Hitchhikers Guide to Australia...

One of the age old ways to travel from point A to point B is to stand on the road with a sign and your thumb in the air. It has been a part of life for as long as any type of transportation had been around... Even with horses. So, what is my best option for traveling from west to east of Australia? You guessed it; I stuck my thumb out and started dancing in the road.

From Perth to Melbourne, I was able to hitch 2 rides. The first was a quick hour ride to Dunbury. I got picked up by this guy, let's call him Andy. As I put my bags in the bed of his ute, he comes around back with a case of beer. We end up driving an hour or so drinking along the way. This is something I would not have ever imagined doing. What a great experience. 

The next and most interesting ride was from Dunbury to Melbourne. I met this guy on gumtree, Craigslist for Australia, and we ended up driving the remainder of the trip to Melbourne. But this was no uneventful road trip. On the way, we got stuck in Esperance for 2.5 days, hit two kangaroos before crossing the border into south Australia, got pulled over for speeding and got hit by a car that almost flipped us. This all happens in a span of 1.5 days and we still manage to make it to Melbourne in the same car. Try saying that in one breath. 

All in all, I would have to say that hitchhiking across a country the same size as the US is quite a feat. It has really opened my eyes to a different world and level of trust. Five years ago, I most likely would not have even thought about hitchhiking or picking up hikers. Now, after experiencing the wait with your thumb out and trusting my personal effects with other people, I am able to read a person and their intentions a bit more effectively. Plus, i can say i played the longest game of kangaroo golf in all Australia. This is a win. 

Exploring Margaret River...

As it goes with new world wines, Australia is high up on the list with the best. Specifically speaking, Margaret River is right on top with smooth and dry whites, powerful and full bodied reds and the newly popularized orange wine. Not only do the vineyards scattering the south western coast of Australia follow the traditional European techniques, they are prideful of them. 

Meeting with my friend from Hawaii, we explored many different vineyards and breweries looking for 2 things; a few bottles of wine to drink at home and to get drunk for free all day off great wine. Driving around the trellaced fields of young grapes growing on old vines, I became reminiscent of time spent in the Italian wine country. 

By of course, one of the defining characteristics of Margaret River wines is the alight brininess, or the natural salt factor. This is due to the expansive ocean that is so close to all the vineyards. Swimming in this freezing, crystal clear water was a great way to wash away any subconscious doubts or worries about the world. This was such a peaceful place and it was comfortably quiet. A perfect place to find yourself.