When the Journey Changes Direction

Posted on by Miriam

As we settle back into Victoria after our epic ten months travelling around Australia, I reflect on our time away and how grateful I am for it all

Looking back it’s hard to know where to start so thank goodness for this blog which allowed me to journal our adventures. With so much wow factor in this beautiful big country, every place brought its own piece of magic. Whilst many days were spent simply driving, the roads inevitably lead us to some extraordinary places and incredible experiences.

We hiked through the ancient gorges of Karijini and Kalbarri and swam in pristine waterholes. We camped on sandy beaches and beneath granite mountains and sometimes in a gravel pit! We explored towering forests and sweltered through our hottest Christmas Day in 50C temperatures. We worked in a caravan park in one of the most beautiful places in Australia and we made life-long friends. I fell in love with WA during our seven months there. One of these days I’ll compile our journey into a photo book.

For now I feel so fortunate to have been able to share much of this trip, not just here on my blog, but in various Australian travel publications like On the Road and 4×4 Australia. These are my latest: tangible reminders that it wasn’t merely a dream.

There are plenty more stories still to come. Some will be published soon and others are still to be written. So much has happened. In many ways I don’t feel like I’ve returned the same person.

This life truly is one of creation and intention and I’m reminded, even now that we’re back, that our choices create our reality. Do you ever wonder if your life is what it could be? Do you have forgotten dreams that you want to achieve? Don’t leave it too late. I’m glad we didn’t . Our hopes and dreams await and it’s never too late to create.

Just Be and watch the magic

We travelled more that 30,000 kilometres and stayed in roughly 37 caravan parks. We also stayed on remote outback stations, camped in National Parks, road houses, coastal campsites and a range of free camps. Very little was planned and nothing was rushed. Going with the flow, I often felt guided by a much higher force.

What is a journey? Is it just distance traveled? Time spent? No, it’s what happens on the way. It’s the things that shape you. At the end of the journey, you’re not the same. – Mayor Richard Wilkins III

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. In Geraldton Doug got sick and ended up in hospital for five days. We had two cracked windscreens, scraped the side of the van near Wave Rock, the range hood fell out along the Oodnadatta Track and we almost ran out of fuel a couple of times. Prices of diesel got exorbitantly high and towards the end juggling finances became a true work of circus art. But was it all worth it? ABSOLUTELY! No regrets.

I was asked recently what I loved most about our time away. Honestly, I think what I loved the most was the freedom and flexibility. To just BE. Waking up to different views, being able to do as we wanted and simply following our instinct and being guided by intuition (and Wiki Camps).

It’s great to have an idea of where you’re going but having no strict plan is liberating. To live at your own pace and wake up in the most incredible places is true freedom. I read this quote recently and every word resonated with me, so I must be a bit of a rebel.

Travel is Rebellion in its Purest Form

Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our heart. We free ourselves of labels. We lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality. We love the unfamiliar. We trust strangers. We own only what we can carry. We search for better questions, not answers. We truly graduate. We, sometimes, choose never to come back.”
—Author Unknown

We have come back, however we’re not quite settling into our old routines. These past two Covid filled years, and in particular this time away, has made us reassess the way we live and the things that are important to us.

The true journey is the one within

How we want to live is always a choice. It’s not about the achievements and possessions, or about waiting until we get something or somewhere to make us happy. It’s not about being told what to do by a media that perpetuates fear or waiting for something to change before we take action.

Being away from the mainstream for the past ten months and living in our home on wheels has made me less attached to the external influences and more attuned to reality. A reality where we can simply be.

When we’re present and living in the moment, life flows with ease and we have an inner compass that feels aligned to our path. Fear disappears when we look within and trusting the flow of things is everything. But will that feeling last, now we’re back?

So, is the Adventure over?

We’re home now and the past week has been surreal. It was an amusing but anticlimactic welcome when we walked in and our adorable old scruff head Harry didn’t realise we were there until I was right beside him.

Everything seemed so BIG. After living in a van for ten months it felt strange to have so much bench space, such a large kitchen and so much stuff. And my bed, ahh, my bed was blissful!

Settling back in, spending time with family, washing, cleaning and clearing and making way for new opportunities has filled my week.

So, IS the adventure over? Well, our road trip might have come to an end for the moment, but the journey is ever evolving. We start a new chapter next week and time will tell how it goes. Letting go of the familiar and stepping into the unknown. I’m feeling excited, a tad nervous but ultimately looking forward to the changes and adventures that await us.

Here’s to looking ahead to new chapters and stories in a different setting. Wishing you all love, joy and courage as we step out and embrace a life of creation and choice.

In love and light.

Head, heart and soul are open to new experiences. The most dangerous risk of all is spending life not doing what we want

75 thoughts on “When the Journey Changes Direction”

  1. Ciao my lovely friend, oh it’s been SO good reading your fantastic words of wisdom and deep insights again! I am so excited for you that you CHOSE to spend the last ten months in such a soul-enriching, liberating and authentic way, and I am so glad you got to fall in love with WA- I carry it in my heart wherever I go!! Did you have any favorite spots in WA, by the way? I LOVED the quote on rebellion you shared here with us by the way – it really resonates with me: Travel as true rebellion, and yes, as you said, as living in tune with your intuition and your inner freedom and liberated from the pressures of conformity and externally imposed shoulds… I am looking forward to delving into more of your posts this week, my gorgeous rockstar friend!! Am back to blogging a bit more again and so happy to be connected with ya. Sending tons of love and warm hugs, here’s to a grand new start for you! Muak 1000 baci!🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Ciao Maria, how wonderful to hear from you! Oh, I know how much you loved WA my friend and I can absolutely understand why. Soo much beauty and so many amazing places it’s hard to pick a favourite. I loved Broome and the Dampier Peninsula, such a great vibe. Karijini and Kalbarri were special too and the beaches around Esperance were breathtaking. Honestly, I loved it all as you’ll no doubt find when you scroll back through my posts.
      Thanks so much cara for your warm words of friendship here. It’s so great you’re back in the blogging world again and I look forward to chatting more soon. Much love and tanti baci xxx ❤️🥰❤️

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      1. Ciao cara, ah yesss the beaches around Esperance are some of the most beautiful I’ ve ever seen!! Stunning. Kalbarri is awesome, yes; and Broome and Karijini are top of my list for my next visit (or move back? we’ll see!) to Australia!! Looking forward to chatting more soon, too. Love ya cara! Tanti baci ❤️❤️❤️

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  6. I have enjoyed your travels and pictures as well. I never really had a desire to see Australia before.I think it was the long plane ride, and then masks. I also enjoyed the rural travels as I am not a big city lover.
    Covid has changed my blog as well and I wrote many travels in advance.and then I stopped for 5 months. I wanted to really understand the pressure and time that had consumed me better. You will find your new rhythm, if you allow yourself freedom to dream the new writing dreams.

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    1. Thanks for reading, for reaching out and sharing your thoughts and experiences Debi. It’s been a strange couple of years for travel but honestly, this trip was one of the best decisions we ever made. I’m looking forward to that freedom continuing, maybe in a different way, but still dreaming. Warmest wishes to you.

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  7. Welcome back Miriam. I too love the quote about travel being rebellion, freedom, and trusting. Your adventures remind me of my van wandering summers in my 30s. It was a life-altering adventure. It will be interesting to see how you integrate this into the rest of your life. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much Brad, fellow rebel and freedom lover! Sounds like those past life van adventures are still fresh in your mind. I’m so grateful for our time away, it’s changed me for sure and time will tell how life unfolds. For now I hold gratitude in my heart. Hugs back!

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  8. Hey you crazy adventurer! When i saw that lovely smile in your photos I know that the paths you´ve been were wonderful! Lovely to see you enjoying your life to the fullest…wow, also very hot in there-50degrees??? and you´ve bmade it to that peak!
    I wann agrow old just like you…over here it´s just wonderful Spring days…and here´ comes the rain!
    Warm regards from De!-Christina

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    1. Hey there yourself Christina! Thanks for your lovely comment which made me smile. Enjoy that wonderful Spring weather and all the joys in your life. Sending you big hugs from down under.

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  9. What a wonderful reflection on an epic journey.
    We’re just back on the road again after being grounded for the last couple of years and it feels so good. I LOVE your quote as travel as rebellion. I have never felt I fitted into ‘normal’ life and just love the sense of freedom conferred by not even knowing where I will be tonight!
    Well done on all your achievements and thank you for sharing your journey and your insights. xx

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    1. Thanks so much for your great comment Jacquie. I can imagine that after being grounded for so long it feels so wonderful to be back on the road again. Once you’ve had a taste of that life there’s really no going back is there. And it most definitely is a mindset. So glad you resonated with the travel as rebellion quote. Enjoy your freedom and all of that fabulous travel, wherever you go. xx

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  10. Ten months of traveling! Wow! I’ve always wanted to go on a long road trip like that, Miriam! Such sweet freedom indeed! And I love how you talk about your home seeming bigger on your return. I can only imagine how big the house felt when you got back! 😁😁😁 I’m so glad you had a great time! 💖🌺🌷

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    1. How could I have missed this comment! But just found it and wanted to say thank you and yes! The house felt huge when we returned. Even now, after a couple of weeks home, it feels strangely luxurious. Forever grateful. Thanks again! 💗

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  13. Living in a trailer for 10 months must’ve been an absolute hoot, and while this leg of the journey is over, your journey in life still goes on, and I wonder what adventures you’ll be heading off on next!

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    1. You’re right Stuart, living in our van and travelling all over the place was fantastic. Now it’s time for the next part of the journey which should be a bit more sedate but interesting too. Stay tuned! 😊

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  15. Dear Miriam, well the travelling and the stories, photo’s and places were epic, but I confess my ears pricked up when you started to mention what comes next. Whatever you decide I know you will continue to live in the moment as always. I look forward to hearing your adventures going forward, I know it will be exciting and full of adventure. 💚

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    1. Thanks Barbara, it’s been an incredible ten months that’s for sure. And yes, more change and challenge ahead, though not so far away and perhaps not quite as exciting but still a new phase in life I’m looking forward to. Time will tell! Hope all’s well in your neck of the woods. xx

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  17. I had the same feeling on my return after only 6 weeks solo travel last year. I found I’d grown but those I’d left behind hadn’t which was disappointing.
    Thank goodness for my posts which were so time consuming each day but are a long term record. Even now I look back on themand I’m surprised now much I’ve forgotten of my trip. Of course there are times where things don’t run smoothly but they are totally subsumed by the magic of the journey itself.
    Thank you do much for you positive and enjoyable posts. Great work. 😉

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    1. Hi Margaret, yes the blog posts are a fantastic journal of any trip away aren’t they. And, like you, if I hadn’t written at the time of visiting I’d likely have forgotten half the places we’ve been to. So glad you enjoyed my posts. Now the next chapter begins!

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  18. What an adventure. 10 months amazing. I bet sometimes it feels like a dream.

    I am intrigued by your next adventure.

    I loved following your travels on Instagram and here on the blog. Though I havent been blogging as much so mainly caught up with your travels on Instagram.

    I love this “Fear disappears when we look within and trusting the flow of things is everything.”

    Looking forward to hearing your next adventure

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    1. Thanks Bella. Yes, it was an incredible ten months that sometimes feels much longer than it was, and yet it all passed in the blink of an eye. Time feels quite surreal these days.

      Insta is such a great way of recording, definitely easier than blogging, so I’m happy you could catch me there. Onwards to the next chapter now. Sending big hugs. xx

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  19. I’m glad you’re home and I’m sure Harry is too! But I also so very glad that you took this adventure, and shared it with us. You learned a lot, and those of us who are lucky enough to read your blog learned a lot as well…. You inspired me during the darkest times of the pandemic, reminding me that we didn’t have to live in fear and isolation. (Some people don’t have that choice, but thankfully, we still do.) I’ll always appreciate that! And also appreciate getting to “see” so much of Australia through your blog. It’s a beautiful country and I only hope I’m luck enough to visit it some day!

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    1. I hope you do too Ann but, if not, I’m so happy to know that I’ve inspired you and shown you some of this beautiful country. Thanks for your kind words. We definitely don’t need to live in fear, it’s always a choice. Sending lots of love your way.

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  20. So lovely to read your words Miriam and wow what a trip you’ve been on. You’ve certainly inspired us all to travel and see more of our own country. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

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  22. Hi Miriam, Your candour and spirit inspires me in more ways than you may realize. You remind me how a smile on someone’s face does not always share the depth of layers underneath the smile. How you turn challenges into lessons.

    Your life-changing experiences are often relatable and thought-provoking. Possibly, an oxymoron. I love your phrases “wow factor” and “how grateful I am for it all”…”freedom and flexibility.”

    I look forward to continue following you on your adventures. They are never over. I wholeheartedly agree with you about our inner compass. Thank you for sharing a great post!❤️

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    1. Thanks so much Erica for your lovely comment. It’s been an incredible ten months, a life changing journey in many ways and I really am grateful for it all. And yes the adventures continue, as they do for all of us. Hope all’s good in your world and life is treating you well. Sending love your way. 💜

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  23. Ah to be back home… yes I can imagine you are both forever changed having experienced so much freedom and you’ll see it will change your life back home too! Just continue to wake up and be open to receive new magical moments full of love, joy and peace and you’ll be surprised what pops onto your path! Living life in the unknown is quite scary because we seem to go against society. But it’s time to be brave and insist on living our life our way! Thankyou so much for sharing your journey, I know it’ll continue to be awesome, although maybe more laidback for a while as I know being on the road is very active and sometimes we need to chill and not do anything! Sending love❤️

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    1. Oh, how true Barbara, living life in the unknown and being open to new magical experiences has already opened our world to new possibilities. I’m excited at what lies ahead. Much love back dear friend. 💜

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  26. Hello dear Miriam, that sounds just wonderful and very enriching. I wonder what your next opportunity will be, but it’s wise I deed to reassess what’s important for you after these lockdowns.
    Best wishes from Dianne 🙋🏻‍♀️😘😘

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    1. Hello Dianne, and thank you. As you’ve no doubt seen from my photos we’re now working in Halls Gap and loving the lifestyle change. Beyond that who knows but life is a constant evolving journey and adventure isn’t it. How are you? I hope life is treating you well and you’re happy. Sending you lots of love and warm wishes. 🌸💜

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      1. You’re welcome Miriam. Yes, I sure did see you were in Halls Gap. I assume you are home sitting there?
        After your big adventure, it’s just letting the universe guide you now I believe. Sending love and best wishes too 🙋🏻‍♀️😘😘

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        1. We’re actually working there for a few months at some holiday units. But you’re quite right, to a degree we’re letting the Universe guide us. Big hugs xx 💜

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        2. It sounds wonderful Miriam. I’m so pleased for you. Enjoy your new adventure. Big hugs too 🌸💚

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  28. Life is indeed all about choice, and you both seem to have made the right choices over the last 10 months in following your inner compass…
    I have so enjoyed the beautiful scenery and adventures even if some have been a bit hair-raising.. Congrats too on your articles in the publications….
    I am sure life back home will take some adjusting, but knowing you Miriam it will be taken in your stride as you rightly said.. Life is for living in the present moment.. within the flow…
    And you have certainly gone with the flow my friend..

    I am certain the next adventures will not be far on the horizon for I cannot see you allowing the sun to set without you stretching your arms out wide to embrace the new dawn..

    Much love dear Miriam… And I am sure you garden with thank you for your love and attention..
    Lots of hugs and love..
    Sue ❤ ❤ x

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    1. Thanks so much Sue. I loved what you wrote: “I am certain the next adventures will not be far on the horizon for I cannot see you allowing the sun to set without you stretching your arms out wide to embrace the new dawn.” How beautiful and how true for already we find ourselves immersed in a new adventure and lifestyle and we couldn’t be happier. Much love and big hugs back my friend. ❤️ xx

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  29. I recently came across a quote that read “A nice car and a big house are the old status symbols. The ultimate flex is freedom. Location freedom, financial freedom, and time freedom” I share that to say, your 10-month adventure has proven that to be true. You have reinforced for many of us “It’s great to have an idea of where you’re going but having no strict plan is liberating. To live at your own pace and wake up in the most incredible places is true freedom… When we’re present and living in the moment, life flows with ease and we have an inner compass that feels aligned to our path. Fear disappears when we look within and trusting the flow of things is everything” Thank you for sharing your journey, and I await the day I could purchase your book of photography!

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    1. What a wonderful comment! Thanks so much for sharing that quote. I so agree that “a nice car and a big house are the old status symbols …” Seems that the past two years has reinforced for many of us what’s really important. And for me it’s freedom, to live our lives the way we want, and if that means breaking the constraints of the past so be it. Thanks again and so happy my big road adventure inspired you. Who knows, perhaps that photography book may yet come to pass! 💜

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