Small cause, big effect

Day: 31

Sunrise:
07:05

Sunset:
17:16

As the crow flies:
14,9

Daily kilometers:
17

Manmanning-Camp – 11.06.2000

Before we set off, we put the new saddle pads stuffed by Jo into Sebastian’s saddle. Then we load up the animals and set off at 11.30 a.m. this time without further incident. The weather is nice again. The sun is shining and there is virtually no wind. Tanja suffers from severe back pain, which is why we now attach her camera to Sebastian’s saddle. As on previous expeditions, she suffers from hip and back pain after a few hundred kilometers, which intensifies over time. This is usually caused by carrying cameras that put one-sided strain on the body during incessant walking. Although each of us should always have a video and film camera to hand so that we can quickly capture the unexpected, in this case we need to rethink. As I have already described, our health comes first and Tom’s saying that the slightest inattention during an expedition can often lead to uncontrollable consequences confirms our experience. Sometimes the narrow path next to the tracks leads into a wide gravel road. Tanja then brings up the rear to warn us of any approaching vehicles. I philosophize with Jo all afternoon about God and the Bible and before we know it we reach our camp 13, near Manmanning, in a dense eucalyptus forest. When we unload Sebastian, we notice that the pressure mark on his back has not increased. We are delighted with the new saddle pads and are confident that we have solved the problem. The sun casts its now gentle rays on the golden-brown tree trunks and transforms the camp into a magically beautiful place that, as so often, I can hardly describe in words. When it’s dark, we eat macaroni with canned ham and carrots in the moonlight. Served with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.