A Dubious Detour

Posted on by Miriam

Have you ever made a decision, knowing instinctively in your gut that things could turn pear shape? And later realised you had little choice but to go through with it, regardless of the consequences.

Who would have thought we’d end up in this mess.

That was us a few weeks ago. Let me backtrack and set the scene.

We’ve travelled into the hills and tracks of the Strathbogie Ranges, our first camping trip after lockdown restrictions had eased. Everything was perfect. We’d found a peaceful camp site at James Reserve in Lima East and had collected our wood and warmth for the coming nights.

On this sunny winter afternoon we had enjoyed an invigorating walk to the summit of the Rocky Ned lookout. A couple of hours later, back in the car, we found ourselves sitting at a cross roads.

At Rocky Ned lookout, before the drama

From our map we could see that Rocky Ned Track lead to another one down the bottom, a shorter way that would take us back to camp. So, my intrepid husband says ‘let’s take it’.

Down we go. But it’s not long before the track begins to get steeper, rockier and muddy. I’m holding on and taking photos simultaneously.

Three quarters of the way down we’re crawling in low range and manoeuvre VERY carefully down a rocky embankment. Crunch! A few choice words follow and I remember thinking how glad I am that we don’t have to come back the same way. Little did I know.

Finally we’re at the bottom and we can see the other track that was on our map. But that’s when my heart sinks. In front of it a HUGE tree has been placed and there’s absolutely no way we can get around it, even with a chainsaw on board. There’s also a bog hole of mud in front of it. We can’t go forward and we can’t go back. We can’t even get our wheels out of the mud. We’re stuck.

  • A rocky descent
  • The hub in action
  • The winching begins

As the scenario unfolded, the worry and fear started to creep in. Who am I kidding, it barged in! No one knew we were down there, it was just us and the rapidly disappearing winter sun. And we had no phone service.

Inside the panic monster was settling in. My mind was imagining all sorts of stranded scenarios. But hubby, at least on the surface, was calm and collected. Thankfully we had a winch on our car. We’d only used it once, locally, and never by ourselves. I had no idea how it operated but I was about to find out.

Over the next couple of hours the adrenalin kicked in as I scrambled up hills and got scratched to smithereens, through the pine forest. I was bellowed instructions from the other half as I learned how to secure the winch onto forest trees. Worries were pushed aside as we relied on each other and became a team in the truest sense. Slowly and with determination we managed to winch our car back up the steep track.

  • Do I look calm?
  • Up we go
  • Almost at the top again

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles. Charlie Chaplin

I’ll never forget the feeling of exhilaration and relief when we reached the top. Much later, arriving back to camp, our peaceful site had been overtaken. Since we’d left, dozens of cars and campers had rolled up and there were campfires, music and people everywhere. Ordinarily I would have been peeved that our peaceful camp had been disturbed. But instead I was SO happy and grateful to be back amongst it all. There, in our cosy creek side corner was our van and it had never, ever, looked so good. Gratitude, it’s the elixir of life.

So, lessons from our afternoon:

The mind is powerful, so incredibly powerful. It can either work for us or against us. At the start of all the drama I allowed the fear to overwhelm me. But, as soon as I shifted my focus on the solution and not the problem, my focus changed. I won’t say the fear disappeared but it faded into the background. And I was able to concentrate on what I had to do.

We’re stronger than we think. And when we set our minds to something we can achieve it, one way or another. Determination, tactical thinking, hard work and a willingness to do what it takes goes a long way. We simply don’t give up.

Listen to your gut. If something doesn’t feel right don’t ignore the feeling. How often do we we ignore that little spark of intuition and then afterwards look back and realise how differently things could have been.

We can manifest what we think, the good and the otherwise too. I remember thinking, before we went down the track, how we rarely have trouble on our adventures. I pondered how a bit of action would spice life up. Oh girl, be careful what you wish for! See what happens when we put thoughts into the Universe.

I can laugh about it now. I have loads of action pics and another story to tell and sell. Would we have gone down that track if we’d known it was blocked at the other end? Definitely not. Do I regret it? Not on your life, because that’s what it’s all about, taking the occasional detour, the surprise turn and the road less travelled, even when we don’t know what’s there.

It’s about living life with no regrets, embracing it, with all of its ups and downs, the good times and the crazy times. Yes, we might make some mistakes along the way, but that’s when we learn all those life lessons that make up our story, and that’s when we discover what we’re capable of.

Here’s to daring to be brave, taking a chance or two and not being afraid of the unknown.

Keep enjoying the journey, wherever you are in the world, and be open to the aliveness that comes from embracing the unexpected and being spontaneous. Life might be uncertain in 2020 but perhaps that’s the most important reason of all, to grab it with both hands and live it fully.

In love and light

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”

113 thoughts on “A Dubious Detour”

  3. Oh my word! I’m happy everything turned out okay and you both are safe. So many valuable lessons learned from an experience like this. Our mind is truly incredibly powerful. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story with us. Stay safe!

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  4. I always remember the challenges and unexpected on any hike or trip. Great post with thoughts to ponder in this uncertain time. I feel like I must hike everyday and everything in case I get sick an can’t! Memories are important.

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    1. Hi Deb, it’s so true, our memories are so important. And it’s usually the mishaps that we remember more than anything. Stay safe and happy hiking.

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  8. Oh my goodness, Miriam. There are SO many messages and words of wisdom contained in your adventure that can be applied to our present day circumstances. You are so right in saying when we shift our perspective from that of fear to the solution, our fears do evaporate. All of your tips are right on and I hope, cross fingers, that those who read your words THINK how they can apply what you learned and know, to their lives. What a fantastic post! Sending much love to you and hubby!! xo

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    1. Thanks so much Amy. It really is amazing how much our perception of life can change when we don’t allow fear to cloud and take over. But I’ll be honest, out there, for a little while, it was a challenge. Here’s to rising above those fears and yes, learning from them. Take care my friend. Sending love and hugs back your way. xx 🌷

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      1. I AM very aware how differently life can “look” from different “lenses”. As a photographer, just as you, I realize that what I present always comes from a particular perception, that of love. With that in mind, “think” about what the media is presenting …. only what they want you to see and hear. I “get it”. I as a photographer only get the viewer to see what I WANT them to see and nothing more. Just a wee bit of food for thought which I believe you can relate to. (smile)
        I toast to yes rising above our fears. This is exactly what this present time in history is all about. Facing our fears to be able to then experience strength, wisdom, and heaven on earth with love and only love held deep within our hearts. One cannot know what love IS until that one understands what love is NOT. Much love to you, dear friend!! xo

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        1. Wise words Amy. It’s interesting isn’t it and I totally get what you said about perception and photography. And it really is like that in the media today, as they give us bits and pieces of what they want us to see and hear to perpetuate the fear. I guess that’s why I limit what I watch and listen to. Here’s to looking at the world through a lens of love, peace and hope. Stay well xx

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  9. What an adventure … resilience and teamwork win again!

    Love your attitude and ability to convey all situations into worthy lessons Miriam … a gifted writer and this one will sell well 🙂

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    1. Thanks very much Kate, such a kind thing to say. It was definitely a resilience building adventure, no doubt about that. One to remember. Hope you have a great Tuesday. 😊

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  11. Miriam, blimey! I’m so glad you’re both okay … what a way to learn a bit more about yourselves but you’re right, these are lessons that need to be hammered in at times. With such a resourceful husband you were luckily okay but I felt a rush of adrenalin just reading about the incident, no matter being there! A wonderful positive and ultimately uplifting post from your drama down the non-trail! Keep safe and taking the lesser travelled route might not be a good idea next time! hugs xx 😀❤️

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    1. Haha, you’re quite right Annika, though the track did in fact look fine when we set off. Just goes to show how quickly things can change. We would have been fine if it hadn’t been blocked off at the other end. Anyway, all’s well that ends well. Thanks for your lovely comment and I do hope you’re well and happy. Big hugs on a calm and sedate Tuesday in Melbourne. xx 😍

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  14. Oh my goodness, Miriam! What an adventure and great lessons learned. These are the things that make life interesting and make great stories for years to come. Good for you and the hubby for tackling it! My dad used to go off-road with his car all the time and leave big pieces of it behind. Miles and miles from civilization. I have a great memory of my cousin stuffing our fender into the back of the car and laughing hysterically. I’m looking forward to your next adventure. 😀

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    1. Haha, I have a big smile on my face Diana. I can just picture the scene. Thankfully our car was all in one piece when we emerged, though I think the bull bar might have been a bit bent out of shape. Thanks for sharing your memories and stories. They definitely make life interesting. Have a great week ahead. 😊

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  15. Phew, thank goodness there was a happy ending to this story even if you did have to share it with all the other campers. We came to a downhill track once which looked very inviting but when Mr ET decided we wouldn’t go down because we were on our own with no recovery gear I was quite relieved.

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  16. Oh, my, Miriam! I held my breath throughout your post, thank goodness you and your husband make such a good team, I can just imagine your racing thoughts with that winter sun waning…your life lessons are indeed lessons we can all take to heart especially this year and beyond…

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    1. Yes, I’ll admit Kim that initially the worries and negative thoughts were rampant. But thankfully all turned out okay. There are lessons in everything aren’t there!

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      1. I remember years ago being up country in a big truck that was used on a ranch and three of us drove up a rocky incline to check on the cattle and when we tried to take a sharp turn, the truck rolled over in what I felt was “slow motion” and thankfully, the truck did roll over slowly as the driver wasn’t speeding, it saved us from rolling over the edge of the gravel road. We jumped out safely and had a fairly long hike down the mountain…

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        1. Whoah, that sounds pretty hairy. And by the sounds of it could have been worse if the driver had been going faster. I have a few memories of near misses and crazy moments from my youth. Ahh, the silly things we used to do.

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  17. Oh My Miriam, what an adventure. You certainly are braver than you think, and I do agree, trust your gut, you learned so much that day. An absolutely exhilarating day. I bet you slept like babies that night. Briliiant. X

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    1. Haha, we certainly did Barbara. And dinner was thoroughly enjoyed too. At one stage I had visions of us being stuck out there in the cold with nothing but a museli bar while our van sat empty back at camp. But thankfully that wasn’t the case. x 🙂

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    1. That’s so kind of you to say, thanks Donna. And yes, it was a bit scary at the time. But, as they say, we live and learn. Hope you’re well. x

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  20. Fine teamwork, a memorable (mis)adventure, and all the proof you need that the road (far!)less traveled is the one to take. Mostly.
    Thanks, Miriam, I really enjoyed this, and glad you both did too. Afterwards, anyway!

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  21. Miriam, I was beside you all the way! What an ‘adventure’- scary at the time but ….. it conjured up memories for me of when my husband and I go comprehensively bogged on Cattle Water Pass a track in the East Macdonnell Ranges. 5 hours to get out and no phone! Definitely character and team building. Nothing will seem hard again. You excelled. Well done you both. (That track we got bogged on looks like it is now closed!! Haha).

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    1. Heather! Your adventure sounds even more exciting than ours. I loved the East Macdonnell Ranges but we certainly didn’t get bogged there. Great to have those sorts of memories isn’t it. I bet you’ll never forget it!

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        1. I know exactly what you mean. There’s something exciting about being on the road that just fuels our lust for action and adventure. Here’s to the next trip, wherever it is! Thanks Heather.

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  23. I’m so glad that everything turned out okay! But what a great story for our times: not to allow ourselves to live in fear, but instead to fight to find a solution with everything we have. That’s not only productive, it’s empowering. When we can do that, we become better, stronger, and often more compassionate people. SO glad I read this post today, it was just the reminder I need!

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    1. Thanks Ann, so glad my post served as a reminder for you. Makes me realise that maybe everything happens for a reason. And that when we don’t live in fear it’s empowering. Not always easy but definitely worthwhile. It was certainly a learning lesson, in more ways than one.

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  24. Love your story … and your final sentence 😎. Life could be pretty mundane without those rocky roads that challenge us to move forward by focussing on solutions to the problems we face. Your whole post is a wonderful metaphor for life 😎🚐

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  25. Oh shit! That’s what I’m thinking and feeling reading this, I can feel the panic rising too. Worst feeling in the world when you realise you’re in a predicament like this but luckily our survival adrenaline kicks in and determination gets us out. 🤞 True though it’s a great feeling to look back at dire times like this that make us stronger and wiser. Good onya Doug, what a team.

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    1. Team indeed! But yeah, there were lots of four letter words flying round that afternoon 😣 it was all pretty intense and full on for awhile. But all’s well that ends well fortunately. And bonus, I got another story out of it.😄

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  26. It scared me just looking at the photos, Miriam. My heart sank also in the first half of the reading. I agree, my mind would have had all kinds of scary scenarios. I’m glad you guys came out safe. What an adventure you had and what great lessons learned from that. Don’t we all want to have the answers in back of the book and just flip to it without guessing. What an inspiring post, Miriam!

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    1. Thanks Miriam and how true. If we had all the answers beforehand we’d probably not do half the things we do. Life’s decisions really do determine our path don’t they. Stay well. xx

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  28. YESSSS!!!! LOVE THIS!!! 🙂 Oh amiga lioness, we are so aligned in our attitudes once again. Isn´t a little daring adventure just the spice of life? When we reframe uncertainty as adventure and growth, it can become a completely different ballgame. So true what you said here – “Life might be uncertain in 2020 but perhaps that’s the most important reason of all, to grab it with both hands and live it fully.” I think the year 2020 is actually a master teacher on so many levels!! And YOU are a brilliant teacher, motivator, and all-around inspiring maverick, cara Miri!! Loved this post and ALL your conclusions and lessons, just fabulous. Also, thanks so much for your wonderful email, I was so happy to read it and will get back to you in the next days:) Gratitude IS the elixir of life, I completeley agree with you once again – thank you for sharing your magic with us!! Tanti baci y mucho more xoxoxo 💖💖

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    1. Ciao my cara amiga, oh I love your words here and I think you’re so right, 2020 is indeed a master teacher. It’s been such a huge year of change and of big life lessons that seem to be challenging us daily. I have to admit though, most days I feel more like a student than a teacher!! Still, I think we can all learn from each other can’t we. Thanks cara. Hope you’re having a good week and glad you got my email. Keep smiling my friend. Here’s to remembering that a bit of daring adventure is absolutely the spice of life. Big hugs to you and Lucky and tanti baci. xxxx 💕

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      1. Querida amiga, its great to feel more like a student than a teacher – Zen mind, beginner´s mind, wasn´t there a book title like that? Guess we are really at earth school here… is my feeling anyways:) Yes my friend, I am learning lots from you and your work is one of my favorite writing to read ever. No kidding. I feel a bit tired today and reading your beautiful words instantly uplifts and invigorates me!!! Thank you cara 🙂 Big hugs and my email is coming soon! ICant wait to chat with you also!!! So much love and big hugs cara amica 💕 xoxoxoxo

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        1. Ahh, I guess we’re both students of this crazy and beautiful earth school then hey. Good thing I’ve got you in my class. We can hang out and be rebels together! 😄 Thank you again for your wonderful words. Can’t wait to chat, both by email and in person. Till then, take care, rest up and sending big hugs. xxxx 🥰💕

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        2. YEAH I love the idea of hanging out and being rebels together 😄 Why do I hear a crazy cool guitar solo in the back of my mind now? 😄 LOL. Cant wait to chat either!! Take care sweet friend, big hugs!! You rock! 🥰💕 xoxo

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  29. HI, Miriam, what an adventure you have had this time. I’m so glad to hear that you are all doing well and everything turned good. You have had quite a frightening experience dear. Could see from the pictures too. But I loved your positive approach towards life and your wisdom is so inspiring. Keep safe and take care.

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  30. What an adventure, Miriam!! I’m so glad you were able to work your way out of it. You’ve shared some powerful lessons. I love that you are able to laugh about it and realize that so much is learned in the detours! Love that Chaplin quote. Keep embracing the journey, my friend!! xx

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  32. What an adventure and what a great story to be able to recount in the future. Not so great at the time of course but you both pulled together as a team and got out of the situation. It is amazing what we can achieve when we have to isn’t it? Bet you were really proud of yourself and each other when you got back, quite an achievement. Great story.

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  33. Wow. What an adventure. I agree, we get what we wish. You were able to understand the genesis of the action and immediately turn your thoughts around. That is wonderful. I really love the part where you could begin to focus on the solution. Very very important for everyone to read. A truly inspiring post.

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  35. What a harrowing experience. I completely understand the fear and panic. Something similar happened to me in Costa Rica when I was there accompanying a group of students studying abroad. Our second day there (we’d arrived very late the evening before after numerous flight delays) I was walking alone back to the Inn I was staying at from El Instituto, where the students gathered for classes, and I couldn’t remember the way. (The students were living with host families.) It was my first time walking back and though I had tried to carefully mark the route with landmarks on the way to El Instituto in preparation for walking back (the Innkeeper had driven me that morning), I had no idea where I was. I stopped several times to ask, in my broken Spanish, Donde esta El San Lorenzo Inn? but folks must have thought I was asking where the town of San Lorenzo was, because that’s where I ended up. It was starting to get dark and just that day at the students’ orientation we had been told multiple times to not be out alone after dark. I was truly panicked and afraid and almost in tears and no one I talked to spoke English and my Spanish was almost non-existent. I finally decided to stop thinking and go entirely with my gut. Somehow, it led me back. I was so happy when I saw the large sign with the arrow for the San Lorenzo Inn. I told the innkeeper the next day what had happened (using Google translate to speak to him), and he kindly drove me to El Instituto, and when we got there, he turned around and drove me back to the Inn, pointing out key landmarks along the way. Anyway, I know this is long, but I truly felt how you describe in this post. And I truly agree that when all else fails, go with your gut. It will always lead us to the way.

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    1. Hi Kim, wow, what a scary time! I could almost feel the fear and rising panic as you retold your story about getting lost in Costa Rica. It’s amazing isn’t it how quickly the mind can conjure up all sorts of scenarios when we’re placed in the unknown. I guess it didn’t help that you’d already had fear and worry instilled in you. But you listened to your gut and you got through. I love it. We’re stronger than we think. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

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  36. I always trust, and follow, my gut instinct these days as it is more often spot on, than not. It was also interesting to read how you found an adventure like this can change one’s perspective on crowded campsites!
    On getting stuck in the car:
    I really like that you focused on what you COULD do in that situation, not what you couldn’t.
    Being stuck in the gully as you were, it would be easy to succumb to strong emotions and that’s often when we seem to lose much of our abilities to think logically. You kept your cool! And were rewarded with success! A great story and adventure.
    Is that carwheel suspended in mid-air in the second photo?😲

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    1. Yep, it sure is Amanda. It was a tricky embankment and the angle we had to winch up was absolutely crazy! It was certainly an eye opening and learning experience for me as I’d never used a winch before.
      And yes to following our gut, it’s so important. Next time I’ll insist we stay on the main track!

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  37. I love your title, Miriam. You are right, sometimes there comes a point where you cannot turn back. Famous last words “Everything was perfect.” Suspense, “drama,” I am pulled in. You made me smile, on how you kept taking photos throughout it all.
    I do understand the concept of a winch, since we have had to use one in the past. I am exceptionally impressed how you worked as a team. I like how you shared the lessons. You are quite the story teller, Miriam. I am glad our paths crossed. I am very glad there is a happy ending to this story. I am also a huge believer when we put thoughts into the Universe. I loved everything about this post!

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    1. Ahh Erica, lovely lady and fellow adventurer, you’re the first person to write and say they’ve also used a winch! Yes, I kept taking photos, lol, even though I missed a few golden moments that were far too scary at the time and I was otherwise occupied. I think at the back of my mind I knew our misadventure could turn into another travel article down the track!
      Thank you so much for your kind words Erica. Glad to be able to share a few lessons with kindred spirits, of which clearly you are. 😊

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  39. I love that you were able to work together. You don’t mention blame for the predicament. You attacked the problem not each other. That doesn’t mean tempers did not flare or voices were not raised but you directed the focus to the problem. I cannot imagine your relief when you reached your campsite.

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    1. What a wonderful comment! And you’re absolutely right, I’d never thought of it but blame was the last thing in my mind. It was all about working together and solving the problem. Thank you! And yes, we were both mighty relieved!! 😊

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  40. Pingback: 10 Lessons I Learned From Writing My Own Eulogy – Behind the Scenery

  41. Thankfully, you were able to return to your campground safely. In regards to myself, I’m not nearly so brave…you certainly both were, something like that has only happened in my dreams. It had a happy ending and that is what is important. 😊

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  42. “Life might be uncertain in 2020 but perhaps that’s the most important reason of all, to grab it with both hands and live it fully.” – I love your attitude. Thanks for the armchair adventure. So glad you are safe.

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  43. Oh wow Miriam, Apart from remembering innate truths and wisdom, I bet you wished you saw a notice saying dead end! I feel the gasp as you realized your position, thank goodness for the winch and in the calmness inspiration comes. It sure does teach us to embrace everything and trust ourselves to get through tough times. Thanks for being so adventurous and sharing your journey! Much love, Barbara x

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    1. Hi Barbara, thanks for reading. It seems like such a long time ago now but I still remember that sinking feeling of dread. But then of optimism and hope. Kind of like the situation we’re in now a bit! We always get through our ordeals, one way or another! Much love back. xx

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  44. Pingback: Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives -Summer 2020- Pot Luck – 10 Lessons I Learned From Writing My Own Eulogy by Erica/Erika | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

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