1770

Another day, another “absolute beachfront” caravan park, packed to the brim with Grey Nomads and their Griswoldian[1] set-ups. Why on Earth do you need a satellite dish?

Whilst we usually get positivity and admiration for the Kombi, there is always a know-it-all telling us we could do it better...

“You should get that rust looked at.”

“You need better solar panels.”

They’re just jealous. Their eighteen-foot, six-berth, mobile home with fitted kitchen and a media room will never look as cute in the sunset as the Kombi.

We don’t want any part in this competition between campers over who has the best set-up. We hit the road to escape the “Beat the Joneses” culture. The Kombi is just fine. Our set-up is sufficient. We have shelter, we have food, we have water, and we have Mother Nature and ourselves to entertain each other. We have everything we need. Thank you. We don’t need a bigger television than you to feel happy.

Daph and Ern prefer the simple life. Walks on the beach, romantic meals with a sunset backdrop, relaxing under the stars. We don’t want to keep up to date with “Reality TV” ...

THIS is reality. And it’s bloody marvellous.

The town of 1770 was our stop overnight, named after the year Captain Cook “discovered” it... and we all know the travesty that followed. Terra Nullius?! No. It wasn’t. Despite the atrocities that brought the white man to inhabit this country, we feel blessed to live in such a beautiful place. And 1770 is a prime example of that beauty.

As per usual, we took an afternoon stroll. Unprepared in flip-flops and without water, our stroll became a three-kilometre hike up to Bustards Bay. The views were spectacular, and the sore feet were worth it. Our walk took us through a magical fairy grotto, where we were enveloped in a butterfly colony. These simple things make Daph’s heart sing. But not as much as sharing them with Ern does.

Onwards to Capricorn Caves.

[1] The Griswolds are the family featured in the 1983 movie National Lampoon’s Vacation.