Meet The Locals
Following the Mitchell Expedition of 1836, I was in constant contact with the man through his journals and maps. He seemed a determined and hard man, yet always respectful of Aboriginal culture and beliefs although, not always agreeing with either. The events of May 26th, 1836 shook me, I found it hard to believe most of what I had read or heard, yet here was the hard truth of it, Mitchell’s party had shot and killed many local aboriginals some as they were retreating, swimming across the Murray River.
Whichever side of the story is closest to the truth we will never know. The facts are that there was a horrible misunderstanding by two very different groups of people. One group panicked and attacked, the result was human beings losing their lives.
The farmer was clear on one thing, the fight did NOT happen where the marker suggests. He was adamant that it took place 400 metres upstream, where the land was flatter and more conducive to camping – on both sides of the river. The Mt Dispersion incident stuck with me for some time.
I couldn’t help recount the numerous times that locals, both of Aboriginal and European background gave me support and encouragement on my expedition. Many had varying opinions of Mitchell, I’d like to think that we discussed his story (and mine) with honesty and open-mindedness that enriched both sides.
Upon reaching the Victorian western district town of Harrow I met two friends, Ray aboard a Triumph Tiger 800xc and Andrew on a BMW F800ST. I’d been inspired to do this ride through conversations with these two, they were to join me on the last leg. Ray would ride the tracks and trails with me and we would meet Andrew at various points where we could. It was good to have the company yet I now felt that I was being rushed, racing from one town to the next without learning the whole history of the area and the expedition. This was somewhat reflective of Mitchell’s own team and expedition, the rushing led to tensions and disagreement, we too could sense it building. Thankfully moments of humour and chance meetings with other travellers lightened the mood. We continued.