The Road Within
From Adelaide to Sydney
Leaving the Nest
After five months at Carol’s place in Murray Bridge, leaving felt heavier than expected. I had become, for lack of a better term, a “homebody.” The care, stability, and rhythm of life there had wrapped around me like a comforting cocoon. But the chapter of my 88 days was complete, and I knew I had to move on.
The van—newly outfitted with a solar panel, a fridge, and a second battery—became both my mode of transport and my home once again. Yet, the transition wasn’t seamless. Every action felt cumbersome, the van unoptimized for travel, and the weight of leaving a safe harbor pressed down on me. As I set out, I felt like a fledgling bird leaving its nest, uncertain but ready to spread its wings.
Mount Arapiles: Climbing into Connection
A recommendation from Kieran led me to Mount Arapiles, and what was supposed to be a brief stop turned into nearly three weeks. At first, I had no idea I’d landed in a climber’s paradise. The Pines campground buzzed with campfires, camaraderie, and stories of summits and falls. Within days, I was adopted into this climbing family.
This wasn’t just about sport; it was about connection. The community of climbers shared their gear, knowledge, and passion, drawing me into the world of traditional (trad) climbing—a style where climbers place their own gear for protection. Under the guidance of experienced climbers like Johny, I took my first steps on the wall, learning to trust not only the gear but also the people placing it. It was exhilarating and humbling, sparking a deep interest in learning this craft myself someday.
By day, I climbed and explored the surrounding trails. By night, I gathered with my newfound family around crackling fires. There was pizza in nearby Natimuk, slacklining at the campground, and endless conversations. The bonds I formed here reminded me of the beauty in finding family wherever you go—connections that feel both spontaneous and timeless.
The Grampians and Siddhartha’s Wisdom
Leaving Arapiles, I found myself in the Grampians, surrounded by trails that whispered promises of solitude and connection. It was here, amidst the rugged landscapes, that Siddhartha by Herman Hesse became my companion. Some books touch you deeply, and this was one of them.
The book mirrored my inner journey, its message weaving seamlessly into my reflections on head and heart. Siddhartha reminded me that each person must find their own truth. We can learn from others, mimic their ways, and adopt their beliefs, but true understanding only comes when we step through the door ourselves.
Reconnecting in Melbourne
After the Grampians, I made my way to Melbourne to reunite with Mel and Oscar, two friends I had first met months earlier. We shared a meal, talked late into the night, and reconnected over deep conversations that seemed to peel back layers of thought and experience. It’s a beautiful thing to meet someone again, to choose to strengthen a bond and deepen shared understanding. Recently, they shared the news of their upcoming wedding, and I’m invited. It’s humbling and heartwarming to see connections grow across time and space.
The Snowy Mountains: A Test of Trust
From Melbourne, I turned toward Walhalla, an eerie mining town tucked into the snowy mountains. The trails were rewarding, but the atmosphere carried an edge that kept me from lingering long. Seeking a change, I charted an inland route instead of returning along the ocean road.
The journey through the snowy mountains brought challenges I hadn’t anticipated. Long stretches of rugged roads, over 100 kilometers without fuel or cell service, pushed my van—and my nerves—to the limit. The thought of running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere tightened my chest, but somehow, the van held strong. Trust in the process, in myself, and in the journey itself became my anchor in moments like these.
At Thredbo, Australia’s cold grip greeted me with frost on the van’s ceiling and ice in my water bottle. I had planned to hike Mount Kosciuszko, the country’s highest peak, but after waking up to such freezing conditions (and a fine for not having a parking permit), I decided to head north instead. I needed some warmth.
Back to the Beginning
Returning to Anna’s farm in Kurrajong felt like coming full circle. Nostalgia mixed with a sense of progress. I worked alongside another WWOOFer, tending the garden and caring for Frankie the dog. The rhythm of the days gave me time to reflect on how far I’d come—not just in kilometers, but in the way I approached life.
The pendulum of head and heart was still swinging, but I had started to see it less as a battle and more as a dance. Holding on to one side while resisting the other had brought frustration, but surrendering to the flow brought peace. This realization was the culmination of a journey that was physical, emotional, and deeply philosophical.
A Journey Inward
This chapter of my travels, from Adelaide to Sydney, was as much about the spaces within me as the ones I passed through. From the firelight warmth of climbing families to the icy mornings of Thredbo, every moment was a lesson in movement, stillness, and change.
The answer lies in listening—not just with the mind, but with the heart. It reminds me of a line I kept coming back to during this time: The world outside is a mirror. Can we see, in its reflection, the lessons for the world within?
In that listening and reflection, we find the courage to let go, the trust to hold on, and the clarity to see that everything we need is already here.
Philosophical Lessons
The Pendulum of Head and Heart
Life is a constant interplay between logic and emotion, control and surrender. The pendulum swings, and the challenge isn’t to hold onto one side but to embrace the movement and find balance in the flow.The Beauty of Letting Go
Resistance to change only creates tension. Trusting the natural rhythm of life and allowing transitions to unfold brings peace and clarity.Connection is Everywhere
Family isn’t just the one you’re born into—it’s the people you meet along the way, the bonds you form, and the shared experiences that create a sense of belonging.Listening Beyond the Mind
True understanding isn’t only about thinking; it’s about feeling. Listening with both the head and the heart opens the door to deeper truths.The Value of the Unknown
There’s more to be gained from embracing the unknown than clinging to the known. Life’s magic lies in its unpredictability, in the trust to freefall into the cycle of change and growth.Movement as Metaphor
Whether it’s climbing a rock face, running a trail, or driving through the snowy mountains, movement mirrors life’s journey—full of challenges, fears, and breakthroughs that lead to transformation.The Present is Enough
Everything you need is already here. The present moment holds infinite beauty and possibility if you allow yourself to perceive it with openness and gratitude.