Terence where would the expedition be without Bruce . Boy that damper just melts in the mouth and provides us with good nutrition and energy for the journey. Louise your help is much appreciated. After washing dishes we prepared for the final leg of our expedition to find the Jadaculla Rock..the major key to the mysterious Money Tree.....
We found Jadaculla Rock. There was a map hidden under it. We have to go to the Indian village. Then from there around the big lake, and along the river to get to the money tree.
Yeehah!!! Boy was I wrong about that being our final leg tho, as there is still plenty of worn boot leather and expended energy before we reach the Money Tree. ( later in secret) Shirley and Terence what was Ernie's reaction when Shirley found the rock then map? I figure if elation then he is the imposter we figured he was. If mild excitement then he is genuine. One other thing Shirley why do we have to go to the Indian village?
The map is great Shirly but the Quicksand, Indians, Snakes,...worry me. Best to let Bruce walk at the rear I reckon and have rope and weapons at the ready. I hope the Indians are friendly. Maybe we should have some gifts for them and keep weapons concealed? I have 2 lbs of baccy. I'll hide my whisky tho. "Craig" whispers Terence, "Louise and I saw Ernie smile and his eyes light up when we found the map, but I don't know what to read into that? We'll see but I think he should lead with his shot gun when we're near those snakes."
A smile is ok Terence. Had he let out a wild woop then we need be worried. If he is the old trapper coot he says he is and trapping in winter is not as profitable as in warmer months.. I'd imagine a few thousand bucks is very welcome. I am giving him the benefit of the doubt at this stage.
Old Bruce has been a real life saver on this trip. He has carried our load through steep trails, across swift moving streams, and saved our hides several times. When it's over, I'm going to give him a extra sweet ear of corn. I agree, Terence, we'll give the Indians some baccy but no firewater. Ernie speaks a few words of the Indian language because he lives in the area. We'll let him arrange for the Indians to provide us with a guide. A guide will help us avoid the quicksand, snakes, and other dangers that we might not know about. Ernie, with his shotgun, and the guide can walk ahead and we'll follow. ..... With Bruce bringing up the rear.
We're about half way. We are approaching the big lake. Let's make camp for tonight and catch a few big fish for supper. What do y'all say? Ever been fishing for the big ones?
Hey ya'll , the fish are biting real good , looky here !! i know its warm here but on this lake its cold!!
I went out on a marlin boat once with my uncle. They sure are big fish. I am a fishaholic.. Cod is my favorite followed by Australian Barramundi. Pan fried of course.. with or without crumbing. Yum. That sure is a big lake with big fish as Louise is showing us. Wow there are about five meals in that whopper. Ok someone fire it up I am hungry
It looks like Louise is a master fisherman. So I'll start up the fire and clean her catch while y'all catch a few more.
I 'll set up a smoking fire to preserve the excess fish fillets. Maybe the Injuns'd like that as a gift? Great fishing Louise! Good to hear Ernie knows Injun talk. I know a little bit myself. Not much. I'll get Ernie to help with the fish smoking while I tend to Bruce. I have a little fish burley if needed but Louises' skills are sublime. Still, there ain't too many good fillets on giant Carp. And too many bones. Carp taste too. I suggest we bury two halves of three and transplant one of those there Weeping Willow saplings over it calling it "Louises' Catch". It'll blossom for sure. I'll get a shovel offa Bruce.
No doubt Terence you have been an outdoors man as you seem to know all the tricks. Smoked fish so we have a ready made meal for the rest of our journey.
I have an explosive ending for our story. Y'all stay tuned. For now, we'll eat our delicious fish supper and sing around the campfire before turning in for the night. "Home On The Range" Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam Where the deer and the antelope play Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word And the skies are not cloudy all day Home, home on the range Where the deer and the antelope play Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word And the skies are not cloudy all day.
Since it's Easter I've boiled up an egg for everyone with the few I have left. They represent new life, and many Christian ideals too, like the Resurrection of Christ. "I'd like to say the Lord's prayer too if that's ok?" "Our Father who art in ...... and bless us in our endeavours dear Lord, and guide us in the ways of righteousness."
Craig, I know the wildernesses better than reading, writing or arithmetic. Spent years in the wilds of remote Western Austrailia too panning for gold. That's where I learnt my bush cooking and made a lot of money. Kalgoorlie! Kangaroo is lean but good eating, especially with carrots, potato, salt n pepper and lentils. Even dried peas. Even snake is good eating, just like chicken. Run if you see see a 20 foot crocodile though up in the Kimberleys. They'd eat bears for breakfast. They're unkillable but I heard there were diamonds up there. Never found any. . I like to leave Nature alone as best I can. There's a balance that needs maintaining I reckon? Don't mind me, too many years in the wilds with nothing but critters for friends. I miss Ginger me ol' dang and feel naked without a good dog. They came from wolves about 100 000 years ago I heard. Pack hunters like us. A natural bond, unlike stubborn Mules. Thankfully, Bruce is too dumb to be stubborn except when he is. Blowing leaves freeze him ....?