A day in the 'bush' - the best working day of my life

Wednesday 7.6.17 - a very special working day for me. My boss Ross told me that we were going on a trip to the Outback to his mate Numma and I should pack something gluten-free to eat.

We set off in the morning. Numma (Ross's friend) picked us up in his Toyota Hilux 4WD. We lifted Ross from his wheelchair into the car, onto the passenger seat, as the vehicle is not wheelchair accessible. Numma currently lives on a remote beach, as he needs a break from home. The camp is about 120 km away from the city, with 50 km on the highway, then 50 km on gravel roads and the rest on 4WD tracks.

On the way, we made a stop at the bottleshop, because every Aussie needs enough beer and vodka-mixed drinks for any trip. On the gravel road, I saw some road trains. The roads are just like I know from DMAX documentaries, with red sand and landscape everywhere. I even saw kangaroos. We made a stop at a freshwater river, where you can safely go swimming in one spot. But I only dipped my feet in the water. ;) When we arrived at the beach, I was allowed to drive, and I zoomed around on the beach at 50 km/h. Just 5 km left and right from the camp, where there is nothing and no one. We spent the day at the camp and on the beach. Numma taught me a lot about fishing with nets. We cast nets to catch crabs, and an hour later, there were actually some in them. We killed the crabs in ice water and then cooked them. Afterwards, we rinsed and ate them in the sea - my first crab meat - really delicious! Together with Numma, I briefly ventured into the water, which is really warm, perfect for swimming actually. However, there could be a risk that a jellyfish or a crocodile is still in the water. Usually, they spend the winter in the rivers or in the ocean outside. But you never know! 🤔

Since I have never driven off-road before, I was also allowed to drive through the mud and on the off-road track on the way back.

I am really excited about the Outback and the beautiful country. Driving or riding in the Outback is so unreal and so much fun, especially when it's not our car. :))

Today, as a reward for the great day, we went to the waterfront for lunch - seafood again. Safe gluten-free food is no problem in the restaurants.

And this weekend, Padi and I are going camping and fishing in the Outback. I'm looking forward to the shared adventure. :)

Of course, my job can be tiring at times too. Pushing a wheelchair in the sand, preparing and feeding meals, etc. can also be very exhausting.