Riverton, Western Australia, Australia
Its getting very close to our time to leave Perth and head east again so thought I'd better do an update on our time here. Its been so very special to spend Christmas and New Year and the time between with our friends and family over here. Here's a quick dot point summary of the things we've been up to.
- We managed to get a few walks in before I ended up straining a ham string - I let it recover then tried again and still no good so put that to one side for now.
- Craig's brother Grant and his partner Cynthia came down for a couple of days and we had a great Porter day out visiting King Road Brewery at Mundijong for lunch then afternoon beer at Serpentine Tavern
- I arranged with the medical centre just across the road from Scott and Charmaine for Craig to have his Covid booster so he got that on 18 December
- We babysat for Clive and Jo one afternoon so they could go to Christmas drinks with friends - that was a great treat!
- Christmas Eve we went over to Clive and Jo's and enjoyed a swim and seeing Mia's excitement about Santa's impending visit.
- Christmas morning was fantastic as we all watched each other open our presents. It was brilliant to see the utter delight on Mia's face when she got her much longed for Nintendo Switch from her grandparents. She had asked us all for money as she's been saving for some time to get enough to buy one so she was hoping that after Christmas she might have enough to get one. Meanwhile Jo saw it on special in the Black Friday sales and so had it under the tree and surprised her. You can see her absolute joy in a couple of the pictures
- Jo and Clive had two other couples and their families coming for lunch so she already had the majority of the prep done and it was just the finishing off. They'd hired a slushy machine loaded with Margaritas and Strawberry daiquairis - they were so yummy. We'd an absolutely scrumptious lunch then the afternoon in and out of the pool. There were desserts and cheeseboards throughout the afternoon and the day wound up around 8pm. Such a pleasure to spend it with them.
- Boxing Day we headed back to Scott and Charmaine's and enjoyed another beautiful lunch with them and friends of theirs Mike and Sue. Another magical day spent with family.
- Jo has done my hair again for me - cut and foils - she's a whizz so that'll keep me smart for the trip back - not to mention it looks awesome.
- When the news came that the booster gap was shortening to 4 months it meant I was eligible straight away instead of waiting till the end of January so we've extended our welcome at Scott and Charmaine's till Sunday and I had my booster yesterday. Craig had no side effects at all and I'm happy to say as I write this midway through the day after, I'm feeling fine too.
- With the mass outbreak of Omicron we've decided to make our way back to Queensland via the most direct route and so miss out NSW and of course Victoria. Our plan is to cross the Nullarbor and head to Port August before striking north to Lyndhurst and taking the Strzelecki Track to Innamincka and on to south east Queensland. Our friends Pat and Shelly did the track last August to avoid having to quarantine if they entered from NSW and took it easy and found it ok and they don't have an off road van. So we figure if we do likewise (and we do have an off road van) we'll hopefully be fine too.
- Based on the itinerary I've put together - which of course is flexible depending on road conditions, etc we hope to be in Brisbane around the 27th January where we'll get some work down on our van awning before heading up to Boyne.
- We had New Year with Clive and Jo though we didn't actually stay up but enjoyed a few cocktails and a seafood extravaganza finishing off with sparklers on the front lawn.
- We had a drive out to Parkerville Tavern yesterday with Scott and Charmaine and had a lovely lunch there before checking out Lake Leschenaultia and Noble Falls.
- We'd a trip down to Mandurah to catch up with Ellie - my friend and work colleague from Forest Crescent Primary days and her husband Pete. We had an amazingly long lunch at the Oyster Bar overlooking the water then back to their place for coffee before heading back to Riverton.
- I managed to catch up with another friend Lee again and we enjoyed lunch - another long one - at Lo Quay a beautiful little cafe by the side of the Canning Bridge.
- The only consolation with all these long lunches is that I decided to do dry January to get me back on the healthy eating track again so for me there's been no alcohol consumed.
- Another day I had lunch with Colin and Glynis our old neighbours back when we lived in Gosnells. I think it had probably been almost 30 years since I last saw them so it was great to see them both and hear what their kids and now grandkids were up to.
- We've had some delicious meals here with Scott and Charmaine and its been so good to have an extended catch up rather than the few days we usually manage.
- Tonight we're heading out for a farewell tea with Scott and Charmaine then tomorrow we'll go over to Clive and Jo's and enjoy a swim and takeaway with them before saying our difficult goodbyes.
So these next two days are getting the washing up to date, the supplies in and the van ready to take off Sunday morning. Its all going to be a big awakening for us as we learn to deal with 'in your face Covid'. We have been mask wearing here in WA since before Christmas but otherwise our sojourn here has been like there's no Covid. However time to move along till the next time with some absolutely magical memories. Will try and update as we progress back to Queensland. Meanwhile thank you all for following our journey and wish each and everyone of you all the very best for the year ahead and hope that you have good health and happiness. Back soon.
Lyn & Greg
2022-01-07
Safe return x
Shirley and rob
2022-01-07
What a trip. Putting ducks in a line, question what length is your van. Safe travels back to qld
Linda and Toby
2022-01-07
Safe travels back to Queensland
Sue and Goff
2022-01-07
Have a safe trip back to Brisbane you have had an amazing journey thanks fir sharing
Lou
2022-01-07
What a great adventure we’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing. The upside for me for you going home is we may chat on phone more often again! Have a safe, enjoyable trip back home - your trip back will still take longer than most of us will have in our main holidays for the year - lol!
Ruthie
2022-01-08
What a great trip and a lovely WA festive season with friends and loved ones. Homeward bound now no doubt with lots more Covid detours. Looking forward to the next instalment xx
Rita
2022-01-08
What a great trip Anni, thank you for letting us all share this with you. I’ve had the best time seeing parts of Australia I’ll never see but for you guys. Beautiful adventures stunning photos and to end it making wonderful memories with your family. No greater feeling, no better trip. xx Safe journey back to the other side, take care guys xx
Carol
2022-02-07
Family, food and friends. Life is good my friend.