We continue the adventure in Tasmania with the ‘The Quitters’ team before leaving for a backpack road trip that turns a chapter of my debut on the island...
Here are the loustiks I'm chatting with right now! From left to right we have,
Oceane (French), Selena (Canadian), Will in his chair (Australian Franco), Louis above (French), Parker (English), Kevin (French), Lisa (German). Our band is called ‘The Quitters’ because we are proud to have left the Hansen factory for its super intensive production (pesticides at all costs) and its more than dubious management of human resources.
On 19 January 2023, In a rainy day, I write his words in my tent. I am thinking about the group of friends I have been travelling with since I left Hansen. I then write down my desires for the moment:
– Change farm to change job,
– Find a car to visit Tasmania,
– Find a travelling companion to visit the island,
– Going on an adventure alone?
When I think of this last idea, the inner joy becomes mine and a big smile emerges.
Tuesday 24 January 2023: A sunny day
As I was getting ready to hit the road without really knowing where to go, I met Will who offered me a beach. Will, he is a Franco-Australian from the gang, an incredible guy who is lucky enough to have an Australian and French passport. He stays most of his time in Australia and especially in Tasmania for the summer season, with his Van. Open window, elbow bent on his door he said to me: ‘Go up there! I'll take you to an amazing place!’ Let’s go to Micheys Beach!
Huge surprise, immensely beautiful. ~ So Amazing ~
Turquoise water, white sand, breathtaking views... We land in a paradisiacal place. We meet a couple of friends with whom we spend the day around a fire on the beach, fresh mussels, oysters, and other delicacies. At the end of the afternoon, a dozen people from Caravan Park join us, forming a beautiful group, a family, for a moment. Ball to the giant prisoners, musical moments, games, deep exchanges, I come out of this day with a heart filled with love, a body warmed by the sun, a pleasant feeling of full confidence and inner warmth, ready to attack my future adventures.
The next day, I continue my search for a car, but nothing. Also in my research, a buddy brother/sister trip and/or a new job? I despair and turn a little in circles. In the group, it moves, some go on other adventures. I think my time is ringing in its turn. No more picking, no more walking!
OBJECTIVE: PARTICIPATE IN IMMERSIF STOP AT THE MEETING OF THE LOCALS AND VISITER THE ENVIRONMENTS.
Pre-departure checklist:
- PQ OK
- Guitar OK
- Lighter hanging from bag OK
- Charging the phone
- Butterfly
Day 1. 25/01/2023
Here I am, backpack, tent and down to other destinations. I am leaving Cygnet and the group of friends. I walk without a particular destination, but it does not matter, because everything is possible and above all everything is achievable at this moment in my mind. A huge sense of freedom invades me from the moment I take the plunge.
In this first step, I meet a local farmer who walks me along the way.
Then Grent, who travels in his Van. We both ride, like two old friends, smiling.
We're chilling. The weather is nice, the sun is shining along the coast.
I gradually move forward, take note in my notebook, play the guitar.
I spend my first night at Mickeys beach, the beach Will showed me. I set up my tent on the beach, prepare my wood fire. I'll get the mussels from the sea for the meal. I spend an incredible evening, in the calm, with the sound of the waves.
All of a sudden, Parker and Lisa arrive and join me for the evening. I love them so much!
Day 2. 26/01/23
After a night when I thought I was being swallowed by high tide, I continue my journey.
I'm walking. I feel so good. The smile doesn't leave me. I walk through valleys and hills among trees, eucalyptus and succulent plants.
I pick up the few plastic wastes that I sometimes cross along my way, chat with people, walk at my own pace, take breaks to breathe this so grandiose nature.
I arrive near Verona Sands where a car picks me up. Inside, I meet a couple with two children. They're incredibly nice,
Like everyone I meet. We go a long way together to Gordon. I run two three errands while they wait for me in the car. I take ice cream for the kids, then they drop me off at a free camp along the coast.
It is an incredible place of peace and freshness. Travelers and locals stay there, take care of the place voluntarily. There is a barbecue area for cooking, a toilet area and a small beach for swimming. The place is really quiet and everyone respects themselves in their individual space.
Day 3. 27/01/2023
In the morning, I meet Tony who set up his camper in front of the river. He offers me some of his homemade bread straight out of his oven!
Isn’t this an incredible oven?
I meet Rubby, his big dog. We had a pleasant time and he advised me to visit an island not far from here: Bruny Island.
Without too long, I pounce my staff and I go back on the road to Kettering, the village that serves Bruny Island.
I sit in a cafe in front of the pier, enjoy a fruit juice and eat a cake when suddenly....
The sequel to the next episode!
See you soon
