I camped two nights at Cheela Plains station and had a great time! They offer hikes on their private property, which have incredible scenery! The Wall was so unique and I couldn’t believe that I was the only person there! I also met some interesting people and got into my “storytelling” mode.
I hiked in Exmouth and enjoyed the beach before heading east. Then, I camped at Cheela Plains Station, where I went on a stargazing tour. I had the opportunity to photograph the moon & met some great people.
I had a packed day that started with snorkeling in the Ningaloo Reef, where I saw some massive creatures – even a shark! Next, was a flying high into the sky on a powered hang glider! It was easily in the top 3 most amazing travel days.
Sometimes solo travel feels incredibly lonely. I had been out of my home country for 5 months (the longest ever) and I was missing family, friends, and familiarity. I never thought I’d miss routine, but in that moment, I wanted something stable. I didn’t want to keep making major decision every single day.
I dived at the Navy Pier in Exmouth, an intermediate site. I had a horrible time – the conditions were terrible, the currents were strong, and water kept getting in my mask. Then I panicked.
I camped at a secluded beach full of shells on the Shark Bay peninsula. It was incredible! I also saw stromatolites – the oldest living life form on Earth!
On the way to Kalbarri in Western Australia, I stopped at a pink lake! The next day was full of adventure – an ATV ride and then a strenuous hike at Nature’s Window. The work was worth it to see the incredible scenery!
I walked around the pinnacles, a couple hours north of Perth. They were really interesting to see and scientists don’t know much about them. I also finally figured out what the “hives” were on my face, neck, and shoulders that Benadryl wouldn’t cure.
The nighttime prison tour at the historic Fremantle prison provides lots of good history and stories of some famous criminals. The first thing the convicts had to build was their prison! I also met an awesome Airbnb host who had unique travel stories.
Quokka’s might be the cutest animal I’ve seen! They live on Rottnest Island, just outside of Perth, Australia. They’re friendly and playful! I loved my selfie photo-shoot with one little guy! If you’re in Perth, you must go to Rottnest Island!
While in Perth, I was able to go on a bar tour, check out a market, see the botanical gardens, visit the Mint, and do some self-pampering. Perth has been one of my favorite cities to visit!
As an American, I had no idea what Australian footy was all about. I went to the Optus Stadium and watched a game. It was a blast and was exciting to watch! I scored a ticket in the 5th row and was invited to the VIP room!
Perth is the world’s most isolated capital city. It’s designated as the sunniest capital city in the world. It’s a beautiful city, combing city and nature.
Just then, I noticed Billy and Apple standing to my left…outside of their pen! I panicked. I hadn’t closed the gate to their property, and they could escape the whole property. I set the food down and raced twenty feet to the gate and closed it. I noticed the first section of the electric fence that was near the metal gated fence had fallen. It was still making a crackling noise, so I knew it was live. My heart started racing! I was terrified the goats would run away.
I was accepted to house and cat-sit in Bridgetown, Western Australia. I ended up also feeding two goats each day. The homeowner and I became instant friends.
Esperance, Western Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches that I’ve ever seen! During my drive there, I also met some fun characters.
Norseman is the first town I arrived at after driving across the Nullarbor. I stayed at a hotel that was above a bar in an old Victorian building. Walking down the hallway was like walking into The Shinning.
Driving the Nullarbor Plain is like driving through Kansas. It’s more remote than driving to Alaska through the Yukon in Canada. I went hours between roadhouses. There no towns in sight.
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.”
If you enjoy reading my blog, you may also like my book.
From Kirkus Reviews: “Teglo's depictions of the natural wonders she viewed on the trail and her campfire conversations with fellow adventurers will motivate even the most devoted couch potato to think about lacing up a pair of hiking boots. An evocative hiking account that offers some powerful lessons."
