Eden and beyond

Day 80

Certainly there was an Eden on this...earth. We all long for it, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most humane ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Wrapped up my Dreamtime to Eden coastal camino with an exploration of the perfectly named town of Eden, and then a quick rekkie of the Light to Light Walk and views of the Nadgee Wilderness Track.

A glorious sunrise at Eden Lookout then a vehicle trip to Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee Bay, both looking perfect in the winter sunshine. Then, Disaster Bay Lookout, Green Cape and its lighthouse.Wow - just breathtaking!

Pods of seals and whales bid me farewell and 'see ya soon', with a particularly dramatic whale-tail waving show that seemed to last forever.

So, how do I feel after 80 days of walking the coast? In my 20s, I completed a boat, raft and trek across Borneo (Kalimantan) from Pontianak to Loksado and Banjarmasin. I felt then, as I do now, the Japanese 'mono no aware - 物の哀れ' - that almost wistful appreciation of something almost too perfect, becoming even more glorious because of its temporary and transitory nature.

So what now? I have plenty of writing to do and photos to edit, to get a book that's fit to print; a website to develop, the ongoing articles on the journey in Bushwalk magazine, other travel writing and speaking gigs to pursue (as well as my day job as an education consultant ).

I am hoping to saunter the full length of the foreshores of Sydney Harbour (321km - no bridges allowed) sometime soon, too.

I've got a few meetings with publishers and agents coming up, and a guest spot on the Australian Hiker podcast later in September, but I'm under no illusion that a book such as mine will find much space in today's crowded market.

Nevertheless, me, myself and I will enjoy reliving each moment in the process. Of course, I'd really welcome any thoughts or suggestions or tips from anyone who has any knowledge of, or experience in, the area.

Big, big thanks to my oldest mate Kiaran Green - a long way from two 10 year olds sitting together in 5th class - who has provided outstanding support services for much of the trip. It's much less onerous to do something like this with a good friend who has your back (although i will provide full details of how to do it completely unsupported in my book and on my website).

So, it was back to Sydney last night. My wife Jhel Caspillo Keaney is becoming an Australian citizen today, my birthday on Monday and the coming of Spring all of which will all require further celebration.

As I enjoyed the final day in Eden with my wonderful wife, one of my dear sisters, and my oldest friend, I was thinking of all that I have been blessed with and the many wonders that are still to come. The universe has been very kind to me indeed.

From Tweed Heads/Dreamtime in the north to Eden and beyond in the south - there is so much in this part of the world to explore, to drink in, to celebrate, to enjoy and to be grateful for. That magnificent coast is out there just waiting for all of us.

Thanks to all who have followed and especially to those who have reached out with so many kind comments.

The British adventurer Alistair Humphreys writes of the difference between macro (cycling around the world) and micro (camping in your backyard) adventures. I think there is a third category - a 'MEcro' adventure - a medium level one that a person does only for themselves - hence the 'me'.

So, hope you all find your own 'mecro-adventures' and love them as much as I have loved this one.