After leaving the camp I aim to get to the next town by midday.
Fortunately the trail is easy, mostly flat, and pretty.
Once I reach the town, it is so silent that that makes me want to run away. It feels like nobody is living here. It could be because of the long weekend. I hesitate between staying and leaving. In any case I have to do the food packing for the coming 7 days.
I check out the Caravan park that has good reviews. The manager does not want me to pay which is always good. One person one night, he could be bothered. This is a very nice thing to do and I start to enjoy this town.
From that moment things get hectic. I get on to finishing my laundry I started yesterday, go to the supermarket before it shuts and repack all the food. That keeps me busy until the evening.
At the kitchen, a group of bush walkers are back and I get the usual questions, maybe five times, ‘Where have you come from?’
I try to write my journal and also socialise with some people who are somewhat related to the trail as they live nearby. It’s a pleasure to talk but my brain is struggling with so much multi tasking.
I record thinking about the horse riders on the trail, following a discussion I had with Wayne and Dave. I think horse riders have it right. They ride in the morning, and rest in the afternoons. By taking care of their horses they take care of themselves, pacing themselves. Therefore taking care of others is key to a healthy and happy life. Solo walker and bike rides have their ego as companion. Their ego hides within their own fear. Fear of not succeeding, of not reaching the deadlines, or not being good enough. Almost like if they were seeking validation like little boys. It’s a risk to do that instead of creating one’s own journey, where one is the sole master and commander, sailing straight, listening to the wind and understanding when it’s good to move and when it’s wise to be patient and wait. How can you free yourself from your ego? How much should your ego define you? Is it necessary to resist temptation to go fast or is it futile and a source of internal conflicts? Is it better to just do whatever feels right at that time, in that moment?
Track Map
Was lovely meeting you and have you share a night with us. Hope you continue to have a great adventure!
Thank you so much for having me. Such a pleasant stay. I hope we will stay in touch.
Vincent, I only came across your blog a couple of days ago and have been eagerly reading it right from the start. I’ve just started getting into MTB, and thought I’d drop a note on this particular post as it resonated with me on ego. I’m somewhat time poor (2 kids busy job etc) and so any riding for me is typically at dawn on a sat or sun morning and limited to 2 hours max. Its not uncommon for me to spend the whole ride sweating about being late and so pushing myself instead of actually enjoying the ride.
Your blog is excellent, and its unbelievably impressive the journey that you’re on, and also that you share your views day by day. So much nicer than typical social media interactions where it is largely only the highlights of their life.
Anyway, safe travels and your blog is very inspirational and motivational.
Hi Vincent. We have been in touch on FB and would love to subscribe to your blog.
Yes you can subscribe from the form in the right side bar. Let me know if any issue