We have been asked, "what type of planning we have done to prepare for a trip like this ? "
So I'll try to answer.
We have had our bus for 8 years now, and have done outback trips quite a few times over the last 22 years, including places like Broken Hill, Muttawingi NP, White Cliffs, Bourke to Wanaaring to Tibooburra along the Dingo Fence, and Cameron's Corner, Central Australia, Coober Pedy, Mt Isa, Flinders Ranges to name a few. But taking the bus on this type of dirt road was a little daunting, perhaps we've no reason to feel this way but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
So the bus was our first concern. We had cover plates already on our 2 water tanks but no bash plate protecting the radiator and front of bus, so the fabricating of this was first priority along with full major service and a few spare parts bought to carry with us.
Next was our communications. With not even Telstra service for quite a distance from the Station we needed our old UHF updated and purchased a 7 db gain aerial and bought same for phone. We changed one of our Amaysim phones for a chunky blue tick tradies phone which is water and dust resistant, and switched to Telstra. As we have no phone service at Station both phones have been changed to low usage for 6 months, and my Amaysim one can be easily switched back and forth when we come into town. We also bought a Telstra 4g Wifi for internet with 12 month usage.
Next concern was medical, as if we get sick there is the medical kit at station and the Flying Dr. As I was sick before we left we are traveling with our own medical kit (antibiotics, steroids etc) and I have a health plan and asthma alert plan. We have pre purchased all our medicines and carry repeat scripts and letters to alternate doctors.
Our poor bus, without our trailer, is chock a block with a teaching box of favorite equipment, and others with new books, craft, stickers, rewards etc. then there's personal supplies of toiletries and
some favorite foods.
We've also organised prepayment of bus registration etc and set up bank accounts to pay bills automatically.
Hopefully this answers some of people's questions about our remote adventure. If you have any more queries please message us in the comment box in the right hand column. If you'd like to say hello comment there too !!
What a long post !
Posted by Lynne :)
