A Month Away from the Every Day

Mataranka Springs:Photo courtesy of Micks Pixels

The last bit of sun on Katherine Gorge

You cant escape industry: Iron Ore loading facility just north of Borroloola

I certainly feel like a lucky puppy.

 A whole month away from the hirdy girdy.

No phone reception (well not for Optus users anyway).

No desire to facebook, check email or otherwise be electronically engaged.

Just a desire to enjoy each day as it came deal with alternative challenges such as broken water pumps, flat tyres, smashed camp ovens and children's fights.

We missed out on wretched winter weather at home apparently 10 days of stormy wet weather.

I had no clue as to what was happening in the political world locally, nationally or internationally.

Our little bubble of friends camped under majestic river gums with high tide marks well beyond our reach and on massive flood plains that its hard to imagine the volume of water on the landscape.

We met up with old friends and managed to make some new ones along the way. The kindness of strangers is inspiring and even though its something we try to practice ourselves its still surprises when it comes your way.

Stumbling on Thommo, Duck and Gordo at Yuralla is a perfect example- the offer of the shearers quarters and a hot shower was irresistible, they shared a 'sherbet' with the hot thirsty travellers. lit the 'donkey' for our hot water and generally made sure we were comfortable. Directions the next morning set us back on track with a memory worth savouring.

How can you not be impressed with the ever changing landscape of Australia. Litchfield National Park was a stand out for me as well as Mataranka and the road through Gulf country from Borroloola to Bourketown was magnificent with its many river crossings and sandy camp spots just waiting to be enjoyed.

Of course the crew was great to sharing the cooking and decision making, being supportive when things went wrong rather than getting impatient and grumpy.

But sadly its back to this other reality, work, study, the daily chores but at least there is always another adventure to look forward to and adventures to reflect fondly on.