Anticipation and Preparation : Broken Hill…

There is a distinct change in how I think of travel. Maybe it is because I am getting older. Previously to go on a “holiday”, a couple of weeks to one destination, lounging beside a hotel pool or lazing on the beach, I would consider travel time wasted. All my previous travels I would plan as long distance adventures. Exploring, constantly on the move. The adrenaline rush of discovery and what is round the next corner. I would work purely to earn money to fuel my lust for travel.

 

But since settling back home after years of travel, working with Jack  redesigning the garden and planting lots of new young shrubs and annuals to fill the gaps, joining clubs, becoming enmeshed in routine day by day. The thought of “taking off” is loosing some of its lustre. I want to be here to nurture and care for my baby plants.

My new and vulnerable native cottage garden. Recently filled with small native shrubs and annuals.

BUT there are still a few places I long to visit and Broken Hill has so far been missing from the long list of places I have been to. Now, I have decided, is the time to follow my dream of discovering this outback icon.  Find out why the whole city has been given heritage status. That is very special as it is the only city in Australia that has that honour. I’ve heard it is a magnet for artists and entrepreneurs, there are numerous galleries to explore, that the light is magic and the locals are friendly. But it is a long way away. Travel in Australia always involves lots of distance, this is a huge country.

I mulled over the options. Drive our car, hire a camper van, go by train, fly, Stay in motels or Airbnb, I Google distances, prices, things to see and do. The decisions are endless. Maybe not even go at all!!!

These thoughts have been tumbling around in my subconscious for months, trying to make my mind up. The first decision, of course, is will I go at all. I have to admit I am surprised at my indecision, maybe it is an age thing I’ve developed a cautious nature, maybe it is my Pisces character to dream and procrastinate, because in the past I would leap into travel with enthusiasm often with very little, or minimal planning.

Weatherwise the best time to visit the outback is spring or autumn so if I am to go it is time to make a commitment, spring is almost here…

I found the hardest decision was the length of the trip. So I decide to compromise. Not a long road trip as I would’ve chosen in the past.  But a quick visit. In fact I am going to do a “FIFO”. A very common term in the mining industry, referring to workers who leave their families in another part of Australia and Fly In to work a few weeks then Fly Out to spend down time with the family.

So, after much Google searching, the commitment is made. I have booked for us to fly to Adelaide on September 12, hire a car, do a 2 week road trip to Broken Hill, staying in Airbnb accommodation, then back to Adelaide and fly out to home.

Phew so different from our usual mode of travel. I have been pleasantly amusing myself with all the enjoyable research. The anticipation is building. But niggling at the back of my mind is the thought, will the reality be an anticlimax….

*******************************

Cathy of “Wander Essence” is my inspiration for this post. She is a ball of energy and enthusiasm. Planning her trips meticulously. She sets goals way into the future and works toward them tirelessly. Her next huge adventure and commitment is the pilgrimage along the Camino Trail. She leaves at the end of the month and her detailed account of the preparation is in her latest post here.