Melbourne

I stand at the beginning of a great adventure. In two days I end my Australian holiday and journey into the heart of New Zealand. I'm a bit afraid of the challenges ahead of me. Up until today I have only looked on with excited anticipation. Now, surrounded by the cultivated Wilderness of the Royal Botanic Gardens I am beginning to dread the true Wilderness. I worry that I won't be able to make it. I worry that my friendship with Shad will be tested to the breaking point. I worry that I won't find what I'm looking for; worse still, that I won't even be able to articulate it. What purpose has driven me to this great undertaking? What will push me forward when my physical strength gives out? Is it just wanderlust? Or am I searching for something more existential? How will I know?