After an intense 2017, I booked a week off for myself to completely switch off. I hadn’t had a full week off in years. But it was much needed and deserved. Of course – the south was calling. I drove down with my pooch for a solo adventure and felt like having a low key week. I may have been a bit too laid back as I forgot my camera and hiking clothes!
A few laid back things to do down south
I’d been researching hiking trails in the south that are suitable with dogs and decided to email Explore Parks WA. They informed me of the Trails WA app and I was totally hooked. Although there aren’t many places to hike with a dog, which is a downer especially for women who hike solo, the app is pretty impressive. The usability is easy too. You can filter your searches and read about the trails in detail too. Nice work Western Australia!
I found a section of the Cape to Cape trail from the app that caught my eye. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed. I messaged my friend and we organised to hike it on the Sunday morning. She asked her friend too and before you know it we had a little mini Women Who Hike group! You can Read About Our Adventure Here: Cape to Cape Trail Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock.
Rice Paper Market
The following day, we headed to The Rice Paper Market. Starting the day with a fresh, light breakfast was perfect. It boasts a chilled outdoor boho area and it’s next to an op shop, which is an added bonus. Hello food and bargain hunting! They have all sorts of cultural flavours and salads for lunch. There’s also a butcher which was handy (not that I eat meat!). I got a $1 bone for my pooch.
After breakfast, it was time for some wandering. One of my favourite things to do in Busselton is walk through Fig Tree Lane. There’s a natural health food store, an awesome bakery and shops with all sorts of nick nacks. And of course, there’s one store that I could spend hours in – Hobo and Hatch.
@HoboandHatch
Hobo and Hatch pride themselves on ethically sourced goods and conscious shopping. Every inch of the store has been creatively and intuitively designed and organised. Appealing to the wanderer spirit, the free soul, the curious – you actually feel that part of yourself coming alive. I love a book, a shop, a creative vision that lures you in and surprises you with beauty and artistic design.
The ladies who work at Hobo and Hatch are so down to earth and welcoming, which always makes a shopping experience positive. The store caters to locally handmade treasures which I love. From jewellery, clothes, bags to home accessories – the most amazing macrame pillows (drool) – you’ll wish this was all in your house. I know I do!
When was the last time you did nothing?
After a day venturing out and about, I decided to spend the next few days chilling out. I walked along the beach, laid on the grass reading and did pretty much nothing. When I say nothing, I mean nothing. I’d have to say, this is probably the first time I’ve had a holiday and been ok with doing very minimal. As I said it’s been a while since I had a real week off. I usually do day trips or overnighters so it was nice to completely wind down.
On the last night, I asked a friend to meet me at the beach to watch the sunset. We walked along the jetty and as the sun dipped into the horizon, the water turned a very pale milky blue. On one side the sky boasted bold pinks and yellows, and the other deep oranges. It was like a candy sky kinda night. It was purely coincidental that my outfit blended with the sky..awkward. We joked and laughed so much, so much so that I went home with a sore jaw. I’m not even joking! It was the perfect end to an amazing week off.
Final Thoughts
Taking a break whether its a week off or an hour a day is a positive investment into our health, lifestyle, creativity and work. With our ever-changing world it’s easy to get caught up in that fast-paced momentum. One of my main goals these days is to be careful not to get swept up in the endless whirlwind of being busy. It can be hard to know when to switch off or stop. The more I practise winding down, the more focused, productive and happier I feel.
Remember: There is a time to grind and a time to unwind.
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