The decision
N 21°55'22.4" E 146°45'46.2"
Day: 215 Stage three / total expedition days 606
Sunrise:
05:23
Sunset:
18:50
Total kilometers:
6204 km
Temperature - Day (maximum):
38°-42° degrees, sun approx. 58°-63°
Temperature - Night:
16°-22° degrees
Latitude:
21°55'22.4"
Longitude:
146°45'46.2"
Cassiopeia-Camp – 17.12.2002
“I don’t know which direction we should go in? It’s not an easy decision. Bowen is at least 150 kilometers shorter than Rockhampton. Of course, only if we are wanted at Havilah Station. The manager there hasn’t called back yet though. I really don’t know what we should do? We can’t wait any longer. We have to leave tomorrow. If I listen to my gut feeling, I’m more drawn to Rockhampton and Paradise Lagoons. I can’t say why. Oh, sometimes it’s not easy to decide. What would you advise us to do?” I ask John Wilkinson, Bart’s father and owner of Cassiopeia Station. “I think you’re in good hands at the Paradise Lagoons station next to Rockhampton. I had business dealings with Graeme Acton, the owner of Super Beef, a few years ago. He’s a tough but fair businessman of his word. As far as I can tell, it would be a good decision to accept his offer and set up your base camp with him at Paradise Lagoons,’ the courteous and hospitable man recommends. As I think very highly of John and have come to appreciate his polite, considered manner over the last few days of our stay, I attach great importance to his judgment.
I just sit there in silence for a moment until the decision is made. “You’ve convinced me. We’re going to change direction and head south-east. It’s another detour, but I think it’s the right decision,’ I say with relief, as the pressure of finding a good base camp for us suddenly falls from my shoulders.
