Monday marked the beginning of the end.

I packed up my room, sent a few boxes to mum and dad and packed my life into the car.

I drove up to Paluma for the night.

Being in the mountains always helps me decompress and get back to what matters.

Plus it was very hunid and the fresh water was refreshing.

When I got back to town I stayed with a friend and spent the morning at Riverway – a place I tend to forget about. Townsville has a few of those.

It’s a lovely, peaceful place and the water is lovely in summer.

In the afternoon, I cruised around and had afternoon tea at Jezzine Barracks

I spent most of the next day at the strand I turned myself into a lobster

I went for a swim at the beach but I freak myself out every time and don’t stay in long because of the guaranteed uncertainty of crocs

But the rockpool always saves me

The saltwater hit, without the fear

I was feeling a bit lost and unsure whether I would be staying in town this week, but it’s definitely helped me get acquainted to the slower lifestyle

Especially coming back into town from the creek – I felt external pressures trying to seep into my mind.

On Monday, I picked up The Time Travellers Wife from an op shop and I’ve been reading everyday. In the beginning, I was really enjoying it but the last hundred pages or so have been deep in the plot and it’s not as enjoyable but I want to finish it. I hope to finish it either tonight or tomorrow so I can trade it in for another novel before I leave town.

I found a laundromat this morning, did a load of washing and charged my power-bank. It takes forever to charge – I’ve had it on about 3 different power sources and it’s still not full.

I’m starting to feel like I could just stay in Townsville for a little while longer and enjoy the sights

But thinking about Bowen has my feet tingling and I know I’m ready to hit the road

Reading: The Time Travellers Wife

Listening to: The Imperfects Podcast

Location: Townsville