Ten years on…

I rolled into Perth 10 years ago today… then, I reached this most isolated city in the world in my much loved Jeep Compass (Tibby) towing a trailer with all my belongings, behind me. I thought I’d probably be here for a couple of years…. maybe….

I reached the city and sent a message to a friend back in Brisbane. “I’ve made it, I’ve just got here.’
He said, ‘That’s awesome, well done, now you’ve proved you can do it, turn around and come back home’
I burst into tears.
I’ve probably already told you that little story, but it helps to build the picture.

10 years later I’m realistic enough to admit I’ll need a big truck to fit all my now belongings in. I’ve been on a slightly half hearted culling mission for a couple of months now. I could use the fact that I had surgery on one of my toes/feet a couple of months ago, but to be honest, it’s a massive task, right? Room by room, cupboard by cupboard… baby steps.

Since that sunny-ish afternoon I’ve done some things….

I met extended family, generously shared with me by my sister-in-law and who graciously took me under their wings and absorbed me into their home and their every day life. I am forever grateful to them and for them.

I’ve met amazing people and made some lifelong friends… through work, through photography, through extended networks of friends from the east coast. I’ve been incredibly lucky through all those new connections, to travel and explore this huge state with incredible landscapes and locations.

I lived in an iconic city and spent a year and a half-ish exploring it, absorbing it, basking in it.

I built a house - quite a surreal experience for someone who never thought she would ever be in a position to do that, let alone build one where I’m so close to the ocean. Weirdly enough - for me, Im still living in that house almost 8 years later! Still the longest I’ve lived in one house since I left home as a newly 17 year old.

I bought Jack and got braver with my travels and adventures. Its kinda funny how having a highly capable vehicle gives you the freedom to think you can go anywhere… and so you do :)

I’ve chased two total solar eclipses, the first one here in Western Australia, and there’s another coming through the top in 2028. (https://www.traceycookephotography.com.au/out-the-back-with-jack/p6ousga77vdca13psxbqxzfowx6fzb)

I’ve worked at the same place in roughly 5 different roles, so I must be handy to have around, right?

The landscapes here are unique to those I’ve seen elsewhere, and I’m enjoying this adventure I’m on… exploring photographic opportunities, flying over some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen, exploring my own capabilities and stepping out from behind the me I’ve usually been.

While I dream of packing up and heading off on the road, taking my time to meander through the rest of WA and Oz and the rest of the world, like many of us do, I also feel like Im not quite done here yet… its not quite time to call it.

I guess Im a little curious to see what else is here for me… lets see what happens…. :)