It was just after 10:00AM that Liz and Greg came knocking on our door this morning. Not to collect us for another day of exciting adventure, but because it had come time that they had to check out of their cabin this morning. David and Heather are in the same boat, as their week long sojourn in Darwin draws to a close. David and Heather were lucky enough to get a late check out, so don’t need to be out of their room until midday however, so we had organised to see them in town for lunch, a little after that.

It was a subdued lunch, at the Darwin RSL Club, as we reflected on the past week, and the fun we had. In such a short time, we managed to pack in a fair bit, seeing the best that Darwin has to offer, as well as spending some time just kicking back doing nothing. It was the perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxing. We had managed to all spend some quality time together, as well as going off to do our own things.

So much so was the enjoyment we’ve had this week, that tentative plans were made to receive more visitors when we’re nearer to Perth, and we went 3 ways buying the winning lotto ticket for Saturday nights draw. Well, at least we all hope it will turn out to be the winning ticket, as winning a share of $30 million would be a great way to end the trip. Although, I think winning a big enough share would ensure the trip didn’t come to an end. Not any time soon in any case.

Following our final feast together, the ding, ding, ding of the pokie machines in the next room was a calling. Never the big spenders, Bec and I called it quits after we lost $5.00. David came with Bec and I, as we left the others enthralled in the computerised gambling den, eyes glued in anticipation to the spinning digital reels. The three of us headed out for a breath of fresh air, and a look in a couple of nearby shops that Bec and I hadn’t made it too on our last shopping trip to town.

Talk about a small world, but we got chatting to an assistant in one of the shops, only to find that she not only used to live down in Melbourne, but was living only a few blocks away from where we’re from. What are the chances?

When we again met up with the other three, they were all smiles, having had their fair share of good luck on the pokie machines. They all walked out winners to varying degrees, which was more than I could say for our hard luck.

It was time then to retire to our caravan for the final depressing couple of hours before everyone was due at the airport. I don’t know why I was feeling down, since I’m not the one heading home, but having had friendly faces from home about for the week has been refreshing. For the past nine weeks or so, it has pretty much been Bec and I, going it alone, and while it’s been a ball, it’s good to have other people we know, around to talk to. Sure, I love walking about the caravan parks and campgrounds, having random chats with strangers, but it’s not the same when there’s no continuing connection.

We weren’t going to let it get us down however, so we made the most of the last couple of hours before everyone was again on their way. We graciously accepted loads of goodies from David and Heather and Liz and Greg. All of the stuff that they didn’t want to take home with them, from tinned vegetables, Vegemite and butter, to rain ponchos, toilet seat covers and a deck of cards, it was quite a haul. Thanks guys. Even the dogs didn’t miss out, as Liz produced a packet of tasty treats for them to get their teeth into. They then proceeded to do laps of the annex, in the hope that someone else would feed them a treat or two, but it was to no avail. Apart from a few bits of ice that Alvin uncharacteristically suckled, they had to make do with a pigs ear each. Oh, and while I’m at it, I have a confession to make. That distinctly foul odour for which Bethany was blamed, sorry, but that was me.

The time rolled around all too quickly, that our goodbyes needed to be said, and before we knew it, we were on our own again. It was a strange feeling, almost akin to when we said goodbye to family and left Melbourne all those weeks ago. No more organising activities for us all. No more getting chauffeured about. No more joining up over dinner to discuss the days events. It was back to being just Bec, the dogs and myself.

It made me realise that I definitely miss the camaraderie and friendships we have left back at home, but I am certainly in no hurry to return. We still have over half of our trip ahead of us, and plenty more adventures to endure. Yes, it was sad to see our visitors leave, but I am in no way envious of them jetting back to the near freezing Melbourne winter, while we can continue to enjoy the tropical sunshine of Australia’s northern climes. Nor do I envy them the daily grind of going to work every day, even if it is just to get up and work about the house. I am more than happy that our daily grind is getting up each day to accomplish something new and exciting.

Thus, at about 6:20PM, when I heard the overhead whine of a jetliner taking off from the nearby airport, I rushed outside in the vain hope that I would see the plane taking our friends southward to Melbourne. I can’t say for sure if it was their jet, but I can promise that I waved like crazy.

In fact, as this blog post goes to press, David, Heather, Liz and Greg will most likely be stepping off of that airliner at Melbourne International Airport, dressed casually in shorts and t-shirts, as they are met by a wall of frigid coldness. Yep, I will be thinking of them all, that’s for sure.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun and don’t forget to write.