Sometimes the best travel is right on our doorstep … even when things don’t go as planned.
Last Sunday hubby and I decided to go on a spur of the moment drive into the Toolangi State Forest, just over an hour from home.
I downloaded a map of the area, packed a thermos of coffee, donned my hiking boots and off we went.
Despite the grey skies I was looking forward to the drive and some easy bushwalking.
Our first stop was at the bottom of a track leading to the St Leonard’s Lookout tower.
The air was cold, it was cloudy and foggy and I wondered how much we’d see at the top.
Sure enough, reaching the summit we were rewarded with more of the same … cloud, fog and a white horizon of nothingness.
We could hardly see but it didn’t matter. It was invigorating.
Coming back down the fog started to lift. Next stop was WirraWilla Rainforest Walk that felt like something out of a fairy tale.
So mystical and eerie and so peaceful.
It’s hard to believe this magical place is just an hour from home.
Who else loves discovering local places? Just a few weeks ago we enjoyed the Rainforest Gallery near Mount Donna Buang, also not too far away from Toolangi.
The elevated boardwalks take you high above the treetops, immersing you in nature.
Out on the tracks things can change in an instant. Like last Sunday at Toolangi.
There we were, happily driving out of the forest, when the next minute we were stopped in our tracks.
A massive log had fallen across the road, completely blocking our way through.
Doug, as optimistic as always, thought he could drive over it but a loud thump put an end to that.
Suddenly the car was hung up on the fallen log.
There was mud everywhere, we couldn’t go forwards, we couldn’t go backwards, the tyre was churning up the mud, spinning and going nowhere fast.
There was not a car in sight and it was getting dark.
I had visions of eating my Mothers Day dinner stuck in a dark forest, just us, a museli bar and coffee, waiting for help (though I suppose there could be worse things in life.)
However, my intrepid husband is prepared. To the point that inside his “man box” in the back of the ute is a chainsaw.
Does that say something about our off road adventures?
After much effort, he was able to cut through the log, dislodged it and, hooray, we got through.
No emergency rescue was needed and we were back home in time to enjoy a civilised dinner.
So there you have it … proof that you can have fun, drama and adventurous travel close to home. You just need to be prepared!
As you go about this week, look around and find the beauty, it’s there. There’s always something new to be discovered when you look at the world with appreciative eyes.
Every day is a trip into the unknown and a world of wonder and fun can unfold if we take a step away from our usual routine.
It doesn’t have to be major stuff either.
Be a tourist in your own city for the day. It can be cheap and lots of fun exploring new places.
Break out of old patterns if you’re bored. Change the way you go to work, check out a new café, pack something new for lunch or walk a new route with the dog.
Smile and strike up a conversation with a stranger, who knows where it might lead. Maybe to a new friendship or maybe just a fleeting feeling of connection.
Wishing you bright skies ahead, a clear path and the peace (and imagination) to always find your way forward.
In response to: Frank’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: Travel
and also sharing for Jo’s Monday walks
“Every day is a trip into the unknown and a world of wonder and fun can unfold if we take a step away from our usual routine.” Thank you! I needed that reminder. No one should sit behind a computer day after day! I’m out of here 🙂
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Good for you Ann. 🙂
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Amazing. I travel with a lot of back-up gear, but never with a chainsaw. Impressive.
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Yep, that’s my man!
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Trail looks so relaxing =) Thanks for sharing and happy travels!
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Thanks Choi and also for dropping by.
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my pleasure
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Beautiful place. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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You’re very welcome.
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What a fantastic post! I love that this beautiful place is practically on your doorstep. Stunning rainforest walk by the look of it. And that chainsaw saved the day.
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It sure did Kim! And yes, that rainforest walk is absolutely gorgeous, cool in summer and mighty cold right now.
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I struggle with cold but I’d try to cope for that lovely scenery!
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😎
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Breaking out of the routine is always invigorating. There was a time when me and wife used to go out every weekend, not so long ago. Things have changed, but we still go out frequently.
The trees look quite tall. I don’t think they are Sequoia though?
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No they’re not Alok. I think they’re Mountain Ash. Hope you manage to get out for some more weekend outings again soon.
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Such lovely pictures. The side view of your vehicle reminds me of a snarling jungle cat!
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Oh really? I’ll have to go back and look! Thankfully we didn’t encounter any wild jungle cats! 😊
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Thank goodness! 🙂
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😊
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Thank goodness for the chainsaw! I agree that exploring locally can be just as fun as visitimg somewhere far away.
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Absolutely! Thanks so much Magarisa.
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You’re welcome, Miriam. ♥
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What a magical day. Boy your husband was well prepared! Have a great week. 😍
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Thanks Brigid, you too.
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A chainsaw??? What a man! He’s a keeper, Miriam, but you knew that. 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much for thinking of me. I love it when it starts out grey and the sun peeps through. It’s always there, isn’t it? Sometimes we have to look harder than others.
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We sure do Jo. But it’s so worth it, thanks! 🙂
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Sounds like an adventure! I can’t imagine keeping a chainsaw in my car. Ha!
It’s snowing in Colorado, but the sun will shine again soon.
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Mm, sounds gorgeous. Enjoy that sunshine Susie. 😊
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I love those rainforest images, it looks like a magical place! So glad your husband packed that chainsaw ;o) xxx
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Me too Xenia, thanks. xo
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☺💖 xxx
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Isn’t it amazing to have an innovative and prepared spouse! Turns those adventures that could otherwise become disappointments into memorable moments. And loved that several of the photos of showed you moving forward happily and with so much confidence Miriam. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Aw, thanks so much Gabe. Yes, always forward. I hope you’re having a good week.
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Thank goodness for husbands with chain saws!! We carry one most days as well. Beautiful pictures!
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Knew there was a reason why we were friends! Thanks Jess 💕
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❤️❤️
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So the lesson I’m taking from this post is that I should always carry a chainsaw haha!
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Yep, ya just never know 😊lol
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Since I don’t drive, I wonder if I can get a mini chainsaw that will fit in my purse.
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Now that’s a good invention, wonder if anyone’s ever thought of it.
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I’ll get right on it. I might make….thousands….haha!
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😀😎
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Amazing adventure Miriam!! You have a resourceful husband there!! And loved the forested photos– being in the woods is my favorite. thanks Miriam!! Hope your week is running a little more smoothly!! hugs!
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Thanks Rhonda. Yes, it’s been a quiet but nice week. Hope yours has been a good one too. Hugs back xo
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I really thought you were going to say………”Spider ” “Snake” !!!!! but no a tree ! I am very impressed with the chainsaw !! Take care, so pleased to see you are having fun……………….
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Haha, your comment made me smile. No snakes or spiders this time Brooke, thank God. 🙂
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Wonderful! Sorry about the car, but way to be prepared!
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All’s well that ends well. Thanks Wendy.
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What a man!
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Careful, he’ll get a big head! 🙂
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Wow what an adventure and talk about prepared. What a beautiful place an hour away. And it is great to do something new and change it up. We had a two days of changing it up
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Ooh, sounds good Bella. Hope you did something wonderful.
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Went to a great talk on tuesday and yesterday helped out in the kitchen at our charity brahma kumaris yesterday as it was somes ones last rights… and we had may be over 100 people
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Sounds as though you’ve had a busy week.
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And work is busy but nice
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That’s good.
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Thank you for the reminder to try something different. I will do just that.
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Good for you …
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Good job Doug! Looks like a lovely place to wander in.
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Doug would surely say “thanks mate” if he was here.
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I loved this! We always have a hatchet in the truck, but a chainsaw? Tempted…
Great post, the pictures and the story!
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Glad you enjoyed PC, it was a fun day out. Have a fabulous weekend and don’t forget the chainsaw. 🙂
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Miriam, I enjoy your posts so very much. What a great adventure not far from your home. The fern-like trees in the forest photos are fantastic. Your message to enjoy the day I have right in front of me shines through the fog. Keep shining your light my friend.
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Ah, what a beautiful comment Ali, thank you so much. Have a lovely day.
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Yay for clever husbands. Lucky he had that chainsaw. And even luckier that you have this beautiful place not far away.
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Absolutely! Thanks Carol.
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Hello dear Miriam,
A beautiful post and with more detail about your off road adventure! What a well prepared hubby you have. I’m sure it’s bringing you many laughs… now!
Thank you for the reminder about exploring and keeping our hearts and minds open to new experiences. Some really are right under our nose, as you suggested. Have a lovely weekend my friend. Hugs 🙋🏻💕💕
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Thanks Di, hope you have a wonderful weekend too. 💕
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🍁💕
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“Break out of old patterns if you’re bored.” – This speaks to me, I have become a veritable creature of habit – I need to rebel. Thanks for the reminder.
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You and me both at times Claudette. Here’s to being a rebel and letting lose, out of our comfort zone. 🙂
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Lovely, Miriam. A few days ago I did the same, headed down to the forests around Noojee in West Gippsland. So refreshing.
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Oh I love it down there. Did you visit the old trestle bridge?
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Yes. Fabulous.
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A superb post, Miriam. It has drama, beauty, adventure, and averting disaster. As you know, we have our own forest, far less impressive, but yet offering new experience on every visit.
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What an awesome comment, thanks Derrick. How wonderful to have your own forest. Enjoy.
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Wow, your husband really does come prepared! But what a great example of just dealing with whatever comes our way. And that forest trail looks just beautiful, different from the forests where I live. Keep moving forward, Miriam, and keep enjoying the journey! Happy (belated) Mother’s Day, too!
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Thanks Ann, yes Doug is often prepared and tends to pretty much take things in his stride anyway. As another weekend beckons I hope it’s a wonderful one for you. Hugs
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Did you bump into Mogli while there? 😀
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Haha, thought I saw his cousin 😊
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Amazing! beautiful landscapes!
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Thanks very much Jonatan
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Lovely photos, Miriam. As I read through your post, I began imagining what would have happened had your husband not had the chain saw in the car. Hmmmm…could have lead to a night with your hubby in the car, in the woods, under the stars, all alone….yet another adventure. 🙂
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Haha, and my son at home waiting for his dinner ! But I love the way you think. 😏
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what a delightful adventure and photos Miriam … you tell the story well! Guess your hubby was a boy scout? 🙂
My favourite local adventure is the fascinating characters I meet thru my voluntary work … people always have an interesting story to tell!
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They absolutely do. And what a fantastic way to connect with others by sharing their stories. Have a fabulous weekend Kate. And yes, many years ago, very briefly, Doug was a Boy Scout. 🙂
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ah I’m usually right, had him pegged … enjoy your weekend Miriam!
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You too Kate.
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I definitely need to get out more. It’s been too long since I left town. Thanks for the inspiration!
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No worries Paul. Hope you manage to get out soon.
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Miriam, good idea to have an “all eventualities box” in your car, although a chainsaw would probably not be on most people’s car boot hahaha. It does make for a great story though… Great blog you have here 🙂
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Thanks so much Gilda. And yes, you’re quite right, a chain saw is definitely not in most people’s car boots, haha. Hope you’re having a great weekend.
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Wow! That’s some adventure! I’d have freaked out and thought of all the worst case scenarios. lol! We’ve got so much to learn from the two of you. I’m inspired! These days, we’re spending lazy days binge watching movies and shows. Hope your dental treatment is going well. Hugs!
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Lazy days and watching movies sounds pretty good to me Cheryl. Unlike that dental treatment which continues tomorrow. A necessary evil 😏 Thanks for asking. Hugs back
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All the best! I hope it goes through without a hitch.
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Thanks Cheryl. 🙂
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We used to live in Kinglake in the late 80s early 90s. One warmish Winter we visited Mt St Leonard. The second tower had only just been built; the one you climbed was still being used as a fire tower. The gate to the new tower was locked with a chain but the chain was long! We slipped through quite easily and straight up the stairs to that wonderful view. I think one of my blog posts has a photo from up there. We were above a sea of flog. It was absolutely spectacular. We used to camp regularly on Murrindini River and would often come home to Kinglake that way. Thanks for the memories.
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So did you climb the first tower that’s now off limits? How awesome, but it’s huge! No way would I go up there now, I’ve become a bit of a chicken and a scaredy cat when it comes to heights in my old age.
Glad it brought back some happy memories Mick, it’s a great area (camped at Murrindindi fairly recently). Cheers.
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No the tower we climbed was quite safe with stairs all the way except for the last bit. Maybe its the tower you climbed. Maybe the pulled down the old tower. Who knows. I’m a scaredy cat with ladder type towers too.
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Hmm maybe it is. Glad I’m not the only scaredy cat round here!
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Awesome post! I have to admit that I think Doug could have made it across that log in my truck 🙂
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Most probably . We just didn’t have quite enough height. 🙂
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Phew…glad you’re both safe! I just had to laugh at how, of course, your husband has a chainsaw in the car!! I have an umbrella! I love the sound of your adventure, the ferns are magical and yes, it’s like a fairytale setting. Here’s to new adventures…nearby and far! 😀❤️
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Haha, loved your comment, an umbrella! Yep, that’s in my car too. Good thing we didn’t take my car! Thanks again Annika. 🙂
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I love this post… started out with Thermos of coffee on a gray day to the beautiful rainforest walk and best of all the chainsaw escape! Lovely Miriam! You live in such a beautiful place. Is pinch myself! 😌Great post!
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Thanks Nicole, it really was a gorgeous place. Which reminds me, I must get back to your blog soon and catch up on your Costa Rica posts. 💕
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A good reminder that we can discover new things just on the doorstep. My post for Frank’s challenge last week was on Thailand but I’ve decided this year that I want to travel more in the UK (which is where I live) as it has lots of magical places too. Have a lovely week. 🙂
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Hi Judith, yes it’s amazing how much of our own country we can sometimes miss. Happy travels!
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The trail looks beautiful. Good thing that your husband has a well-equipped “man box”. Ours have never been quite that thorough! 🙂
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Yep, that’s my man … well-equipped! 🙂
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This is the second post of yours I read. I liked and enjoyed how slowly and easily you bring up a beautiful message by living through it.
It’s very persuasive and make the feet or mind to believe and act.
It’s very awakening …I must say.
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Thank you so much for your lovely words here. I appreciate your comment and you dropping by.
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That’s lovely foliage.
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Thank you very much.
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Wow that Rainforest was amazing. What a fun, exciting day. I bet you were never so happy to see a chainsaw!! I love how you are always going some place I need to start doing that more. So happy you made it back home safe and sound, and had a civilized dinner…although…Hugs xo
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What a great read! Very descriptive 🙂 we are hoping to get onto this trail one day soon 🙂 any tips? Check out the trails we done so far to if your interested, appreciate your advice and support.
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Hi Zane, I’ve just dropped by your blog. You have done some amazing trails. Clearly we both share a similar love of the great outdoors 🙂
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More proof that I need a truck. Our Wrangler is really fabulous when it comes to off-road obstacles, downed trees included, but there have been times where a chainsaw really would have made the difference. I’ll have to see what Niecie thinks of adding one to our kit!
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No harm in asking! 😊
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