The past year has been one incredible journey for both of us. We began in Melbourne on June 17, 2016 and finished in Melbourne on June 7, 2017. We traveled 94 legs and put 39,808 km (24,736 mi) on Ranger and 16,876 km (10,486 mi) on Silver. We feel so lucky we had no dramas with either vehicle. And throughout it all we saw the most amazing countryside and wildlife. Having our two travelogues will be invaluable to us when we wish to relive it all.

Once we returned to Melbourne on April 8 (yes, it took me 2 more months to finish the travelogue) we took off for Merimbula at Easter. You may recall we were there just before Christmas but we love it and needed another fix.  Back to Melbourne where we remained to take care of a health issue that plagued Joe since January. His back was giving him heaps of trouble and we found out he had a bulging disk. Our trip to Tasmania was nearly cancelled but with the help of friends traveling with us, we made it there and after they left we had longer stays here and there so Joe could recover. He had his moments and while our plan to hike every trail on the island was thwarted, he did have occasional days when he was quite mobile.

But by the time we saw the specialist in April, surgery was the only way to ensure he could get permanent relief. So a month ago he went under the knife and during the recovery period we were grounded at a caravan park north of Melbourne.  From the first moment after surgery he was pain-free and now he is back to walking 10 kms or more a day.

Despite this, we have been planning the next chapter…more travel overseas. We decided to put Ranger & Silver on the market and we found a buyer for the complete package (including cookware and crockery) after one month. It was surprising to find a pair of trusting souls from New Zealand who were willing to buy the rig sight unseen after their cousins checked it out and gave it a thumbs up. The couple drove off into the sunset last Thursday, following a truly simple transaction (but not so simple instructions), but with both parties delighted.