We were all very excited as we drove north heading to Gingin. Luckily it was a short drive as the girls were irritating due to excitement to be seeing Holly and Riley once more, wanting to know every 5 minutes "are we there yet?". We rocked up at the farm camp just outside Gingin, called 'Willowbrook', the place Aaron and Sally were staying. When we pulled in we found that the Perkins were still at work and school so had to wait a few hours till they got here. Girls were so excited that it was going to be a long day waiting, so what do you do to dull that excitement, thats right, you take the opportunity to catch up on some school work that had lapsed over the last few days. It was surprisingly warm, so the air conditioner had to be cranked up. Whilst l set the girls up with some school work, mainly Charlotte, l got the mountain of washing started that had accumulated over the last week. Lucky the Perkins werent home really, the clothes in the cupboards were getting low, hence, the washing really needed to be caught up. So while l got the schooling and washing done, Marty thought it would be a great time to get on the internet and look for work. He made a few phone calls which sounded promising, fingers crossed by the end of our time here we would have something in the pipe works.
The caravan park was just what we needed, quiet and relaxing. The farm created this comforting feeling that helped eleviate any stress that might be felt. Lil and Bill, the caretakers, were awesome people, they too had been travelling around Oz when they fell in love with the place and decided to become caretakers for a few years, which has now been 5 years in total! The price was reasonable, the amenities were clean, nothing flash, but again, it is a farm stay caravan park not the Hilton. The day was getting away and the sun was starting to set when the Perkins finally pulled in. The girls were beyond excited now, they were out of control. Was so good to see them again, though Aaron and Sally both looked exhausted, which made me think this is what we were up for for the next few months when we started work again. They've been working for five months now and were looking at the end of their work stop to start their travels again. Due to the lateness, we had already eaten so we pulled our chairs over to their camp, cracked a bottle of wine/beer and sat and caught up while they busily got their dinner organised. The reality of our work stop turn coming up was hitting home hard whilst l looked at their tired faces and bodies. I know they were excited to see us but also knew they were wishing they could lie down on their beds and go to sleep, knowing they had to be up early for work tomorrow. So with that, after an hour or so catching up quickly, having some good laughs, we said our goodnights and headed to bed.
Next day was much the same as the last, school and washing. Yes this travelling game is full of luxuries hey. The only differing thing was that l set off for a run which led me up a steep hill that nearly killed me. I kept slowly climbing, not stopping to walk, with the thought that at least l get to run down it at the end. The heat out here in the country, away from that ocean breeze, was certainly felt and it was obnly mid morning. The flies are the other thing that was noticeable.
We had decided to stay for four nights total which left us at Willowbrook for the weekend. The Perkins had a kids birthday party to go to on the Saturday and we had been invited to join them. We felt a bit awkward gate crashing a four year olds bday party but we decided the offer was made, so why not take it. We headed out late morning to the farm where the party was where we met this awesome family who were another travelling family stopped to work, looking after a huge property with cattle, horses sheep and pigs. This was only on the side, Bronwyn volunteered all about town and at the local school whilst Gavin drove trucks. You automatically got the sense that these two people where hard workers and all about their boys. We had an awesome day at Liam's party and were made to feel very welcome. The girls had fun on pony rides, riding the quad bikes and playing on the hay stacks. Later in the evening we all went out to help them with the feeding of the pigs and cows, which were done with a trailer load of carrots can you believe. Even found a carrot shaped like a penis in between two legs, total classic!!! We all climbed in on the back of the ute while Aaron followed us in the bobcat which was needed to scoop out the carrots from the trailer into the pig pen. We all had a ball and loved the feeling of the farm life, although it is so much hard work. Bronwyn and Gavin were such warm and friendly people, one of a kind. We had a wonderful time and a very late night. Great to relax whilst the kids were all amused playing great together. Had many laughs, which is what life is all about.
Next day we woke up knowing it was the Willowbrook famous scone Sunday. The place offered free scones with jam and cream every Sunday. Lil made them every week can you believe it. They were so scrumptious, haven't had scones for ages, and these were so yummy. Definitely glad l went for the run yesterday, as once again, l didnt know when to stop and was quite full when l left the breakfast table. The rest of the day was pretty low key. We just lounged around and caught up with Aaron and Sally whilst the kids went off exploring around the park. They ended up getting their bikes out for a ride around. All we heard was Megs laughter as she zoomed around the corner being dinked on the front by Holly. Was so funny and her laughter is a total pick me up. Sadly, the four days were going too quick as tomorrow we unfortunately had to leave and make our way to Geraldton were we were hoping to find some good paying work. Marty had had a few callbacks from his enquiries and since there was absolutely and surprisingly nothing going on down South near Perth, Geraldton seemed the most logical place to give it a try. We didn't know much about the town but had heard their was good ob opportunities for the mines, wasn't too big of a town which is what we wanted after being in Darwin last time, and also was by the ocean which we were hoping to spend some lazy weekends lying on the beach whilst we had days off. So Sunday night we sadly said our goodbyes to Sal, Aaron, Riley and Holly once more, hoping to see them again as they travelled up north passing thru Geraldton in a few months time. Another group of mates that will be lifelong we reckon, gorgeous family.......now to go and stop being unemployed bums and get the girls organised to attend 'real' school......

Bell Xxx