November 8, 2018

Climbing through the Looking Glass

It was a scanty beginning… Summer camp, North Carolina, 2005. I’m standing on Looking Glass Rock in the middle of a multi-pitch, wearing these weird and effing TIGHT rubber shoes. I gaze out, far above the tree tops, I am so high up. I’ve climbed this chunk of rock and I really have no idea how I got here or what the hell I’m doing. All the serotonin has hit my brain and I’m overwhelmed. I burst into tears. An indifferent reintroduction… Brisbane, Urban Climb West End, 2013 I bought a 10 pass deal that let me climb indoors a bit, then get some free weeks off a membership. It…

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written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

November 11, 2016

Remembrance Day

Today was a magical day. Sitting in a lodge in Kinloch, I was reflecting on how thankful I am on this Remembrance Day. My Pop fought in WW2, he is the person I usually think about most when I’m giving thanks on this day. Today, I was thinking about my wonderful friend Carla who is in the service, the friends and family of those who are absent, reflecting on ANZAC day spent in Villers-Bretonneax last year, and the uncertainty of times.  I am grateful. The life I lead is full of love, full of joy, challenges, overwhelming chaos, and fun. I thank those who gained meters in the mud in…

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written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

November 10, 2016

From Beaches to Canyons

I woke up in a panic about three times last night. I did NOT want to miss the sunrise over the Remarkables. I have a pretty room in Queenstown where I look out over the lake towards the East. At 5:30am I saw the light start to peek over the peaks, scattered clouds tinged pink. Birds started singing. I got up, took some photos, left the door strewn open and jumped back into my warm bed. I did have a moment where I thought ‘this would be a magical place to wake up and snuggle in next to someone for an hour or so before starting the day.” Then I…

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written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

August 23, 2016

Recognition, response, and reflection

Sitting at an airport once more, which is my second favourite place to reflect on things – the first being the shower of course! This past week has been one of the most emotionally draining and stressful weeks that I have had in a really long time.  Thinking back, losing my passport (and debit/credit cards, license, general sense of adulthood) in Germany was actually less stressful than the week I’ve been through.  What has made this stress and emotion so prevalent in my world you ask? People.  Lots of things to do with people. I love people, this is where my challenge begins.  In the past 5 months I have…

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written by Happywanderer - Posted in #recklessabandontour, Brisbane, Grateful, Relationships, Travel