Now we are back home I have had time to reflect on our trip and I have a few words of wisdom.

Firstly - while travelling, weather is all important. Being in the most amazing places isn't really enjoyable if it is very cold, windy and rainy, or even worse when stiflingly hot and humid. Ideally we should have left on our trip two to three weeks earlier to avoid the overwhelming heat up north. But, when married to a teacher, you are bound by the limits of school holidays. Esperance was glorious in the perfect weather we experienced it this time, whereas Albany was much less enjoyable.

Secondly - fishing is really boring and rarely productive. If you are fishing in good weather, you can enjoy the sunshine and the cool breeze. But don't hold your breath for the night's dinner. If the weather is bad or you have to get up early in the morning - forget it. In one town we found a T shirt that sums it up well I think. It says, "There is a fine line between fishing, and standing on a jetty looking like an idiot."

Thirdly - and this is an insight I discovered on our last trip, but has been confirmed - we have way too much 'stuff'. Living in the van makes you aware of your capacity in many areas. You have limited electricity and gas, limited space in the fridge and freezer, limited cupboard space etc. We did not feel restricted in any way, but just aware that we had to finish the food in the freezer before buying more, for example. But we survived very well on less, and realised we don't need the vast excesses of 'stuff' we all have to fill up our houses. Will need to do a good clear out soon.

Overall, we had a wonderful time. Australia is a big and amazing country. Make use of every opportunity you have to get out there and see it.

GeorgeY's Bit

All my words of wisdom are in previous entries. I need some rest.

There is nothing more for me to say so if you have some more time to kill, start again from the beginning.