Packing the car and trailer

Will it all fit in? All packed and seconds from leaving

We’ve always believed it’s important to have a dream, something to work towards. Well, our dream is now a reality. We are finally leaving the rat-race behind, packing the family up and travelling the road less travelled. (Although it does seem this road is getting more and more travellers these days)

We’re Steve and Viv Young, and along with our two sons Cameron (8) and Daniel (4) we’re off on a year long trek around Australia. We’ve always had a love of four wheel driving and camping, having children simply enhanced it. Cam and Dan both experienced their first campout at 2 weeks old, and they have loved it ever since. For Cam it’s all about the destination – he loves the campfires, the fossicking, the wildlife, the environment and lifestyle. On the other hand, for Dan it’s all about the journey – the rougher, steeper, muddier the road the better, as he constantly reminds Dad to “put it into low range”.

Steve has wrapped up his work with American Express already, and I will say good-bye to my workmates at Suncorp on the 9th April. This will really mark the true beginning for me. Cam has been enrolled in the School of Distance Education so he can continue his Grade 2 studies. At regular intervals dependant on our itinerary, they send us a USB key with all his classes downloaded, and we send it back on completion. A new key will be waiting at our next advised stop. How easy is that?

As we prepare to leave in 16 days, there’s no time now for fears or anxiety. Now we are taken over by exhilaration and the unbelievable realization of how fortunate we are to be in a position to do this.

How will we get there? The Pajero NM of course! We will also be towing a Johnno’s Off Road Camper Trailer. For those who know us well – Yes, we’ve eaten our words and have opted for comfort and a speedy camp set-up. Let’s face it - we are getting older.

The Paj has received a few modifications, such as: 2.5”lift; 81ltr long range aux fuel tank; Garmin UHF radio; Rhino roof rack; Dual batteries; Hella 4000 spotties; ARB steel front bar fitted with an 10,000lb Ox TJM winch; Micky Thompson MTZ’s; Rear Polly Bags; Front ARB Locker; In-dash GPS linked to the laptop; 60ltr Waeco fridge fitted into our own custom shelving in the rear; and most importantly the Option Audio Media system mounted in the headrests.

Now all we have to do is have the farewell party before the tenants move in. Wonder if they'll clean up the mess too?