16/8/2011 Tipton all day, no Km’s
Torrential rain associated with thunder pelted the shelter all morning.
There are houses all around the fair ground. At some hour during the night a couple and their child pulled up in a vehicle and decided to have a major domestic well within earshot. The child was crying in the background obviously distressed by the tone of the adults. I didn’t need to hear this and was hoping I was not going to be the witness of more than an argument. Thankfully they drove off sometime later.
This was a case of what goes on behind many closed doors in our society, often a result of hard times .For me it was distressing listening to the desperate and scared voice of the woman.
I soon went back to undisturbed sleep.
At about 0400hrs thunder stirred me, this was followed by rain on a tin roof .The weather event gathered momentum and before long one could hardly hear the radio that was on. I went back to fairy land, eventually rising at 1000hrs fully recharged, enjoying a coffee and oats.
Speaking to Tony mid morning he said this kind of weather is more applicable to early fall.
It was so good to be in this shelter, had I been outdoors it would have been a case of little desire. I am however aware that as I head south heavy rain when not wanted will become more prevalent.
Today was a day of rest with reading enjoyed, an afternoon nap. The guy I spoke with last night was asked to keep an eye on the camp while I slipped down to the supermarket.
The tyres were checked and inflated up to 49 front and 38 front, nuts were checked over the frame, all were found to be tight.
Purchases included beef and veges for a stir fry and a bottle of red to enjoy while preparing and eating my meal,
Every half hour the rumble of a train could be heard coming either from the west or east, the track was no more than 300m to my south, they began blowing their horn at the first crossing nearest town and then as they crossed each road. This sound has now become one of warm familiarity for me. This seemingly comforting sound is as much a part of the acoustical landscape as the birds that live here. Like the birds in the morning it signifies that all is well.
These trains are in no hurry, they don’t have to be, the load they carry makes trucks look like someone carrying a quarter to a shop in their pocket. They, their romanticism and their contribution in a positive way to the environment were not appreciated in the days of their decline. The trains passing me here in Tipton, each one of them would account for more semis than most people could expect to see in a day.
The sun came out for the afternoon which was welcome most welcome.
Without having toilet facilities, along with houses in the vicinity, finding a suitable spot to go to the loo without offending anyone had to be investigated. Without further detail, a spot was found behind an industrial shed across the paddock.
Apart from this minor inconvenience, this was luxury camping for me, shelter and availability of power were the icing on the cake.
Following a superb meal and watching the sun beginning to rest for the day, headphones conveying music were enjoyed. It was a special time .So few belongings, but having the same warm and content feelings as those when surrounded by all the trappings of a consumer lifestyle.
Here in a foreign country, not so foreign after all. Our planet is such a small place in the grand scheme of things. Tomorrow will bring new adventures and feelings to convey goodwill to those encountered regardless of their social standing, circumstances or beliefs. Travelling through this part of the US is laying such a solid foundation for future travels. That foundation is being constructed with unconditional goodwill, kindness and gratitude. These are reciprocal emotions. Good thoughts lead to good reality.
Torrential rain associated with thunder pelted the shelter all morning.
There are houses all around the fair ground. At some hour during the night a couple and their child pulled up in a vehicle and decided to have a major domestic well within earshot. The child was crying in the background obviously distressed by the tone of the adults. I didn’t need to hear this and was hoping I was not going to be the witness of more than an argument. Thankfully they drove off sometime later.
This was a case of what goes on behind many closed doors in our society, often a result of hard times .For me it was distressing listening to the desperate and scared voice of the woman.
I soon went back to undisturbed sleep.
At about 0400hrs thunder stirred me, this was followed by rain on a tin roof .The weather event gathered momentum and before long one could hardly hear the radio that was on. I went back to fairy land, eventually rising at 1000hrs fully recharged, enjoying a coffee and oats.
Speaking to Tony mid morning he said this kind of weather is more applicable to early fall.
It was so good to be in this shelter, had I been outdoors it would have been a case of little desire. I am however aware that as I head south heavy rain when not wanted will become more prevalent.
Today was a day of rest with reading enjoyed, an afternoon nap. The guy I spoke with last night was asked to keep an eye on the camp while I slipped down to the supermarket.
The tyres were checked and inflated up to 49 front and 38 front, nuts were checked over the frame, all were found to be tight.
Purchases included beef and veges for a stir fry and a bottle of red to enjoy while preparing and eating my meal,
Every half hour the rumble of a train could be heard coming either from the west or east, the track was no more than 300m to my south, they began blowing their horn at the first crossing nearest town and then as they crossed each road. This sound has now become one of warm familiarity for me. This seemingly comforting sound is as much a part of the acoustical landscape as the birds that live here. Like the birds in the morning it signifies that all is well.
These trains are in no hurry, they don’t have to be, the load they carry makes trucks look like someone carrying a quarter to a shop in their pocket. They, their romanticism and their contribution in a positive way to the environment were not appreciated in the days of their decline. The trains passing me here in Tipton, each one of them would account for more semis than most people could expect to see in a day.
The sun came out for the afternoon which was welcome most welcome.
Without having toilet facilities, along with houses in the vicinity, finding a suitable spot to go to the loo without offending anyone had to be investigated. Without further detail, a spot was found behind an industrial shed across the paddock.
Apart from this minor inconvenience, this was luxury camping for me, shelter and availability of power were the icing on the cake.
Following a superb meal and watching the sun beginning to rest for the day, headphones conveying music were enjoyed. It was a special time .So few belongings, but having the same warm and content feelings as those when surrounded by all the trappings of a consumer lifestyle.
Here in a foreign country, not so foreign after all. Our planet is such a small place in the grand scheme of things. Tomorrow will bring new adventures and feelings to convey goodwill to those encountered regardless of their social standing, circumstances or beliefs. Travelling through this part of the US is laying such a solid foundation for future travels. That foundation is being constructed with unconditional goodwill, kindness and gratitude. These are reciprocal emotions. Good thoughts lead to good reality.