Let our paths entwine

Let our paths entwine

You may think I do not know you
But what you fail to see
Is the soul connection
Between you or me

I see in you reflections
Of what my life has been
Images flash before me
Which only I have seen

Yet I know your pain
Your confusion clear as day
Because I too can feel it
In my own way

Share with me a moment
Let our paths entwine
Maybe for just a few short steps
Or maybe for all time

Trish Johnston 27 January 2014

Toast to Australia

Toast to Australia

Lamb chops on the barbie
Throw some prawns on too
Sit back and have a coldie
What does our day mean to you?
Is it all about tradition
The thongs and hat and zinc
The joking Aussie ocker
There’s more to it I think
We have a blessed existence
In this land we call our own
Although there’s great confusion
With all the different time zones
We have every season
On any given day
Be sure to pack accordingly
Before you go away
We are a friendly nation
Or so the others think
Pull up a stump and chat
And we’ll shout another drink
We don’t go chasing kangaroos
Up the city streets
And koalas are not really bears
That’s all tongue in cheek
We have the galahs and cockatoos
With their rowdy rawkus cries
And of course we have the feathered ones
Who clutter up our skies
We have every sport imaginable
Cricket, rugby, league, AFL
Bowls, tennis, Iron man
Far too many to tell
We also have our culture
The arts, entertainment grand
Reflections of the character
Of this wonderful land
So crack the top off a cold one
Pour a glass of wine
Let’s drink a toast to Australia
The greatest country we can find…

Trish Johnston 26th January 2011

A Mother’s Energy

A Mother's Energy

I sat quietly in meditation, my intention to send love and healing to all those who are suffering at this time. My focus not particularly on any one person but on the vibration of the injured souls throughout the world. The music in the background was not familiar to me, it was mainly piano which is not the usual music to which I meditate, if indeed I have any. The piece was hauntingly beautiful starting out very gently, soothing me, taking me inside myself to that place where I go before I can release the infinite energy from within. I felt that wonderfully familiar calm flow through me, erupting softly, the energy flowing from it in many beautiful pastel shades, mauves, pinks, crimsons, pale but vibrant blues and greens, yellows; gold and silver. I felt myself leave my physical presence, a familiar feeling where I am removed from what is happening but still aware of every sensation, every touch, every sound. As the music washed over and around me it carried the beautiful multi-coloured energy along with it in healing waves, rolling and swirling all around. It was being drawn mainly in one direction, off across a distance immeasurable in the human scale. I knew, without conscious thought who it was seeking. There, sitting upon a rock, an elbow resting on one knee, the hand rubbing his stubbled chin, cigarette in hand. The other hand resting on the knee dangling off the edge of the rock before him. At first glance the man looked peaceful, at home but then as the energy drew closer his appearance became more clear. The eyes were hollow with little life, the face which once had known laughter was now drawn with worry and fatigue, the shoulders striving to maintain a position of pride slightly hunched and a little concave. A mere shell of the vibrant man that had once been.

As I watched the energy draw closer and closer to the man the music built into a minor crescendo. From out of nowhere the sound of a sudden storm erupted. The man sat and watched the energy descending on him, disinterested and seemingly unaffected. It was almost as though he had been through this all before to no avail. His shield of pain and disillusionment had never been penetrated. Lightning flashed and as it did I felt another presence formulating in the energy. The mans eyes widened as he too saw the beautiful apparition. The energy was female, of the earth, of the Universe. The most powerful of energies, that of the essence of the Mother. As the man struggled to hold his battered and beaten energy in tact more lightning flashed, seemingly from the Mother energies heart. It enveloped everything before it, the man, the rock, the country side and me. The feeling of the most profound love overcame me as I felt my energy being lifted further still by this magnificent presence. The man reached toward the presence tentatively as though afraid she would vanish into thin air. Rain, soft gentle and healing fell gently upon the earth, upon the man. As I watched, my energy surrounding him in a loving cocoon the Mother presence laid one hand upon his cheek, gently soothing. He winced as though he were going to pull away and then his sad demeanour crumpled. Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the rain on his cheeks. The presence caught the tears but not the rain, in her other hand. Each time her hand filled with tears she cast them all around on to the barren land. As each tear was absorbed into the earth the soil around the man became fertile and tiny green shoots sprung forth. The tears washed the shadows from the man’s eyes until they were sparkling and full of life just as the land around him was awakening. Before long the swirling colourful energy was totally absorbed by this new environment. Birds of all colours flittered in nearby trees, wild flowers carpeted the desert floor. Crickets sounded gleefully, chirping joyfully at the abundance of life.

As the music mellowed once again the presence began to fade. She touched both of the man’s cheeks and kissed his forehead, then rested her hands upon his chest. The energy which held her presence so strongly flowed rapidly through the man, giving him sustenance. As I watched, the presence dwindled into a mere wisp of colour. The man stood proudly, full of wonder at the energy flowing through him, knowing that though the energy was no longer visible to him, she is forever with him, within him, keeping him strong, urging him to live and enjoy the flame of life she has reignited within him. The man turned and smiled at me, right into my soul, off in the distance I heard a lion roar……

2014 A time of change

 2014   A time of change

10 January 2014

A time of change

“2014 will be a year of change for me”… I had no sooner uttered these words than the Universe responded. A timely reminder that our thoughts become our reality. In the recent past I have been in a state of what I like to think of as auto pilot. I am sure that we have all experienced this from time to time, where we switch off to as many outside influences as possible and spend time looking inward. It may be for a very short time or, as in my case, a little longer however one thing I know for certain is that when the time is right to step back into the driver’s seat we can only ignore it for so long.

As the life that I have known crumbles around me on both a personal and a professional level I go through a huge range of emotions, all of them very human and totally expected. However, on another level I find myself experiencing something which is almost like an out of body experience. I observe the ‘destruction’ from a totally different perspective and know that it is necessary for me to be able to achieve what it is that I yearn for most. Already I am sifting through the rubble deciding what is salvageable and what is best left as it is. It is surprising how little I feel inclined to take with me on the next step of my journey.

There are some things that one can never let go of no matter what life throws at us. These I see as part of my ‘contract’ or as some may call them my destiny or fate. They are no burden to carry as they are of great importance to me. Those which are easily released are merely part of an experience which took place on the peripheral of my life path, the detours along the way which make life a little more interesting and or challenging as opposed to those which are an integral part of my life’s journey, a part of my soul purpose for being.

It seems that with barely more than a week of the New Year gone by I am already being faced with challenges to make the changes I have been thinking of. Immediately after posting my last blog and sharing it via social media, a page suggestion appeared on my screen, one I’d not seen before. It was for a spiritual group in a nearby suburb which is resuming this coming weekend after the Christmas break. Coincidence? Some may say so, me I take it as a message from Spirit that it is time to get back to that which gives me the opportunity to be the ‘real’ me.

A return to work after a much needed time of rest and soul searching revealed changes which impact on me immensely. It is up to me now to meet the challenges this places before me. From which perspective will I finally view them? I am still in the processing stage of this, still sifting through the rubble to see what can be salvaged. Life is about choices and we alone are the ones who can make the best choice for ourselves. No matter what others may lay before us it is up to us which perspective we use to view it. The one thing that I have learned in life is that to allow the opinion of others to influence your choices takes away your ability to stand in your truth. While some are comfortable with that it is not my way. There are many well-meaning people out there who feel they know what is best for you, by all means listen to their advice but let your final decision be one that comes from your own thoughts and feelings, not someone else’s. When others make suggestions about what is best for you they are making them from their own perspective. Let your intuition, your inner wisdom guide you and know that whatever choice you make it is the correct one because you have made it by your own means.

Fear of the unknown is what holds most of us back. Maybe it is time to trust….

I think I have just found the next topic I will write about.

Spear Creek… all good things must come to an end. Par 10

Spear Creek… all good things must come to an end. Par 10

Well, it would appear that the fault was more serious than first thought. I was up and showering yet again at about 5.45am after not a lot of sleep at all. Very unpleasant to wake with my hair plastered to my skin feeling wet enough for me to think I had already had a shower. I decided there and then that it was time for me to move on. The predicted heat wave was upon us and without air-conditioning in my room my sense of adventure was being tested to the full.

By the time Sharon came and saw me at about 8am to say that word had been received that it could be 11am or better before power is restored I was already almost completely packed up. She encouraged me to move on as she assured me that it was only going to get hotter and there would be no respite. At least she and Graham have a generator which they can run and use their air conditioning. As we stood and chatted the last of the vans from the camping area trundled past us; it seemed that I was not the only one looking for cooler climes.

I felt it was rather a sad way to leave my little haven. I would much have preferred to leave with an ache within because of having to leave it behind although it was nice to have been able to make the choice with a positive outcome to look forward to… at this stage the positive outcome may only have been a trip in the air conditioning in my car but anything was better than the prospect of another day in the heat with no respite.

After yet another cold shower I finished off my packing, which I might say went extremely well considering that I had bought a new sizable esky. I was a little concerned that when it came time I may not have been able to fit everything in again but by then the ice had melted away to just iced water and the esky could be used as storage for all those bits and pieces that you seem to accumulate which don’t have a home.

I snapped off a couple more shots of Spear Creek and once again sent a thought of thanks to my friend for suggesting it to me as I drove over to the office to settle up my rent for the past 6 nights. Oh, of course! There is no power and so there are not electronic payment options and who, in this day and age carries cash on them? No worries, Sharon is happy it take my details and charge my credit card when the power eventually comes back on. She is also very generous in discounting last night by over 50% because of the lack of air-conditioning. Good old country hospitality.

As I drive out with the dust billowing behind me I wonder where to from here. Do I go Melrose, one of my favourite places in South Australia for a night or two, or maybe even stop at the Mt Remarkable National Park and see if there is a camping space available there. I head in to Port Augusta to grab a quick bite to eat and contemplate my options. It is such a relief to be driving on the rough road and have no rattles accompanying me.

After a quick Macca’s breakfast I set off again. Mt Remarkable National Park seemed like a good option to me, if a relatively cool spot is available. As I drove, very careful to stick to the speed limit after receiving my first ever speeding ticket on my way out to Port Augusta the previous week, I relived the past week in my mind. How fortunate am I to have the ability to just pack up and do as I chose to do, at least while I am on leave from work anyway. Wouldn’t it be heaven if I could live somewhere out in the country again and spend my time writing and taking photographs? Something to aim for in the future. As I approach the turn off to the National Park I see a hand written sign stuck under the road sign saying that due to the extreme conditions the Mt Remarkable National Park was closed. Well, the decision has been made for me. Adelaide, here I come.
As I drive through Lochiel I stop to photograph the salt lakes there. It is disappointing that they are not bright pink or mauve as they often are when I drive past but they are still worthy of a picture anyway. Further on down the road I see dust swirling through the air. The wind is blowing hard and the top soil of the recently worked paddocks was being blown goodness only knows where. I did not stop to photograph it unfortunately, I wish now that I had.

As one adventure drew to a close I knew in my heart that there would be more to come. I have my tent and the rest of the gear required now to camp whenever I can get away from work. I have made a promise to myself that I will get out of the city and find other areas where I can experience the solitude of the country side. Now that I have taken the first step so much opens up before me. With a light and easy sense of freedom I head back to my suburban life, knowing that now I have taken the first step in a new and exciting journey.

Thank you for joining me in my experience. I look forward to sharing many more with you in the future. My friend assures me that there is another place which I will love even more… stay tuned, hopefully I can share it with you also.

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… 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….Ahhhhh what a perfect place to write…. My place of Solitude. Part 5

Spear Creek....Ahhhhh what a perfect place to write…. My place of Solitude.  Part 5

28th December 2013

What a stinker of a night last night! Soooo hot and still for the most part. Of course, the wind picked up again around 2am but not as bad as the first night. The air con whirring next door may have made me feel it even worse.

I woke nice and early, the sun was not yet sneaking over the top of the ranges. How lovely it is to lay there and read without the heat and the flies. I was tempted to turn on the radio and make a bit of noise but I know what it is like to be camping with tired and cranky kids so I restrained myself.

I ran into Clem (with the trail bike) in the communal facilities. He and his family are on their way to NSW after 6 months in the Northern Territory. They went up there for a holiday and ended up staying for a while with work being very plentiful. He thought it was time to return home and see what needed doing at his place. He assured me that if I didn’t mind living in some rough areas I would find work without any problems in the Territory. Apparently they are screaming out for workers in all fields. I wonder……

My chat with Clem was the first time I had actually spoken with anyone since my arrival. It was lovely to exchange pleasantries and a bit of light chatter and then go back to my little piece of paradise.

I was sitting drinking my coffee and contemplating the scenery when Sharon the caretaker came and introduced herself. She asked how long I planned on staying and was not at all surprised when I said I had no idea. A lovely friendly lady, she said that she and Graham were off to town (Port Augusta) for supplies and did I need anything while she was there. I assured her that I would be heading in myself before long and thanked her for her kindness. Just the perfect type of person to be looking after this place.

As I made a mental list of what I need, ice and maybe a decent new esky being the priority, one by one the others around me began to pack up and leave. By the time I was ready to head into town I was once again on my own!

On the trip to town I once again saw the emus. Not so many this time but obviously it is a place they like to hang out. I wondered for a moment whether it could be an emu farm but then when I looked at the state of the fences it was obvious they were not there to keep the emus in.

On my return from town I noticed a clunking noise in the front driver’s side of my car. Uh oh! Maybe I should not have spent that money on the new Waeco Ice Box! Oh well, what is done is done. Fortunately I do actually know a mechanic in Port Augusta and a lovely fellow he is too. I will have to get him to take a look at my car and hopefully repair it for me.

It was so nice to return to Spear Creek and ‘my’ tree. It has been a lovely place to rest and rejuvenate. Even better when there is no one around and one can feel as though they are the only person on earth.

I received a message from a girlfriend asking me what my plans for New Year’s Eve were. I don’t think she really understood when I said that I still didn’t know if I would even be back in the city by then. Not everyone feels the same as I about the bush but now that I have found this place, thanks to my friend’s recommendation, I am not at all keen to leave it.

As I snap photographs of some of the bird life I think to myself….Ahhhhh what a perfect place to write…. My place of Solitude.

To be continued…..