Have you ever gone on a trip that leaves such an impression on your mind that it feels indelibly etched? We had one of these adventures years ago and it was like something from a bygone gypsy era.
At the time it was simply a birthday weekend for our 13 year old daughter. But little did we know how special it would be. Looking back on it now, five years on, our horse drawn wagon trip resembles more of a meditation. Here’s why:
Slow and Steady
This is Pixie, our Clydesdale and transport, trained by owner Patrick Hedwards from The Colonial Way, the last horse drawn carriages in Australia. We adapted easily to her slow pace and the hypnotic clip clop of hooves soon became a rhythmic part of our day.
No license required – just trust and patience
We’re taught how to drive but Pixie knows exactly where she’s going, she’s done this hundreds of times. It’s totally invigorating to be behind such a powerful yet gentle beast. And with each hour that passed at the reins a curious sense of camaraderie and bond quickly developed with her. Patience, trust and a sense of awe dominated.
Not just the destination, but the journey
We traveled barely fifteen kilometers each day and the most traffic we passed was cattle grazing. Sometimes in life we’re so focused on reaching somewhere that we forget to enjoy what’s right in front of us and what we pass along the way. But not on this trip.
Nourishment
Fuel stop was a bale of hay and carrots for Pixie and morning tea for us. Simple and nourishing. Similarly, as we travel through busy days it’s important to take care of ourselves, to rest when we need it, take a break and put the right fuel into our bodies.
Live in the Present
Each day we settled into a new campsite and when evening came we sat around a blazing fire and savored the ultimate outdoor cinema under a starry sky. We had fun together with only the basics. It can be easy to forget how to do that, relying on technology and external stimuli, forgetting the most important things are all round us in the people we love.
Savor the Moment
Slowing down to a calm and steady pace under a big sky made us appreciate every single moment. And we can do that anywhere. All we have to do is step outside, savor the moment and enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air. It’s free for us all and it’s abundant.
Find your passion
Little wonder our daughter fell so in love with Pixie that she now has her own horse. A weekend away sparked a life long passion. For her and for us. For a wonder lust for travel and the simple things in life. And so the journey continues.
In or out of the saddle may we all have the chance to slow down and find joy in the journey, in each and every moment, where ever it leads us and where ever we may be.
That looks like a wonderful journey!
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It was, very relaxing!
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Gently beautiful. Your daughter will certainly never forget it
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No, she certainly won’t Derrick. And neither will we. Thanks.
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It’s looks lovely, and lovely things are hardly forgotten. Living in the present and savoring the moment is one key to having a lovely day.
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It sure is. Have a wonderful weekend.
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And you too, Miriam.
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Amazing trip, Miriam. I wasn’t but now I want a trip like that. Maybe one day I will have one. It looks to be so funny.
Daddy, did you read Miriam’s post?
I will send him a mail, Miriam 😀
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Yes, you definitely need to send him the link. With lots of hints! 🙂
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For sure 🙂
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That’s fantastic. Idea to slow down and live on basics…still having blast. Love your lively spirit.:)
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Thank you Mann. Lovely to hear from you.
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It’s lovelier to regain touch. I was kind of stuck in busy schedule and missed some of the party here. Tried to be here whenever got a chance. and hey your daughter is so sweet.
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Thanks Mann and I know what you mean, life tends to get in the way sometimes. We do what we can.
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How cool is that? You’re right, the journey is just as fun as the destination. 😃
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Absolutely. Especially when you’re traveling with such a magnificent horse! 🙂
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Very cool trip. Your daughter will never forget it. 😃
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She definitely won’t.
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What a fun trip and lots of great advice!
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Thanks. Just found all your comments in my spam.
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Maybe it’s me, I swear 5 or 6 people have told me that. Just WP, I guess!
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I had a few comments in there, will have to check it more regularly.
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I try to when I remember cause I’ll find some in there too
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Most likely.
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looks like fun
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Yep, lots of fun. 🙂
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I loved reading this, what a great experience for you all. I’d love to try something like that one day, it sounds like an ideal trip x
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I hope you do get a chance to try it, it was such a great experience. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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What a great opportunity to experience something different. It’s obviously had a lasting effect and I can well understand why,
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Yeah, it was fun, relaxing and definitely unique. Thanks Suzy.
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Wow, I’ve never imagined going on a trip like that. Amazing. I wonder if they have something like that in the US. Everyone needs a slow-paced, relaxed experience like that. Jealous!
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Maybe you need to check it out Blair. You never know. Have a great weekend.
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What an amazing trip! It’s so wonderful that you all made the time to make such long-lasting terrific memories. I grew up with horses and miss having them everyday. They are beautiful, sweet creatures. Glad your daughter has one of her own now.
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Yeah, he’s a beautiful horse though expensive to upkeep!
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I love how you weave your allegories! ❤️
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Thanks Tiffany. xox
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❤️❤️❤️
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Lovely piece and good reminders. We all know them but forget to prioritise them.
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So true, thanks Louise.
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Wow! Where was this, Miriam? I have never heard of such a travel opportunity and now I want to do this so bad. I’d love to take my grown up boys for a weekend of slowing down.
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It’s in Rheola which is not far from Bendigo in Victoria. If you’re interested I can edit a link into the post.
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That would be great! Thanks
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No worries. I’ll do it later this morning.
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This looks like a great experience!! Something I have never thought of doing but may just have to pop it on my ‘Aus To Do’ list!! Thanks for the lovely photos and great insights x
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My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed.
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What an amazing way to travel! We think you now have a problem: how will you ever top this for future birthdays?
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That’s exactly what we thought at the time! I don’t think we’ve ever surpassed the Pixie trip in terms of adventure, though having her own horse now would rank right up there.
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Wonderful advice and it looks like a nice wagon behind Pixie.
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It was cute and very cosy inside.
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Wow, that’s a different way to travel these days! It must have been a real experience and given you an idea of how it was to travel back in the olden days. I can relate to the slow and steady means of transport. Even just walking or cycling, you seem to take it so much more of the scenery and see things you would otherwise miss being in a car or plane.
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So very true Jenny. Time just seems to slow down when you’re out in the open, whether cycling, walking or on horseback. We just loved it. Glad you could relate.
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What a beautiful story!
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Thanks Jessica.
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How absolutely wonderful! Your daughter is beautiful, just on the cusp of womanhood then, she must be all grown up now.
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Yes, she is all grown up and I am very proud of her. Thank you for your beautiful comment.
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love this gypsyvantrip! quite a lot to pull for a horse 🙂 your daughter looks so happy, no wonder she has her own horse now!
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Thanks for your lovely comment.
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What a wonderful way to take a vacation! Such an escape from the every day pressures of life, and the chance to connect to both nature and the beautiful, gentle horse. I’m not surprised it left a permanent impression!
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Thanks Ann. Yes, I didn’t even know it existed until I did some research. Something I’d never thought of doing before. But so very worthwhile.
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The pictures were so vivid, I sneezed through the post (I’m very allergic to horses)
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Haha, bless you Don!
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Amazing one of a kind trip 🌹
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Perfectly said, thanks.
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🌟
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How special that your daughter became so enamored that she is now a horsewoman! And even more special that you shared this special memory with her. Thanks for the lovely story.
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My pleasure Tina. Yes, she definitely found her passion in life and is now living it.
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What a wonderful experience that must have been, and such precious memories!!!
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It most definitely was!
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It sounds absolutely dreamy. I love that clip-clop sound, and the thought of just being able to take the slow route and see the sights and drink in the nature sounds divine. 🙂
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You said it so well, thanks! 🙂
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Wow, Miriam! Amazing!!!! You write and post so many thoughtful pieces here, you capture so much of life and the universe in your photographs, it is hard to say that I have a favorite from among everything I’ve read on your site… But I think this is it! I am awed and inspired not only by your adventurous undertaking (it sounds like a phenomenal vacation!) but by your appreciation for all that it offered, both on grand and humble scales. Thank you!!!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this Lulu. Even years later my experience on Pixie is still so vivid and I really wanted to share it with my readers. Thank you so much for your lovely words Lulu, I truly appreciate it!
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You are so welcome. Whenever I finally get to Australia, I hope I have a similar experience. Until then, I’m glad that I can share a little piece of yours 🙂
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And I’m so glad I can share it with you. It makes our world just that little bit smaller when we can all connect like this and share our experiences.
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This is such a beautiful post and you take us, the readers, along on this meditative journey, away from the ties of the modern digital world, to where time and inner peace allow us to take in each other totally. What a wonderful birthday present for your daughter and I’m not surprised she became hooked on horses and that lifestyle. So happy to have stumbled across your blog.
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Thanks Annika, lovely to meet you and have you read my post. Yes, it was a wonderful experience for not only my daughter but for all us, we definitely learned to appreciate the slow pace of life on this trip. Thanks again for dropping by my blog.
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What a wonderful experience!
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Thank you. It was definitely unique, one I’ll always remember.
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Amamzing…. You take the readers along with u on this mediattive journey. You r right the journey is as much fun as the destination.. Lovely dear
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Thanks, I’m so glad you enjoyed.
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great nap
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gosh I love this journey along with you in Australia….thanks. 🙂
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Wow! What a fantastic holiday.
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It really was!
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