This is a special adventure. A destination wedding and what a unique journey.

A bus was chartered and in we all rocked. There are about 60 of us. We are headed onto property about 50 minutes from where we are staying at the Whitsundays. Lots of winding roads.

We’re driving past sugar cane that has just been harvested. We’re going onto private property and over cattle grids to arrive here. We are miles from anywhere. Quintessential Australia.

Wow! Our own personal piece of paradise. No neighbours to complain about the noise here. We are in the middle of nowhere.

I haven’t been on a bus in years. The larger buses make life a bit easier to get in. Loads of hand rails and they even had a mini step in case you can’t tackle the large one at the front door. That’s new to me. Phew I’m on! Those gym workouts are paying off already. In I go. I have my trusty walking stick with me for balance and lots of people wanting to help.

My scooter goes under the bus into the hold.

Practical planning

When I packed for this I was asked why I had so much stuff. You can see the bag there to the right in the photo. There it is big and practical with a zipper. 

I laugh as mum plans a lot like this. We used to ask if she had packed the kitchen sink. She was so practical. 

I’d packed leggings and a cardie in case it got cold. I had a linen jacket in case the sun got too hot. I brought a walking stick in case there were stairs to get in the toilet. The hat goes without say.

The plan paid off. The weather was perfect but the breeze was cool. The couldn’t get the scooter into the toilets so I left it outside. 

For my evening dress I made sure that it even thought it was long that it wouldn’t get caught in the wheels. It was long but there was still a gap so it wasn’t catching my feet. I tested it beforehand to figure out the best way to scooter.

Just as well I made all those practical plans. The shoulder strap on the dress broke during the night and the jacket was a lifesaver! Putting on the leggings helped stave off the sandflies that are merciless around these parts. 

Tackling grassy slopes

Travelling on grass can be tricky when it is on a slope. There were a few times there that I had to ask someone to lean onto the handlebars to stop it tipping back or going sideways. Sometimes the wheels will slide. A great way to meet people. The problem happens more when the grass is spongy. Some make you sink in so much the scooter won’t move. 

Going downhill on grassy slopes is easier but needs to be tackled slowly. I sometimes put my foot out in case it wants to tip. Look for the shortest grass. Slow slow slow like you are going over 5-10 cms at a time until you reach a flat surface.

Stay sober stay safe have fun

I only ever have around one glass of wine at a function. Sober is your friend. The thing is if you have mobility issues and are a falls risk you don’t want to take any chances of falling. I went for a sugar rush instead. Thank you M&Ms l. So of course there I am on the dance floor… ok to the side of the dance floor. I’m standing up with the mobility scooter under me hanging onto the handlebars. I’ve got my walking stick in the air like I just don’t care. Ha ha but if you saw me carving up the dance floor you’d just have to laugh. Hey, if you can’t mix it up amongst family and friends when can you. I don’t care, just having fun.

Getting home in one piece

I spoke with the owner of the property to get back. I couldn’t go on the grass at night. It’s so dark and way too dangerous. They grabbed the scooter and put it on the back of a buggy to take me up to the waiting bus. Cool! I’m glad I asked.

Today I was reminded of things I often just do to make things work. I go to the gym to maintain what I have and stop muscle wastage. I know the capabilities of my scooter and when I’ll need help. Being sober is your friend so less chance of falling over. Dance dance dance…ok maybe the word dance isn’t quite accurate but just cause I have a disability doesn’t mean I’m a wallflower. 

Dezzie 2024

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