Closing the loop

So, we have turned in the camper van. After 15 weeks, it felt like we owned it, but I suppose we spent more time in it than some cars we have owned. Managed to get it back without any scrapes or dents. The circumnavigation is complete. By the numbers:
A total of 25272 km. Theoretically, you can do the “loop” in 16K more or less. I guess we made some side trips (the jaunt up to Alice Springs was about 3K, and Tasmania added 2K). We had planned for about 20K, so not so far off target.
Time enroute 106 days. All in the van, except for the two nights we spent on the Tassy ferry. We travelled on about 60% of days, and stayed put the balance. So, we averaged less than 400 km per day, on the days we moved.
Fuel cost averaged about $A1.40 per litre – a bit more than the $A1.30 than we planned, but it went up at least that much during our stay. Fuel economy of 11.7 litres/100km
The last markup of the map is attached to show the detailed route.

To cover off the last week or so:
Most of you will recall that I misspent some of my youth working on the Snowy Mountains project, here in New South Wales. So, we returned to the scene of the crime. Our trip through the mountains was great (the weather on the coast remained cloudy, but was very good in the mountains). The birds in the mountains were amazing, with pairs of Crimson Rosellas and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos around every corner. And there were lots of corners. Khancoban, where I lived, was a bit disappointing. The town was built for the project, and was going strong when I lived there – there were 2000 workers in the camp where I lived. Anyway, it is down to about 400 people now with zero economic activity, and has just about dried up and blown away. Too bad, because it is a beautiful area. I did manage to tip a schooner in the pub that was the centrepiece of the town when I lived there (poured more beer than any other pub in Australia for three years running – not sure which ones, but like to think I helped). The bar is only half the length that it used to be – the pokies (slot machines) in the background of the photo occupy the other half. I have a photo of the Murray 2 switchyard that I built nearly single-handedly, if anyone wants to see it. This is a greater accomplishment, if you consider that I was 18 and only there three months.
We spent our last three days, before heading North to Sydney (and the rain) camped on the beach at Huskisson (Jervis Bay). We got in some sun and beach time, and did some visiting with the Roach family, including Brad – one of Julie White’s many admirers. Bob (Brad’s Dad) and Brad took us golfing at their club. We didn’t golf that well, but it was a nice course and a lovely afternoon. As you can see by the photo, the course is overrun by ‘roos. Golfing in December is a bonus, anyway. One really annoying thing was the Kookaburra who seemed to go into his laughing routine whenever I shot. Hard to stay mad at Kookaburras (except at 5 in the morning), ‘though.
I include a shot of 7 Mile Beach just North of Huskisson, and the possum who was scrounging around the campground.
I guess this is the “Last Post” for DSWalkabout, at least the 07 version. Who knows, we may do it again. It has been an incredible experience. And, yes, those who picked Sylvia’s return date in the pool much earlier, will have to pay up. Now the long trip home and then Christmas.

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