Darwin Horse Races
I was back to traveling solo, but thankfully, I had my Airbnb hosts and a friend who was still in town. I also met some great people at the horse races who welcomed me into their groups without hesitation.
Author: Christy
Too Many Goodbyes
Endings are so tough because they make me reflect on the good times and the connections that I made. But then the sense of loss creeps in. I couldn’t take the constant “goodbyes” and losing people. It had been over a year of meeting people, building a relationship, and then suddenly saying goodbye. It was becoming too much for me.
Bonding in the Outback
It was our last night camping in the Australian outback. I was really starting to enjoy the company of the other 19 people on the tour. Jokes were told, we laughed, we drank, and we sang! What more could you ask for?
Desire
I sat next to Suzanne and had the chance to get to know her better. I was happy to have her on the tour. We explored Lake Argyle on a boat, enjoying an incredible sunset. The tour guide, Damien, became more and more attractive to me.
Sensitive Topics
On day seven of the adventure tour, there were many conversations about conflict resolution, religion, and politics. The attraction and the push/pull with the guide continued.
Creatures Lurking in the Bush
It was time for two nights of bush camping in the dusty Australian Outback. I decided to sleep in my swag so that I could enjoy the starts above. Unfortunately, creatures lurked all around us!
Just Don’t Fall in Love
When I first started traveling, several of my friends and family told me that they thought I’d meet someone on my travels. I must admit, I’ve hoped for the same thing. It’s tricky, though. I feel like I have a better chance of meeting someone compatible with me, maybe a fellow traveler on the road, than I would if I were settled in one city. However, I don’t want to be so distracted with someone that I give up my dreams, travels, and passions. I need someone who will encourage me in my pursuits, just as I encourage them.
A Ghost Reappears
Sometimes life surprises me with moments – like running into a musician who ghosted me on Tinder. He “super liked” me the day I arrived to Australia. Then the day we were supposed to hang out, he ghosted me. But then the universe gave me a treat when I was able to confront him in the Outback, halfway around the country, four months later.
Dancing With The Devil
On day three of the Adventure tour, we hiked to two natural pools and went swimming. I got to know the others better and started to get along better with the tour guide. I was happy that I ended up on the group tour after all.
Conflict
On day two of the adventure tour, I sat near the tour guide again. We argued about music and who broke the stereo. Yet, I still liked him. We did our first hike that led to a natural pool, which we swam in. I got to know a few others on the tour as well.
Kimberley Adventure Tour
This was the start of a ten-day adventure tour through the Kimberley Region in Western Australia. I met the other 19 people on the tour as well as the salty tour guide, Damien. We explored a little, drove a lot, and slept in swags.
Enjoying Broome
I had a few more days to explore Broome, so I went on a jet ski tour, drove a scooter to various sites, and went on a whale watching tour. After a few stressful days, I was starting to see why so many loved Broome so much.
I’m Not Like Other Females
I moved to a new Airbnb to wait a week before my ten-day adventure tour began. The host was great, giving me rides. But I needed a way to get around myself, so I rented a scooter. It’s my favorite way to drive around!
A Fork In The Road
I had to face reality about my car being destroyed in the desert. I didn’t know what to do, but my encouraging, famous Airbnb host had words of encouragement. She helped me to make a decision about what I’d do next and was so inspirational, she assured me that everything happens for a reason.
A $5,000 Mistake
I was feeling great until my car started to shake. I pulled over in the middle of nowhere, where I miraculously had cell service. While I waited hours for a tow truck, I met characters that made me feel like I was in a horror movie. This was one of the worst moments of my travel journey.
Largest Earthquake in Modern History
I was driving to a gas station in Port Hedland when a 6.6 earthquake shook the area. The credit card machines stopped working and the town was shook up. I was about to drive a few hours north to camp at Eighty Mile Beach – directly across from the epicenter that steamed from the ocean.
Hiking in Karijini National Park
I hiked at Dale’s Gorge in Karijini National Park. The red rock canyon surprised me with natural pools and waterfalls, as well as lots of green life growing throughout. Then I found the most beautiful camping site, and it was free!
Journey to the Center of the Earth
I had never rock climbed or rappelled, but this experience going into the center of the earth was once in a lifetime! We went all of the way into a class six gorge in Western Australia. This was in the top three things I’ve ever done.
Throughout her wild 3-week journey backpacking 220+ miles in the California Sierra Mountains, Christy encountered freezing temperatures, pelting hail storms, and losing her way, but found trail family, incredible views, and experiences that would change her life forever. Hiking up and over ten different mountain passes gave Christy a lot of time to think about why her nine-year marriage was falling apart, gave her the chance to truly embody her individualism, time to make new friends, and the strength she would need on and off the trail. Her life could never again be the same.
This is one woman’s account of the three weeks she spent on the iconic trail.
From Readers Favorite: “... a compelling non-fiction adventure story of finding strength in the face of adversity and learning how to believe in yourself.”
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