Day 2 – (July 1st, Luke’s 10th birthday) -Moorook to Parachilna (558 kms) In bed we were gently woken by the sound of pelicans landing on the water and kookaburras having a giggle about something or other. The evening clouds had all dissipated overnight, leaving clear, starry skies and very cold temperatures. At 7.15am the temperature was 3 degrees. No visible frost on the ground but the grass was all crunchy and crispy as Hazel and Anna went for a brisk morning walk along the river. The sun was just rising over the Murray, providing the perfect lighting for Luke to open his birthday cards and presents. Lucky Luke got a Stig mug, Angry Birds card game and an iTunes voucher and the favourite present of a bucket of Maltesers (plus promises of lots ... read more

Well, here we are, sitting on our comfy sofas for the last time in 9 weeks (watching a highlights of the Italy-Germany football match). Pretty exhausted after weeks of preparation for the trip, but excited about finally taking off on our big adventure tomorrow. The trailer is packed and sporting new upgraded wiring into the batteries (a DIY job so we are hoping we did it properly...) Will we leave before 8am as planned? How long will it be before the kids start asking "are we there yet?". What time will we be there? Where exactly is "there"? For tomorrow, "there" is Loxton, a small town on the Murray river just over the border in South Australia. The aim is to get there before dark so we can erect the camper trailer in the light. But ... read more

OK, here we go. 25 days left to get all our stuff/ s**t together before we head off on our Big Adventure! Here is the current status of preparations: Car - Lovely brand new Toyota Prado has been pimped/ rigged with bull bar, snorkel, tow bar, electric brakes (for camper trailer) and chunky all terrain tyres (went for Cooper AT3s in the end). Now looking at rubber mats and seat covers to protect against red dust, gravel and other unknown stuff in the outback. Camper Trailer - currently at the manufacturers having trailer brakes fitted so we can do emergency stops when cute little wombats and baby kangaroos jump in our path on the dirt roads. Has been tested quite a few times since we got the trailer in January. Reckon it's pretty well kitted out ... read more