Well, this is it. The moment that I knew would come, but never expected to arrive. (!). 
My last blog post for this year long journey.

Yesterday Ray was offered an interview for a position he applied for. The interview is soon, and it is in Melbourne. 

Our trip now becomes a streamlined mission of stealth and its time to hang up the blogging boots for this trip. We will be there soon. 

I don’t think anyone will be interested in the coming details of long days in the car, squabbles about schoolwork (Caleb), squabbles about public toilets without toilet paper (me) and grumpy passengers (Ray). 

We won’t quite make the 365 day marker, but we got close. 

We’ve learned a lot, experienced more than we ever thought possible and that was just in the caravan! We were brave, very brave and we know it. We’ve been exposed to each others best and worst bits ( think clean please), and had our own little Big Brother House experience. 

We’ve met so many people who have told us we are lucky to be doing a trip such as ours. Ray always tells them that they can too. Just make it happen. Be brave, change your outlook, take a breath and jump straight into the adventure. 

We have considered never ending our trip. Never coming home. We were nearly seduced into Western Australia’s arms, the decision not to take jobs in Broome one of the most difficult we have made. Other locations offering business opportunities, good weather and friendly people were also considered, but they each failed in one aspect. 

None of them could give us the unconditional love of family, the support of friends. More importantly, we wouldn’t be able to share in the lives of those we love and give our love and support to them. Some things are more important than opportunity. 

I knew there was something more about the Wizard of Oz movie that I love, apart from Dorothy’s exquisite ruby slippers. She repeated it like a mantra. “There’s no place like home”. Time to click our heels together and follow her there. 

By the time we reach Melbourne, we will have travelled just over 48,000 kms. 

So, I need to thank you all. For listening. For sharing our journey with us, for being a part of our experiences. Thank you. 

We head home lighter in the pocket, but richer in our hearts and life experiences. 
There is a song I have been saving for this moment. So, with John Denver’s words, playing loud and clear in the car (I just know it will annoy Caleb) …”take me home country road, to the place I belong…”.

Love to you all.
Ray, Annette and Caleb
Xxx

Ps. We stopped for morning tea shortly after I wrote the sentence above. I chuckled when I looked over to the right and saw a rooster and chickens under a tree, next to the car. “Country Roads” indeed! 

*Future blog posts will document future travel experiences*