Rainy days and Sappy Thoughts

 Our next trip was intended to be Mt Field NP, but the forecast said heavy wind, snow, and rain so that idea quickly got thrown out. The weather wasn’t exactly pleasant so we spent most of the day inside at coffee shops/restaurants working and eating after a short couple mile walk on the beach. We began working our way north a bit where we stayed south of Mt. Wellington  outside. We had the intention of waking up and doing a few hikes the next day, but after nearly getting blown away after the first hike we opted to head to Hobart for the day to find some shelter. We got a fantastic lunch and agreed that finding a shower was a great need, as I for one, was feeling like I looked as homeless as I am. I found out that there is a rec center in Hobart which is actually fantastic and for A$16 you can get a day pass to the pool/sauna/hot tub/steam room and of course locker room. I ended up spending nearly the entire day rotating between all the facilities and it was so warm and lovely. Quentin seemed to think this was a ‘lazy day’ despite our 4 mile hike with 800 ft elevation gain and entire day of swimming, but that’s his prerogative I guess cause I was exhausted lol. We ended our final night of travel together (although hopefully we will meet back up next week for a couple days) with a nice dinner and drinks to celebrate a really wonderful trip together. I’m so grateful to have had his company here in Tasmania, he is a good friend and it was really great to have someone with shared interests to enjoy natural places with. Together we both likely visited many places we otherwise wouldn’t have and were motivated to try more challenging and longer walks. I’ve been so lucky in my travels to have made friends in every location I’ve gone (all of whom I stay in touch with) and have made many new friends from all over and I’m so happy that Quentin is another of those friends. 

The next morning we had plans to climb Mt Wellington all day; but it was 35 degrees, windy and rainy, and I had a headache so I ended up declining the hike. We went for a shorter easier 3 mile hike which was nice and then we parted ways. I decided to treat myself to a lovely bed and breakfast where I was the only guest in the beautiful home. I luxuriated in the warmth of showers and heated blankets and watched tv for the first time in a month. 

This sort of traveling has both given me so much joy in every moment of my travels and I’ve been in a state of ever increasing bliss for many months. Even more so, the prolonged camping I have been doing has made me both so incredibly appreciative of nature and grateful for this opportunity I’ve had and also has made me notice the luxury of daily lives. I’m both more appreciative of my ability to go anywhere and sleep anywhere and see this magical world, but I also find the opulence of the a hot shower. I’ve found community and great people at every stop along my trip and have truly just been so grateful for every experience and my great fortune. (Okay sappy appreciation rant over for now).