We took a wonderful drive in the country yesterday, avoiding the main highway and taking dirt roads around the hills and finally into Canberra, then out again to Yass, soaking up the wonderful sunshine, admiring the beautiful greenery of the hills – and even catching glimpses of some wildlife.

We saw a fat echidna (a spiny burrowing mammal, usually nocturnal) waddling across the road, and later a very healthy looking black snake (yes, poisonous), both of them making it safely to the other side of their perspective stretches of road.

Out on the highway again, a large kangaroo jumped out into traffic, fortunately picking gaps between the cars and making it safely across also. Being a bright day and low foliage by the roadside, he was easy to spot, and the drivers in the line of traffic had grins on their faces, even when the unpredictable roo turned around and hopped right back again. After that, he raced along the fence line, keeping pace with us for a bit, eventually hopping over the fence and away into a paddock.

It was a glorious day.

*

We went to a book sale in Canberra, and had a great lunch, then returned to touring in the hills. In Yass we stopped and enjoyed afternoon scones with jam and cream, excellent coffee and some wonderful county town atmosphere. We even took a look in real estate windows, spying out which properties we’d like and why.

Then we hit the dirt roads again – with not another car to be seen – and wound our way back home again.

It was a lovely day for me, being an unexpected outing. Greg drove, and I could enjoy the sights and sounds and let my mind roam to explore writing ideas and soak up new energy for the week ahead.

A drive in the countryside (as driver or passenger) lifts my creative energy as nothing else can. It gives me a physical rest from sitting at the same desk day in, day out, and lets my spirit soar. I feel as though I have had a holiday.

I have no reason to write it all up and tell you all about it, except that I feel so good and wanted to share. I wish I had taken my camera.

I hope your weekend is progressing as wonderfully.

Cheers, all!

Allyson