Instead of going down the coast, I went via the backroads and saw some cute as towns!

The jimbo was really struggling up the hills and really gave me a run for my money.

I don’t mind this – I dote over my car – but I wish aresholes would notice the car is struggling and not tailgate me. I’m obviously not going slow by choice.

Along the way, I stopped in at Uki.

This town was so cute and I love this little communal area.

The craft shop didn’t have the stickers I was hoping for -shattered- but Nimbin was popping! The markets were on and town was busy due to the Roots Festival.

Last time I visited, it was mediocre. Quiet and I didn’t really enjoy walking around on my own. This time, it was great!
I had lunch at a Vedic cafe and the person in front of me mentioned to the staff he was staying at the Krishna Village Ashram. I am planning to stay there next year! I was surprised and delighted to come across people talking about it! Turns out there is also in the vicinity of Nimbin and the staff -backpackers- are staying there.

They invited me to come back in the afternoon for dinner – the cafe does a big cook up and ceremony before offering food to everyone on the street.

It’s making me feel so unbelievably happy recounting this. It’s not just people who share my values but people who are actively devoted to the way of living.

It really felt like one of those… Right time right place moments. Alignment.

I almost didn’t go to Nimbin but the want for the stickers was pretty strong.. 

I ended up getting more than I could have imagined.

I drove down to Ballina and through Evans Heads searching for somewhere to stay, but nowhere felt quite right. While I love small towns, it’s harder to park up because the properties are larger and a stray car somewhere will raise questions amongst the locals. I ended up parking up for in Maclean for the night.

I never really understood what daylight savings was about, but now –  having crossed the border several times over the weekend – I’m an experrt. It goes to show that time is an illusion but it’s a pity our society operates on this construct.

It was 7pm and I wanted to go to sleep, but it was too light out. This, is what summer was all about when I was younger. But I don’t want to he frolicking the streets of an unknown town, on my own, just because the sun is still out.

I was wondering how I’d go with evenings and my sleep schedule on the road. It’s cool because I can stay up until 9 or 10 – I just end up sleeping in until 6:30 or 7. Not having any external dictation on my time is really  nice. If I were working, I’d be stressed about not getting enough sleep.

In the morning, I headed back up to this lookout and there were some other campers there. It always makes me giggle because I could have stayed there, but it feels too conspicuous.

The last few days driving, have been pretty crazy. I’ve covered big distances searching for the place to rest.

I’ve been following my intuition pretty blindly and she’s always lead me to the right place.

When I’m stealth camping, I start moving as soon as I wake up. So yes, I’m not fatigued but I’m also not really well rested.

I stopped at Woolgoolga for breakfast, then headed in for Coffs Harbour. Woolgoolga was beautiful and one of those places I can imagine myself living for a month or two. The beach was sheltered and there were heaps of people enjoying a morning swim.

I was really psyched about getting to Coffs but I got there quite early. So I spent some time at the beach, had a little dip, then decided to move on.

I mean, this is what I’m here for. Driving through small towns, I love it.
I have found some great spots along the mid-north coast where I would love to come back and stay next year.

I thought I’d be staying in Coffs, but I couldn’t find anywhere I wanted to settle.

I’ve kind of been struggling with easing up… It’s go go go when I know I have to be somewhere by a certain date, that I struggle to just stop and enjoy the place I’m in. Especially when just stopping up for the night, it’s not exactly relaxing.

I pushed my luck and drove down to South West Rocks.

SWR was superb.

I had seen it on Google Maps and definitely wanted to stop in there one way or another, but I was stoked to get to stay.

The caravan park backed onto a national park and there was wildlife everywhere.

At first, I was apprehensive about setting up camp because… You know, kangaroos can be violent?

I exchanged some coins for laundry and the receptionist told me they are used to humans which made me feel better. She also said are they the big ones? The males?

You’re telling me they get bigger than this?!

I set up my hammock! Oh my god I was happy to have my hammock up.

There aren’t many places around South East Queensland or Northern NSW to set up a hammock… Not many trees close together. I would hazard a guess that all the casual trees have been demolished and the natural parkland that’s left is pretty thick scrub.

In Far North Queensland, there are heaps of palms scattered, ready to string the hammock on.

I had an early dinner and hired a bike from the caravan park.

I forget how much I enjoy cycling. It’s so liberating and exploring this new town had me feeling like I was in Asia.

Eat Pray Love moment.

I rode down to the Old Gaol Ruins and then over to the Lighthouse.

I was definitely pushing my luck and did not expect to get back before sun down, especially when the bike started making a weird noise on the last of the incline – 350m away from the lighthouse.

I was deadset going through whether I could get an uber in this town or if I could hitch a ride with someone…. Maybe I should just turn around and abort mission.

But I let the worry go – if it comes to it, then we will deal with it.. and let my intuition guide me.

I knew there must be a reason I was being guided there and oh my I wasn’t disappointed. I was on such a high from cycling and the views were astonishing.

Extra points because there was a phone stand to take the picture. A town after a solo travellers heart.

and lo and behold – who is the best cyclist? I made it back with about 10 minutes of sun to spare.

There is really no point in fretting and stealing the joy from the present moment when things will work out >85% of the time.

Something I’ve learnt far too late.

I can’t wait to come back here next year.

Don’t forget you can see more of my travels in real time on instagram: jimny.gypsy