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!

Day 21 - Warroora Station 17th July 2015

Packed up and left Osprey on our way to Warroora Station. Stopped in at Exmouth to refuel, stock up on supplies, and for everyone to go to the toilet. The kids are all very concerned about there being no toilets at Warroora lol. Also stopped in at the bakery for a lunchtime treat- yummo.

Arrived at Warroora and headed to 14 Mile where we had been recommended to camp. Luck was on our side as there were 2 spots next to one another, right on the beach. I thought Eighty Mile and Cape Range were magnificent but this is my new favourite! The water is an amazing shade of blue and you feel like you are the only ones here!

Within minutes of arriving we have spotted dolphins so close to shore Kaleb and Kye almost touched them. They were so excited! Spent the afternoon swimming and whale watching and quickly decided 2 nights here was not going to be enough. 

Went bushwalking to try & get service to do some plan rearranging and almost stepped on a snake (which we have since identified as being mildly venomous 😁). 

Spent the evening sitting around the campfire and playing games.

 Kaleb was introduced to 'Wink Murder' which he loved (once he worked out the rules). We toasted marshmallows and played Chinese Whispers and went around the group telling our favourite part of the holiday (so far). Very teacher like of us lol. Had a great time spotting crabs on the beach and watching them bury themselves in the sand. Awesome night.

Day 20 - Osprey Bay 16th July 2015

Another day in paradise. Up early again (and by early I mean 7.45am) for my walk with Kaleb- this time joined by Joshua.

 Kaleb had to walk half the way as we had another puncture (Ian will be thrilled). On the way back I introduced them to dinking, the way we used to do it without pegs! Kaleb loved it but I don't think Josh quite trusted me lol!

Another lazy morning of reading, coffee and fishing (I keep telling Ian it's not fishing without fish!).  Kids rode their bikes and made their own adventures!

After lunch we headed off to Turquoise Bay where again Ian and the kids went for a snorkel. Kaleb and I made a big turtle in the sand and then Ian, Josh & Kye joined in and made a shark.

Back to Osprey for wine and nibbles and another magnificent sunset! Met some lovely people and when the guitar and the violin came out there was no stopping us! There was singing and dancing and plenty of wine.

The children (and Ian) went off for dinner and I'm sure Amanda and I had planned to follow but time just got away from us and I believe it was about 11.30pm when we returned! I think we missed dinner lol! 😛

Day 19 - Osprey Bay 15th July 2015

Kaleb and I were up early and off for a morning walk down to Sandy Bay (thanks Trina for the motivation😃) while Ian went off to try and catch our dinner (we had Mongolian lamb for dinner if that tells you anything!)



Sat outside admiring the view while I had a morning coffee and then it was time for some snorkelling! It was a bit cool for Amanda and I but Ian went out with all the kids. They came back very excited after seeing a turtle, a starfish, a seasnake and lots of fish!! They all came in and then we saw a turtle just offshore so off they went again. It was only afterwards as Ian shepherded all the children in that he tells us all he saw a 5-6 foot shark between them and the shore!! Suffice to say Amanda and I no longer saw any need to go in the water!

It was a beautiful, lazy day spent reading, walking on the beach and I think I even had a snooze! The kids went off exploring and found a cool rock pool to play in!

Afternoon nibbles and wine as we watched the sunset. As if it couldn't get any better a pod of whales decide to swim past and entertain us. It really is beautiful here.

Back to the vans for a yummy burrito dinner and then a Horan v Bransby Uno game. We were shocking! My fault I think for not teaching my competitive boys to play as a team! Clean sweep to the Horans!

Day 18 - Osprey Bay 14th July 2015

Wow! What a magnificent place Osprey Bay is!

Set off this morning from Dampier and had a fairly uneventful run! Kept the kids (and us) entertained with a quiz between the cars using the CB radios! It was great fun and ended up a very impressive 54-53 score line!

Stopped briefly at Exmouth on the way through and then found our way to Osprey Bay. No power, no service but an absolutely beautiful spot right on the ocean.

A quick set up - we are getting good at it now- and although Amanda and I are in different areas we are not too far away. Long day in the car though so early night for all.

Day 17 - Dampier 13th July 2015

Restless sleep last night! Wind was howling and I had visions of our caravan being swept up 'wizard of Oz' style and landing in another part of our Oz lol! Survived the night and after a yummy pancake breakfast we went off on a day exploring led by our capable guide Ken.

First down to Hearson's Cove which I'm sure would have been a lovely place to swim was it not blowing a gale! The kids liked the story though of how it was named Hearson's Cove after the man Hearson shot himself in the butt!

Then spent a couple of hours exploring the national park area and seeing the Aboriginal paintings and rock art. Although hard to pick them out at first it soon became more clear and it was quite fascinating looking at things that were done 10000-30000 years ago!

After lunch we all went off to the park while Ian went in to Karratha to get a new battery for the caravan ($385 thank you very much!😁). Caught up with Pete Norman for a drink and then had a yummy dinner thanks to Judy and Chris. Dinner was followed by a very animated Bingo night which was great fun for all -especially the winners!

Day 16 - Dampier 12th July 2015

Another sad farewell, this time to Nanna & Pop and on our way to Dampier.  Spent most of the day in the car but had a good run and arrived in Dampier earlier than expected. Stopped for a photo with Red Dog and then off to set up at Kens house.

Had a beautiful bbq dinner and spent a lovely evening catching up with Ken, Chris & Sammy.