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 😍😍

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

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

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

Day 21 - Moss Vale NSW - 03/11/2017

I am settled into the park at Moss Vale for tonight. It has been an interesting few days on the road. I have met still more amazing country people and have a list of camps worth stopping at between here and QLD.

After leaving Urana, I stayed one night at Boree Creek in the free camp behind the pub. Fantastic place, I was the only one there. It was Pizza night at the pub so I scoffed a supreme and several wines while chatting to the locals. I can thoroughly recommend this place and will stop in again when I am back down that way.

Junee was my next stopover. Again I was the only camper at the free camp at the golf club. It was quiet and I took time to go and visit the Chocolate & Licorice Factory (yummmm) and also the museum. Both are definitely worth a visit should you be in the area.

From there I went through Gundagai and onto the Hume. Two lanes thankfully, as I steadfastly drive the speed I feel comfy with given the conditions. Was an okay trip and I stopped the next night at Gunning. Now this is a pretty little spot on the map. Population of 1000, and a fantastic free camp near the hotel. Toilets and hot showers. By 8.00pm it was totally full of other campers.

Azzie has had another total 'cat' day, meaning she wouldn't look at me, talk to me, come near me lol. She doesn't like single night stops. Our 6 night stay at Urana spoiled her for regular travel, and if I must admit me too. Normally as I drive I will chat to her and she will offer various meows in reply. However, for the entire 220km trip to Gunning, she didn't make a sound. Nor would she look at me. I really knew she was NOT happy.

As always food will sort her out, plus snuggles when it is bed time. She finally dropped the 'you bitch' attitude and we had a good nights sleep. Today she was the opposite, about 40kms into our 115km trip she started vocalising. It may have been because the car and van was being buffeted quite a lot from the frightfully strong crosswinds. The car and van handled it well but it still makes for uncomfortable driving.

Tomorrow is supposed to be wet, so again it will be a slow and steady pace for us as we make our entry into the Sydney area. Already I am missing the country life, and sparse traffic. However, it will be worth it when I participate in the Walk for a Cure for Brain Cancer event at Centennial Park on Sunday.

JUNEE PHOTOS:

GUNNING PHOTOS: