Well, we used to love her, but it's all over now. He he he...ahhh, Rhona and I sadly handed Bertha back to her place of hiring this afternoon. It was kind of sad to say goodbye to her after spending so much time together over the last week and a half. We worked out that we clocked up around 3,700km in her. As with most trips and jaunts, it's always great to get home though.
It was around 9:45am or so when we left Kalbarri on Wednesday morning. We knew we had a decent drive in front of us, and tried to hit the road as quick as we could. There was a bit of buzz in Bertha, as all the Bolgies were looking forward to getting back to Maddington, and our own beds! We grabbed one last $6.50 coffee for the road, and were disappointed once again. It was like bad airplane coffee; such bitterness! Not to worry, Kalbarri. Your views are gorgeous and your pizza and your fish n' chips are fantastic. I'm sure we'll return one day.
We headed towards Northampton taking in the delightful coastal scenery. It was a beautifully clear day and the sea was shimmering with colours. After getting to Dongara around 1pm or so, we parked Bertha, went in search of lunch and found a playground for the kids to burn some pent-up energy. We decided to pass through Geraldton and get a little further up the road before stopping. We enjoyed the most expensive lunch of our entire trip and much climbing and swinging was done.
Turning off the Brand Highway, we took Indian Ocean Drive for a more scenic drive home. We planned to stop in Wanneroo to fuel up Bertha, and ourselves, before heading home. The sun was starting to set as we approached the northern suburbs and after we had all been filled with the right sustenance we took off for Maddington, arriving around 7pm. When Rhona walked Zappa into our backyard he went absolutely crazy; he was finally back home and able to pee and poop without being on a lead. He excitedly ran up to Eddie and Pauline's granny flat, where he was rewarded with some cheese and the proceeded to bog lap the grass.
All that was left to do was unpack and get Bertha ready to go home the next day. It had not been the most relaxing of holidays, but it was certainly fun. Once we reached Carnarvon on the Friday, the speed certainly slowed down. We'd only stayed at each destination overnight, so it was nice to have a two nights in Carnarvon and then three in Kalbarri. Bizarrely enough, the last day of our holiday was possibly the most enjoyable. We got to do the things we'd really wanted to, but never got the chance due to either hot weather or lack of time. When we pulled into a parking bay near the beach on Tuesday morning, we rolled out Bertha's annex and sat in the shade of a lovely day, with just the hint of summer breeze. I cooked up pancakes on the gas stove-top for lunch while Rhona and Zappa took in the view. After we had eaten, we walked down to the beach where kids played in the waves and Zappa enjoyed some off-leash time. Later that afternoon, we found ourselves relaxing in the caravan park with some drinks, snacks and tunes. It was a great day.
I think the holiday has driven a few points home. Firstly, we all have an understanding of just how big Western Australia is. We really only drove around the middle third of it; there's so much more out there. Secondly, we confirmed that are bigger fans of the south than the north. He he he...us polar bear Bolgies function much better in cooler weather. It was great seeing some of the scenery up there, particularly when we were on the edge of the Karajini, but we're not fans of the heat. I think our next road trip involving a campervan will be south bound.
We also have a new appreciation for our house and our own space. After ten days crammed together our little home feels huge. The first night we all returned to our own beds (and bedrooms!) was a glorious one. That being said, we didn't really get on each other's nerves, much. He he he...it was mainly little things like tripping over each other or banging heads on cupboard doors. It was more the limitations of the small living area, rather than having to spend so much time together.
I'm a big fan of driving, so clocking up all those kilometres sat well with me. Out on the open road, music blaring, family relaxing in the campervan and enjoying the odd snack from the fridge...it was just great. We all have our own highlights and favourite experiences, but I think it will be a holiday we all remember for a long, long time. That's what it's all about, isn't it?
Team Bolgies out!
No comments:
Post a Comment