Signing Off from Vinters on Tour

As the saying goes "All Good Things Must Come to an End" and sadly it is now time to sign off from Vinters on Tour....

It has been an amazing 3 months - an incredible adventure and an experience of a lifetime. We have covered 16,500km and used 2,650litres of petrol (not quite carbon neutral). We have experienced the vastness and unbelievable beauty of Australia. We have seen the outback, the desert, the coast, the savannah lands, the mountains, the gulf and a million other things in between. We have counted 100's of stars and spotted an abundance of wildlife (and only run over a few of them). We have had great adventures and swum in the most beautiful natural waterholes and waterfalls. We have bushwalked and canoed and toasted more marshmallows than I care to remember. We have come across weird and wonderful people. We have cracked the windscreen, lost the front number plate and lost a piece of the car. We have laughed and cried and endured a fair share of tantrums but most importantly there has been 3 months of family time. An incredibly special 3 months of time with 3 little boys...this is what life is really about!

As our adventure comes to an end it is time to reflect on the past 3 months...

Top Destinations - The Kimberleys, Cape Leveque, Uluru, Litchfield National Park

Unexpected Gems - Keep River National Park, Edith Falls

Favourite Activities - Swimming in waterholes, snorkelling, mud crabbing, flying in the helicopter

Looking forward to - catching up with family and friends, sleeping in our own beds, using the dishwasher

Not looking forward to - traffic jams, noise, pressures of city life, job hunting.

Totally over - khaki shorts (never want to wear again in my life!), washing dishes in a bucket, wearing thongs in the shower, scrounging around for $1 coins for washing machines and then fighting for a turn, constantly wiping toilet seats for Will, mossie spray, souvenir shops, petrol stations, caravan parks, long drops, hitching/unhitching the trailer, road trains, cane toads, discussing the best fishing lures, driving....

Going to miss - family time, big skies, open spaces, amazing sunsets and sunrises, fresh air, thrill of discovering new and exciting places, the sound of the bush at night, stars, look of delight and excitement on the boys faces as they encounter wildlife and natural wonders, 5pm beer and snacks (although probably a good thing for the rapidly expanding muffin top), bushwalking (but not carrying Will), Will singing his way around the countryside (a song for every occasion)...the freedom of the open road...

A big thank you to the Steele-Parkes for having us to stay, Andy and Felicity, Craig and Hayley for the great dinners and the Bricks for putting us up at the weary and dirty end of our trip. It was great to see some familiar faces along the way and catch up with friends in far flung corners of Australia. Your hospitality and generosity was greatly appreciated.

We really have had the most fantastic time and as Ollie said tonight "It has been the best 3 months of my life!" I think that sums it up for all of us. 5 different personalities and 1 great adventure....memories to keep for a lifetime!

Thanks for tuning in....over and out from the Vinters!!

Vintersontour merchanise is now available at your nearest roadhouse. Keep your eye out for VoT Tea Towels, Caps, Stubby Coolers, Tea Spoons, Fridge Magnets and more....Special price for regular bloggers!!!