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Bocas del Toro-Panama

After traveling across Costa Rica, we made our way towards Panama. Our first stop was the Bocas del Toro Province, an archipelago that lies at the southern tip of Isla Colón, in the Caribbean Sea and northwest of Panama.

Bocas is a largely undiscovered mecca for surfing that has been compared to what Hawaii, Bali, and the Maldives were like over 20 years ago. Surf was some of the best our son in law had experienced (Paunch Reef, Dumpers, and Bluff Beach).

Having a young couple with us made it that much more interesting. Web sites, travel blogs, and tourist information cautioned us to avoid the main island (Isla Colon) but we didn’t listen. Instead, we found it open, warm, lively, and colourful. The place was quiet through the day and it pumped at night. It was hot and humid, and we walked or cycled everywhere.

New York

New York didn’t disappoint. Before leaving Panama, we had to decide how we were going to get home. Our only commitment was a booked flight from LA airport back to Australia. We toyed with the idea of going to Jamaica (the farmer’s family history has links to the country) but decided upon four days in NY instead. Jamaica can wait until another time.

Livelihood and leaving

You might know stories of farmers who worked extremely hard for little or no return; their experiences of drought, governments, sanctions, and tariffs all taking a toll on their livelihood. Dare I mention it, but there are also stories of undiagnosed mental illness, early death, disease, relationship breakdowns, and a whole host of unexplained reasons as to why people left the land.

Road tripping south

The five-hour road trip from the Wheatbelt to the southern coast of Western Australia was certainly worth the journey. Spring wildflowers had just emerged and the unspoiled natural beauty of the southern coastline presented an excellent visual display.

Road tripping north

Normally we would be shearing at this time of year, but because we’d got out of sheep, we were free to travel, anywhere. With the destination unknown at the time of leaving, we made a quick decision to turn right at the farm gate. This meant that the road trip would take us to the north of the state.

It was the colours that drew me back; the intensity of the blue skies, red dirt, and green trees.

Early years: City to country

from city to country

I came to the Wheatbelt in the mid-80s as a 19-year-old and never left. I always thought about leaving though, returning to the city, to my family; my daughters, sisters and brothers, and parents. I longed to go back to the colours and the lights of the city, the people, culture, entertainment, and friends.

Southbound

Having planned to travel to Europe this year (a trip that did not eventuate due to Covid 19), we booked a short holiday in the state’s southwest region instead.

In this corner of the state, there are tall trees, lush growth, waterfalls, moss, full rivers, and immaculately maintained walk trails and tracks.

Country work, farm work

Work commitments, more than lifestyle has kept us on this farm. The farmer has been on his own now, having left a farming partnership with his brother almost ten years ago. I have had a reliable off-farm income for many years now.

Country mothers

When daughters leave home

Imagine your children leaving for boarding school before they become teenagers. My three daughters left the farm between the age of 12 and 13, and sad to say, they never really came back. That’s young to leave your hometown. As a mother, I found this extremely hard. Spending time with them now as adults are one of the main reasons why I want to leave the farm.

My adult daughters celebrating their sister's wedding.

Country garden

Now that I have well, almost retired, I feel relaxed enough to sit outdoors and watch the ways of the natural world. I fully appreciate the garden I have tended for years. I acknowledge the beauty of the sensational autumn roses I have grown here on the farm.