Week two…
// Scotts Head
Such a beautiful place. The joint was absolutely packed full of ‘Grey Nomads’ and it was super hot in the lead up to the weekend. I was camped beside the beach which was delightful of a night as the cool ocean breeze swept through the van and it was magical to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves meeting the shore.
I spent every day down the beach; reading, writing and sometimes just sitting watching the tide roll in and out. I’ve heard many spiritual teachers bang on (that’s the technical spiritual term for sharing their wisdom) about nature being a beautiful teacher, and I have to say, I now understand what they mean…. Everything just seems to find a way to flow. The waves as they approach the shore, aren’t deterred by the rocks – the water finds a way to flow and move in, out and around the rocks until it reaches its destination. There is always a way. Anyway, enough of the spiritual deep and meaningfuls for the moment.
I made friends with my neighbour Russell, his wife and their dog Princes. A little family from Wynnum would you believe? I’ve found all the grey nomads love to have a chat and they take me under their wing. Russ gave me maps and told me all of the beautiful places to visit along the Great Ocean Road. He also gave me the ‘hot-tip’ for bypassing Melbourne by jumping on a ferry. Amazing. Russ referred to me as “MKR” (My Kitchen Rules), as I would prepare all of these healthy meals and drink green smoothies – I think he thought I was crazy at times.
One day whilst down there I decided to go on a little adventure to a place called Grassy Head. I had read about a national park out there and was keen to go up to the lookout. What I didn’t realise was a 4WD was required to get you up the top of the 12km dirt road. I thought I would give it a crack anyway. I mean I don’t have a 4WD, and this Unicorn definitely wasn’t built for off-road adventures but it was kind of fun and rebellious to take it off road. I got about 3.5km in and realised it was a pretty shit idea as the van was copping a flogging, so I did a 500pt turn and headed back down the road.
I had every intention of staying at South West Rocks to go scuba diving, however, when I rang, every single park was full as there was a triathlon on that weekend. And when I rang the scuba store, the weather wasn’t great for diving. So I popped out there to check out the old Gaol and then headed south for Crescent Head and spent a night there by the river.
//Port Stephens
This place! I fell in love. Absolutely stunning coastline and beautiful people. The water is this beautiful, rich turquoise colour and the sand is gorgeous and clean. I stayed at a place called the Emerald Tikki Village. It’s a smaller park, and not as luxurious as some of the bigger ones, but in saying that, I absolutely loved it. The owners were so accommodating and helpful. Always more than happy to have a chat and tell me all of the amazing things to see and do. And the groundsman was an absolute classic! Out the back of the property are these amazing sand dunes. The war film ‘Sahara’ was filmed there back in the 90’s. I’ve read these dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. I went out there every afternoon and ran up and down them like I was a small child. I would run and laugh and not stop saying things like “oh my gosh” and “this is wonderful”.
I hiked up Mount Tomaree on day one – the view was divine. There is so much history at Port Stephens. The headland, part of Fort Tomaree, played an important role in Australia’s east coast defence systems in World War II and around 500 army, navy and air force personnel served their time here. Still in place at Fort Tomaree are the gun emplacements, however, most of the Fort’s buildings have been removed. The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning!
//Wollongong in a day
Stayed for one night with my cousin in Wollongong. The summary: got drunk, spewed and had about 2 hours sleep – not very Zen at all I know! The following morning was lovely though as we went for a long walk along the foreshore, had deep and meaningful chats, drank fresh juice and inspired the shit out of one another. Oh, and, his apartment overlooks the ocean AND Win Stadium, which is home to the Dragons NRL team. They just so happened to be training as we wandered home after our walk and I got to see a few in their budgie smugglers. Now, for me, there is something super sexy about a big rig of a bloke in budgie smugglers. I know right!? I can’t help it.
I left there just before lunch and headed south toward Kiama to check out the blow hole before continuing on to Jervis Bay and surrounds – which I will tell you all about next time.
// Lessons and insights:
– Make sure I unplug the power cord before I drive off.
– I have been reminded of how little I actually need in order to be happy. I feel so content in this van and although it was delightful to stay in a fancy apartment for one night, coming back to the van the next day felt as though I was coming home. I seriously have everything I need with me right now – and it is VERY minimal.
– It’s ok to wash EVERYTHING together in one big load. Like towels, clothes etc. It actually felt quite rebellious and freeing. Although, my clothes do have fluff all over them now. LOL.
– It’s ok to wear the same clothes for a few days in a row. No one cares. Especially me!
– I have been pondering the importance of leaving a legacy in the world. Leaving this place a little better than what I found it, and to truly feel as though I made a difference in people’s lives.
– Freedom. It’s legit. Waking up each day and asking myself: “what will I do today?” – the only decisions I am making at the moment are around whether to go to the beach, for a walk, read, chill or drive to my next destination. So great.
Big love xx