riders moved ahead to take the lead . Nice of them , “ you just sit back and watch how it ’ s done ”, I could hear them say .
The scrub had given way to a strange variety of eucalypt with dark brown , almost red , waxy bark . With a bend in the road had come a completely different eco system , quite remarkable . Something that wasn ’ t lost on any of us .
The road cut a line through the landscape and eventually led to open fields and some sort of agriculture . A euphoric feeling washed over me as I realised that I ’ d taken on the road that scared the more experienced riders amongst us , yet a feeling of disappointment soon overcame the euphoria . This road , the Balladonia Road I believe , had presented the perfect opportunity and I ’ d failed to take it .
The gates had presented something for the taking , I needed to find a ‘ gift ’ for the boys , the same who had forced a novice to lead the ride , to break a path , to show the way . Sadly , I ’ d missed the opportunity , I ’ d been ‘ shopping ’ and found nothing . As we ’ d rolled into Esperance I ’ d shook my head , more at myself than anything else . All I ’ d wanted was to find that special gift , I ’ d been ‘ shopping ’ for knickers and had found nothing that suited . Something frilly , perhaps a little lacey , would ’ ve been nice . The boys had shat themselves , I ’ m sure they ’ d needed new knickers … oh well , where we ’ d be heading I ’ m sure there ’ d be more opportunities to take the lads shopping for new knickers
… MG
TRAVERSE 104