A week at Mothar Mountain to kick off our tour and the first of six stops on the South East Queensland (mini leg) so we could get into the groove and rhythm of touring, test and adjust our gear.
Veterans Retreat was also a much needed respite from the build up, tour preparation, fundraising and heartbreaking decision to cancel our pre-tour fundraising event which was set to be festivalesque mindfulness through music gig.
Tour Journal
- Helped Fed the animals daily, Chooks, horses
- Woke up to serenity
- Had the opportunity to have some respite and recharge
- Saw a snake, sheep & donkey
- Kids played with Kylie’s kids
- Picnic & play at the town park
- Visit local wine region and the birthplace of Invisible Injuries @kilkivan & goomeri
- Had amazing pies & sausage rolls at Goomeri bakery
- Met a group of 1RAR & 3RAR veterans who were catching up and reconnecting after many years (Nigel, Andrew, Noah Mango - Indigenous, Shane - Indigenous)
- Completed voluntary farm work tasks set by VR
- Assisted in welcoming a veteran and his dog (Nathan ex 6RAR & Finn) who accidentally found themselves in a homeless situation in need of help...(young veterans network)
- Checked out Mothar Mountain Rockpools
- Family bush walk & photography
- Visited Dingo creek vineyard
- Had a guitar & harmonica jam with Shane (Indigenous Veteran)
- Listened to Nathan play his guitar
- More awareness on equine therapy
- Meet, greet and recorded podcast with Tina Joy - founder of support group for veteran supporter
- Recorded podcast with Kate McDougal, Ex-Army medic, equine ambassador & VR farmhand
- Talked suicide awareness with Kate
- Took the kids roller skating for first time
- Family weekend outing with VR hosts checking out local community hall 100th birthday
- Insitu installation of SOG ventilation system in caravan.
- Discovered the spitfire caterpillar
Daily Routines
- Help feed animals
- Farm tasks
- Respite and healing
- Learn to slow down and reconnect
- Weeding gardens
Amenities
- Camping & caravaning
- Off grid & limited power
- BYO drinking water
- Cassette dump point and water refill off site
- Take home your rubbish
- Recycling station
- Common room with kitchenette & cooking facilities
- Shared Shower and Toilet cubicle
- Clothes washing facilities
- Gym, mobility & yoga area
- Pool area
- Emergency accommodation - RSL /ESO welfare
- Hosting of wellness weekends
- Campfires permitted IAW local fire laws and VR policy
- Animal sponsorship & donations
- Mobile reception works best with Telstra
Out of bounds
- Main residence
- Paddocks as marked by staff
Staff
- Kylie James - Owner / Founder
- Kate McDougal - Farm Hand
- Ryker & Marley - Kylie’s kids
