After almost a week in a tent, I couldn’t have been more excited to have booked what looked totally luxe like (thanks airbnb) next.

The plan was a month near Byron Bay….the reality, around 40 minutes away in Mullumbimby Creek (which I was about to discover is on the farrrrr side of Mullumbimby).

Did I tell you yet that accomodation options are limited when travelling with best friend (dog style)? Please expect me to remind you in very single post :).

Back to our stay in “Mullum”.

We arrived to our new property via a private road entrance with incredible views out to the hinterland…...I felt soooo fancy! Also the welcome featured:

1. High thread count linen that had me giddy with joy (truth)

2. When Chilli met George, the resident Great Dane, she did her best to assert authority……which basically meant she was outraged & used her voice to show it

3. I took one look at our ‘hosts’ ruddy face and slightly dishevelled demeanour and got his measure (child of a raging alcoholic = self certified expert!)

Ok, I thought….we’ve got the whole bottom floor, once we get settled ‘she’ll be right mate’

Buuuut, as it went, despite the truly comfie set up, we could hear every step George took above us & so naturally Chilli did her thing….. alerting me to any and all movements.

My nervous system went into high alert. Oh gawd, we’re in trouble here I thought.

Within 24 hours I found myself desperately looking for a more easy going land lord (he did start with tolerance but after a few vino’s ‘your dog has a barking disorder’ came my way).

And so it was that I walked into the local pet store, begging for help, at which point it transpired that Garmin have released a “Bark Limiter”.

Honestly, I don’t like my bestie having her voice quietened. But since my alternative accomodation search came up empty - I will admit it was a relief that the collar was effective!

Deep breaths, only 4 weeks to go of this I thought….

And so days passed and in time my nerves calmed.

The views from my desk were enough to make me even want to stay. So we did.

While Bryon was a bit of a hike, I quickly worked out that early starts meant sunrise on the beach. Ocean swims. Fresh air. So most days began on the white sands of Brunswick or Byron, the km’s worth driving.

Mullum itself is a comfortable mix of grunge and glamour, high end restaurants and homelessness. A fairly quiet main street and a busy pub. Oh and a very Bali like bathhouse, which while it wasn’t the cleanest of establishments got a big tick from me.

This early chapter of nomad life had lots to like.

Reliable wifi.

My own ‘office’ (with incredible views).

Close friends nearby (so special).

Sunshine, great coffee and yummy wholesome eats.

A new butterfly tattoo (in what has become a Byron Bay tradition for me).

Driving through stunning landscapes, sunsets over the hinterland, and lots of dog friendly beach walks.

On the other hand, Mr Ruddy face turned out to struggle respecting our privacy. And I found myself never quite relaxing in our ‘home’ away from home. Especially as Chilli refuses to do what I say and I was freaking out he would catch her on the bed. Or the lounge. Or smoking inside (haha).

While the Byron Bay vibes will always have my heart….knowing the next stop was a self contained cottage, made our departure welcome.

So four weeks after we drove down that private road, there was no regrets as we packed up the Mazda and prepared to get back on the road.

….it’s just a shame that on our final morning walk…I dropped my car keys….and they were never to be seen again.

…..thank you NRMA for breaking into my car to give me access to my suitcase.

…..thank you self for packing the spare car key on our travels.

…..thank you universe for me dropping the car key on the one day when the spare was actually in the car!

And so a few hours after plan, it was time to move on to our next stop of mission #nomadat50files

Lessons learned:

1. Don’t book accomodation with a shared floor or wall (or booze problem!)

2. Byron Bay is thoroughly awesome for dogs - the stretch of off leash area on the main beach is amazing

3. Crystal Castle IS worth a visit

4. Doma cafe in Federal too

Bye bye Byron & Mullum.

And bye bye bark collar!

Much love Yvette & Chilli