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.
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.
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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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."
