Blink! January has disappeared already.
Blink, blink! February is almost done and dusted too.
They say that ‘time flies when you are having fun’, which may be true, but it also makes me very conscious that unless I make the most of every day (even just ticking the little jobs off my daily To-Do List), I will be left standing, looking about and wondering where the time went!
So, before more months escape me, it is time to grasp the nettle in one hand and my passport in the other, and get properly excited about travel in 2025.
Before I start sharing my travel list (and I do LOVE a list or Excel spreadsheet), I want to express my gratitude for having the health and means to travel, even if it is just a wee road trip or a short bushwalk. I know that not everyone can do this and it seems that a week doesn’t pass by when I hear of good people experiencing bad luck, ill health or something more final.
To me this is a constant reminder to ‘seize the day’ and stop mucking about or worrying about the things that really don’t matter in the larger scheme of things. Sometimes that is easier said than done – we can all get tangled up in the minutiae of daily life, but now it is time to focus on the fun stuff ahead in 2025.
Sprinkled throughout the year will be random mini-breaks to the beach, Big Smoke (aka Sydney) for concerts and the always-enjoyable bushwalks with my local Bushwalking Club. However, the Big Rocks in the calendar are:
February: New Zealand
Yes, by the time you read this I will have recently returned from the Land of the Long White Cloud.
- What: Two hikes – one on the Milford Track (54km) and the other on the Kepler Track (60km).
- Where: Flying into Queenstown and then bussing to the start of each walk via Te Anau.
- When: 5days/4nights on the Milford Track starting 12 February, 4days/3nights on the Kepler starting on 18 February. I hope the weather is/was kind to us considering the Milford area can enjoy up to 8m of rain a year!!
- How: I am walking supported on the Milford with Ultimate Hikes and, on the Kepler, walking independently, and staying in huts.
- Who: I will be part of a large group on the Milford and joining my amigos from my local Bushwalking Club on the Kepler.
- Why: I have never hiked in New Zealand before and have long admired photos of their glorious scenery.
Stay tuned for posts about this adventure.
April/May: France
The Camino has been calling my name again and this time I will ignore the Iberian Peninsula (for a short while anyway) for a stroll through France instead.
- What: Wandering through the gorgeous French countryside and picturesque villages for around 750km on the via Podiensis. This is another historic camino route, funnelling people from south-west France and all points beyond (think Switzerland and Germany).
- Where: Starting from the scenic city of Le Puy en Velay, heading south-west across France to St Jean Pied de Port where I started my very first camino way back in 2013.
- When: We start walking in late April and will walk for around 30 days. Don’t worry we have rest days scheduled as well.
- How: on foot, foot, foot or should that be à pied, à pied, à pied, à pied. 😉
- Who: The Husband is joining me although I think the French patisseries and boulangeries are a greater attraction than spending quality time with his wife! 😊
- Why: France is always a good idea and I thought it would be a great way to avoid a big ‘0’ birthday! 😊
June: Warrumbungles National Park, Coonabarabran
Short break to revel in the Aussie bush and share a beverage around the campfire with my Bushwalking Club friends. Approximately 3 days full of day walks.
July:
- South Australia/Barossa Valley: Short break to reunite with a fabulous group of people (a 25year reunion) and sip equally fabulous wine.
- NSW/Blue Mountains: Short break to take in more gorgeous escarpment views all through the Blue Mountains via a series of day walks with my Bushwalking Club.
- Sydney: Short break to see the Book of Mormon. I think I must be the only person in the Southern Hemisphere who hasn’t sat in the audience and laughed their head off at this show. I am looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about.
The rest of the year is a little up in the air and we will lock in plans closer to the time. Again, we are privileged to be able to be flexible and again, we have plenty of wonderful activities to choose from.
August: Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail, NSW
- What: Another back-roads cycling trail in rural NSW – very similar to our local Central West Cycle Trail (CWCT).
- Where: It covers approximately 345km in a rough figure-8 and includes the towns and villages of Cowra, Gooloogong, Eugowra, Forbes, Parkes, Eugowra again, Canowindra and back to Cowra.
- When: We will head off for approximately 7days/6nights in earlyish August.
- How: Pedal power averaging 50km per day.
- Who: The Husband and I, as well as our speedy cycling friends from CWCT fame.
- Why: To slowly explore more of the amazing Australian rural landscape, enjoy tasty pub lunches and savour a cold beer at the end of the day.
then maybe…
August: Mississippi River Trail, USA
- What: We are intending-to/thinking-about/dreaming-of cycling the length of the Mississippi River. A mere 4,800km/3,000mi. Yep, we are completely nuts! 😊
- Where: Starting from Lake Itasca – the headwaters of the Mississippi River and only 228km/142mi from the Canadian border – and eventually rolling into New Orleans.
- When: Setting out in late August and following the gradually cooling weather southwards. We estimate it will take us approximately 50 riding days and plan to schedule a rest day every seven days or as our aging (and aching?) bodies/sore butts need it!
- How: We will fly into Minnesota and catch up with The Travel Architect and her Husband before making our way North to turn around and cycle back South again sticking as closely as possible to the banks of the River.
- Who: The Husband and I.
- Why: What a magical way to experience the US of A – quietly rolling through the landscape, meeting the locals and learning the history.
We will make a call about the USA trip later in the year when we see what is happening at home and in the USA itself. Unfortunately, the Australian Dollar is pretty weak against the USDollar and we will have to budget carefully to be able to afford such an epic adventure.
If the USA trip doesn’t eventuate, then I have a Plan B or a couple of Plan Bs. I know you aren’t surprised by that. 😊
While Spring is getting its act together, I could do the:
- Great North Walk: I have been slowly completing this walk from Sydney to Newcastle in fits and starts over the past three years or so. It’s time to review the walking plan/Excel spreadsheet and get it done. I have about 11 days left to walk.
And then before it gets too hot…introducing the Hume & Hovell Track:
- What: This track looks fascinating as it roughly follows the trail taken by early colonial explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824-25.
- Where: It sets out from Yass in southern NSW and finishes at Albury on the NSW/Victorian border. It covers approximately 426km.
- When: Early September for around 19 days.
- How: At this stage I believe it will be best to catch the train to Yass and then train/bus in return. There is also the option to fly back via Sydney.
- Who: Walking solo at this stage.
- Why: The idea of walking through history really tickles my fancy. If I have the space/weight, I would love to carry the book about Hamilton Hume so I can read and walk at the same time. Well, not exactly at the same time, but you know what I mean. 😊
And, then? Maybe a little rest, put my backpack (or cycling panniers) away and catch up on all the jobs around the house that I have successfully ignored all year!
When I write all this down, it does freak me out a bit, but I’m freaking out in a good way.
It all reminds me that life is what you make it. And life is good!
What have you got planned for 2025?
#travelinspo #globetrotter #bucketlist #adventurebeforedementia #walkingadventures #cyclingadventures #NewZealand #EpicAdventures #USA #longdistancewalks #TheGreat Outdoors #humeandhovelltrack #mississippirivertrail #greatnorthwalk #lachlanvalleycycletrail #winetasting #goodfriends #goodtimes #Stageshows #TheBookofMormon #musicconcerts #minibreaks #beachbreaks #shortbreaks #MilfordTrack #KeplerTrack #Queenstown #NationalParks #BlueMountains #ruralNSW #exploreyourbackyard #travelplanning #walkinginFrance #caminoviapodiensis #barossavalley #bushwalks #Warrumbungles #caminodesantiago #travelplans #fortheloveoftravel #luckyducks #lifeisgood
Life...one big adventure 
We drove the Great River Road along the Mississippi last year. The MRT follows along with some of the road. You can see our posts for ideas.
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Great – ta. I will do that closer to the time.
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loving your plans Mel. Fantastic!
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And what about you guys? Have you got something fabulous planned for 2025? Or are you just lovin’ your new home?
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Nothing much planned for this year at the moment. We move into our new house mid April so we’ll just settle into our new environment for a while and see how we go.
You’ve certainly got a big year planned.
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Good luck with the move…I think I would rather be traveling! 🙂
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Of course … I should have been able to guess it! Somewhere, you’ll try to fit in a Camino again! I can’t wait for you to start walking in France – as always, I’ll be in your backpack (but luckily you won’t feel the weight 😂). And all your other plans look adventurous (and scenic) too. I hope everything turns out just the way you want it! It now feels very appropriate to say: Happy 2025 Mel 🎉 … and Buen Camino!
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Muchas gracias or that should be…merci beaucoup! I can’t wait to share the next camino with you and it will be here before we know it!
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Oh my goodness, what an amazing year you have ahead of you!! Incredible adventures 🙂
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And I bet you have a tonne of incredible adventures lined up too? Or fabulous mini-breaks? You are so lucky to live where you do and have everything on your doorstep.
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Absolutely wow!!! That is a lot of amazing trips to look forward too. I feel tired thinking about all the hikes haha.
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🙂 – I am sure I will be tired too, but with a little rest in between, I will be ready to rock ‘n’ roll in no time! 🙂 I trust 2025 will be kind to you too.
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Thanks so much!!!
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Thanks for vicariously completing my Bucket List for me Mel . . . I’m respectfully envious!
Keep Looking Up ^ . . . His Best is Yet to Come!
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I am glad to be of service! 🙂 I look forward to sharing it all with you. Have a good day, Mel
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Well you’re certainly very organised Mel!! I loved the Milford and Routeburn when we were over there. Had planned on the Kepler but the weather turned which wasn’t so bad as I got to do the Hooker Valley and see Mount Cook instead. Hope you enjoyed them and will look forward to your posts 😀
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I think ‘organisation’ is my middle name! 🙂 I love to have a plan and something on the horizon. And yep, Milford and Kepler Track posts are on the drawing board. I loved both of them.
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Sounds like a fantastic year, Mel. New Zealand appeals more to me than Australia so I envy you that one, and the French episode sounds excellent too. And no, it has nothing to do with cakes. Enjoy!
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Thanks, Jo. Yep, it is going to be a fantastic year and how it is flying by already. Wishing you some nice strolls too and your fair share of cake! 😉
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Wow, you have so many adventures planned for 2025! Enjoy 🙂
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I will do my very best! 🙂
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Oh my goodness, what an amazing set of plans! I’m so excited to read about your NZ adventures. I hope the Mississippi River trail works out for you as well.
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Thanks, Diana. I hope lots of good handstands are in store for you this year too!
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What an exciting year you have planned (and one already under your belt as I write this). Everyone I’ve ever talked to who’s been to NZ says it’s stunning, so I look forward to your posts. And France – c’mon. I love France. Color me jealous! Have a croissant (or 10) for me, sil vous plait. And of course we await with hope and excitement your decision about the Mississippi River Trail and your visit to the Great White North (which will be green in Aug/Sept). We’d love to return the hospitality favor, although we have nothing as exciting as kangaroos in our back yard.
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Yep, I am feeling very lucky and very privileged to be able to plan all of the above. Fingers crossed they all come off and I can say…See you soon! 🙂
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Oh, and how could I forget to answer your question? We’re headed to Mexico for our first time ever. That’s next month. Of course summer is Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and then we’re planning a trip to Antigua & Barbuda for Christmas. There may be a short trip to Toronto if it works out, but that would mainly be for a design meeting for our new travel trailer (Bobbie 2.0), though we’ll surely see some of the sights.
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What a great selection you have planned too. Happy trails to you both.
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Your post might have inspired me to make one of my own. We’ll see…
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🙂
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Sounds like a great year Mel! Milford Sound is amazing, can’t wait to see your pictures. You certainly are well organized to have your whole year planned, or almost. Maggie
I’m writing this comment in mobile Reader. Wondering if all my comments go into Spam is only from a certain app, web, device etc.
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Biking along the Mississippi sounds great! I’m from Minnesota and live next door in Wisconsin. There are beautiful bike trails.
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Yep, it will be epic! Have a good day.
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Perhaps you’re lucky or perhaps you’re just making the most of what you want from life. Go for it, Mel x
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Thanks, Suzanne. I think it may be a good mixture of both. Have a good day. x
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I agree. Had another read about your next camino via Podiensis, now that one really interests me, we have travelled around that area so I know it is beautiful. I suppose not a camino to do as a first one? 😉 Makes for wonderful distraction for me at the moment. You must be heading off soon? x
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Yes, I am not sure I would do the Podiensis as a first one as, from what people say, it has a very different vibe. I guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Have a good week. x
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Thanks, Mel. I appreciate your advice. So, the big question is which one would you consider a good “first” experience? You have a good week, too x
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When people ask me that question, I always recommend the Camino Frances. It is the most popular one and can get very busy, but the infrastructure is fantastic so you can always find a bed, meal and transport if needed. It is the perfect introduction to what a camino is all about and you meet the most amazing people. It is also incredibly beautiful and diverse. Just try to go in ‘shoulder’ time, slightly off peak to avoid the hordes. You don’t have to walk the whole thing in one go and many people just start with the last few hundred kilometres to test the waters. There are lots of companies who will do all the bookings for you, transport your luggage so you only walk with a daypack and you can stay 5-star if you wish. Everyone walks their own camino. x
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We housesat for people in France who used to have camino frances walkers stay with them in their large villa. Thanks Mel, you confirmed what I was thinking. 5 star and a day pack sounds ideal 😉 x
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No judgement here at all. It is a wonderful experience whichever way you do it. Let’s chat closer to the time and I can share a few tips and tricks etc.
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Oh la la Mel! Now this is a packed travel agenda. And a very adventurous one. How nice to see it all laid out … there are a few on there I will enjoy armchair travelling with. Fran xx
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Yes, hopefully my stroll in France can bring back some happy memories for you. Melx
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Lucky duck? We should all be so lucky! We’ll stay tuned for more marvelous adventures!
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Thanks…maybe I am trying to create some of my own luck too? Onwards and upwards
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Wow Mel, what a plan!!!! Everything looks amazing!! I’m off to my first Camino in may so loving your Camino blogs.
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Thanks, Simone. Walking a camino is an amazing experience. ‘Life changing’ might sound a little cliched, but you won’t be the same person when you return to Aus. Which path are you doing? Buen camino to you. Mel
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Lots of exciting plans! Your walking and cycling trips overseas sound incredible, hopefully the US trip will come to fruition! I had a great time in Minneapolis when I visited Minnesota.
It’s great you have some adventures closer to home planned too!
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Yep, it’s a real mixed bag, but the US trip is looking increasingly wobbly. 😦 Thanks for reading and have a good day. Mel
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