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So we crammed in alot of things in our last four months in Geraldton. I was busy working flat out, Marty was getting some shut down work out at Karrara and we were both juggling with the girls on school holidays. The Woods returned half way thru January, the time had gone quickly and Boo and Charlotte were so excited to be back together again. Amanda and Mark got straight back into work, so we took turns looking after each other kids. Has been good for both families having someone to be able to rely on to help with the kid minding. Meant that we didnt have to knock back as much work as we might have had to which meant more money in the kitty for our impending travels.
Seeing NYE was a dive to celebrate around Gero, the Woods and us decided to treat ourselves with a long weekend away in Jurien Bay in a sea shanty. We all left on the Friday and had three nights of heaven. Jurien Bay was just what we needed, we had the best three days. Jurien Bay is a small seaside town with basic shops. The beach and jetty was great to hang out at, we lazed on the towels after a swim. We all had a blast jumping off the jetty, Meg even conjured up some bravery and had a go. Boo absolutely loved it, couldnt get enough. It was quite thrilling, but the bathers struggled to stay in the right places, had a few wedgies to say the least. Everyone even took the challenge and swam out to the pontoon, all the kids loved jumping off it, not so big of a jump as off the jetty for Meg. On the swim back l reckon l had my first encounter with sea lice. Bloody small stings all over my body, and itching, OMG!!! One day we decided to go out for a drive to Sandy Cape, the Cronans had told us all about it and said it was a must see. We took the sand dune drive in, nearly bogging the Nissan a few times. Arrived at the beach and had a wonderful time there swimming and lazing. Beautiful spot, bit windy, but nothing like Gero!! We took a picnic lunch and made a day of it, nothing better than having nothing to do.... On Australia Day itself, we hung out on the beach at Jurien Bay but was a little too windy and cool. We ended up making our way back to the sea shack and hanging out for the rest of the day. The kids were happy, all they wanted to do since arriving at 'the shack' was to sit around and watch a movie on the big tv. So Amanda, Mark, Marty and l got the nibblies organised and had a few beverages. We dressed the kids, and older kids (aka Mark and Marty), in their Australia Day hats and they had a ball tattooing their faces with the Aussie Flags. By the time dinner was ready, l was very pickled. Then after that, it just seemed to get more hazy. All l can tell you is that Amanda and l took a stroll over to the beach at what time l thought was around 10pm, when in actual fact it was only 7:30pm and stripped off to our undies and singlets and had a float in the ocean. I do recall Marty coming down to check on us to make sure neither had drowned and on the way back l think l drunkingly informed a young couple to make sure to use contraception as l was the result of having kids (being drunk so early and easy)......yet another embaressing moment by the ocean drunk, seems to be a bit of a pattern!!! The next day we woke and cleaned up, my seediness apparent. We decided to call in to see the 'Pinnacles' on the way home. Was pretty cool driving thru the park with all these ancient rocks pointing out from the ground. The limestone spires are thought to be millions of years old, quite a cool experience walking thru them, although the heat from the sun and my hangover were dulling the experience a little. The girls had fun running around playing pretending to be in another land, we had to remind them not to climb them. Was expecting greatness from this place, all the pictures l'd seen looked amazing, but maybe from all the other great things we've seen in the country it didnt stack up as high. Still, glad we went and saw it. We all finally reached home to Geraldton and l headed down to the beachfront to check out the Australia Day local sand sculpting competition. Looked so cool and more greater in size than l expected. There was one that caught my eye and it was of a holden sedan dragging a caravan behind it, such an Aussie icon and really captured our life.
Finally school holidays were over and the girls started their last term at Geraldton Primary School. Boo had a fantastic teacher for Grade 3, Mrs Archdale, who Boo informed me had taught there for over 17 years!!! After meeting her seemed like she was a bit old school, think Boo would really get alot out of her. Meg was in Mrs Westlakes class and had been split up from most of her mates from last year, but as usual she took it in her stride and made new friends. The girls both decided to forgo gymnastics this year and wanted to have a crack at soccer. So we joined them up and they had a ball. Both of the girls teams were full of their mates and all got along well, encouraging one another.
Was so happy that end of February had arrived as we had booked our trip back East to visit family and friends. We were 10 months into our stay at Gero and apart from our visit from Boof, Nik and Ella in December, we hadnt seen any of our mates for over a year!! We spent a crazy 13 days visiting everyone, with having done 4 states, 3 flights and over 900km by car driving! First we drove down to Perth to catch our flight and called into see Ton, Cam, Jordyn and Riley quickly, as always enjoyed laughs and great to see these beautiful people again. Our plane ride from Perth to Brisbane went without incident and Uncle Boofa was there to pick us up. Even though we had caught up with these guys in December, we always love hanging out with them. Seeing we have little family in our lives, we cherish our moments shared together. We had a fabulous 5 nights with them and got to see their new house. Very big and flash, Boof and the girls had fun splashing around and playing games in the pool. Boo and Meg were stuck to Ella's hip whenever she was awake, loving time with the baby cousin. We mostly chilled out, Nik and l enjoyed a day out shopping and having lunch out whilst on another day the boys went for a hit of golf. Nik and l took the girls to Coloundra markets where the girls took a while to work out that the statue was in fact a lady painted up. They sort of freaked out when she moved!!! Lol. The best day we had was when we drove up to Noosa for the day and did the cliff walk up to the lookout. The weather was a bit iffy with clouds coming over quick. Half way thru the walk it started drizzling but this just added to the fun of the walk. Baby Ella had a great time in the pram, even if she did get a little damp! Was cool seeing the surfers out offshore and walking around the cliffs with their boards. After a busy few days it was sadly time to say goodbye once again, every time we leave Ella l just know that next time we see her she will be more grown up. We flew from Brisbane to Melbourne and picked up our hire car and called into to say a quick hello to our mates Naomi, Noah, Meisje and Minnie. We hadnt yet met Minnie, she arrived inbetween since our last visit. Had a great few hours, walking down to surprise the kids picking them up from school. Sadly we had to leave as we had so many people crammed into our Victoria stay to visit. So we drove to Alana, Rhetts, Ella, Marlee and Teisha for the night, first time meeting Teisha too. All these mates who are still having babies, seems everytime we call back home theres more kids names to remember!!! Always love catching up with this mob, such country hospitality and is always like we had never spent anytime apart. Next morning we headed into Kyabram to catch up with Nan and Pop Hindson who we were eager to see. Pop had just gotten out of hospital after needing an emergency triple heart bypass. Was so great to see them and we could tell they were just as excited to see us. They couldnt stop looking at the girls marvelling at how much they have grown. We had a brilliant few hours, Nan and Pop putting their usual lunch spread on. We were even lucky that Aunty Cheree, Aunty Caroline and Aunty Madelynne called in too. We spent the next few days hanging out at Shepparton catching up with Fiona, Chris, Mia and Nate and also staying at Nelly's, Trev, Ethan, Reece and Cades. We had great times and unfortunately was short lived due to our busy schedule. Thankfully we were all able to get together and have dinner and a few beers. All the kids played together like they were best mates, enjoying bombing each other in the pool. The whirlwind East coast tour continued with next stop being for a couple of nights at Mel, Corz, Bailey, Chloe and Josh's in Tocumwal. Miss this chick so much, so was great to be able to spend some quality time with her. Pity she was on a health drive and dragged me to two boot camp workouts! Felt like l hadnt been in the gym forever but was only a few days since l'd done a run. Needless to say, l was pretty sore from all the bloody squats. Even found more muscles that l hadnt worked before!! Last stop of our Vic tour was at Dusk, Peters, Jackson and Liams in Echuca. Again, totally miss this chick, is my rock! We spent three nights and it went too quick. The boys were allowed to have a day off school so we headed over to Moama and spent the morning at the splash park. Kids had more of a blast inside throwing plastic balls at each other and scrambling thru the indoor gym. Dusk and l relaxed on the chairs and had the chance to catch up with minimal interruptions. Dont know what has gotten into my mates, but Dusk decided to take me for a 5km run thru the bush. Bloody knackered with all this exercise on this trip, cant believe l was worried about leaving the gym. Even though l b****, it was great to do with her, she always motivates me to challenge myself more. The run showed me that l can actually run faster if l tried, even if l had a stitch for the last bit and couldnt breath!!! After a mammoth effort catching up with everyone, it was time to get back to Gero to finish our last two months up before getting back on the road again. This visit, although exhausting, has been just what we needed to complete our work stop.....
The school term seemed to go by really quickly, before we knew it the girls were having to say their goodbyes to all their mates. I went to school and took some pics of their classmates and teachers so the girls would have lasting memories of their time at Geraldton Primary School. We had arranged a sleepover for Boo to have with her mates one night in the school holidays. Boo had a great night in the tent with her mates Ella, Ethan, Sharny and Kate. Think they got to sleep around 11pm, don't think the lollies did us any favours in settling them down!!! Lol. Megs mates joined us at Pages Beach Park one arvo for afternoon tea and a play. I have fallen in love with the mums, have made me feel so welcome and reminded me of my mates back home. Meg had a great time eating with small cupcakes, l needed to encourage her to go play with all her mates but she was too overwhelmed with the food!! Lol. Cayden, Ben, Patrick, Halo, Zade, Seoni, Samaha, Cavyn and Jack will all be missed by Meg, have been great mates for her.
Our last adventure that we treated ourselves was to head over for a plane ride to Abrohlos Island. The Woods joined us, we all decided it would be our last treat and something to remember our time in Geraldton. The kids were all so excited, don't think either of the girls had been in a small aircraft before. We all crammed in to this small plane and took our journey over. The photos l had seen of the group of islands had been extraordinary and our experience did not disappoint. The islands are home to working fisherman, but don't have any accommodation for tourists. As we flew over, the cluster of islands were scattered amongst the amazing turquoise sea. Our tour guide was a cool bloke, spent the flight telling us about the history of the area and pointing out old shipwreck ruins. After 45 minutes we arrived on the island, landing on the dirt landing strip, the kids giggling with excitement. We took the short walk to the beach, greeted with lavish yachts anchored in the pristine waters. We all were eager to get snorkelling, hearing that the reef was amazing. This was our first time snorkelling for a long time and couldn't wait, but before getting in the water we were treated to some morning tea and chocolate to keep us going. We all headed in and had a brilliant few hours exploring the waters. The reef was amazing with deep purples and blues, the fish hiding in amongst it were amazing. Meg and l had a screaming match in the middle of the reef as she wanted to go back into shore, but l was determined to keep her going. Think l took the relaxation out of the place and afterwards felt a little stupid, but on the positive side, Meg made it all way thru the reef with me without me killing her!!! lol. I sent Marty on the hunt for a big shell due to Mark showing me his prize he collected, a marvellous huge shell. Unfortunately, Marty had no luck, but thankfully Mark saved the day and came across one for me. So after a magnificent day snorkelling, collecting shells, and taking a short walk up to the lookout, it was time to head off back to Gero. Abrohlos Islands is definitely a must for anyone visiting the area. Such a pristine part of Australia, amazing snorkelling amongst the reef and glorious amounts of differing species of fish. Felt like we had found paradise, definitely worth the $700 bucks for the day. So good to finish our time up in Geraldton with such a magical experience and with our great mates The Woods.
Our last few weeks in Geraldton were crazy. When l wasn't working, trying to save that last few pennies, Marty was busily packing things up and getting preparations done for our trip. As usual, l felt like l had left everything to last minute so on a day off l drove around town crazily taking photos to remember our favourite spots. The Point Moore lighthouse was a must, as was the foreshore and H.M.A.S memorial site up on the lookout.
I was experiencing mixed emotions about leaving, as l always do at the end of a work stop. I really enjoyed my work, have gotten to know my work colleagues more than other work stops due to it being a small working environment and having stayed so long. Have so enjoyed my banter with the prison officers, spent many times cracking jokes and taking the piss out of each other. Same goes for some of the prisoners, once you take away their crime, most are fairly decent to you and civilised. Have looked after a lot of long termers, so have gotten to know some well. Think the most rapportl had was with the women prisoners. Had a lot of time for some, sad listening to their stories of abuse and violence that have led to their incarceration. Hopefully l am leaving this place having made a difference with some, if nothing, making them feel like human beings that can change their destiny if they work hard. My going away dinner ended up being a double banger with Jemma surprising everyone rocking up. Teaghan and l have been left missing her crazy at work. Was so cool to have the three of us together again, really love these two youngings. Such awesome chicks. Boo and Meg also fell in love with them. Teaghan had invited us to the beach and her house a few times so the girls could take a ride on her horse J.D. Really look forward to catching up with them in the future!!! It has been great to work with the rest of the crew, Yvonne, Lyn and Aleisha. Have learnt many things, but one thing l wont miss is the tensed working environment and b****iness. That aside, l was left feeling very humbled at being part of a unique work place. My boss Joe was nothing but super supportive and cool to work for. Have never felt so appreciated so quickly, thoroughly enjoyed my jokes with him and learnt so much from him. Felt like l was always running to him for advice, so glad he never got sick of my interruptions. Even though my time here was personally and professionally challenging, l will definitely miss everyone and the work. Some people don't understand how l could look after prisoners, but at the end of the day, they are the only ones that have been caught, who's not to say l am looking after a murderer or pedophiles laying in a hospital bed???
Another personal goal l have been able to achieve is that l completed my first ever 10km run in my life. I reluctantly set the challenge and cant believe how l smashed it. It achieved the 10km run (on the treadmill) in under an hour! My time was to do it in no more than an hour and l got it done in 57 minutes and 37 seconds. Could not believe it!!! So proud of myself, didn't think l could ever run lead alone run 10km without stopping!! My 8 months at the gym has made me feel so much stronger, healthier and confident than ever in my life. Have not only lost inches and kilo's and built fitness and strength but have gained a new appreciation and love for exercise. Am a little frightened that l will loose the motivation when we hit the road again, but hoping that l have learnt enough to be able to continue and incorporate into my lifestyle.
On our last day in Geraldton, as l sit and reflect about our time, l cant believe how quick its gone now that its over. Marty and l have been able to save more than we could have anticipated, but have also been able to gain new skills in our line of work. Marty has grown in confidence being able to bring home the big bucks and think he was surprised at how much he loved the FIFO mine work. I now know that my passion is indigenous health, even if l find it frustrating at times. Don't know if l could work in a prison long term, but loved the opportunity and experiences l have had. We have met some amazing people and had to say goodbye to many as well, but know we have friends for life. Geraldton has provided a great year for Boo and Meg at school with having made some good little mates. We have been embraced by many people and made some good friends. The town was a nice little spot to call home for a year, the caravan park was ok but could have had friendlier managers. It was in a prime location for where we needed to be. I think we will miss this place, but definitely not the wind. That is the one thing that we are glad to be saying goodbye too. With having to replace the awning before we headed off, that should be enough to tell you how bloody windy it was!!! On this last night in Gero, l have just finished work (yes thats right, l finished the night before we are due to leave) l am feeling very exhausted and hope that l will start to get that exciting feeling in my tummy. Am a bit scared that l'm not feeling half as excited as l usually am, and after a year stopping in one place, you would think that l would be jumping out of my skin. Amanda, Mark and Marty are all happy as peas in a pod, so why aren't l? Tomorrow we set off, the first time travelling with the Woods. Its always been that we've been together for work stops and not actually travelled together. We've been together, living next door to one another for such a long time that l wonder if travelling with them will be any different. Am sure that l will get my buzz back after l have had time to chill out and de-stress from work.....Cant believe it, but tomorrow we set off to recommence our trip, planning to have the next 6 to 8 months off and make our way up north WA, cross thru NT and head to QLD to start lap two!!!! At least my blogs might get a little more exciting...
Bell Xxx
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