A Misty Morning in the Hills
When I unzipped my tent that morning, the world outside was wrapped in mist. The atmosphere felt dreamlike, quiet, and a little surreal. My first thought was for the flowers I carry on my trailer. On a past morning in Cann River, I had woken to find all of them frozen stiff. This time, though, things were different. Perhaps because I was already north of Sydney, the cold was milder. The flowers were safe, still alive and fresh, swaying gently in the cool morning air.
With relief, I packed up my camp. My plan for the day was to pass through Gosford and, if possible, continue on to The Entrance, a seaside resort town. I wasn’t sure where I would camp there, but I decided to leave the question for later. Fortunately, I had camped near the top of a hill, so the morning began with an easy descent. By midmorning, I rolled smoothly into Gosford.
Resting by the Lake
In Gosford, I stopped by a lake to rest. The water reflected the sky, and the park around it was peaceful. I took a short video, enjoying the view. That’s when a man and his group approached me. After a few words, he suddenly said:
"You should stay at my place. Really, come stay the night. I can even drive you as far as Newcastle if you like."
Such invitations are rare, and I always try to value them when they come. I agreed, and together we went to his home.
A Warm Welcome and a Handmade Gift
The moment I stepped inside, I was offered a glass of wine with the words, “You’ve made it this far, relax now.” Even the cat seemed to welcome me. I was deeply tired from the journey, so I asked if I could take a short nap. While I slept, my host quietly worked on something extraordinary.
He had noticed my wooden sign that says “Have a Nice Day”—a sign I had made back in Margaret River but which was often hard to read. While I slept, he decorated and rebuilt it into something bold, strong, and easy to see, like a craftsman’s work. When I saw it, I was speechless. It was beautiful, far better than the original, and I knew right away it would become an important part of my journey.
An Australian Party Experience
As evening came, he told me, “There’s a party tonight with friends and neighbors. Come along.”
I had never really experienced an Australian-style party before, so I went with curiosity. Soon, I was surrounded by laughter, food, and music. One neighbor, Chris, even gave me a gift, and the table was full of delicious dishes. I found myself enjoying it all—the warmth of the people, the flow of conversation, and the unfamiliar but exciting atmosphere.
We stayed up until nearly 2:00 in the morning. For someone like me, who usually sleeps early on the road, this was unusual. But I felt grateful. To be embraced so openly by people I had only just met reminded me once again of why this journey is so meaningful.
