G’Day Broome – here comes Granny!
Left 80 Mile Beach this morning about 8am as I wanted to reach Broome in time to say hello to my daughter in law as she was going to Darwin for a week’s business management course.
What is it they say about the best laid plans of mice and men … I guess when I think about what happened in times to come I will probably laugh, but it definitely wasn’t funny when it happened!
Everything has gone so smoothly on this trip, except for my little hiccup re not correctly estimating the fuel.
Anyway, I set off from 80 Mile Beach nice and early and stopped along with two huge road trains and about four or five camper vans, at the Sandfire Roadhouse. No flat whites or cappuccinos here thank you very much – it’s $2.50 and you make your own instant coffee!
Sat outside with said coffee and several peacocks casually strolled by which might normally seem unusual but on a trip like this, nothing surprises me any more.
I continued on my way to Broome and had an eye on the fuel gauge once again, having not bothered to fill up the jerry can since I emptied it. I honestly thought I had enough fuel in the tank to make it into Broome so hadn’t followed my own advice and filled up when the fuel gauge was at the half way mark.
And yes, one minute Bluebird was humming along quite nicely and the next minute she had a bit of a cough and stopped on the side of the road!
38 km from Broome. 12.00pm and there I was, stuck on the side of the road with no petrol and no hope of getting to Broome in time for my daughter-in-law’s flight departure.
What to do? Should I phone my son and ask him to bring some fuel? No, he’s busy, and at that stage, I was thinking, I won’t tell anyone about this.
Instead, I’ll ring the RAC since I’d taken out the top level roadside membership back in Melbourne!
So, two hours and another phone call later a cheery young lad drew up in the yellow RAC van with 20 litres of fuel and Bluebird was ready for her grand debut.
Not quite the entrance I had hoped to make into Broome, but better late than never – and the smiling faces of two little boys and many hugs later I had (sort of) forgotten all about it. But I suppose I won’t live it down, will I?
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15 Comments
Wow, you’ve made it to Broome and reached your family Tina! What an amazing journey, with a couple of heart stopping moments in the latter stages! Will your blog still continue, now that you’ve made it to your destination?
Hi Ros yes made it eventually. Yes I will keep the blog happening as quite a few people have said they would like me to. Who knows what’s next??Hope you are going well x
Well done Tina,
Yes, how can you not continue the blog! The adventure has only just begun. What a marvelous journey, thank you for sharing!
Brendan
Thanks Brendan, for your support. I have enjoyed sharing my experiences and as you so rightly say, the adventure has only just begun …
Congratulations on making it to Broome. What a great adventure you have had So Far!! as I know it will continue. Overall the trip was very well planned -well done. Enjoy your time with your son, grandson and daughter in law
Love always Linda 💝
Thank you Linda. As a few people have said, I think the real adventure is about to begin …
Good on you Tina! To reach your goal and be welcomed by the family….It must have been one of those special moments in life.
Yes, it’s great to be able to tick one off the bucket list Pam and lovely to receive such a warm welcome xx
Hello my friend, you are just amazing, so happy for you that you’re finally in beautiful Broome, Shaun will be so happy to see you!
I feel for you that you ran out of petrol- you do realise that your on Broome time now- I remember waiting 30 mins for coffee and I was the only one in the shop, so time to kick back and enjoy. Can’t wait to hear about the next chapter xxxxx
Can’t wait to see you in Broome, Margie! Yes, Broome time is a real thing – am taking time to adjust and loving it xx
Glad you have made it safely at Broome despite the little trouble. Also, happy belated mother’s day to you!
Thanks Jacqui for the Mother’s Day wishes. What a gem you are! Miss your smiling face and hope all is well with you xx
So you’ve arrived. What a shame you ran out of petrol on the very last stretch! So much driving! You and the Bluebird must know each other quite well now 😆. Enjoy catching up with family and settling in. So please yes keep going with the blog. Now comes the serious bit – looking for somewhere to live and somewhere to work! Hope all goes fairly smoothly xx
Thanks Jenny. It will take a while to re-adjust but am loving the warmer clime. Just taking it slowly right now and staying with my son and family.xx
Awesome achievement my friend ! I salute you. I’m sure that the long awaited hugs from your grandchildren would have dissolved any residual stress from running out of fuel on the last stretch of road. In hindsight this experience will add color to the personal myth that you are creating. Enjoy being with your family and home comforts! I can’t wait for the next instalment. Thank you so much for the generous sharing of your magical journey. Sheena xxx