Nightfall Drive to Oatlands' Calm

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves once again embarking on a nocturnal journey, leaving the lights of Launceston behind. Sal's freshly styled hair was a reminder of the small luxuries we still indulged in, even as we embraced our nomadic lifestyle. The bus's headlights carved a meager path through the Tasmanian darkness, their dim glow a stark reminder of our need for more powerful illumination. We made a mental note to prioritise those driving lights on our ever-growing wish list, knowing that while we preferred daylight travel, sometimes the night road was unavoidable.

Our destination, Oatlands, beckoned like a beacon in the distance. Anth's memory of his solo visit during the bustling Bullock Festival painted a vivid contrast to the tranquil scene that greeted us now. The free camp, once a hive of activity, now offered a peaceful respite. We manoeuvred our bus into place, joining just a handful of other vans scattered around the site. The quieter pace of the town wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, a welcome change from the festival's earlier fervour.

As night deepened, the wind picked up – a familiar Tasmanian lullaby. The bus gently rocked, its motion reminiscent of a cradle on the shores of Lake Dulverton. The lake's waters, barely visible in the darkness, lapped softly at the shore, creating a soothing rhythm that blended with the whisper of the wind through the trees.

Inside our cozy mobile home, we settled in for the night. The gentle swaying of the bus, once a novelty, had become a comforting constant in our lives. As we drifted off to sleep, our thoughts wandered to the journey ahead, the places we'd seen, and the countless adventures still waiting to unfold across this island state.

The darkness outside our windows held the promise of a new day, new experiences, and the continued joy of our chosen lifestyle. In that moment, rocked by the Tasmanian wind on the shores of Lake Dulverton, we felt profoundly grateful for the freedom of the open road and the ever-changing landscape of our nomadic existence.Читать далее