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Life in a Campervan for Two

In and around Sydney, Australia

Thank you Jonathan for patiently teaching your mother to blog - I just hope I'll be able and willing to continue this on my own for the next 3 months

Departure is getting closer - just 10 days to go now and so much to do.  Will let you know when we arrive.

Route taken and entries by Real Traveler salandpats

  1. 1

    Seriously, haven't we left yet?

    Sydney, Australia | Oct 03 '08 | Reviews: 0
    It's like we've been packing and planning forever. Let's go! Continue reading »
     see 1 photo »  
  2. 2

    Day One

    Sydney, Australia | Oct 06 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Landed safely in Sydney - Emily and Sam came to meet us so the adventure is about to begin!  Ironically it is Emily's one day of the week th... Continue reading »
  3. 3

    Into the great unknown ....

    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), Australia | Oct 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Spent 3 lovely days being well looked after by Sam and Emily and then we left Sydney yesterday to start looking after ourselves.  Strange to b... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  4. 4

    Whoops

    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), Australia | Oct 12 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Thought I was doing so well yesterday till I realised I'd mistaken the photo of the Opera House for Ayers Rock - simple mistake!  Hope I manag... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  5. 5

    It's Tuesday .....

    Alice Springs, Australia | Oct 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    It's Tuesday, so it must be Alice ..... Whistle stop tour but that's probably enough for here.  Just wanted to see what life in a town in the... Continue reading »

  6. 6

    Saunas and cold pools

    Darwin, Australia | Oct 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Apologies to anyone reading this in England but Darwin is HOT and HUMID.  It's just like diving into a cold pool after the sauna whenever... Continue reading »

     see 4 photos »  
  7. 7

    Crocodiles and vistas

    Katherine, Australia | Oct 19 '08 | Reviews: 0

    That was a good meal with our new fellow grey-haired traveller friends! The tucker out in the bush has been good and so has the company – not too s... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  8. 8

    Slip, slap, slop

    Broome, Australia | Oct 21 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Slip into your cozzie, slap on your shades and slop on the suntan lotion. Yep, we’re doing as we’ve been... Continue reading »

     see 1 photo »  
  9. 9

    Three days on and still talking ..

    Point Samson, Australia | Oct 21 '08 | Reviews: 0

    We have now had 3 nights in the campervan, none of them as hot as that first one, so we’re hoping that was just a sweltering start. We have had two... Continue reading »

  10. 10

    Three days on and still talking ..

    Point Samson, Australia | Oct 21 '08 | Reviews: 0

    We have now had 3 nights in the campervan, none of them as hot as that first one, so we’re hoping that was just a sweltering start. We have had two... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  11. 11

    Have we found the perfect beach?

    Exmouth, Australia | Oct 28 '08 | Reviews: 0

    We have now been in paradise for the last 4 days – sadly out of internet contact, but miraculously all of Patrick’s (and Emily’s) patient research... Continue reading »

     see 4 photos »  
  12. 12

    Another Day in Paradise ...

    Coral Bay, Australia | Nov 02 '08 | Reviews: 0

    We moved from one perfect beach to another – Coral Bay actually has a spot called Paradise Beach. Quite different from where we were as this is a r... Continue reading »

     see 5 photos »  
  13. 13

    Dolphins, sharks and dugongs

    Denham, Australia | Nov 07 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yes, Melbourne Cup – what an experience! The whole country stops! We were lucky enough to get into a pub with time to spare but it quickly filled u... Continue reading »

     see 8 photos »  
  14. 14

    Perth next stop!

    Geraldton, Australia | Nov 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Tonight we plan to be in Perth – the driving and campsites and people are definitely changing as we near civilisation. People come here for weekend... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  15. 15

    .. oh and whales too!

    Margaret River, Australia | Nov 20 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Where does the time go? We only have one more week in the van – we shall really miss it yet the thought of not having to tramp through the undergro... Continue reading »

     see 4 photos »  
  16. 16

    Today's specialist subject

    Esperance, Australia | Nov 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    …is trees. Today we have mostly done trees – very big trees. (and yesterday too). We are the leading experts on karri, jarrah and tingle trees and... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  17. 17

    ... is roads ....

    Kimba, Australia | Nov 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Well, here we are having crossed the dreaded Nullarbor Plain with no worries at all. I have to admit I’ve always had a secret hankering to be a lon... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  18. 18

    .. is wine

    Geelong, Australia | Dec 04 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Amazing how quickly you can readapt to living in a very comfortable house with a variety of rooms and shower and loo inside! It was such a treat to... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  19. 19

    Melbourne - "My kinda town"

    Melbourne, Australia | Dec 05 '08 | Reviews: 0

    We went to Melbourne a few years ago and it was cold and we were in a rush (quelle surprise!) so didn’t really enjoy it too much. This time we love... Continue reading »

     see 1 photo »  
  20. 20

    The hills are alive .....

    Wangaratta, Australia | Dec 06 '08 | Reviews: 0

    This might get a bit bitty now as we spent the last week weaving around – our last week of major road trips and still trying to fit everything in.... Continue reading »

     see 1 photo »  
  21. 21

    Canberra

    Canberra, Australia | Dec 08 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Having been to Australia a few times we thought it was about time we saw the capital city even though people had said there’s not much to see and B... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  22. 22

    Proceed to Go and collect £200!

    Sydney, Australia | Dec 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yes, we made it …. Back to where we started 2 months ago. We can almost stop moving now! It was just like coming home again – great to see Emily an... Continue reading »

     see 3 photos »  
  23. 23

    Good news and bad news ...

    Avoca Beach, Australia | Dec 19 '08 | Reviews: 0

    First the good news. We have settled in very quickly and easily to this beautiful house – we love it here. It’s open plan with a lovely deck outsid... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  24. 24

    Christmas and Home ...

    Sydney, Australia | Dec 24 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Where has this last week gone? Here we are back home now having had a wonderful Christmas with Sam and Emily, although if it weren’t for the fact w... Continue reading »

     see 8 photos »  
emilysmith avatar emilysmith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Slip on a t-shirt, slop on a hat, slap on some sunscreen and wrap on some sunnies! Oh and Dad - get a new t-shirt! Hope Broome is lovely and you are settling into the van nicely. Talk to you soon xxx
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DonC avatar DonC on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Been following your blog from the start! Very interesting and funny! What a great writing style you have Sally! And how much wonderful material you get supplied with by Patrick! Disappointed to see that you're no longer interested in the outsde dunny idea, nor in our offer to let you share our 28 acres with the roos, koalas, lizards, and snakes! You've obviously been spoiled in the camper van! Still, you've got another few days if you want to change your minds.... Seriously, we've got the champagne, beers, wines, on ice already and we're looking forward to your arrival on Friday in not-so-summery Crafers. See you soon! D&K
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jonathanimpacti avatar jonathanimpacti on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
When are you going to write the next episode? The first was so exciting.
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Lucy Smith avatar Lucy Smith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Hello! I have an exam tomorrow so have spent most of the day reading your blog. It's really funny and far more interesting than geography! Sounds like you are having an awesome time, I hope you still enjoying it and are getting festive! Love Lucy
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Dardy avatar Dardy on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Hello from the States, We have been following your travels with much envy.... you really must tell us how we can "leave our lives" for a period of time. It sounds wonderful. Sorry we didn't respond earlier, but I am not the most sophisticated web surfer. Evidently the kids (Sam, Lindsay and Trevor) have been chatting to one another. It is nice that they have "reconnected". The kids (and us oldies) would LOVE to catch up with the Smiths again. Lets plan something. Please keep safe and have a wonderful time. love to all Dardy, Tom Trevor and Lindsay.
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Leigh Smiths avatar Leigh Smiths on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
hallo - I'm trying to join in but getting very frustrated!!! I hate computers
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Leigh Smiths avatar Leigh Smiths on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Just logged in to read an update. Are you bored with doing it already Sally??
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LucyMc avatar LucyMc on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Yes! This is almost too exciting! I love it. Very impressed with your blogging skills Sal. Super! xx
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salandpats avatar salandpats on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Sorry folks - forgotten what life in the fast lane was like and we're still trying to detox from our stay with Don and Kris! Also trying to adapt to our zippy little Hyundai ... watch this space!
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jonathanimpacti avatar jonathanimpacti on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
this is getting better by the minute. perhaps they're just pacing themselves - don't want to use up all their wit/wisdom in one go by posting too much
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Jan and Andrew avatar Jan and Andrew on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Hello Sally and Patrick, I was wondering how you're finding time to make such a good job of your blog -then I remembered -you're on holiday! I have stumbled my way to half term with 2 days worth of work to do in the holidays - thought you needed to know this, Sally, so that you can enjoy not being at school all the more! Looking forward to your next instalment. Love Jan
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Nick& Bren avatar Nick& Bren on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
To all down under Nick and Brenda wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. We have just trailed through your adventures in the campervan, not very thoroughly I'm afraid. Nick says he can't wait to see you to get a better description. Anyway it sounds pretty wonderful and exciting and the photo's make us wish we were there. I'm suprised you survived the campervan without falling out - perhaps it was too hot to argue. Anyway its wetted our appetite to do a return visit to Oz similar to what you have done. Cannot believe the toilet facilities were any worse than The Bramble - BC all over again. Sorry to here about the river overflowing in Somerset. We did wonder whether all would be OK after the freak weather although you've always survived in the past. Its a shame you have to cut your trip short but am sure you will have a wonderful Xmas with Sam and Ems. Send them our love. We are at home Xmas day - most of the family will be with us - Nick's brother and his son from Canada are staying with us and Tim, Lauren, Craig, Claire and Lola are coming on Xmas day. We are all going to Russell's on Boxing day. Nick's dad has been in hospital for 3 months so this rather curtailed our plans, but he has now come home although will not be coming over to us on Xmas day. We must catch up in the New Year once you have settled back home - didn't do very well last year did we. We will drink a toast to you all tomorrow and send you all our love.
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Jan and Andrew avatar Jan and Andrew on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Hello Sally and Patrick, We are really enjoying reading your journal despite the mad jealousy that it creates in us. Just to make you feel even better it is very cold here and when it's not raining it's because the rain's just stopped and is about to start again any minute. Note how we always look on the bright side of life! However, there is a bright side .. Tris and El are expecting a baby in June. This will make us remarkably young grandparents. We were pleased to bump into Jonathan and Jessica in M&S a couple of weeks ago but disappointed that they will not be around for the quiz. We look forward to reading more instalments. Love, Jan and Andrew
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Sam Smith avatar Sam Smith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
There has been too much excitement for blogging. Three days spent trying to get Dad a mobile phone and teaching him how to use it... I took them to the airport yesterday and can confirm they got on a plane to go to Ayers Rock. However since they only have factor 2 olive oil sun tan lotion there is a chance they have been burned alive by the sun. Or otherwise eaten by flies (the size of your hand). Will let you know if we see anything on the news.
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Sam Smith avatar Sam Smith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Have you stopped blogging now you are not in the van anymore??
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Si and Pol avatar Si and Pol on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Just caught up with all your news, feel we are almost living the dream with you too, sounds wonderful. This message from one of the few actually working just now and travelling with you would be great. Keep having a fun time! [Stick to factor 50]
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Sam Smith avatar Sam Smith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
This is fun. Are we the only three that have read your blog???
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emilysmith avatar emilysmith on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
Goodness. You are getting very good on the ipod. 10 days???! Eeeek!!!
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Leigh Smiths avatar Leigh Smiths on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
This getting very exciting. Keep it up.
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DonC avatar DonC on Sep. 23, 2008 @ 11:18PM said
C'mon Sally, do another blog or everyone will think we really did put you out with the snakes and buried you at the bottom of the 28 acres! For the record, they were last seen on Tuesday (2/12)approx. 11.30 a.m., waving cheerily as they joined the Freeway at Crafers, heading in the direction of Penola via Keith.
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