Monday, December 18, 2017

Lee and Azzie - The Life I Want Tour: Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....

Lee and Azzie - The Life I Want Tour: Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....: Hello again.... Well it is almost Christmas, and therefore we are staying off the roads during this busy time. We have returned to Qld, th...

Day 67 - QLD - Almost Christmas....

Hello again....

Well it is almost Christmas, and therefore we are staying off the roads during this busy time. We have returned to Qld, the place where Azzie was born and raised and an absolute beautiful part of Australia.

I have quite a lot of preparations to do for items to be sold and the profits to go towards our fundraising goal. The life we have chosen is such a rewarding one. On a personal level, I am in a happy place for the first time in years. In fact, at times I can't believe how totally relaxing and wonderful it is. I am so fortunate to be able to do this, and so glad I made the decision.

The last few weeks have been so fullfilling, just getting into the swing of life on the road. In fact, now that the festive season is upon us, I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.

I am finding that old mindsets and habits are fading away, the feelings of being 'stuck' in a rut or bogged in routine have gone, even though I have new routines now. It is quite amazing how we can become slotted into the fabric of the societies we live in, and the opinions and views of 'the masses' overtake our innermost desires. I do not miss this at all.

Having the focus of finding a cure for brain cancer keeps it always in my mind. I take the opportunity to discuss it at every opportunity. However, the time I have taken to 'get used' to our new life and also the festive season has taken me off the front line, so to speak. This does not mean I am abandoning our goals, but rather am gathering strength.

In the New Year we will be revealing exactly how we will be reigniting our fundraising goals. But until then, I want to add an incredible example of what can be achieved towards this goal...

Please watch this video...

An amazing example of generosity towards finding a cure and funding research....

Until our next post...

Azzie and I wish you  a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year...filled with laughter, love and joy xxxxx

( our xmas tree xxx )




Friday, December 8, 2017

Day 57 - Urunga NSW - 8/12/2017....with reviews of our stopovers since our last post...

Hello from Urunga. It has been almost a fortnight since our last post because we have been free camping and out of internet service in places.

I must say that I personally am starting to adore this way of life. A sense of freedom has overtaken me. This has been enhanced by my decision to take a few weeks off from fundraising and just 'being' in the moment, and may I say there have been some fun moments.

I will list our stopover places in a timeline since our last post...

After leaving Red Head, we travelled to Wingham. We spent three nights there free camping on the river. It was a lovely place, although some of the locals were a tad 'out there'. As I was reversing the van into it's position, another camper decided to 'try' and guide me. I appreciate the efforts but all he did was confuse me with his somewhat garbled directions. Needless to say I levelled and parked in a corner with temperate rainforest on two sides.

During our time there, I walked through the town and also successfully tried fishing. I caught a flathead, legal size and it was delicious. It seems I was the first person to actually catch anything for over a week....yayyy me.

Photos of Wingham:









Next stop Coopernook Hotel:

Two nights here were lovely, despite being lead into a deadend by "dora the explorer" (satnav) on the way. I am so proud that I was able to turn the rig around successfully lol.

This is a free camp as well behind a lovely old pub on the edge of a river. 







From here we went to Wauchope and stayed for a couple of nights and then to Frederickton Golf Club, where we were the only van on the place. Sadly the restaurant wasn't open on the Sunday night we were there so I popped into the clubhouse and bought a couple of 'chardy's'...was a quiet stpot and again free.

Lastly we arrived at a farm stay which I discovered online almost 9 months ago. Located at Eungai Rail, Madrigal Farm was a pure delight. They only take two vans or campers at a time, I arrived early and took advantage of power for the three nights we were there. Peaceful, serene and surrounded by native bushland and wildlife. The livestock on the farmlet kept me thoroughly amused, especially the chickens as you will see in the following photos and videos...






If you would like to view more videos and photos of our travels, please visit our Facebook Page where daily updates can be found. 

Until our next Blogger entry, tatahh for now. And thank you all for reading.. :) 

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Day 44 - Red Head Beach NSW...25/11/2017.

Well we have two more nights here and then we are travelling again. Had to visit a GP for some treatment so stayed an extra few nights to rest up. It was well worth it.

I have been waiting for some creative inspiration or urge since I left. Last night it happened. I have collected hundreds of shells and bits and bobs on my beach walks and although the possibilities are endless for how they can be used, I needed something different. So I shall combine my love of words, and these jewels of nature. So far the planning stage is complete, but I shall begin to put it all together in a couple of weeks when I am settled for a while.



These gems of the sea will be made into quirky items to be sold along the way at markets etc, and profits from these will go towards my Cure Brain Cancer total. I shall also be dying clothing, towels etc to sell as well. November has been a 'holiday' time for me, and I am glad I made the decision to do this. I have needed it.

My fishing attempts have been put on the back burner as I need to rest and recover a tad. But I will eventually wet a line somewhere again.

Just a reminder that donations can be made towards my fundraising goal at the following link:

SPONSOR US HERE!!

Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and a receipt for your donation will be issued via email. Thank you to those who have already contributed.

So until our next entry...

Love and Best Wishes from Lee & Azzie 😍😍

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Day 41 - Black Head Beach NSW....just north of Tuncurry/Forster - 22/11/2017

Well hello everyone.

Yes it has been a while since my last entry. That is because I have either been free camping and/or didn't have phone service for a mobile hotspot.

In any case we are both still alive and enjoying our trip. I made the decision after the Centennial Park W4BC event that I would spend November in holiday mode and I am so glad I did. I have 'tootled' along in the van from various free camps to here in a tourist park. The reason I hook into van parks is to do the washing and also utilise their power rather than rely totally on my own resources. Another advantage is the security and ability to go and do some shopping as well.

Now to fill in the gap since my last entry.

On Wednesday the 8th November, I decided to have lunch with several other women who travel alone around Australia. The group is known as the Rolling Solo's. The lunch was held at Blacktown, only a 25 minute drive for me and after spending time with these lovely ladies, I felt even more empowered and pleased with my decision to travel. I look forward to having more meetings with members of this group in the months to come.





After we left Pitt Town we journeyed up to Buladelah. It was a free camping spot on the river. I met some interesting people there and also some of the wild life. A Red Belly Black snake decided to slither into the grass near my van on our second last day there..(spent the day indoors lollll).

Then moved onto Booti Booti....our first beach stop....just loved it....now we are at Black Head Point...north of Tuncurry.

There is something about the ocean that brings me peace. LOVING ITTTTT!!!!

If you would like to see more images/photos/videos...

visit us on Facebook via: https://www.facebook.com/thelifeiwanttour/
or... https://www.facebook.com/lee.condon.10

Our fundraising so far is $961....not bad for a nobody and her cat.....plus I also raised $160 for the walk in Centennial Park......but I have 18 months now to hit my target of $20000.00.....and once December starts, I will be out there spreading the word. But for now, I need a quiet time to knock a chest infection on the head and make my way up to the Gold Coast.

Until next time....take care of you all and your loved ones xxxxx

Love Lee & Azzie




Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Melbourne Cup Day 2017...Still at Pitt Town...07/11/2017

Hello from Pitt Town....

I made the decision that we would stay here for an extra few days. Given the crazy weather that hit the place I was planning to travel to yesterday...it was a wise choice.

Today, Tuesday the 7th November, being Melbourne Cup Day, I decided to hit the local club for the main event. I arrived at the Lynwood Country Club at 1.40pm...10 minutes prior to Race 4, which had a horse in it that someone I know owns. It ran third and I won on it, plus during the 10 mins prior to the race, I won on a poker machine yayyyy.

I hung around the club till after the Cup run, and between keno, horses and pokies I walked out $1000 up. Woohoo for me.

Apart from the obvious high points of the day, I also felt the pangs of distance. Habits are so hard to break. I missed talking to the usual people about the wins etc. It is okay though. This is what my journey is for, to make a new life for me and of course for the Queen...Azzie lol.

Of all my Melbourne Cup days.....today was the most successful financially, this is amazing given the emotional pulls. It is al okay. Life goes on, and moves and changes for all of us. Change is always uncomfortable..but I actually welcome it.

Given my luck, I also made the choice to donate 10% of my winnings towards Cure Brain Cancer, this brings my total up to almost $1000!!!

So hooroo for now. We are ready for dinner and sleep.

We  hope you all had a lucky day too xxx

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Day 22 - W4BC event Centennial Park Sydney 5/11/2017

Hello all, today I participated in my very first Walk for Brain Cancer event.

I stood there surrounded by over a thousand strangers, and yet felt like I belonged as we were all there for the same reason.

I had considered bringing Azzie along, but the fact that is was drizzly rain, big crowds and dogs made me realise she would not have enjoyed it. I did however dress her in a bandana when I got home to our caravan.


The first thing I did when I arrived at the starting point was find Chris Hicks. This man is responsible for my official fund raising status. What a lovely young man he is, with a gorgeous beaming smile. I also met many others who work for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and to put faces to the names of those I have been in contact with via phone and email was a true pleasure.

I also managed to meet Johnny Ruffo, who is travelling his own personal journey with brain cancer. May I say, I watched the Australian Idol series which he competed in, and as an ex vocalist was very chuffed for the opportunity.


I also had a lovely conversation with Alex Cullen, who was the MC for the event. He is currently facing and dealing with the reality of his Dad having the same type of tumor that my own Father did. His words during the opening ceremony were so moving, yep brought me to tears.

The walk was fantastic, despite the fact that my stupid left leg gave out around the 4km mark...but I kept going. I am so proud to have been part of this, and am determined to attend even more events.

This cause is so important. So many people are affected by this insidious disease which does not discriminate who it attacks. No matter the gender, age or lifestyle, brain cancer can strike. We need to keep the funding going to find a cure, successful treatments and predictors so that generations to come do not have to suffer.

I  would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far, and ask that you spread the word. I am only a few weeks into my fundraising tour and already have had an amazing response. My goal is $20k, and I am determined to make it.

I am adding a link to my official fundraising page, and remember, all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. You will be issued with a receipt upon your donation. Please spread the word and help the cause.

https://www.curebraincancer.org.au/my-fundraising/10412/www.thelifeiwant.online

 Here are some photos and videos of today's events. :)

Video 1 of today's W4BC event

Video 2 of today's W4BC event

Thank you all for following our journey,

Lee & Azzie xxx