FINAL BIT
What can I say. We have had a fantastic holiday, but it was more than just a holiday it was an amazing experience. We have learnt a lot about our country – Australia and the people in it. We have learnt about ourselves and each other. We have travelled through such diverse environments – from flat grassy plains to mountains and the sea, through dry low scrub lands and mulga bush where termites make their mounds, up to the where there were hot springs on every corner it seemed and where there were waterfalls and rock pools to cool us off. Back down through the centre where it was a lot hillier than we expected and where the stories of indigenous people abound. The rock pebbles, marbles and boulders scattered across the landscape looking like someone had forgotten to pick them up after a game. The landscape of the MacDonnell Ranges was amazing with its jagged rock formations and gorges and amazing colours. Uluru and Kata with their changing colours and interesting formations. All the while admiring the beautiful colours of the wildflowers covering the hills and mountains as we travelled. As we entered SA it seemed like a different world with its rocky ground cover and sparse vegetation. Coober Pedy was yet another world of holes in the ground and white mounds of dirt. We experienced the outback in its glory as well as its fury. We saw old ruins and old towns and new developments where towns are bursting with life. We experienced underground life of the miners of opals, emeralds, and iron ore. We enjoyed watching all kinds of birds in their natural habitat and animals of all kinds, from big to tiny. We have seen the most amazing sunsets and sunrises and even moonrises. We enjoyed camping in the most beautiful of places – near rivers, under big old gums, near the sea, on top of mountains with great views, in the outback, in national parks and even in some caravan parks and roadside campgrounds. We also went on some great walks – short and long and enjoyed sitting by the fire most nights looking at the stars. I have to say Graeme cooks a pretty nice breakfast and I will miss cooking the vegies in the fire. We visited relatives along the way which made it even more special. We thank the Lord for his many blessings on us and for making such a wonderful world for us to explore and admire and for bringing us home safely to our family and friends.
Signing off from Our Big Holiday – our campervan adventure
Bev Hardidge
(July – August 2010)