We are the Quinn family, established in 2011. A typical young footy boy meets pretty hairdresser story, (I claim she chased me, but secretly I chased her and fell in love). These two date for 6 years as they grow into mature young adults, before they get married and create a beautiful family…
I am Dereck (36) my wife Jayde (32) our first daughter Paityn (7), Son Koby (6) and the newest edition to the family is Lahni (4 months old).
Our plan is to give up the conventional way of life, become minimalistic, hit the road for freedom and adventure exploring all of this beautiful island we call home, AUSTRALIA. All while creating precious memories as a family.
I (Dereck) have a dual trade, a horticulturalist (landscaper) and a heavy-duty diesel mechanic (I know total opposites). I know how to handle most machinery and I can create and build a bloody good garden…. I love my footy and I am a mad Eagles supporter, so if you hear a crazy person yelling at the TV during one of the games, it’s just me, so come over and say hi, (once the game is finished of course). My other interests are 4wding, fishing, diving and golf. My footy career sadly ended some time ago as I had an accident at a young age where my hip dislocated and I had pins put in to stop it happening again I ended up getting bad arthritis and required a total hip replacement in my left leg 3 years ago. Since then life has been amazing, I can beat my kids in a race and walk around the block without being in pain, I even managed to play footy again for a few games last season and the beginning of this season.
Jayde is from an Italian family heritage (slightly crazy) her family has so much diversity which is why she has so many different traits (one being a great cook). She left school when she was 15 to become a hair dresser. She has been on and off hairdressing since becoming a mum. She is a very motivated and driven person and doesn’t let much stop her once she has her mind made up. She loves building, designing and renovating houses, anything that will bring in some extra cash Jayde has the knack to make it happen. Jayde loves fishing as much as I do and will be the first to get out there and get amongst it, whilst she claims to be the best fisher in the family (I have to politely disagree) unless there is a competition to catch catfish, as I have nicknamed her the catfish Queen. She is the most amazing mother and lives for us as a family and to have someone like this in my life who wants to get out there and do all this I am truly blessed.
When it comes to our kids, Paityn is beautiful and shy, a girly girl that tends to get a little anxious without her family close by. She is most definitely a mother hen big sister and takes after her dad at all sports (she is amazing at whatever she tries). She is one of the most intelligent little girls we know, and we are hoping that this trip builds her confidence and helps her to learn to use her abilities to their full potential.
Koby, one of the most care free nature loving little dudes that will try anything, nothing bothers him. He most definitely doesn’t recognise danger where he should, he knows every type of Dinosaur there is and will gladly wander off at the sight of any type of lizard to try catch it and bring it along with him where ever he goes. His heart is as pure as gold and wouldn’t hurt a fly (no literally he loves all creatures) he knows how to pull at the heart strings of the ladies.
Paityn and Koby are your typical brother and sister, they are so close to each other and always look out for one another, even if they are fighting amongst themselves. They bounce off each other and will forever be best of friends. No doubt Lahni will fit in just nicely to make it the perfect trio.
Lahni of course is growing so fast and it truly is amazing how fast you forget the joy a baby’s smile can bring you. If you are having your worst day, when you come home and see that smile you can be guaranteed to forget any problems This beautiful little girl is always full of smiles and is one of the most chilled kids you can imagine. This new lifestyle we are entering will suit her to a tee. She is going to have one of the most unique up bringing’s a child can have as she won’t know what a house is for some time to come, with nature being her back yard she will not know what to do when we eventually have to go back to a house.
We are geared up with a Toyota 200 series Land cruiser set up to go anywhere and we have just brought a new triple bunk 21. 6 ft Lotus Trooper caravan to live in for as long as this journey takes us. We will blog and video about these soon for you, to give you an understanding of what we are traveling with and why….
Well – if you have read this far into our story, thanks! We hope you follow our journey for all the experiences, touring tips, destination tips and hopefully encourage you to enjoy some similar experiences. Whether it be for a weekend or a long trip like us. So, come along this journey and enjoy the view from where ever you are.
If you see us around and notice the logo, don’t be afraid to come and say hi – have a beer or wine with us. Alternatively hit us up on Facebook or email to provide any feedback or ask any questions you have, there are no such things as silly questions.
Lapping The Island.