Dear Alison,

Recipes from the Nullarbor

     1. Top Ramen
          a. Light camping stove with a minimum of 32 matches
              as the wind never stops on a treeless plain.
          b. Watch the water boil…because there is nothing
              more interesting.
          c. Put in noodles and flavoring packet.

          d. Serve hot…with pepper.

     2. PB&J
          a. Don’t even suggest that you are eating this
              sandwich to an Australian. They will look at
              you like you are insane

          b. Spread peanut butter and Jam (Jelly=Jell-o)
              on any semi-flat carb-containing substance you
              can afford.

          c. Eat.
3. Pasta a la desert
          a. See 1.
          b. For sauce, combine chopped tomato with
              italian seasoning packet and oil in saucepan.
          c. If you were thinking about adding any other
              vegetables…think again…they got apprehended
              at one of the multiple fruit-fly inspection stops.
          d. Combine pasta and sauce. Serve hot…with pepper
4. Fajitaustralias
          a. Black beans/pinto beans do not exist in Australia…
              much less in nowheresville Australia.
          b. Tortilla, chopped veggies (before the checkpoints),
              and the satay flavored rice you purchased for $1.50.
          c. Add chalky burrito seasoning.
          d. Serve hot…with pepper.
5. Trail Mix
          a. Eat at least 20 servings per day…to ease the boredom.
6. Easter Brunch/Dinner
          a. Select one of options 1-4
          b. Supplement with option 5
          c. Throw in melted chocolate bilby
          d. Seve hot...with a sense of humor

Well. You can imagine my joy when we hit our first town that had more than a gas station, an overpriced tourist shop and a gigantic fiberglass animal of sorts.

After three consecutive 10 hour days (I think...it got a little confusing with the 30 minute time change, followed by a 45 minute time change...and then yet another 45 minute time change) we pulled into Albany, Western Australia.  In other words: we didn't die in the outback.  In fact, I was so happy, that I just had to jump for joy!

After a recovery day on one of the multiple secluded and surprisingly deserted beaches of WA, we headed into the national parks of the Southwest where the tingle trees rise to incredible heights.  So high...that I had to see it to believe it.  And that is how I ended up over 180 ft. in the air standing on a metal rod the size of a pool cue.

Apparently, the fact that I had just survived a three day trek across the desert wasn't daring enough for me.  But really, I couldn't think of a better way to have spent my 100th day on the road!

The other highlight of the tree climbing experience, was the 45 minutes I spent heckling from the bottom with a couple of friends I made on the climb (a right of passage, I think).  In addition to some witty comments, these friends also offered a very wise bit of advice:  there is a chocolate factory in Margaret River where you can eat as much chocolate as you want.

Uh...sign me up.

Turns out, Margaret River is also WA's prime wine country.  So, Denise and I went on a little sampling frenzy.  Here's a picture of Denise enjoying a fine Shiraz.

Oops...maybe I should go back to just the chocolate...

From Margaret River, we headed up to Perth: my final destination in Australia.  And who better to meet up with than my new bestest: Jane. 

If the face looks familiar...that's because Jane made an appearance in my blog back in January during our travels together in Thailand.  And here in Perth, the adventures didn't stop.  I got to explore the Funky Flare of Fremantle, the Killer Panoramas from Kings Park, and Jane even took me on a Rockin' day-trip to Rottnest Island, where we did a little biking, a little snorkling, a little animal watching and a whole lot of beach bumming.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

Goodbye DangerDoom

Goodbye Jane

Goodbye Perth

Goodbye Australia

Dear Mia,

(I think this story could benefit from a little illustrating...)

Once upon a time there was a campervan named DangerDoom.

When DangerDoom was young, he had made many journeys all across Australia, but nowadays, he mostly sat in a caged parking lot guarded by his wicked owners on the outskirts of Sydney, dreaming about his glory days. Some might say that DangerDoom was a bit intimidating, due to his tough name and a rough exterior, but the truth is: DangerDoom also had a soft side.

One day, two unlikely friends, Adam and Denise, showed up at DangerDoom's wicked lair and invited him on one last cross Australia Adventure Extravaganza! DangerDoom was so excited that he promised them both that he would show them all of his favorite parts of the Southern coast of Oz. And to prove it, he took them straight away to the world famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.

Over the next few days, as Denise and Adam explored the Blue Mountains and Melbourne, DangerDoom showed them all his tricks and secrets. Of course he was very proud of the fact that he came equipped with inside and outside eating areas, a propane stove, pump sink and kitchen storage. He also had secret compartments for storing bags and supplies, 4WD, and a nifty gauge that would make sure that he wouldn't overheat. He even had a BED!

There was so much to show, DangerDoom may have forgotten to share one little secret. But with all the excitement...who could blame him?  With all the scenery to discover on the Great Ocean Road, it's easy to forget a thing or two.

But eventually, DangerDoom's secret would have to come out...and just East of the South Australia border, it finally did: Uh..oh... Electrical problems!

DangerDoom didn't mean it, but everytime Adam flicked on the brights, DangerDoom fell asleep for about 2 seconds.  hmmmmm.... And then the next day, DangerDoom was SO sleepy, he had to be given a jolt every time he stopped driving. Even if it was just to get gas!  Well, with no delay, Adam and Denise took DangerDoom straight to Adelaide to have him looked at in the Wicked clinic. While Adam and Denise enjoyed the parks and markets of Adelaide, DangerDoom got a little bit of R&R...(and a new electrical thingy). Phew! Let's get back on the road again!

But first, a quick stop off in Kimba! One of DangerDoom's favorite roadside wonders!

At long last, came the part of the cross-Australia Adventure Extravaganza that many without DangerDoom's courage and experience would dread...the Nullarbor! This 2000 km stretch of flat bushland is just what the name would imply: Null arbor...No Trees!  (and no towns, and no people, and no radio stations, and pretty much no nothin'):

And while it may have started off all smiles, as the km's racked up...Adam and Denise started to wonder:

Would they make it the long distance?

Could they avoid the treacherous local wildlife?

Are there really camels in Australia?

And did DangerDoom have any more sneaky secrets under his hood?

To be continued......