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Jan 10
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

With the roof off… Roadtrip through India, Bhutan, Myanmar

I’m so not very good at keeping up to date… and this one was years ago; but so many people over the years have asked me about our drive through India, Bhutan and Myanmar that I thought it was about time I posted this video of our 8 weeks #roadtrip in our 96 year old Vintage Vauxhall, Penny. Come journey with me and you won’t believe some of the roads we drove along!!!
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Dec 22
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny, Shamanism 0 comments

A prayer flag flutters in the wind. Which is it that moves? ..

A Tibetan puzzle. A prayer flag flutters in the wind.
Which is it that moves, the flag or the wind?
Answer: Neither. The Spirit moves them both.
Acknowledgement of the Unseen... of Spirit ... the foundation of a society where the unseen is acknowledged with reverence.
Spirit is that which moves through everything, and that by which everything moves.
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Dec 07
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

A change of Plans.. I missed the clouds in the sky…south instead of north

Walking up the steps to the Golden rock, Max and I looked at each other and realized that sitting in a car for 6 weeks had taken a huge toll on our fitness and our muscles had wasted a lot. That wouldn’t normally be an issue, but we both need to be fairly fit for our next adventures … and didn’t realise we would become so unfit so quickly on this trip.   Max had said to me in the past couple of days that he was ready for home and he could easily head South at Mae Sot rather than north to Chiang Mai … and at that point walking up the steps to the Golden rock, we both realized that we really needed to head south straight to Bangkok instead of north.   On the drive east we discussed and checked in with each other, and we both knew it was the best decision to make…seeing we had a couple of days prior realized that we didn’t really have enough time to drive through Laos as we had originally intended to.   We sat peacefully next to the river for a beautiful lunch at Hpa An where we […]
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Dec 06
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

The Golden Rock …. balancing, defying gravity …. Kyaiktoyo pilgrimage site

So… the big Golden Rock in Kyaiktyo in Myanmar.   We were packed into a fairly new, troupe-truck – seven rows of six abreast; except for Max’s row because he had to pay for two seats because his knees had to go diagonally because they wouldn’t fit in front of him. People here are so small.. and I even feel like a giant standing beside some of the women!   It was quite funny…there was a lot of confusion around why Max’s row only had 5 in it and after we had it sorted with one of the truck organisers…another would come along and try to stuff the sixth person in the row! – until we got him to actually look down into the seat and see where Max’s legs were and there was NO way a sixth person could fit in and we would be prepared to pay for the 6th seat.   After a bit of argy-bargy and constant head counting …off we went. Ooops.. well we thought we were on our way but around the corner we stopped whilst a tyre was being checked and re-inflated. Then we were on our way… oopps… not quite… another stop, […]
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Dec 04
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Buddhist evangelical duff-duff and disco…..

4am in the morning, even before the roosters; and my broken sleep was severed once again by what seemed like evangelical duff-duff or disco blaring from loudspeakers across this town – the third most significant place in Myanmar for Buddhists. This is Kyaiktiyo, the town closest to where there is a huge rock which looks like it is defying gravity and balancing precariously….and people; actually only men are allowed to place some gold leaf on. I have seen photographs of it some years ago, and it seems that more recently there has been a golden umbrella; which is the term for the spire of a pagoda; has been erected atop of this large rock. We are visiting here today – so I will be able to learn more and understand about its’ significance then. I’m not too sure whether I understand the significance of the loudspeakers at the entrance of every monastery or temple with blaring what I feel is discordant sound from a CD, and usually 4 people two each side of the road shaking a large silver bowl. I have been told it is ‘fund raising’…which must be the new term for begging these days here. My slight […]
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Dec 03
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Inlay Lake …and then to Taungoo…

I need to backtrack a couple of days because I am behind in my journal. Our drive to Inlay Lake from Bagan revealed to me the differences in rainfall and consequently the ability of the people here to grow food. Once again for me I could see a continuing theme of survival – and just ‘getting on with it’.   Everywhere I looked people were doing their thing… working in the fields; working in the shops; carrying large loads on their head; steering cattle–carts; tending grazing roaming cattle or goats; riding motor-cycles to somewhere – but it seemed as if it was with a distinct purpose.   The number of motorcycles here is astonishing, and with the roads in poor condition I’m finding it far more stressful driving here than along the winding steep slopes in Bhutan…and even in the chaos of India. Granted I have some issues with motorbikes …. but honestly, this is really challenging driving with motorbikes and bullock carts and pushbikes and trucks; all trying to stay on the narrow piece of bitumen… and no-one moves off the broken edge on to the dirt. My job is to say either ‘Yes’ or “No” for Max to […]
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Dec 02
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Rainbow LED lights in temples….. Buddhism 2015 style in parts of Myanmar…

I do have quite a lot to catch up on over the past three days  and you can also pop to my gallery pages on the links below so you can visually travel with me through Myanmar.   Buddhism is practiced here in Myanmar, and I’m finding it rather different than in Bhutan. In Bhutan the rainbow LED lights sparkled on the outside of the shops and hotels. Here in Myanmar, inside the temples the rainbow LED lights radiate from the Buddha’s head. Although taking off shoes and socks is customary in Temples, Pagodas, and Stupa’s here in Myanmar; the reverence code isn’t quite the same ..with many people talking on mobile phones; we are permitted to take photographs; talking loudly is common; and there just isn’t the same evidence of respect and quiet here that I experienced in temples in Bhutan.   We visited a temple with 500,000 small statues of Buddha which lined the walls and ceilings. The regimented patterns that these hundreds of thousands of Buddha’s made was quite beautiful.   Driving south every now and then we could see the head and torso of the largest Buddha in Myanmar; the Lay Kyun Sakkya Standing Buddha. It […]
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Nov 30
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Kale to Monymar …then to so many temples in Bagan.

Throughout this journey I have been confronted by how so many other people exist with what I consider to be immense challenges in just surviving with enough food and water. We drove through areas over the past two days where this was once again evident in the fields… on the roads… along the rivers …. through the small villages. We drove across the plains where rice was being hand harvested; threshed and winnowed; where bodies bent at the hips and occasionally looked up to see what the rest of the world was doing. For each region we drove through I noticed the small differences in how the rice was placed in the field after cutting. It seemed like the upturned Ti-Pi’s have been replaced by just armloads of stalks and placed in bundles lying horizontally across the stubble. Hand threshing still seemed to be done in the same manner and very occasionally a mechanical thresher stood proudly in a circular cleared patch in the field. Parallel lines beside the road held pairs of harnessed grey bullocks which pulled carts laden with stalks of grain… with the practical wooden spokes made for being pulled in the fields and along the sides of […]
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Nov 27
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Men with guns!!!!…

I saw a lot of men with ‘guns’ today…. And not the sort of ‘guns’ I would usually see at they gym. These were machine guns and …all sorts of guns.   We needed to drive through Manipur to get to the border town of Tamu into Myanmar, which meant we needed to drive through an area which had quite a large military presence…. and I’m still not quite sure what the ‘civil unrest’ really means. We had to pass through many military checkpoints which our guide assisted us in the process of showing our passports and completing documentation of our passage through this area.   The views to the mountains were beautiful and I was really enjoying the cleaner air away from the cool morning smog of Imphal … and often I was surprised out of my relaxed thoughts when I saw walking on the side of the road or just off into the bushes; men wearing camouflage clothing; …. and with leaves sticking from the top of their hard olive green hats.   Then I saw their guns!   Their guns slung across their shoulder with their right hand on the trigger. Some were larger than others. Some had […]
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Nov 26
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

That horrible grinding sound underneath Penny…..

That horrible grinding sound underneath Penny…..   Well.. it was late in the day with just 30kms to go and I was thinking about the title of my post after seeing two cars literally IN the river being washed… and I was thinking of something like … “Drive-in (the river) car wash”… and soon after that, the crunching sound underneath Penny changed the title of my post today.   Everything started out well this morning with a lazy start whilst I attended to some emails and the boys went to look at a war cemetery. Our early start ended with another night driving in the dark to our hotel. Sorry Liz! Rule number two inadvertently broken again.   Our morning drive climbed even higher – to about 2000mts. The Hill Tribe area of Nagaland was very different to other parts of India I have been. Clothing was different – less colourful and with few saree’s being worn; the homes were built differently; language was different; facial features were different; and it was relatively litter free – with signs everywhere promoting clean and tidy villages. Something seemed to be working because there was very little rubbish strewn on the streets.   I […]
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Nov 25
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Ooops… “off piste”… when the ‘orange line became a 4WD track!

When did an ‘orange’ road on our map – which led off a four-lane highway become a 4wd track ??? …only in India…. And yes… we inadvertently went ‘off piste”.   The morning started out amazingly. I was quite overwhelmed with our most generous and loving send-off and farewell with well wishes from our rally companions at the Raddison Blue. Our exquisite hand made masks which were given to us as a memento from our amazing journey through Bhutan were carefully packed into Chris’ car and off to England to be posted to us at some time later… and although the mask given to me was the shape shifting Tiger… (My Chinese birth animal is a Tiger) there was no way I could shape-shift out of the road we ended up which was 90km shorter than the other route… but a few hours longer I think. More on that shortly…   We drove east toward Myanmar through fields of rice where the rice was harvested using a huge sharp knife and placed the cut grain in bundles upside down to look like mini Ti-pi’s patterning the fields. Small colourful mobile shrines supervised the harvest. Soccer was being played amongst the cows […]
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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

More prayers…. descending out of the amazing mountains of Bhutan toward India

Our incredible journey through Bhutan was nearing it’s end as we descended rather quickly through more amazing mountains. We had our last glimpses of the Himalayas… with the white snow capped peaks and my memories accumulated of so many wonderful parts of Bhutan. Children carried on backs with beautifully hand woven cloth.. and their chubby little fingers open with trust. Smiles and gracious hospitality. Spectacular scenery. Incredible mountains and mountain passes. Chillies. Chanting. Music. Dancing, ritual and ceremony…. so many wonderful things in Bhutan. Prayer flags with wishes for humanity blowing in the breeze and fading with time and the cycles of life. Our descent was steep at times and by now Max has developed quite strong arms from all the turning around the hairpin bends. It is pretty arduous for him because the driving is actually quite physical and strenuous… and we both have to concentrate all the time because of the road conditions and traffic. As was with most days there were often little ‘issues’ with various cars and we always stopped to give a hand. Max is always ready to get under the bonnet or car, and open the tool roll or box of parts. On the rally there […]
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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Steep slopes and Prayers… Mongar to Trashigang

Dust and rocks…. steep slopes and landslides… and I’m sure the prayer flags caught the prayers of some of those who drive along these incredibly spectacular – yet at times pretty scary roads. Roadworks is constant… and so are the huge expanses of land slips which scar the landscape. The prayer flags are beautiful. I love the way the sun shines through the filmy fabric dancing….which has printed prayers of wishes for all of humanity which blow in the wind across the land. The history, symbolism and meaning of the Prayer flag in Bhutan is interesting and rich… and representative of the strong Buddhist belief in this beautiful country. The steep slopes still produces food for the people of this area and there were terraces still enveloping the ridges and spurs. Corn dried on black plastic.. and the harvesting and drying of crops always seemed to be a rather social, family affair. Small hazelnut seedlings were the only evidence of regimentation as they all stood in small containers side by side in rectangular plots bound by a wire perimeter fence. Our rotary-hoe at home is used for hoeing the soil; unlike what we saw where the hoe was actually mixing stabiliser with […]
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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Scary bit on road – Gelphu to Trongsa 2

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Amazing road.. scary bit . Gelephu to Trongsa 1

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Excavator on landslip with Indians running past…!!! Gelephu to Trongsa

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival clown

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival amazing male dancers

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival part of dance 2

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar festival part of dance

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival end of dance

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival beginning of Animal Dance

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Nov 24
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival before dawn… chanting , horns, bells, bowls and flashing lights – Bizarre!

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Nov 21
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mongar Festival…. Oh My Goodness what a festival!!

Our drive to Mongar was spectacular. The landscape was varied and we woke to one of those exquisite blue sky days after a cold blustery dry storm front the previous evening. Our guide said he had often driven this road and rarely had he seen so far and it be so clear. We were fortunate to see the highest mountain in Bhutan Gangkhar Puensum and the Eastern Himalayas which was absolutely breathtaking. We also had many high passes which once again were graced with prayer flags which we contributed and I said my prayers to be carried with the wind.   About midnight I heard drumming; singing and this long rhythmical horn. Something was happening in the cold clear night air. It was a little strange. I looked out of the window and strips of coloured lights draped the buildings and flashed discordantly with the ritual sounds of monks chanting and bowls singing. I stayed up most of the night wondering what it could be… and who would be up all night (other than myself listening) … making such ceremonial  sounds. It all became apparent the following day when we participated in the local Mongar festival… which for me was an absolute highlight of my […]
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Nov 20
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Laughter with weavers and a quiet day

We left the exquisite misty mountain views at Trongsa….and at reception our huge old-fashioned key which was attached to a fluffy teddy-bear. I couldn’t quite work out the significance of that – but it made me smile.   We had a short drive today toward Bumthang…. not much roadworks… and along really a pretty mountain and into a more open landscape. The past few days has been pretty arduous on Max because it has literally been one curve after another ….up the mountain ..down the mountain….winding every 100mts or so. We mostly stayed in second or 3rd gear with an average of about 20 or 30kms an hour. …. And it was BUMPY!!! The road-works were unrelenting and we both had to be vigilant for oncoming traffic. It is pretty full on… and sometimes I forget to watch out for the Tulip distance in my route book because I am so engrossed in watching the road. Fortunately it isn’t a competition and it is usually just following the main road.   Every moment is one of adventure, and I never know what is next. In front of us we saw Alistair stopped, and to the left were two women who […]
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Nov 20
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Steep slopes… boulders… falling rocks… winding roads… dust… sheer drops

Steep slopes… boulders… falling rocks… winding roads… dust… sheer drops….Oh my goodness what incredible scenery and such a fabulous drive over the past couple of days. Traversing the mountains toward the east along this route in the Trongsa valley region has to the best of my knowledge never been done before in a Rally … and it was just spectacular and quite remarkable. I have two short videos which I will upload when we get to a city in a couple of weeks. I can’t upload photos at the moment either so a description is it for today. Max said yesterday’s drive from  Gangtey to Trongsa was the BEST drive he has ever done – and he has spent a LOT of days driving around the world. More on that in a minute – but first from Punakha to Gangtey. It seems from my observation that Bhutan has two very important industries; Electricity from Hydro; and Tourism. The electricity is sold to India with some sort of agreement that the Indians work on all the roads. A road-workers life is an extreme one. I just can’t imagine spending my life under a blue tarpaulin held up by sticks; walls from […]
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Nov 16
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Hold on….. Monastery of the “Divine Madman” – the Fertility Monastery

The female river Mo Chhu; supposedly the more calm; serene; placid….before the confluence –  joining with the male Pho Chhu…  was where we went white water rafting today. There were only a few sections of actual white water, because the monsoons have long gone and the glacial melt had finished; but none-the-less it was fabulous. “All forward”…was our command to paddle and off we went. “Hold on”… and my arm lay over my paddle and my hand gripped the rope on the side of the bright blue inflatable raft and whoosh went the water soaking my running leggings and bare feet. Ohhhhhh….. that water was COLD….. but was so much fun. Of course we splashed each other with our paddles! A water activity wouldn’t be complete without a complete drenching ! We were told that in the monsoon the river is raging and the rapids are incredible and sometimes one has to lean back to clear going under the bridges which on our paddle were probably 20 feet above us. Today was a calm paddle with just a few rapids of exhilaration… and just before landing on a sandy beach we nearly navigated cleanly between 2 very large boulders. I have […]
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Nov 15
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

What a road!!!! Landslides…. Curves…. And never-ending roadworks.

What a road!!!! Landslides…. Curves…. And never-ending roadworks. ..and when I say never-ending…. I don’t just mean the 60km we travelled from Thimphu to Punakha – I mean I just don’t understand how there will ever be a solution to the constant road-slips and landslides here; when the widening of the main road from the east to the west of the country digs into the base of the steep loose soil and when it rains….the mountain just slides down on to the road.   We were speaking to a lady from Australia (who incidentally knows my sister in Byron Bay – small world hey!!) and she is doing work here and said last month six people were killed at 1pm in the afternoon from a landslip; and her colleagues were trapped on the other side of a landslip for 2 days and had to sleep in their cars until it was navigable.   Before our wonderful drive to Punakha though, I had an amazing time in Thimphu. We stayed at the beautiful Taj; and I spent the morning chatting to people and wandering through all the handicraft markets. It was an absolute delight to not have to fend off persistent […]
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Nov 14
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

A mountain drive ..Paro to Thimpu….

Penny is once again adventuring through the mountains of Bhutan.   We left our beautiful mountain retreat and passed through farmland of terraced fields growing rice; turnips; potatoes; radishes; beets; and of course chillies!!!… which fire through what seems EVERY meal including breakfast. I’m not too sure I’m a fan of such burning heat in my mouth quite so early in the morning though..so boiled eggs and rice has become my staple breakfast.   Small red carpets of chillies dried on the metal corrugated roofs that were secured not by screws but large rocks. Fields were dotted with mountainous piles of rice stalks, which were covered by a cloth to prevent any moisture entering the store of food for the animals for winter. Pine needles were being collected in woven baskets and lumbered on the backs of people who leaned forward as a counterbalance. These pine-needles are used as bedding in the stables and help mop up and hold together the manure which is then spread in neat piles on the bare golden fields of rice stubble.   I saw more closely the structure of the traditional timber homes; where the crops were dried in an open area above the […]
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Nov 12
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Clean air…. Steep slopes… and unfortunately Penny’s ISSUES!

  Clean air. Steep slopes. Incredible scenery. We are now finally driving through Bhutan.   Close to the border there were lots of Indian road worker camps, and as we climbed in elevation workers were either making asphalt; clearing landslips; shoveling gravel and dirt; pasting hand made concrete on vertical surface; or cracking rocks into gravel by hand. Yep… making gravel for the roads by hand. Banging one rock on to another rock. One by one. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.   As we climbed and wound our way around the steep mountainside, the little roadside stalls with sweet mandarins and the best lady-finger bananas became more scarce. Cows ambled across the potholed surface. People waved as we drove through their small towns. Small terraced farms growing vegetables laced the hillsides. Bright red chillies were being dried on rooftops.   Prayer flags dusted the hillsides; softly flapping and flowing in the wind. Prayers for the living in coloured flags… prayers for the dead on white soft fabric. It honestly felt like I was in another world. One of gentleness. One of calmness. One of prayer and connecting with the ‘unseen’ as a way of living.   I walked […]
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Nov 10
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

An elephant… a HUGE elephant…with tusks!!!… then BHUTAN!!!

Another early morning at 4.45 for a 5.10am start to go to a reserve to see if we could spot some elephants and some rhino’s. Very soon after we entered the park on the left was a HUGE round brown thing standing there… and it took a few seconds for me to realize it was a HUGE Indian Elephant! My brain was switched into Rhino mode…so I wasn’t expecting to see an elephant! Within a couple of minutes we managed to spot another group of about 4 large brown moving blobs far in the distance through the dense jungle. I thought to myself – “Wow…. This is going to be amazing… elephants already!! I wonder what else I will see.”   The four of us were seated in the back of a jeep type car ….in a cavalcade of about 8 or so vehicles in the same camouflage paint colours and fabric seat covers. It was quite chilly in the open back as we stood between the metal frame which we held on to over the bumps…..and for those who didn’t bring a coat or pashmina, was a bit cold for them. Max unfortunately for him was one of those. […]
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Nov 09
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Looks like it is ‘terminal’……

The small fire in our fireplace in a quaint hotel in Darjeeling went out about midnight and when our alarm went off at 5.10am I was happily snuggled into slumberland under a fluffy doona in white linen. We had 10 minutes to get dressed and meet in the dark ready for our morning walk to greet the sunrise and hope to see glimpses of Kangchenjunga to the north.   It was hazy; children were exercising on the round metal equipment; some were jogging… some in our group were puffing due to the altitude; and we all looked to the beautiful golden sunrise to the sounds of Auuuuuuuum…., dogs barking, birds singing; and to the north a feint outline of the shoulders of Kangchenjunga.   The afternoon prior I went to the town centre of Darjeeling and really enjoyed the music of a local festival. There were not only traditional dancers and music; but also quite contemporary music, and dancing seemed to be the same as I am accustomed to in Australia with the exception that the girls have a more creative flair with their hand and hip gestures.   Darjeeling was interesting….not quite the picture on the tea box with […]
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Nov 08
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 1 comments

There’s Penny!!!!! ….. and we are off!!!

I have a few days to catch up…so I apologise for a longer overview in this post so I’m not always behind. I’ve had a bit of Delhi-belly despite all precautions taken…. All better now… so onward to Bhutan!   We visited the Sunderband National Park whilst Penny was clearing customs and although it was still hot and very humid, was an interesting insight into how people live in an area where we were told isn’t even a single book written about it.   Driving south toward the Ganges Delta system supported a more agricultural existence… and livelihoods were sourced more from the earth. Huge brick factory chimneys stood like giant cigars in the distance. Some had been closed to reduce the pollution in the area; yet some were still operating and producing bricks which were used not only for home and city buildings – but also for use on the banks of the islands to hold the edges of the islands from being washed away in the current from the raging waters in monsoon season.   Riding in a bus on quite a long, bumpy journey provided a different perspective into the lives of the residents in this river […]
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Nov 02
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Quirky…..Indian Museum… Marble Palace …Kolkata Fish market…

Hi [firstname,fallback=], Remember how I said that there are many things in Kolkata which are a bit ‘quirky’ – well the INDIAN MUSEUM is one of those. It was like a time warp back to the 1950’s or 60’s…. In the main, a dusty old museum with cases of meticulously recorded hand-written or hand types labels on small carefully cut cards. The sign for the “Rocks and Minerals” display hall was an A4 piece of paper; crookedly stuck on to the side of the wall with some sticky tape which was perishing and peeling off. Once again – I smiled. What an interesting museum. There were huge rooms with large dark wood cabinets with glass doors that housed chunks of the earth on little plastic plates. Sometimes the plates lay empty. There were interesting shaped bottles filled to various heights with coloured liquid and grains of sand and dust. Many of these items were the source material from the earth for advances in technology and engineering; and were acknowledged thus by photographs and text not dissimilar to my recollection of primary school projects. Yes… very quirky…. …And hot. Huge fans whirred as the sweat ran down my skin under my loose mozzie […]
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Nov 02
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Mullik Ghat Flower Market

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Nov 02
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Top 11 things to do in Kolkata…. and more!!!

“Aummmmm….. Aummmmmmm…..” I chanted in a Yoga class in India. It seemed a little surreal – Pranayama in India. Studied and taught yoga… now here I am… Yoga class in India! Five days in Kolkata has now passed and tonight we meet with the group participating in Thunder Dragon Rally through to Bhutan. It seems like so long ago I was scooting under the car on my mechanics trolley, and I’m really ready now to get on the road in Penny. First though to the Sunderban National Park and then we reunite with Penny in Siliguri in a few days time. Over the past few days I think we have explored the Top 11 things to do in Kolkata; and WAY more… and I have immersed myself in this place of contrasts. Because we have walked such extensive distances in the city – often at a faster pace than the concoction of traffic vehicles… and at times taken the frantic Taxi ride to places beyond where our legs can take us; I have been able to witness vast differences in demographic; activities and ways of living in this amazing city of Kolkata.    The MULLIK GHAT FLOWER MARKET was fascinating. […]
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Oct 31
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

“Ohhhhhh….so you are going to Kolkata…. “

“Ohhhhhhhhh… so you are going to Kolkata…” said the steward at Thai Airlines in a tone which meant… “See how that works out for you. You will be so sorry you ever went THERE!”. …well actually I’m not sorry. OMG.. our first days roaming the streets of Kolkata have been amazing. Yes. Incredible poverty. Pollution. Noise. People seething through the streets with rickshaws; motor bikes; push bikes.. and yellow taxi’s with horns blowing; bells ringing; voices calling out to anyone who would listen. A complete sensory overload.. but I am actually enjoying it. It is a fascinating place to wander. First morning – off we went out of the compound behind the guarded gates into another world. Another Universe actually! We headed north along Bentinck St. through Lal Bazzar and Terita Bazzar to the edge of Bara Bazzar. We were informed later by the concierge that where we walked was in one of the ‘slums’ of Kolkata. Once again like in Greenland I was faced with feeling voyeuristic – the whole fish-bowl thing….but unless I stay in the confines of Wamuran or Brisbane; that is going to happen everywhere I go that I don’t reside. As I looked.. I was […]
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Oct 28
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Brown snake in the house 3am getting ready to leave for India.

Brown snake in the house 3am getting ready to leave for India. Snake.. snake.. It’s a brown snake… It’s a brown snake in the house. There I stood naked at 3am walking dazed into the kitchen after only 2 hours sleep with a snake recoiling and lunging for me. OMG! I called out to Max.. “SNAKE, SNAKE It’s a brown snake!!! It’s a brown snake. “ Not exactly the way I had intended to start our trip to Bhutan and beyond! But I am an adventurer and I suppose beginning out an adventure as we are doing required a dramatic start.. and life never does quite go to plan right! With the quite venomous brown snake extricated from the kitchen, we were on our way under the stars. Didn’t get my last morning dandy cuppa though… and I had a rushed feeling I had forgotten something. Sydney. Then over the channel country in western Queensland. Veins of rivers spreading across the expansive dry landscape. Puffy clouds and blue ocean. Streaked white wind on the water. Pollution-filled hot damp haze hid Bangkok until the tarmac revealed itself, then the night sky covered the smog and poverty as we landed in Kolkata. […]
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Oct 18
by Julie in About Me, India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

My new haircut preparing for India, Bhutan and Beyond…

Thought I needed a change… quite liberating having nearly all my hair removed! I received a beautiful gift from a very special Soul sista…. thought I’d share. 1940’s glass beads from a little antique shop in South Africa and travelled there on a beautiful woman from Europe; back in the day.  
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May 09
by Julie in India and Bhutan in Penny 0 comments

Having a bit of trouble with the nuts on Penny’s wheel hubs…

Rebuilding Penny !!! Yeh!!!!
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@idoamazingthings

@idoamazingthings

Journey-woman adventuring the unknown. Living boldly! All images have content to read. 🌏 Pop to my website to see what I do! Also @skeinydipping
  • An alternate journey around Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Plans for Tunisia and the Mediterranean were thwarted! #roadtripping #northernireland #vintagecar #ireland #vacay
  • #imback #itsbeenawhile 

Where have I been? 
Hi. :)
  • If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
  • I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
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#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
  • Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny.

This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. 
I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to.
First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! .
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You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . .
This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016.
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#travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
  • Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. 
I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. 
I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. 
I endeavored to listen deeply.
Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. 
The dialogue within the unseen continues. .
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#arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
  • Walking on the edge. 
The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. 
Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. .
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Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography .
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#arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
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@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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An alternate journey around Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Plans for Tunisia and the Mediterranean were thwarted! #roadtripping #northernireland #vintagecar #ireland #vacay
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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#imback #itsbeenawhile Where have I been? Hi. 🙂
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
Follow
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road.. in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day. I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn. One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck. #knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains.
It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. 
Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. 
This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. .
.
.

#liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
Follow
I didn’t leap across this raging torrent, but apparently the legend goes that when the Jinsha River north of Lijang in Yunnan Province China is low, there is a rock in the centre which was used by a tiger to leap across the gorge. Regardless of this legend; it’s just an incredible experience hearing the swirling water rage down between the steeply rising mountains. It is so awesome, that thousands of tourists visit each day; and the buses streamed in, one after another; offloading umbrellas with two legs underneath scurrying to view the raging torrent. Business seemed to be very healthy here at the gorge … with many vendors trying to convince you that you needed to purchase an umbrella or plastic bag cover to keep the misting rain from getting you wet. I loved the water on my face to the disappointment of those wanting to sell me an umbrella or plastic cover. This is a #throwback from our recent drive through China from Bangkok; as long days and internet censorship made posting difficult. Over the coming weeks I’d love to share some of our journey. You can swipe to see more photos and pop to my website for more stories and pics. Link in Profile. . . . #liveboldly #tigerleapinggorge #traveller #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions.

I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom.

We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. 
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. 
The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green.

I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter.

Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. .
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#liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Being on the road again was just fabulous. I had forgotten though how absolutely exhausting it can be; in a noisy old car in the heat, humidity, rain, traffic, cramped conditions and at times treacherous road conditions. I do so love driving along in an open car smelling cooking rice wafting from within the small thatched shelters; the damp smell of dark wet forests; pork fat rendering in blackened woks; rainforest blossom. We passed through so many check-points along the road north close along the Myanmar border, and came to a section where every 100mts was a soldier with an automatic weapon. We passed an elaborate gate flanked with green army trucks topped with automatic weapons; and then all of a sudden the check-point stops became more sparse. It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in the rural areas of Thailand. Spears of rice plants striped across the low-lying fields. Terraces enveloped the hill-sides. Banana leaves flanked the roads and corn or maize covered the hills where a speckling of trees were left to provide shade for the workers in the fields. Every piece of land that could be used was utilised for food. It seemed to be a constant battle to keep the encroaching jungle from devouring the crops. The road was slippery and treacherous. The air was wet, hot and the land luminous green. I loved stopping and seeing what was available in the markets. I had such fun with a lovely lady at a market where the only common language was laughter. Swipe to see more photos and more stories and photographs in my Journal on my website of our recent drive from Bangkok to London .. that I couldn’t post in here real time– link in my profile. . . . . . #liveboldly #travelthailand #thailand #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. 
Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. 
Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. 
After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. 
I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. 
I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. .
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#liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
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Qomolangma. Standing at Everest Base Camp being inspired by the Himalayas. Censorship, little internet and long driving days in our 96 year old car driving from Bangkok to London via Tibet; made posting our journey in real time difficult. I would however like to share our incredible journey. Yes… I know it isn’t ‘insta’…. but over the coming weeks I will be revisiting our journey as we drove through Thailand, Laos, China, Tibet and Kyrgyzstan where Penny our 1923 Vauxhall had issues with her 4th piston and is still there awaiting our return to fix her early next year; so we can recommence Stage 2 of our journey in September. After each journey I know some part of me has grown and changed, and after ten weeks on the road; through dense forest; snow; deserts; five and a half kilometers high along the Tibetan Plateau, and accompanying the Himalayas for weeks; and the experiences with so many people where no words spoken were of the same language – I have returned once again deeply changed. I would love to share some of my experiences, so come journey with me here to see how I’ve lived my life boldly. Swipe for more pics ... and because Insta is only a snippet… you can visit my website to see my journal as we travelled. Link in profile. I hope you enjoy my #throwback journey in our #vintagecar as we attempted to drive from Bangkok to London. . . . #liveboldly #qomolangma #qomolangmabasecamp #roadtrip #vintagecar #momentsofmine #laostravel #adventurer #journeywoman #instatravel #instatravelling #himalayas #travelgram #explore #explorer #traveldiaries #livingthedream #travelawesome #traveldeeper #livefully #livecreatively #inspired #adventureseeker #travelmore #goexplore #wonderfulplaces #openmyworld #lovetotravel #seekmoments
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny.

This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. 
I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to.
First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! .
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You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . .
This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016.
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#travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
•
Follow
Now on our way for our next journey driving from Bangkok to London in our 96 year old Vauxhall, Penny. This will be a remarkable experience travelling for 3 months; making new friendships and enriching existing ones; learning about myself and the world in which we live. I hope you can follow our journey over the coming months and I will share when I’m able to. First stop Bangkok! Stay tuned!! . . You can receive my journal updates from my website .. link in profile. . . This is a pic of Penny and myself with the Altai Mountains in the background in northern Mongolia on our drive from Peking to Paris in 2016. . . #travelinstagram #travelinsta #roadtrip #vintagecar #adventuretime #journeywoman #lovetotravel #experiencetheworld #feelinggrateful #gratitude #happydays
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. 
I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. 
I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. 
I endeavored to listen deeply.
Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. 
The dialogue within the unseen continues. .
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#arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Silent spaces in the Arctic. Time for reflection and connection. I was fortunate to spend a month aboard the #tallshipantigua sailing in the waters off Svalbard in 2018. I love the sea. I love the ice. I love the wind. I love connecting with that which is greater than myself. I endeavored to listen deeply. Now home in my studio, I continue my conversations with the land and environment from this powerful and beautiful place, through my photographs, painting, drawing and fiber arts. The dialogue within the unseen continues. . . . . #arctic #arcticcircle #arcticcircleresidency #arcticadventures #tallships #sailinglife #artistresidency #photographicartist #adventurer #livinglifetothefullest #livinglifemyway #adventures #oceansailing #snowadventures #adventuretime #goexplore #travelgirl #adventuregirl #happydays #abovethearcticcircle #adventurewoman #outdoorlife #pushingtheboundaries #northpole #artist #unseen
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Walking on the edge. 
The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. 
Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. .
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Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography .
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#arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Walking on the edge. The earth on the edge of a climate crisis. Look carefully for us walking on the glacier. . . Glacier walk on a recent journey on a tall ship to Svalbard for an artist residency. To see more ... pop to my website for more stories and photographs @juliestephensonphotography . . . #arcticcircle #arctic #photography #adventurer #snow #glacier #naturephotography #livelifetothefullest #lovetravel #naturelovers #natureart #naturephoto #rawnature #creatives #creativephotography #svalbard #livelifehappy #goforit #liveboldly #artistsofinstagram #artistlife #livingthedream #livingthelife #livinglifetothefullest #beautifulandscape #globalwarming #climatecrisis
6 years ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

 

 

 

@skeinydipping

@skeinydipping

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
  • Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
  • #imback #badass #itsbeenawhile 

Where have I been?? 
DM to say hi.
  • My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere. 

COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’. 

I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content.

My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things  (which I am rather prone to doing! :-) ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet. 

I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland. 
You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile. 

How do you express your life’s stories?
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#weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
  • “....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
  • From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment. 

Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months. 

As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal. 

Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL )

It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful. 

What inspires and nourishes you? 
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.
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Yarns used in my  beautiful handwoven blanket; 
@qingfibre Melted Suri;  Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal
@quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi
@walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss,  Chartreuse
@bichesetbuches  Le Petite Lambswool;Medium  Green  Grey
@ritualdyes  Mohair; Malachite
@madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum
@Walkcollection  Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave
@fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower
@olannmills  Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone
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#handsandheart
#weaversofinsta #gratitude 
#wellbeing
#emotionalbalance
#artistry_vision #smallartaccount
#artistlife
#artoftheday
#createeveryday
#homedeco
#artlove
#artlover
#inspire
#indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
  • It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
  • If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
  • The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. 

The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. 

I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. 

I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. 

I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. 
.
. And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! 
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#inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
  • October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. 

I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.  

Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. 

I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life..
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#knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
View on Instagram
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
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Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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#imback #badass #itsbeenawhile Where have I been?? DM to say hi.
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere. COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’. I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content. My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things  (which I am rather prone to doing! 🙂 ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet. I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland. You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile. How do you express your life’s stories? . - . - #weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
4 years ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers 

Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. 

As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. 

As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. 

What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. –  Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing. As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds. As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply. What has been healing for you this year? . . . . #healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
•
Follow
From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment. Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months. As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal. Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL ) It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful. What inspires and nourishes you? . . . Yarns used in my  beautiful handwoven blanket; @qingfibre Melted Suri;  Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal @quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi @walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss,  Chartreuse @bichesetbuches  Le Petite Lambswool;Medium  Green  Grey @ritualdyes  Mohair; Malachite @madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum @Walkcollection  Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave @fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower @olannmills Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone . . . #handsandheart #weaversofinsta #gratitude #wellbeing #emotionalbalance #artistry_vision #smallartaccount #artistlife #artoftheday #createeveryday #homedeco #artlove #artlover #inspire #indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. 

Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. 

Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. 

Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.  

We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.

#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade  #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
@skeinydipping
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It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all  have. Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others. Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can. Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.   We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day. How have you been navigating 2020? . . .love my skirt from @little_tienda . . Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️ . #gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day.

I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. 
 
Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn.
 
One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. 
 
All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck.
#knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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If I can’t travel...I can reminisce … and be grateful for all the journeys and adventures I’ve experienced. Thought I’d revisit the completion of our last journey… with more gratitude this time wondering how the world will be from here. One of my most treasured experiences is of teaching the children who came to investigate this strange vehicle broken down beside the road, to knit; in the freezing cold on their bikes and donkeys. Warms my heart so much remembering that day. I started knitting to fill in the time and within a minute one of the little children; about 7 years old, gestured for me to teach him. I spent the next four hours teaching every child to knit. No words in common... just showing them and they copied. Much laughter and joy was felt between us all. Very quickly each child could knit by themselves, and I just sat beside them and so enjoyed watching them engrossed in their endeavour to knit. Every now and then they would nudge me because they had a little issue; but they all wanted to learn and the only time they would give up their needles was because of the impatience of the next one to have their turn. One of the boys had a really old mobile phone that didn't work, but had music on it. He played a tasting plate of songs to the introduction of "Ruski"... or "Kyrgys"... and we danced together in the sloping rocky dust on the side of the road. I copied the boys movements, but for one song I was playfully reprimanded and the little girl who was about 6 years old demonstrated how the girls are supposed to dance for that particular song. Such joy was felt by all of us. All my @westknits hats I've knitted on our journey now have little heads in them. For me I think that day, although was so incredibly disheartening realising that our journey had ended; was I think one of the best for me; sitting on the edge of the road with the children knitting and watching them scamper around the loud air-horns of the semi-trailers laden with coal roaring past; and watching two little boys helping push Penny being winched onto the flat bed rescue truck. #knittersofinstagram #westknitsarethebestknits #livetotravel
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. 

The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. 

I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. 

I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. 

I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. 
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. And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! 
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#inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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The Sahara Desert. As a young girl I dreamt of walking across the soft warm sand of the Sahara Desert, and in one of our journeys in our #vintagecar I had the opportunity to realise my childhood dream. The sand was firmer than I had imagined as a child; the nights were colder; the days were far hotter; but the golden spaciousness was like something I could have never imagined. I adored and breathed in the gold of the evenings, and let my eye drift with the shifting light. I am grateful to have these memories to guide me through this uncertain time, and be the foundation for the expression of my stories. I have completed this “Wrapped in the Sahara’ blanket and it is now available to purchase in my Shop. If you would like a treasure for yourself or special friend, that will hold and be part of life’s stories; pop to my Shop from the link in my profile. . . And if you don’t have a purchase in mind at all.. my website has lots of photos of my blankets I’ve woven with photos of inspiration for them from my journeys. Hope you enjoy! . . . #inspiredbynature_ #homeinteriors  #blanketlove #cosyblankets #livetocreate #throwblanket #handmadeblanket #memoryblanket #cozymemoriesblanket #handwovenart #handwoventextiles #handwovenwrap #fibrearts #yarnofinstagram #choosewool #buylocal #australianartist #buylocalart #buylocalsupportlocal supporthandmade #supportartists #supportthemakers #homedeco #homedecorating #weavingart @idoamazingthings #weavingaustralia
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. 

I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.  

Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. 

I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life..
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#knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
@skeinydipping
@skeinydipping
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October 2019, Kyrgyzstan. I see in this photo so many stories. Stories of when I knit my #cablespleaseshawl by @westknits; the stories knitted within my cabled shawl; the stories of when I wear this so much on our #roadtrips…. stories of travelling and of the sense of freedom,  adventure and gratitude I felt that day in that particular location in Kyrgyzstan. I don’t think living in the past is a good idea, but for me memories and stories help me put things together and provide the foundation upon which I launch myself into uncertainty. During these times of uncertainty now, I’m finding strength in my own stories and memories.   Each of the yarns in the shawl has a memory of where I purchased the yarns on our travels. and I recall the days where I sat on the curbside in the shade of the eucalypts and cicadas knitting away…. Knitting. Knitting, as it grew in shape… and I often forgot where I was up to in my increases. I have the memory of knitting brioche for the first time I recall the feeling of terror through my chest and fingers when I accidentally dropped a stitch. How far have I come in being more relaxed and accepting of things since then! And then I have the memory of the stories of everywhere I wore this fabulous shawl. It has kept me snug in so many countries… and here in Kyrgyzstan it brings back such fond memories of such a wonderful adventurous and happy time of my life. I remember the gratitude I felt that day… and I am drawing upon that now as I create the new stories in my life.. . . #knittingismytherapy #knitting_inspiration #briocheknitting #westknitsarethebestknits #westknits #roadtrip #vintagecars #vauxhall #adventurelife #adventurelover #kyrgyzstan #happylife #gratitude #happywanderer #indiedyedyarn #knittingaddict #knitting_is_love #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
2025 All photographs created by and property of Julie Stephenson.