We found ourselves just outside Higginsville, Western Australia, looking for a spot to settle for the night. We're not ones for crowded caravan parks if we can avoid it, and the promise of a free camp was too good to pass up. And truth be told, after the last few weeks bouncing around the Western Australian countryside, the prospect of a quiet evening under the stars was quite appealing.
We found the ideal spot, a little clearing surrounded by the ever-present gum trees. The red dirt underfoot is classic Western Australia. The air was still and the only sound was the occasional rustle of leaves. What more could you ask for? Well, perhaps a fire pit. Luckily, we brought pur own.
We wasted no time setting up our chairs and getting the fire going. There's something incredibly satisfying about cooking over an open flame. It slows things down, forces you to be present. Of course, it also means that dinner might take a little longer, but we're retired now, so time is something we have in abundance.
Lisa whipped up a simple camp stew, while I concentrated on not burning the bread. It’s a delicate balance, I tell you.
The sky put on a show later that evening. A full rainbow arced across the sky, a vibrant splash of color against the muted tones of the outback. It's moments like these that remind us why we love this life, this constant exploration. Western Australia has a way of surprising you, even when you think you’ve seen it all. The rich, vibrant land makes a stunning backdrop, but this rainbow was the cherry on top.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
