SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER     BENDIGO TO HOME    225kms

We took our time getting organized and away.

I was dreading trying to link up Truck and van on the backwards  sloping driveway. John would have to be really accurate in his backing – meaning me in directing same! The van had to stay chocked so there was no capacity for moving it in any direction to “fine tune” the match up. If John backed a little too far van would be pushed back on chocks. Much potential for things to go wrong – and with an audience!

In the event it all went beautifully. John did a perfect backing display, especially considering that for the last little bit he was trying to move Truck back a cm at a time! Much relief!

The way home was the usual – Heathcote, Seymour, Yea, Lilydale.

We got the van backed into its parking bay – uphill this time – and unhitched.

Our sitters had prepared a hot lunch to welcome us home, which we enjoyed with them. What a lovely thoughtful gesture. They were such pleasant people and very organized, thoughtful  and efficient house minders. The place was immaculate. No wonder they were in such demand, and booked up so far ahead. We were lucky to have managed to book them again, for next year – but three months was all they could manage for us, between other bookings.

After lunch, they departed and we were left to make a start on the unpacking and van cleaning.

The house always seemed so huge, after months in the van.

Statistics for 2007 trip:

* Kms travelled:    17,702kms

* Cost of diesel:   $3851.89

* Dearest diesel:  $2.29cpl  Kalumburu

* Cheapest diesel:  $1.25cpl  Bendigo

* Accommodation cost:  $3199.15

* Accommodation discounts gained:  $46.25

* Dearest accommodation per night:  36.50 – Broome

* Cheapest paid accommodation per night: $6.60 –  NT National Parks

* Number of different places stayed at:  42

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