Year 2, Week 2 - The Slow Lane Before We Hit the Road Again

Let’s be honest — not every week is going to be full of excitement, and this one definitely fell into the "just getting through it" category. We’ve been sitting still on the Sunshine Coast for a little while now, working, recharging the budget, and giving ourselves a bit of a reset before we head off again.

We’re now rolling into our final week of work before two weeks of travel, and we can’t wait to get back to what we love — the freedom of the open road, discovering new places, and soaking up everything this lap has to offer.

This week though? We basically just existed. Wake up. Work. Come home. Cook dinner. Shower. Bed. Repeat.

We're still feeling pretty flat — part grief, part full-on work schedule — but we did manage to sneak in a beach walk, and honestly, how good is that to clear your head? There's just something about fresh air, sand between your toes, and a random dog sprinting up for pats that instantly lifts your mood. Simple, but effective.

Space to Breathe

Living in small quarters isn’t always easy. As much as we love van life, the reality is that you're in each other’s pockets 24/7 — and sometimes you just need space. This week has been a good reminder that it’s okay to take time for yourself, go for a solo walk, sit outside with a coffee, or just be quiet for a bit.
It's not about disconnecting from each other — it's about recharging individually so we can keep enjoying this journey together.

Reset Mode: Engaged

Saturday was all about the big clean — both the van and the car got the full treatment. We’re making sure everything’s ready to roll out the second we clock off next Friday. Clean rigs, full fridge, and clear roads ahead? Yes please.

Sunday was a little more cruisy. We wandered through the Cotton Tree Markets, grabbed some fresh veggies, and did a full stock-up at the butchers. (Yes — plural!) We’d already visited the Dicky Beach Butcher on Saturday, and then hit up the Cotton Tree Butcher too. Stocked the freezer right up — we probably won’t need to buy meat for a month!

For Ryan, visiting local butchers is a bit of a ritual. New town = new butcher = happy camper.

Ryan With his haul from the Cotton Tree Butcher

Sunday Sessions & The Road Ahead

After food shopping and a bit of relaxing, we wrapped up the week with a cheeky drink or two at the Dicky Beach Surf Club. Ryan even scored a free beer (perk of it being his birthday month!).

As much as we’ve appreciated the routine and reset, we’re both itching to get going again. Stopping in one spot has helped us top up the bank account, slow down for a bit, and catch our breath — but the road is calling.

Next stop: Hangar O for the Zone Owners Muster! It’s our first time attending one, and we’ve got no idea what to expect — but we’re keen to meet fellow Zoners and see what it’s all about.

Let the next chapter begin.

Hit the road 🎵 — we’ve got places to be. – R&R