end up with 16kg check in and one carry on bag. I give the bikes a clean and some fresh oil. We organise a lunch with Nana & Grandpa for tomorrow. Then I booked a flight to Sydney for 5.30pm.

After all the jobs were done I could relax. Sue made us a lovely curry and we had a good evening.