Category: Posted on the fly

7 34 AM

On the news I regularly hear witnesses to shootings describing the sound, “I thought it was fireworks “

Same thing last night: I thought it was fireworks, of the big booming explosive variety.

What makes me think instead these were gunshots is:

• The time. About 11 45.
• Close by.
• In the middle of nowhere.
• Couldn’t see fireworks in the sky.
• Nondescript day

And: It could more validly have been a) personal fireworks very close on a property, b) home from the oub or pissed up on the verandah and shooting at things.

It could also have come from a car that had stopped.

Whether it was intended for me in some way, frightening, a warning, having fun,, or it was known I was there, I’ll never know.

Anyway, I managed the drive in to Bega with circumstances not fully conducive to seeing, safely, and got some sleep at tge hospital.

Woke about 5AM in the sark with puffy and watery eyes. Now NYTing, coffee, and ready for oats.

1.45 PM

Bega Daytime

Absolutely nothing to do culturally in Bega, everything closed, and stumbled across the laundromat I’d researched. Looked good. Empty machines. So with rain coming it’s perfect. All sheets shirts towels etc. washing right now. Fabulous.

4.20 PM

Been under the bridge for about an hour. Topped out the jot clean washing and sorted it. Clean sheets. Neat others.

Cars drove right up as I was making the bed, one with a horse float. I ignored them beside me. First time I wasn’t apologetic in manner.

A car again right now as I write. Been a pony club day I saw earlier this morning.

This car can see my cooking on the case on the grass.

So that’s it. Hopefully no one tells me to move on. There was some spitting rain during wash time, which is my excuse and reason for being under the bridge.

And hopefully the hoons don’t come out on a Sunday. Part of my plan for being here today.

4.33 PM.

Horses thumping in the float as they shut the gate. Driving away. No idea why the float went in earlier and out now but they didn’t say anything to me.

Leaving Eden this minute. Woke at 4AM in Scrubby’s, shower an hour aho at Eden Olympic Pool, quick brief drive and sadly leaving. I’m often sad leaving somewhere.

Not just the strong feeling of loneliness. The place kept me alive, food, interest. I never know a place well enough.

I don’t even know why I feel the need to leave.

But I am.

12.35 PM

After Pambula, drive and look and too busy to stop, Merimbula here now for lunch. Hot sun.

No idea where to stay tonight.

Still tourists everywhere.

Pambula –

Merimbula –

Carpark full of boat trailers. Poor fish. What an onslaught.

Highway Pullover

2.45 PM

This is the clearing I spotted looking for places to sleep on one of the Bega escapades. If I get away with it, it’s very good. The highway runs right by but I’ve got about 8m I guess. It’s on a crest both ways and not an exceptionally fast section. Right next to a bushscape acreage with peekaboo hills to its western aspect. Bellbirds everywhere.

For memories: the Bega etc highway sign shows 19k to Bega going north.

Only problem is, if all goes well, having a shit in the morning. Have to hit it to Bega.

7.40 PM

Highway has been relentless noise, but quieting a bit now. Saturday night on the road! A couple of vehicles, truck and 4WD, have tooted me. Happy beeps. Not prolonged creepy.

Chilling out with the door open and fly screen doing its thing. Bellbirds popping nonstop.

It’s a bery lovely view. Not obvious invthe pucs.

Got overcast and stayed so. Getting dark imperceptibly but definitely.

Gunshots – Very Loud

About 11.45 PM. On eastern side of the highway very close. About eight.

Woke me up. Quickly put shorts on and put things away, sat there warning yhe engine lights going.

Couldn’t see properly because of sleep, everything light and dark and possibly fog.

Drove in the dead of night here to Bega hospital. Noisy but safe, uf Security lets ne be.

It’s now 12 45 AM. Have to sleep again.

3.20 PM

Big day painting. Worked on these four all day and did nothing else, although a latish start after showering and a few I thought important comments at NYT.

Not sure how this evening is going to go once everyone starts pouring in. Main thing is that I was productive in place. Have to be pleased with that. I pack the van each evening for bolting, which I can do if this place is ruined. But it’s really been fabulous so far – the best in terms of people.

Shame about the Quaama creep stalker. That would be where without him I would go next.

4 PM

Cooking a bit early, I realise. Normally start at 4.

Painting day to myself in the sun. Four new ones begun. Cleaned up now and not wondering what to do next. No idea, and I’m pretty used to it. Or so it feels, today.

Stage 1 of Bega valley area and Bega itself.

Stage 1 of a creek to sea inlet, I think.

Stage 1 of highway bridge at Scrubby Creek rest area.

Stage 2

7.55 PM

Vehicles pouring in. Young people and per usual the girl(s) is the loudest and most thoughtless about disturbing us here. Laugh giggle yell as though only they exist, they’re the centre of attention, and arrogant about making their presence known.

A Jucy van seemed problematic but went yonder. Seem fine.

Arriving as it’s getting dark.

Evening

Some people have bigger rigs than brains.

But I got a good sleep and the mayhem around wasn’t disruptive.