The Yearning
Trip Start
Jul 10, 2010
1
17
65
Trip End
Sep 17, 2010
Where I stayed
Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The yearning to stop for a break by the side of the long straight road, under the shade of a tree, retrieving something out of the van to eat. The yearning to experience caravan park accommodation and all that it entails - checking in, site finding, reversing in - "no no, not that way, this way, you're not listening to me". "I am listening, you're just giving me the wrong directions".
The yearning for caravan park toilets - closing the dingo door; wearing thongs in the shower, trying to keep a bit of floor dry in the cubicle so that you can get dressed without getting all your clothes wet; no soap in the dispensers; hand dryers that don't work; sitting on the toilet while the automatic light goes out and having to do the paperwork in the dark.
Tomorrow we get to satsify that yearning.
The cabin we've had for the past week has served it's purpose. It's kept us within the caravan park environment, where the children have been able to play non stop and make new friends. It's allowed us to use the camp BBQ's and hear the stories of other travellers. But it has also been a bit too clinical - you don't go camping with an ensuite bathroom, a TV, a full kitchen, carpeted floors, a dining table for 6 and a carport. The cabin has distanced us from all that we yearn (even if only for a few days) and for now we walk through the park in envy of those sitting around camp tables beside their temporary homes.
We spent all day yesterday arranging to get boxes sent back to Melbourne. An easier said than done job, I had to scour Alice for removalists willing to give up their precious cardboard; find a carrier willing to send stuff to Melbourne without wanting us to donate half the cost of a caravan to do so; find packing tape; find a bike shop to take the bits off our bikes worth keeping. Having only a Toyota Camry with seats that do not fold down, it took a few trips to get the boxes from the caravan park to the Greyhound depot - our carrier of choice.
Finally by sunset I was done and came back to the park for a rest.
Today was spent with a final trip in to Alice with me taking Courtney and Mitchell to the Reptile Centre while Wendy did some errands.
Our much anticipated camper van arrived around 2pm following a marathon drive from Dad and his mate Peter, departing Warragul on Monday afternoon and featuring a stint of 1400kms on Tuesday - Horsham to Coober Pedy.
And so now we set ourselves to satisfy the yearning. An early start tomorrow will see us on our way.
Comments
Happy for you that now you can finally resume your journey at last! Keep up the fabulous commentary Ross, we look forward to your journals with interest and funny anecdotes. Be safe and enjoy your travels. xo
U huys are such troopers and are an inspiration to everyone that goes on a holiday good or rough. The kids are smiling and that is GOLD u are amazing and amazing for the kids and one another :) keeping watch on your travels its not just the 4 of you on this trip its all of us too hearing from u living emotion and stories and photo's of u all :) xox
its late soz excuse my typo's huys i mean guys xo
In German we would simply say: "So eine Scheisse!!!" Sorry to hear what happened, but it looks like the journey continuous, no? Thank God you are all safe! All the best and see you end of the year in Melbourne! Petra, Andreas and the kids.
Hi Ross and Family!
So happy that you are all able to get back on the tarmac! I leave you with a few words from the great Willie Nelson, enjoy the sing-a-long:
On the road again -
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again -
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends.
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
is on the road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
is on the road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
Hi wendy and ross and kids
It is great to hear your back on the road and seeing our lovely counrty .
Make the most of your time with your kids now because when the grow up they don''t need us.
I hope to hear from you when you get back to melb.
love pina and herbert