We have had a fantastic holiday!   'Travelling Oz' has been an adventure.   We have seen so much of Australia over the last 10 months.  A Singaporean taxi driver asked us many years ago "Where we were from"?  When we said "Australia".  His response was "Ah!  Lucky Country"!  Yes.....we are lucky and very fortunate to be able to call it home.  But there is no place like 'Ones Own Home' and it sure is nice to be safely home. We left 'Wildwood Farm' at Eneabba just before nine.  Peter used Andrew's pressure cleaner to clean the 'Coolgardie' mud from the underneath of the van and car.  We waved goodbye to the family members, hoping to get back to Geraldton in time to attend Barry Kempton's funeral at eleven.  Sadly Barry lost his battle with cancer on the 24th October.  As we got closer to Geraldton we knew there was not time to get to Bluff Point and back out to Utakarra.  So we parked the van under the trees on the old Utakarra/Mullewa Road, got changed and were there in plenty of time.   To our surprise we just happened to choose the same bench seat as Peter's sister and brother-inlaw.  They spotted us before we did them and the gentleman who was sitting between us offered to change places.  Ray and Wendy knew we were close to being home, but not that close!  Barry was loved and respected by many throughout Geraldton and the surrounding farming areas.  Around 12.30pm we drove up 'Champion Bay Rise'.  Lots has happened in the last 5 months.  Two new houses started and one nearly finished.  There are not too many vacant blocks left in the estate now.  Our neighbour 'Bill' was out on their balcony sweeping.  By golly Donelle has him well trained!  There were big waves and laughter as I suggested he could continue over to ours if he liked!  Donelle was soon out the front door with her camera to capture the arrival.  To our delight there was a bucket of her beautiful roses waiting for us at the front door, with a 'Welcome Home' note.  We really are very fortunate to have such great neighbours.   My brother Dennis (Smock as everyone calls him) has been our gardener over the last 10 months and Bill and Donelle have been there to help out with the roses.  They have also kept their eyes on things around house.  As Fiona said to me the other day "You really are lucky to have such wonderful neighbours Mum.  Uncle Smock has the garden looking great and I know Bill and Donelle are also checking on things.  It's just the same as if you were there".  Our special thanks brother and neighbours.  We truly are very grateful.  It was so lovely to drive up Champion Bay Rise and see 'Home' looking as it was!  The rose petals had even been swept from the front door.Donelle also captured the backing of the van down the drive.  Bless her!  She was impressed with Pete's backing skills and laughed at my big ' Woo' into the two way, when Peter got close to the garage door.  Thanks for the photos Donelle.  We left on a Saturday and returned on a Saturday.  We didn't plan it that way.  It just happened!  At 6 o'clock we decided it was knock off time for Day 1 at home.   We put our 'Love Seat' out the front and Pete prepared the six 'Coffin Bay' Oysters we had frozen at Port Lincoln.  'Oysters Kilpatrick' once again.  And as we sat out the front looking at our magnificent view, we both commented "If we were still travelling the camera would be clicking!  Our view here really is very special!   It is as good as anything we have seen while we have been travelling".Today we have had Fiona, Jack and Lani for morning tea and Kim, Jasmine, Denva and Holly for lunch.  We will catch up with Jason, Nicole, Sophie and Ella in a couple of days.  We are progressing with the unpacking and cleaning of the van.  The washing machine has been working overtime, but we are not being stupid!  Having the kids visit today has meant we have done a bit here and there.  Our aim is to be sorted by the end of the week.Since we left Cooktown on Saturday 30th August, we have travelled 8,808 kilometres.  Since leaving home on Saturday 28th December we have travelled 38,749 kilometres.  We have purchased 7,666 litres of fuel at an average cost of $1.68.  We have averaged 5 kms to the litre at a cost of 33 cents per kilometre.

And.....We have had a 'Fantastic Time Travelling Oz'.  Our 'Home on Wheels' has been perfect.  We have been very comfortable and have not wished for anything.  Well there has been one thing Pete.   Perhaps I do need to record the frustrations of the satellite dish somewhere!  It really is a 'red dot'!  There have been a few times that we haven't had TV reception and that satellite dish and the inability to get it working, has caused words and frustration!  We both agreed we would have been better without it!  But it has returned with us and hasn't been left in a bush somewhere.  Will it will go on another trip?  Mmm!  Good question!  20 photos