The Three Musketeers

Posted on by Miriam

“The three Musketeers” was how my sister dubbed us as we set off on our six week adventure to Central Australia, the heart and soul of my gorgeous country.

Well, we’re not exactly a swashbuckling trio and I wasn’t quite wrestling crocs, but my hubby, my 16yo son and yours truly have just returned from an unforgettable road trip.

We’ve crossed five states, travelled just over 9100kms and set up camp 25 times.

My son wasn’t overly keen on coming, at least not initially, but as the trip drew nearer and with his school exams over, his excitement grew.

I think the idea of a long car trip and time to chill and read on the road began to fill his thoughts. It certainly filled mine.

That’s my son in the distance, doing a bit of a Forrest Gump.

The thought of getting away from the normal routine became more alluring. Adventures just waiting to be had …

And we had plenty of them.

Like our three days at Glen Helen in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

This beautiful area is filled with amazing places to explore. Gorges, walking tracks leading to pristine water holes and towering bluffs.

We explored on land and we marvelled at it all from the air.


Here we are after our exhilarating flight which took us high over the majestic gorges of the area.

Then there were our three days in and around Bowen Queensland where we filled our quota of sunshine with swimming, exploring and being on the water.

But it’s not always easy keeping a teenager happy and there were times we left him to do his own thing.

I guess that’s the thing with extended travel, it takes a bit of compromise and a lot of communication.

They say that two’s company but there’s also power in three.

The three of us became expert at setting up the camper in record time.  We had our routine down pat and it didn’t take long to pull together and set up camp.

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Arriving at Lake Hart – we had the place to ourselves
Lake Hart
Settling in at Lake Hart – so peaceful, so quiet.
Three place settings for dinner and three camp chairs around the fire.

Life’s pretty simple really.

At the end of the day, with good food, a warm campfire and a gorgeous view there’s not much more we need.

Last week the three of us had the pleasure of meeting fellow WP blogger Kate from the Sunshine Coast.

Kate is an absolute delight, a genuine wordsmith and meeting her was yet another highlight of our trip.

We spent a wonderful few hours getting to know each other as we enjoyed a beach walk and then lunch at a local cafe. You can read her account of our meeting here.

Photo courtesy of Kate from Aroused
So here I am, back home again, and despite the bitterly cold weather, I am finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.


Even though my wonderlust for travel has been far from quenched I’m happy to be right where I am.

Slowly but surely I look forward to reading and catching up with you all.

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“One for all and all for fun!”

Happy travels, dream big and where ever you are keep enjoying the journey.

Sharing for Frank’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: Three

118 thoughts on “The Three Musketeers”

  3. the three musketeers, what a really apt name 🙂

    I so enjoyed meeting all of you in person and was impressed with Daniel. Lake Hart looks simply stunning and love your spiky lizards … what an amazing adventure. I’m sure you’re glad to be home again but will start planning the next trip soon … only 3 weeks until I take off 🙂

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    1. Can’t deny that hitting the road again sounds mighty appealing but I suppose we should finish paying off this trip first! 😏
      Yes, I agree, it was great to meet. I’m so glad we got the chance to before you head off. Hope the preps are all going well. Caught up with my sister tonight. She’s also heading off in three weeks to do the Camino walk in Spain. 🙂

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  5. So i read kate’s article about meeting up with you..i was thrilled actually when she mentioned you will be posting soon about your adventure..
    As you know by now..i never was an outdoor person nor i will be in the nearest future but every time i read about your travels i sure wann do the same..
    I love your photos as well…and i love that you travel with your family…there’s just so much and so many memories created during adventures like this …and sharing that experience with your family is wonderful…one day i will go out on an adventure too…☺

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    1. You will Mich, and you know what, it doesn’t have to be far away. The best adventures can sometimes be right on our doorstep. Creating memories is just the best and I’m so glad our son was with us too. If our daughter could have come as well that would have been perfect but never mind, that’s life. It was great to meet up with Kate as well. Take care. x

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  8. Hi Miriam, it is just great to hear from you. Your account is so wonderful and with many life truths embedded. You three musketeers really are a team, and a unit. How perfectly you get everything to yell and harmonise with the nature you are travelling in.
    Thanks for letting us see so much of Australia without flying
    24 Hours or so.😊🦋
    miriam

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  9. Welcome back Miriam.. What an adventure.. so loved your photo shares, and I agree, while we are away and within our adventures and holidays, we enjoy every moment.. But there is nothing like coming back home and being within your own bed..
    Wishing you a Peaceful weekend..
    Sue 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Sue. You’re quite right, there’s nothing quite like waking up in your own bed, especially when it’s freezing cold outside! Still, I have to say I’ve never breathed more fresh air than when I was away. Hope you’re well. A peaceful weekend to you too. x

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  11. I’ve wondered where you’ve been, Miriam! What in incredible journey you’ve been on. And how fun to meet a fellow blogger in person. I especially loved the symbolic picture of the two of you shadowing your son, who wanted to do some things on his own. A great piece!

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  14. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your road trip and all your adventures, Miriam. We’re counting down to our next caravan trip and, like you, I am yearning for the freedom of being on the road. I think you’ll be giving us ideas for future trips too.

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  15. Welcome Baaack. Lovely post and your selection of photos is great, Love the Forest Gump shot too. Then the one with the shadow with the shadowy character in the hoody, Haha. You sure covered a lot of ground. I look forward to all the posts and more photos from the trip. I will send you a text later. Glad to have you back safe and sound.

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    1. Thanks so much Louise. Yes we did cover a lot of ground but nothing felt rushed, it was just so nice and quite liberating being on the road. I could quite happily have continued on had Doug not needed to go back to work and Daniel to school. Still, guess we still need to pay the bills. 😏 Look forward to another catch up at some stage. xo

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    1. He didn’t get too far, just enough to raise a sweat. And yes PC, we had a fabulous time. Hope you’re well and enjoying some of your own adventures. 😊

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  21. Welcome back!! It sounds like you had an amazing time and your pics have been gorgeous. I hope the weather at home isn’t too bad, it’s freezing cold here, so you’re probably not much warmer. I love your travels and your thoughts on everywhere you’ve been and am so glad you became the three musketeers, that made me smile!! We’re off this week to walk in the Flinders Ranges for the rest of the month and probably won’t be able to post very often. Lovely to have you back, I’ve missed you 😊😊

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    1. Thanks so much Deb, it’s nice to be back, even though part of me still hankers to be on the road. The weather’s actually not too bad here today, it’s cold but at least the sun is out, at least for now. The Flinders, wow, that’s awesome. I absolutely love it up there. Enjoy it all, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. xo 😊

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  24. Hello dear Miriam…
    What a gorgeous surprise to see your post.
    It tells of such happy times spent together exploring this land.
    Your images are beautiful and how wonderful that you were able to meet with calmKate. Very special.
    Thank you for a lovely look at your adventures and wishing you well upon your return now.
    Hug to you from me 💕🙋🏻

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    1. Yes, it really was very special meeting Kate. She’s quite a remarkable woman. And thank you so much for your kind words on my post. We really do live in an amazing country. Hugs back xo 💕

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      1. You’re welcome Miriam…and yes we do.
        It’s so lovely to meet people who are as lovely in real life as their words allow us to feel…😍
        Until soon 🙋🏻💜

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  27. Oh Miriam, I love this! I’ve been thinking about you and sending so much love.

    The photo of the three of you is precious!! And so cool that you got to be on a helicopter.

    I’ll be out of town this coming week at a spiritual retreat so off blogging until next week. Know that you are in my heart.

    Love and blessings, Debbie

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    1. Thank you so much sweet Debbie. I’m so very behind in all of my reading but will slowly get back to your blog. Hope your retreat is wonderful. Sending you hugs and lots of love xo 💕

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  28. I can’t imagine how wonderful getting to take a six-week trip with your husband and son must have been! Those are the kind of memories you will never forget, and which bind you even closer together as a family. And I loved your photos….you visited some amazingly beautiful places.
    Was the helicopter ride scary? I’m a little afraid of heights, so I’ve never done one, but I imagine the views are fabulous!

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    1. Hi Ann, no the helicopter flight wasn’t scary at all, if anything it was exhilarating and surprisingly smooth in the air, an amazing experience. Actually the whole six weeks was amazing, feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a long period away. Hope you’re well. Lots of your posts and reading to catch up on. 🙂xo

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  32. Wow 25 times setting up camp, never gave that much thought. I would imagine you three can now do it in your sleep! What a marvelous opportunity of a lifetime you all had, I’m so glad Daniel went with you and I bet he is too. So many beautiful things to learn and see about our Earth and his country. It was so fun following your adventure along the way and enjoying all the sights with you. And boy were there some gorgeous sights to be seen. As much as I loved seeing all that you were seeing I’m grateful to have you back home to talk with more often. I missed you so much!! Welcome home Miri…Happy Hugs my sweet friend!! xo

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    1. Aw, you’re so sweet Deb. I must admit I’m happy to be home. Even though that nomadic part of me still yearns for more adventures it’s also nice to be surrounded by the comforts of home, family and friends. And that includes all my blogging friends, like you! It was awesome having you along for the ride and sharing in my adventures. Gosh we had a great time and I was so happy that Daniel was with us too. Hopefully it’s an experience he’ll always remember. I think it opened his eyes a lot to the bigger world out there.

      Yep, I missed you too Deb but I’m back now so we can start making some more music together. Yay! Good night my friend. Sweet dreams and we’ll talk more soon xo

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      1. It’s good to yearn for adventure and home, it’s the best of both worlds. Yeah I agree, Daniel got a taste of what it’s like beyond his backyard. Now we’ll see if he possesses his mother’s wanderlust.
        Yes I look forward to many more songs in our future too!! It’s time for me to start my day as you end yours. Have a wonderful evening Miri. Big hugs xo 🌷

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        1. Thanks Deb and you have a great Monday. Hope the week ahead is a happy one for you. Look forward to more of our musical collaboration when things settle down a bit. Hugs and talk soon xo 🙂

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    1. Thanks Jo. That was Kings Canyon. One day soon I hope to do a detailed post on this walk, it was just so amazing, and I’ll link it to your Monday walks. 😊

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  38. It sounds like the trip was fabulous. Love the photos and I’m sure your memories will keep you warm until the next time. And trust me Melbourne has beautiful weather compared to some of the places we’ve experienced this winter! Can you put your 11 degrees in an envelope and post it to us please?

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  39. You definitely explored Australia the right way, by foot, by air, by boat. Wow that would be tough to leave when having so much fun but to have the realization of the importance in finding the extraordinary in the ordinary is awesome, it’s not something we often notice to do in our ordinary lives.

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    1. Hey, you’re so right, yes it was tough to leave the adventures behind. I could quite happily have kept traveling but reality calls, we also have to pay the bills! 🙂 Thanks for your great comment.

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  45. This post made me smile so big, Miriam, because it warms my heart knowing that you had such a memorable trip. And how nice to see a photo of you all looking so remarkably happy! What I love about you so much is that you are back home, settling in after a trip of a lifetime and you are ‘finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.’ You are amazing and inspire me so much! xo

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    1. Aw thanks so much Tanya, that really means a lot. You’re right, it really was a trip of a lifetime. I loved it all but you know what, every day is a gift and we can’t always be on holidays but we can still live like we are! There’s so much to be thankful for in everyday life. Thank you lovely lady. xo

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