Early Morning Preparations and Departure
I woke at six, knowing this would be the day I left Robyn’s house after staying there for four days. She had told me, “We’ll leave at eight,” so I had time to spare. I used the quiet morning to edit videos, transfer data, and catch up on my travel records before starting my packing.
The air outside was crisp and cold, but by the time departure drew near, it had softened. At 8:45, I finished my last cup of coffee there, received a warm smile and a farewell, and loaded my bags into the car. Our destination was the small town of Loch. As the car climbed and dipped through the winding roads, gratitude and the weight of goodbye sat together in my chest.
Parting in Loch and the First Ride with Plants
Once in Loch, we stopped at a nearby café, where I ordered scrambled eggs for breakfast. As I ate, I thought of Robyn’s endless kindness during my stay and savored the final moments of her company.
After a handshake farewell, I mounted my bicycle and attached the trailer. Inside were my new companions—plants that I would carry along the journey. This was the beginning of a new chapter: traveling with flowers and greenery as part of my adventure.
Cycling Road and People’s Reactions
The first stretch was along a well-paved cycling road. I had been worried about balance with plants in the trailer, but to my relief, it rode more steadily than I expected.
What surprised me most was the reaction of the people I passed. Compared to riding with only the trailer, far more people smiled and called out to me. Simple questions like, “What are you growing?” sparked small conversations along the way. Those brief exchanges added new colors to the journey, reminding me of the power of curiosity and the joy of entertainment in travel.
Arrival in Leongatha and Caring for the Plants
The day’s goal was Leongatha, about 30 to 40 kilometers away. My back began to feel the strain from pulling the trailer, but I reached the town by late afternoon.
Leongatha was a small but calm place, perfect for resting. When I checked on the plants, I saw that the soil had shifted and risen from the vibration of the ride. It became clear that I would need to improve the way the containers were fixed before the next stage of travel.
Step by step, each small challenge revealed a chance to adjust and grow. Riding with flowers was not only a new experiment but also a way to deepen the meaning and joy of the journey.
