Something happened when we bought the camper trailer. First, it was an Instagram account to document our travels (of course) and registration of a domain (nothing to see there as yet). Then we purchased LED light kits and solar mats. We talked about selling my car and upgrading to something that could tow the trailer.
It was a whole thing.
Then, after daydreaming about our future travels we got into the idea of a drone. I mean, those people on Instagram make it look so cool. Sweeping cinematic shots of the stunning Australian landscape. Shot, snappy edits of people, places and events. I wanted all that! Of course, I did.
Let’s just say that DJI saw me coming.
So, we did it. I stalked the prices and packs online. We watched and saved and subscribed to more email lists than was probably necessary. Until the day arrived; the ding of my inbox notified me that there was a refurbished Mavic Pro in a fly more kit, in our budget. It was go-time.
Whipping out my card faster than you can say DJI, I entered my details and we commenced the wait for it to arrive. In preparation, Kel and I started watching starter guides, first flight reviews and photography tutorials for the Mavic Pro. We updated our flying information and found out about extending my public liability insurance. Not that I plan to use it commercially, but that seemed like a good idea.
Safety first, team!
And then the day arrived. The box was on our doorstep surprisingly fast and as I carried it downstairs to the living room, the excitement built. It was here! I couldn’t wait. It had arrived and just before a long weekend too. It was kismet! Without even thinking about it that much, we did all the setup and calibrations and prepared to wake before dawn for our maiden voyage.
And it was FOG as far as the eye could see!
Let’s just say, not ideal. Haha. But we stayed close to our launch spot, kept a visual of the drone as much as possible, and kept the flight mode in beginner. Kel was really cautious to start; a personality trait he doesn’t normally display.
I was a little more confident that with all the avoidance sensors and such in play, we’d be fine. Overconfident perhaps? But we made home safe and sound to fly another day. And by another day I mean later that same day, then the next afternoon, and a few days since. Haha.
To mark the occasion, I took some photos.
First with my little Fuji travel camera And then we snapped a couple of pics with the camera on the drone. We’ve got lots to learn, but right now, we’re having fun learning it. Watch this space for adventures! Or the Instagram, we’re heading to our usual spot at the beach this weekend, I’m sure the drone will make an appearance there.
There is much to be said about a Barossa Valley weekend well spent. And well, spent I certainly am. Or was, it’s taken me a week to put this post together, so that will give you some idea. Haha. As I wait for my plane, killing an hour or two before I’m due to board, I reflect on this. I can’t help but feel a little sentimental about the new friends I’ve made and now waved off. Bonded by women being great and generous with each other.
And wine, we are bonded by wine.
When Nat spoke to me about joining her on a business retreat for her clients in the Barossa Valley, I was always a yes. Nat plus wine plus business is a clear yes from me. Every single time. With the year whizzing by the retreat weekend was upon me before I knew it. A month of back to back events and commitments and by the time I boarded the plane in Brisbane I was in need of a time out.
The Barossa Valley was a perfect combination of time out, great company and business inspiration. All my favourite things in the one place. We toured some beautiful wineries (I’ve added some of my photos below, there are just too many to add them all here) and I was reminded time and time again why knowing and communicating with your customer is so important. These were, predominately, boutique businesses carving their own path, one person at a time.
That’s me. That’s what I do.
And to be honest, with only slightly less wine. In reality, it’s each of us. Whether we are running our own business or just managing our positions in the world, that’s us. From when we wake in the morning until we go to sleep at night we are communicating and doing our best; in business, in relationships, in work and play. Relationships and flexibility are so essential to success in life.
Wine and cheese feel pretty darn essential to such things as well. Along with good friends, long conversations and lots and lots of laughter. I loved the Barossa Valley, it was such a beautiful place to visit and stay (I’d go back in a second and book into some more day spas, to be honest) but it was this reminder that I loved most. That people matter, relationships matter and that more often than not, it’s all that matters.
Enjoy the photos team, have you been to the Barossa Valley? Do you have a favourite winery?
I’m logged into tonight, from our camper in Rotorua, to finish the first couple of days of Confident You’s first week. Because well, nothing says live an impressive life you love like that does. I’m loving the digital nomad life. I dream of the day when we can travel around all the time and blog and eat and drink and live. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, well that’s just what life is about.
And you thought I was a talker.
That Mr. Suger, HE is the talker.
I often get left off the side of conversations wandering in and out as he regales people with tales of our travels, life at home and all the things he’s learned from Tourist Radio (so handy, we’ve loved this thing) about the area. A font of information, which if you know Kel, is nothing new. Haha. We’ve been having the best time.
And so far, only one or two hissy fits. Ok, maybe a couple more. BUT I’ve been really impressed with us. When we first met and got married Kel was away a few days a week and we always joked that that space did us good. Two strong personalities, the room to breathe works out well. And in a camper, well, there’s nowhere to go with THAT. But I’m happy to report that all is well and we will both be coming home in one piece. God willing.
And now, get your data ready because I loaded soooooooome photos. I have A LOT. I’m having to empty my SD card every couple of days as I load it up with image after image of this beautiful place. I mean, come ooooon. It’s amazing. I’m coming back. Why wouldn’t I? It’s less than 4 hours from home (I know, I’m so lazy) and it’s like a whole new world.
Ahhh New Zealand, you pretty thing. We’re having a ball. Now it’s full steam ahead to Hobbiton and back through to Auckland to fly home. Until then, if you’re participating in Confident You, I’m counting on you to be active in the group Facebook Page and in the emails. Because well, we all know I’m a little eyeball deep in wine right now. Haha. See you at home soon team. x
Mr. Suger and I planned to honeymoon in New Zealand not long after our wedding. With young businesses at the time, we thought it might take us a year or two to get around to. Fast forward and as our 11th wedding anniversary looms large (in August) we decided we’d better get the heck on with that.
Then our friend Fi mentioned she was having a 40th birthday bash and WELL. Game on. New Zealand, brace yourself, the Sugers are coming. Kicking off in Auckland, we are travelling a few hours for a friend’s birthday party, after a few days we will head off along the coast. But from there, we have no plans really. Free as a bird. But I’m open to suggestions in terms of things to see, to do and to EAT!
And wine, did I mention wine? Direct me to ALL the wine.
See how seriously I take making plans? They are all based on the best places to see pretty things, eat yummy things and drink Sav Blanc type things. I’m a girl with her priorities in order. I actually hope to lounge in some cafes and parks and write. Mr Suger has big plans for fishing and jet boating. And not for the first time I have to laugh that we work so perfectly together, him and I.
So if things are a little slow around here for a couple of weeks, sorry about that. And if things are super busy around here because I’ve found some exceptional wifi and am updating all the time, sorry about THAT. We’ll have to see which way that cookie crumbles. Fingers crossed for the latter option, there with Confident You launching on the 1st of June (before I get back!).
We fly out Friday, if I ever manage to get packed. I’ve been told I’ll need warm stuff. Won’t that be a nice change! Haha.
