Are we there yet?

 This time last year, we found out that the Clipper club's annual rally would be held in Renmark, South Australia. Both Matt and I thought the same thing, that if you are going all the way there, then you may as well keep going, either further west or up north. And so our dream to do a big outback trip to the top end began to be possible. As it happens, we were not the only members of the Clipper club to think the same thing, and we soon found we had another couple of friends to travel some of the way with. The next step was to raise the idea and see if it was possible with my medical team. First I had to go on a trial of a different TPN, a mix that was pre-formulated and was less temperature sensitive and with a longer life span and meant I would need less deliveries. Fortunately my body coped with it, and so I could then proceed with the next step; which was to approach Baxter Pharmaceuticals, and see where in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland, that they could safely make the deliveries within the 24 hour window. After we had some destinations where this would be possible, we could then plan our itinerary. By January, we were able to plot out a basic itinerary with our fellow Clipper friends and we submitted it to Baxter for their consideration. Knowing that some of the destinations would be in their peak season at the time we were going to be there, we started to book and pay for some of the overnight locations. But alas in February, Baxter then returned with a rejection for one of the delivery locations, as they could no longer deliver to it within the 24 hours. So we had to rejig quite a few ideas and there were lots of stressful moments with working out how to do it without this delivery. My Pharmacist from my team, was a champion and we were able to negotiate and find solutions; though this meant us carrying a lot more stock and doing things a bit differently. Date night for Matt and I was at Bunnings, measuring up and stacking various sized tubs to store the medical supplies, in the spaces we had spare for storage. Exciting times! Meanwhile, we kept fine tuning details of locations and making bookings where necessary. I did learn that it pays to do your homework, as we had hoped to drive into the Purnululu National Park to explore the Bungle Bungles, only to find out from the local caravan park managers, that it would be a risky venture and we could get stuck on the track and that would be a mammoth effort to retrieve Bridget if she did get stuck. Not being huge risk takers, we had to work out plan B, which is to do a helicopter flight and 4wd tour instead, as the best way to appreciate and still explore the Bungle Bungles. I've never been in a helicopter before, so very excited about this opportunity. Then when all things seemed set, one of the stock items I use daily was recalled by the TGA and my team were not sure if they would be able to get enough stock for the 3 months of an alternative product. Fortunately, the TGA withdrew the recall and I can safely use that product. It seemed like one problem would be solved, and then another would appear.

 In the meantime, Matt had been working on replacing hoses, belts, air filters and other things in the engine to make sure Bridget was in top condition. But sadly, Matt was finding one problem after another, and then to top it off, we had a minor collision in her, that was the fault of the other vehicle, so we then had that to deal with as well. Matt was able to find the parts he needed, be it difficult, and was able to rectify all the issues and relocate pipework. But when he took her for rego, and put her up on a hoist, they found she had a broken leaf spring and so it had to be removed and a new one made and installed. Fortunately, with 3 weeks until we were to leave, it only took a week to do. So we took Bridget out for a test run over Easter, only to discover the solar system was not charging and the regulator had given up. With all the public holidays for Anzac day, and time quickly running out, Matt was able to source one and it arrived in good time. Now with a week to go until we leave, we are just waiting for new rear tyres and for the air con unit to be re-gassed, and hoping that will mean it works, because we know we will be going to be needing it.

We have already purchased a Starlink system (yes it meant turning to the dark side and sending money to Elon), so we can have the internet and can use our phones over the internet if we have to call out in an emergency; which is a good option to have, when we look at how remote we are going. I do have all the medical supplies ready to pack on board, but Bridget gets to be a wedding vehicle on the weekend, so we can't load up just yet, to make sure it will all fit. It has by no means been an easy ride to get to this point with all the planning and negotiations, repairs and new parts, and in fact it has been really stressful at times. But I need to remind myself that I am incredibly privileged to be able to do this trip. Firstly, that my hospital was willing to fund the extra costs to ship the medical deliveries to remote places, secondly that I am well enough to do this (which was why we really didn't want to keep putting off things on our bucket list, and then miss out and have the regret that we didn't take the chances when we had them); thirdly that both Matt and I were able to get the time off work for the 3 months and our dogs and house were able to be cared for by one of our sons. Stay tuned as we approach the final count down, we are oh so close to leaving now.