The black dog ride is over. There are a few of us still travelling, some, like me, taking the long road home, others travelling together on smaller groups, but most of the Black Dog Riders have hung up their keys, pulled off their boots and poured themselves a strong cup of tea- or something stronger.

Now is the time to reflect on our experiences together and ask ourselves

“what did we achieve?”

And “what did I gain?”

Feeding mad eyed birds that want to steal my dinner.

Patting wild wombats.

Sitting on the edge of a lake edged by snowy mountains.

Listening to classical music while riding along the Great Lakes, great ocean road and the Grampians.

Whooping at the top of my lungs because it is so beautiful.

Watching bumble bees.

Picking snowbells. Seeing mutton birds who fly 30,000 kms to get to muttonbird island every year. Talking to Tasmanian wallabies.

Watching a giant spotted quoll run across the road(quoll- I love that word).

Catching up with two awe inspiring motor biking ladies who live in the land of the cold and green.

Eating raspberry dumplings, Tasmanian cheese and wine.

Cooking potato chips in Tasmanian butter over the camp fire- yummy, you have to try it.