This is it, mate—the moment we've been planning for what feels like forever. The van's packed to the rafters, the car's loaded with everything we could possibly need (and probably a few things we won't), and the canoe's strapped securely on top, ready for whatever waterways we encounter along the way. Standing here in Kelmscott as the golden morning light bathes our rig, I can feel that familiar mix of excitement and anticipation building in my chest.
Our trusty white LC 200 looks absolutely ready for business, fitted out with the bull bar, roof rack laden with camping gear, and our Retreat caravan hitched up behind. We've spent weeks fine-tuning every detail, making sure we've got the right modifications for remote travel. Lisa's done her final checks inside the van, and I've triple-checked the canoe strapping—can't have that beauty sliding off somewhere between here and our first destination!
The Big Lap—circumnavigating this massive island continent of ours—has been a dream for years. Now, with everything loaded and the sun starting its descent toward the horizon, that dream's about to become reality. There's something about this moment, standing in this light industrial area with our home-on-wheels ready to roll, that makes it all feel real. No more planning, no more packing lists, no more 'what ifs.' It's just us, the open road, and the adventure of a lifetime stretching out ahead.
I reckon every grey nomad remembers their launch day—that pivotal moment when you turn the key, put it in gear, and point your rig toward the unknown. The nervous energy, the double-checking of connections, the mental inventory of whether you've remembered everything important. But you know what? Even if we've forgotten something, we'll figure it out along the way. That's part of the adventure, isn't it?
The canoe on top is a reminder that this journey isn't just about the kilometres we'll cover on bitumen and dirt. It's about exploring the waterways, the hidden gorges, the quiet billabongs where few tourists venture. It's about embracing every opportunity for adventure that presents itself.
Right then—time to fire her up and hit the road. The Big Lap officially begins now!
