It’s been a few months since I wrote my monthly blog post. Where have I been? I have been travelling, making memories, experiencing new environments and discovering adventures.
I love nature, and exploring the country is my happy place. This time I was not confined to Australia, as we travelled to the UK and parts of of Europe. It was an experience of a lifetime and inspiration for what I am sure will be at least one new adventure story, if not, a new series.
When we were last in Tasmania, we explored many wilderness areas on foot that culminated in my being able to write Tracks in the Mist, The Adamson Adventures 4. I can only imagine at the moment where my latest adventure will lead my writing.
Several places we visited stood out and are sure to be great resources for my creativity.
The Lakes District, England.
Four places here stood out and set my mind and senses tingling with ideas and possibilities.
Twice we walked around Gracemere Lake and the surrounding hills. We found moss covered dry stone walls, intricate and beautifully designed gates that lead into magnificent gardens that begged me to enter and explore. Sadly they were private, so the gates remained closed, but I did stop to take in the ambience and imagine where the beautiful stone winding path might lead as it wound through thick ferns and gardens, across a stone arched bridge with a babbling brook below and further beyond stone stairs that disappeared among the vibrant green hues of the flora. We followed Heritage Trust trails through meandering fields, along a crystal clear blue water’s edge of the lake and up into the splendour of the mountains. Trails climbed the hillsides rough and rocky at times. We jumped trickling streams and stopped to marvel at the view. Could this be the place where fairies flutter as they scatter and laugh wistfully in the gentle breeze? One trail eventually lead us to a cave. At the entrance it had large stepping-stones through freezing water, the depths of which I didn’t particularly want to fall into. Could this be the opening to a dragon’s lair?
My gloved hands touched cold standing stones in not one, but three stones circles. Only one of these was in the Lakes District, the other two were on the Orkney Islands. Each were however, in open wind swept fields and drizzling rain. Could they be time portals that lead to another dimension? I cannot say, but I did ask my hubby to follow me through just in case I suddenly disappeared.
Then there was the cascading waterfall, with torrents of water that gushed over the edge and roared as it fell to the river waiting below. I traversed many steps and crossed more stone bridges with both the descent and return ascent, all the while wondering what could have been lurking in the rushing water or hiding beneath an arched bridge.
Lastly, an old ruined castle and it’s enticing gardens. I followed a trail through tall trees that first opened to a magnificent view of the sweeping valley below with a little village almost hidden in the distance. Continuing along the track as gravel crunched underfoot I imagined a lost castle snuggled among the thicket of lush green.
Lucerne, Switzerland.
This old town was definitely enchanting as it sat encircling a river and beautiful blue bay. One of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe crossed the river in a long arc that invited visitors to traverse as they examined the medieval paintings that adorned its triangular support beams. High atop a hill snuggled behind the town was a magnificent white chateau that beckoned me to explore. This fairy tale castle had to be the home of fantasy and royalty. Timber stair cases with age worn steps climbed as they wound their way up though tall turrets that lead to secret chambers. Long corridors with huge thick timber doors opened into more mysterious rooms. Then hidden out the back beckoned a tall pine forest full of aroma that tingled the senses as I filled my lungs with fresh mountain pine filled air. After passing a massive pile of wood cuttings that instantly brought to mind an old woodcutter spending his days harvesting, I discovered smoke that wafted from a tiny timber cottage. Was it the home of the woodcutter or a witch stirring a cauldron with her latest magic brew? As we followed trails that lead further into the forest I imagined mischievous goblins and pixies that could be a problem to the unsuspecting traveller.
Who knows where these memories will lead my imagination just yet. There was so much atmosphere to soak up that I need a little time to take it all in and let it simmer in my mind. These above mentioned places are just the beginning. I’m sure a story will emerge, just like Tracks in the Mist did after visiting Tasmania. if you’re keen to read how that adventure turned out, or any of the others in the series, you can purchase a signed copy of the book Here.
What sort of adventure do you think I should write from my recent travel experience?
What would you like to see me write next?
Have you ever travelled and thought about turning it into an adventure story?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.