I’m guilty of not getting out and seeing too much of the world around me. I travelled pretty extensively in my twenties but my thirties have been more about home. In particular, working from home.
I saved #roadtrip for last because I wanted to plan a journey that warranted use of that keyword. I’ve been on a few roadtrips in my time and all of them have covered great distances and left me with even greater memories. I was determined that this roadtrip was going to be the same.
Kalbarri bound
Last Saturday we woke at stupid o’clock (i.e. 4:30am), packed the car with our belongings and headed north. Our destination was Kalbarri – 595km up the Western Australian coast.
I hadn’t visited the seaside town for 20 odd years and had fragments of memories to draw upon, including one involving a horse that bolted – with me clinging desperately to it – through scrub land that borders the massive gorges for which this area is famous. Needless to say I haven’t been near a horse again and horse riding was absolutely not on the agenda for this trip. This trip was about seeing this part of the country for the first time (Tony) and seeing it through older eyes (me).
595km is such a long way to travel – even if you make regular stops – the drive is still tiring. But it wasn’t the gruelling trip that I expected. It was actually fun and I’d do it all again tomorrow if I could. Here are a few of our favourite pics from the trip.
The red beast (i.e. the Ford Focus Titanium) made this trip a pleasure. Here’s why –
- We sat in the same spot for 7+ hours and didn’t feel sore thanks to the comfiest seats ever.
- The car provides perfect maneuverability in every road condition (we experienced rain, winding roads, flat highway that stretched for kilometres and the odd gravel track).
- I felt confident and in control when I had to overtake slower cars. The car responded to my actions instantly (very important when you have to overtake a road train!).
- We only had to fill the tank twice on a 1190km return trip!
- Adaptive cruise control worked like a dream. The car senses when a vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly and it adjusts the speed of the red beast accordingly (see the photo below).
- The Ford Focus Titanium is fitted with super bright headlights that illuminate around corners. Very handy when driving at night (and in kangaroo inhabited bush!).
- We fit a lot of luggage in the boot. Probably more than we needed for a two day stay.
- The GPS navigation came in very handy when we were searching for somewhere to eat in towns that we’d never been to (we were on the hunt for sausage rolls and we found them! If you’re ever in Dongara drop by the BP Roadhouse).
- The rain sensing wipers came in handy again. The last thing you want to do when you’re driving at speed is to fumble around for the wipers.
- My favourite thing about this car is the sunroof. I will always remember waiting for fish and chips on our final night in Kalbarri, opening up the sunroof and seeing more stars in the sky than I’d ever seen before. That was pretty cool.
It’s hard to say goodbye
Like all good things, my time with the red beast must come to an end. I’m sad, of course, but I’m also grateful for the opportunity to get out and see more of the world around me. It has reminded me of the awesomeness of this big, beautiful state.
Taking part in this challenge, and actively participating in life outside my front door, has been so very, very rewarding. I can’t say thank you to Ford and Kidspot enough for making this challenge happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you x infinity.
Dear Reader, I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts too. I hope they inspire you to get out and amongst the magic that surrounds you, wherever you may be.
Until our next adventure.
x
(All photographs of our Kalbarri trip are © Tony Sharp. Please don’t use without permission.)
Roadtrip – pretty paper things style
1. Beach photography – My Camera and Eye.
2. My Travel Notes – kikki.k.
3. 12 Roadtrip series pencils – Ear Mark.
