Updated:

8.50AM

There’s been a tent set up pretty close to the rear of the van since arriving this time, and last evening I discovered who owns it. Looks like he might be trying for permanency.

Disconcerting. He drank beers and walked beside the van at least a dozen times, to go to the bin. Seemed to need the excuse.

Upon reflection too the bloke I chatted with yesterday is also likely aiming to be here a long time. Gave me the excuse of gearbox trouble.

The latter bottom guy I can handle, but a guy obviously seriously bored in a tent ruins my clear ability to paint, if he’s hanging around. (Remembering I used to put my foot down to get hangers-around out of my studios. Can’t do that here.)

And I don’t really want another evening afterwards like yesterday’s.

Not sure what to do. Might have yet another coffee and consider.

9.20AM

The noisy nonstop (7 hours!) blokes have started again, in their loud droning language. Definitely don’t want another headache.

Decided to shower in Narooma, away from here sadly, and take it from there.

1.20PM

CREATIVITY ONCE MORE

Showered but couldn’t work out if the Boats Afloat show was on. Might’ve been. No signs or anything, and no river access that wasn’t a traffic hazard.

Thought I’d drive into Bodalla SF on the way to Moruya and found a van in the spot where I was, poor bastards later this evening with the tent bloke, and the noisy group had gone.

The spot I like last on the bottom was vacant, and a campervan next door, old bloke quiet looking.

I pulled in, and have worked already on all five newies.

Place is lovely and all bird song.

2.45PM

So the old bloke turns out to be younger than me said he’s a dope smoker, through slurred diction and a drink, and, fuck me, plays the guitar and sings.

I didn’t have the heart to ask him not to, and note he didn’t ask if I mind.

Geez. Do I go?

I don’t want to hurt his feelings but really the birdsong and peace is what I’m here for. Plus, since he’s close because of the layout, it’s all a bit too chummy for me, which he was.

Big day so far. Updated the 99.9 percenters to probably 100% finished. Can go on forever but who’d know the difference?

Then finished Day One of the newbies. Actually, might have done that first. Dry enough, then, I whipped through with a second stage. Too wet and even if dry they’re too soft to do any more. Need that hard acrylic base.

Park has been lovely but for very loud talkers at a table over yonder, now gone.

Shower earlier was fabulous.

And as I write this my neighbours have arrived. Yet another motorhome. Is it generator time? Will they be noisy otherwise? The perpetual risk.

Might finish the coffee and lock up soon for a walk. A great day, so far, really. Cool, and ever charming birdsong.

2 PM

Chatting with a bloke with car troubles. He’s also living in his. Been in this park a little while this time around and stayed here a while ago for about a year. The place was a dirty shanty town then about which many have commented with disgust. Before the big clean up.

Quick adjustments on the new works. These are technically Stage 2, but really are the starting bases. Packed up and drying flat now. Hopefully the weather is as good tomorrow for developing them.

Long day going from one to the other.

4.30PM

Park is quiet regarding overnighters, but noisy in the same damn spot with talking. My tolerance is so low. But it does affect the lovely nature sounds.

Near to me at the top hasn’t been taken up yet. A few spots up for grabs still all around.

Dinner is cooked. I don’t want to, but I’m going into it now, doors closed, to block out incessant talking. After two groups of it today, hours on end, I’ve got a headache. Good day otherwise.

12.20PM

Kicked them off. They curl everywhere of course, for a few sessions, bad at the start.

I like these because they’re inspired by: ○ the Tilba grand rural scenery ○ Cobargo bridge and river towards town ○ Quaama mist, bridge and river, same again with mist ○ seascape Narooma or Mystery Bay area. Rough at the moment, which is how I start.

Long way to go, but I won’t run out of something to move forward.

Weird sleeo. Usual unpleasant dreams, but sadly a cow nearby loudly bellowed what surely is a distress call. All night. I didn’t know what to do, and the owner must have heard.

Lovely mist.

7.40AM

Not sure what to do today. I’d like to eat up another day painting, then try my luck tomorrow at Bodalla SF. Concerned I might bother some residents here by staying, and that this place on a Friday night might be risky.

I could also head to Narooma Bodalla this morning, shower there, and try my luck.

I’ll let a bit more unfold, towards breakfast. See if something, or a thought, develops.

10.30AM

BODALLA SF

The drive from Quaama to Narooma was equally the most beautiful (up around Braidwood is also) yet thrilled me more than any. Stunning feeling of being alive, a half hour, that I’ve not felt in over thirty years.

Shower at Narooma after stocking up at Woolies, on to this place which is all but empty. Unbelievable.

12.50 PM

Chook. Sweet, but filthy. Where’s home? Here be snakes.