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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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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."
