Where do I go next?
It is a question I often ask myself.So far – no problem.The entire trip has fallen together without planning.There hasn’t been a day without something interesting to do.
Lonely Planet’s Australia guide was supposed to arrive before I left.It didn’t arrive when expected.Leaving Perth I said, “I’ll buy one in Albany.”The bookstore I planned on purchasing it at had transformed into a local craft shop by September.Since Albany I have not found a book store.I saw the Tasmania Guide in the gift shop on the Spirit of Tasmania.$39.00.I thought that was steep.
Fortunately I have been receiving real-time Lonely Planet guidance without opening the cover or seeing the book.
Brooke is a charming and bright young lady from Montana.We have been hiking and skiing in Glacier National Park.We’ve taken photographs of harlequin ducks, watched tadpoles develop into frogs and identified flowers together.
Back in August upon hearing I would be driving the Ambassador van I sent Brooke an email.
“Would you like to help me plan the next part of my journey across Australia?You could study Australian Geography as I travel around Australia.”
The answer was a resounding, “Yes, but how?”
I told Brooke about Lonely Planet Guides.She and her mother went to the local library and checked out the Australia and Western Australia Lonely Planet books.
Much of what I have written along the road is in response to questions Brooke has sent.
How many eight year olds from the United States know about a karri tree; the bicentennial tree; the Nullarbor Plain; sea cliffs at D’entrecasteaux National Park and wonders why places in the southwest have such weird names; has heard of the Gap, Blowhole and Natural Bridge at Torndirrup National Park; or that I might see bronze-winged pigeons at the of the bicentennial tree – which I didn’t see.
Brooke is a home school student.Her reading level is far beyond her grade level and her inquisitiveness is being fostered.
It has been fun to discover Australia through the curious eyes of a child.(I hope I’m not too far off on her age).
