In the last week COVID-19 restrictions have eased in my part of Australia, allowing for the first time in months, travel within state. After so many weeks of sticking close to home and not really venturing further than the city centre for supplies, it felt strangely surreal to have this new found freedom.
In a twist of fate, a friend who lives in Melbourne was visiting family in the region on the first day regional travel was allowed, so Adam, Paul and myself jumped in the car and went on a little outing…
Our destination was Narrandera, a picturesque little town on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, around an hour’s drive west of Wagga Wagga. It was cold and wet the morning we left, and it felt quite exhilarating to sit in the car and just go – the open road in front of us. Good autumn rain had left the countryside a beautiful, lush shade of green and it was so nice to see stock happily grazing and dams full of water again.
Once we arrived in town we headed to the Red Door Café, which is nestled out the back of beautiful homewares shop, Jaudine Interiors. The weather meant it was much more comfortable to sit inside, but one of my favourite features of the Red Door is its pretty back terrace, full of cane chairs underneath umbrellas and pots and pots of plants and flowers. On a sunny day, it’s simply sublime sitting outside listening to the birds.
The shop itself is a stunning mix of clothing, homewares and furniture in muted, natural colours. I happily looked around the wares on offer, while Adam and Nicole caught up. It felt so decadent to have had a meal out, in a café with a friend, whilst also just browsing non-essential items. Simple pleasures, really can be the most satisfying.
After a lovely morning out we jumped in the car and headed home again. The trip was just a perfect little taste of the ‘outside world’ again and has got me enthused for more outings, both to favourite places I’ve been before and new ones, which are waiting to be discovered.
Have you been venturing out lately? I’d love to know where you’ve been!
Have a wonderful week.
M. x
Wattle and Ash 