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Well, here we are again. Back on travelblog.org. Feels like old times, doesn't it? It has been a while since I have updated - I haven't written here since way back in Thailand, which pretty much feels like a lifetime ago. I have been meaning to add a final entry for my trip, plus make a little mention of a slightly smaller trip that I made with two of my buddies. So now is the time.
Now that my travels are over and my family and friends have seen more photos than anyone should have to over the course of several lifetimes, I have had time to pause, reflect and consider my journey. First and foremost I am struck by the sheer volume of places I have been and things I have seen. Upon seeing someone for the first time since my return, they will inevitably ask me 'what was your favourite country/experience'. A question I am finding quite tricky to answer.
Sure, I have come up with a few things I tell people; skydiving, scuba-diving, the Australian Outback and cattle station stay. But that list of highlights in no way begins to make clear how great my trip
Wiltshire
Not too shabby was. To reel out such a list would either take forever, or prove to be woefully inadequate when it comes to making clear the diversity of the experiences I have had. I could mention the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier from New Zealand; from Australia, the incredibly diverse and fascinating wildlife, Kakadu National Park, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Fraser Island, the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland; from Thailand, trekking around Pai, the ruins at Ayutthaya, my time spent at Kanchanaburi. Any of these experiences and more could easily feature at the top of any list.
And then there are the smaller things that are still clear in my memory; people I met, nights I had out, journeys I made, numerous activities and hikes, great hostels and guest houses I found, crazy weather I experienced, the many, many sunsets (and the handful of sunrises) that I saw. That I did it all alone is also kind of important. There were times when I was a little lonely, but the sense of achievement is great, and I would urge anyone with the opportunity to give it a go.
During the nine months, there were high points and low points,
as is inevitable over such a long period of sustained travel. But of course the highs ultimately far outweigh the lows. I did many things I never thought I would do, saw places of staggering natural beauty, and met a lot of interesting people.
Back at home, I have spent the majority of the last month and a half being relatively aimless. I have not experienced any overwhelming depression as a result of the end of my travels, as is often reported by others. Rather, I just feel a little shell-shocked and a little out of place. I feel as though I shouldn't really be here. I should be somewhere else, preferably somewhere exciting and tropical. Staying in one place feels a little strange, and the comforts of home feel a little superfluous since I have realised that I can fit all that I really need into a rucksack.
I would like to travel again, I am certain about that. I am not sure where I would like to go (I have a few ideas, obviously) and I am not sure when I will be able to go. I do know that next time will be shorter; less
You beauty!
Our barge, under the steady hand of Jonesy, navigates a small aquaduct than six months. I found it harder to motivate myself toward the end, and definitely saw and did more in the first two thirds of my trip. I also know that would rather go with a friend than on my own. But if it has to be on my own, that's the way it has to be.
- - - - - - -
A couple of weeks ago, to celebrate my buddy Russell's birthday, we took to the canals of southern England for four days gentle waterway cruising. There were three of us; myself, Russell (henceforth referred to as Rusil) and Jonesy. Our 63ft barge, Mercury, took us from Bath along the Avon canal toward Devizes.
Travelling by barge is as relaxing as you would expect. With a speed limit of 4mph, things rarely get out of control. Driving is tremendous fun. Jonesy quickly demonstrated his ability to pick up any skill fifty times faster than anyone else is capable of, and handled the majority of the tricky situations early on, and negotiated the locks throughout the course of our journey.
We took our sweet time, usually getting under way around midday, stopping
for a spot of lunch, and then continuing until we found a spot for the evening to our liking. The swing bridges and locks were a little back-breaking, but always great fun. Rarely do your get to operate machinery on that sort of scale.
There is some stunning scenery around that part of the country, as the photos will attest. After such a long time out of the country, the trip provided a timely reminder of just how lush the U.K can be. The canal itself was very beautiful, at times lined with pretty barges, clearly well-loved and lived on, and at other times almost deserted, providing a peaceful method of travel that feels a little exclusive.
The weather was, for the best part, spot on, with only one day turning out a bit cold. I will remember driving the barge wrapped up snugly in a blanket - for some reason I decided not to take a coat. For the rest of the time it was shorts only weather - the boys claiming it was hot damn. Not, I was quick to point out, compared to Thailand.
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