Today's adventure began, as many good adventures do, with chocolate. That is, with a random Facebook notification about a new artisanal chocolate factory which opened up in the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne. I had been into the area once before with a friend to hike the famous 1,000 step track, but we hadn't ventured further than that. But I knew I could get there on the train, and from the station we had seen a few buses which went up higher, so I decided at some point I would head up and find the chocolate shop sweetly titled "Only Mine".

Last night I did some very light research to make sure the chocolate factory would be open, and browsed the map to see what else was around and reachable by bus. There were a few small towns marked on the map, and three or four different gardens or parks, but nothing that truly jumped out. Only Mine was in the further town (village?), so I decided I would make that my first destination and let the day unfold from there.

Though the morning dawned fairly grey, my weather app assured me the chance of rain was below 5%. I grabbed some water, dried apricots, and a book, along with my daily staples (cash/phone/key etc.) and headed off to the train station. Already, I was smiling. I do love embarking on adventures!

My audiobook kept me occupied on the 45 minute train ride, but I was getting a little anxious as we neared my stop since my phone informed me that the bus I needed to catch would leave about a minute after we arrived. Although I do enjoy making use of public transportation, a slight delay on any part of the trip can leave you hanging - the next bus was an hour later. Happily, in my first pleasant surprise of the day, the bus was waiting right at the exit to the station.

As we wound our way up into the mountains, I noted a few shops in the first village that looked interesting for further inspection on the way back down. My excitement grew a bit too quickly though, because as I stepped out at the second village called Olinda, I realized that everything was closed! Fortunately, it was only because I was too early - I guess most tourists aren't early morning people. I was sort of meandering down the main street away from the shops when I was passed by a group in active-wear. A quick peek at my phone showed I had already wandered a little way towards the Botanical Gardens and a larger recreational area near the town. Figuring it would kill some time, I walked the twenty minutes or so to the gardens which were just opening when I arrived.

I was rather surprised to see about twenty people already waiting at the gate! For the botanical gardens… I mean, I enjoy gardens and flowers but I didn't expect this particular place to be extremely exciting. Cue the second pleasant surprise of the day - as I walked through the gates, letting the people with large cameras forge ahead, I had to stop for a minute and gawp. Laid out before me was a gorgeous spread of brightly colored flowers, hedges, terraces, gazebos…and the map promised kilometers of walking trails with wonders around each corner. I delightedly set off on a path which none of the others had chosen, and let myself get utterly lost. Okay, not really lost, but there were so many little paths and trails, with occasional maps to show where you'd ended up. I spent a good hour and a half wandering, taking pictures, and reveling in the beauty all around me. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but I really did revel. I think it's good to let yourself get lost in wonder as often as you can. That said, one can only revel so much before the realization hits that you haven't had coffee yet. I headed back to town to see what was open.

Before I could make it to coffee, or even chocolate, my attention was drawn by a sign for a bookshop. I couldn't resist, and as I walked in I was immediately charmed. Partly because as soon as I set foot inside I was greeted by the softest and most loving Kelpie dog! Trixie and I spent some time getting acquainted, as her owner (also the shop owner) welcomed me to her store. I cannot tell you how much, in that moment, I wanted her life. The bookstore was clearly a passion project, thoughtfully stocked and beautifully laid out, and her dog was the best customer service employee ever. A not-so-small voice in my head declared "I want this", and then the slightly more reasonable voice in my head added, "later in life, after I build up some savings". Many of you will probably shake your head and laugh reading that. I know I did.

Finally, I pulled myself away from the books and the dog and made my way the ten extra steps to the place which had pulled me here in the first place - Only Mine. I have to tell you, it was not at all a let-down. I'm not sure how many pleasant surprises I have numbered already, but this was definitely another one. Though it was tough to choose, my home-made salted caramel gelato sandwiched between two home-made brownie cookies was decadent and delicious, and went perfectly with a latte. Yes, I had dessert before lunch. You can do that when you are on an adventure!

Before I got too carried away, I checked the bus schedule and found I had about thirty minutes before the next bus which would take me to the first town I had passed through, charmingly called Sassafras. Since the bus only ran about once an hour, I decided to get on the next one so as to have plenty of time to explore before the shops closed at 5 - it was already 2! So, after poking my nose into a few more small shops I said goodbye to Olinda with the comforting thought "I can always come back". This thought helps me often, even when applied to faraway places, because if I really want to return I know I can make it happen.

I was a little more prepared for the quaint charm of Sassafras after my experience in Olinda, but here too I continued to be surprised. Though I had seen a few shops that I wanted to explore, the first thing that caught my eye after I got off the bus was a sign pointing to a walking trail. Right off the main street, a small parking lot contained a worn sign giving a bit of information on the bush trail that apparently stretched all the way to the next village over. I wasn't ready for 15 kilometers, but there was supposed to also be a small loop trail as well, so I set off. As I descended a long set of stairs, I came to a fork with absolutely no signage. There are moments on any adventure where uncertainty can make you want to turn back, and in these moments it is really important to listen to your gut. I decided to keep going, knowing I could always just walk for a bit and then retrace my steps if I never found any signs. This little bush walk may have been the best gift of the day. I don't know if it was the fact that I hadn't known it existed, or that it was so close to town and yet worlds away, but something about this little walk filled me with joy. As I wandered, I thought "I wish I could share this exact feeling with everyone I know who is wary of solo adventures." I even composed part of a Facebook post about the day in my head (something I embarrassingly do with fair regularity) which read "the world is a marvelous playground, and sometimes the most magical moments happen when you are alone." Yes, I really wrote that in my head, and I believe it.

Suddenly, my path hit a main road and I finally found a very old sign pointing me back up the same path to get to Sassafras. I must have missed the loop trail, but I was happy to retrace my steps while dreaming of something delicious for lunch.

After meandering up and down the main street (really the only street with shops) I came to a small gallery/shop in a shipping container set within a plant nursery with the most gorgeous prints! I wanted everything in the shop, but as I was chatting with the lovely saleswoman a perfect little lemon tart was delivered to her from the bakery next door. It turns out it was her first day watching the shop for the owner, and this was a little surprise thank you gift. I love moments like this, even when they aren't for me! That settled my lunch decision, and I made my way next door before I could spend all my money. Something inside me must have known all these little shops existed because I had randomly decided to leave my credit card at home for this adventure.

Lunch was another marvel, not only for the delicious food and unlimited sparkling water, but because all around the edges of the café they had old food and wine magazines. I randomly picked one up and was immediately transported to Hungary, where I learned all about the golden wine Tokaji. Though printed in 2004, nothing in the magazine felt out of date and I stayed long after my toasted sandwich became only crumbs in order to finish reading all of the interesting articles. If you are wondering about the lemon tart, don't worry - I still had chocolate in my system from the morning's indulgence, so I refrained from any more sweets.

A bit more wandering and all the shops began to close. It was time to return to the bus stop in front of Miss Marple's Tea Room which would take me to the train station, and then home. As I walked the few blocks back to the house, I smiled at all the flowers leaning over their fences at me as if to say, "you don't have to go to a botanical garden to see beautiful things". It's true, beauty is everywhere when you have the right eyes to see it.

Now I'm home, curled up on the couch watching the light fade outside, with tired legs and a slight residual sugar rush, already planning a return trip before I leave. What a truly wonderful day!