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 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.
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 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!
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 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!
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."
