or, my early arrival to a nursing home
let's start with the bits that were amazing and jaw-droppingly gorgeous before I look like a precious diva who needs all her mod-cons and someone to carry her bags (I don't, but I am terrified of spiders and that is why I may need others strong humans in my life at times).
bright and early (or 7:30am) we set out for Cape Tribulation. this meant time on a ferry, some serious 4WDriving (like a consummate professional, through creeks and effortlessly changing flat tyres), and stunning countryside. 'Cape Trib' as you call it, was fairly stunning, and we also got to see the mesmerising Wujal Wujal falls (a sacred place for local people, so respectfully not too close). on the way, we saw many a backpacker, one crocodile, changed a tyre (did I mention that already, well, listen again because we were quite proud) and there was a near-miss with a cassowary.
all in all, there was great chats on the road (a road that I'd, like, totally cruise down again and most likely will (lucky, eh)) until we got to our destination - that being - the nursing home.
now, let me be clear (I hope you heard that in the Obama-voice I intended as I wrote it), I have spent a bit of time in aged care programs and policy, helping to decide which remote facilities get grants to build or rebuild, and unpicking and re-designing various programs. this is THE FIRST TIME I'd stayed in a nursing home for longer than five minutes. as I sit in that, there is a whole lot to unpack. BUT. the main thing. IS THAT THERE ARE SNAKES HERE. there's a sign telling you which snake catcher to call when (not if - that's a definite when) you see a brown or taipan. yup, no kidding.
and so, to end on a high note (now that the princess-ridiculousness is out), we had a great BBQ and chats with some special Hope Vale locals that I hope keep us in mind while we're here. I do not think I've sat around a table with some more promising, innovative and intrepid young leaders ever. This was real and humbling and made me hopeful that while I can maybe put something together over the next few weeks, they will put something together in me that will last a real long time.