Our plans to follow the coast home changed when we got to Nowra. We'd been monitoring fires online and spotted an out of control fire at Currowan. It spanned 80,000 hectares and was close on our coastal route. Re-checking the app now, its still out of control and has expanded another 5000 hectares. So at Nowra, we took a turn inland setting course for Albury, and shorted the trip by about 7 days. It was hard for me to say goodbye to a big chuck of our journey, but the danger was too much to risk.
The leg from Nowra to Albury was one of the toughest. It took us through Jerrawangala National Park, plenty of steep windy climbs and impressive rock formations. The 43 degree heat, ever present smoke and high oil temps on the car kept me on edge.
Eventually the smoke cleared and we were on highways, sighing relief and patting Em on the back for choosing a safer route home.
After 560 kms and a whole day of driving we arrived in Albury, set camp and had a quick dip. I went to bed very flat knowing this would be the last night. Tom was brimming. Heading home, back to school and his pets was something he'd been looking forward for much of the trip. Josh appeared happy to be coming home, but said he would much rather continue travelling. While Em was in two minds, pleased to see Tom so happy, but also sad its the end of an amazing adventure.
A special shout out to the Abbot family. From the moment we shared travel plans they have been in regular contact, sending us encouragement. They sent me this pic a few days back. Cam and Emily have been tracking us on a map, posting comments and following our adventures. Thanks also to our family and friends who have followed us with interest and urging me to continue posting. The aim of this blog was to keep you connected to our trip but just as importantly record the story for our own nostalgia.
Em and I just sat down and recapped the experiences and recorded some stats:
- We explored gorges, caves, sand dunes and rock art sites
- We climbed rocks and ropes, stepped on a snake and were eaten by midgees - 143 bites!.
- We rode on railway, aircraft, boats, barges, bikes, paddle boards, sand boards, a sky rail, camels, water slides and roller coasters.
- We swam or snorkelled in 23 pools, 8 fresh water holes and 9 saltwater locations.
- Our 4wd chugged through dirt tracks, took a beating in deep sand and beach wash away's on Fraser. It conquered steep hills and crossed creeks on the Bloomfield track. It hauled our 2.7 tonne van across 7500 km's, often in extreme heat without letting us down.
- We explored the islands of Fitzroy, Magnetic and Fraser.
- We set up camp at 21 different locations and bunked in 9 different spots outside of the caravan.
- On Josh's birthday, we explored caves in the morning before a symphony orchestra gave us goose bumps in the evening.
- We soared to 7000 feet over Tocumwul with a 4 time world champ.
- We posted 31 blog entries and to my astonishment, Quartermain Go has had 2,381 page views.
The time away has been more than a holiday. It's been a full on adventure packed with physical, emotional and educational experiences We've all learnt plenty and count ourselves very very lucky and... I can't wait for more.I wanted a sign off with a single family travel pic... Of course, that was impossible:
Cam-hope you guys have had an awesome time- I can’t choose my favourite bit! I really enjoyed seeing the roller coasters 🎢 and the camels. It looks like you have had a great time and an awesome adventure. Thank you for including us in the blog- we have loved learning about what you have done. Have a great time, Merry Christmas, and make sure you go on a big holiday again so you can post more stuff on the blog. Thanks for telling us all about your adventures. Goodbye,😟 we have loved your posts.
ReplyDeleteEmily - I love looking at your blogs, especially your pictures. It was fun following you on the map to see where you were going. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteWow Quartermain family - What a ride it’s been. Have loved sharing this amazing adventure with you, as well as all of the emotions that have come with it (don’t know how you’ve done it - I’m exhausted 😂). We have also learnt heaps - who would have thought that turtles can breath through their bums!!
ReplyDeleteI’m some ways it’s a shame that your trip was shortened but thank goodness for Safety Emma, getting you all back safe and sound.
Love the recap - must add being eaten by tiny fish to wildlife section (or maybe the eating out section?!?)
I can see by all family pics at the end why there isn’t a main picture at the top - love them all. Xx
Loved looking at your blogs. What an amazing record you've got. Was great to see you and I look forward to your holiday blog. Love and hugs. Leigh
ReplyDeleteShould read "next holiday blog"😮
ReplyDeleteThank you Tom for telling Tony and I so much about your favourite things you did on your trip away . We loved listening to all your tales of the exciting things you did . Lovely to see you and Josh xox
ReplyDelete