Veteran grey nomads Phil and Pam C recall the magic of their Adelaide to Perth return trip
We had been planning the trip to Perth for what seems like ages … do we free camp or stay in caravan parks or a mixture? Do we take this, that or the other?
In the end, it was a matter of: ‘Darn it, just hitch the beast up and hit the road. If we haven’t got it, we can either buy it or do without!’ We only have the pensions to support us, but we hit the road for major trips twice a year … and we hop on a large cruise ship every 18 or so months.
We have bitten the bullet, and have sold or given away most of what we had in order to buy a new
The compulsory 90 mile straight sign photo
caravan and Ute and be ready for the open road. First stop, was the magnificent free camp at Kimba, and then on to a caravan park at Penong, almost on the eastern edge of the Nullarbor.
We were excited to head to the head of the bight, and Twiggy’s Camp is on one of those spectacular high cliffs with the surf pounding away down below. Next stop was Moordini, just over the WA border, which offered a spectacular view of the escarpment, and then it was on to the working sheep farm of Fraser Range about 140 kilometres east of Norseman.
The red sunsets on the side of the hills were memorable and we enjoyed the abundant wildlife … and even had a visit from the local chooks
Magnificent red sunset at Fraser Range
during Happy Hour. We then spent a great week in a caravan park just outside of Esperance and loved the coastal scenery there … the wild salt foam, the white beaches and the deep blue sea.
We decided to miss Albany and head inland where we went through places called Jackitup and Needilup and, in the middle of nowhere, came across a small patch of trees and a flat rest area called Louis Lookout which had a splendid view of the Stirling Ranges.
I have to say Armoin, just east of the Albany Highway on the Crossman River near Crossman, was one of the most amazing spots we have camped, not just because of the scenery, but
A visit from the local chickens
because of the attitude of the young people who own it.
We lived in Perth for four years during my time at RAAF Pearce and were astounded by the way the city has changed in the 39 years since then … but we still have a great deal of affection for this city. We were on the road for 13 weeks and travelled more than 6,500 kilometres, and our most valuable lesson was one we have learned before … just do it!
Life is way too short to be procrastinating over the retirement activities!
