In Flow

  In March 2025 Evie and l took the van north to check out stays in State Forests. Dogs are not allowed in National Parks, but are allowed in State Forests. Turns out a whole lot of things are allowed in State Forests...but we didn't know that yet! We stayed at McCarrs Creek, a free place to stay quiet, and pretty, in the Pittwater area.  We went further north after one night, stopping at Swansea, where l was lucky enough to be there for low tide. When the water is out, you can see fossilised trees, of an ancient forest. Very cool!   Then onto Caves Beach. Fantastic, beautiful, huge dog beach area. Can't stay overnight by the beach, but l just parked one street over, then when l woke, drove around for a prime spot on the beach for the day.  Look for the second Forest Adventure post to hear how the rest of the trip went. 

  How Evie found us.  About 6 months after we lost Pepper, suffering grief at our loss, and a house too quiet and  empty, it was time for our new love! I had researched, and felt that a Whippet was going to be the best temperament for travelling with me in the van. They are great apartment dogs, so long as they are well exercised each day.   I found a lovely family with an unofficial Whippet litter near Canberra. I had my eye on the puppy on the left. But when l looked at the series of photos, the overly marked puppy on the right was clearly a very calm, relaxed character. The next morning  the spotty nose of Evie raced to be the first to greet me at the gate - letting me know she was mine! I had not been sure about her heavy and random markings, but of course we love her unique colouring now! These are her first days, in the van and at home. So tiny then! Evie was not always Evie, though. We originally named her Asha. But Evie would not fit into that name....

Canberra trip to collect Evie. In February 2025 I did one of my first trips in the van to go and choose one of a litter of whippets to bring home.  I first travelled up to Pittwater to stay overnight, and see my builder for fixes needed. Great spot to stay, and beautiful views of the boat culture there. Then onto Fitzroy Falls. Stayed in the carpark there. Perfect. Beautiful walks, views, and birds. It was my first stay in the van in a National Park, and so far the last, as l can't take Evie into NPs.  The next day l went to look at the whippet puppies, and to sleep on my decision of  which l would bring home the next day. (Will do a special post for that big event!) I stayed at Googong Dam Picnic Area that night. Very different from the falls area. Much dryer and dusty. But a great place to park.  The next morning l went in search of a water hole that l had read about...Googong Cascades Water Hole. I went swimming here, feeling very brave and proud of myself. Big ad...

Here is my Fiat Ducato Campervan. 2024. Campervan build sort of finished in January 2025. Unfortunately there have been a lot of small issues throughout the van, making the van build on going.  Unfortunately, as lovely as it looks, the ongoing issues has taken some of my trust away from the van.  I hope that taking the van out, using it, and becoming more comfortable with it - and getting all the issues finally sorted - will mean l can trust and really enjoy my beautiful home on wheels.  (Press READ MORE for more photos.)