The Big Dopey Old Bloke is a “moniker” I picked up from the person who has probably got to know me pretty well over the past few years. It’s used as a term of endearment, it’s used as a way of teasing, it’s definitely been used with love, it’s something I have used myself – it’s kind of stuck as “me” now. So rather than fight it, I’ve decided to embrace it.

I’m a 55 year old bloke who has been many things to many people, including …..

a son

a brother

a grandson

a cousin

a nephew

a friend

a teammate

a lover

a husband

a dad

a boss

a poppy

But over the last couple of years, I’ve been asking myself “who actually am I?” All my life I have been something to someone, almost been defined by my relationships with others. This has meant becoming a bit of a chameleon – changing “me” to adapt to where I am and who I am around. Ok, I hear you say, “but we all do this to some degree” – but I think i have become a bit like the main character in one of my favourite children’s books “The Mixed Up Chameleon – by Eric Carle”. I think it’s time I just need to find what my colour is – maybe alter the shade a bit depending on who I am with, but once I’ve discovered it always be true to my colour – be true to myself.

So, I’m off in my fabulous Ford Ranger – camping my way around the coast (and some inland) of Australia. I’m gonna walk, swim, fish, bowl and blog my way around this amazing country. Hopefully seeing some amazing sights, experiencing some awesome places, meeting interesting people, but, most of all ……

I want to find my colour.

I might see you on the road – if not follow my blog as I discover myself and this wide brown land of ours.

Cheers,

BDOB