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B ME Bites 51: Epic Aussie Van Life Road Trip - Gold Coast to Uluru and Back – Part 2

Blue Hues and Tuckerbox Tales!

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This week’s B ME Bites Trivia Question:

What is one scientifically proven benefit of road trips and travel for mental health?

a) It strengthens memory and cognitive flexibility

b) It permanently boosts IQ

c) It eliminates all stress forever

d) It makes you immune to fatigue

Answer at the bottom of this week’s newsletter

Welcome to edition #51 of B ME Bites! As we continue our Epic Aussie Van Life Road Trip, this week’s journey takes us through misty mountain landscapes and introduces us to some iconic Australian landmarks. Buckle up as we navigate unexpected detours and embrace the surprises that come with life on the open road.

Click on the graphic to check out “Travel Absurdities” on Amazon

Epic Aussie Van Life Road Trip - Gold Coast to Uluru and Back – Part 2

Blue Hues and Tuckerbox Tales!

After an exciting first leg of the trip, it was time to hit the road again. Leaving Kendall Showgrounds early in the morning, we made our way towards one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders—the beautiful Blue Mountains.

The beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW

A Quick Stop at the Three Sisters

No road trip through the mountains would be complete without a visit to the famous Three Sisters lookout. The towering rock formations stood proud against the backdrop of the vast valley, shrouded in mist and mystery. We didn’t have time for a long hike, but even a quick stop was enough to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this place.

The Three Sisters, Katoomba NSW

Onward to Gundagai: A Long Haul Drive

With the Blue Mountains in our rearview mirror, we continued westward, pushing towards Gundagai. Long road trips often come with their own set of challenges, and this leg of the journey was no exception. The hours rolled on as we wound through the countryside, passing endless fields and small towns along the way.

Just as the last light of day was fading, we made it to one of Gundagai’s most famous landmarks—The Dog on the Tuckerbox. There’s something special about arriving at a place just in time to soak in its history and significance before darkness takes over.

The famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai NSW

The Night Drive Begins

Our stop in Gundagai was brief, as we had a big day ahead. We needed to cover serious ground overnight to stay on schedule. With a goal of reaching the Barossa Valley the next day for a much-needed van service, we pushed on into the night. Somewhere past Hay, exhaustion caught up with us, and we pulled into a rest stop for a few precious hours of sleep.

The road was relentless, but the adventure was only just beginning!

Road Trip Lessons So Far

  • The best views come with detours. A quick stop can turn into an unforgettable moment—whether it’s gazing at the Three Sisters or racing against the sunset to see an Aussie icon.

  • Time isn’t always on your side. Long drives mean plans can shift, but the journey itself is part of the adventure.

  • Celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Even quick stops—like a glimpse of the Three Sisters or making it to the Dog on the Tuckerbox just before dark—can become some of the most memorable moments.

🚐 What’s the most memorable roadside stop you’ve ever made? Hit reply and let me know!

Next up: Barossa Valley – Wine, Celebrations & Scenic Views! 🍷

In Case You Missed It: B ME HQ Weekly Recap

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Last week's podcast, B ME Podcast 36: Self Care for Busy People - 5 Minute Movement for Energy and Focus, shared a quick and easy way to boost energy and sharpen focus—even on the busiest days. This episode explores how just five minutes of movement can make a big difference in how you feel, helping you stay productive and present without overwhelming your schedule.

🎧 Listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform.

🎥 Watch the video on YouTube:

Weekly Challenge

Your mission for this week, if you choose to accept it, is to do the following:

Take the next step! If you researched last week, now set a date or make a concrete plan. If you scheduled it, take action towards making it a reality. Every big adventure moves forward one step at a time—keep going! Let’s bring your dream to life!

If you need some help, feel free to hit reply - let’s help you get started if you’re stuck!

B ME Bites is deliberately sent on a Friday morning (Aussie time) so that where ever you are in the world, you have the weekend to give yourself the gift of implementing a small change towards a better you. What will that small change be? Is there a change that you have been trying to make and haven’t yet succeeded? Give it another go, applying the above - you can do it!

Resource Roundup

Below is a resource list that has been created with you in mind. Whenever something new that could be helpful is discovered or created, it’s added to the list, so check it out from time to time. If you’re strapped for time, once you open the page below, click on Resource List in the top menu, then click on the “Health Tools” link for a list of items that could be helpful on your path to a better you.

Click on the graphic to access the resources

The answer to this week’s trivia question is:

Answer: a) It strengthens memory and cognitive flexibility

Studies from The Journal of Environmental Psychology suggest that travel exposes the brain to new experiences, which enhances neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. This improves memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility, making travel not just enjoyable but also beneficial for long-term brain health.

Thanks for reading and the hope is that you found something helpful inside this issue. If you did, remember to share it with others whom could also find it helpful, using this link: https://bmebites.beehiiv.com

How did you like the content in this newsletter?

Hit reply and answer either 1,2 or 3, and, if the answer is 2 or 3, give the deets on what would make it a 1 for you!:

  1. Loved it!

  2. It was OK

  3. Meh!

If you have an inspiring story, or a helpful tip or strategy to share, or if there is something specific you would like covered, please fill out the form below so that it can be shared with the community. Please note that this is a subscriber survey, so you may have to subscribe first (hint, hint…… 😉) : https://bmebites.beehiiv.com/forms/8d0dfdd1-4290-4e40-bff9-1f61b812c661

(Or you could also hit reply and give the details that way if it’s easier for you 😄)

Until next week, keep taking one S.T.E.P.S step at a time! (If you missed the issue explaining The S.T.E.P.S Formula, you can check that out here)

Warm regards,

Shari Ware Chief Encouragement Officer at B ME Bites

PS - Here’s a little Friday funny for you!

PPS - B ME Bites is created using the platform Beehiiv. Beehiiv was built by the creators of Morning Brew, so it’s a newsletter platform built by successful newsletter creators and as such, is so easy to use! If you are looking to create your own newsletter and are looking for a great platform, you can check Beehiiv out here. They have a great free plan as well as paid plans when you’re ready to scale.

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