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Spear Creek… the sauna (Part 9)

Spear Creek... the sauna (Part 9)

31st December 2013

Yesterday evening I photographed the sunset from the rise above my room. A young man from Melbourne about my son’s age came and watched it also. It was hot, the ants were particularly friendly and found my feet and legs a great place to explore. Much and all as it was nice to have a companion to watch the sun glide behind the clouds and ultimately behind the ranges, it would also have been great to have been alone so that I could whip my sarong off and give it a good shake to get rid of those ants who were a little more adventurous than their friends.

Today is the last day of the year; a day of contemplation for me as it is for many others. Looking back at the previous 12 months was an interesting indeed. What a journey we are all on and how lovely to be seeing the year out doing something that brings me such a wonderful sense of peace.

As I sit out on the deck having my morning coffee it is very warm already. The dappled sunshine through the canopy of the bush has a sting in it which promises that the predicted heat wave is indeed on its way. Even the birds are a little quiet and lethargic this morning. I have a sense of sadness that I will soon be leaving this beautiful place. I have not decided yet what I am going to do from here. Will I go on to another place, or will I head back the city? I know which my heart prefers though I must be practical and consider finances.

I am a little disappointed that I’ve not seen any lizards, goannas or snakes. I am sure they have been there but I’ve just not been aware of them, after all I did manage to miss seeing a roo under a bush a couple of days ago, didn’t I? I hear the echo of “city girl” in my mind, a name a dear friend uses to taunt me.

As the day progresses temperature soars. I do not wander too far today, content to stay tucked inside my room, watching some tennis and soaking up the air conditioning. At around 3.30 disaster strikes…there is a power outage. At around 4 I take a walk to check and make sure that it is not just my room which has no electricity. Sharon tells me that she has had a call saying that the power will probably not be back on until about 1am. 1am!!! What?? It is the fourth time since Christmas that the power had failed so she is pretty certain that they are just covering themselves in saying it will be that long. The other outages had not been that long. As I talk to her 2 vans pull out of the park. Obviously they are not too keen on being in this heat without power.

The young man who watched the sunset with me last evening came over to join us. He asked Sharon if you she had any recommendations for where he could stay in Coober Pedy the next day. She looked at him as though she thought that he had totally lost his marbles. “You do realise that they are predicting around 48 – 49 degrees for there tomorrow, don’t you?” He assured her that yes he did know that but he was on a fairly tight schedule and if he wanted to fit all he planned in he needed to keep moving. She shook her head at him, speechless. Yep, he had obviously lost his marbles.

The afternoon crawls slowly into evening. The heat is increasing, the wind hot and blasting. It is hot and uncomfortable on my deck but even worse inside my room where there is absolutely no air movement whatsoever. I am not too concerned, as I expect that the power will come back on any moment. I prepare my New Year’s Eve celebration dinner of porterhouse steak, new potatoes, coleslaw and tomato. I thank the bush in a toast with a nice cold whiskey and coke. Still no electricity.

After dinner is finished I walk up the rise to watch the sunset. Below me the lights of Port Augusta twinkle back at me. Well at least someone had power! The air is so still it feels like it is closing in on me. The mosquitos are starting to buzz around me. I think back to the days when we used to collect cow manure and burn it to keep the mozzies away. Anything to occupy the mind.

Back on my deck I fix another drink and use my torch to read by. The insects swarm around immediately. Well, that is not an option then. Eventually I decide that it is better to be inside in the sweat box and able to read than outside in the mozzies. The room is stifling. It is a lovely room, don’t get me wrong, but it is designed to be used in conjunction with air conditioning. I have my first cold shower. Before the night is over I have another 2. I decide to write some of my blog on my laptop… the battery needs recharging. My phone battery is getting low also. The wonders of technology!

Eventually at around 11pm I decide that there is nothing else to do but try to sleep. I have another cold shower and lay down on my bed willing sleep to come quickly. Of course, it doesn’t. Midnight comes and goes, no power; 1am, no power eventually at around 2am I manage to doze.

Oh, by the way, Happy New Year……….

To be continued….

Spear Creek… a trip to town! (Part 8)

Spear Creek... a trip to town! (Part 8)

I took a drive into Port Augusta, a little concerned about the rattle that at times sounded a little like something was going to fall apart under my bonnet. My poor little Mazda was not very happy.
Upon arrival in the township I drove around trying to remember where the street was that you turn into to get to Trevor’s workshop. I had been there a few times before and can picture the street in my mind but how to actually get there eludes me. Of course, I have no address, not even a phone number. Trevor is a friend on face book and I had actually contacted him via there to arrange his assistance.

Eventually, after a phone call to my future daughter in law who is a born and bred Port Augusta girl currently holidaying in Qld, I found Trevor’s workshop. The day was very warm indeed but this did not stop the ever present smile on Trevor’s face. He would be busy for a couple of hours, could I come back at 2. Of course, I had my camera with me so I was more than happy to take a drive around the town and look for interesting sights.

First of all the railway yards. When I was in town for Christmas I saw the Ghan there but did not stop to photograph it. Yep, you guessed it, it was not there today when I had all the gear. Just goes to show, never let a chance go by! I did manage to snap some of the other engines though so it was not a wasted visit.

There are many interesting spots in Port Augusta. How could there not be with the beautiful Flinders Ranges as a back drop, the bridges and the esplanade. I received many stares from curious locals as I wandered around with my camera gear. It was very tempting to join the youngsters splashing and laughing in the water under their parents watchful eyes. Many of the shady trees were occupied by picnickers, a wonderful relaxed summer’s day. The boats out on the harbour floated lazily. One however was looking rather unfortunate. I think the owner may not have allowed for the tide when he moored it…it was lying on its side, mostly above the water line. I bet the skipper was not too happy when he spotted that mistake!

The Pastoral was a great place for a lunch of crumbed butter fish and a chance to watch some of the Hopman Cup (can’t miss an opportunity to catch some tennis at this time of year). A couple of delicious lemon lime and bitters and I was back off to Trev’s place where he solved the problem in no time. It appeared that when the mechanic in Adelaide replaced my shock absorbers a couple of weeks earlier he had not tightened the nuts on the top of them. The rough roads had worked them looser and hence the rattle. Thank goodness it was nothing more serious than that. Thank goodness also that I actually knew a mechanic in the town. Very fortunate indeed. It was lovely to drive back out to Spear Creek with not a hint of a noise from under the bonnet.

Upon arrival back at camp I decided to go for a walk. There were several vehicles in the park, with various forms of camping equipment. As I approached ‘my’ tree I smiled at a little girl in a pink Barbie dress and said “Hi” to her Mum. They had a caravan set up where my tent had been just a couple of days before. The little girl immediately asked what my name was and where I ‘lived’. I told her my name and said that until recently I had lived in a tent just where her home was and that the tree she was sitting under was ‘my’ tree. She laughed at me and said that I could share it with her. Her Mum was quite fascinated that I was camping on my own and very interested to hear about my experience so far. She was from Derby in WA and knew of the stations that I lived on as a child in the Kimberly region. A small world indeed. She and her husband had decided that it was time to just pack up and travel. They are certainly braver than I would have been. There are 6 of them and a dog in their van. The oldest child is starting year 8 in 2014 and the youngest, the little girl, kindergarten. Mum is going to home school them via School of the Air in WA. I smiled to myself and wished her luck, remembering my time as a School of the Air student doing lesson via the radio. I’ll bet things have changed considerably with the advances in technology since I was 7 or 8.

To be continued…..

Camping in Nature…

Camping in Nature…

I dream of going camping
Of laying gazing at the stars
Searching for hidden treasures
Maybe Jupiter and Mars

Maybe the moon will be shining
Illuminating the night
Silvery hues on Mother Nature
What a wondrous sight

I love to gaze into a campfire
Transfixed by leaping flames
Drawing strength from its beauty
Ever respectful all the same

To feel the velvet warmth
Of the night air envelop me
As a sweet delicate lover
Whose embrace comforts me

I would love to have the company
Of one who sees natures as I see
Though I will go alone
If none choose to accompany me

I do not fear the darkness
For I’ve discovered it’s my friend
It embraces me wholeheartedly
Like a long lost friend

I so love Mother Nature
In both darkness and in light
Her beauty constantly astounds me
In her essence I delight

She offers me strength to draw on
Asking nothing in return
But for me to appreciate her
And not her beauty spurn

I never take for granted
The wonder of my surrounds
For it’s in constant transformation
In sight and touch and sound

Airborne creatures I watch in wonder
Wishing I too could fly
Into the wild blue yonder
Floating gliding serenely by

I love the bugs and lizards
The ants and all their friends
Though I prefer they stay in territory
And not in my bed

I hope one day soon I can go camping
To satisfy this yen
And maybe I will feel
More balanced and tranquil then.

Trish Johnston 2nd March 2011

Spear Creek…On a more serious note. Part 7

Spear Creek...On a more serious note. Part 7

30th December 2013

Oh, what bliss to wake up this morning and hear the wind outside while I am in my luxurious little room. It makes one feel quite smug until I think about the fact that I came out here to camp and what I am doing now is certainly not tenting. Oh well, at least I had a good night’s sleep last night and the toilet is much closer for the middle of the night call out.

Yesterday afternoon I took a drive up into the ‘real’ bush camping area of Spear Creek. I sat for some time in amongst the beautiful old trees in the dry creek bed. It is difficult to imagine water flowing through the creek but it is obvious that it does from time to time as there is debris caught in various places along the way.

As I sat giving myself over to the energy of the land I heard voices drifting on the air. It is true that we leave an energetic ‘footprint’ where ever we go in life. Here at Spear Creek there are many such energies, however the strongest are those of the aborigines of old. Their spirits linger in this place where they lived many years ago. I see camp fires burning, children playing, women chattering while they work, men working pieces of wood with stone axes and flint knives. A peaceful and contented scene. I feel that in other areas of the property there has been unrest. I do not know the history of the area but I know from within that this is quite a significant place in the indigenous history of the area.

I drive back through the gate, feeling very honoured to have been given an insight into this wonderful place. As I stop to open the gate I hear my Dad’s voice telling me that you always leave a gate as you find it. Never pass through a closed gate without closing it again after you. This became second nature to me and my siblings at a very early age but not everyone had the same education. I see that the gate on the walking track had been opened and closed but the latch had not been fastened. Some people have obviously not experienced just how clever horses really are.

My next stop is the shearing shed. The first thing that hit me was the smell. How familiar that was! Lanoline in its most natural form. Somehow a shearing shed always smells dusty also. As I walk through I remember playing in the shearing shed on our family property, the holding pens where the sheep were kept awaiting selection by the shearer, the chutes down which the sheep were released after they had been shorn. Outside in the yards there are a couple of sheep, I wonder are they there for slaughtering, crutching or what the reason is. I see a stand of lamb marking cradles where the young male sheep are held to be castrated, once again the memories rise of days in the yards as a child, when castrating, tail docking and ear marking were the day’s activities. Those stories are worthy of their own telling somewhere down the track.

The shed is on a rise on the property and the views are wonderful. One side are the Flinders Ranges and the other side the ocean at Port Augusta. Not far from the shed there is a house. What a glorious place to live.

I return to the deck at the front of my unit which juts out into the bush. What a pleasure it was to sit out there and listen to the Kookaburras laughing at me. A barbeque to cook my sausages on while I enjoy my evening drink, life doesn’t get much better. Well, at this stage I think the only thing that could actually make it better would be to have someone special by my side who understands my love for the bush and how I will forever be called to places like this to restore the balance within… the serenity.

To be continued…

Spear Creek… Not again!!! Chaos and Solitude Part 6

2013-12-29 07.09.41-1

29th December 2013

Okay, now this is getting past a joke. Every time I settle back into my comfort zone here something comes along to bring me out of it again. Last night was very cool, in fact I would say cold. I snuggled down under my beautiful mink lion blanket, fully clothed as well and then before I went to sleep I had to fetch my sleeping bag out the boot of the car and opened it up and spread it over me as well. Nice and snug I went off to sleep for a few hours.

I was woken at about 3am by the wind… again. I was not too concerned as I had come through the previous extremely winding night without any problems, but it was still difficult to sleep. I dozed off and on until about 4.45 when it was obvious that the wind was picking up and the gusts were becoming stronger and stronger. As I lay there wondering just how strong my tent actually was one of the guy ropes was pulled out of the ground. Now I had a problem. I knew that the best thing to do would be to remove the fly completely as it offered the most resistance to the wind. The trick though was how on earth was I going to be able to do that on my own? Visions of Mary Poppins floating through the air with her umbrella came to mind. That was ridiculous of course because I would never have the grace and poise of good old Mary; I would go kicking and screaming with no sign of the beautiful serene smile that she managed.

Another guy rope let go, the peg flying through the air. The wind began to get in underneath the tent, I could feel the air mattress lifting and dropping under me. This was quickly becoming less than fun. I worked out that the wind was coming in cycles so I waited for the next strong blow and as soon as it let up I unzipped the tent and clambered out. Thank goodness it had been cold enough to sleep fully dressed!

I thought that the tent looked like a contortionist from where I lay inside… that was nothing compared to how it looked from the outside. The fly had to come off before the wind either wrecked it or blew it away completely. Thank goodness I didn’t have an audience as I was taking the fly down. I am sure that to an observer it would have been quite entertaining; in fact a couple of times I even chuckled myself, or may it was that I was verging on hysteria.
Once the fly was off and stashed safely in the boot of my car I could then take a breath and snap a couple of photos. I had not thought to take photos earlier, but then if I did maybe there wouldn’t have been anything to salvage. After the photos I left the tent to fend for itself and took myself off to the communal kitchen area for a coffee. Thank goodness I became a non-smoker many years ago otherwise I would have burned up a pack in no time. Sharon, the caretaker, came over a while later with a very dry “I’ll bet you didn’t get much sleep last night.” I assured her that I would either have to pack up and go home, move to a more sheltered site or alternative accommodation because there was no way I was going to brave the wind again that night.

The wind continued to blow until late morning. Eventually around lunch time it eased and by mid-afternoon it was almost perfectly still. Just in time for me to take it all down and pack it away and move into a motel style room a little further away from ‘my’ tree but at least out of the wind. I really find the wind to be very unsettling. It sets me on edge and makes me feel very unsettled. I remember having a conversation with my Mum once where she said much the same thing. A gentle breeze or even a brisk one can be very nice but a hard blowing, gusting, continuous wind is not my cup of tea particularly when I am in a tent and have no way of getting away from it.

The day started off in absolute chaos but fortunately serenity has once again been restored.

To be continued…

Spear Creek… Where did that Solitude go? Part 4

Spear Creek... Where did that Solitude go? Part 4

27th December 2013

Evening

The day had been very warm and I was sitting in the shade of ‘my’ tree enjoying a cold drink and watching the birds playing under the sprinkler when I heard the unmistakable sound of a vehicle towing a van. Next thing I knew I had company in my little haven. Two pop up camper trailers being towed by sparkling dual cab 4x4s, in each of them were Mum and Dad and two children. They conveniently parked on the opposite side of the complex so that I had a front row seat for the entertainment.

Vehicle 1: Mum and Dad and 2 young girls approximately 12 and 9 disembark. Mum and Dad are sharing a chuckle over something and the children are chattering happily.

Vehicle 2: Mum and Dad and 1 girl approximately 12 and a boy about 10 alight. Mum and Dad are squabbling over whether the van is parked well enough or not. Daughter and son are eager to explore…but not together!

Vehicle 1: Mum tells the girls to go and have a look around and see what they can find (oh and by the way “See the kangaroo poo on the ground.” The girls laugh and off they go. Mum and Dad set about setting up their van. Obviously they have a routine and it all comes together nicely.

Vehicle 2: Kids are off with their friends exploring while Mum grumbles about how it must be great to be a kid and not have to do the work “Don’t walk in the kangaroo poo! I don’t want to have to clean that up out of the van!” They have 2 kayaks on the top of their van and have a rather animated discussion about whether it makes more sense to leave them there and wind the pop top up or remove the straps and lift them off before doing so. Eventually Dave from Vehicle 1 is called on for his opinion. Dave points out that considering they are stacked on top of each other on one side of the roof it may be best to remove them so as not to put undue strain on one side of the roof once it is raised. Mum and Dad set about undoing the two straps that hold them to the roof and yell for the kids to come and help lift them down. That done they prepare to set up camp.

Vehicle 1: Site is organised with chairs and table set up. The kids are back and Mum suggests they might like to play under the sprinkler to cool off. The kids are off and loving it.

Vehicle 2: She’s winding the roof up too fast apparently, however when she suggests to him that he might like to do it he very quickly points out that she is doing fine, just needs to slow down just a little to ensure the cable doesn’t kink. How does she know how far to wind? He assures her that she will know when it is fully extended. At last the top is up. Now to extend the beds. Gives the kids a water pistol each to play with.

Vehicle 1: Mum suggests that Dad might like to offer a hand to Vehicle 2. Didn’t catch Dad’s reply but no assistance was offered.

Vehicle 2. A discussion on where the fishing gear needed to be put and here while you are at it take these life jackets too. Next thing a tv antenna is passed out. “Hey Dave, did I tell you I brought a telly?” Dave: “You’re kidding right?” “No, I bought a 32 inch screen so we can watch the cricket. I’ll have to get you to help me set it up and tune it in.” Dave and Mum just shake their heads. At this stage I am not sure exactly what else to expect to come out the door of the van. Kids come sneaking over and squirt both sets of Mums and Dads. Vehicle 1 parents laugh and threaten retaliation. Vehicle 2 Mum shrieks that she detests being wet when she is hot, if they can’t play sensibly with them she’ll take them off them! Makes me wonder what parent would think any child is going to be “sensible” with a water pistol? More to the point what is “sensible” with a water pistol?

Eventually they settle down in the shade of the trees on the opposite side of the complex to where they set up camp. Time for drinks and some relaxation.

Another vehicle arrives. After some deliberation they decide to camp in a different area so off they go.

Another vehicle arrives. A rather large extender van with Mum and Dad and 3 small children. They decide that the spot right next to me looks great. They set up and turn the air con on to cool the van down. Dad takes the kids over to the sprinkler which the caretaker had just turned off and turned it back on again so the kids could play.

Another vehicle arrives. A van towing a motor bike in a trailer. Mum Dad and 2 teenage kids. Nowhere near as entertaining as the previous arrivals.

The caretaker comes out and turns the sprinkler off again. Toddler starts to shriek because the water has stopped. Mum waits until the caretaker has gone and unhooks the sprinkler and turns the tap on for the little one to play under. Apparently they don’t have to worry about water conservation in Esperance.

I head off to the showers lamenting that my solitude has been shattered again and this time it is not by Mother Nature.

How lucky for us all that when the partying ended the fellow in the extender van forgot to turn his outside light off thus lighting up the entire camping area. The night is incredibly hot and the air con whirrs next to me all night.

Where oh where has my solitude gone???

To be continued….