It's been a great two months and while I'll likely never see this place again, it's provided enough memories to last. This camp more than any other place has felt more like a home since coming across the pond. The crew is filled with good blokes who work hard during the day and chillax at night. They've educated me into the idiosyncrasies of Australian lore. They also taught me how to properly kick a footy (I will be bringing back a proper ball so I can spread the game to Canadians) and all the wonders that come from a sport that looks as chaotic as lineups in Walmart at Christmas time. Someday I'll be back and I'll check out a live game at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).
What strikes home the most for me is the fact that I will never see the outback like this again (unless I work for Cameco Australia again, chances are pretty slim for another opportunity). Like any explorer at heart, I always like it when I feel like I get to tread on ground that barely anyone ever gets to see. For instance, seeing Tor Rock. A handful of people in Darwin can probably claim to have seen it and they're the closest city by far. Every time we go mapping there's always one moment where you think to yourself, "I bet no one has ever seen this place before". Or how about the chopper rides over Kakadu National Park? People pay hundreds of dollars for those same rides and their chopper doesn't even set down on the landscape.
I've also learned a lot about how things are done in the Australian geological world. Considering that was my main purpose for coming here it's a good thing it worked out. Industry here is a totally different animal from Canada and certainly takes some getting used to.
My Cameco Australia tour of duty finishes in Alice Springs. Those will be touring days though so really my vacation starts this afternoon when I hop on the bus at Cahill's Crossing (still hoping to see some salties there today).
Less than fives days from now Ashton will take her first steps on Aussie soil (or pavement or as they say 'bitumen', whichever you prefer). A fact not lost on me. It's going to be a great way to round out my time here and it should go a long way to keeping me out of the doghouse for abandoning her for most of the summer month. I kid....but seriously, it should help. I haven't seen her since May 30th. It'll be August 8th when she lands here.
Some randoms for a King River sendoff.....
"We ran into a group of 5 wild pigs when we were out in the rhino yesterday. Luckily that rhino is intimidating enough to scare them off without any worries. You wouldn't want to run into a group of them like that on foot. Here's a photo of a lower jaw that was found by camp."
"The local didgeridoo band. Rhythm (mine), lead (Patty Lee) and bass (Leigh Davies) didg."
"Brumbies eating in the bush off the main track. The white one on the right wouldn't turn to face the shot. I've seen it right by the road at night and it's about 5ft at the shoulder. Not massive, just lean and strong."
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