I should introduce myself, I'm Kieran, normally called Kezza, Kdog, Cuzzy or bro by my work mates, Im a husband, dad to two kids and a wannabe triathlete in my spare time. I also love exploring our backyard up here in Western Australia. I should add, i love a good dance to good old rock n roll and wedding seem to bring out my best moves, you wont see me anywhere other than on the dance floor at weddings, I generally get best on dance floor.
My travelling partner for this trip is my Dad, he is the reason I'm doing this, I'll explain why a little later on, but he is John, known as JR, Jarpy and Dad to me, mostly JR. He's getting on a bit and now into his 60's, ever since I first moved to the Pilbara quite a number of years ago, i have always said he should get his arse over here so I can show him around.
He never got round to it and 2 years ago i received a call from my mum, he was clearly upset and sounded a little lost. Dad had taken a fall at work one Friday evening as he was locking up one of the warehouses at work. he took a direct hit to his face and was left laying in a pool of blood on the floor unconscious - no one knew as he was the only one there. We nearly lost him for good that night and have nearly lost him again as he attempted to take his life as his recovery just was not progressing. He took a bunch of tablets and luckily for us he survived.
In short, Dad had a huge stroke and heart attack, the trauma to his brain was described to us by the specialists as being the same injury as a fatal one punch victim would receive. he was very lucky to pull through. the following days, weeks & months were extremely hard for everyone involved, dads memory was gone, his heart was not strong, he sounded weak and very distant. its now been nearly 2 years since his accident and life is still not perfect for him but it is getting better.
Back to the big trip, I love the Kimberley and Pilbara, its where i feel at home and last October on my way home form Broome i was talking with my wife and I said, lets bring Dad over and I'll take him on a camping trip through the Kimberly. My wife immediately agreed and said that would be a wonderful thing, we rang my mum and suggested it to her, she agreed in part as long as dad had clearance to fly as he still had quite a bit of pressure on his brain, luckily for us he has been cleared to.
So the 4wd build up started at the end of last year, I'm reluctant to say how much I have spent building the Ute up from a stock standard dual cab hilux to a fully self sufficient touring vehicle, but its been substantial.
For now I'll see you later, I have two hours of work left and lots to do before i leave.
Cheers
Kezza
