Waking to Ducks and Chickens
At 6 a.m., I woke to the sound of ducks and chickens in the garden. The air outside was cool and fresh, clearing my head with every deep breath. Puffy, the dog, bounded out to greet me, and I played with him for a while before calming my mind with a short meditation. With my spirit settled, I finished a few tasks before setting out for the day.
A Day at the Farm Community
Just before 9 a.m., my host Owen said, “I want to show you a place,” and drove me to a small farm community. Volunteers had gathered to tend fruit trees and help with various tasks.
We started with the harvest—mandarins, lemons, and lemonade fruit. I learned how to tell which fruits were ripe, and soon we each had baskets holding nearly fifty pieces. Next came pruning thick branches to be used for compost. Since I’ve long been interested in composting during my travels, I carefully noted the ratios and combinations of materials. The work was simple, but the steady rhythm of using my hands brought me peace.
During the break, homemade jam and cakes were served. Their aroma and flavor felt like comfort itself. What surprised me most was that many people there were meeting for the first time, yet conversations and smiles flowed so naturally. The warmth of this place was undeniable.
An Interview for a Local Magazine
Later in the day, I was interviewed by a local magazine. They asked about my journey, the reason for my trailer, and my goals. It was my third interview of this kind, yet each time feels fresh, as though someone is gently holding up a mirror to my heart. It gave me another chance to reflect on where I started and why I keep going.
Riding Through Rain Toward Toora
Thanks to someone I met at the farm, I had a place to stay arranged in Toora. The sky grew dark, and cold rain began to fall as I cycled for about an hour. By the time I arrived, I was drenched, but my new host welcomed me warmly with bread and a cup of aromatic Australian roast coffee.
She had once taught English in China and spoke fluent Chinese. Since I can manage a little as well, our conversations turned into a mix of Japanese, English, and Chinese—an unusual blend that somehow flowed naturally.
Pier Winds and Stories of Illness
In the evening, the three of us took the dog for a walk along the beach. The wind rushed across the pier, and the horizon between sky and sea seemed to melt together. As we walked, she shared that just two weeks earlier, she had been close to death from a serious illness. Now, seeing her walking strongly beside us was hard to believe. That experience had led her to make daily walks a habit. Listening to her, I was reminded to take my own health more seriously, even while traveling.
A Warm Meal and the Luxury of a Shower
Back at the house, a meal of beans with curry spices and soup awaited. The aroma reminded me of Southeast Asia, and together with rice, it was deeply satisfying.
After dinner, I washed the dishes and then indulged in a long, hot shower. Washing my hair with shampoo, rinsing away the day’s fatigue—it all felt extraordinary. Things that should be ordinary become luxuries on the road. My body and spirit felt renewed, and I drifted into a deep, grateful sleep.
