I got so lucky on my final day in the prom. I didn’t set an alarm, but woke up at 5:20am and decided to get up because I knew rain was on the way.
The walk from Oberon Bay back to Tidal River is along the west coast of the prom and absolutely stunning. It was a combination of beach walking and an easy undulating track, which would make for a very achievable entry-level overnight hike for anyone starting out.
This was the route I took on my first hike in the prom 12 years ago. I remembered the exact spot where I realised just how badly I’d packed my pack on that original hike, and checked my blog last night to find a picture of me leaving the house in 2013. It makes my back hurt just looking at it! Here’s my post from that training hike: https://mexicotocanada2013.com/2013/01/29/the-training-wheels-come-off/
During the last ten minutes of my hike it started to rain lightly. But 15 minutes after I reached the car, the heavens opened completely and it rained all afternoon. I was so relieved to be in the warmth of my car, but couldn’t stop thinking about my dear friends walking out from Refuge Cove who would have been caught in the deluge. I hope they made it out safe!
I’m so grateful for this opportunity to reconnect with nature, sleep under the stars and exercise my hiking muscles again. Life always feels so full of possibilities when I’m out in nature.
It’s a shock returning to the hustle and bustle of traffic, emails, calendar notifications and various life responsibilities afterwards. But I’m going to try and savour these expansive feelings, and bring them with me as I venture into the unknowns of 2025!
Happy New Year! 💕
Serial Nomad 
Helen here Rozanne so don’t die of shock!…. emails still come for Ross…not many but a special few! I’m looking forward to your Mum and Dad arriving tomorrow for a couple of days.
So great to see your blog and loved that the photo from 13 years ago – looked like a back view of your youthful mother!
What a fabulous walk, so beautiful to be out in that gorgeous part of Victoria…you’re obviously still in tune with nature to recognise rain on the way.
Best wishes for a full and adventurous 2025. Love, Helen
Aww Helen, thanks so much for your beautiful note and for reading my posts. I so appreciate you reaching out! 🤗 I hope you have a fabulous time with my parents and I hope you have a wonderful start to the new year! Sending all my love! 💕
What a beautiful part of the planet. You timed it well. It will still be there next time you’re down under.
It was so picturesque! We should make a family visit when I’m down next! 💗
That is a strong possibility if we are in shape, the weather is ok and somehow we get the required gear.
💗
Well done. Happy New Year to you!Sent from my iPhone
Thanks Dave!!! Happy New Year to you both as well! ☀️
Beautiful views. Thanks for a mini vaca from Tejas!
Thank you, and my pleasure! ☺️
We all start somewhere, we were all newbies at some point. I love your comparison photo for that reason. It’s good to remind ourselves it’s a process and comes with time and experience.
Your sentiment about all being possible when in nature is how I feel. My mind feels so optimistic and full of possibilities. I wish you much success in keeping your commitments to yourself in 2025. Cheers!
Jan! What a wonderful surprise to wake up to your message! I love that you resonate with that feeling of optimism I’m nature. It is something to be cherished! I wish you a wonderful start to your year and hope you have many moments like that in nature throughout 2025! Your passion for hiking and the beauty of the outdoors exceeds most people I know! 🏔️🌲💗