a test of resilience
the last three days have been a test, there was a snake on Saturday, we nearly ran out of fuel on Sunday, and today we went to the local personal trainer (obvs the last one was the scariest).
but each of those things, in a small remote town, far from the nearest escape / doctor / glass of wine / my safe comfy bed, was a big kick to my ego (and hopefully created a new piece of armour in my growing resilience suit). and, in pushing through them, I got to see not one BUT TWO amazing deserted beaches, hike up and down Cooktown and complete a boxing sesh in Hope Vale.
everything out here is more of a risk (because: roads, taipans, no mobile coverage, limited services and the general tyranny of distance), and more difficult. even walking or driving requires you to have all of your wits about you - eyes continually scanning and re-scanning the way ahead for cows, horses, snakes, goannas, other cars, dirt, potholes, water and ears fully alert. it is the risks and difficulties that people out here live with every day that are in my mind when I'm pushing to get this project into their priority list.
I have a growing appreciation for people who live out in these parts, and a touch of envy because my mind feels so uncluttered when the earth is this beautiful and this quiet.
peace.