Banka Banka to Mataranka

Awaking at Banka Banka we had our first morning where it wasn't brisk. It was shorts & Tshirts as we jumped in the cars for the planned drive to Mataranka.

There are a few shots from a nature trail (one of pete's birding jaunts - Grammie, you would have loved it) heading to a waterhole from Banka Banka.

The kids have proved great travellers - we have 2 in the back and 1 in the far back (they are rotating)! Sandwiches and drinks can be passed forward.

We stopped for birding reasons of the Jabiru kind at Newcastle Waters. Yes, Rich we saw two with good views. While we were there they must have both left because they weren't to be seen as we drove out!

We found ourselves refuelling at lunchtime near Daly Waters and liked the look of a shaded picnic table. We were mobbed by apostlebirds & quite happy to move on!

We've had a swim at the Mataranka thermal pool and will explore tomorrow. The sounds of John Williamson songs surround us here as we join the great aussie nomad tradition!

Tonight we are all zipped up as this friendly snake slithered through a neighbour's campsite!

Photos are from:
Banka Banka walking trail
Newcastle Waters
Apostlebirds
The snake which we now think is a Banded tree snake (aka Katherine Brown aka Night tiger)
Icy poles at Mataranka

Alice Springs to Banka Banka

A few quick updates from the phone - will try to get some kid reports up when conditions allow!

Today (tuesday) we left family in Alice feeling bad that we weren't staying longer (but then that always happens to us when leaving alice!!!)

Thanks again Richard & Annie for the loan of rig & equipment!

The newbies at campervan trailer pack down were ready for the Shanavanners who really do need a few pointers on the art!! :)

Pictures below include (sorry, but can't adjust order or add captions with this phone app!)

Some Oleander Cres scenes (in the public interest Rich & Annie!)
The van ready to go
Road scenes
Devil's marbles
Banka Banka setup & campfire

We're away!!

A quick post proving that we've made it to Alice Springs and have had our first lessons in all things Prado and Jayco. This all thanks to some great tuition from Richard and Annie who are recklessly lending their "rig" for this adventure.

Approaching Alice

Well into the demo out at Tony & Libby's place (friend's of Richard & Annie's a little out of Alice)

Our illustrious teacher

The fly demonstration begins

A job for every kid

The road to Santa Theresa - ideal for a bit of bulldust! (outback road experience)

Travel Itinerary

Sunday, 22nd July 2012:

Fly from Melbourne to Alice Springs

23 July - 25 August:

Somewhere between Alice Springs and Broome

Saturday 26 August:

Fly from Broome to Melbourne

Farewell wintery waters!

We hope that the next beach we see will be quite a different experience!

Today we had a day trip to Silverleaves to ready the house for our absence. Granddad provided a lift in the new Kluger, a trailer load of wood on the back.

Witness also the latest innovation in Harry's Hangar!

All photos and blog itself posted from the iphone in the back seat of the Kluger (practicing for the big trip!).

Coober Pedy 1996

The Shanavan blog posts of recent days has rekindled memories of a June 1996 roadtrip Kath & I made to Alice Springs. Like Ben & Ves we drove up the middle to Alice. Unlike Ben & Ves we were in a camira and accommodation was either in tent or motel for the trip up. The camira was put on the Ghan for the trip back and we trained it!

This trip pre-dates digital photography and kids. So there are few photos by comparison to today's efforts and even less featuring our good selves!

Here are a few scanned images of our younger versions in a largely unchanged old landscape!

Lake Hart

Whoever took this photo clearly needs better equipment. I wonder if he'll ever get any!

The Breakaways

Adding 6 years!

We added 6 cumulative years to the ages of family members at our July birthdays get-together today! Sorry Kell, no photo - I know you'll be disappointed!!

We also farewelled the Rowville mob who are about to start their road trip - they'll be back in October!!