chasing bucket list adventures and experiences
I was recently scouring the internet reading various travel and lifestyle blogs when I stumbled across the Super 7 Tag. This was a tag back in 2011/2012 (you can see I went DEEP into the archives on some blogs), and basically all that is required is finding a photo that fits each category. I felt particularly inspired as I read these posts because I could clearly see the photos in my head that I would have chosen had I been blogging at the time of this tag. I decided that since time is not linear, why not do my own (late, late, LATE) response to this tag?
I remember taking this photo so clearly. We’d camped out at Rainbow Valley and enjoyed a wine and cheese filled evening before retiring to our tents. The next morning I rolled (literally) out of my swag to this absolutely STUNNING view. Due to the cloud cover the evening before I’d missed seeing the monolith become a ‘rainbow’ (the even which gives it it’s name), so this sunrise view was a breath-taking treat.
A always giggle whenever I see this photo. It really is amazing the things you will find when you don’t restrict yourself to any ‘travel to do lists’ and just have fun.
Sitting on the beach in a beanbag, sipping a cocktail, watching the clouds glide across the sky. I getup from my seat and dip my toes into the refreshing water. I am in paradise. A second adventure to South East Asia is definetly on the cards for when travel is a thing again. Until then, I’ll just day dream.
This photo brings up so many emotions for me. On a surface level it makes me think about the delicate balance our environment must maintain in order to support life. On a deeper and more personal level, this was one of the last photos I took before the hot air balloon I was in had a crash landing that resulted in serious injury for many on board, and the death of one of the passengers. Following this accident I experienced PTSD, but I also learned to be very grateful for my life.
This was honestly the hardest photo for me to pick because I don’t generally tend to take photos of food. I can’t say this is the best meal that I’ve ever had in terms of flavour, but in terms of the experience – sitting with my friend on the beach, giggling as the result of too many cocktails – it was pretty damn great.
For me, this photo tells a story of recovery. Recovery from burn out, recovery from feeling trapped in a job I both loved and hated. If you have been reading my blog for a while you would know that last year I quit my job and spent one glorious month camping and hiking with my girlfriends, connecting with nature and myself.
How I managed to capture this photo I cannot tell you, but in some ways I’m not surprised. Cradle Mountain is a truely magical place, especially in the winter. We drove hours through twisty-turney roads to arrive at this destination only to get rained out of completing the Dove Lake walk. I didn’t matter though, I loved every minute of my time at Cradle mountain.