Hippy Love at Lake Burrumbeet

Posted on by Miriam

Connections, good vibes and raccoons in canoes … no two days are the same when travelling. So it was at Lake Burrumbeet.

We left on the Friday night, a week ago, on the last weekend of summer. Our destination was the Lake Burrumbeet foreshore, a free camp about 20 minutes north of Ballarat, just over two hours from home.

On arrival we were stopped by an RACV vehicle. A van was bogged in soft sand near the lake and the RACV guy didn’t have the capability to pull him out. What sort of roadside service can’t pull out a stuck vehicle?

We couldn’t leave them stranded. So we approached the disheartened driver, whose van was well and truly stuck. His wife had gone walkabout to get help but we told him we’d go unhitch our van and return to lend a hand.

Connection sometimes happens when we least expect it.

Hubby has all the recovery gear and the knowhow to get out of a tricky situation. And so it was. Mission accomplished, we had two new and extremely grateful friends. Laughs, gratitude, conversation and hazelnut chocolate followed. We went back to our campsite, feeling like we’d known them for years.

Dinner was late that night, a post sunset meal savoured underneath a luminous full moon and the sounds of prolific bird life on the water near our campsite. Across the other side of the lake we could make out the lights and trucks on the freeway. It felt like a world away.

“Simple pleasures. Sit outdoors and listen, really listen.”

The following morning we met up with Gary and Glenda again., our new friends, and exchanged details before saying our goodbyes. The day passed amid walks around the lake and a drive to nearby Creswick. We strolled through town, stopping for a coffee, browsing in shops and galleries, photographing historic buildings. And then I found this guy and fell in love.

What a masked up, mischief maker!

This hippy raccoon on a canvas canoe, with the soulful eyes stared at me from behind the window of the town pharmacy. If I could have gone in and bought him I would, but the store was closed. By the time I rang the following week, he’d been sold. I guess he wasn’t meant to be mine.

We don’t have raccoons in Australia, his closest cousin is the possum. And I know they get a bit of a bad rap but he looks so cute. Perhaps he’s planning a big adventure. After all, raccoons are known to be flexible, adaptable, protective and resourceful. They’re also discerning.

Kinda how we need to be these days.

Back at camp there were no raccoons, only pelicans and water hens and a shoreline of river Redgum trees. There are about 200 of these amazing trees along the foreshore but one in particular caught my eye. Yes, I fell in love again.

What a magnificent tree, so wide, so huggable, so alive the energy was almost palpable. Like a wise old man with his feet entrenched in the Earth, with mysteries within. I stood beside it, in awe.

The next morning I felt drawn to it again, to hug it, talk to it. Yes, I’m a tree hugger from way back. How many of you are the same? Touching and connecting to a tree feels like reaching out to Source itself. When hubby suggested I step into it’s trunk it felt almost sacred.

“The forest holds answers to questions we have yet to ask.” Strength, love and freedom personified.

We have so much to learn and appreciate from nature, from trees and the Earth. Growth. Resilience. Tenacity. Strength. Wisdom. Acceptance. Flexibility. Unity. Trees stand together but have no judgement of the smaller or lankier tree next to it.

“Nature shows us how to live, love and grow alongside each other.” Angie Weiland-Grosby

We’re a tribe but our uniqueness is vital. Standing in our own truth, knowing our values and finding balance is so important in life. When I stood underneath that tree I felt miniscule yet somehow part of it and connected to something greater.

Unity consciousness. There’s an underlying sense that all that’s happening in our world is leading towards a huge and monumental shift, a massive disclosure that will change how we live and a remembering of who we truly are. Many of us are awakening to this, a higher consciousness.

When we have the conviction to express and stand for what we believe, we’re coming from our authentic core. So, be brave and fearless, listen to your heart. Step into your power and feel the freedom that comes from speaking your truth. Take a cue from the Earth and from what surrounds us. Lake Burrumbeet was filled with life and vibrancy, peace and abundance, all gifts that can be ours when we allow nature to anchor us in the moment.

Wherever you are, slow down, with each step, with each breath, with each sound, with each thought, with each thing that you notice, with each moment.

Love your life, for it’s precious, as we continue this extraordinary journey together.

In love and light.

Enjoy a minute of tranquility on Lake Burrumbeet

99 thoughts on “Hippy Love at Lake Burrumbeet”

  3. That was a darling raccoon. Too bad they are not that darling in real life. We have lots of raccoons. Pesky little critters. That was nice of you to rescue couple stuck in the sand. What a great looking tree. It looks like it has elephant feet. It looks like the lake is high with trees and tops of bushes sticking out of the water.

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    1. Hi Tim, I’m aware that raccoons in real life likely aren’t as sweet and innocent looking as this one was, and you confirmed it! And yes, that tree was truly amazing, as was the lake. Many of our lakes in Australia have trees poking out of them.

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      1. Out here, lakes will be low for years, then we get wet cycles, the lakes fill and we have a bunch of submerged vegetation and treetops sticking out of the water. Baby raccoons are super adorable, and they will try to take up with us when mama runs off faster than they do. But they grow up to be mean and ornery critters. They also carry ringworm, and sleep in their crap, so they are health hazards as well. Adult raccoons can weigh 35 to 50 pounds.

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        2. I think they would go for the Animal’s lyrics “Oh Lord please don’t let me be misunderstood!” Raccoons are simply too smart and too mischevious.

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  7. That was my initial thought, too, Miriam, about the roadside service not able to pull out a stuck vehicle. Wonderful how you and your husband were able to help and then the comraderie afterwards.

    I can see how it was love at first site. What a cutie! Raccoons often have an innocent look. We have many around here. When I used to walk very early in the dark before work, I often saw raccoon families crossing the road. I gave them wide berth. I have not seen a pelican in real life.

    You describe well how nature is a wonderful teacher. I especially like your phrase “…when we allow nature to anchor us in the moment.” Thank you again for sharing your love and shining your light, Miriam.💕

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    1. Thanks Erica. At least the RACV guy let us know they were stranded, otherwise we wouldn’t have known they were there! But crazy hey.
      Yes, it was love at first sight, for the raccoon, the lake, the tree. Nature never fails to amaze me. I love those pelicans too, such big impressive birds. Have a great week and steer clear of those raccoons! 😁

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  10. I’ve never seen Lake Burrumbeet with water in it – it’s beautiful. I remember well the year we went to the Burrumbeet picnic races on New Year’s Day, 1986. Mr ET’s uncle was a bookie and gave me a hot tip and I won $20. It was very exciting. 🙂

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  11. What a wonderful trip Miriam. Sounds like you made some great friends there, you’re so right about never knowing where connections will be made. Lake Burrumbeet looks beautiful although I do suspect that it’s yet another name you’ve just made up!

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  12. Those trees!!! What an adventurous spirit you have.
    Enjoy each moment Miriam. Your stories and travel are really inspiring.
    I haven´t seen a Raccoon here but one time I spotted near a river a giant Bieber ( No, not Justin Bieber!!!) munching on tree branches .His back is so wide that I thought he was a giant baby bear…lol but then I realized there can´t be bears near this area Haha..such a pleasure to see. Looks like he was totally famished that he doesn´t care people are watching.
    Ciao!

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  14. Miriam, I’m smiling how your husband came to the rescue! 😀 It’s great you were there to help. Did they have a plan B?

    Oh the lake is glorious and as for that tree – WOW! I know what you mean about it feeling almost sacred. I would give it a gentle pat in awe and acknowledge its gift to the natural world, to us. It’s been wonderfully healing to travel with you a little, even if from afar! Reminding us of a life very different from the one we can live at the moment. Have a calm and peaceful drift into Autumn! hugs xx😀❤️

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    1. Hi Annika, always lovely to hear from you. I think their Plan B was to walk and find help, which is what his wife was doing when we first saw her! Otherwise they would have stayed bogged. Life’s crazy adventures!
      So happy to share my small travel tales snd I do hope it’s not too long before you can go out and experience your own. A big thanks for your kind words and hugs. Sending many back your way. xx 💕

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  16. I loved this whole post, but especially what you said about standing firm in our convictions, yet understanding how connected we are to the earth and to each other. There’s so much truth in that! I’m glad you were able to help that couple (and yeah, why wouldn’t roadside assistance have the right equipment?) and even happier that you had such a lovely late-Summer camping trip.

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    1. Thanks so much Ann. It really was a lovely weekend and helping that nice couple snd making new friends made it even better. I’d like to think that if we were stranded someone would do the same for us. Hope all’s well with you. xx

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  17. Hello dear Miriam, such a beautiful post and story. Indeed, travel can create wonderful connections with others. I’m sure you will be meeting up with your new friends again soon.
    A lovely and very wise tree you are under…I hope she whispered something special as you were hugging her.
    Much love,
    Dianne 💞🌸

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    1. Hello my lovely friend, always so nice to hear from you here. Thank you for your kind words. We’ll have to re-establish our own connection sometime soon with that coffee and catch up! In the meantime sending much love your way. 🌸💕

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      1. What a kind reply, my friend. Thank you so much. Yes, indeed we will. Perhaps we can make it Warran Glen cafe again? I’m good for Thursdays and Fridays. Hope you are too? Let’s make a day for after Easter 👏😘💞

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        1. That sounds wonderful! Either of those days work for me, though Thursday is probably better as we often head away on Friday afternoons. Yes, that’s talk after Easter! xx 💕🌸😍

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        5. Hello Kate, how lovely to see your kind message. Thank you so much. Yes, we are back now. Our two years away was utterly beautiful. We loved every second.
          Hope you are well?
          Thank you again. Best wishes from Dianne 🌸🌸

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  25. Nature eliminates a lot of the noise and anxiety from our lives. We have the time to appreciate the tree and the possum. Beautifully written, Miriam. I think we’re headed in a new direction, some of us choosing this path and some forced into it.

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    1. Thanks so much for reading and your lovely response Aixa.
      I think it’s true what you said. We’re heading in a new direction, whether we like it or know it. My sense is that it’s an incredibly positive time in history. Much love.

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  26. Oh wow what a great adventure. Love the feeling after we help someone, so simple and so rewarding! Love that raccoon too what a cutie. The tree to me is so sacred and so wise, they stand there for so many years just to give us the privilege to live. We need them we are connected to them and now we need to respect and care for them. Beautiful video darling so relaxing. Wishing you a wonderful day. Much love and light your way Cris

    http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=12304

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    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment Cris. And yes, to everything you wrote about trees, they’re so very sacred. Have a great day and week ahead and much love to you too. xx

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  27. What a Gift you are giving yourselves by being out in Nature as you are doing. OH do I ever dream of buying an Airstream and travel away all over the USA. Some day some day. Beautiful peaceful images and I loved your video. Peace radiates right through. That picture of a raccoon is adorable! But! You are fortunate not to have these pesty animals in your gardens. Just take my word for it. Doesn’t it feel so good to help someone else? I love doing so!! Miriam, I am so happy for you that you are where it is at. You are living my dream right now. I have a few more years to go and then …….. I too hug trees. I agree they being sacred. There is no other feeling quite like hugging a tree in absolute stillness and love. Thank you for sharing this post full of hope, tranquility, beauty, and love. xo

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    1. Aww, Amy, one day, some day, who knows the miracles of modern travel and what will evolve in the future. In the meantime I’m happy you can travel vicariously through my weekend adventures and share the joy and peace through my photos, just as I see the beauty in yours. Nature is truly my inspiration and strength and even just being outside in my garden lifts my spirits, as I’m sure it does yours, my fellow tree hugger! Take care dear friend and sending lots of big warm hugs your way. xx 💗

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      1. Oh yeah, know what you mean about the travel which we don’t know about yet. I’m excited! Mother is where I achieve balance, and joy and healing, and feel so loved for exactly who I am. Connecting is a privilege to me. Hugs and kisses and love over the waters ……. xoxoxoxo

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  28. I always enjoy how your stories/adventures unfold with a moral … Ann writes about very different topics but in such a similar style! Stunning pics, you took me there 🙂

    How does Doug feel about all these extra marital affairs you are enjoying right under his nose 🙂

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    1. Hi Kate, glad I could take you there with my words and pics. And I agree, Ann has a wonderful, down to earth style of writing.
      As for those extra-marital affairs I’m enjoying right under Doug’s nose, well, he’s usually in on them too, lol. We’ll call it a tree some! 😂

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  29. What a fabulous tree Miriam and perfect for hugging and climbing inside. Lucky you came along to help these people out and I’m sure they were very appreciative. I always feel better for reading your posts, so many thanks 🙂

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  31. Oh Wow Miriam… I wanted to jump right into your photo and HUG that tree myself… reminded me of two elephants feet… 🙂 and that tranquil video shot.. Just beautiful
    So pleased you are enjoying the outdoors and nature… Nothing beats the heart beat of living nature..
    Good to see all is well in your world my friend..
    Sending HUGE hugs your way as I begin to navigate the WP realms again..
    Love and Blessings ❤ ❤ .. ❤

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    1. Hi Sue, lovely to see you here again and yes, that tree trunk did indeed look like an elephants foot. Nature is so amazing and truly my therapy these days. Hope all’s well in your world. I’ve also taken a bit of time off from WP with my focus on other areas. Big hugs, love and blessings to you too. ❤️

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      1. I think we all just are following our FLOW dear Miriam… I am a great believer in doing just that.. ❤ Huge hugs your way too ❤ Keep doing what brings JOY to your heart.. The seeds are growing and soon planting time so I too will be busy again.. ❤

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  32. That hippy raccoon looked so cute. If only they didn’t love trash cans so much. lol. That tree is magnificent, Miriam!! I thought of elephant feet when first looking at it. Definitely strongly rooted and one I’d have loved to have hugged. 🙂 Thanks for sharing that moment of tranquility. It was so peaceful!! I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend. xx

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    1. Hi Amy, those raccoons sound like mighty rascals that get up to loads of mischief! So lovely to read your words and yes that tree with the elephant feet was very huggable! It’s the only thing that I think would accept my hugs at the moment, lol, as I’ve been holed up at home with a cold for the past few days. But sending you big virtual ones my friend and hope all’s well with you. 😊 xx

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    1. Omg, it’s true what they say then Resa, raccoons really are smart and sly and can get into anything! Thanks for the link. I had a good laugh. And thank you also for your lovely words here. Happy Monday from Melbourne. ❤️

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    1. Hello John, how lovely to “meet” you virtually. And yes, life is good and I’m certainly grateful for the opportunities we get to travel. And to write about it. Hope you’re happy too. Warm wishes from Melbourne.

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