... all set to take on the big one...

Well, let's be honest - we have decided to make the big trip from Canberra, out to Broken Hill, Down to Port Augusta, up the guts to Darwin, side trip to Broome and back, then finish off coming back across through Queensland and holing up at Tweed Heads for a month of R&R. We guess at 5-6 months away, at least that's our working theory.

Making that decision is one thing - being ready is another thing entirely.

The obvious things jump to mind:

• What about the cat?
• What about the house?
• What about the bills?
• What about the family?
• What about the van?
• What about the car?
• What about getting into caravan parks?

We asked around a few friends and acquaintances, the answers are straight forward, if not particularly simple:

• Get a house sitter who minds cats
• Get all the bills on-line
• We'll have to cope without them, and we can factor in emergency flights home
• Get the van fully serviced and give special instructions that it's a big trip
• Get the car fully serviced, get advice on self-service and service in other cities
• Do the research as to where to go, what to see and where to stay. Make a choice and book early

But, what about...? Yes, well too many things top think about, getting the house sat seems to be a priority this far out. We've had suggestions and there are a couple of websites with plenty of possibilities.

So, let the journey begin...