Well we're finally off. Tomorrow 5AM.

This years expedition is home (Gippsland, Victoria) to Alice Springs in SWMBO's D2 towing a 15' Roma off road van. Leave the van in Alice then off to Mt. Dare via Old Andado Station, has to be one of the most scenic short drives in the centre. Then on to Dalhousie Springs and accross the Simpson Desert to Birdsville. From there to Maree hopefully via the inner track and Goyders Lagoon and on to Maree. Up the Oodnadatta Track and back to Alice via Lake Eyre.

That's the plan anyway.

Pick up the van in Alice and on to Katherine and Kununurra then down the Gibb River Road to pick up the Gorges and places we didn't see last year. Cut back off the GRR via Winjana Gorge and Tunnell Creek back to the bitumen and on to Old Halls Creek and the Buntine Highway. Back to the South Road and home again via Alice Springs.

Aim to be away for 8 weeks or so missing the worst of the Victorian winter. Strangely the boys (25 & 22 respectrively) aren't sad to have the house to themselves...............? Should be back early September.

Will post trip info and photo's as time and internet access allows.

Thanks to all who contributed to my queries regarding vehicle setup, bullbar, roofrack etc. I may not have followed your individual advice but I read and weighed each post carefully in making my decisions.

Deano & Kaye