I’m baaaaack!

~ Okay I started writing this a month ago but never got around to completing it, now I have more updates so grab some popcorn and settle in. ~

As it stands, we have been in ‘hulled’ up in Sunshine Coast for 3 months.

It all started with me going to the dentist with a sore tooth, leading to me needing a crown which had us drifting here for minimum 5 weeks. During this time, the weather conditions have shifted the sands and the high tides aren’t giving us enough water to get out.

It was only meant to be a stopover, two weeks max :’)

It hasn’t been smooth sailing (it’s too shallow to move the boat anywhere) because I don’t deal well with abrupt/unplanned change – but I’ve come to peace with being here. My cousin lives nearby and I’ve made another friend – I’m counting my blessings.

I bought a bike and the bike rack is finally getting some use. Amazing!

The Sunny Coast has the lure of a quiet coastal town, but it is super busy. It feels busier than the Gold Coast, which is strange but I think it’s a mind trick, because I expect Goldy to be busy.

We stopped by a cool retro diner in the middle of nowehere Belli Park, on our way to Fig Tree in Kenilworth.

and I took some time out from the water and headed up to Buderim Falls for a look and some much needed earthing.

This waterfall actually reminded me of Nature Bridge in Gold Coast. The reserve is essentially in the middle of a suburb (Buderim) and so close to everything, but so quiet and serene inside. The perfect mid-week getaway.

We got bean bags – a much appreciated addition to the deck and cockpit.

I finally got my dreads tightened up and added a fun little bitty! I always admire hair accessories, but man they are annoying when they clang around.

I have been intermittent fasting anywhere from 18:6 to 24 (and one 36!) and I’ve noticed a plethora of changes in myself and my body. My stomach has shrunk, as in I don’t need to eat much at all to feel discomfort. I don’t really like it because I’m a big foodie, but also it’s a really cool change because I am a big foodie and eat like my stomach is the bottomless bag in Harry Potter.

I would like to upgrade (or is it a downgrade?) to a van, so I have a functional space, a kitchen inside and a toilet!!! I have become accustomed to this style of living – it’s less camping and more just alternative living. I definitely need a toilet and it would be so nice to park somewhere and cook up or boil the jug while remaining stealth.

I do love my Jimny and would be sad to see it go, but it’s not practical with all the gear I have in it. I wish I could strip it back to stock, but that would also be sad. The best thing to do is go bigger and pass it on to someone who would appreciate it’s function.

With the impending social media ban in Australia and the prominence of AI, I am feeling more inclined to get off social media altogether. I have been musing about getting a flip phone for about a year, since I listened to this Imperfects episode.

The only issue I’m having with this idea is: do I keep my current phone with the current sim set up, so I have access to the internet (for quick checks on weather, tides, taking photos etc). Or do I sort out a wi-fi/dongle device (for laptop) and get a call/SMS only sim? Not sure if they exist, but as you can probably tell I haven’t done any practical research into this.

I would like to be someone who talks on the phone. I want to be a caller. I think if I had a phone whose only function is to call or clunky text, I would call everyone.
It feels like with social media, you can see that you’re friends are alive and kicking and therefore you don’t feel the need to actually check in. It might just be me, maybe I’m the problem. But messaging just feels so superficial at this point.
I know me writing all of this in a blog for my friends and family to see might be a contradiction, but I am working on it.

I think I have pretty good digital hygiene – I have managed to wean myself off the mindless scroll. I have also cancelled subscriptions to streaming services in an attempt to have autonomy against the algorithm and live more frugally.
We have DVD players on board, so I have been intentional about buying movies I would like to watch. My preferred films are from the 90s – early 00s and I find they often aren’t available to stream either.

I am trying to use the internet more intentionally – for research rather than entertainment – as it is not what it was 10 years ago and I find it no longer brings joy.

Whatever happened to Stardoll, Myscene and Everythinggirldotcom?

So that’s where I’m at.

Hopefully we arrive at warmer shores soon, but for now I am trying to make the most of being here. It’s been a tension point, considering we both wanted to be travelling and have ended up stuck. I know I can go back to the car anytime (and therefore shouldn’t complain about my position) but I’m not ready to give up the sailing dream just yet.