Welcome to Western Australia

We crossed the border back into Western Australia just outside Kununnurra, which required the emptying of the van so the border patrol could check for fruit/ veggies/ nuts & honey (none of which we had) a process which although necessary is a little tedious for campervans and camper trailers alike. Once all our gear was packed back in the van we drove off, passing a huge sign "Welcome To Western Australia." Although we had talked at length about working on our trip, and the house was rented for another 12 months it was this moment that suddenly struck us that Western Australia was now our new home, for the next year or so at least.

It was a pretty long haul in the car, driving 620km from Zebra Rock Mine to Larrawara Station (the Cattle staton we stayed at on our way over to Darwin). The kids we exceptional. Regular toilet stops, the occasional lollie treat and plenty of karaoke and loud music seemed to keep us occupied, as well at the excitement of the moving to Broome.

Arriving mid afternoon (thanks to the time difference between Northern Territory and Western Australia) the kids were keen to see Wendy the station owner and her dog Sam. Wendy had remembered us (I think most people do & I'm not always sure that's a good thing) and welcomed us back to her property. While we were setting up we noticed that one of the tyres had a bit of a hot brake smell, thinking it was just due to the long drive we didn't think too much more about it.

After an early and quick pack up the next morning we set off on the last leg of our trip to Broome. Off we go, only 6 hours drive to our new home, Matt jumped out to open the first gate, and then at the entrance of the property he jumped out again. While Matt was closing the gate Nick said "look at the steam coming out of the back of the car." I looked in the mirror and said "Nick it's not the slightest bit cold, and that's not steam it's smoke coming from the caravan wheel." Nick walked around the car to inspect it, came over and told me to come and look. The tyre instead of sitting upright was leaning on its side. Nick got out Uncle Jerry's trusty jack thinking it would be yet another simple tyre change. Ha, if only that was the case. As he jacked up the van the whole wheel literally dropped off. With stress levels starting to rise, and the realization we wouldn't be going anywhere fast, and no Optus mobile reception, Nick unhitched the van from the car and we headed back down to the farmhouse to call RACV.

Generously Wendy allowed us to call the RACV. Nick first spoke to a new
Consultant who was obviously trying to follow policy and procedure. He was told we would probably be towed to Halls Creek (200km In the opposite direction we wanted to go) and she wasn't sure towing would be covered all of the way. After another phone call
and a 3 hour wait we ended up having the van towed to Fitzroy Crossing where, RACV advised us, we would need to speak to the mechanic as to the next step in the process.

In Fitzroy Crossing we still had no mobile reception (bloody Optus), and Nick had a brilliant idea of going to the Visitors Centre to call the RACV and look for accommodation. Nick introduced himself to Lena, the delightful and humorous General Manager. While I spoke to RACV Nick
and Lena talked "shop" and quickly struck up a great rapport, Lena inviting us over for a BBQ the following night.

Well, all said and done I have to say RACV total care is certainly worth it. As we couldn't get the van fixed in Fiztroy Crossing, RACV paid for 2 nights accommodation at the very nice Fiztroy Crossing Lodge, then towed it free of charge to Broome.

Tired and stressed we checked into the lodge, with the scary realization of how much worse things could have been if we had been driving at 100km hour.

Well, with that realisation in mind we decided to look at the positives, enjoy staying in a bed, having our own bathroom, and checked out the beauty of Fitzroy Crossings Geike Gorge area, spotting a pair of Brolgas right by the side of the road.

Our evening with Lena and her husband, Trevor was certainly just what the doctor ordered. Lena had invited a few other couples (who had kids for ours to play with), and we spent the evening laughing, eating prawns, laughing, drinking, more delicious food and more laughing. Thankyou for your hospitality and friendship Lena, we really appreciated it and had such a great night.

The next morning we set off - minus the van to Broome.

What a welcome to Western Australia we've had.