Well we have the van and set a date for departure – July 22nd. I must say this has been changed a few times as things keep popping up. But if we keep waiting we will never hit the road.

The first thing was the van – it came with just about everything we needed, but to be safe we decided to put  in two new batteries and try the solar system over a few weeks to may sure we had adequate power. The van came fitted with a solar panel on the roof and all the regulator thingies. It did not take long to realize that with the van parked in semi-shade the one panel was just not up to it, so we purchased a portable solar panel as well. Then there was the TV – perfectly functional and with a built in DVD but the size of a postage stamp. I could not see the footy score, so this was upgraded as well.

Peter wanted a small generator (2kva) to supplement power on rainy/cloudy days and because boys like things with engines. The added advantage is that it will run my Nesspresso coffee machine every morning. Yes I know, call me a coffee snob, but I simply refuse to travel to god knows where without a decent cup of coffee every morning.

Then came the car, a 20 year old 80 Series diesel Landcrusier, affectionately known as “Larry”. Larry has been with us since new. He has traveled almost 500,00 kms, been on every family trip, kept four boys safe while they learned to drive and carried a variety of family pets. The budget did not stretch to a new tow vehicle (I hear the new Cruisers are not that  flash anyway), so Larry went in for a over haul. Hears hoping he makes it for another 500,00. Neither Peter or I are mechanically inclined so breaking down in the middle of the Simpson Desert (or Wolfe Creek for that matter) is simply not an option.

We decided what we needed in the way of pots/pans, cutlery, linen, fishing gear and all the other paraphernalia that goes with day to day living. This was all packed and then about 1/3 of it removed. I have of course been back and forth to the van to retrieve items that I need to use. May have got a bit excited about packing to soon. The clothes will go in last – this should not be such an issues as neither Peter or I are really on the high fashion lists.

To be honest the hardest thing will be leaving our family and friends. Sure, we will keep in-touch, but both of us will miss them heaps (you all know who you are).

So there are only 11 sleeps to go until the big day. Once we leave I will try and post something at least once a week to keep everyone updated. Don’t worry, I won’t be giving a blow by blow account of the trip. I will limit posts to the exciting things like breakdowns, bogs and extraordinary extraterrestrial encounters, and of course any interesting spots/sites we come across. Like usual any decent fish caught will also be displayed for all to see and be in awe  and amazement of the great fisherman that we are.