29 + 30 June 2016

Charters Towers to  Mount Isa to Tennant Creek

Hi Again

The wheel bearing was fixed sooner than I expected. Decided I could move on to (the next place west)

First thing I saw was a camel, think it was in someone’s yard but it's hard to tell may have been the range.

Heading for Mount Isa tonight Driving the Outback reminds me of a new definition of nothingness. With exception of an occasional vehicle and the road I’m on there is little sign of human involvement. Made it to Mt. Isa area. Slept in the outback. It gets more than dark out here. The stars are so dense it is like a cloud.

Made it to Tennant Creek, went to the Aboriginal Culture center. It was late but Kate stayed and explained some things about Aboriginal art. Two Aboriginal ladies come in the morning and paint what I would call story boards. Each picture has a story that goes with it, but if you don't know the symbols you can't figure out the story. I expressed a desire to learn about Aboriginal culture, she suggested coming back the next day and meeting with Jerry Kelly

Came back to the Culture Center the next day, met Mr. Kelly. Got a wealth of info directly from Mr. Kelly Some topics: Map of aboriginal Colonies/Tribes each with their own language, 11 languages in Tennant Creek and other defining characteristics, Skin names and how they describe a person, a lesson in Bush Tucker (bush food), looking at picture of deceased (a totem) why some do not say hello or welcome, the connection between people and land and some stories that would bring a tear to your eye.

Here’s one: Mr. Kelly was one of the children, one of 50.000+ taken from their parents during a 1910 to 1970 government policy that did such a thing in the name of assimilation of the Aboriginals with the Europeans. He found his Mother in Tennant Creek, once he was released with the help of skin names.

I hope I got this stuff correct. If not; Mr Kelly will probably let me know as we swapped emails. 

Staying at a caravan resort that has everything. Currently sitting beside a pool full of people, at a table next to a table of local Aboriginals. I am listening but don’t understand a thing. There is a lot of rhythm in their speech. One talked to me but asked that I not write about him. Done!

Heading for Darwin tomorrow