Just as a little precursor to the jam-packed next four days, Roz directed me over to the barrier railing to see way down below. Framed by trees and bushes was a spectacular view of the Johnson River. It looked like something out of Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings, seen through a vaselined lens of a movie camera.
We plugged in at Roz and Dales, a great spot in a little cul de sac with land sloping down to a creek and a little water fall called "Little Roz" at the bottom of the property. There were banana and paw paw trees with a lush expanse of green grass flowing its way down to the rain forest within and on the border of the property. Just over the high side of the property were cane fields and the neighbouring houses were spaced well apart.
Roz's family has been around these parts for a long long time and Dale moved up here when she was a girl. I found their sense of connection to this land very warming which gave me some insight into the history of Innisfail and surrounds. I loved Roz's Dad's stories about the tough days in the cane fields, working, drinking and fighting hard. Both the girls have done their time in the fields. Dale lived and worked on a cane farm in previous years.
Roz, as it turns out, is a bush poet and I especially loved her historical pieces and the one about having a wee on the side of the road. I've had writers bloc and performance anxiety for years and it seems she does too. So it was good that she brought out some of her old stuff to read and perform, breathing new life into them. Hopefully she feels encouraged enough to climb back up into the saddle of that performance stage.
During the next three days, we went to Milla Milla Falls, drove up to Misty Mountain on a twisty rocky road with Roz driving the trusty Toyota, Alana riding shot gun in the front passenger seat hanging on for dear life to what is affectionately known as "The Ah! Fuck Bar" (a steel rail that sticks out in front of the glove box) while Dale and myself were bouncing around in the back on the enclosed tray bed. Saw the magical Paronella Park, a fascinating place full of history, decay, trees and fish. A good drive down to Etty Bay (the locals beach of choice) for fish and chips at sunset. Garners Beach, named after one of Roz's ancestors where Alana was up to her usual trick of "Shell Pilfering". Checked out all the good fishing spots and Croc spots!. Was lucky enough to see cassowaries casually strolling along in peoples front yards. Enjoyed the art deco buildings in Innisfail including the fabulous town hall. Bought myself an Innisfail Brothers rugby league supporters shirt while we had lunch at the Club. Had a humongous feed of seafood one night with the whole family around, Dale finally got the guitar out, there was music, song and laughter.
Our last day with the Innisfail Sisters was a quiet one. Every one was at work except Roz as she still had some time off. Alana and I needed to draw our breath before we saddled up for the drive down to Tin Can Bay.
There are a lot of things in this world that can discourage you, that make you insular and closed down. While I truly have a lot to be thankful for, in the last few years I have felt the disappointment of endings or things that just don't work anymore. I have felt them very keenly and just wanted to withdraw right up my own arse. As we have hit the Pacific my thoughts as well as the Fiat are heading south. I head back full of uncertainty after a wonderful nine months so far on the road. The world for me seems a larger place once again after this year aside.
I saw a movie the other day called "The Way" it's roughly about a guy who takes six weeks to walk this pilgrimage called "The El Camino" somewhere in the north of Spain. He meets three people on the way who have a profound affect on him. Now I don't know if this story is true but I was thinking that would only happen in the movies. Still it's a nice thought to think that before hitherto complete strangers could become good friends and have such a positive effect on each other.
With in one hour of meeting Dale and Roz some seed of connection had been placed. I thank Highway Number 1 for that. Enough goodwill had been laid out and established for them to open up their lives and their home to Alana and myself for a jam packed enriching four days. We are looking forward to doing the same for them in the future.
Plugged in at Roz and Dale's.
Milla Milla Falls.
The water was bloody freezing!, but we wern't going to tell the girls that.
Misty Mountain.
Roz telling us the story.
Brushing up on our rugby scrum technique.
Standing in front of the cane dude! (can't remember the statues name)
Who let the cassorwaries out?!
At 12 oclock Mike (Roz's dad), Alana, Andy, Nikita, Dale, Roz, and the sensational Savanah.
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