The first days at the campfire
Day: 02-03
First camp – 13.05.2000 – 14.05.2000
First thing in the morning we decided to extend the planned rest day to a rest weekend. Our mood is at its absolute peak. I use the time to lengthen some straps for Sebastian’s saddle, sew some seams on my shoes and fix other little things that I didn’t have time for in the hustle and bustle of preparation.
I enjoy the work and find it rather relaxing. Again and again I put some dry branches on the fire and then watch the plumes of smoke rise for minutes, covering our entire camp like a veil. It is extremely pleasant to smell the scent of burning wood. The dried trunk of a grass tree in particular, also known here as the “Black Boy”, gives off a wonderful, almost seductive smell. It is an almost cloudless day with maximum temperatures of around 25 degrees. Tom came by an hour ago to visit Jo and us.
Jo and Tanja tell each other stories about their lives and check on the camels from time to time. The animals seem to enjoy life in the bush. They are constantly feeding on the various bushes or nibbling on the bark of the tall eucalyptus trees that provide shade during the day.
VERNE REPORTS YOURSELF
A few hours ago Tom arrived at the camp to visit his wife and us. We are sitting around the crackling fire drinking tea when the ringing of our cell phone disturbs the peaceful atmosphere. By way of explanation, I have to mention that we will still be able to reach some friends and our parents by cell phone for the next two weeks before this connection is lost. Although I find this part of the technology rather annoying, I’m happy to be able to exchange a few words with those familiar to us and report back expectantly. “Hello Denis, it’s Verne!” I hear the familiar voice with a few small atmospheric interruptions. At first I am speechless. “Gee Verne, where are you,” I reply excitedly, happy to hear from him after all. “I’ve been in the bush for the last three weeks working for a mining company. I have half the money together now and if you still want me I would come to you soon.” He replies. The situation is very unpleasant for me. First he doesn’t get in touch for three weeks and we thought he had disappeared from our lives and then suddenly he reappears. My thoughts are racing. What should I say to him without hurting him too much? “Verne! Since we haven’t heard any more signs of life from you, we thought you had simply disappeared. You know that the first few weeks of the expedition are extremely difficult and Jo has taken over your job. I’m really terribly sorry!” I say with a heavy heart. “No problem. I wish you continued good luck.” I hear his voice and suddenly the line cuts out. I’m surprised how relaxed he is about saying goodbye to us and sit down by the fire again with Jo, Tom and Tanja. We talk about him a little more.
In the evening, Melinda, Phill and the children come over. They are also happy with us about the start of our adventure and a life whose outcome and course is absolutely uncertain at this point. We drink some of the beers Phill has brought along, joking and laughing like happy children.
As soon as the sun withdraws its golden rays and the ever-lengthening shadows reach for us, it gets chilly. It doesn’t take long for the waxing moon to cast the light of night over the eucalyptus forest. At around 9 p.m., the Rayn family head home and we crawl into our cozy sleeping bags.
