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Eat my dust. posted Saturday, August 28, 2004
Got outta there is what I did. I was lucky enough to overhear someone was on their way to town come the weekend. With such a rare opportunity I quietly quit within a few days. Finding out Darwin that was roughly 20hours away, the bus and plane were a few very expensive options. In the outback, towns are 300-400kms apart with nothing but desert plains and undiscovered underground cities of gold between. 3 hours had passed when I understood that not the average retired tourists would pull over to pick up a freaky looking Canadian backpacker. I also learned they wouldn't pick me up either. That was when a local trucky let me know about a roadhouse 2km west, which felt like 10kms with my 70lbs packs, would land me better odds. After annoying 6 truckers an hour had passed, I was offered a ride half way. That's where I am now, Three ways roadhouse near Tennant Creek. The 7.5 hour trip was good except when the sun had set. Without a building in sight for another 100km Mr Truck driver began to gear down. Strangely bemused of what was going on. While my mind raced through every option and crazy reasons why he was stopping, I forced myself to remain calm. No words were spoken before he unbuckled and exited the rig. My hands were clammy but I figured I could take care of myself. I must've watched 100's of Bruce Willis, Steven Segal and Jackie Chan movies to know what I'm doing. I'll be alright. I wasn't relieved when he walked around to my side. Opened a side storage panel, pulled out a 2 foot steel bar. Only when he tightened a loose strap and put it away did my heartbeat slow down. He walked back towards my door, my heart picked up pace , only to be reassured that he was only removing the spot light covers. Now we can see the nocturnal animals before we liquefy them into popular road mush? I asked. Half way to Darwin, it's early morn at a roadhouse. Been waiting now for 2 hours so far for a new source of transportation and a new story.
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