I keep walking...

Tom Dunn
Feb 19, 2017
2 min read

The buzz of flies is joined by a distant whir. Walking in the gravel beside the road, I see the flash of white up ahead. The oncoming ute slows and pulls up alongside me.

As the window rolls down, the kelpie sitting on the passenger seat sticks its head out and gives my hand a sniff. Despite being covered in sweat and dust, I pass the dogs sniff test and it gives my hand a small lick. The air conditioner in the cabin is doing its job and a wash of cold hits my face as it escapes from the open window. It's only 8:30am but it's close to 35 degrees and the cool air is a relief.

"Where you waking to?" Comes the voice from the drivers seat.

"Ahh.. the Murray Mouth. I'm supposed to be paddling but there's no water in the river" I explain somewhat sheepishly. "Ha" The farmer chuckles. "You're the silly bugger I saw on the news" "..Yep"

The dog gives me another lick as if to say 'you don't seem that silly to me'. I give it a scratch behind the ear for backing me up. "I could have told ya that you wouldn't make it.. Too dry this year... So where are you heading?" "Gonna follow the river until there's water and I can get the board back in, hoping to get to Cecil Plains tonight"

We talk briefly about the pub at Cecil Plains, how hot its going to be next week, and how far his cotton crop is from harvesting.

As he says farewell there's a mix of amusement and pity in his face. It's hot and he clearly thinks there is better things to be doing than walking in the sun.

As he moves to drive off, I watch him turn the air conditioning back up and give the dog a pat.

I keep walking.

I've been blown away by the reception I've received from the locals so far. Town after town the bar has been continually raised and it's made the trip so much easier. On the road people have pulled over to chat, to offer me a lift, to offer me water, or to donate to the SUP4DCA.

Like the people following online, the locals here are somehow managing to make walking 30km in 40degree heat enjoyable.

Thank you.

If you'd like to follow the journey head to Facebook.com/SUP4DCA

Or to donate head to justgiving.com.au/sup4dca