Day 1! Setting off!

Day 1 - am i actually going to leave?

Woke up very tired at 8:30am and decided to snooze for 30min

Hours later at 12:30 finally rose

Packed up the car and left at 3:30 to head towards Goulburn

Stayed the night at a very nice hipcamp 10min out of Goulburn very private on this lovely family’s property

Patched the air mattress, set up my car bed, watched a movie in bed and had a nice sleep

Day 2

Packed up my camp and headed to Goulburn aquatic for a swim

After the swim went to tumut

Stayed in Harriet house which was nice

My friend Cass met me in tumut and we had dinner at the oriental

Brekkie at the riverside cafe tumut which was delicious

Drove to Albury - staying at Hannah’s house

Great arvo - had a look at the dam then went for a river float

We had a bbq dinner and let the cutest puppy ever watch the cricket on my phone then went to sleep

Winery day!!

We got up in the morning and went to brekkie in Albury before heading to the king valley

Our first stop was brown brothers where we were pleasantly surprised at quite a nice taste test and the gorgeous grounds

Next we went to sam Miranda, La cantina, dalz Otto and \240pizzini

Chill dinner and relaxing afterwards as we were nice and tired

Woke up at the stupid hour of 6 am and packed the car

Grabbed brekkie and drove to Melbourne.

Had a swim then picked jess up from the airport

Jess and I went and got our nails done

I then got my haircut at courtney salon

Then I went back to courtney and we had pasta and wine and made bead bracelets for Courtney’s work

Courts and I woke up in the morning and then went to the gym before joining jess and Theo for brunch

We then went home and got ready to go to Chelsea’s

Chelsea’s 30th was super fun and had a great time catching up with the plc girls

Woke up and courtney, Theo, jess and I went to brunch at the beach then went for a swim after.

We then came home and had a nap 😁

I had coffee at st kilda in the afternoon with Bec and Soph from work

Then came home and packed my stuff. Courts and I got Oscar Piastri + Grill’d burgers and chilled and made more bracelets

Woke up and packed up the car and headed for Port Fairy

Port Fairy was so cute! I can see why people want to live there and visit there!

After that I headed to Portland and stopped to swim some laps and had the whole pool to myself for a bit!

I am now at my campsite, a hipcamp not far out of Portland. It’s nice and private I am camping next to a swap so lots of nice nature sounds. On the other side of the swamp is a

Dear John,

Since you are not satisfied with the previous journal entry I hope you find this to your liking.

I was woken mid morning to rays of sunshine escaping through the cracks of my very homemade car curtains, and the sound of either a giant toad or two kangaroos doing it. The day started off right with a cup of tea all made without having to leave the cozy embrace of my car bed whilst scrolling meaningfully on my fyp.

Once my bodily tea levels had been adequately replenished I cracked open the car door and proceeded to slowly pack up the campsite. The moderate wind caused a mild amount of annoyance but did provide a lovely temperature.

I set out along Bridgewater Lakes road, ready for the days journey.

The drive from Portland to mount Gambia was stunning! The drive wound through a few plantations which saw stunning trees and scenery of the ocean then rolling pine tree hills. It was very exciting to see adult trees next to cleared fields next to very cute baby trees.

On my arrival in Mount gambier I had to stop to fill up the tank as I saw a petrol station \240which had diesel at 176.5! WOW! That’s as cheap as chips! (See I can use similes John!).

After refilling I stopped in at FACT takeaway as recommended by Helen for some delicious fish and chips and local cola.

The real beauty, however, came next. I had seen photos of the blue lake but nothing had prepared me for the colour and vastness as I drove the pathfinder around the bendy road next to it. The blue lake is a masterpiece of nature (note I can use metaphors).

After recovering from the beauty of the lake I continued my journey, next stop being the little blue lake. This lake maybe have been named on a different day as it was definitely green and not blue but otherwise it was very cute and very gorgeous. I enjoyed a swim and a sun-bake before jumping back in the car to continue my journey.

The last stop, (the final destination if you will) today is robe in SA. Robe is charming and gorgeous from the first metre to the last. I drove past an incredible beach with a pontoon and decided to stop for another swim and sunbake. The water was a cloudy turquoise and very refreshing and the sun afterwards warm and welcoming.

I think back to my day in wonder as I am seated on the bed in my caravan park mini cabin. I think ahead to the next few days and that they will bring excited to fill may days with many more swims, many hours of audiobook and hopefully alot of relaxing

Live, Laugh, leave me alone

Cold regards,

Maddy

Dear John,

As the shrill sounds of playtime (my morning alarm) bleet loudly from my phone at 0730 this morning I think to myself… who am I, it’s 0730! and why would anyone awake this early. I press snooze and happily fall back asleep. At 0800 I loose the battle with the alarm and finally rise.

The first stop today has me feeling like I am back in Greece. The sand beneath my tyres, the newly built ?sandstone wall, the sparse but beautiful street. The local gym.

Muscles worked, sweat dripping I stopped at the local coffee shop to grab some brekkie for the road and began my travels toward Mclaren Vale. The scenery for the 4 hour journey sparse and beautiful only exceeded by the view of port Willunga Beach then the vineyards to finish my long drive.

Having succumbed to caravan park life after ‘not being a caravan park gal’ I set up the tent (the first night I would spend in it after having slept in the car previously) in the warm sunshine of the 30 degree afternoon. The tent setup is definitely the quickest and easier setup and in no time I had my feet up, soft drink in hand and set up to start my new degree.

Peace out Brussel sprout,

Maddy

Dear John,

Today began like an unexpected symphony, the cacophony of the waking world stirring in a frenzy of tiny legs—ants marched in a procession, each one a small soldier on a mission. They danced and scurried, their bodies glistening under the gentle morning sun that cast a golden hue over everything.

With a sense of purpose, I directed them away from the confines of my car (and coated my car in aerogard)an arena of adventure waiting to unfold before my drive to Adelaide.

As I wound my way through the streets of Adelaide, I noted an alarming growth in the ants numbers. They seemed to multiply like thoughts in a busy mind, eager to accompany me on my journey.

The next stop on my journey was a swim. Upon arriving at the pool, the scene before me was bustling like a hive. It was a vibrant tapestry woven of splashes and shouts, each moment a testament to the liveliness of summer.

After a refreshing swim that felt like diving into a blissful embrace, I found my hunger pulling me toward the delightful aroma wafting from Jenny’s bakery. The treasures I acquired were a feast for the senses: a berry danish as bright as summer berries, a cinnamon knot twisted like a whimsical tale, a raspberry Basque cheesecake that promised sweet indulgence, and a margarita pizza that boasted a golden crust, waiting to be devoured.

Traffic snarled around me, a beast of burden struggling through the veins of Adelaide. Perhaps it was the Fringe Festival awakening the city's streets, drawing in crowds like moths to a flame. After some necessary refueling, I set my course anew, my spirit soaring back to the open road.

My destination for the night, the sleepy town of Warooka, awaited my arrival. The air here was dry and parched, reminiscent of West Wyalong, a familiar scent mingling with the whispers of a thousand sun-soaked days. I found solace in the backyard of a charming art house, a hidden gem awash in creativity, where the vast expanse of a golden field stretched endlessly toward Flaherty Beach.

It was my first beach drive, an exhilarating venture where the land kissed the sea with its soft sandy embrace. Flaherty Beach unfolded before me like a picturesque postcard—a wide canvas of sparkling water, shallow and inviting, stretching far beyond the horizon.

However, as the gray clouds began to gather, urging me back, the raindrops fell like delicate whispers from the heavens. I braved the steep ascent of the soft dunes, my car a reluctant steed, but together we triumphed—setting up camp felt like conquering a small mountain.

Tonight I shall rest here, surrounded by the art and beauty of my surroundings, a tapestry of experiences woven together by the threads of adventure and the infinite wonder of nature (as well as pizza and wine).

Chat GPTo you later,

Maddy

Dear John,

Today was an awesome day! I explored lots of beached and rockpools and the weather was amazing! I do wish I had an explore buddy though. I really like this type of camping/travelling, its very convenient to have all your stuff with you especially the fridge. I also love warooka, its such a cute country town, everyone waves when they drive past I feel like I’m back in west Wyalong. The town also has murals and art everywhere which is so nice!

I woke up today at 8am and started by popping on a load of washing. It had rained overnight which was super nice so it was still a bit cloudy this morning. After hanging out the washing I did a quick grocery shop literally across the road and then got a coffee and a croissant from the coffee truck also just across the road and headed off.

My first stop today was shell beach which was gorgeous! I especially wanted to see the Rockpool which was very nice but not worth a swim as I was there in low tide.

After shell beach I headed to hillocks drive and picked up a pack which has all the info on the rock pools and which to go to at which tide etc. It was so worth it! Plus it came with a free stubby holder.

The whole of Hillocks Drive is gorgeous and I would love to spend a week or two exploring the whole thing. Today, however, I explored butlers beach rock pool, coffin bay, Annies nursery, emerald pools (although couldn’t quite get to as tide was too high) and hillock head pools. My favourite two were butlers and hillocks. Butlers rock pool was so cool very deep band got some ocean flow. The water was so clear and deep you could just jump straight in from about 1.5-2m if you wanted too. Lots of fish and had a great flat platform next to it to lie in the sun. The other was Hillocks drive pools which are sand pools surrounded by rocks and connect quite a bit with the ocean but are pretty still. The walk to get there though is about a km including walking up a giant sand dune but does have gorgeous scenery. The sand dune was harder though because you would slip back half a step every step and it was pretty vertical. Next time I go I reckon I would just swim there with a dry bag I think not would actually be quicker! But the walk back is nice and going down the sand dune is quite fun. The pools though were absolutely stunning ad so relaxing you could jump in a deeper section of lie in a shallow section and surrounded by beautiful rocks. I had some swims and then read my book in the sun it was magical! Hillocks drive must be a very well kept secret because although there were a few people around camping I had every Rockpool to myself! From all of them I couldn’t even see another person at all! It was like I was the only person in the world!

Feeling super relaxed I headed back too my accommodations, which really is the perfect place to come back to, its so relaxing! My playlist on the drive home was so perfect it played all perfect summer afternoon at the beach songs! I am now writing this in the sun on the lawn and about to have another super long bath :)

Another day, another slay,

Maddy

Dear John,

I woke up today and sadly I have to leave my gorgeous hipcamp and my outdoor bath :(

I packed up the car, grabed a toastie and a chai from the coffee van and hit the road.

I am sooo tired today so the drive was a bit meh but I had a nice call with mum and listened to music and some audiobook.

On

Dear John,

This morning I only snoozed my alarm for 20 minutes, not bad!! The knowledge that I still had to pack up and drive 5 hours got me going though. I packed the car and then headed to the art/antiques/coffee place only to be very sad that nothing in Kimba seems to be open on a Sunday. Kimba did surprise me though, it was a much bigger town than I had thought it would be and quite nice! The busiest place in Kimba, however, the bowls club. Every time I drove past it (in fairness only two times) it was absolutely popping off!

Anyway, back on track, luckily I had planned to go see the big pink Galah and there happened to be a bakery there. The bakery was interesting because in look and food/drink it was a very classic Aussie food stop…my cheese and ham toast was even pre-made in the warmer and the cheese on it fake looking-it was yummy though. However it has some really cute little things that were a bit artsy and fancy such as the artwork on the coffee cups and the cute design of the paper bag and the sticker that held it shut (picture below) I have now stuck that sticker on my dashboard which is cute.

I left Kimba at 9:30 and was making great time pulling into Ceduna to get food and refuel at about 1230. I had planned to stay at Yalata roadhouse but was making such good time decided to continue on to Nullabor roadhouse. I did stop and you up fuel at Yalata however because they are a rural and cool community.

I was a bit terrible today and did decide to stay in the roadhouse motel rather than camp which is not in the budget…but I’m in denial telling myself I really wanted a bed rather than my deflating camping mattress and also I don’t think ill get a shower for 2 days so kinda wanted my own shower for the night that I didn’t have to put gold coins into every 2 minutes. I might regret this come credit card bill time but right now I’m too comfy to care.

On arrival to my room I immediately showered (omg so good, I haven’t had an actual shower in 3 days) then had a lie down for 30 min and headed to the road house pub for a beer, dinner and to get some homework done. The beer was on tap so winning, the burger and chips was delicious and the homework…some got done lol my brain struggled to focus after 6 hours driving today.

I am now back in my air conditioned room, out of the dust and head and relaxing on an actual mattress as I write this. I think I will sleep well tonight! I am glad I drove an extra hour today though because it means the next few days will be much easier!

Tomorrow I will aim for cocklediddy and camp on one of the roadside camps! Apparently they are quite nice but are full of bees and mice (accidental rhyme).

This journal brought to you by beer on tap, roadhouse burgers and a clean me,

Maddy

Dear John,

Damn I am getting a bit tired but am very much relaxing at the moment. It was 40 degrees today!!! So wow it’s been hot!

Not too much to say for my day, it was a bit day of driving. I drove from the Nullarbor roadhouse to Fraser’s ridge caravan park which is a very nice 804km. I decided to go further than originally planned due to the time difference. I also spent about a fortnight’s rent on fuel (but I’m trying not to think about that). I also lost all my fresh produce so sadness I don’t have any fruit or veg due to the quarantine…very excited to get some tomorrow!

Fraser’s ridge is lovely, I hit a wall when I pulled up and set up the tent (with much distracted difficulty) and had a lie down but have sprung some energy and been to the bar to collect a cold beer. Apologies I was so scat on the phone my brain was short circuiting!

I am currently relaxing, drinking my beer, listening to my audiobook and trying to find somewhere to stay tomorrow night as it seems everyone is camping this week! Must be the public holiday today. I am however very excited because I’m going to try get a swim in tomorrow at the only pool around I’m norseman in the morning :)

Lost my last marble,

Maddy

Dear John,

2282km in the last 4 day wow!! Australia is big! I also saw a scorpion last night, had to walk over it to get into my tent!

Today I woke up after a weird sleep and drove to Esperance where I went for a lap swim. It was so good to get some exercise! It had been a while with the lack of gyms or pools in the middle of nowhere.

After that I grabbed some fruit and veg from IGA and headed to munglinup beach caravan park. It’s a super nice campground and the couple that own it are lovely I’m on a nice patch near the amenities yay!

I finished my book and it ended on such dramatic irony and arghhh I now have to wait till October for the second book grrr

Not much really to say about today that’s really all I did.

Sending Virtual Hugs,

Maddy