...have I done? Back in Dorrigo now after 3 months travelling as a gypsy in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. I've hit a bit of a 'flat spot' and I'm not absolutely sure what I'm doing. Once again I am parked in a lovely place with bird and water sounds but for reasons I'm not sure of, I don't feel my brilliant self. I have a little garden outside my door and I'm sure, when I get some kind of wind break, I'll enjoy being outside more, cooking, painting perhaps, writing, reading. When the garden is gone, the house is gone and you're not travelling there are a lot of hours in the day to wonder....'what will I do?' Anyway, enough of that, I just wanted to let you know that it isn't all 'beer and skittles' living this life of a gypsy in a tiny house in a van....beautiful as it is. I still have the vision of women sharing land - each with a space for their 'tiny' mobile dwelling and sharing a common kitchen/laundry/chat space. My trip home from Melbourne was fast! Good ole Apple Maps got me out of the city and back onto country roads quick smart and without any problems at all. Good job I had the E Toll thingy though as it did beep a couple of times. Well worth it though. I love country driving, the quieter the road, the more I like it. I stopped for one night at the Showgrounds of a very small town, paid my $5, had a cold shower and then slept in 30 degree heat - and it wasn't even summer! No wonder it was a small town.
Before that... I camped by a lovely river in Cambelltown on the Midland Highway. The bridge was built in 1838!
On the road (slideshow) and before all that... I drove via the lakes area of Tassie. That was cool..literally..brrrr The following (slideshow) is ...somewhere in Tasmania. Not quite sure where. I will have to go again. I have seen a lot in the past 3 months... mountains lakes rivers beaches dams orchards opium fields hippies :) I have seen wedgetail eagles up close - they are huge! I have seen trout leap out of the water - after the fishermen left! I have met lovely people and shared food I've walked in graveyards where families were buried together in the mid 1800's I've been brave loads of times and a little scared a couple of times. I've been very cold and hot at times too. I've been in quiet places, noisy places, busy places and places of solitude. I've spent many $100's on fuel and driven through.. fog/rain/sunshine/mists/rainforests/mountains busy highways/cities and country roads I taken over 1000 photographs I've been gifted..... award winning olive oil a star a penknife USBs of movies garden fresh vegetable three times Phew!! No wonder I feel a little strange at the moment. It was a BIG 3 months! Sometimes I have felt like a duck... calm on the surface and paddling like all **** under the water! So 'Vancamerawoman' can now move on into 'vancamerawomen'. I would like to add short stories, with a photo or two, from any gypsy women who would like to share. If you have travelled, camped out, had an adventure as a single woman, please send me your story and I will include it in the next monthly 'blog'. All the very best, Clare For more of my photos from this adventure, available to buy if you'd like to, (from postcards to posters), please go to: https://www.redbubble.com/people/colinsart
13 Comments
RaH Ayres
27/11/2018 01:24:14 pm
Once again spectacular photos & a charming read congratulations...welcome home...put that knee up be patient and see what comes.love love.
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Hugh Fathers
27/11/2018 01:30:59 pm
Always good to read, even though you're closer enough to chat to . . .
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aleasa
27/11/2018 04:46:28 pm
I feel for you in your unsettledness.......I think this is common after travelling. You have accomplished so much. Time to acclimate. Breathe my sweet.
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Robyn Summerhayes
27/11/2018 08:31:54 pm
As always great photos and so glad you are back safely, can't wait to hear more.
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Lisa
28/11/2018 05:36:13 am
there are so many people who would read this right now Clare and they would be jealous. travel is beautiful, awe-inspiring and hard. the grass is always greener, as they say.. i love your women together idea. it's all in the balance. hope to cross paths too one day x
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Joy Garlick
30/11/2018 03:56:09 pm
You do a great blog Clare. Enjoyed reading about your travels and seeing your interesting photos. Life has flat spots sometimes. Especially when there aren't all the chores that have to be done. There will be something new coming, instead!
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Clare Colins
1/12/2018 09:29:37 pm
Thanks Joy. Lovely to see you again.
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18/12/2018 05:56:13 pm
I really enjoyed this post. You describe this topic very well. I really enjoy reading your blog and I will definitely bookmark it! Keep up the interesting posts!
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Clare Colins
2/1/2019 09:48:11 pm
Thank you so much 😊
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anne
21/12/2018 02:28:28 am
love the photos,, beautiful shots..love the life we lead, keep dreaming my friend...gypsy as ....as gypsy is...
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Carol
19/5/2020 10:24:13 am
Thank you Clare. I just finished your trip through Tasmania. I am living my dream through your blog as I do not have the money {my fault} to travel in a van. Loved Loved you Tassie trip. Look forward to watching your next adventure in 2019..and yes people are looking at your blog and the photos are amazing..
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