Woven Threads: Wander Wonder

Not all those who wander are lost.

~J.R.R. Tolkien~

Australian Coat of Arms featuring the Kangaroo and Emu. (Tyler Roberts)

Mandurah (Tyler Roberts)

I love traveling. There are so many wonderful things to see and places to experience. We have been from Perth to Pemberton in Australia's Southwest and have been having the time of our lives. The city of Perth is a bustling hub of activity where you can find all the amenities you might crave, at a price of course. Usually that price goes beyond our budget so Adriana and I have been exploring south of the city. We spent a few days in Mandurah and Margaret River while the place we call home at the moment is the aptly named Safety Bay.

My friend Mick Miller from Tasmania has taken it upon himself to be our Australian tour guide and is doing a hell of a job already, introducing us to friends of his from all over so that we can travel cheap and be in good company the whole time. His sister in Safety Bay has become our adoptive parent for the moment and outdoes herself everyday seeing to it that we are having a good time. I love the people here with all my heart.

The other day as we were resting in Mandurah after a long walk to town we met some people who were out on their boat touring the canals of the city. We had offered a hand in securing the boat and then got chatting with them about our travels, as you do. They were very friendly and offered us a short tour of the canals with them. We were only too happy to accept the ride from Captain Jeff and his crew Brian, Nola and Margaret. We trolled lazily about the area as they gave us an impromptu narration of the sights and history of the city. It was the highlight to our day and a kindness that I hope to repay to the world one day. We had such a great time and could not thank them enough.

Margaret, Nola, Brian, Adriana and Captain Jeff. I apologize if I spelled any names wrong. (Tyler Roberts)

The places we are traveling are beautiful and the sights and sounds are intoxicating but it is the people that make me love this country and it is thanks to them that we are able to experience all of this. I am sure that this will not be the last time I wonder over the hospitality and good will of the strangers we meet while we wander.