A Hawaiian party was just one of Glynn and Linda’s highlights during an owner’s group rally.
While ill health may have first delayed – and then shortened – their Big Lap, nothing could diminish the magic of the around-Australia adventure for Glynn and Linda Brown.
Having excitedly plotted an itinerary with no time restraints and no more than four hours’ driving between stops, a double cancer blow threw carefully laid plans into chaos. Linda underwent surgery and chemo for bowel cancer and liver cancer, while Glynn had ureter and bladder cancers removed and is still undergoing treatment.
During the difficult times, the couple never let go of the Big Lap dream and bought themselves a Bailey Senator Louisiana caravan, which has an island bed, a front lounge and full ensuite. Then, when a gap between treatments opened up a three-month time window, Glynn and Linda didn’t need a second invitation.
Leaving Albury/Wodonga in August, the couple travelled through New South Wales to attend a family birthday party in Moama, then on to Forbes, Coonabarabran, and into Queensland to Goodiwindi and Yeppoon, where they linked up with the Bailey Australia Owners Group.
“Amongst the highlights at Yeppoon was a visit to the Capricorn Caves, a Hawaiian Luau Party and trivia nights arranged by Bailey Australia, where I won a Caravan & Camping Monopoly game!” said Glynn. “We also purchased fresh king prawns straight off the boats at only $20 a kilo.”
They travelled on to Emerald visiting Sapphire and Rubyvale, and then Barcaldine, followed by Longreach where they enjoyed visits to the Qantas Museum and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
“We had encountered many road trains on our travels for which we always slowed down when they passed,” said Glynn. “If they came up from behind we always looked for a turnout to enable them to pass safely, with many drivers showing their appreciation.”
The couple travelled on to Kynuna, Mount Isa, Avon Downs, Tennant Creek, the Devil’s Marbles, Alice Springs, Uluru, Erldunda, Marla, Coober Pedy, Glendambo, Port Augusta and Bolivar … having a great time as they did so.
Unfortunately, a medical setback in Adelaide meant the couple had to cut their trip short by three weeks and they had to hotfoot it back home via Parilla, Swan Hill and Moama.
“All up we had travelled about 8,500 kilometres and had a great time and saw many places of interest,” said Glynn. “We live in a country area but the Outback was really stunning and we really noted changes in trees and plants as we travelled across Queensland and the Northern Territory.”
Wherever they parked their caravan, the pair said they always met friendly fellow travellers with whom to share stories and advice.
“It’s something that everyone needs to do at least once if not more often … city people really miss out on what matters in life,” said Glynn. “Despite my health problems, nothing is going to deter us from planning our next trip!”
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Go for it…..anything can be achieved with a positive attitude…I am in awe of you both …safe travelling and hope to meet up with you both one day on our travels. Fingers crossed for your future health
we know how u both feel as we have been through the same . garry was diagnosed with osaphagus cancer with big surgery . lost 1/2 stomach lost . then as he got better i was diagnosed with bowel cancer . we r now pretty good and hope 2018 is kind to us . we r off travelling after waiting 4 years 9only ben married 5 yrs ) . good luck my loves and hope we catch up one day . xxxxx
would like to keep in touch with u both ????
Your dead right Glynn and Linda city people just dont get it, go see the real australia and meet the real aussies.The very best of luck to you,you are a prime example of the never say die aussie.If your ever up Bargara Qld way give us a hoy. Stevo.
Well done! Keep on living the dream until the Big Fella calls time!
We have just traveled to West Aussie via the great central road to Lenora and geralton up to shark bay then down the coast to Augusta over to Albany, experance, kalgoorlie, norseman across the nullarbor to ceduna sa. Port Lincoln port Augusta Clare the. Brossa valley to echuca Vic then deniliquin nsw wagga wagga and home to Penrith 16000k in all best trip ever and just turned 80. Next the tanami.
Wow now I’m inspired, my husband has just been diagnosed with throat cancer and starts treatment this week. Our Evernew caravan which we were supposed to pick up in December is still sitting in Melbourne waiting for us. (Thank you Evernew for looking after it for us). It is our dream to sell up and start travelling and we will as soon as hubby is good to go. Safe travel and continue to live the dream
How do I recieve on going 3 weekly chemo infusions .and travel round Australia my husband and I have dreamt of this for years. Now I have stage 4 Lung cancer we still want to travel
Hi Robert. I know how you feel mate. My wife was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer 8 weeks ago and had half of the left lung removed. We were getting close to our big lap as well with the new van that we ordered 10 months ago. Ready to pick up this week. My wife starts Chemo soon so we will have to wait and see. Safe travelling mate.