THE ROLLING HILLS OF ORANGE
Ok. 2 stops to go until we reach Sydney with just under a week until our deadline. I am conflicted between wanting to take our time and not rush the end of the trip mixed with fear of the notoriously frosty Orange. We approached through the rolling dry hills of sheep country along wattle lined roads, filled with relaxed anticipation and hope for our future……
HAPPY FACES IGNORANT OF PEDRO'S IMMINENT DEMISEWe quickly set up camp and headed out to explore the orchards (apples, not oranges) and almost immediately Pedro broke his clutch conveniently outside a clutch mechanic. If it’s gonna happen, that’s the time and place for it to happen. So one day of exploring the surrounds of Orange turned into 4 days exploring the shops, cafes, museums and library of Orange by foot and the infrequent bus. Of course this was our coldest stop so far with overnight temps down to -5, morning frosts, a nice icy wind and an inconvenient downpour whilst trekking back to camp.
FROST
ORANGE BY FOOT & THE 'MEN' INSPECTING THE DAMAGEFelt like we had been suddenly released from our ‘imprisonment’ when Pedro was returned to us and escaped town. Don’t take it personally Orange. We will definitely be back in the warmer months to explore your beauty. One more stop at Katoomba. Morning coffee and cakes ends with tantrums of course. Such a shame. I live in hope they will appreciate these rare moments but I am more likely to give up on treats all together. Mean mum. I know.
TOO LATE TO THE APPLE ORCHARDS & MORE RUSTY TRUCKS
Uh oh…..I feel reality looming. Traffic, noise, pollution, so many people!!!!! Questions start appearing. “What have I learned? How have we grown? What do I want to bring from this paired back life to my city life? Can I get away with only one load of washing per week? “. In contrast I was looking forward to hot water on tap, doors on bedrooms, the possibility of a dishwasher and toilets within the same building as our home.
BACK TO THE START - THE EVER-ELUSIVE FAMILY PHOTOTo review my comments from the first post, “blissful simplicity”??? Time has told and it said “Tamara, you are a naive, hopeless romantic”. (My mother is nodding knowingly right now). At least I’m optimistic right?
Trip motto: Simplify Life. Explore Everything. Love Each Other…… Well hopefully I managed to transfer some of the simplicity into my everyday life. We explored thoroughly but so much more to see. We have started a journey of learning to love each other fully on a daily basis which will always be a work in progress.