One of the highlights of our return to Australia was a visit from California by my mother

Our Follow the Sun journey has taken us to 42 countries across three continents and spanned 463 days of exploration, adventure and discovery. We’ve learned about the history, culture, people and language of all these amazing new places and loved every moment of it.  But sitting patiently in the background to all these experiences are our family and friends – very dear to us and an important part of our journey.  So after parking Tramp in a friendly barn for a few months before the next leg of our trip we headed home to reconnect and refresh ourselves.

Ah…an old shearer’s shed, a classic scene from the great Aussie bush

October means it’s rhododendron season in the Blue Mountains, always great fun to enjoy their vibrant colours

And have we been busy!  Julie and I have spread ourselves across our home base in Sydney, our property up in the Blue Mountains, our granddaughter’s home four hours south of Sydney and many points in between.  It sometimes feels like we’ve done more kilometres per day since we’ve arrived back than we did on the road!

Now Papa, I’m going to dig a big hole while you keep a close eye

Australia means sunshine and beaches this time of year and even if we’re just passing by we have to take in the scene

Also during this time we had an extended visit from my mother who used Abby’s first birthday as a great excuse to come down from California to visit us and had the excitement of our youngest son Zach and his partner Janelle announcing their engagement.  Throw in some bush walks, staying with good friends and enjoying the life as a young retired couple (well…whatever that means!) and we’ve been flat out.

Zach and Janelle – sporting an antique engagement ring – are understandably all smiles

Julie and my Mum – or should I say, Mom – in front of our Airbnb which we used during her visit

Since returning to Oz I’ve enjoyed a number of long bush walks, including one full day effort in the pouring rain

In particular, we’ve loved our time with our three adult children, Julie has excelled at being a grandmother and I’ve enjoyed my time back in the great Aussie bush.  We’ve had many hugs and laughs and fun moments with our family and friends, all of which makes us appreciate our best of both worlds – enriching travel and a great home base.

Okay, a little humour as everyone donned (temporarily) their latest gift from the US

Julie and I reconnected with our much-loved remote property on the far side of the Blue Mountains

Spring at our property means a few extra duties, including some quality time on the tractor

Africa, our next destination, focusing on the continent’s southern-most countries

As the days towards Christmas tick away we are also beginning the planning for the next stage of Follow the Sun – Africa.  Our plan is to ship Tramp from the UK to southern Africa and spend about three months exploring the eight or nine southern-most countries of that great continent.  Africa, the ultimate destination for all overlanders, promises to provide some of our best experiences in our Follow the Sun journey.  Now if we can just survive all that upcoming Christmas cheer!

My running group joins forces for a well earned breakfast after a vigorous run – or walk – along the coast

One of Australia’s most lovable creatures – the wombat – enjoys free reign on our property