Reminiscing

[loose cannon]

Just me reminiscing about the desert journey.

The old Lux on top of Big Red in the Simpson desert.

If you look at the RHS of the image you get an idea of how steep these dunes are, what a hoot! Such an adventure and so much fun, need to get back out there.

[Alan]

Sounds like you have been seduced Mick.

"I had to clear up my messy life. By letting go of the debris and filth, I have come to a deeper, more soulful beauty and clarity like an oasis in the desert. From that place of clarity, a vision of what I could have, what I could do, who I could be has emerged if I allow my heart to become a place of compassion, acceptance and forgiveness.”

― Sharon E. Rainey, Making a Pearl from the Grit of Life

"I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams...”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

[loose cannon]

Thank you Alan, plenty to ponder there.

[Isac]

"A walk in the desert may burn your feet, yet quench your thirst for a calming, peaceful day."
"While strolling in the shifting sands of a desert storm, you would think that the fly that sits on my face would just let go - but no! - he just shifts a little with each passing swat of my hand."

These are simple but profound phrases from me to you - I hope you enjoy them.

[Phoenix]

Only thing I know about deserts is something about running quickly for your camel because you don't want an ugly one.

[loose cannon]

If you are out there long enough there are no ugly camels. That's what I've heard anyway.

[loose cannon]

And enjoy them I did, thank you Isac.

Let me share a little of what I learned on my journey.

The original plan was to photograph the place to death. Simple.

Two cameras and a bucket load of lens, plenty of time to take it all in, with a few years of photographic experience under my belt I was quietly confident I would arrive home with a hard drive full of great images, the trip would be a huge success.

But it didn't work out quite like that.

What happened was that I was completely overwhelmed by the isolation, the endless nothingness, the impossible serenity and tranquility, the silence, the extreme beauty, the incredible harshness and hostility and the sheer scale of it all.

Talk about a humbling experience.

I like to think that I learned a lot about photography during my time in the outback but that pales into insignificance against what I learned about myself.

Four decades exploring the magnificent Kimberley, Pilbara and Top End regions didn't prepare me for the desert.

Nothing can really.

Yes, I've been seduced and must return because the Mick that arrived home is a very different Mick to the one who set out on this journey.

And I like the new Mick much more than the old one.

[Ironwood]

Sounds like it was one hell of a trip Mick. How long were you out there for ?

I lived up on Cape York for over 20 years, I have been in plenty of isolated places before, but never out in the desert.

[loose cannon]

I was out there for only three months Ironwood, was supposed to be five months but sadly had to cut the trip short for various reasons.

I've been in plenty of isolated areas and am quite comfortable dealing with the solitude and remoteness but the desert regions are somehow different. It's nothing for me to ramble off into the Kimberley wilderness for a few days or even a week or two. But I've never felt that sense of isolation so strongly before.

Probably has a lot to do with my age (nudging 60) and just the sheer scale of it all.

This image probably sums it up...

...drive for a whole day and you can still see to the horizon in all directions, drive for another two days, the same. No people, no traffic, no nothing. Plenty of times I parked up and walked to the top of the nearest dune and you see more of the same, walk on to the next dune and its the same story.

There were no magnificent gorges or raging rivers or patches of rainforest to give you a sense of arriving 'somewhere', just more empty space.

I travel solo, always have, and that probably contributed to how I felt. Slightly on edge because if something goes wrong the consequences are serious so the senses are pumped, everything is exaggerated.

Been home for a few months now and have done a few camping trips but my mind drifts back to the desert continuously. It reminds me in some way of when I first arrived in the Pilbara and was completely blown away by the colours, ruggedness and extraordinary beauty.

[Pete Dee]

Never been there Mick, but heartfelt thanks for your insightful description. It must be a magic scene in it's own way. Cheers, Pete

[loose cannon]

Thank you Pete. I appreciate the comment.

[Ironwood]

You would have to have lots of faith in your vehicle to push out into that sort of country. The thought of a breakdown out in the middle of the desert is not a nice thought.
I worked as a Diesel Fitter for 26 years, I am confident I can fix almost anything, but I would still want a very reliable vehicle.

I can still remember back in the 80's, flying out into Western Qld in a 6 seater Cessna to get a water pump and belt to a work mate who was broken down , he waited 3 days to get a message to us. We flew over him a couple of times, then I threw the package out the window trying to time it so it landed near them, surprising how far it bounced and cartwheeled over the rocks.

[loose cannon]

Yes, it all revolves around the vehicle.

I did extensive maintenance before setting out. Full underbody rebuild, timing belt and water pump, new hoses and clamps, new batteries, rebuilt steering hubs, new tie rod ends, replaced a lot of wiring connectors as quite a few looked rusty, etc, etc.

Carried plenty of spares and tools, six new tyres on rims. Two jacks and blocks of wood.

The only drama I had was a centre bearing collapse, the one thing I didn't replace. I had a spare so no problem but the adrenaline was pumping as I worked on it I can tell you, I'm no mechanic but the old hiluxes are pretty easy to work on.

Suspension and steering take an absolute hammering on the rougher tracks and looking after the vehicle by driving gently and carefully is paramount. Had a few moments on some of the steep rocky climbs that were real heart in the mouth stuff and had to push myself to tackle them.

But hide from lifes risks and you hide from lifes rewards, had to keep telling myself that lol.

[Ironwood]

I am glad to hear you were prepared for the center bearing. Was that six spare wheels, or are you counting the four on the ute plus two spares ?

[loose cannon]

Just six in total. One staked tyre for the entire trip so I was happy with that.

[Ironwood]

One tire for a trip like that, I would be happy with that as well.

My Son is over that way, he recently did a trip about 15 hours drive from Perth chasing gold (not too successfully might I say), he had trouble with nails in his tires. He's not big on carrying spare stuff, but he got home OK.