24/6/2012 Josie’s update on round Australia’s road trip

Hi Everyone,

Here i sit, 4 mths being on the road, travelling thru parts of QLD, NSW, VIC, SA Fleurieu, Yorke, Eyre Peninsulas, Flinders Rangers & across to WA, surviving the camping & the joys of waking up to the sunrise from our tent, in a different place everyday, a warm cuppa in hand, the smell of brekky happening, our surrounds filled with mother nature, the g8 outdoors, wildlife humming, the greeting of a storm, wind, rain, sunshine, freezing cold air that numbs ur fingers & tips of ur nose, always reflecting on how wonderful this awesome experience has been & continues to be. Thanks to Darren’s encouragement, my mind, body & soul has been pushed to its limits, from snorkelling out in the surf along the rock walls of Lipson Cove, Darren sightin what he thought may be sharks, to me panicking, waves crashing me against the rock walls, me bleeding, more panic, frantically trying to swim thru the sea grasses & safely to shore (aged 10yrs, hair went totally grey, legs like jelly), to climbing on a freezing, cold, misty morning up the Stirling Rangers at Mt Porongurap 1050mt mountain climb, full of slippery boulders, steep muddy trails, ridge edges, with almighty drops that bring the fear in u when u look down. Darren would take 6 steps, then have to guide & convince me to climb those 6 steps, while my legs like jelly, fingers frozen to hang onto rocks, body so tense with fear & physically challenged, then to vast contrast, swimming with the Sea Lion Seals at Jurien Bay on the Coral Coast of WA, this was so much fun snorkelling with these inquisitive, curious, cheeky, puppy dog like seals, what a blast of laughter. The most magical views, when stopping for lunch, endless hikes, seeking out unusual or interesting things to see, learn from, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, take in the views from the top of mountains, deep gorges, dark caves, under the water, spectacular sunsets, just makes the mind boggle of how different is the makeup of this land.

This just makes u realise how we all need to take a little time, to appreciate the simple things in life. Live, experience, enjoy the beauty of Australia, how it allows u to understand life, be tolerant of people, listen to peoples journeys & life experiences from all walks of life, relax with mother nature, whatever she throws at u, glad to be alive & healthy enough to work towards ur goals & dreams & achieve them, no matter what they r, be able to be an individual or different & accept people for who they r, all while ur still not forgetting to be happy & smiling, knowing how lucky we are.

I look ahead in continuing this fantastic journey & look forward in having endless yarns & photo sessions, with family & friends of the tails that we have endured, to which i am  sure will incur endless laughter at my expense & inspirer  or encourage others to go & enjoy life to the fullest.

Missing u all & think of everybody often as ur all in our thoughts as we travel & faraway from everyone.

See you all on the flip side, Keep Smiling

Lots of Love

Josie