Updated:

Seems to be a few of them. Today’s appointment was very laid back. A couple of months and then some of glucose readings and he didn’t give a shit.

2.25 PM

Back at Bodalla SF. Same spot up a level, but facing open to a bigger van with no windows and a bloke without a sense of humour.

(Lizard goes past, and he follows it along, very interested. “That your lunch, mate?” Got a “not interested in you” nod. Suits me as long as he stays quiet.

Met a very lovely couple, S and J. Rather, got to know them better after yesterday’s hello and a wave at Scrubby’s. Folk like these make meeting people worthwhile.

Thunderstorm brewing. Had to pack these away. Quite enjoying painting in this spot but still very tired.

Did get the imposing vehicle last night, about 10. Not having a bar of it. Was lucky it was a young guy and I directed him to a spot on the flats where he or they would be happier in their tent.

Won’t get blocked in where I am, I mostly expect.

Changed the location of Bega. Blue hill/mtn behind is a bit smaller.

Discovered in Narooma Pool that it’ll be closed all of February except maybe Sundays due to various swim carnivals. Lucky it was open today.

8.20 AM

Can hardly believe it’s that late. Lost all sense of time, and deathly tired.

Woke at around midnight and been awake mostly since.

I knew I was in trouble at 8PM when I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Asleep by 8.20 instantly.

Very quiet under the bridge. Bega itself seemed asleep.

Too tired to read the NYT much or listen to the radio – the sound would surely have travelled in the quiet.

Added engine oil and by the river. Breakfast late, oats cooked but hot and no insulin yet.

Eyes are very watery. Been heavy overcast but sun maybe soon to come.

I just want to be in a nlce safe undisturbable place somewhere and sleep.

9.22 AM

Had breakfast, one last look at Bega River, then toilet again, petrol, and shower at the gravel spot north of town.

10.02 AM

Leaving over the bridge now.

11.17 AM

Pulled into Narooma aquatic centre. Had a tailgater Quaama to Cobargo. Pulled over and gave them the bird. A couple saw it. “Terrible. Dangerous,” I explained.

Bodalla State Forest

Arrived about 12.40 PM. Groceries and shower in Narooma.. Booked doctors appointment fortunately for tomorrow and shot out here to see if I could get a spot. Only one single one left. If the caravannrts adjacent are noisy I’m fucked. Real close.

If not, I’m laughing. Been in this spot before, it’s very good.

But because it’s so full so early, tonight will be a shitfight. Staying only because of the appointment tomorrow. Coveted stay, Bodalla SF.

Want to paint, but seriously tired.

Lovely couple waved and came nearby to say hello, “with me” at Scrubby’s.

3 PM

A bit of a tickle on. Unsteady on my feet so tired. Good to move them along a little.

5.50 PM

Had dinner. Endless influx having a break, no doubt more and the worst to come. Worried about a prick blocking me in, crowding me . There’s no actual space but a prick doesn’t care.

And a generator going. They always do it when everyone else is trying to relax. Never 11 AM.

This could be a shit night.

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.