Living Adventures Of The Heart on a Houseboat - Murray River, South Australia

This month I experienced living adventures of the heart on a luxurious houseboat!



It was a gathering of like-minded adventurers; a reunion of some of our group that traveled to Antarctica in January and February earlier this year.

It was also my first experience on a houseboat, and in the region within South Australia where we cruised down (up?) the Murray River.

'Captain' Andy, one of our fellow adventurers had thrown out an invite to us via email a few months ago to gather here on these magical waters and to share the wonderful experience on his houseboat. I took the bait! It was the best bite of the trip! (Peer tried his hand at fishing and barely got a nibble!)

There were so many highlights, and many captured within the first of the four days of cruising.

My back was still on the mend so instead of participating directly in the water sports and rough play (water fights and 'people' tossing into the river were just a few) I enjoyed capturing the magic moments with my camera.

On day two, Andy took us out in the dingy through the marshlands, tearing through the river 'alleyways' and reeds. The air became polluted with our squeals and laughter as Andy steered and belted our way through the narrow channels.


Matt got whipped around on the tube behind the ski boat, as did apparently his shorts! The men decided to entertain us with a visual to remember: re-routing the ski-boat direction so Matt could zip past us (we were sitting on the back deck of the houseboat), baring all his glory, lying face up on the tube and giggling.


We spent four glorious days laughing, loving and living adventures of the heart.

The games didn't stop at dusk. Instead, they magnified as the affect of plenty of wine and beer flowed.

Card games became a spectacle at night-time as body slapping occurred with a "King," "Queen," "Jack," or "Ace." Andy led the group, apparently bending the rules on occasions. He liked to win! And he certainly had quality competition.

For four days, we ate like kings and queens. Whilst we all pitched in, Erika mostly commandeered the kitchen and spoiled us with her love and passion for cooking. Normally I'm the 'Kitchen Queen', so I lavished the opportunity to have someone else be in charge of (most of) the cooking.

The men (mostly Peer) took care of cooking on the BBQ out on the back deck. The first morning used most of the eggs.

The rest of the eggs were used the following day, 'trick-or-treat' style as egg-throwing occurred on Halloween. I dodged the mucky affair, witnessing the hilarity whilst behind the sanctity of the glass sliding door to the deck, avoiding being egg-slapped and possibly pushed into the water.



The magic moments stacked high for the long weekend that we enjoyed together. The weather was perfect, warm and inviting to sit out on the top deck at night. The sunsets lit up the sky with majestic oranges, pink and gold rays of light. The crack of dawn reflected it's stillness in the smooth water, mirroring the reflection of the trees on the banks and the clouds forming gentle puffs of white cotton wool.

Perhaps my favourite magic moments are all the ones connecting deeper with each of my friends, forming stronger bonds in friendship and love with like-minded souls.

Thank you Andy for the opportunity to experience such joy and fun on your beautiful luxurious houseboat, and connecting with you all again.

Remember... "Life is either a great adventure, or nothing at all." ~Helen Keller~

Service with Heart

Living Adventures of the Heart! It's what I do best!

To me it means showing up every day in life to play full-out.

Sometimes, that means physical adventures, and it also means expanding past the self-limiting boundaries I perceive in my own personal life journey. Every day is an adventure!

I'm back in Perth, settled in after an amazing ten day adventure to Melbourne, then Adelaide, South Australia to reunite with friends (from probably my most magical adventure yet - a trip to Antarctica back in Jan/Feb of this year.)

This post is about a wonderful ...and quite frankly, the BEST SERVICE I have ever experienced from any restaurateur.

Meet George McArdle, the venue manager for "Bombay Bicycle Club," a unique restaurant in Adelaide.

This story is all about his BIG HEART and a memorable experience. (I've also just noticed the t-shirt I was wearing that day. I believe there is no co-incidence, only co-creation. By the way, that white band around my waist was my back brace supporting me after my 'spontaneous' injury on Tuesday.)

I arrived at the Adelaide airport at 3pm on Thursday 29th October from Melbourne to be greeted by my friends Peer and Margaret, who are literally my close neighbours and had flown in from Perth. Erika also greeted me with a welcoming smile and a hug. She lives in Adelaide and was picking us up. We had flown in to prepare for an amazing houseboat holiday adventure on the Murray River (that blog post is coming next!).

We were all hungry, so headed straight out to the Bombay Bicycle Club which Erika was excited to recommend to us.

Unfortunately, when we arrived we were advised initially by George that the kitchen wasn't due to be open for another two hours!

"Wow! Really? We've been anticipating amazing food here, recommended by our friend," I said, pointing to Erika. "We've just flown in and we're hungry!"

"Sorry," he said. But he looked undecided.

We all gently asked if there was any alternative food available. There wasn't anything we wanted.

"Okay," I breathed out. We all looked at each other, slowly preparing to head off.

"Wait!" George says. "I can't promise anything, but let me go see if the chef is in yet and is prepared to make something up early. I'll be right back. But I'm not promising anything."

He came back with a BIG smile. We all whooped with joy!

We kept it simple. We all decided on the delicious 'Salt & Pepper Squid.' My heart was singing for his kindness, opening up his restaurant early for us to eat and enjoy their fare.

George, if you're reading this... again, THANK YOU! You made a decision that affected four people in a powerful way. Just as well, I'm a 'big-mouth' and love to share with people wonderful stories that exemplify excellence and Living Adventures Of The Heart.....

In return for your kindness George, I am absolutely excited to share your restaurant details.

For a great restaurant experience: ambiance, service, food and wine. Next time you're in Adelaide head on over to The Bombay Bicycle Club

Machu Pichu.... A flash back in time

Machu Pichu ...a flash back in time.

This day a year ago, I was spending my last day packing in Peru to head back to the USA.

My journey to Peru: Machu Pichu and the Amazon rank high among my list of "AMAZING" pilgrimages.

I left on my own, to spend two weeks away, with a guide...and five other ladies in Machu Pichu, and just one other lady in the Amazon.

My trek was to experience a life-long dream spurred on by a scholarly idea.

In mid-high school (year 10) I did the most amazing research project on Machu Pichu. Unfortunately, my teacher graded it with only a "C" because I hadn't followed the proper questions. I had instead, ventured off in my own private journey (perhaps telling of my soul's path), which he said "On it's own merits it's worthy of an "A+".

What the project did, was embed in my soul the burning desire to visit and experience Machu Pichu. This time last year, I did.

The vibrational field of this area is tremendous. After spending the courtesy two hours with my guide and small group, with a guided tour through the ruins... I meandered my own way around the historical treasures in a walking meditation, measuring every feeling tingling through my soul.

Often, like today, I feel an internal calling to return. It's sacredness is not only beautiful and magical, there is a recognition within my soul of this ancient land.

Few places I visit have this energetic pull on me.

*** *** ***

This week is my last week in Europe on this three month journey. These last twelve weeks have added other measurable experiences to my journey on the earth this time.

And while I spend my final days in Europe, resting in Calpe, Spain I have been reminiscing on the wonders, joys, experiences, love, laughter and many, many magic moments of touring through Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Lechtenstein, Italy, Republic of San Marino, Vatican City, France, Monaco, Andorra and Spain)... my heart and mind settles on the life-changing memories of my Peruvian experiences...

...perhaps my unconscious mind recalls the historical stories of the Spanish invasion of Peru... flashing up the odd image into my mind of the historical ages...

Whatever it is, I have felt compelled to journal today's thoughts and recollection of this magical trek.... one I feel perhaps I have done before, a looooooong time ago.