AN EXPLORE BY GEMLIFE MOTORHOME AVOIDED BEING TRAPPED BY A RAGING BUSHFIRE THANKS TO THE QUICK THINKING OF GEMLIFE PALMWOODS HOMEOWNERS CHRISTINA AND JORG HAURI.
“I still can’t believe how lucky we were to get out of the fire’s path, and we led the way for others to follow,” said Christina.
What started out as a leisurely holiday for two Palmwoods’ couples, that included long-time friends and now neighbours Stuart and Diane Arden, turned into quite the adventure for Christina and Jorg.
“Our original plan was for us all to travel in tandem to Carnarvon Gorge, which was the reason we booked the holiday, but on the day we were leaving, we were advised not to go there due to bushfires. So, although we had spent a lot of time planning and preparing our trip, we changed it on the spot and headed up the coast to Yeppoon and areas south of there,” Christina explained.
After a week-long holiday together, Jorg and Christina took an extra three days to head out to Woodgate near the Burrum Coast National Park in the Bundaberg Region, but they were not expecting what would happen next.
“When we arrived, we could see the flames and fire coming towards the town. We thought long and hard, but not too long, and decided our best plan of attack was to leave immediately. We spoke to locals and some left at the same time. The next day the road was closed, so we could have been trapped. Such a close call!”
With the couple and the Explore by GemLife motorhome now safely home again, Christina reflected on the trip away with their good friends Stuart and Diane who had escaped the bushfire ordeal completely.
She said the foursome planned everything together even down to who would provide the meals.
“We shared the cooking, making three meals each on alternating nights and each of us bought a bottle of wine to the table each night. All our caravan parks were booked and paid for in advance as well, to avoid hassles along the way.”
Like their travelling companions, Diane and Stuart are seasoned travellers, having visited a wide range of international destinations and enjoyed many cruises. They also worked in the United Kingdom for many years where Stuart was a project director for the National Trust of England before returning to Australia in 2009.
In addition to the camaraderie enjoyed on the road, the couple said one of the best things about travelling with good friends is the fact they could share experiences together that can last a lifetime.
“The motorhomes also drew lots of attention and many comments because, with two travelling together, they definitely stood out wherever we went,” said Diane.
Both couples have plans to hit the road in an Explore by GemLife vehicle again in the future. Hopefully the roads won’t lead to bushfires but to a more welcoming part of this beautiful country we call home.