#off road caravans adelaide

[explorercaravan]

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[kalh-plays-dnd]

Notes: Session #2

Summary: The party begins to form as they get to know each other and exchange experiences.

DAY 2 (ON THE ROAD)

At the end of Session #1, Viliam noticed a cloud of dust quickly approaching on the caravan's trail. Now, the cloud closes in and turns out to be two young men — barely out of boyhood — sharing a horse. Both have tanned skin and sandy hair, with bandanas pulled up to over their noses and dusty capes obscuring their physique. The one holding the reins has a slight point to his ears, while the other is distinctly human. Both carry short swords.

Fred notices they both wear standard military boots with reinforced steel toes and a small insignia on the side.

Around the party, time stops. There is a noticeable absence of sound as the human stranger begins to get off the horse. The pointy-eared one clutches something against his chest. Fred prepares to charge, but Viliam calls him back and asks the strangers what their business is. Aurora, with Fred's intimidating presence, convinces the strangers to keep going and raid another caravan.

As the strangers leave, time resumes and the pointy-eared one discards what he had been holding, which Fred collects: a roughly hewn cobalt stone wrapped with fine silver threads, attached to a leather cord. Fred considers it spoils of battle and puts it on. Viliam identifies the stopped time as some form of the spell Time Stop. Niko convinces Fred to let him attempt to identify the cobalt stone, but casts Prestidigitation instead to cause a flash of light. He warns Fred the stone might be a dangerous item.

During the caravan's lunch stop, Aaria and Zia are offered complementary tea and biscuits. Viliam sends Alvin to attempt to steal some tea from the caravan's storage, to figure out what type it is. Alvin is semi-successful: he gets caught, but the teabag he stole is already wet, so he absconds with it. Viliam identifies it as an average black tea with floral overtones.

Over dinner that night, the party attempts to figure out why they were unaffected by the time stop. Conversation reveals they all received the same message from Rogan Underbite, and that Zia and Aaria know Wish, that Aurora knows Rogan and Luca, that Fred, Niko, and Viliam know none of them, and that no one knows Adelaide.

Aaria is convinced they ought to help Rogan, with Zia, Aurora, Viliam, and Niko willing to help. Fred is hesitant due to his job and commitments to his parents, but Viliam offers to hire Fred's services (3gp per day, doubled after Rogan and co. have been found). Fred remembers the terms of his assignment and agrees to discuss time off with the Garrison in the hopes they might approve it. Aurora offers to assist.

DAY 3 (ON THE ROAD)

In the early pre-dawn morning, Aaria is visited by Sussorra (the Lord of Dreams/the Whisperer), who tells her that they want to see her flourish, that she is to keep an eye on the old man (implied to be Viliam), that she is to say hi to the Lord of Life when she meets him, and that Wish is beyond their sight. Aaria wakes up and goes to sit outside, falling asleep by the remains of the campfire. Viliam, who only needs 4 hours, wraps her with a blanket when he wakes.

Later, when the party asks, she says she was inspired to compose music.

During lunch, Aurora pays the caravan driver 20gp to get Niko and Viliam seats in the covered carriages. She doesn't tell them she's the one who paid.

With the third day being an overcast, though peaceful day, the party has plenty of time to converse. Conversation returns to Rogan's message and what they might expect. Most importantly, they try to work out what connects the party-members — why the six of them?

As the question comes up, it strikes Viliam that he recognises Aurora, Zia, and Fred. He doesn't know where from or in what context, but he has met them before. This sparks a suspicion that something has been hidden — memories vanished from their minds by magic means. It reminds him of his lost love — a beautiful woman, dark skinned with silvery hair, braided, like starlight — whose name he realised two years ago he doesn't remember.

Zia talks about travelling, and has the distinct impression she used to always have company in her travels — a sense that she was never alone. When she has this revelation, Betta awakens in the back of her mind, and she sees that Betta is aware and watching. Zia asks if Betta is alright, to which Betta says, "No."

Eventually, the party reaches the end of the day and everyone retreat to sleep. Viliam sits on the steps outside a carriage to watch the stars, while Niko finds a space to curl up on the floor of the same carriage in which Fred and Aurora are.

[destinyrvsblog]

luxury off road caravan providers in Adelaide, Destinyrv are now on the moneysaversguide

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[kimberchisholm]

The Heysen trail - Parachilna to Adelaide July August September 2023.

32. Kapunda to Tanunda

The day started off in showers and low cloud, and it was hard to leave my comfortable little cabin. I needed to get out before 0800, as there was another day without power. What luxury to be able to use a kettle to boil water, and a toaster to have toast and peanut butter before leaving!

Walking in the light rain is not a problem, and often I didn't bother with my rain jacket as it was too hot with the exertion of walking and the showers came and went very quickly. Unfortunately, the tracks and roads were often red dirt, which turned to a glass like slipperiness when wet. It was hard going, 'skating' my way along the trail.

I stopped at Greenock Oval for lunch, as this was my planned stopover for the night. It's a great little place; well maintained, great amenities and with lots of protected places to camp.

I pushed on the last pushed on for the last 15m to Tanunda, and was pretty tired on arriving, so headed in to town to get coffee and something for dinner. Its a great town, with lots of shops and restaurants, and with friendly people. The lady at the Apex bakery, once she heard I was on the Heysen trail, would not let me pay for the bread rolls I wanted, and the same happened when I tried to buy sweets at the 'Fruchocs' shop.

Eventually I got to the Discovery Caravan Park about a kilometer out of town, made dinner in my nice little heated, dry cabin and crashed early for a very solid nights sleep.

[aussiecampertrailers]

4 Key Reasons for Adventurists to Shift Towards Off Road Caravans

The present COVID situation has forced people to look for other travelling alternatives and accessories to keep people safe. In most cases, people are looking for off-road caravans in Adelaide. It provides a chance to explore the countryside by enjoying the comforts of a mini home.

People call these moving homes, travel trailers, campers or camper trailers. Such Australian off-road campers can be towed behind a road vehicle. They could act like a home, allowing people not to rely on a motel or hotel for their stay or food.

These caravans come in different variations. The basic model is a little more than a tent on wheels. People can add various accessories, as per their priorities, to enjoy the comfort and a trip in the wild. The benefits that the owners can enjoy by investing in a caravan are:

Cost-effectiveness: Experts believe that these trailers are a cost-effective option, allowing more people to travel together. It helps in saving money with motels. It would be ideal for large families to explore the wild, cook with minimum supplies and relax amidst nature. Many people feel that the small size does not provide comfort. The fact is slightly different, allowing people to spend some quality time away from the fast-paced world.

Comfort: People can choose the accessories that they wish to install in these campers. Beds, kitchen supplies, and few other amenities are the most preferred and are the basic requirements for any trip, especially while travelling out into areas with less vegetation.

Best for rough roads: These camper trailer models are designed to be trailed off-roads. The mechanism provides people with a less bumpy ride, even through the toughest conditions.

Safety: These trailers are at a certain height from the ground and have the facility lock from inside. These two facilities give their users extreme protection from animals. Few models come with a window attached with nets that could allow fresh air to flow inside the trailer.

These trailers are a safe way to adventure out into the wilds, or to move across various cities. People can install amenities that could meet their daily needs and work for them while travelling.

​Source

[maverickcampers]

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[sheepston]

Adelaide was a young, idealistic skydancer who loved her work and her pearlcatcher wife, Tanya. Childhood friends, Adelaide and Tanya moved into a city apartment together and eventually found themselves in a relationship and loving marriage. Adelaide took on a stable, decently-paying job in a pet shop so that her wife could dabble in the arts. The two girls lived happily for about six years before Tanya fell sick and passed away. Adelaide was devastated and fell into a deep depression; she cut off all family and friends in favour of locking herself away. She lost her job and, after her savings drained away, her apartment. The only thing she managed to keep was her wife's memory pearl; which she valued over her own life and put herself in danger several times to protect. She was eventually picked up in a back alley by a group of morally-corrupt spellcasters. For a year and a half she acted as their servant; cleaning their home, cooking their food, and disposing of failed experiements in return for a roof over her head and whatever was left over after their meals. Then she began to dabble in the dark arts, herself. The group saw her magical potential and her status in the group was elevated. She trained for another year before finding a book on necromancy and, driven by desperation and loneliness, tried to bring her wife back from the dead. The spell was only half-successful. Adelaide brought back Tanya's spirit, which became bound to the memory-pearl and was very, very weak. Seeing what had become of Adelaide, Tanya's spirit begged her to run away and find somewhere better to live. It took a further six months before Adelaide found the courage to do so, and fled the spellcasters. She barely got away with her life and was seriously injured. Luckily, after escaping the spellcasters she came upon a mysterious tower full of kind souls that allowed her and Tanya to stay with them. She doesn't remember much from her time in the tower. Only that she was treated gently as her wounds healed, told it would be best to keep Tanya's resurrection a secret, and then guided away by a man named Rat; who appeared from the thick night fog when called and disappeared again without a word once they reached the road. While travelling the roads she found a ridgeback man painting beautiful landscapes. She stopped to speak with him, and he eyed her with a friendly suspicion before saying that she should come back to the caravan park with him. He told her they were a community who would understand her, though she had no need to explain her past; nobody ever did. Against her better judgement, Adelaide followed the man back to the park and found herself becoming a part of a friendly, judgement-free community. She could tell that they, just like her, had been through terrible things. But as she was promised nobody ever shared their stories. Nor did they ever pry for hers or ask who they could hear her laughing with when she was supposedly alone in her home.

[galahgrannies]

Day 7: last night we laughingly said we would “get away by 8.30” this morning (laughingly because we actually think there is something wrong with the clocks over here as we always seem to be late!!!! And a trip that “Maps” says will take 4 or 5 hours, somehow takes 6 or 7 🤣🤣🤣. Maybe because we stop for a coffee and stop for lunch. Anyway, we showered last night and gobbled breakfast and WE WERE AWAY BY 8.20 am!!! The very first thing we did was find some remote ground and emptied our grey water (not really meant to but it started bubbling out the overflow as we were driving away and we couldn’t bring ourselves to stop, dig out the hose, and do the complex attachment!!

Our first stop was Ceduna, getting ready for our morning cappuccino. Everything but the Servo in Ceduna was closed. BUT!!!! Ceduna - who our gorgeous surfing friend in the caravan park laundry thought was a bit ho-hum - is the cleanest and tidiest town we have ever seen, set on an enormous bay with the requisite l-o-n-g jetty, with green manicured lawns and streets lined with huge healthy pines. We filled up with fuel and got back on the straight road and another approx. 150km along we turned left into Fowler’s Bay which was the tiniest little settlement (population 15) FULL FULL of history. The whale watching season is starting as the mothers come to these safe and secluded bays to calve. We didn’t see one, but they are on their way and we have other opportunities along the Bunda Cliffs. I have taken photos of the Fowler’s Bay history, but it must have been such a busy place and it is hard to imagine just how tough it would have been over 100 years ago.

Back onto the road after our lunch …. which we usually have from the van, sitting near the water. Now we head into even flatter country, if that’s possible, but STILL looking green, with crops coming up and sheep looking healthy and salt bush and then mallee trees (?) all along the road. But it’s FLAT FLAT FLAT! Then excitement when we arrived at the famous Nullarbor Roadhouse which is amazing. It is exactly how I imagined it. A roadhouse surrounded by a bare paddock dotted with electric outlets for caravans etc, a petrol station, concrete motel, bar, cafe and friendly people. It is very busy here because we have joined the main road to Perth. Up to now we have avoided all the tourists and vehicles on the Ayre Peninsular. I wish we had a golf stick, because we are at the 5th hole of the longest golf course in the world, called the Dingo Run!! Someone told us that the first two hole are at Ceduna, then 2 more at Nundroo and now we’re at The Nullarbor Roadhouse and when you reach the end of the Nullarbor (or Kalgoolie), the golfers have done 18 holes!! Isn’t that totally wonderful!!!! We went for a walk because (we can!!!) we are pretty stiff after hours in the vehicle (Wendy says “I am way too young to be this old!!!!l) because we saw a structure in the distance and it turned out to be a table and bench where a golfer would tee off at this fifth hole and as we’re discusssing this very Australian activity, lo and behold a young couple with a toddler and tiny baby came along with three golf sticks and we all watched him hit off!!! He said they weren’t golfers and we assured him we weren’t either, so not to be intimidated by us watching him tee off! She said her Dad in Adelaide told them about it and said they must have a go!

We both feel really privileged to be doing this trip.

Highlight for the day: Fowler’s Bay and experiencing The Nullarbor Roadhouse.

Camping hint: Shower at night so you can leave quickly in the morning. 🤣🤣🚗

The oysters I shucked!

[hecatemoon87]

Mad Max - A Brighter Future

Chapter One: Golden Haven

It had been little over a month since he had left Furiosa at the Citadel. With the Citadel overthrown, Immortan Joe was dead along with his henchmen, Furiosa and the other women could change that area for the better. Start a new age of progress and equality for the people. But for Max, the road was his home and he intended to stay a nomad.

He had taken a bike fully stocked and headed south. He calculated he had at least covered fifteen hundred kilometers and was somewhere in the vicinity of Adelaide, South Australia. As he traversed the barren land he had crossed paths with a friendly, but cautious caravan.

The people wouldn’t allow him to camp with them, which was fine by him, but they shared some food and water with him. And they gave him some information that sparked his interest. There were people living around Adelaide, not just in small groups, but in cities. Rumor said that these hidden cities consisted of the wealthier people who had been prepared for the fallout.

Not sure where to go next, he made the decision to head out toward Adelaide. One day he decided to make a pitstop and stopped off to take cover near some rock formations. He made a small fire and sat staring into the flames when he heard some rock fall down to the left of him.

Senses heightened, he grabbed his gun and cautiously made his way around the boulder to inspect the noise. Rounding the corner he saw only a desert lizard, scuttling along the rockbed. Clicking the safety back to “on”, he lowered his gun when he heard a voice above him.

“Put your hands up slowly and turn around.” a muffled voice ordered.

He slowly turned and looked up on top of the boulder. The stranger slid down the boulder and landed next to him. His new captor was wearing goggles and a shemagh, so he could not see their face.

“Who are you?” They asked.

He licked his lips, “No one of importance,”

The person cocked their head to the side as they kept the gun level with his head.

“I’ll ask one more time. Who are you, where do you come from?”

He decided to comply. The gun the person held was a desert eagle, 50 action express and would blow his head apart with one shot.

“I’m Max. I’ve come from the north, near The Citadel.”

“Okay, Max. Why don’t you take a load off by the fire. You sit down right there,” the person said, pointing to a spot far from his gear. They in turn sat across from him near his bike.

As they sat, the person kept the gun on him. They brought up their other hand to pull down the shemagh and remove the goggles. Max was shocked that it was a woman. She had dark brown hair and amber colored eyes. She was beautiful. Her skin was fair, no sun blemishes or tanning. She almost looked as untouched as Immortan Joe’s wives had been.

“Do you know anything about this area? Did you come with a purpose?” She asked.

“I heard…rumors.”

“And?”

“That the wealthier people have cities here, underground bunkers, something like that.”

“You know, we normally kill anyone wandering around our home. I’m part of the Regulators. We terminate threats near Haven.”

“Haven?” He asked.

“The name of our city, Golden Haven.”

“So…you’re like a cop?”

“Sure,” she said, nodding.

“I used to be one, in the old days.” He said.

“Really? Oh, my god, we should be friends,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Now take off your clothes.” She added, pulling out another desert eagle as she stood up.

“What?”

“Look, I can either shoot you now. Or I can confirm you aren’t a threat. Which would you prefer?”

Max stood up and began to undress. He pulled his shirt over his head and when he bent to unbuckle his boots she shouted.

“Slowly!”

He paused for a second and did as she instructed. Unlatching the buckles he stood and gingerly pried them off with the back of his heels. Once barefoot he hesitated for a second.

“Everything,” she commanded.

He unzipped and dropped trou. Stepping out of his clothing, he stood to the side with his hands held up at shoulder level. Her eyes trailed down his body as she inspected him.

“Perfect, now turn around and touch your toes,”

Max’s eyes widened. “No, I’m not gonna do that.”

“I was stabbed by a Sand Dog like you last winter. Guess where he was hiding the shiv?”

He sighed, at least it was a gorgeous woman and not a War Boy behind him. He did as he was told, albeit quickly, then stood up and turned around.

“That wasn’t so hard was it?” She said, lowering the guns.

“Can I get dressed now?” He asked.

She gave him a long, slow once over with her amber eyes before nodding with a little smirk on her lips.

Once he was fully clothed again he returned to where she had previously told him to sit.

“You look healthy and in good shape for a Sand Dog. So what I’m going to do is take you to Golden Haven to meet with the Council. If they think you could be useful, you get to live. If not…” She said, not finishing her sentence.

He saw her take a pair of handcuffs out. “Turn around,”

His mind was thinking he could try to over take her when she began to cuff him. But then a part of him was interested in gaining access to this Golden Haven. He turned around and allowed her to cuff him.

“Okay, Max. Let’s go.”

[thejosh1980]

I was lookin' back to see if she was lookin' back...

Yesterday Alex, Mum and I celebrated...

It's been one year since Alex and I arrived at Mum's place in Ocean Shores, NSW Australia.

If you've read my earlier blogs in 2020, you'll know that we had a lot of trouble getting home. Between the government and airlines, at one point it looked like we'd never get here; we were stranded. I was living in constant worry, stress and hopelessness - in fact, we all were: Alex's family in Germany and Mum's family down under.

Our July 2020 flights were cancelled or rescheduled many times, and eventually we decided to buy new, more expensive flights, on another airline through an agency, which gave us some assurances we'd be on the flight. Our new flights booked and confirmed for early September.

We flew Frankfurt to Adelaide, which was not our original plan. Adelaide had no COVID, and the chance of getting on a flight and getting into the country was higher than say, Brisbane, or Sydney. We could quarantine in Adelaide for 2 weeks and then fly on to Brisbane, which is closer to Ocean Shores.

That was like.... so last year...

This area where we now live is known as the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, and when we arrived at Mum's there was no COVID in the area. We are only about 35 minutes south of the Queensland border, about 8 hours north of the big smoke, Sydney.

Now, a year on, COVID has arrived here.

It's been biting at the heals of tourists and essential workers travelling north since Sydney went into lockdown a couple of months ago.

It's not our idea of a good time.

Right now it's school holidays, which is meant to be 2 weeks of families holidaying in caravan parks and hotels, an essential part of this tourist attraction mecca. Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, and surrounds are usually very popular places; so popular that most locals complain about how busy it gets here during the holidays. You just can't get a parking sport anywhere!

The Northern Rivers was locked down for about 6 weeks through August into September because cases from Sydney were getting into regional NSW. These regional areas affected by COVID weren't near here, but they made a blanket rule for everywhere outside of Sydney, just to be on the safe side.

Honestly, I don't blame them for the rule, regional outback Australia can't cope with COVID, there's few hospitals, beds, or COVID experience in the scrub and farm land.

Anyhow, I digress...

After those 6 weeks or so in lockdown, they lifted the restrictions here in the northern rivers (and other areas of NSW).

And now, after 2 weeks, lockdown is back on...

There are a couple of cases in the area. Snap lockdowns are the government's preferred method of containing outbreaks. Lockdown areas wherever cases pop up for a week or two (or longer) to limit exposure.

It reminds me constantly that life can change quickly at any time. I have decided I will not waste time once this current lockdown has ended (who knows when that will be). I will visit friends, family, and musicians who live close by. I want to see as many folks as quickly as possible, before another lockdown kicks in.

Besides the boring, never ending tale of COVID, there have been a few things happening this past year...

Alex has been working consistently in the real estate industry since her temporary visa kicked in late last year.

Her first job was a few more miles away than any of us locals would consider driving, and the position wasn't as enjoyable or rewarding as she had first hoped. She really dived in the deep end, and while she didn't drown, she probably needed a few swimming lessons before the attempt. It was a life lesson, one she took on board, and when a new job came up closer to home, she nailed the interview (as she always does), and hasn't looked back.

The 2nd job is less than half the distance away, strictly 9 to 5 and in a company which she enjoys. There's a strong company structure, good work ethic, and entertaining colleagues. Her supervisors, colleagues, and managers are all very supportive; I think she'll be sitting tight on this one for a while.

Alex has also found her creative side again, scrap book journalling, instant camera photography, and some kind of couples diary/journal/photo book too. It's become an almost nightly affair of focusing, creating, and having something to show for it fairly quickly. She's very proud of her work, and it's something she does just for herself. I don't expect you'll get a chance to see a photo of what she's done, and she likes it like that.

I had a bit of work late in 2020 and early 2021, nothing special really, but wait until the premier!! It's interesting to think that some day soon I'll be able to go to the cinema and see my ugly mug on the big screen (even if it will most likely be out of focus). I'll be on Netflix too.

Having the opportunity to be an extra on film and TV was a real boost for my confidence after being off stage for so long. I felt creative, met some great people, made some friends, and had a few bucks in my pocket. Happy days.

By jumping into an industry I hadn't been in before right after arriving here, it reminded me that Australia has a lot to offer. I found myself comparing Germany and Australia, and Australia often feels like it comes up short. This was a chance to prove to myself that there are adventures awaiting here down under.

So, I decided to go back to school.

The last time I was in a class room was in 1998!! I am studying a Diploma of Counselling, and am currently half way through my studies. I've found it very challenging, but have passed every assessment so far, and gained some handy skills too. I have a good connection with my teachers, and I really enjoy the company of my classmates; some of which I can even call friends.

I chose counselling for a few reasons, but the first step was really just a process of elimination. Besides being a freelance professional musician for several years in Germany, I had worked in offices, shops, warehouses, kindergartens and various other jobs. While I could go back into IT or something similar, I wanted to use this opportunity to try something new.

I had my fair share of mental health issues in the past (and present). I thought maybe those experiences could help me connect with folks who need support as well. When looking at course options, the counselling course stood out. So now I'm making a mid life crisis gamble that I'll pass the course, and feel confident and knowledgeable enough to take on the role that many others have taken on for me over the years.

The course has helped me find a routine too, one that I didn't know I needed, until it happened. When you're jobless and unfocused, the mind wanders, the days pass. Now my mind is focused on study, and I feel better for it.

Up until the lockdown hit, we were in class 3 days a week and then I'd study from home 1 to 3 days a week. When lockdown hit, we had to go online. However, being on the computer so much has worn me out, and I really start to enjoy those rare days where I am not looking at a screen!

To be honest, it's been challenging every step of the way, and I even thought about quitting several times in the past few months. However, my confidence has steadily risen to each challenge and I felt better for it.

That's the kind of vicious circle I enjoy.

In July I had my first live show in 13 months! In fact, to date I've only had 3 since the pandemic started! Fingers crossed I can cross the border next month and add a 4th.

I was approached by Cherry Divine to play guitar for her. It's a relatively easy gig for me. The songs are fun rockabilly tunes, Cherry sings great, and she already has a band and gigs. I'm helping her write a few songs too, for her next album. I can't thank her enough for sparkin' the fire in me to keep music alive in my life; for a while there I thought it was all a thing of the past.

With the spark has come the possibility of “The Josh” solo band coming together. While the band isn't moving at any great speed (the recent 2nd lockdown kicked in right as I was about to arrange a rehearsal), I'm finally eager to get a band together. I miss playing live, and I miss having musicians in my life. I miss the spontaneity of a show, life on the road, and crowd reactions.

I've even started to write some new material, and get those ideas on “tape”, well, on the computer. Slow and steady, between studying, family, pets and surfing, music is coming back into my life, and it feels good.

Our family unit here is doing well. Alex and I have been under mum's roof and mum's care for a year now. There are some ups and downs, but mostly I'd say they're ups... The house is big enough to give all of us space, all of us get time outside of the house (except during lockdown, I was mostly stuck at home, but that's OK for me)...

Last night we couldn't go out for dinner, but we did have take away from the local Indian which was really good, and a special treat for us, we don't eat out often.

Alex and I plan to get away every 5-6 months for a visit to somewhere we haven't been. In March we were on the “Sunshine Coast” and checked out Australia Zoo, and in June we went south to the mid north coast to pick up BB Junior.

It's nice to get out and explore. A bit hard to do at the moment, with the restrictions, but we've agreed another trip away (before Christmas if possible) is in order. Those trips are part of the reason why I came home, to see some of Australia, and I'm lucky I get to make those experiences with Alex.

It's also nice to get away from it all. I know we live in a beautiful spot near the ocean, but here, at home, there's the computers, the life and routine, and getting away keeps us fresh and focused on each other. It's definitely something I look forward to!

Speaking of BB Junior, he's almost 7 months old now, and a real character. While he's not the easiest cat to train, I've been getting a few tricks out of him, and he enjoys his time outside, with his harness and long lead. He visits his cousin each week for play time, Charlie, who is another ragdoll of a family friend who loves to play chase all day long with Junior. Alex adores Junior, and Junior adores Alex; they can't wait to cuddle when she comes home from work. He's very vocal too, so even when everyone is at work, I have someone to talk to!

Losing our little boy Mijo was a real difficult experience. I know I've written about him before, but he deserves a mention here, as he was a big part of our first year here. He was full of character and strength, he and I bonded very quickly and not a day goes by I don't think of him. He also brought Alex and I closer together. When she chose him for me, and when he passed, and all points in between, he brought us closer.

I've been focused on sport a fair bit since getting back and settling in. I bought a RowErg, also known as a rowing machine, and I row about twice a week, in addition to riding my bicycle about twice a week. I try to surf every chance I get, which unfortunately ends up being only a few times a month. It's my goal to do something sporty to get my heart rate up every day, and of late, usually I get there too. I don't really do it for any other reason than I love to snack and I can't snack if I don't do sport!

A benefit of my sport/snack workout routine is it helps me stay calm and focused and connected with those I ride and surf with.

I haven't asked Mum how she's feeling about having her middle aged son and his wife living with her recently. Maybe I should, but do I really wanna know the answer? Well, I think she's OK with it. After all, we drive her wherever she wishes! I suspect it goes a little deeper than that, and in all honesty, we enjoy each other's company.

Since Alex and I have been here, I'd like to think Mum has been living a little bit fuller life. I don't think her eyesight has deteriorated much in the past year, but we've been able to provide her with support, eyes to read the small print, driving and help with google, or something around the house. When Mum was diagnosed with celiac disease earlier this year, Alex took her shopping to check over the ingredients of Mum's favourite food, and when needed, found alternatives. It definitely made the transition to gluten free a little easier on Mum and it was a load off my mind that we were around to help her through that phase.

Winter 2021 was over before it even started. I forgot how warm this part of the world is, and I don't know why I own so many jackets! Returning from Europe, where I was wearing a jacket daily for about 9 months of the year, here it feels like, if it's really needed, and I mean if you're desperate, you might need one for 9 weeks of the year. I think the heater was on a handful of times, and the sun was shining just about every day.

I tell ya, it's some kind of paradise here.

It's been a bit difficult keeping up with our European friends and family. I sometimes find it hard to find the time to be proactive to contact the 20, 30 or more friends I'd like to keep in touch with regularly. I know our lives keep on keepin' on, but time passes by so quickly too, and next thing you know it's been 4 months since I last contacted you!

Sorry about that!

Don't take it personally, and I'll get back to you, eventually!

My overall mental health has improved over the year, I'd say it's become quite stable since I started the course. I mean, can't you tell? I write less and less in this blog, because I have less and less to process. I'm not sure if it's the fact there's a lot of self reflection that is inherently a part of doing that kind of mental health course, or if it's the routine of being a student or the new friends I've made and classmates I study with.

It could be that it's taken a year to come to terms with being back here, cause when I first arrived I felt uncomfortable, depressed and worn out... There were a lot of questions; is this a mid life crisis? What am I doing here? Will I ever feel good again? Is my music career over? What am I going to do now? Is Alex OK? Is Mum OK?

My journalling, blogging, and support from friends and family has helped a lot too this past year. Processing my thoughts in words, by clarifying and reflecting, has helped a lot. I've been trying to care for myself a bit more now and then too, I think people call it self care, sometimes I call it sport! Alex has helped me to recognise my achievements, however big or small, and focus less on what I haven't done.

I'm not perfect, but definitely improving.

I was hoping that Alex and I would be in a position to start looking at buying our own house around this time, a year in, but unfortunately, with one of us being a student and the ever rising cost of housing, we have to sit tight on that idea for a while longer. Sorry Mum, you're stuck with us.

There's been many smaller things happen during our first year here. Lots of moments of gratitude, love and support. There's some stuff we've forgotten, or that has been overtaken by something bigger. All in all, I'd say it's been a real rollercoaster home coming!

We're still here, a year on, still going strong, making motions, taking chances, being in love, talking shit, laughing, smiling, misbehaving and focusing... What more could we ask for?

Thank you for reading, for your support and love. I love you too.

Josh

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[mobianflame]

Nullarbor's Eyre as well as Coolgardie-Esperance motorways close again leading to travel chaos, tempers to flare - ABC News (Australian Transmitting Firm).

A distant juke joint on the Nullarbor has operated out of commode newspaper and also is actually decreasing on beer and also much more necessary meals items as bushfires induce turmoil for common carrier as well as holidaymakers travelling between Western Australia and South Australia.Key factors: The

historic mining town of Norseman has actually been actually cut off for extended time periods over recent fortnight, with about 270,000 hectares damaged through 7 separate fire fronts in the WA Goldfields region.The Caiguna Casino, 400 kilometres east of Norseman along the Eyre Road, has actually ended up being the short-lived house for about 250 truck chauffeurs and also holidaymakers stranded by the out-of-control bushfires.Caiguna Joint manager Maureen O'Halloran claimed the most up-to-date closing has actually been in effect since Monday mid-day,

pointing out regarding 40 caravans as well as 20 vehicles are parked outside. "The fires are actually 200 kilometres away so we're not at risk of the fire at all,"she stated."People intend to receive as close as possible to where they are actually

going, so they are actually still coming by doing this rather than stopping at the perimeter." A couple of have reversed and gotten back to South Australia or tried to locate holiday accommodation pull back the road, however it is actually generally reserved out completely to the perimeter." A helicopter is actually being actually arranged to fly in important food items like milk, breadstuff, as well as canned water to Caiguna coming from Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Microsoft O'Halloran mentioned the common carrier

are made use of to life on the street as well as have been patient during the course of the hold-ups, however some holidaymakers have shed their cool in the scorching summer warm.

"There is actually been a couple of moods right here and there certainly but we're coping, "she pointed out."We are actually trying our ideal to service folks. The hardest point to solution is actually folks's aggro."A lot of individuals here recognize that we

are actually operating out of whatever, consisting of draft beer as well as alcohol." Currently I have actually acquired 25 to 30 folks in my bar as well as I've probably got twenty containers of draft beer left behind."I've lots of light-toned draft beer which no one is consuming, but if it(the street closing)goes in to another time they may be actually consuming it."Water bombers to aid fire match Pair of water bombers are being flown in to combat the bushfires which have actually been shedding since December

16 and also closed the interstate option for numerous times in the lead-up to Christmas time DFES Superintendent Anthony Sadler stated fires scorching near Balladonia are near to the Eyre Freeway and it will certainly not be actually secure for motorists.The closures are going to reside in location for a minimum of the next 48 hours."There is actually smoke over the road and crews are executing backburning operations, so it is actually incredibly hazardous to allow individuals

via,"he claimed."I recognize there will certainly be actually many individuals trying to obtain along those transportation routes and also my recommendations is for those travellers to be actually individual, our experts are actually doing what we may and also hopefully our experts can easily get those streets

open ASAP. "What our team do not desire is for people to proceed to take a trip west considering that a lot of these casinos are actually certainly not prepared up for

multitudes of individuals as well as it puts a bunch of stress on all of them to maintain meals and water, and products can easily run out."Acting Authorities Superintendent Craig Davis said motorists have tried to bypass the street closures through driving on unsealed bush keep tracks of which he said is actually reckless and dangerous.He pointed out there have actually been a number of events over recent full week where authorities have actually needed to rescue drivers who came to be bogged in a remote control place near the Trans Australian Train Line."

Our assistance is satisfy, perform not attempt to take substitute courses,"he pointed out." It is chewing out our sources when they receive bogged or stranded and afterwards our team must respond to acquire them free."Mr Davis stated the road closings had developed at the most awful possible time."Whenever you block a major motorway it's consistently an issue,"he claimed."That's the gateway coming from the eastern states to WA, so it's vital to get it open up as quickly

as feasible. DFES are actually making updated choices on when they open or finalize

it. "No time at all is a great time [to shut the motorway], however this moment of year is possibly worst."

Travellers as well as truckies stranded all together Perth male Sign Sheehan and his partner are actually

driving back coming from Victoria where he spent Christmas time along with his grandchildren.They acquired as much as Eucla, 12km southern Australian perimeter, when he read about the street closures.Mr Sheehan stated all the accommodation spaces have been actually scheduled out in Eucla and lots of individuals are going to either be actually setting up an outdoor tents or sleeping in their vehicles." Our company received some of the last spaces in Eucla,"Mr Sheehan informed the ABC. "Our team had no concept the street was removed, and just coming from chatting to people who are adhered listed here I can tell no person recognized."I am thinking about steering back to Adelaide and putting my vehicle on a learn and also piloting home."Ben Stamatovich and his co-driver,

other half Jacinta Brennan, make the 64-hour, 5,700-kilometre big salami from Adelaide to Perth every week.Mr Stamatovich mentioned he calculated 17 trucks stationed at Cocklebiddy and approximated as many as 300 vehicles may be banked up at joints throughout the Nullarbor over the following 48 hrs." There's certainly not that a lot you may carry out

regarding it. S ** t occurs, I intend,"he said."It is actually only unfavorable considering that a lot of the common carrier have actually missed out on Christmas time and also New Year along with their loved ones as a result of the fires." It's the exact same for the firefighters too."

This content was originally published here.

[contreparry]

For DADWC and OC of your choice: 19. “You’re more than you think.” u. Quiet campsite

Ooohhh, it’s time to pick an OC, who will it be who will it be- it’s the return of my favorite child, Evelyn Trevelyan’s niece, Henrietta Evelyn Trevelyan! Here she is, for @dadrunkwriting!

Henrietta sat next to the campfire and stared into the flames. The fire was warm on her face. Her skin felt tight against her cheeks, and her eyes were dry and felt full of grit and ash. Her eyes felt prickly, close to tears. But she would not cry! She would not give her father the satisfaction! It didn’t particularly matter that he was back in Ostwick, she wouldn’t even give him a passing thought! It was his fault that she was here in the wilds of Ferelden, ready to cross the mountains to Orlais. And from there, she would go to Val Royeux and... finishing school. A school for noble young ladies to complete their education, as befitted a young lady. It sounded horrible, stuffy and snobby, and all the other girls would look down their perfect noses at her, with her wild red curls and awkward height and she would never fit in, never belong, and then she’d never go home because she’d never be a proper noblewoman!

Henrietta dreaded it.

“Lady Trevelyan,” one of the guards greeted her cheerfully. She was one of the friendly guards, a young dwarven woman named Ravena who wore her goldenrod colored hair in a great big braid that swung down her back. She was only a few years older than Henrietta, a solid seventeen to Henrietta’s twelve, yet she was one of the more experienced guides her father hired to traverse the Ferelden wilderness. Henrietta hoped Ravena would keep walking by, but instead she sat down on a small camping stool.

“Enjoying the night in the woods? It’s only a day’s ride to the next township, then we take the lower road to the border,” Ravena explained. She was one of the few people who ever explained anything or even spoke to her- father’s trusted guards maintained a respectful distance, and the rest of their hired escort kept even further away. But Ravena always took the time to say hello. If they met in different circumstances, Henrietta would have liked her, but as they met on this doomed voyage, Henrietta was utterly miserable and not good company.

“It’s a bit of a slog, though we’re lucky with the weather,” Ravena continued when Henrietta didn’t speak. “Might be the middle of summer, but at the foot of these mountains? Constant snow. Deep as your waist. Perhaps your knee, Lady Trevelyan. But the roads are snow-free and the Inquisition has kept bandits and such away.”

“Why are we taking the lower road?” Henrietta asked, and Ravena hesitated before answering. Maybe she was surprised that Henrietta talked at all- she had been a bit sullen and quiet through the journey.

“Well, the lower road is longer, since it goes ‘round the largest of the mountains, but it will get us to the border in time for you to meet that caravan to Val Royeux. The upper road is a shortcut, but a little more treacherous. We’ll wind through the ruins of Haven and... well, it now leads up to Skyhold. Seat of the Inquisition.”

Skyhold! “Aunt Evelyn!” Henrietta breathed out. Skyhold was so close, and yet so far away! But if anyone could keep her from Orlais and the dreadful finishing school, maybe the leader of the Inquisition, Inquisitor Evelyn Adelaide Trevelyan, her aunt, could save her!

“Oh, thank the Stone the Inquisition’s not a banned topic for you,” Ravena exclaimed. “I’ve wanted to join up for ages, but my uncle refuses, says it is no business of ours. Thought that, after I escorted you to Val Royeux, I’d make my way to Skyhold and see if my skills are of use there.”

“I’m sure they will be, Aunt Evelyn says they need trackers and guides, people who know the region. And... and I think you’re an excellent guide, Ravena,” Henrietta replied hesitantly, and Ravena’s smile made her stomach flutter.

“I wish I were brave, like you. If I was, I wouldn’t be going to Val Royeux for school,” Henrietta added miserably. “But I’m not good at anything useful.”

The fire crackled, and beyond that came the faint sound of owls hooting in the dark woods. Otherwise it was quiet, and Henrietta sunk further into her seat and tried not to cry. If she had some sort of practical skill like Ravena, she could do something other than leave Ostwick, leave home, for a stupid school! If she was just a little better at being what her parents expected of her, she could have stayed home!

“I think you’re too hard on yourself, Lady Trevelyan,” Ravena said gently, breaking the silence. “I think that you’re more than you think you are. You just haven’t had the chance to find yourself yet, is all.” Ravena then stood up and smiled at her.

“I’m off to grab some food, want anything?” Ravena asked. Henrietta shook her head.

“No,” Henrietta said softly. “And, Ravena? Thank you.” Ravena waved farewell and walked away, and Henrietta returned her attention to the fire. But she stared at the flames, and the flicker of an idea bloomed in her mind. The upper road...

It would take careful planning, and she had to be fast and careful, but if she took a map and started early on a day with poorer weather, well... perhaps she could make her way up the mountain. If she saw Aunt Evelyn, explained everything that had happened, she could fix all this so Henrietta could go home.

“The upper road,” Henrietta muttered. “I just have to go up the upper road.”

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[kimberchisholm]

The Heysen trail - Parachilna to Adelaide July August September 2023.

27. Burra to Worlds End (Burra Gorge)

After a great few nights sleep at Burra, I left early on a very frosty morning to head for Worlds End.

This was relatively easy walking on dirt roads and following fences over farmland, but a very boring 20 km. At least there were very few hills! I arrived at the Heysen Trail Worlds End campsite at around 1400, but it was a small and very exposed site with no redeeming features. I had been told by another hiker, Jake, that there were much better sites another 1.5km further on at the Burra Gorge public camping grounds. I filled my water and headed off.

He was right, and I found a great campsite on soft ground, well sheltered and not far from the toilets. Note that there was not water there, so I was right to fill up at the Worlds End camp.

I had along conversation and a beer with a couple in a nearby caravans (typical of how friendly people were on this walk) and had a great but very cold night. I woke early to a very wet and frosty tent.

[officialleehadan]

When the Ice-Wind Blows

Kia wouldn’t stop crying.

The child was really too small to be clear about what was distressing her so much, but honestly it wasn’t hard to guess.

The high mountains were cold and cruel, and even a little fur cloak wasn’t keeping the child warm.

Eskyl sympathized. He wasn’t cold, exactly, but he wasn’t warm either.

Poor Adelaide was freezing, and Eskyl’s respect for her grew. It was hard to comfort a crying child and keep walking even when you wanted to give up and cry yourself. She was doh g her best to soothe Kia, but the child was having absolutely none of it, even when Adelaide sang to her softly for almost three miles.

“Stop,” he said when they came to a small grove of trees that offered a bit more protection from the driving snow. “This is not working.”

“I’m sorry,” Adelaide said quickly, and did her best to stay in the lee of his body where the wind was slightly better. “I’m trying to warm her up-“

“I know,” Eskyl cut her off, and drew on painful old memories for an answer to the problem. He quickly undid the laces of his heavy fur doublet, and the vest underneath. He had a thin shirt on under, but that was alright. When he was ready, heheld out his hands. “Give her here.”

“What?” Adelaide shivered and stared at him, and Eskyl leaned forward to take Kia out of her arms. “Why?”

“She’s too small to warm herself up,” he explained, and tucked the crying toddler inside his vest where she could share his warmth. It took some doing to lace his vest up around her, but her tears began to taper off as soon as she was bundled in. “And you don’t have the warmth to share without loosing more than you can afford yourself.”

Also in this cold, carrying a child was more than Adelaide should have to manage. Kia was small, but still a significant burden for a teenager. Not so for him. His breastplate weighed more than the toddler inside his coat.

When he was settled, easily supporting the child in his arms, he nodded for the trail. “Come on. It’s been a while since I was through these mountains, but I seem to recall a good cave not far from here.”

“Alright,” Adelaide agreed, and straightened. She was tough. Eskyl found himself liking the young woman more and more as they forged ahead. “If I can ask... how did you know? About her being too cold?”

So far the young woman had been very wary of asking him questions that harkened back to his history as a warlord. Probably she didn’t even know that he had been something else before his reign of terror.

The memories ached like an old war-wound, not so much sharp anymore, but a persistent, deep pain that never really went away and sometimes grew almost too great to stand.

It was worse to think back, in the once-familiar position of guarding a woman, and caring for a child.

“You may not believe it,” he said at last, hood up against the snow, and little Kia protected and almost sleeping already from having worn herself out with her tears. “But I was not always what I am now.”

“You had a family?” Adelaide was a quick girl, and put the pieces together quickly. She was all young innocence, not knowing how close she was to laying that old wound wide open. “Where are they now?”

The question he knew was coming sooner or later, boy not one he particularly wanted to answer. Still, better to have it done with now, rather than at a worse time.

“Dead,” he admitted, and tucked a bit of his cloak between Kia and his metal arm to protect her from the cold plates. “Your heroes loved to parade around, proud of my defeat, but where were they when an innocent woman, heavy with child, and a little girl barely old enough to walk were murdered in their house?”

He could still smell the smoke as he came home from a trip to a nearby town. Back then he had been a sellsword, making a small living taking caravans down the road and back. The ashes weren’t even cool by the time he made it home, only to discover his house a gutted, blackened ruin, and the bodies of his murdered family inside.

And they wondered why he rained terror on them in his vengeance

“Why?” Adelaide whispered, barely loud enough to hear over the wind. “Who would-“

“Men of the local lord,” Eskyl said, and ducked as a particularly strong gust of wind screamed past them. Adelaide took cover against his back and he braced himself until it died off again. “There were rumors that I was a sorcerer. He had a particularly strong hatred for those of the spell-path.”

If only he had listened to those rumors. He might have been able to save his family.

“I’m sorry,” Adelaide said after a while. “No one should lose their family like that.”

The sympathy was a surprise, and Eskyl shifted little Kia farther under his cloak when the wind gave no sign of letting up. She fussed briefly, and pressed her cold face against his shoulder before dozing off again.

“It was a long time ago,” Eskyl replied with a slight shrug. “And I became the monster you see now to take my revenge on them.”

“Sometimes people need a monster,” Adelaide said, and sighed in relief when Eskyl’s memory proved good. The cave came into view, sheltered from the driving snow and welcome. “Umm sorry for asking... but thank you for telling me.”

“You might as well know now,” Eskyl said, and guided her into the cave. “Get some wood. I’ll keep the little one warm until we have a fire.”

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Unforged, Unforgiven:

Fourteen years ago, Eskyl’s wife and child were murdered. Fourteen years ago, Eskyl’s rage leveled half the country, and left thousands running in terror. Fourteen years ago, Eskyl vanished.

But now the heroes are dead, and the only one who can challenge a terrible new evil is one Old Monster.

Old Monster

Into the Lair

Taking out the Trash

When the Ice-Wind Blows

+++

More stories!

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