I'm so happy that I have been able to enjoy a lot of our
trip to the Cape.
I didn't expect to, which is why I worried about it for over
a year.
It hasn't all been sunshine and lollipops mind you, but I
guess that’s to be expected from a girl who hasn't hugely enjoyed the whole
camping thing. I'm ok for a weekend, or long weekend even, but when we’re
talking extended periods of time-well let’s just say I would rather stick pins
in my eyeballs.
I'm a huge what-if-er.
The fear of the unknown and the isolation only adds to my
uncertainty.
What if this happens and we’re miles away from anywhere?
What if that happens?
God forbid anything happens.
I hate that about myself.
I wish I could just go with the flow, and wait for there to
be something to actually worry about before the fear sets in.
Unfortunately, the fear starts way ahead of time.
In my head.
So, as this trip was going to happen whether I liked it or
not, I stocked up on my anti-stress herbal supplements and prepared to take
them a handful at a time. Amazingly, although I have taken some, most of them
are still in unopened bottles!
And I have to say I'm a little proud of myself.
More than a little.
I think I fricking rock, if truth be told!
My husband is extremely proud of me too.
He was expecting waaay more nervous irritability and anxiety
coming from my side of the car than he has received, and mighty glad about it
too, I'm sure.
And here we are, more than half way through, and only
roughly ninety odd kilometres away from the northern most tip of Australia.
I have to admit it though, I am completely over the dust,
dirt and sand.
I'm sure I must have dust in every single crevice.
Especially if what comes out of my nose in a tissue is any
indication-uggghh!
I know, too much information. Sorry.
But you catch my drift.
I can’t take much more of it.
That, and the lack of toilets.
(What am I, a fricking bear? I don’t shit in the woods I’m
sorry!)
And showers!
(However, speaking of showers, one of the wonderful families
in our group has a gas powered shower that they offered me the use of one night
after it had been particularly hot and I was feeling really sticky after being
covered in sunscreen and bug spray all day. It would seriously have to have
been one of the best showers I have ever had! The gas powered unit (called an
Aqua Cube) heated the river water that was collected (being very careful to
watch out for crocodiles) to a gorgeous 29 degrees Celsius, and as it was a
lovely mild night, I stood out in the dark in all my glory and showered all the
stickiness away. It was such a good feeling to climb into bed all nice and
clean. I'm pretty sure I will remember that shower until the day I die!)
It’s funny how things can change.
Now I just wish our trip didn't feel so rushed.
It actually makes me laugh to say that, considering when we
left home I wanted to blink and be back there!
Back when I was trying to talk myself into the positives of
this trip, I kept telling myself there would be numerous photo and writing
opportunities. That maybe I would be finally able to start putting down on
paper (or computer) one of the books I have lurking around in my head. Or learn
the specifics about my camera and how to use it properly in manual mode.
But I have rarely had the time!
Don’t get me wrong, I have taken plenty of photos.
Hopefully great photos!
And done heaps of reading too, on how to take said great
photos, amongst other stuff.
But we are spending most days, all day, in the car, moving
from one camp site to the next. Packing up every day and setting up again
somewhere else. There has only been twice that we have stayed in the same place
for more than one night.
I'm over that too.
I have seen some of the most gorgeous scenery, in some of
the remotest places our beautiful country has to offer, but I haven’t had much
time to revel in it.
To draw inspiration from it.
And I think it’s a real shame, because it will be a long
time before we take another trip like this.
But unfortunately, when you’re on a time limit as we are and
have a long way to travel, you have to keep moving.
Rollin, rollin, rollin…..as the song goes.
And shortly we’re about to start heading home.
You would be as surprised as I am by the pout on my face,
thinking about that.
So in the meantime, I'm going to sit here writing while I
can.
And look out at this beautiful vista I have before me.
And smile.
:)
Tracey ♥
Wow I am so happy for you ! You sound so happy and relaxed - yay for not needing the anti-anxiety tablets - go you!!"
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your trip !
Lotsa hugs !
Me
Thanks lovely!
DeleteI'm amazed and thankful, all at the same time!
Hope things are well with you :)
xx