Trouser Tragedies

Tuesday 16th March
I lost some weight round Genoa and now my pants fall down. I'm not going back for it though. Another night of starlight and distant ocean roar; the trees silhouette and line the way to Bermagui.
A quiet night of footsteps and frogs. no mozzies as long as I keep moving.
Wednesday 17th March
Just hitchin me bluey through Bermagui only 10km from mountainous Tilba-Tilba, the local aboriginal word for 'echo'. I have a full tuckerbag and belly. Feeling free but a bit lonely. A Berm retiree claimed that's the thing about growing old, it beats the hell out of dying young! About a quarter of the journey is done now. I think I need an Irish Whiskey.

Letter : It's St Patrick's day and I'm celebrating with an Irish whiskey. Tilba is an old Gold Mining Town where swaggies would have passed through on a regular basis. It was in fact the failed gold miners who became the original swagmen back in the day.

Earlier today I was feeling a bit lost for company. Back when it was more common to travel from place to place on foot, the camaraderie made all the niggles of the trail much more bearable. Just walking the 10kms to Tilba there were cars stopping, offering lift after lift. To live a life of goodwill exchanges seemed impossible this morning, but this arvo I'm more optimistic. Perhaps the world has changed and fewer offer accommodation and a meal but more offer a lift. Last night I walked by the starlight nearly all the way to Bermagui. My feet were cramping and legs so tired I was well and truly waltzing.

The Dromedary Hotel where I'm drinking is very friendly and I might stay for another drink now happy hour has begun. My money could still last until Brisbane after I bought a warm poncho/blanket for my swag.

The deterioration of everything is so evident all around me. My gear is no different. I'm sure to smile and put up a show as I walk, so that the lines that form on my face are favorable ones. Ageing gracefully needs me to be in a good mood today. Happy St Pat's Day everyone!

Swaggie



Note from Swaggie's scribe : I have received letters from swaggie giving more details of his journey, see post for updates.