Having finished up our last blog entry on very much a downer, it is time to let you know where we’re at.  Unfortunately it is not all what the doctor ordered… 😦

We were advised by the trailer/caravan repair workers that the underneath of The Clam (our caravan) is a shambles.  The metal work has had it.  At first they were reluctant to want to even fix it, as in their opinion it was time to let the old girl RIP.  But I’m guessing the look of despair on our faces & desperation in our voices changed their minds.  They could see how badly we wanted the van fixed, we had come so far, still with so far to go & the wet season creeping upon us.  So amid the to-ing & fro-ing between the repair shop & the insurance company (which by the way is not a fun game!!), they started welding her back together as best they could.

Basically they could only patch up & not reinforce the damage due to the whole chassis being weakened by age & use.  They also said the Gibb River Road would be out of the question.  A VERY hard & bitter pill to swallow.

Well, why not buy a new camper trailer / van?  Number 1) that would be very expensive.  Number 2) we are in Broome & resources are very limited (we have already searched GumTree & local dealers).  And Number 3) we are now racing the seasons, with the build up to the wet season upon us we need to get on the road ASAP, especially if we still want to make it to & explore all the beautiful places we had intended.

The good news ~ The Clam was considered fixable & has been repaired.  Another win for us ~ our insurance company gave us the go ahead, meaning they have covered all costs for the initial tow, the repair, & our accommodation for the past week.  Some advice to fellow nomads making the big journey around Australia; ensure you have insurance!!!

FILLING IN TIME…

Since our last post we have basically stayed in the same region of WA, while we have waited for the caravan to be repaired.  From here in Broome we ventured up to explore Derby, about 200 k’s north.  Also participating in a day tour, flying out to the Horizontal Falls of The Buccaneer Archipelago, on the Kimberley’s coastline.

 On the whole Derby is a bit of a sleepy town.  With quite a bit of history, there are a few galleries & tourist sites to visit.  On the main street into Derby, the Noval Art Gallery is a MUST visit.  Showcasing a wide range of traditional indigenous artwork, as well as some not so traditional.  Everything is by WA locals & with proceeds going directly to the artists, by purchasing a beautiful piece you are directly helping that artist, as well as the community as a whole.  Some of the artists are even painting out the back of the gallery, so if you’re lucky you might get to meet the person behind the stunning work!  See below the piece we purchased of a classic Kimberley Boab tree.

 

Flying from the Derby airport on a tiny seaplane out to the famous Horizontal Falls has definitely been one of the most spectacular things we have seen.  Definitely worth the $$$, see our photos below.

A phenomenon caused by the ridiculously big tides in the region (sometimes as big as 10m every 6hrs).  At this location due to the cliff formations, the salt water is forced through two very narrow gaps.  Making for a very impressive visual!!

 

While in Broome we met a fellow young nomad, also travelling Australia on ‘The Big Lap’.  In case you’re in the dark about this, it isn’t everyday you connect (in person) with another person (that doesn’t have grey hair) that is on a similar journey & has the same sense of adventure as you do.  A BIG shout out & thank you to you Hayley!!  For sharing your journey & stories, & for misbehaving with us at Missy Higgins!!  It was fantastic & we look forward to bumping into both you & your travel partner on the road sometime again in the future.  (Please take a moment to appreciate how small & silly Fred’s head looks posing in the diver Dan get up!).

 

Sooo, with the repair of The Clam complete, & the new springs due to be set today, we will finally be leaving Broome this afternoon.  But we won’t be heading for the Gibb River Road (big sigh).   From now on whenever there is a place we want to go that requires off road driving we will leave The Clam behind & just swag it – a little more effort but easy enough!

Thanks & hope you have enjoyed our chin wag times.

Until next time  Xo