The unexpected lessons we learn.
Yesterday, as part of Easter Sunday festivities in the bush, we decided to drive to Jameson via a north-western back road. The plan was to set out on the Walu road, take a left at the first windmill, and wind across to Jameson. Speed home on the main road. Snacks packed, iPod loaded, gun in the passenger seat, off we set.
Gun. Yes. (Did you do a double take and re-read?) We don't normally take the gun. But yesterday, in one of those rare 'why not' moments, in it went. A little target practice for recreational purposes only. Fred is over shooting to kill, and I've never really been into it anyway.
In fact, Fred is currently tossing around the idea of a clay target shooting range on the Lands, which I think would go down great guns. After all, hunting is a local passion.
Guns are one of the few things I see people regularly engaging with whitefellas, and the broader 'law and order system' in general. Coming up to the police station to renew a gun licence. Shelling out for the relatively exorbitant cost of secure cabinet to store their gun at home. I guess it's the modern day spear.
So off we set, Jameson in our sights. We drove, turned left, and drove, and drove. Around washed out roads, across new scenic stretches. Small hills and tussocks, with a two wheel track winding through, no tyre tracks evident. Sensing the subtle enjoyment of seeing new country. Sensing we were nearing Jameson.
And then, with some considerable astonishment, we popped out at Walu.
Walu, for those not living on the Lands, is _not_ just near Jameson. In fact, it's centrally between Jameson, Blackstone and Wanarn. Which means we had been heading more north than west. By a long shot.
All that 'new country'. Seen it. Not that long ago either (probably six months). But just like those conversations you have where the world as you understand it has to spatially re-align, we suddenly realised our mental map was all wrong.
And so, re-adjusted, we sighed and turned back. Not quite what we wanted, but a good lesson all the same. That the world is not always as it seems. It's mostly what goes on inside our heads.
3 comments:
Hi Soph,
For someone who isn't into shooting, you aren't a bad shot.
Well written as usual. Keep it up.
North by North West, sounds like a great name for a movie!!
Just shows how easy it is to become hopelessly lost in the wonderful red land we call the Outback.
I get a tad homesick when I read your very descriptive blog.
Hi Soph, Sounds a heap more adventurous and a load more fun than my Easter weekend...cleaning out sheds and shedding stuff stored for years, now no longer relevant. Had momentarily thought I could come back here to live, but now I can hear the neighbours fighting. As quickly as that thought came to me, I've changed my mind. Also reaffirms why I love the desert. Keep it up, love your writing.
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