THE JOURNEY BEGINS……………..28/09/2007

Lan Chile flight LA800 exited Australia with little effort. The past six weeks of our lives did not enjoy the same organization. For those who have done this type of adventure you know the excitement is sometimes dulled by the sheer volume of things to be done before departing.

From the beginning of 2007 we knew that our plate was full but the jobs at hand were do-able provided all ran smoothly. The house renovations went well and it looked better than expected after the efforts of very good friends and travelers. A big thank you goes to Bob, Sandra, Joachim, Cordula, Vincent, Mike and Jane.

Our efforts reaped the reward with the house selling quickly. A sad day as we said goodbye. Many memories of travelers were enjoyed at number ten. Those of you who have stayed with us know the fun we have all enjoyed and we thank you for sharing these times.

Carol ‘retired’ on the 24th August 2007 and I finished one week earlier. Our tasks to complete before 28th September (departure date) included selling the house, land, furniture and two motor vehicles. Packing and moving is not relished by either of us. The problem in sorting personal items is dividing the rubbish from quality memorabilia. We tend to relive the joys of getting these bits and pieces which causes a time management problem.

The house sale was completed on 31st August and we moved to our good friends Mike and Jane who fortunately live just around the corner. Within a few hours we had reduced their orderly house and lifestyle to utter chaos with the frantic sorting continuing and the assembly of the bike after a repaint and maintenance schedule. This continued until the day we left despite our long hours.

Our farewell party enticed people from far a field. Brian from Adelaide, John & Sharon from Cairns, Charlie from Newcastle along with Peter and Kay Forwood who interrupted their travels to join us. A great night!! Thanks for coming everyone.

The bike was crated up on 20th August. We had a few problems with Dangerous Goods but it all came good after a few phone calls. The celebrity life took hold a few days before departure with two news papers doing articles plus a radio interview and a small exposure on television.

Farewells at the airport had a few teary eyes. Phil and Jenny from Cairns dropped down along with Mike and Jane, Carol’s Mum and Dad and her brother Wayne. See you all in June 2008.

Now we are kicked back at a friendly hostel in Santiago waiting for the bike to arrive. It should be here actually, and just needs collecting. Monday is the day… Mario, from the HU community in Santiago has been instrumental in allowing a smooth transition to this continent on the other side of the world. Our Spanish is non existent but we will learn once we reach our base in San Rafael, Argentina.

Meanwhile our Santiago social life continues as we enjoy the hospitality of the motorcycling community.