One of the more important pillars of this trip was to learn how to lead a simpler life; more sustainable and less materialistic. I have come a long way from the days of designer handbags, expensive jewellery and grand cru classes . But I am far from being cured! It is easy to live austerely when one lives on a farm 3 hours away from the nearest shop; we make do with what we have and it is mind-blowing how the simplest things take on dimensions of awesome and amazing. We have however been on the road these past few weeks travelling from the Northern Territories to the exotic beaches of Queensland and our resolve has been but to the test with the temptations of delicious Japanese restaurants, deserted private islands, luxury yachts and expensive boutiques. I am glad to announce that even though there were lapses, all-in-all, we did relatively well. We enjoy eating, drinking and beautiful things. How does one reconcile this with leading a simpler life? Well, the two aren't completely incongruent... Bearing in mind that "Less is More" and each experience or thing should be enjoyed to it's fullest potential, we can still enjoy the pleasures in life without over-jeopardising the principles. We have put together a procedure regarding future family purchases.
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The idea came to seed whilst sitting around the dining table listening to our Shell friend, Thor, debate with the anti-fracking community at Speargrass and hearing about his uncle's adventures driving from Scotland to New Zealand after the Second World War.. We are currently traveling around Australia living with sustainable communities, learning about regenerative ecosocial models in a Mitsubishi Pajero + camper trailer that has consumed 2,400 liters of non renewable fossil fuel and emitted 2,880 kg of CO2 across 12,000 kms. Needless to say, there is something wrong with this picture. So, we are putting together a corrective plan to dump the Pajero for a greener solution. The idea would be to finish our lap around Australia then drive to France in a Solar or Electric vehicle, stopping in farms and communities as we have been doing, and adding the dimension of renewable energy mobility.. Solar would be our solution of choice; free, clean and available (when there is sun)! But electric seems to be a more accessible solution.
Well, this is just a little brain drizzle from our initial research. Can our more knowledgeable and well connected friends please help us make this happen!! If you know anyone in the industry or would be interested in working on this with us, please email : [email protected] / call +61 (0) 415938856. Headline credit to : Olivier Brauen, who called from the US with project planning advise.... (Which reminds me of one of his favorite phrases when we were in Michelin together "Ideas are easy; it's all about EXECUTION!!"
POSITION VACANT : Remote off-grid farm 250km South of Darwin seeks family to take over 3-room house with mature gardens, trees, solar power and water. If you are nice, a couple of goats and ducks may be thrown into the package too. Applicants should possess a gigantic sense of humor, love good healthy food and share a passion for deep philosophical existential debates. Terms of lease, duration and participation are fully negotiable. Interested applicants with the appropriate skills may apply by phone Tel : 897 54679 or in person at Speargrass Farm (directions below). Email applications will NOT be entertained.
There is great potential to set up a retreat or educational centre, grow and sell processed and fresh produce in Darwin etc…. All of which can easily be implemented. But, we aren't ready for it yet. We are only at the start of the journey and there is still so much to learn. Speargrass is sobriete heureuse in action and we are grateful to Luke & Laura for giving us a glimpse of what we may be able to accomplish in the future. Preparing Garden Beds : Benoit's favorite past-time is making compost (layers of Goat & cow poo + Decomposing Cane-toad + banana leaves + Hay + water & wait 6 weeks) + Mulch
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