Wednesday May 18th - Day 14 ...walking...
The Desert Mums woke up this morning just like the other 13days, but with a sense of determination. The target today was the famous dune, Nappanerica Sand Dune, dubbed “Big Red” by Denis Bartell in 1980, the last and largest sand dune in the Simpson Desert.
Firstly, their course today took them through the very dry Eyre Creek with not a drop of water in sight, and then sand dune after sand dune after sand dune, mixed with sweat, heat and flies...and then suddenly...Big Red was in their sights.
The Mums had an emotional walk across the interdunal plains before reaching the base of this huge dune.. … they climbed as a team to cheering crowds of tourists who visit this famous landmark every year (coaches from tour companies and four wheel drive vehicles)……”The experience was too special for words – such an awesome feeling to be here after so many days of solid walking “.
Even Denis was tearful – “his four girls” had reached the peak. They cracked a bottle of their finest red contraband in celebration and will spend the next two days resting before heading off to Birdsville which is another 40km away, but on a level track thank goodness – no more dunes!!!
Tonight the feeling from the girls was one of absolute elation - they are so thrilled to have reached this special point in their journey. They are all very tired, but the excitement at the end of this day will no doubt ensure a very enjoyable time together around the camp fire, and hopefully a wonderful sound sleep. The pressure is off for a couple of days now (apart from the flies, who just don’t seem to get the hint that no one loves them).
It’s been a huge ask these four friends have put to themselves and taken on together. They all have done a wonderful, selfless and courageous thing, and I am proud of them beyond words. I too have a lump in my throat. I’m sure our Prime Minister would be happy to see yet another example that Aussie mateship is alive and well (as he so often expounds.)
The next big day is the release of the 2500 pink balloons atop Big Red on Sunday morning. They can’t rest after this however, as Den has told me that they have to put down a few significant miles that afternoon and edge a bit closer to Birdsville – but that is a story for another day.
Once again, as they do every night, the Mums have asked me to send a huge THANK YOU to all of you for your support and messages of encouragement.
I think it is appropriate to attach a poem Denis wrote about Big Red – his special place. Enjoy.
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It is late afternoon I stagger to the top of this red dune It is a journey I’ve made many times before and hopefully will continue to make for many years to come It’s a special place, my high perch where I sit cross-legged facing the setting sun To the north and south of me domes of windswept sand protrude like pimples above the ridge line each one fired like a glowing poker while below me the shadow cast by the westerly dune inches its way across the interdunal flat intent on extermination. The eagle makes a long low graceful run to view the intruder then catches an updraught and rises effortlessly into the sky How I envy him his range of visibility, his perspective, his freedom The sun, now a fiery ball makes a mockery of the colour chart as its light dances over the scattered clouds to the west An artist is at work here splashing, dabbing, continually changing working his paints on the largest canvas in the world Then in a frenzy, the final burst ............ and it’s finished A masterpiece has been wrought by the fire of life Sadly I watch this moment of art, this original as it struggles in its death throes to be obliterated forever by the curtain of night Darkness falls on Big Red
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