Having semi-retired in 2016 and taken a few three month trips throughout parts of Australia, Barry and I decided it was time to 'Shake Things Up!'. By December 218 we had sold our home and everything in it, packed up the van and headed towards the Nullabor on a indefinite trip around Australia!

Since then we have marvelled at the wonders of 'The Great Ocean Road', looked for opals in the outback of New South Wales, checked out cotton picking in southern outback Queensland and spent six months has 'historians' in our birth state, Tasmania.

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When not travelling Steve continues to understake contract work for a number of local farmers and we enjoy spending time with our children and young grandchildre, as well as developing our mainly native garden. We also like to go bushwalking and kayaking in our region, and Annique has developed a passion for nature photography.

Over the past couple of years we have been lucky to undertake a number of overseas and interstate holidays. As we love to experience nature, extended walks are a focus of our travels.

Our trip to Borneo has been and absolute highlight for us. We began with a trek in the Kelabit Highlnads, walking through rice fields and jungle to remote villages where we stayed with local families. We then spent several days walking in the Bako National Park where we were privileged to see an array of wildlife, including Silver Leaf Langur and Probuscus monkeys, flying Lemurs and a Viper. Having previously seen the Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, we were hopeful to also experience Orangutans in the wild and were lucky enough to do so on the Red Ape Trail in the Bantang Ai National Park.

In contrast to the head and humidity of Borneo (not to mention leeches), we spent a month in France and Switzerland after attending a family wedding in Belguim. The French countryside is so pretty and we spent a week walking in the Dordonge region. Utilising a rail pass to travel between regions, we also undertook numerous day walks in the beautiful mountain regions of Switzerland.

We have always loved camping and spent two months tenting in Tasmania. A Standout was understaking the day Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, and while having to carry all our gear and food was challenging we were blessed with fine weather for the duration.

Last year we made a decision we never thought we would and traded in our tent for an off road caravan; a decision we have not regretted! We made to the most of having to collect the van in Melbourne, travelling the Great Central Rd and Oonnadatta Track to visit Lake Eyre on the way and then with van travelled through outback NSW and QLD. This year we have been able to get away down south, as well as to Cape Range National Park and a trip to midwest for the wildflowers. Read less