by Belinda Pertot

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

With the dust circling around the rear of my car, snippets of the redness crept in through the joins in my windows, through the vents and under my shoes. Oh, how fine this dirt was and so red, like the gentle touch of fire. I just passed a building, so small, was that a fuel bowser out the front, and did that sign really read, 'Last fuel for 450km!'? Did someone actually call that a town? Would I find it's name on my map?

The Australian outback is such a wonder and a marvel. I have traveled through this country with my passion for the land held close to my heart. Twice around and still so much more to see. I have traveled for 12 hours, and more, in a day to know that only 3 more were needed to get to the other side of this beautiful land.

I have lived in towns that you could blink and miss but had more friends in it than that of a city. Where dogs come up to your house and come to visit if you leave the door open long enough. Where kangaroos are larger than the average man and 'Big Red' is not only from the color of the dust that stains their fur, they are truly big and red. Where lizards fan themselves to deflect the piercing heat and their little waves seem like little quiet hellos from a stranger that has past. Where local animals seem pleased to see someone in the isolation and even the cows enter the coolness of doorways and sometimes seem not even to notice you at all. The beautiful kings of the outback, those lovely eagles. They trail the length of the highway hoping to spot that poor animal that has lost its way after a car, only so rarely passes it by, ending its journey. Where road trains can be longer than your commute to work and where the truckies are the regulars at the local shop but only every three days as part on their trip to and fro across this vast country. This is where your toothbrush can go red from the dust that wisps through that slightly open window that you forgot to close when the wind picked up.

To travel a land that is so remote but its contrasts are divine. Where a trip to do the shopping, or even the next town, takes a cut lunch and a short five hour drive. Where your neighbors are further away than you can see but are closer to you in your time of need. Where your local pub owner is your travel agent, motel manager, chef, mechanic and event coordinator and nothing surprises him. There is also nothing special about there being a road train, truck, car, 4wd, motorbike and a horse to all be parked out the front of his pub at any one time with their owners all enjoying an ice cold brew inside with him.

This lovely land is beautiful from its white sandy beaches to it red dusty planes, its city folk to its country sorts, from its highest snow peaked mountain to its under ground caves. The moments that we travel are remembered and sort. I life of adventure and travel that can never be bought.

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