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Dec 06
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, but this was for something not of a mechanical nature. It was for ‘fund raising’.

 

The metal ladder steps were quickly dragged to beside the rows of tourists and a man with a laminated card and a huge silver bowl with some coins in it walked up and started a chanting explanation about something and then I soon realized it must have been outlining the charity that he was seeking donations for. There were two assistants on the dirt below the wobbly frame, who wrote receipts for those who contributed larger sums of money.

 

There were two other men who delivered speeches following the first one; but their helpers didn’t write any receipts. I think our truckload was ‘donated-out’ by then.

 

So… off we went. We were on our way up the mountain to see the ‘golden rock’ which defied gravity. OOpps…. Not quite. We stopped again. This time it was to collect the money. Out came the wobbly metal-framed stairs and the money collector started form the front and worked his way back building his fistful of cash from keen Buddhist pilgrims …and Ross, Frank, Max and I. The confusion about trying to pay for the extra person’s spot which Max’s diagonal legs took up still continued. It was a bit funny actually because English isn’t spoken at all much here… and my command of Burmese consists of two words. Gestures and money were the key here!

 

So – this time we were off! Up the steep winding mountain to where there were literally thousands of tourists. It was quite a lovely atmosphere with everyone wanting to see the miracle of nature plastered in rectangular gold-leaf offerings placed there by men. Women aren’t allowed to touch the rock.

 

I loved the organic nature of the men chanting in a small room just to the side and beneath the rock. Their voices were rich and devotional. I found that quite beautiful and in stark contrast to the harsh blaring of loudspeakers at the entrance to the monasteries and blasting across the towns and cities.

 

Stalls lined the wide walkway to the golden rock. The usual fare. It was similar to most markets anywhere in the world really. Souvenirs – caps; sunglasses; cut fruit; rows of bottled water; the smell of hot oil and fatty food; saffron and paprika quails adorned with thin slices of lime; Sliced grren mango; bulbous pomelo; beetle-nut; key-rings; T-shirts;..and the list of ‘stuff’ goes on.

 

Not all markets though would have chunks of Sandalwood and one stall in particular I was told later by our guide some of what was being sold was quite illegal in Myanmar. It was a herbal medicine stall catering in particular to the Chinese tourists; and there were the front legs of an animal; centipedes; scorpions; urchin spines; and many other body organs from wild animals. It is illegal in Myanmar to kill wild animals for medicine.

 

The sound of the gongs high on the hill – prayers of wishes for all sentient beings was lovely. Although there were lots of people, it didn’t seem to be so packed it was uncomfortable. People slept under square shade tents. Families came early to pick their ‘spot’ for the day’s picnic.

 

There were some hotels at the top and luggage was carried atop of heads and shoulders in huge open woven baskets. Some elderly people were carried in large deck-chair like frames – a person at each end. I’m glad I could walk.

 

Oh…actually , that’s not entirely true. At one point as is customary, one’s shoes and socks need to be removed entering the sacred walkway to the pagoda, stupa or temple. I was enjoying the lovely smooth stone under my feet until I felt the stickiness of someone spit. Yuk!. .. several times under my bare feet I felt wet stickiness; sometimes red from beetle nut; and it did cross my mind that perhaps a ride being carried might have been a better option!

I need to look up on the internet a little more about he legends and significance of this rock in Buddhism. It was quite lovely not having English translations plastered everywhere, and we were a part of real tourism in another country, not just watered down for ‘westerners’. It was still tourism though… and it seems the same the world over regardless of language and culture.

 

I looked at the rock and was in gratitude for being able to see part of our wonderful geology of earth…then rang the large bells with my own prayers.

Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0892 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0885 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0879 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0860 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0863 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0870 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0873 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0871 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0878 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0867 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0855 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0854 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0852 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0850 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0849 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0844 Myanmar Kyaikto onwards -0819

 

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About the Author: Julie
I am a Journeywoman. I live my life as an explorer. An adventurer. An Observer. An Artist. There is no differentiation between how I live my life and the art that is an expression of it. It is through my experience adventuring the unknown, that I learn more about myself. My aim through this connection is to live where my expression is fully in alignment with the essence of who I am. “In the field of Fine-Art Photography, Julie stands apart from others with the way she sees the world and expresses her connection within it. Julie Stephenson’s photographs are sublime. Her work is an expression of her deep connection; and a gift to the world.”

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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. .
.
.

#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!! .
.
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. .
.
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
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1/9
@idoamazingthings
@idoamazingthings
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Follow
#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. .
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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
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
@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
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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?
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#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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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?
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.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
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Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
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#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. 
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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
  • 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
•
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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?
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#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
@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. 
.
. 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.