live with intention

3/2 esperance yha
although we could have camped the rest of the trip, it was as if the weather was doing us a favor by bringing rain. simon's got visits with friends planned and it was time to move on, although we were so loving where we were! simon "splerged" on a youth hostel to ensure we kept dry and could enjoy the conveniences of electricity and beds. we'd had showers at the campground but it was nice to get clean, and stay clean (sometimes). it was cold and rainy, so we cooked a proper lunch in the huge kitchen space (steak and salad) just in case you arent familiar with the hostel concept, they are also referred to as backpackers, and it is accomodation where you pay for a bed and use of all the facilities that are shared. in most cases, the option to get your own private rom with even a queen bed is available, however mostly its multiple bunk beds in one room. (for those of you who are aware i've got a bunk bed phobia, perhaps its from my hostel traveling days). its a cheap way to travel, and you can imagine the ability to meet people from all over the world. the owner was kind enough to suspend her plethora of sheet-washing so that we could do a load of laundry. simon was able to recharge batteries and his cell phone, but we were off by 8am the next morning for our long drive west.

3/3
we shared shifts and stopped in a town called Denmark to stretch our legs. simon is familiar with the area so he took me on a path around the river. this is where i get a sight of my first "real" snake; the kind i've been paranoid about (minus the bright colors, but there are still deadly solid colored ones as well) as usual, simon was in front, but as we passed a peculiar noise lurking in the grass, i noted the tail end of a thick, black snake slithering into the grass beside me. (which i quickly made BEHIND me). simon didnt see it, but later admitted he'd heard the sound but didnt want to alarm me. others i've told dont really believe me (although that hardly matters to me) and suggest it was probably a skink (lizard). i wasnt in any danger, but it reiterates my phobia! in town, simon points out that denmark is a "hippie town" and you get that feel by the quaint shops and long-haired townsmen. i instantly fall in love with the community and romanticize about living in such a laid-back town. but then to my joy, i remember my destination of soon-to-be residence hallowell. ha! i dont know about you, but somehow its easier to overlook the wonder that surrounds me in daily life at home, but when travelling normally ordinary things become wonderous. like this town, for example, or the bagel at the cafe simon brought me to in fremantle. i dont mean to hone in on hallowell per say, but that scrumptious cuisine at the cafe reminded me of slates and how i never "allow" myself to splerge and treat myself to something (unless its a social gathering with friends and even then i feel guilty). the same here: i'm on a strict budget, however i'm learning its important to splerge for yourself once in awhile. its a given when your kid wants/needs something, or buying a gift for a loved one, but it doesnt come easily regarding myself. i'm envious of people who carry money in thier wallet/purse and when the urge strikes for an iced coffee or a snack, they indulge and stop at a convenience store. there's no rehearsal to life, so why am i holding back? money, like time, can be seen as an enemy or friend. i am sure some of you may find it hard to believe; seeing me across the world on vacation; that i'm rich or lucky. but its all been about choices to get there. i'm not trying to defend my opportunity, but make the point that we all can have the little daily treats or dream trips if we learn to juggle our needs with our wants. personal satisfaction should be in everyone's monthly budget. after all, we gotta live with earnest, not just subsist. dont wait for a vacation to appreciate the great weather days or to bask in the culinary cuisine in the area. do it now! live with attention. live with intention!

soapboxes- phew! gotta love 'em. :) we ended up at parry beach in a caravan park to set up camp and once again, enjoy happy hour at the ocean's edge. we searched for shells and it was determined that simon will teach me how to make one of the clocks he used to make. you may have noticed an example posted in webshots (made of shells and local sand). i was collecting in bulk but simon reprimanded me to pick only the best. his eye is much keener so i've kept his treasures separate. in the past, i've collected shells from various beaches, and they've just become clutter. this time, i'm committing to actually using them!