IRM is going well and I have been told by some locals that if I am not careful I will wear her wings off! Tally so far - 49 hours and counting (not to mention the 13000 kms I have racked up in the 4WD).
One of the differences we noticed the most between outback and city life, is just how much people are willing to help you out back. I guess its got to do with the isolation, but it seems to me that that basic inherent Aussie trait of mateship is displayed with excellence out here.
From the waving to fellow travelers on the road, to the stopping to offer help to someone out in the middle of nowhere, it’s all about hospitality & caring for the other person.
I have experienced a fair bit of that lately. Just the other day I came across a thunderstorm on my way back to Broken Hill, and had to land in Wilcannia. Now, not only did the health service there pick me up, but they sorted me out with a room for the night! I was getting my swag ready thinking I was going to have to make camp under one of the wings!
Then the next day, after an aborted attempt to get back home (again due to weather), two RFDS pilots in the area lent a hand and helped me get back to the Hill safely (thanks Shane and Otto!)
It is about helping others, but it’s also about a very deep knowing - people out here need each other, and what’s more, they act on this knowledge.
Now how great is that?!
Blessings
Jorge