C est fini...
So they say, all good things must come to an end.
It has been just over a week since I arrived back in my beloved rainforest, and in spite of the devastation Cyclone Jasper has had on the Baron River and her banks, walking alongside her in the mornings has been wonderful medicine.
The writing of this post has been in the forefront of my mind since my exit from Perth, and although painfully aware of the length of time it has taken me to get this written, I make no apologies. I have been resting, and in resting - coming to find the right words.
In reflecting back on the trip as it happened, I can’t help but wonder if the South West was a sort of false start. With the weather the way it was - and our avoidance of it - I see how there was a lot more resting involved comparative to what was looming. The AirBnB stays meant a great reduction of the stresses around packing up, driving hours to the next location, to unpack and set up again. And so with the intensity of movement of the Northern leg of the journey, I don’t believe either of us were prepared for the multitude levels of fatigue we would encounter.
To his merit, for Nick to take on a journey of this proportion given his worsening condition, was remarkably brave. With so many moving parts putting his dopamine and physicality in daily detriment, it’s a wonder he lasted as well and as long as he did.
For myself, I am only one. There was only so much I was able to take on before my own body and mind started to suffer. And so for the good of us both, I made the difficult decision that we return to Perth. In doing so I find comfort in knowing Nick has the full support of his medical team, and not one carer, but three. And me, I am here in the Far North with my family & friends, my beloved Carne Corso - Kura, and a little business that has waited so patiently for my return.
To each of you whom I met during the course of this journey - from Nick’s brain surgery to the onroad adventure, I offer my deepest gratitude. For your kindness, for your laughter and for putting your faith in the magnitude of the trip that was.
Sincerely, Murphy W. Ryland x