Just as we thought we were finally going to head North to get away from the rain we heard a massive crack just as we were getting in the car. We imagined that a Karri tree must have fallen down somewhere in the forest, but soon found that it was a large branch across our road out. As we were the only ones on the area, Justin decided to get out to clear the road just enough to pass by - Isla (always up for a bit of adventure) quickly jumped out of the car to help. After only a couple of minutes of clearing, the unexpected happened......another large branch fell and struck Justin on the head and shoulder, and Isla on the hand and leg. Justin was knocked unconscious with blood streaming from his head, while Isla fared better but was very sore. Lisa quickly took control of the situation and called an ambulance. No need for all the details of everything that followed. Justin and Isla had an exciting ambulance ride into Walpole, and then Justin was taken on to Albany hospital by ambulance. X rays and CT scans showed that Justin's neck, head and shoulder were ok, and his memory returned overnight in hospital. He just has stitches in his head, and a sore neck to remind him of the whole experience. We were hugely relieved that Isla didn't get hit directly by the log, but unfortunately she does have a small fracture in her hand (no plaster required by Isla, as it would just get in the way of playing).
Being a long way from home, this could all have been very difficult indeed. However we had great support from Lisa's cousin Scott and his wife Sally, who live in Albany. In fact Sally's extended family were amazing in letting us stay at Jocelyn's "holiday house" to recover. As shown below, a magic place with lots of grass, trees, history, and its own duck pond. We couldn't thank them enough for doing so much for us. Three nights there and we were ready to hit the road again.
Photos below are -
1: The scene of the accident moments before the branch fell (Justin and Isla clearing the road)
2: Justin feeling sorry for himself in hospital
3-4: feeding the ducks at Jocelyn's house in Albany (with Aunty Bev)
5-6: an excursion to see The Brig Amity in Albany (the ship that first brought settlers to Albany)
What a close call that was!! Thank God that you were both okay and back on the road again. xxxx
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