Melbourne to Sea Lake (26 Mar)

So here we are.  After three years in the planning, we are finally setting off on our Big Australian Adventure. Actually, Justin did all the planning whilst I converted our caravan into a home. I don’t think Justin really appreciated all my efforts, but just wait until we run out of toilet paper, hanging space or clean sheets and towels.  Just saying…. 

The lead-up to this day has been hectic with life admin, appointments, decluttering and cleaning. I have absolutely overpacked, but I take comfort in the knowledge that everything is at my fingertips. Anticipating that Millie will outgrow her clothes by the end of the trip, I’ve brought her entire wardrobe which added to Justin’s angst about the increasing vehicle weights. Justin reminds me that we can always pick up items along the way, but at least I won’t need to worry about running out of fresh undies for weeks.

I was very pleased with my systematic packing of the caravan until I had to cram the last of our belongings in every nook and cranny I could find prior to departure. It would take me some time through trial and error to re-home these orphaned items. At least our drive to Sea Lake was uneventful and, much to Justin’s relief, Millie and I survived the day. Millie has been adamant that this trip would “ruin [her] life”.

It will be interesting to see if and how each of us would change by the end of our travels. My personal goals on this trip are to get fit; finish books I’ve started; brush up on my Mandarin; play the keyboard; cross-stitch; maintain this diary; be present for my family; and learn to enjoy the moment. Justin also tells me that it’s okay to rest. But for now, I look forward to waking up without an alarm clock. Except tomorrow, when Justin will be dragging us out of bed for the sunrise at Lake Tyrrell. It’s on the spreadsheet.