Travels Past & Future

Why We're Lacing Up Our Boots for the Camino All Over Again In May 2024, to celebrate a milestone Sixtieth birthday, my sisters, Kim and Alison, and I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. We walked a 275km stretch of the Camino Francés, from the small town of León (specifically, the Hospital de Órbigo) all the way to the majestic Santiago de Compostela. When we finally arrived, I was running on empty. We had averaged about 16km a day, with three rest days sprinkled in to give our bodies a break. And I mean *real* rest days. One of them, I’m pretty sure I slept straight through. Looking back, the walk was a beautiful paradox. It was exhausting, yet exhilarating. It was hard and strenuous, but also peaceful in a way I’d never experienced. The sense of achievement when we finally completed it was immense. But in the moment? I was just tired. My poor sister Alison bore the brunt of my struggles. She’d walk a couple of kilometres, then patiently sit and wait for me to catch up. She ...

Conquering the Women’s Fitness Adventures Hiking Skills Weekend This past weekend, I completed the Women’s Fitness Adventures Hiking Skills Course—and let me tell you, it was equal parts exhilarating and exhausting!   Friday Night: Meet & Greet The adventure kicked off with a social dinner at the Bull & Bush in Medowie. Fourteen of us gathered, including our instructor, Jane. The group was a mix of women from all over—Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Sydney, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Mackay,  100km northeast of Perth! It was amazing swapping stories and getting to know everyone before the real work began.   Saturday: Gear Talk & Bulahdelah Mountain Saturday morning, we assembled at the Mercure in Williamtown and were introduced to Shane, our local guide. Then came a deep dive into hiking gear. And wow—there’s so much to consider! From boots and socks to gaiters, rain gear, gloves, and even the right underwear (yes, really), we covered it all. ...

A Leisurely Farewell: Winding Down and Wrapping Up Our Adventure After two weeks of early mornings and non-stop exploration, today was all about slowing down and savoring our final moments. Thanks to a late checkout, we got to enjoy another blissful sleep-in and a leisurely breakfast—a rare treat after so many days on the go.   With no major plans for the day, we took the opportunity to relax, read, and make sure our bags were packed and ready to go. Of course, we also attempted the impossible: trying to squeeze the heavenly Sheridan bed and pillows into our luggage. Spoiler alert—it didn’t quite work out, but a girl can dream, right?   We checked out at noon, and our bus arrived just before 1:00 pm to whisk us away. About half an hour into the journey, we made a quick pit stop at a service center before continuing on to Earls Regent hotel in Negombo. There, we spent a few hours unwinding by the pool, sipping on refresh...

A Day of Serenity, Shopping, and Sunset Feasts on the Indian Ocean Coast Today was all about sleep, shopping, and soaking in the relaxed vibes of our stunning location. We’re staying at the Marriott on the Indian Ocean Coast, and honestly, with the beach right at our doorstep, we could easily spend a week here. But alas, we only have two nights, so we’re making the most of every moment.   Most of us slept in and enjoyed a leisurely late breakfast. Glenn and I decided it was time to tackle the gift shopping we’d been putting off—procrastination at its finest, considering we only have one day left!  Joy and Ally joined us, but not before making a quick detour to the pharmacy for Deb, who’s been under the weather for the past 36 hours. Unfortunately, the pharmacy didn’t have what she needed and suggested she see a doctor. Their tuk-tuk driver offered to take them to a voodoo doctor instead—definitely not your average travel story! They returned with a mysterious ...

A Fond Farewell and a Relaxing Retreat: Our Journey Continues Today marked a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to half of our incredible travel companions. Christy & Hayden, Janet & Lie, Rebecca & Jason, Styfan & Wendy, and Jacqui & Peter—thank you for the memories, laughter, and shared adventures. Though we’ll miss you, the journey continues for the rest of us!   2004 Tsunami Memorial But before the farewells, some of us embarked on a serene boat ride around Maduganga Lake. The calm waters were scattered with birdlife, and we even spotted a water monitor lazily basking in the shade. Along the way, we passed quaint shacks perched on stilts, where locals sold goods and one store holder came across and showed us a  baby crocodile. Our boat made a stop at a small island, where we witnessed a fascinating demonstration of cinnamon processing—a true sensory delight!   After the boat ride, we arrived at the lu...

A Leisurely Morning and an Afternoon Adventure in Galle Today was a day of delightful spontaneity, with nothing on the agenda until 3:00 pm. After a leisurely late breakfast, our group split up—some headed into the bustling town of Koggala, while a few of us opted for a serene stroll along the beach. The soft sand beneath our feet and the rhythmic sound of the waves set the tone for a perfectly relaxed morning. We followed up our walk with refreshing cold drinks by the pool, joined by Joy, Ally, and Deb. The conversation flowed effortlessly as we reminisced about our tour so far and simply soaked in the tranquillity of the morning.   Later, we retreated to our room to check on our laundry and see if we could finally check in for our upcoming flights. Unfortunately, we were met with the dreaded “not yet” message, so we decided to let it go for the time being.   Lunch was a casual affair—a short stroll to the hotel restaurant, where we s...

A Journey Through Sri Lanka: From Ancient Temples to Baby Elephants and Monsoon Showers The day began with a quintessentially English breakfast—no buffet in sight—fueling us for the long journey ahead. Our coach awaited, ready to whisk us away on a six-hour drive to Galle, a coastal gem in southern Sri Lanka. But before we reached our destination, the day promised a tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. A Glimpse of Myth and Legend As we rolled through the lush landscapes of central Sri Lanka, we caught a fleeting glimpse of the Seetha Amman Temple, a site steeped in myth and devotion. Known also as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, this ancient Vaishnavite shrine is said to be the very spot where Sita, the heroine of the Hindu epic Ramayana, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. The temple’s serene setting amidst the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya feels almost otherworldly, as if the whispers of Rama’s quest to rescue Sita still linger in...