I'm often told that travelling the bush by myself must be scary. I'm sometimes asked what sort of gun I carry, and if I've had any close shaves.
Let me state that I am usually frightened of people with guns. They are often more of a danger than any homicidal maniac.
A drunken person with a firearm is a danger to everyone around. If a bad guy without a gun comes into your
camp with the intention of robbing you and gets hold of your gun that you were pointing at him, guess what your chances are ?
I've seen too much of guns.
One example was a traveller at
Purni Bore who wanted to shoot rabbits, despite the fact that we were expecting a group of offroad bikers to roar into
camp from anywhere at any time.
The locals are often more at risk from travellers with firearms than the other way around.
So no guns for me.
The bush isn't full of murderers and rapists. There are statistically less of them than in a city. Far less. (because there's fewer people...duh!) It's actually populated by people like you and I.
Yes there are remote areas, but few ways in and out. Anyone wanted by the law is going to get caught pretty easily. The people who work and live in these areas are a pretty close mob when it comes to that sort of thing. Crimes do happen, but compared to living in the big smoke, you are usually much safer.
The locals are often a mixed bag of characters. They may have to be, to live and work there. Now they may not dress or talk like we wage slaves in
Sydney or
Melbourne, but that's of little importance in these areas. They may look rough, but most are just like you and I.
Treat them with respect and courtesy, use your common sense and listen to your gut feeling, and you'll be fine.
How would you like to answer questions like where's the closest Maccas to Woop Woop, several times a day, for years ? Travellers who rush in, take a 30 second look and rush out ? I'm sure that almost everyone in the bush has a tourist story or 10 to tell.
Remember that the bush is the backyard of many. How would you like a con voy of YEE HAW 4wders shooting up your backyard, and then asking you to help them out ?
I suspect that many who go into the bush take the city with them. Rudeness and arrogance is often the trademark of these time poor souls. They would be better off staying at
home.
The locals are not always happy to see tourists.
But take time to ask about their area, and their lives and most will open up and yarn for ages. You'll probably learn more from the locals in an hour than in a week of reading books.
Don't expect it to happen, everyone is busy and has their life to lead. They're not just sitting around waiting for you. But when it does, enjoy their pride in their history and area.
So, what if you're by yourself ?
Let me put it another way. What if you're not?
You argue. You fight. You disagree. You want to go different
places or see different things. You pack and carry supplies for two (or more).
Yes
camp chores are easier, but there are role expectations etc.
On your own you can do what you want when you want. Leave the washing up till later. Go to bed and get up when you feel like it.
Yes the workload is increased. You can get crook on your own. You can have an accident (being extra careful will minimize the risk...you take less risks on your own. What would be a days drive becomes a two day drive etc).
On your own you are responsible for everything. You can't blame the wrong turn on the navigator. No more "where did you pack ...?" No more "but I drove all day !" If you don't do it, it doesn't get done. Life becomes both easier and harder so it's a matter of priorities.
The real trick to travelling alone is not travelling alone. Huh ?
By this I mean that there are some things that you do so that although you're the only person on the trip, others are keeping an eye out for you.
Drop in at the
police station and say gooday. Chat to a few locals. have someone know where you are going, how you intend to get there, when you expect to be in contact again and have good communications on board. A satphone, EPIRB and
HF radio mean that you will never actually be alone.
It isn't a trip to the corner
shop, but you can minimize the chances of anything going wrong.
Safe and happy travelling by yourself.