“Not all adventures are loud. Some begin with a quiet road, an open heart, and nowhere in particular to be.”- Unknown
This week’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge is led by Anne-Christine with the theme of Adventure.
As some of you may or may not know, I only started travelling later in life. Looking back now, I realise my sense of adventure isn’t about ticking destinations off a bucket list or chasing adrenaline. It’s about finding peace in places I’ve never been before and letting each journey unfold in its own way.
The first time I truly experienced that feeling was when my hubby and I travelled around New Zealand’s South Island. It was the first time we rented a car, skipped the fixed itinerary, and simply followed the road wherever it took us.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made. We discovered hidden beaches, quiet country roads, charming little cafés, and breathtaking viewpoints that we may never have seen if we’d been on a guided tour. We stopped whenever something caught our eye, with no pressure to keep to a schedule.
At times the weather surprised us when we least expected it… from sun to snow to a cold summer rain.
That trip changed the way I travel.
Since then, I’ve learned that adventure doesn’t have to be loud or daring. Sometimes it’s found in the silence of an unfamiliar place, in lingering a little longer because a view takes your breath away, or in saying yes to a road you hadn’t planned to take.
What a lovely post, Teresa. Quiet adventures are definitely the best for me, and the quiet and peace seeped from this post.
Oh yes, quiet adventures are the best for us at this age. I get too over excited when on group tours. So now I try DIY travels. Thanks Margaret.
Fabulous, Teresa! I can’t think of a better way to do it, or a better place xx
I know Jo. I can’t stop thinking about it. Maybe I should go back for another adventure soon.
Beautiful. Looks like you found all the places you were meant to be.
Beautiful post and photos. Well said on adventures not all loud or daring. My favorite photo is the lone tree on the lake.
Such a lovely post Teresa and the images are wonderful. I agree wholeheartedly that whether you have a planned itinerary or are just following your heart, travel is always a wonderful way to expand our horizons – both mental and physical.
I love this post both for the beautiful landscapes you share and for your reflections on your travel style. And I said a big YES when I read your last sentence – ‘ saying yes to a road you hadn’t planned to take’ 😀
Spectacular scenery and fabulous photos.
And I like the sentiment. Travel should be unforced and enjoyable, not a relentless, all-consuming quest to do a quick hit on the guidebooks’ “must-sees.” I often forget that when I travel. But I’m trying harder with each trip by not trying harder.
Thanks for the post.
I love this. So true!
So amazingly mesmerising 🙂
Teresa, I love the quote and your thoughts on going where the road takes you. Your images are beautiful!
A truly beautiful post, Teresa! And lesson well learned and used. Follow your heart and the road you hadn’t planned to take – comes to us later in life. In the beginning you want to see everything…all the time. You nailed the essence of traveling – and of life. Beautiful photography!
All beautiful and peaceful, Teresa. 😊