I’m on my first solo backpacking trip in over two years or more, which is hard to believe given hiking has become such a major part of my life over the past twelve years. I’m not exactly sure what stopped me, other than breaking up with my partner Tom at the end of 2021, who had been my adventure buddy for the previous few years.
I’ve been doing a ton of soul searching since then, moving 9 times in 2022/2023 across various regions of BC. After landing in Vancouver at the end of last year, I had a very rocky start to 2024, but managed to piece myself back together in the summer. It’s only recently I’ve started to feel like myself again, and the desire to get out and hike feels like the old Rozanne has finally returned.
Wilson’s Promontory is actually where I did my first practice hike for the PCT at the beginning of 2013. I was with three of my friends, had never packed a backpack before, and set off with a 2L dromedary of water strapped to the outside of my pack. This is where I learned that strapping water to the outside of your pack is ludicrous and utterly painful, and after a deluge of rain hit us within the first few minutes, I realised the importance of having rain gear close at hand.
I picked Wilson’s Prom, not only for the sake of nostalgia, but because it’s a relatively easy place to hike with lots of signage, drop toilets, and a water source at almost every campsite. I also knew it would be populated, as I didn’t have the brain capacity to plan something more complicated, and didn’t want to worry about taking an emergency beacon. I figured it’s the perfect place for me to ease back into the hiking game.
For those interested in this hike, most of this day runs along an unsealed access road straight down the centre of the prom. It’s only between Halfway Hut and Roaring Meg that I could choose between a track and a road. I chose my particular route by what campsites were still available, as most of the coastal sites book up super fast and I only planned this a few weeks ago. I’m excited to hit the coast tomorrow and head past the historic lighthouse, which I’ve heard is well worth a visit.
It also feels nostalgic tapping on my phone inside my tent before bed. Though this may pale in comparison to my adventure on the PCT or TA, being out here again feels like a big deal to me. It feels like I’m coming out the end of a dark tunnel, and I’m excited to see what 2025 has in store!
Serial Nomad 
Great that old nomad feeling of freedom is there again.
Thank you! ❤️
Good to read. You rock!
Here we go again with Roz setting the bar high for the rest of us in 2025!
You Girl, are my Super Hero.
Rock on and Roar on!
From Washington State where
Lyndella Sings
Thank you, Lyndella! What a way to start the year! I hope you’re keeping warm and enjoying the magic of winter in Washington!! ❄️
Great to see you out there again! You’re an inspiration, especially to those of us who’ve had similar multi-move, end-of-relationship lives the past few years.
Enjoy every moment!
Thanks Chris! I appreciate your note! It can feel like a long journey, but there’s often moments of beauty along the way! Happy 2025! ☀️
Hi darling, I am so pleased that you are hiking again because it helps you to get out of the dark tunnel. You are in a beautiful part of the world , only a few hours away. Lovely for us to feel you so close by. Enjoy the trail, you may get more people interested. Fly free my Butterfly.
love you, Mutti xx
Thanks Mutti!!! It’s so lovely to know you guys are so close by and waved me goodbye! It’s been a joyous trip, I feel blessed to be out here!! 🦋💕
Dear Ms Rozanne,
it is wonderful to hear from you and that you are getting back into solo backpacking.
I am full of admiration for the way you live life to the fullest and share what you are doing with others. I wish you all the very best for 2025
Thank you, Neville! It’s so great to hear from you! Your messages always make me smile! Thank you for your constant support over the years. I really appreciate it! Happy 2025!! 🥾✨
I can’t seen to find/see any “comments” for day 1 or 2. I think there might be a learning curve here. Help, Lyndella
All good! I just needed to approve them once I was back in signal!! 🙂
I am so glad to see that you are hitting the trail again! No better place to be to get centered again!
Absolutely!! It’s medicine for the soul! Thank you for the note and wishing you a magical year ahead! ☺️
It’s to get out ANYwhere and nostalgia is always good. I can’t wait to leave for the PCT, for the 3rd time. jejeje Some day I’d love to see those tall trees and mysteries of what is Australia.
Oh my goodness, enjoy the magic of the PCT! Seeing my skin and feet turn black brought me back to those hot days in the desert! Don’t you just love being filthy? Haha! Happy trails!! 🏕️🥾☀️
Yah, after playing weekend warrior for 20 years doing all manner of things I never ever was so filthy as only after a few days on each PCT leg.
Brilliant!! 😊