We got up early today and after saying goodbye to the Andersons, left Suntop, and took the back way to Dubbo. Not far down the road was Frogley Rd and then Arthurville where we stopped so Frog could get his photo with signs for both.

First day on the Desert Ride! We started the day at around 7am, leaving the Frogley's house to get to Mai-Wel for a bacon and egg breakfast they were putting on for us. Frog and Mai-Wel's CEO, Petty, said a few words each before we were cheered on our way.

The day before we set off we all met at Frog's place to put some stickers on the Landcruiser ute and to test pack everything to make sure we had enough room for all we wanted to take.

A week from today the Fearless Four will be on our trip through the red centre. On Monday the 24th, Gerald took the Hilux to get stickers on the side so the lucky travellers we meet on the way will know we're on a mission.

The agenda was: going over the plan for the route, setting goals for which towns or roadhouses to get to on particular days, and test-packing the Landcruiser with equipment and supplies.

The 1st of May will bring the start of a 4(ish) week trip around and through the middle of Australia in order to raise money for Mai-Wel, a disablility services provider in the Hunter Valley Region of NSW.