This episode is about following the call of the heart and my guest today Heather Hillier, is a woman who did this with grace and ease. A humble yet tenacious Canadian who embarked on an incredible journey of the heart and spirit back in 2015. Upon meeting her Aussie love interest filmmaker Matty Hannon, she joined his ambitious surf adventure of travelling from Alaska to Patagonia on motorbike and documented the whole journey in the hopes to make a film. Heather joined the trip starting in Puerto Escondido, Mexico and headed South riding a motorcycle for 9 months. Then, they had an urge to connect deeper to the environment and switched to horseback for the remainder of the trip, with Heather travelling for another 6 months, finishing in Pucon, Chile, while Matty continued on to the southernmost accessible point of the Americas. Their film ‘Road to Patagonia’ has now been released and screened across Australia and overseas, winning copious accolades and awards. It is a breath-taking exploration of humanity’s current connection to the natural world, told with the intimacy of their blossoming romance and hardships and joys on the road.
Heather’s background in regenerative farming and permaculture, ensured that the prospect of such an epic adventure was too tantalising to pass up. Not having any motorbike experience might have deterred many people but no obstacle was too hard for her and she made it her reality. She talks frankly about romanticising the idea of riding both motorbikes and horses, and how this idealised view crumbled with the actual reality, forcing her to readjust her mindset and approach to the whole experience.
Once the couple were on horseback, their responsibilities grew tremendously, as having to find food and water for the horses everyday was challenging. But this shift of connecting more to the natural world, also ensured they showed respect for the locals and indigenous communities. They also had to remain humble as they were being guided by the weather patterns and terrain instead of their predetermined plans.
I was struck by Heather’s sense of openness when it comes to making bold decisions about one's life. Her take is that all women are capable of doing a trip like this, if only we weren’t warned of the dangers before even setting foot. Coupled with Heather’s stoic approach to doing hard things, there is a beautiful softness and appreciation for other people, creatures, and energies that exist outside of her own, making the trip undeniably formative in shaping who she is.
We also unpack the trials and tribulations of motherhood, the frustrations that arise when travelling and working with your partner and lover, and of course about the film which they made together while travelling. We recorded this episode before the film was released so admittedly it was some time ago, but Heather’s insights are timeless and I thought the episode was still relevant to share. The film (Garage Entertainment, Madman) is currently screening and is a must-see. I myself was absolutely blown off my feet when I saw it, I laughed, cried, and felt completely inspired to learn from this incredible couple.
PLUS DISCOUNTS!! If you like the headwear that Heather was wearing on her trip, they were made by sustainable Aussie hat brand Will and Bear, who have generously offered this community a 20% discount off their products. Head to their website and use the code SUNSMITH20 at checkout.
Show Notes:
Heather’s Instagram
Matty’s Instagram
Road to Patagonia website
Now screening at these cinemas
Will & Bear - Sustainable Hats
Moved By Nature Instagram
Sunsmith Website
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