Day 28 - Home 24th July 2015

We made it!!!  Not without our fair share of adventures but we made it.

Was a very quick pack up this morning not having to pack up the vans.  We had taken as much stuff out of the caravan as we could so piled that in the car and in Amanda's van and off we went for the final stint home.

Another bakery stop at Dongara (thought Id better make the most of it before I get home) and another car versus car quiz and other than that was a fairly uneventful trip home.

Those first traffic lights when you get back in to Perth are a bit of a shock to the system.

Arrived home mid afternoon to find we had been burgled while we were away.  Ahh the joys of travelling.  All of our (mis)adventures all add to the memories and we had the most amazing time.
Love that our 2 families get along so well and love these long holidays escaping the cold Perth winter.  Bring on the next one!  Gibb River Road!!!

Day 27 - Geraldton 23rd July 2015

Well today didn't exactly go to plan! :(

Up early and on the road, with the what has become traditional bakery stop.  I am so going to need to get to the gym when we get home.

Stopped at Shell Beach for a bit of fun and do a photo shoot with our budding models.

Fairly uneventful morning in the cars.  We had a quiz between the cars which was very close before the Bransby car pipped the Horans to win.  We decided we really need to educate our children more - not one of 6 knew what animal a baby cygnet belonged to.  Actually come to think of it there was at least one adult that didn't know that either.

Hadn't really decided where we were going to stay tonight.  The plan was to drive as far as we could and then stay at one of the free sites.  The best laid plans.......  Not long after lunch and we were driving along the highway at 100km per hour with Amanda and her crew following behind when there's a pretty loud noise from outside (and a few choice words coming from Ian inside too).  I thought a tyre had blown but Ian looks in the rear vision mirror and sees our tyre flying across the road with smoke coming off and realises our caravan is at a distinct angle.  Luckily for us, Ian was able to steer the car and van off the road without it flipping (and flipping us) and lucky the wheel didn't hit Amanda or anyone on the other lane that it crossed over.

The next couple of hours were spent on the side of the road trying to contact insurers and the RAC.  After giving up watching the news because of how awful it is my faith in humanity was slightly restored by the number of people who stopped to try and help us.  Not much that could be done though as no axle so towing wasn't an option.  There was also the loveliest young girl working at the roadhouse where we drove up to to try and get better service and a coffee and some food for the kids.  She almost had me in tears (I know that's not hard) offering to help and coming up with suggestions as to what we could do.  And she offered vodka.  Thank you Kate.  Im sorry you weren't there when we left so I could have thanked you in person.

Had to put the van on the back of a truck (Ian said it was very close to falling off!) and then find somewhere to stay in Geraldton.  We ended up at the Abrolhos Reef Lodge and I have to say I highly recommend it if you are looking for accommodation there.  The 2 young guys could not do enough to help us and gave us a really good rate (cheaper than what some of the caravan parks were asking and it was a 2 storey fully self contained unit).

Needless to say, there was copious amounts of wine that night and a few tears.  Poor Jayco.

Day 26 - Denham 22nd July 2015

Our last official day of holidays before we start heading home. Went for a walk with the kids this morning down to have a look around the shops and check out the bakery.

Back to Monkey Mia after lunch and went on the Shotover which is an Eco friendly catamaran that does wildlife cruises. We didn't see any wildlife other than dolphins but it was nice out cruising around.

Decided to go down and try a bit of fishing and the kids all did well reeling in the garfish (well the girls not so much but the boys did!). Left the boys down there and came back to  start getting dinner organised. Ian stayed for a few hours and returned with tales of the one that got away!

Day 25 - Denham 21st July 2015

Set the alarm this morning and went to Monkey Mia to see the dolphins. I think I was more excited than the kids! And the rain had stopped which was also very exciting. Stood down at the waters edge (along with about 270 other people) and watched the dolphins come in and fight the pelicans for fish! None of us got chosen to hand feed the dolphins  but it was still very cool!

Came home and had some lunch and then off we went to the aquarium which was fantastic! Saw turtles, sharks, stingrays, seasnakes, stone fish and much more! The tour was great and we all learnt lots of info about the animals.

Back to the caravan park and the crazy boys went for a swim. Dinner and then movie night watching The Sandlot Kids. Such a great movie!

Day 24 - Denham 20th July 2015

Long day on the road today and my turn to drive! Everyone was very  excited to get to the first roadhouse so that we could use the toilet - first time in days!

Went out to the Blowholes to have a look but unfortunately not much of a blowhole happening. 😞 It was a long way to go so a shame.

On the road again on the way to Denham and the heavens opened! It seemed to get stronger the closer we got and we arrived in Denham to find water pouring down the main road into the ocean!

Arrived at the caravan park and little choice but to get out and get wet. A nice hot shower afterwards would have been nice but alas no hot water 😩.

Kids are starting to get a bit ratty with each other and driving us nuts and  everyone is pretty exhausted so early night I think. 😃

Day 23 - Warroora Station 19th July 2015

Today was our extra day here that we gave up Hamelin Pool for. Two nights here was just not enough especially when half of that day was spent in town watching the footy!

So made the most of this beautiful place with nothing to do but relax, fish & walk on the beach. Had a bit of a sleep in and then went for another walk along the beach. No goats today but still lots of beautiful shells.

We all had a lazy day in paradise - swimming, reading, walking, fishing, eating etc etc. Kaleb, Kye and Ian caught a fish which Ian cooked up on the campfire later that night! Amanda and I went for a walk with our wine to get some sunset photos  (leaving our dutiful husband with the 6 children). It was simply magnificent.

Lit the campfire and had toasted marshmallows, roasted potatoes and of course the fish. Best dinner ever! We played games around the campfire and looked at the stars. Beautiful night!

Day 22 - Warroora Station 18th July 2015

Amanda and Kye were up early watching a magnificent sunrise. I got up and went for a walk along the beach. There are some amazing shells and so much different sealife! We have seen turtles, dolphins, whales, fish, crabs, crayfish, oysters, mussels, clams and oysters. I nearly had a heart attack on my walk when I saw a large black and brown animal jump down towards me from the rock ledge above. My initial thought was a wolf (yes I know how ridiculous that sounds) and then thought it must be a big German shepherd (and I hope it's friendly)! Couldn't quite believe my eyes when I realised it was a goat!! Not what I was expecting!

Another morning of fishing, walks on the beach and body surfing by the kids. It actually became so warm Amanda and I went in too. A few days without showers added some extra encouragement. Had some lunch and then headed in to Coral Bay to watch the footy.

The kids swam in the pool and kicked the footy while we watched the Eagles win in a very close game against Collingwood. A quick walk into the shops and the best $3 ever spent on a shower at the caravan park before heading back to watch the Dockers beat Carlton. Great day for WA footy!