Turn Left For Humpback Highway

Ever think of running away to a remote part of the Western Australian coast and living on a diet of wind and waves at the edge of the desert? Fredrik Plantin makes the case for a simple, salty life.

- Fredrik Plantin

Sweden. October. It’s the time of the year when it’s starting to get dark. People are walking faster, it’s raining, and it’s getting colder. Did I pack enough fins? The reef can be nasty. Did I pack ding stick? The reef can be nasty. Did I pack a first aid kit? The reef can be .... nasty. Me – “Adam, you all set? I’ll pick you up in 15.” Adam – “Yo, just need to pack, shorts, shades & flip flops right?” Me – “Eh, yea...see you soon!”

I felt a bit stressed. I’m sure I explained in detail that we are going to a remote place hours away from the nearest store with no possibility to “pick something up” if needed. Just having shade and enough water is crucial to being able to survive there. He was having a laugh. Dude was more kitted out than me. Off we go.

Getting older, I need a good sleep at night and finding flights optimised for all the time zones we fly through is always tricky. It’s 20 hours travelling before we land. Luckily we get all the gear on for free, window seat as well, nice. A Singapore sling before take off, don’t mind if I do.

Touchdown, feeling like a run over hedgehog, but at least the gear made the transfer. Can’t say that I’m looking forward to the 10 hour drive to the last supermarket before hitting the desert but hey, I know it’s worth it. I think I counted five turns from leaving Perth to parking at the campsite. Getting a driver’s license in Western Australia outside Perth cannot be a significant obstacle in life.