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Waving Sedef off, Nic was left all alone, thinking he would probably have a rather boring few days and finish his 800 page book by the time she got back! As well as all the food… He hoped his boyish English charm would work with the caravaners to acquire some supplies!
Expecting to forage for food and live off bush-tucker, Nic contemplated what to do on his first morning alone (since the beginning of the trip!)… He started talking to caravaners as most were packing up to move further north. One couple, John & Cathy were staying another day at the area and invited him to lunch. This was a complete initiation into the world of Australian caravaners and bush-camping. Up till now we had been staying at roadhouses and caravan parks, where no one speaks to each other. John and Cathy explained that they are mainly city-types, and very different from the friendly caravan folk who prefer to camp at the free rest areas (all with picnic tables, barbecues, water, and sometimes even toilets and showers) instead of paying the outrageous camp fees. Other travellers came and went as the day wore on, all would say hello and chat for a while. That day John taught Nic about Australian birds, and showed him how to spot satellites in the night sky. He also met Merv, Peter & Marg, and Phil & Mar, all of whom were concerned about Nic being on his own, and offered to look after him, and feed him! Who was he to say no to such a generous offer!! :p
In the meantime Sedef, worried sick about Nic, had brought back a rucksack and big shopping bag full of food with her, expecting a half-starved Nic to fall upon it and devour it all upon her return. The reality couldn’t have been more different! Three days had passed by the time Sedef returned, to find Nic ‘adopted’ by several caravan families, and in fact he had eaten some great food (certainly better than Sedef had!), hadn’t read a page of his book, and just had a great time generally and learnt alot about Australian nature! Still we were so happy to be reunited again, and with the bike fixed as well.
Starting inventory: Two pot noodles and mouldy apple
Finish inventory: Two pot noodles, mouldy apple, tin of sardines, tin of salmon, home-made rice pudding, sausage, tomatoes, camping rest area guidebook
Yummy food devoured by Nic: Bok choy noodles, rice pudding, clam biscuits, roast chicken dinner, breakfasts, Vegemite (Aussie Marmite), damper (Aussie bread cooked over camp fire), chicken legs, Polish sausage, shortbread biscuits, endless cups of tea and coffee
Nic’s adopted caravan families: John & Cathy (who extended their stay to look after Nic, and fed him several meals), Merv (who extended his stay and fed him breakfast and coffee, and introduced him to Vegemite), Peter & Marg (who cooked him a monster portion of noodles and rice pudding, and offered to stay but didn’t need to since John and Cathy were already staying, and also gave him a camping guidebook), Phil & Mar (who also stayed to look after Nic, and cooked delicious damper bread – secret Mar recipe!)
The night Sedef returned everyone joined together around the campfire, enjoying the ‘damn good damper’ bread cooked by Phil and Mar, and ate roasted marshmallows.
We would like to thank everyone who helped us at a time when it seemed as is our trip would have to end, John & Cathy, Merv, Peter & Marg, Phil & Mar, Graham, Alan, Russell, Nigel, Kiaran & Lucy, and everyone else who helped. Without whom we could not have continued.
