I had lots of miles to drive before arriving on the east coast of Australia. I received a message from Josh, who I had met in Whistler nine months earlier, and who I was supposed to see in Cairns. I also received a message from Chris, who ghosted me twice. Why does dating have to be so hard?
I picked up the campervan that I was relocating from Darwin to Cairns for $1 a day from Imoova. On the way, I stopped in Kakadu National Park to explore the rock art, Yellow Water Billabong filled with crocs, and hiked to a natural pool.
I explored the reptile house, beaches, an outdoor festival, movie theater, and went on a sunset boat cruise. I also randomly ran into a new friend, making it feel like the world isn’t so big after all.
While I was in Darwin, I had the opportunity to meet up with an old friend from Los Angeles and meet a friend of his too. The three of us had been traveling for more than a year, so we understood what we were all experiencing.
What happens when you chase someone to the airport to tell them how you feel? Well, it doesn’t go quite like the movies, that’s for sure. Did I embarrass myself? Absolutely.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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