Trip Blog 2 (by Duke Albada)

The Gemfields

Walking the dry creek bed without a shovel, bucket, or sieve means my fossicking experience in the gem fields is limited to observation and fantasy. But bedding down I find that the precious stones I was seeking are all suspended in my ceiling.  Though the star flooded sky completely annihilates any significance I may place on my person, it also excites myriad thoughts of possibilities and mysteries hidden in the "outer world".  I watch Mirrabooka* rising and find the emu in the Milky Way, though I confess I haven't learnt any of the local Yagalingu interpretations and names. 

 Like the zilch fossicking preparation I don't know what I am looking for to experience and what to film. I walk, wander, wait, contemplate, feel and observe. An activity so soothing yet often so frustrating when I let plans and desires formulate in my mind instead of trusting and accepting the gifts offered by each place. And each place does present me with wonders that leave me in awe.

* Mirrabooka: name for the Southern Cross in many indigenous languages.