Pilbara to the Coral Coast

Goodbyes are never easy but in this day and age they no longer mean forever either. We have closed the chapter on our time in the Pilbara and are moving on to new and exciting prospects. What an adventure!

On Thursday I drove the 6 hour return trip to pick up my folks from the Karratha airport and also drop off our little kitty cat for his big flight across to Brisbane, QLD. The things you do for pets. In the essence of leaving things to the last minute I was rushing to the airport when I happened to get a flat tyre about 3km from the airport……after years of driving on dirt and regional road I get a flat in the thriving metropolis of Karratha. With only minutes to spare and huge thanks to a good Samaritan we got Billy to his flight within the nick of time and Dad’s introduction was helping me change the tyre in the immense heat.

We had a wonderful night catching up at the station and saying our good-byes. We have really worked with some wonderful people and made firm friendships for life.

Friday it was time to drive South away from our Pilbara existence and stretch our travel legs for the first time in 12 months. This time we have a new addition to our travelling circus, a 98 Landrover Defender (photos to come!) Shaun his driving his new pride and joy while I tow the camper behind the Colorado. We made a quick stop off at Nanutarra Roadhouse and the out-station and then onto Coral Bay.

Ooops Sarah forgot to book accommodation!! It’s a bit warm for the camper yet so lucky the caravan park had a few options yet even though it’s a long weekend. Another mishap….was funnily enough with the Colorado not the defender. Driving along the road towards Coral Bay, Exmouth, a flapping sound commenced, stopped and yahoo no more air-conditioning!!! It was so hot outside!!! And our nice, fancy car had no air-con while the Defender’s air-con was freezing up. Lucky we carry spare belts and Shaun’s already got it replaced.

A lot of snorkeling, reading and relaxing is occurring at Coral Bay as we unwind from a very hectic 12 months of work.